Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Izuku sees Hizashi the next day. 

It’s when he’s reluctant asked to leave his room. Izuku doesn’t want to leave—nor see anyone. But Rody insists it’s important. Izuku sighs, as he puts on the boring grey jumpsuit everyone is forced to wear, and his boots. Eri is gone to some quirk and nurse training with his mother—and usually he just sits there quietly, thinking, scheming. 

Rody smiles at him. “You look well rested.” 

Izuku manages a small smile. “One of the lucky nights I’m not plagued by nightmares.” 

“Breakfast?” 

Izuku nods, and follows him. Izuku finds it a little weird that Rody has managed to stick for so long. After all, Rody had his own siblings to protect and care for. Rody was… he was like a leech. Sort of. Izuku didn’t mind him, not really. He found it nice that Rody wanted to be there for him—but Izuku didn’t find it necessary. 

After all, Rody could never begin to understand the problems Izuku was facing and had faced. No one would be able to understand that but Kacchan. 

It’s not that Izuku thinks that Rody is trying to replace Kacchan—but that Rody is trying to fix something that doesn’t need to be fixed. Like Izuku needs to be fixed. 

Nonetheless, Izuku finds it too awkward to say something to him. Rody was being kind. He didn’t have to do everything he does—like take care of Eri when he’s not mentally there, or help his mother out with the patients in the hospital rooms. Rody did all that for them—it’s only in Izuku’s best interest to be kind back to him. 

When they find their way into the cafeteria, Izuku jumps in joy when he sees Hizashi sitting there. Alive. “Hizashi!” He breathes out quickly, walking quickly and enveloping the man in a hug. “Oh my… I missed you. They released you? I thought you were being kept a prisoner.” 

Hizashi chuckles, his arms wrapping themselves around his middle. “I missed you too, Boy on Fire,” he whispers. Izuku feels the tears, but doesn’t let them drop. He sits down next to him, and quickly looks over him. Hizashi looks tired, his eyes exhausted and under eyes marred with a deep bruising from lack of sleep. His hair isn’t as gelled as it was before, it’s undone, and cascading down his back. He wears the same jumpsuit as Izuku, and as the rest of the people in thirteen. There’s small hairs on his face, a mustache forming. “And, sort of. I’m a political refugee, so to speak. I wasn’t really a prisoner, I could leave if I wanted. But I don’t trust a single soul here.” 

“You’ve had better days,” Izuku teases. “I hope they didn’t treat you horribly,” he then says, sobering up. 

Hizashi sighs, running a hand through his hair, “There is no doubt that the people of thirteen hate me. Perhaps, for being a part of the Capitol, or for being an escort.” 

Izuku can feel the way Rody stiffens, and then Hizashi takes a moment to look at him. “Hello, darling. I believe we haven’t met?” 

Rody coughs. “Sorry. I’m Rody Soul,” he says, handing his hand out. “And you’re the famous…” 

“Present Mic,” Hizashi waves his hand out sarcastically. “You don’t have to pretend. I can feel your disdain from here.” 

Izuku turns and glares at Rody, before turning back to Hizashi. 

“Where’s Aizawa?” Izuku asks. “And Toshinori? I haven’t seen them.” 

“They’ve been sent out on a mission,” Hizashi says, “Or so Nezu claims. I don’t know what to believe about that man.” 

Izuku would need to get on that. He didn’t like not knowing where the people he loved were. Izuku could feel it. Something running deeper under their skins. The difference in tone when meeting Tomura for the first time… the different in his attitude and his eyes… as if Tenko Shimura was no one, and Tomura was. 

“That man… honestly,” Hizashi sighs, bringing the glass to his lips. “He… honestly thinks that being a part of these cave-dwellers will be our best choice at peace.”

“Nezu… he… rescued you?” Izuku asks. 

“Yes, rescued,” Hizashi says, rolling his eyes. “That’s what he likes to call it. You and I were both in the dark,” he says softly, bringing a hand up to caress his face. Then, looks down to his jumpsuit. “Now… we’re both condemned to this life of jumpsuits.” 

Izuku smiled softly. It was always nice to hear the remarks of Hizashi—whether they were over the top and over dramatic. It brought back a normalcy he didn’t realize he needed. 

“Honestly this place,” Hizashi huffs. “I miss coffee.” 

“I bet that Aizawa does too,” Izuku says. 

“I never thought a place could be so strict,” Hizashi says exasperated. “I mean, I thought at least I could keep my flare. But…” He chuckles out weakly. Izuku looks down, tries not to look at Rody who probably is trying not to judge Hizashi. Rody didn’t know Hizashi like Izuku and Kacchan did. Izuku could know that even if Hizashi seemed to be—shallow. That all he cared about was his jewels and wardrobe. But Izuku knew that under all those flashes of arrogance was someone kind hearted. And only Izuku could understand that at the moment. 

Izuku gives him a small smile. Hizashi flashes one back before he sighs. “Everything old can be made new again,” then a pause. “Like democracy.”

Then, he turns. “Which brings me to this,” he grabs a folder that Izuku hadn’t noticed was sitting there. And places it in front of him. Izuku takes a moment to look down before he opens it. Immediately, he sees drawings and art of him. It reads, “The Mockingjay.” 

Izuku knows who made something like this. He feels his eyes water. “Tsunagu,” he whispers. Then, he turns back to Hizashi. “He’s dead, isn’t he?” 

Hizashi tries to keep a straight face—but his eyes water before he looks down. “Yes, dear.” 

Izuku keeps on turning pages, feeling withdrawn and almost apathy at what he was looking at. That the man who had shown him kindness on day one was no longer alive because of him. Izuku doesn’t let a day go by where he blames himself for the death of Tsunagu. 

“He made Nezu promise not to show you this,” Hizashi continues. “Until you’d decide to be The Mockingjay on your own.” 

Izuku looks down at the drawings. “He knew the risks. As we all do,” Hizashi whispers. 

He turns another page. 

There’s a small message at the bottom, I'm still betting on you! ~ Tsunagu. 

“He believed in this revolution,” Hizashi says. “He believed in you.” 

“They’re beautiful,” Izuku whispers, choked up. 

“They have it,” Hizashi then says, “They have The Mockingjay outfit.” Then he smiles, “there’s not much of a prep team here in thirteen, but… we will make you the best dressed rebel in history.” 

Some time later, he’s being bombarded by Tsunagu’s minions. Izuku had never thought he would miss such a loud bunch. But they bring a familiarity he didn’t realize he missed. Haru, Miyuki, and Lin all stare at him with their saddest, tearful faces. As if Izuku had died. He takes a moment to study them—as if he would have never been able to see them again. They were the same jumpsuits he wears, but theirs are aligned with different patterns. Pins on their clothing, small little mockingjays. He smiles despite himself, glad to see them alive and well. 

“What’s with the faces?” Izuku teases. 

Miyuki is the first one to break—her tearful eyes finally squeezing shut before she barrels into Izuku and hugs him tightly. “Izuku! Izuku! I'm so sorry!”

“We’ve been so blind,” says Lin, next, her eyes down and cast. And then Haru nods and hugs him as well. 

“So, so blind,” says Haru. And then he straightens up. “But… Tsunagu would have wanted us to help you. He believed in you.” 

“So we believe in you too,” Miyuki whispers fiercely. 

Izuku hadn’t expected such kind words from them. He had believed them to be more shallow than Hizashi—a team who just wanted to dress him and make him the best star they could. But they felt remorse. They felt guilt, and Izuku could see the sadness in their eyes. It hits him then, the sudden sensation of longing. 

“You miss him, too, huh?” Izuku whispers. 

They turn to him, and all three nod. Their mentor—their teacher. Dead. Possibly because of Izuku. Tsunagu knew the consequences just like the rest of us did. 

“We’re your team,” Lin says seriously, as she brings her hand up and pats Haru’s and Miyuki’s back. “And as your team, we must always stick by your side.” 

Then, Hizashi comes through the doors. He carries a tray with makeup, and lotions and perfumes and behind him a carriage with his suit. 

“Time to make you the best dressed rebel in history,” Hizashi grins. 

Izuku feels a twinge of nervousness. 

+

Being pampered with makeup felt just as overwhelming as it did before. But it felt familiar. It didn’t feel like something new suddenly being thrown at him. He was used to this—to being pampered in such a manner. 

The way they all cooed and tried to curl his hair—the way they all laughed and cried at the same time. Tsunagu’s minions, Izuku had never thought he would miss them as much as he did before. Their shallowness—something Izuku had never thought he’d see shatter. But death changes all. Even those in the Capitol. 

Izuku wishes he knew how Katsuki was at the moment. The thought of his well-being, being the only thing to spur him on. 

Izuku can see Nezu and Tomura walk in, through the other side of the glass door. Watching. Miyuki fluffs his hair once more before she smiles and hugs him. “Good luck,” she whispers. 

Hizashi steps forward, a small smile on his face. He looks down at Izuku’s body. Izuku feels like a true rebel like this. A black leather suit, adorning his body, meant to be the mockingjay that Tsunagu had promised him to be. Izuku feels like a warrior. Izuku wonders if this was what he was meant to do. 

“Hatsume sends this to you,” says Hizashi, bringing forth a sleek metal bow and arrows, and Izuku takes them. He studies the heaviness and strength of it. The beauty of something he had missed dearly. “It’s a part of your image—but she made it so that it still works.” 

“Thank you,” Izuku whispers. “Where is she now?” 

Hizashi shrugs, finalizing touches on his wardrobe. “Possibly—helping downstairs. She’s a good hack. A good trick. All her knowledge stems from the Capitol.” 

Izuku nods at that, and then Hizashi takes out a small pin. “A Mockingjay pin,” he says. “Tsunagu’s final touch.” 

Hizashi gives him a warm stare—before it turns into sorrow. He nods and gives him a small pat. “Everyone is either going to want to kiss you, kill you, or be you.” 

He nods before getting off the stage. There’s a crack of an intercom as Nezu’s voice comes through. “Perfect,” he says. “Absolutely perfect.” 

Izuku feels that same twinge of nervousness come back. 

There’s a switch and Izuku looks behind him. The same grey background doesn’t change, but Nezu comments there should be wind. The small fans on the floor start up, and he feels his hair blowing out his face gently. He looks around confused. 

“Okay, Izuku,” says Nezu. “We’re going to start you up on your knee.” 

Izuku nods. 

“Then you’ll rise up. You’re going to hold your flag in the air and deliver your line.” Izuku raises the pole. “Remember you just stormed the Capitol outskirts, arm-in-arm with your brothers and sisters.” 

“Okay,” Izuku mutters as he gets down. 

“Whenever your ready,” Nezu comments. 

Izuku swallows as he gets up quickly, feeling his heartbeat and nervousness. “People of Panem, we fight.. we dare…” he says monotone and then stops. 

“Does he know the line?”

“I know, I know,” Izuku says. “Sorry. I just…” 

“It’s fine. Try again.” 

“He’s warming up,” Hizashi says. 

“Okay. Okay. All right. With energy. Go.” 

Izuku gets back down. He then gets back up, and screams even less enthusiastically. “People of Panem, we fight! We dare to end this hunger for justice!” 

“You’ve just been in battle!” 

Izuku’s hand drops as he closes his eyes. 

“I’m sorry. I’m sorry,” Nezu says calmly. “Ignore my outburst. You’ve just been in battle. Let’s try again.” 

Izuku huffs and gets down again as he gets up and starts again. 

“People of Panem! We dare! We fight! We dare to end this fight for justice!” 

There’s a small silence as Hizashi stares in awkwardness. Then, he hears clapping as Izuku turns and sees newcomers emerge. Touya is the one clapping, his face amused, while Aizawa and Toshinori and Ochako all walk behind him. 

“And that my friends,” says Touya, clapping slowly. “Is how a revolution dies.” 

“I wouldn’t say die… but…” Ochako says. 

“That is how a revolution dies,” Aizawa comments as he goes forth and stares at Izuku. He squints his eyes. “Hey, kid.” 

“Izuku,” Toshinori smiles slightly, before hugging Hizashi. 

Izuku just stares, suddenly feeling uncomfortable. 

“Is this how you treat old faces?” Touya comments, grinning. 

“I’ve already met you,” Izuku comments. “Again.” 

“Old faces come to light,” Hizashi comments, before he slowly wraps his arms around Ochako. He caresses her hair. “Of course, some old faces I wish were here to see you, my dear,” Hizashi says, and Ochako’s face falls slightly. 

“Okay,” Nezu comes out the room and sighs. “Let’s take a break.” 

“Oh, already?” Hizashi teases, raising an eyebrow. 

Before Izuku has a chance to say anything, Ochako grabs his hand and leads him away. She hugs him, and Izuku feels dumbfounded for a second. Then, he hugs back. “I miss talking to you,” she whispers. 

Right. 

Izuku was still getting used to the whole coming back to life thing. The whole, I-wasn’t-really-dead thing. Still, he nods against her shoulder. They’re the same height, and still it feels like he’s the smallest he’s ever been. 

“Sorry,” he whispers. “I’ve been…” 

“Busy,” she chuckles. “I get it. The Mockingjay is an important part to play.” Then she pauses, and looks away. “Still. It’s hard to talk to you when your guard dog is around you.” 

Izuku frowns. “My guard dog?” 

She looks around and then almost whispers, “Rody.” She leans back, and holds his hand. “He’s… strange.” 

“You think so?” 

“I know so,” Ochako huffs. “He’s… always behind you. I’m surprised he hasn’t followed you here yet.”

“So, you noticed?” Izuku shrugs. 

“Eijirou also notices, Izuku,” she whispers. “It’s strange. Did he even talk to you before the games?” 

“He did,” Izuku nods. “But… we weren’t as close as you would imagine. He would give me free bread and I would let Eri play with his siblings.” 

She frowns, her eyebrows creasing. “There’s something strange about him.” 

Izuku huffs, and then leans in and hugs her. “You don’t need to worry, Ochako.” He says, and then, “I missed you too.” 

Ochako smiles. “Everything is strange now, huh?” 

Izuku doesn’t want to mention that her being alive is a strange thing in itself. That Touya, and that everyone else here is strange. That all of this—The Mockingjay, rebelling, and thirteen in itself was a strange experience. Ochako had lived here since the day she ‘died’ and had grown accustomed to Thirteen, in a way he didn’t. 

“You have to tell me about this place one day,” Izuku says. “It must’ve been strange getting used to this…” he trails off. 

“Alright, let’s go into the conference room and intervene a little bit,” Nezu calls. 

+

They sit around the large table. Izuku sees Rody wave him down. Ochako grabs his arm and tightens the hold, and Izuku softly looks away before sitting next to Ochako. Toshinori and Aizawa take a seat next to Hizashi and Tomura and Nezu as well sit down. Touya sits down too, and Izuku gives Ochako a glance. “Why is Touya here?” He whispers. 

Besides Toshinori, is Dave, the presumed dead best friend that Izuku was introduced to. Izuku is starting to have a hard time keeping track of those who are dead and aren’t. 

“He’s really good at propaganda,” says Ochako. “Apparently, he’s gotten close to Tomura. That, and he wants to see what all the fuss is about.” 

“And… he can just invite himself like that?” 

Ochako shrugs. “He asked me. And since I was coming to see you, I didn’t see a problem. Why? Do you not want him here?” 

“It’s not that…” Izuku shrugs, and then catches Hatsume’s eyes as she comes in. 

Hatsume is plugging the video up, and Izuku wants to have a chance to thank her for the bow and arrow. Instead, she gives him a small smile as the video starts.

Izuku feels a little weird watching himself on screen. There’s an edited background and flashes and random bursts of flames. 

“People of Panem! We dare! We fight! We dare to end this fight for justice!” Izuku’s voice filters through, hard and awkward. Izuku’s lip thins. 

The video shuts off, and then a harboring silence fills the room. 

Izuku rolls his eyes for a moment, feeling annoyed at the silence. 

Then, a cough. “Tomura,” Aizawa says, standing up. “Indulge me, for a moment. If you would.” 

He then gets up and gets in front of the board. Tomura leans back as he watches him. Ochako gives his hand a squeeze. “Let’s all look back at a time, where Izuku Midoriya genuinely moved you.” 

Izuku looks down, as Aizawa keeps going. “Not when you were jealous of his hairstyle or his suit went up in flames. Or he made a halfway decent shot with an arrow,” Izuku glares. 

Izuku looks away, “Or even when Katsuki helped Izuku gain points, harboring his own failure at collecting points for himself.” 

Izuku bites his lip. 

“No, I need you to truly think of a moment where this boy made you feel something real.” 

Then, Hizashi pipes up. “Oh, when he volunteered for his sister at the reaping.” 

Izuku looks at him for a moment before looking back at Aizawa, who nods and starts writing something on the screen. VOLUNTEERED FOR SIS. 

Then, Hizashi pipes up again, and Izuku turns to him. “When he sang the song for little Hiroki,” he says. 

Izuku looks down a the mention of him. 

“Oh yeah,” Aizawa says turning to the screen, “That was sweet. Who didn’t get choked up at that?” 

Then, Aizawa looks at Hizashi. “Did I ever tell you I like your hair down like that?” 

“Oh, I prefer you actually doing something useful,” Hizashi chirps, and Izuku fights back a smile. Aizawa turns to glare but then Hatsume pipes up. 

“When he chose Hiroki as his ally as well,” Hatsume says. 

“Now, what do all of these have in common?” Aizawa asks. 

“No one told him what to do,” Rody says. “It came from his heart.” 

“Unscripted, yes,” Toshinori nods. “Izuku has always been a kind boy. It’s not hard to be able to recreate something like that. But it is hard to genuinely have something move you, the way Izuku has done multiple times.” 

“So, maybe,” Touya pipes up, grinning. “You guys should just leave him alone, huh?” 

Then, Dave says, “And wash his face,” he says. “He’s still a boy. He doesn’t need all of that.” 

Izuku smiles. 

“The opportunities for spontaneity are obviously lacking below ground,” Nezu says, frowning. “So what you’re suggesting is we toss him into combat?” 

“I can’t sanction putting an untrained civilian in battle just for effect,” Tomura says this time, mouth set on a line. “This isn’t the Capitol.” 

Touya scoffs, and Tomura looks back with a glare. Izuku and Ochako lock eye for a moment, before he nods. 

“That’s exactly what I’m suggesting,” Aizawa says. “I don’t want to throw him into battle. But if you want something real—it has to come from him.” 

“We can’t protect him,” Tomura says. 

“It has to come from him,” Aizawa says. “That’s what people respond to. You want a symbol for the revolution? It can’t be coached. Trust me. I know.” 

“Maybe there’s some places that are less dangerous?” Nezu asks. 

“District 8,” Dave says next. “They reported heavy bombing last week. There are no military targets left.” 

“We can’t guarantee his safety.” 

Izuku is so tired of people making decisions for him. 

“You’ll never be able to guarantee my safety,” Izuku says. Ochako squeezes his hand again. “I want to go.” 

“And if you’re killed?” Tomura asks. 

“Make sure you get it on camera.” 

Nezu shakes his head, stifling a small chuckle. Touya grins, clapping his hands. Tomura looks like he just ate something sour, with the way his face glares back at Touya and then Nezu. Izuku wonders what’s going on there.

“Fine,” Tomura spits. “You’ll go first thing in the morning.” He gets up, and storms out. 

“Sometimes that bratty part still comes out,” Nezu shakes his head. “Still a boy raised by Shigaraki.”

Still a boy to be cautious of. 

Izuku and Tomura are close in age. 

He wouldn’t put all his trust in him yet. 

“You’re leaving?” Eri whispers as Izuku starts getting ready for bed. 

“Hey, little duck,” Izuku whispers, kissing her head. “I didn’t see you come in. Who told you that?” 

“Mom,” Eri frowns. “She’s been very quiet lately. Have you talked to her at all?” 

Izuku hasn’t. But not because he didn’t want to, Izuku just didn’t know what to say. His mother lost her best friend. His mother lost her husband. His mother lost her child. Izuku wasn’t the same boy he was before. Talking to his mother felt so different than it did before. She had lost half her family, in so little time, and yet she was still holding on. 

“I haven’t,” Izuku whispers. He traces Eri’s cheek. “I’m sorry, Eri. I know how much you hate it when we don’t talk.” 

Eri shrugs this time. “I don’t like it when you guys are sad.” 

Izuku’s lip quivers for a second before he looks away. “Are you sad, Eri?” 

She nods, and then gives him a hug. “I miss Kacchan.” 

Izuku’s eyes sting. He blinks the tears away. “I miss him too, little duck.” 

“When is he coming back?” 

“Soon,” he whispers fiercely. “Soon. I promise.” 

Eri nods, and Izuku helps her get ready for bed. It makes him nostalgic. When Eri was smaller. Eri is still small, but she’s seen things, and has seen heartbreak. And she matured faster than Izuku would have liked. But Eri was still a baby, and if Izuku was still able to shield her some horrors, then he’d be happy with just that. 

When they lay down, Mom makes no comment as she comes in and gets ready for bed. She’s carrying Kota, his little face asleep and serene. She places him down in the middle where his crate is. He stirs and whines, but doesn’t wake up. Her back turns to them, as she shuffles under the cover. 

Izuku’s eyes stare at her back for a long while, wondering if she fell asleep. “Mom?” He whispers. 

For a second, he thinks that Mom probably did fall asleep, and then she hums. “Yes, baby?” 

“I’m sorry.” Izuku whispers, not sure what to apologize for, but knowing he felt guilty for many things. 

She doesn’t turn around but he can hear the way she pauses, “There’s nothing to be sorry for baby, nothing was your fault,” she whispers, and then shifts closer under the blankets. “Go to sleep, baby. You have a long day tomorrow.” 

Izuku wishes his mom could turn around. Wishes his mom could be able to shield him from the terrors that were to come. He wishes his Mom was still the same woman she was before Dad died, before Mitsuki and Masaru died and before she had decided that it wasn’t worth trying to stay alive. 

But Izuku knows that perhaps Mom is staying strong for Eri. 

His eyelids fall softly at the dim orange light, and for once, he feels content as he huddles into Eri’s arms. 

“Nine!” 

Izuku’s eyes snap awake. 

I’m… sleeping. He looks around, seeing the same setting from before. He had forgotten how long it has been since he was in this dream like state. 

“Izuku,” Nana appears from the mist. “I’m so happy to see you.” 

She smiles, her eyes kind and sad. “I’m sorry. We abandoned you for a while. But… we couldn’t let you be distracted… it could’ve cost your entire future.” 

I thought… Izuku’s eyes close for a moment. I thought you guys were gone for good. 

“Of course not,” Yoichi says next, appearing behind him. “But we can’t emerge as often as we like. You… you aren’t meant to bear such pain.” 

“He’s right,” says a man, who appears next to Yoichi. He is strikingly similar to Kacchan. His heart skips a beat. 

“This is Kudo,” Yoichi introduces. “He’s the second user. You haven’t received his quirk yet.”  

“And if he’s lucky, he won’t,” Kudo frowns. “You don’t need quirks for this fight, kid.” 

“You need a strength that a quirk could never posses,” says Nana, her eyes closing. “It’s hard to come across such a kind heart.” She whispers. “I’m sorry you have to suffer, Izuku.” 

“If the kid is lucky,” says Banjo, the man appearing next to them, Izuku blinks. “He won’t need the help of any of our quirks. He doesn’t know how to control them.” 

Does Shigaraki still want my quirks? 

“He wants more than that now,” Yoichi says. “You’ve started a rebellion. He would gladly ignore your power to have you dead.” 

The users nod as Izuku looks down. He has… Kacchan. I can’t let him have him. 

Kudo looks away. “Is the kid worth it?” 

Izuku’s eyes snap up in anger. I am nothing if I lose him. 

“Then fight,” Kudo remarks, his eyes shining with a passion Izuku has only ever seen in Kacchan. “Fight for what you know is right. That’s the only way we can win this battle.” 

What if he steals my quirks? 

They look at each other before Nana leans in and gives him a hug. “You were Quirkless before,” she whispers. “I’m sure it won’t be as different the second time.”

Izuku blinks before looking away. Thank you.. for being here for me. 

“He can’t steal this quirk, either way,” Yoichi says. “Not unless you give it to him willingly. But whatever you decide, it’s up to you,” he says. “There may come a time, when you will have to choose between saving those you love and the future.” 

“I hope when that day comes,” Banjo pipes up. “You pick the right choice.” 

Nana glares. “He’s just a kid.” 

“So were we,” Kudo says. 

Izuku looks down. 

Nana sighs, “Whatever you pick, Izuku, we will be here to support you.” 

What does that mean? What choice will I make that you guys know that I don’t?

Then, they start fading, meaning he’s being awoken. Wait! Don’t leave yet! 

“Don’t worry, Izuku,” Yoichi says kindly. “You’ll know when the time comes.” 

His eyes blink open to the bleary ceiling. Eri isn’t in his arms and Mom isn’t in her bed. But he can still feel the warmth of her body. She must’ve just left. Mr. Snuggles meows from somewhere below. Kota is also gone. 

“Hey,” Rody says, handing him a loaf of bread and a carton of milk. “We have an hour to lift off. Eat.” 

Izuku rubs his eyes, before he slowly gets off. “Thanks,” he whispers, grabbing the food. “Where’s my mom and sister?” 

“They went ahead to the nursing facility, they took Kota with them,” Rody shrugs. “I promised to take care of you.” 

Izuku blinks as he takes a bite of the loaf. He remembers Ochako’s words. “Thanks, Rody. But that’s not necessary.” 

Rody blinks, but then turns pink. Izuku tilts his head. “I hope it doesn’t bother you.” 

Izuku turns away, suddenly, feeling perplexed at the sudden change in atmosphere. “No. It’s not that… just… I’m fine…” he says. “I get you want to be there for me. I just don’t understand why.” 

Rody lips thin, before he sits next to him. “Remember the day your sister got reaped?” 

Izuku shudders. He chews slowly. “I could never forget that day.” 

“I thought you were really brave,” Rody says. “And I still do.” He pauses, “But then I thought what if one of my siblings got reaped? Would I have been able to do the same thing you did? Volunteer for my siblings?” 

Izuku turns to him, and sees the sincerity and hopelessness in his eyes. 

“Sometimes I think I probably wouldn’t have,” Rody states, as if it’s easy to think of your siblings dying in an arena to people stronger and older than you. “But… I know in the end I probably would have. My siblings are my life, just as Eri is yours.” 

Izuku wonders where this is going. 

“And I thought… if Izuku is being strong for everyone else, who’s being strong for Izuku?” 

Izuku blinks.

“You made it out because you knew how to hunt,” Rody says. 

“Animals,” Izuku whispers. 

There’s a pause. “What’s the difference?” Rody whispers, and Izuku feels a splash of coldness suddenly develop in his body. Because it is true. What is the difference? Had Izuku just wiped the fact that the people he killed were humans, it would have been the same as hunting. 

Rody looks away. “What I’m trying to say is that you’re strong. But I want you to be able to depend on someone else who can be equally as strong as you,” he places his hand on his knee. “I may not know how to hunt, but I know how to fight. And if that’s the only way to protect you, then so be it.” 

“Why, me?” Izuku whispers. If he and Kacchan had switched places, would Rody still be as kind to him? 

“Because you’re strong,” Rody whispers. “And I admire that about you.” Then he shrugs, “Plus, you're my friend. And whatever awkwardness we had before you left… whatever I did,” Izuku remembers the kiss. He tries to forget about it. “I want you to know I’ll always be here for you.” 

Izuku looks away, and then he sighs standing up. Drinking the last of his milk and eating the last bite of his bread. “Thank you, Rody,” he smiles. “I’ll go ahead and get changed now. Take a shower and what not.” 

Rody smiles bashfully, and Izuku suddenly feels very shy. 

Rody leaves the room, and Izuku turns. Mr Snuggles meows. “Oh, shut it,” Izuku whispers heatedly at him, before he goes into the bathroom. 

+

Rody leads him to a room where Hatsume is. Izuku smiles at her. “Thank you for the bow and arrow.” 

Hatsume winks at him. “You deserve more than just an item for show.” 

She turns to Rody, “And you,” she says. “What’s your quirk?” 

Rody blushes. “It’s… this small bird that…” he trails off. “Well, it doesn’t matter. Pino isn’t with me anymore.” He looks away. 

Izuku tilts his head. 

Hatsume hums. “Well, I made you something too. If you’re going to be a part of Izuku’s propo team you need something.” 

He hands him an electric crossbow. Rody lifts it up and uses it on one of the targets. When it fires, a small ball of fire explodes into the target. Izuku hums, impressed. 

“It’s awesome,” Rody comments. 

“Look here,” Hatsume says, pointing to the bows on the table. “Regular. Incendiary. Explosive, arrow. All color coded.” 

Izuku grabs one.  

“Also, tell Keigo I have these daggers for him. And I made something for Ochako too,” she comments. “She wants to go.” 

“What?” Izuku asks, turning. 

“Ochako wants to go with you.” 

Izuku looks down apprehensive. He turns again, and then Hatsume stops him. “Let’s not fire the red ones in here,” she laughs. 

After that, Dave finds them and leads them to the aircraft. Izuku takes a moment to admire all the weapons and bombs under the district. “You had all this and you just left the districts to fend for themselves?” 

“It’s not that simple, Izuku,” Dave says. “Thirteen barely survived. They didn’t want me here as well.” 

Izuku turns to him as they continue walking. “Sure, we could’ve bombed the Capitol, but then what? They would have retaliated with at least twice the power. There would have been no one left.” 

Izuku pauses. “Kind of sounds like what Kacchan said and then you all called him a traitor.” 

Dave falls silent. “This way, soldier.” 

Izuku sees Rody, Hizashi and Ochako. Ochako smiles at him, waving. Izuku feels worried. He can hear the snippets of conversation as they get closer. 

“You are camera ready,” Hizashi comments to both Rody and Ochako. 

“I didn’t know you were coming,” Izuku says to Ochako. She shrugs. 

“You’re my best friend. I couldn’t let you go through this alone.” 

“Doesn’t your comrade look handsome,” Hizashi comments. Rody looks away. 

Izuku tries to smile. 

“Let’s go,” Dave says as he climbs onto the aircraft. 

“Come back safe,” Hizashi says, frowning. 

Izuku sees Nezu inside with a bunch of other soldiers. “Quick introductions,” Nezu says. As he turns to the first person in the group. It’s a guy, with curls and dark skin. “These people have come a long way just for this cause. This is Ken Takagi,, one of the best up and coming directors in the Capitol. You might know him as Rock Lock.” 

“Then, I up and left,” Ken flashes a smile. “Hey.” 

“Be careful,” Nezu says as he gets off the aircraft. 

Ken turns to the rest of his group. “These are all my people. We were more but…” he sighs. “Some of us got caught.”

“I’m sorry,” Izuku says. 

Ken looks down, “It’s okay. I’m sure they’re still alive. They’re strong people.” 

“I met some people on my journey,” he turns and then points to the first person next to him. “This is Denki,” he says. “I met him on my way, and he’s the most trusting fool you could meet.” He grins. “I had more people with me before they got caught. Sero, and a frog-girl that was transferred into the academy Sero was at. They both got caught.” 

Izuku’s eyes widen at the information, and then he looks down. “I’m sorry.” 

“It’s alright,” Ken says, “They’re strong people. I’m sure they’re alive.” 

Denki frowns. Before he turns to them and nods. He has odd hair, a black streak on the side and unique eyes. “Hey, guys.” 

“I’m sure you’ve met Touya and Natsuo,” Ken says, next, gesturing to the back of the aircraft.. 

Izuku’s eyes widen as his head snaps to the brothers. “Is that why you were there yesterday?” He asks. 

“Hey,” Touya shrugs. “I learned how to use a camera while I was here. I volunteered.” 

Natsuo nods at him, smiling. 

“You should have told me!” Ochako accuses. “I would have been training right by your side!” 

Touya grins. “I didn’t want you to stress more, pink cheeks.” 

Pink cheeks. 

Izuku’s mind wanders to Kacchan. He shakes his head. “It’s nice to meet you,” he refers to the three. Denki grins. 

“It’s an honor to meet you!” Denki grins, his eyes dimming slightly. “We made it here… with losses but we came.” 

“Before some of our group got caught, Sero was my camera man,” Ken says. “But since I met Touya, he’s proven himself to be just as talented.” 

Touya winks. 

“Alright,” Dave says. “It’s time for take off.” 

Izuku manages to sit down next to Natsuo. He resembles Shoto and Fuyumi a lot. Izuku wonders how he feels about him. He turns to Natsuo. “Did you all get rescued too? By Nezu?” 

“Don’t expect anything from him,” Touya drawls. “His tongue got cut out by the Capitol years ago. He stood up against my father and paid the price,” Natsuo rolls his eyes. “But he’s a tough cookie.” Izuku wonders what that must be like. Someone meant to protect you and provide for you, just completely betraying you. He wonders if Natsuo blames Izuku for his sister's death. 

“We didn’t get rescued,” says Ken, smiling. “We all fled on our own. For this. For you.” 

Izuku turns to Touya. “You don’t seem as angry as before.” 

Touya shrugs. “When you lose something, you learn to live with it.” He looks down. “My attitude was one of my downfalls. I’ve learned to deal with it.”

And that’s that, Ochako holds his hand as the aircraft lifts and it takes off. 

He can hear the moment they get close. Dave starts yelling through the aircraft ordering them to get ready. Ochako quickly grabs his hand and squeezes, she sends a quizzical look to Rody, when he places his own hand on Izuku’s shoulder. Izuku frowns, but doesn’t let it bother him as the latch to the aircraft opens, and Izuku feels his hair being blown out the way as the aircraft settles on the ground. 

“Quick and easy guys,” says Dave. They all quickly move out as Dave waves the aircraft away. 

Izuku watches as it leaves. He takes a moment to study the District. It’s in ruins. Just like twelve, but Izuku can see that many buildings still stand stall. They lead them towards one of the buildings were they’re met by a woman with dark skin and long brown hair. She looks worn down, tired and her arms are bruised. She gives one look to them before her eyes settle on Izuku. “You’re alive then,” she says. “We weren’t sure.” 

Izuku bites his lip, before he nods. 

Dave steps up. “Izuku, this is Commander Souta, District Eight.” 

Izuku turns back to her. “Izuku has been recovering, but he insisted on coming out and see some of your wounded.” 

Souta gives him a tight smile. “Well, we got plenty of those,” she says, before turning and limping to the door. There’s two more soldiers behind her, holding weapons as they regard them carefully. 

They follow her in, not one of them making a comment as they enter through the curtains. “We have a mass grave a few blocks west, but I can’t spare the manpower to move them yet,” she says. Then, she points to another curtain. “Hospitals past that curtain.” 

She then turns to Izuku who stares at her back silently. “Any hope you can give them, it's worth it. The Capitol’s done everything they can to break us.” 

“Aren’t you worried about having all your wounded in one place?” Rody asks. 

“I think it’s better than leaving them to die,” says Souta. 

“That’s not what I meant,” Rody says. 

“Well,” Souta says. “It’s my only option. If you can come up with another, I’m all ears.” 

Izuku closes his eyes as they pass wounded. “It’s right through here,” Souta says and opens the curtain. 

Izuku’s breath leaves as he sees the amount of wounded in the room. Possibly hundreds, all confined together possibly with not enough food and supplies to tend the wounded. Izuku stops and so do the rest. 

Ochako’s hand finds his again, and he grips it nervously. He turns to Ken. “Don’t film me in there. I-I can’t help them,” he whispers. 

Ken turns to him, “Just let them see your face,” he says encouragingly. Ken looks at him, nodding questioningly. 

Izuku swallows. “Okay,” he whispers. 

He feels his steps fall heavy as he enters the room. No one notices him at first, and he takes a moment to look at the chaos that happens around him. There is so many wounded, all fighting for their life. All strapped to beds made of thin wool and healers who are trying their best to tend to them. Izuku swallows nervously as one young boy cries out in pain, another one sweating as the women do their best to tend to them. “It’s okay,” they whisper. 

Izuku blinks away the tears as he continues to look around. The room starts falling silent, murmurs of recognition falling on their faces as they slowly start getting up. All examining his face closely. Izuku looks around, they’re all paying attention now. 

“Izuku Midoriya?” One woman asks, and Izuku turns to her. She was bloody and wounded, her face pale from loss of blood. Even so, her eyes are starry as she stares at him. “What are you doing here?” 

Izuku swallows nervously. “I’m… I came to see you.” 

“What about Katsuki?” Another woman asks and Izuku turns to her, feeling his mouth dry at the question. 

“He’s…” he whispers. “He’s not here.” 

“Are you fighting, Izuku?” A boy asks, standing up and facing him. “Are you fighting with us?” 

Izuku looks at the boy's determined face. His face is so young and youthful, just like those boys he’s seen around in the coal mines. Just like Hiroki’s determined face to live. “I am,” he says. Then, his heart slows down as he stares at the boy. “I will.” 

These people need him. 

Slowly, the boy stares, his eyes gleaming with determination before he kisses three fingers and lifts it up. Slowly, the rest of the hospital does as well, all looking at him with a passion Izuku didn’t know the wounded would have. 

Izuku looks around in surprise. He can vividly see Ken and Touya recording, but he doesn’t find himself caring as he stares at the room all regarding him. They all see him as their leader. As someone to follow. Izuku is the one who started this. 

Izuku helps tend to the wounded, crouching as he helps one of the young boys to his wound. He’s possibly a few years younger than Izuku, possibly the same age when he met Hiroki. His eyes are closed in pain. He drags a rag across his face, cleaning it. When he opens his eyes, he flashes a small smile to Izuku. “Thank you.” 

Izuku swallows what feels like vomit and nods. “Of course.”

A few minutes go, Izuku thinks about ten. He feels a little annoyed that they keep zooming in on him, but Izuku knows that the only reason he’s here is for the propo. Ken confirms they have enough footage to go back. Ochako pats his back encouragingly and Rody flashes him a smile. “Your mom is going to be proud when she sees the footage,” he says. 

Izuku huns as they leave the makeshift hospital, for once feeling hopeful. “I’m glad I was able to see them,” Izuku says. 

“It was sweet,” Ochako comments. “They needed that.” 

“We all need as much hope we can get,” says Ken, nodding at him. “You did good, kid. I’m proud.” 

“When we get back,” Ochako says. “Hitoshi will go over the footage. He’s gotten good at that too. Like Hatsume.” 

“Where is he, anyways?” Izuku whispers. 

“Hitoshi is training. He wants to help. Many of us do. There are many of them back at the District training to help you.” 

“I didn’t think he’d want to go back into battle,” Izuku comments, he turns to Touya who’s speaking silently to his brother. “I didn’t think any of you would want to go back.” 

Ochako sighs. “It’s not that we don’t want to. We have to,” she says. “Shigaraki took something from all of us. We all want our justice.” 

“This will be played around all the Districts?” Rody asks. 

“It’ll be tattooed in their eyes,” Ken says and then stops when a beeper goes off. 

“There’s a problem,” Dave says, stopping them. 

“What kind?” Touya asks. 

“Incoming bombers from the North,” says Dave, gravely. “We need to find cover.” 

The mood shifts as Souta leads them away, “There’s a bunker right over here.” She says. They all quickly start to move as sirens go off in the district.

The bunker is hidden underground as Satou tells them, “Straight ahead, down the stairs.” 

Izuku jumps as he hears gunshots. His heart skips as he realizes what is happening. He runs towards the noise. 

“Izuku!” 

He ignores the calls as he runs towards a hole in the wall. “Izuku!” Rody calls following after him. 

“Deku!” Ochako says, at the same time as Dave yells, “Midoriya!” 

No.. No… 

“Midoriya!” Dave yells. “Rody, back away from the wall!” 

Izuku watches silently, at the aircrafts. And then, a bomb goes off. Rody pushes him out of the way, following on top of him. Everything goes silent—the ringing in his ears is loud and all he can see is dust and dirt in the air. 

He blinks his eyes open, looking at Rody who shielded him. He gets up, breathing heavily. He can hear the distant voice of Dave. “You okay?” 

But everything is muffled, until suddenly sound comes back. Dave yells, “Move!”

Rody quickly grabs his hand moving out the way as one of the pillars from outside goes tumbling down, destroying the wall and building. Izuku watches the grey cloud of dirt behind them. 

Izuku looks back out. 

“They’re going towards something in the south,” Rody says. 

“That’s towards the hospital,” Izuku says, angry. That motherfucker. “They’re circling back around. Come on!” Izuku says, getting out the building and running across the rubble into a different building. Izuku finds his way into staircases that lead up to a roof. 

His mouth falls open as one of the bombs go off again, this time towards the hospital. “No…” he whispers. “That’s the hospital,” he says, his eyes flashing young eyes, determined faces and wounded children and elderly all looking at him for help. “They’re targeting the hospital,” he whispers. 

He grabs an arrow, not sure which one, but sees the flash of red. Rody lifts up his crossbow at the same time as he does, he breathes heavily. 

You don’t need a Quirk to stop them. 

He can see the aircraft head towards them, and then, Izuku lets go. 

The arrow goes so fast he doesn’t have time to process what happened. Both aircraft are going down. Izuku takes a moment to sigh in relief as he starts heading back down. 

But what meets him is something so much worse. His eyes water, as he sees the hospital collapse in itself. Fire and tragedy all around as he runs. “Help them!” He screams, running, “Help them!” He repeats. “Get them out!” 

He tries to run in, but Rody quickly grabs him from the middle, stopping him. He gasps, his breath coming in short as he sees the life that was just barely hanging on, leave. Everything that he had just seen. Every single soul that looked at him expectantly all diedú within a matter of seconds. The boy, who had thanked him, not a few years older than Eri, who could’ve been alive now, is dead. 

He feels tears run down his face as he shakes his head. Someone is calling his name but all he can hear is his heavy breathing. 

“Izuku?” Ken asks, his eyes are hard, there’s sympathy in his eyes. Something Izuku isn’t sure where it is aimed to. “Izuku, can you tell everyone what you’re seeing right now?” 

Izuku’s eyes fill with tears as he turns away from the building. His heart dropping as the camera is pointed to him. Ken calls, “Izuku? What do you want to say?” 

Izuku takes a moment to breath. Following the fingers of Ken as he points to Natsuo’s helmet. He stands strong, but Izuku can see the heartbreak in his face. They’ve all just seen the life of many reduced to nothing but rubble. 

Izuku swallows, before he closes his eyes and opens them again. “I want the rebels to know that I am alive,” he says steadily. His voice wobbles out a sob. “That I’m in District Eight, where the Capitol just bombed a Hospital. Filled with unarmed men, women and children!” 

He catches Souta’s eyes, shining with unshed tears as she watches. He catches Dave’s own eyes, filled with tragedy and heartbreak. “And there will be no survivors. If you think for one second, that the Capitol will ever treat us fairly you are lying to yourselves!” 

He huffs in a breath. “Because we know who they are and what they do!” He points behind him to the fire that continues to go on.  “This is what they do! And we must fight back!” 

Izuku wobbles on his feet. He hadn’t meant for the hospital to be bombed. He hadn’t meant for all those people to die. Again, and again. Death happens because of him. Izuku huffs in a sob. He sees Touya recording, a thin line on his face. “I have a message for President Shigaraki,” he says. “You can torture us and bomb us, and burn our districts to the ground. But do you see that?” He points back, his eyes trying to focus on the one thing he needs. “Fire is catching! And if we burn, you burn with us!” 

Izuku falls down to his knees, sobs coming out as he watches the Hospital burn to the ground. 

The journey back to District Thirteen is slow and silent. There’s a small tension between them as Izuku tries to control his sobs. 

Then, the journey to meet Tomura and the rest is even harder when they land. Ochako is a pillar next to him, holding his hand throughout the entire journey. She doesn’t say anything, already used to loss. Izuku should be too, and yet his heart burns with the thought of all those people dead. Dead, because he had wanted to see them. Because he wanted to do something right by him. 

Time seems to slow down, his mind moving a mile a minute as suddenly everyone around him is moving. It’s like one moment he blinks, and suddenly he’s in front of a crowd with Tomura. Behind him, is Ochako, Hitoshi, Keigo and Touya. They all stand behind and watch him. 

Izuku wonders what is going on through their heads. 

He sees the video of his speech playing, can see the way he’s moments away from breaking down. The video ends, with a symbol of a Mockingjay at the end. There’s a whistle as well, and Izuku finally looks up to see as the crowd breaks out into cheers. 

All these people are looking at him for something. Izuku wants to help. But he’s not sure how strong he really is. 

He breaks down over the simplest thing. His heart is on his sleeve, moments away from just breaking and breaking and falling apart. 

If only his Kacchan was here. He’d know what to do. Kacchan was always the steadier of the two. He never wore his heart on his sleeve. He always kept his emotions in check. Kacchan would be better at this entire thing. He would know how to talk to these people—how to lead them into a fight. He wouldn’t let his emotions affect him. 

Your emotions are what make you strong, says a small voice at the back of his head. 

Then, his mind comes back as Tomura leads him from the back of his hand. “Nezu was not wrong about you,” he says to him. Izuku turns to him, finally being able to study him up close. There’s the same cracks along his skin, dry and flakey. His eyes are a deep red—almost the same as Kacchan. His hair is strikingly white, past his shoulders, completely different from the light blue it was two years ago. Izuku wonders how that happened. This time, Tomura isn’t wearing the same grey jumpsuit as the rest of them and instead is wearing a long black jumper, with flakes of red and white strips across the middle. Izuku wonders why Tomura tries to look different from everyone else. 

“Thank you,” Izuku whispers. 

Tomura turns to the crowd. “There is no progress without Compromise.” He says, “No Victory without sacrifice. But I stand here with The Mockingjay, to announce that our moment has arrived.” 

Tomura grabs his hand and lifts it up, and for the first time Izuku notices that Tomura wears gloves. His eyes look away as Tomura continues to fall. He falls back, stepping next to Keigo and Touya. 

The crowd starts cheering as Tomura continues his speech. Apparently, Hatsume is an important key player to get into the Capitol’s systems.

Keigo turns to him. “You don’t like hearing a fight song at a funeral, huh?” He whispers. 

Izuku’s lip thin at that. He looks down, tries not to think of the Hospital. Of the kids he tended and of the boy who looked at him fiercely. Are you here to fight with us, Izuku? 

“The more people on our side the closer we are to Katsuki and Rumi,” Keigo says fiercely. 

“And Shoto,” Touya hums, and Izuku’s eyes snap to him. Keigo huffs.

“And Shoto,” Keigo says. 

Izuku looks back to the crowd, his mind buzzing as time goes by fast. The cheering becomes much more muted as time goes by. 

The District celebrates that night. Izuku is dragged to the last floor, where a celebration is being held. He catches Ashido’s face, on the stage, as she sings. Eri takes his hand and leads him to a table where the team he was with sits. Denki is eating, and Touya and Natsuo sit next to him. There’s a few more people Izuku doesn’t recognize, and Izuku blinks as Denki flashes him a smile. 

“I didn’t know they had people who could sing,” Denki says. “My girlfriend is a true star. She would love it here.” 

“Your girlfriend?” Izuku asks, he sits down next to him. “Where is she?” 

Denki’s eyes dim a bit. “She got captured.” 

“Oh,” Izuku whispers. “I’m sorry.” 

Eri whispers something in his ear, “I’m going to go get some chocolate cake.” And Izuku smiles at her, nodding his approval. 

Izuku’s eyes look away from Denki and settle on the boy in front of him. He has blue hair and glasses. He kind of reminds him… 

“I’m Iida Tenya,” Tenya says. “I’m sure you recognized me. Tensei was my brother.” 

Izuku’s body tenses at that. He keeps meeting more and more people he didn’t know where here. “Oh, I didn’t..” 

Tenya waves him off. “It’s alright. My family has connections and they knew of an aircraft coming here. They sent me as to not suffer my brother’s punishment for his crimes.” 

“His crimes?” Izuku whispers. 

“Rebelling,” Tenya says. “I’m sure my family is somewhere in the Capitol right now being punished. Perhaps, dead even.” 

“Woah,” Touya remarks. “Way to show concern.” 

Tenya sends him a glare. “My family knew of the consequences as much as I did.” 

“How come they sent you?” Izuku asks. 

“Because I have information Tomura wants,” Tenya remarks. “Of course, if he would just have time of the day to hear me out…” 

Izuku frowns, and then looks away to the Ashido dancing. He can see Kirishima in the crowd, watching her with sparkling eyes. His eyes catch on Ken swaying with a much paler woman with blonde hair. His eyes widened. 

“That’s his wife,” Denki says. “They’re having a baby together.” 

“There’s a lot of people here,” Izuku says. “In Thirteen.” 

“Well, that’s what happens when a District basically becomes a refugee camp,” Touya says. Natsuo nods. 

Izuku turns to them. His eyes flicker between both brothers. Izuku wants to ask Touya about Tomura. About the glances and the remarks that are there. But Izuku is sure he wouldn’t get a straight answer. It’s not like Izuku had been given straight answers before. 

His eyes catch blonde hair and he gets up quickly. “Sorry, I’m coming back.” 

He follows after the figure quickly. Before he reaches out and touches their hand. The figure turns and he’s faced with baby blue eyes and a round face. “Melissa?” 

“Izuku!” She whispers amazed as she throws her arms around him and brings him into a hug. “Oh, it’s so nice to see you.” 

Izuku’s eyes slowly close as he wraps his arms around her. “Yeah… it’s nice to see you too.” 

“Come on,” Melissa says. “Let’s go somewhere quieter.” 

Melissa drags him outside of the big room and into a different hallway. He sees a few seats on the side. The hallway is empty—everyone either being asleep or celebrating in the cafeteria. He knows his Mother is probably asleep as of now, tucked away in their shared room with Kota. 

They sit down, Melissa gives him a glance before she grabs his hands. “I’ve been so worried about you,” she says. “But I could never find the chance to talk to you. You’re always surrounded by people.” 

“Sorry,” Izuku whispers. He looks at her. “You look good.” 

Melissa smiles. “Yeah… it’s not much but… Thirteen has really been helping us in twelve.” 

Izuku smiles back. “Yeah, I’ve heard.” 

“Plus… with my whole dad being alive thing,” she sighs. “It’s hard to get adjusted to all this chaos.” 

“Oh, that’s right.” Izuku says, surprised. “Your dad is alive. How does that feel?” 

“Weird,” Melissa laughs. “I’ve always just… this man has just been a fragment of my childhood before I assumed he died. Everyone did. Then, to my surprise he shows up to my room and explains his entire story to me.”

“How did that feel?” 

“Weird,” Melissa says. “This… entire place is just weird.” 

Izuku can attest to that. Everyday is something new. “Yeah,” he nods. “I just… It’s hard to get used to.” 

Melissa sends him a worried look. “I’m guessing. They’re putting a lot of pressure on you, Izuku.” 

“I have to do it,” Izuku says. 

“You’re just a kid.” 

“If not me, then who else?” 

Melissa goes silent at that. 

Before Izuku can apologize, there's a crash from one of the rooms. They both look up. Izuku gets up slowly and puts his ear to the door, trying to listen. 

“Kurogiri—“ 

Izuku’s eyes furrow as he tries to get closer, but the door is already being pushed way too much from the pressure of trying to listen in. 

It sounds like Tomura. 

“Are the Nomus ready yet?” 

Izuku’s eyes try to process the words. Nomus. Like from the games? Why would need those? 

“Izuku?” Melissa asks loudly, and silence comes from the other side of the door. Izuku’s eyes widen as he gets up quickly and grabs her hand and walks down the hallway quickly. Melissa doesn’t say anything but he can hear the confusion in her eyes. 

They round a corner as he hears the door open from the hallway. 

Izuku waits a few seconds, trying to control his breath. 

“What was it, Tomura?” A new voice says, much more deeper and raspier than one he recognizes. He tries to place the voice with a face and it comes up blank. 

“…Nothing,” Tomura says. “I thought I heard something. Let’s go.” 

The door closes and Izuku quickly looks back into the hallway. It’s empty. 

“What was that?” Melissa asks. 

Izuku swallows. “I’m not sure.” 

Izuku ends up going back to his room. He apologizes to Melissa, but he didn’t feel like trying to explain what he had heard and what he thinks is probably supposed to be a secret. When he gets there, Mom isn’t there and so isn’t Kota. Izuku guesses she went ahead to the celebration or to some other ordeal. 

Melissa doesn’t ask questions but she looks worried. She gives him one last hug and promises to keep in touch as best as she can, but with the way things are going with The Mockingjay, Izuku doubts he’ll ever get to see her again after this. 

When Izuku gets back to his room he starts rummaging through his clothes. When he finds what he’s looking for he takes it out and places it on the bed. It’s his outfit from when he was in the arena. The swim suit—laid out in front of him. He swallows, tracing the outfit with a furrowed look. 

He gets to the hidden pockets and furrows his eyebrows. “What is that?” He whispers, as he shoves his hand in. 

What comes out is a small pearl. A small gleaming pearl against the grey light and background. 

It’s the pearl that Kacchan gave him all those memories ago. 

He puts the suit away and then sits on his bed, playing with the pearl. 

He’s not sure how long time passes and he ends up falling asleep, the pearl tucked away in his palm. 

+

There’s sand everywhere, and the smell of the water and salt hits them. Kacchan is looking at him with a small frown. “No one needs me,” He says. 

That’s not true. 

“I need you,” Izuku remembers saying. 

I need you. He needs Kacchan to live. To breathe. He’s no one without him. 

Kacchan smiles, like he knows Izuku is right. His hand reaches for his and squeezes before he pulls him into a salty kiss. 

“Forget about me,” Kacchan murmurs. “Deku.” 

Forget about Kacchan? 

There’s memories that haunt his dreams. Those with Kacchan in it, mostly. And then those that are just nightmares of people he knew. There were many who haunted his dreams late at night. Ochako, Fuyumi, Hiroki. Momo. Then there was the person he killed, Chisaki, who had to agonize and die slowly. The arrow wasn’t enough to kill him quickly. The torture of the Nomu’s tearing his body apart. 

Hiroki’s bloody chest, his small hands clutching Izuku’s. “Sing to me, Izuku,” he whispers, raspy and slowly losing blood. 

Izuku is trying to keep his composure and not fall apart. Death was a part of him. Death was something he knew. 

His father died in the mines. His mother becoming emotionally unavailable and then Eri coming into their life and his mother gaining some sense back into her life. 

And then there are those small things he remembered—fear does not work as long as they have hope. 

+

He’s awoken by the door opening. He blinks his eyes open. Eri is wrapped in a blanket next to him, and Izuku turns to look at the door. Rody stands there with a smile. 

“I got good news,” he whispers. 

“What?” 

“Tomura agreed to let us go above ground.” 

That’s how Izuku finds himself 30 minutes later in the forest that is between Thirteen and Twelve. Mostly still, Thirteen though. 

“You don’t know how to hunt,” Izuku says. 

“I was thinking you could teach me,” Rody says. “It’s never too late to learn.” 

The sun is high in the sky, and it’s warm. If it weren’t for the circumstances, then it would be a good thing that there above ground hunting. But Rody didn’t know how to hunt. Kacchan did. 

Izuku is glad that at least Rody joined him into the forest. He wasn’t sure if he was ready to go back. 

But… it’s nice. 

To finally be somewhere he belongs. Somewhere he recognizes even if it isn’t the same forest he would hunt in before. 

“It’s kinda hard to aim,” Izuku says. “Your crossbow is kinda not meant for it.” 

“I didn’t bring it,” Rody says. “I brought a bow and arrow, just like you.” 

“Shh,” Izuku says as he spots a deer. “Get down.” 

Rody comes up next to him and watches as Izuku extends his arrow. Izuku was used to this. Hunting animals to keep them fed. Hunting animals to trade for other food. Hunting animals to keep them alive. 

But, Izuku notices something he had never noticed before. 

His arrow goes down slowly, eyes tracing the movement of the deer who noticed them. It doesn’t run away. 

“What’s wrong?” Rody whispers, voice airy and light to not startle the deer. 

“He’s not even afraid of us,” Izuku whispers. 

Rody gives him a glance. “Maybe cause they have never were hunted before?” He asks. “Thirteen was always underground, after all. The life here thrives.” 

And who is Izuku to take the life of this animal? 

“It’s not fair,” Izuku whispers, and puts his arrow away. 

Rody doesn’t mention it again, and instead Izuku begins to explore the forest. The farther they get the more ruins they find, all scattered across the forest. There is more life too. And it’s not scared to show itself to both Izuku and Rody. 

They find a river. The sound of the stream is music to Izuku’s ears and he finds himself sitting down on one of the boulders. Rody gives him a small smile. 

“Reminds you of home, huh?”

“Yeah,” Izuku whispers and finds himself, putting his head on Rody’s shoulder. He’s not sure why he does it, but the presence of Rody being there is comforting. 

Izuku’s eyes wander back to the kiss Rody had given him before. He’s not sure why he feels guilty even finding comfort in this. In fact they’re in the woods. A place like this was meant only for Kacchan and him. Not someone like Rody, who had never even ventured out into the woods like they had done. 

A few minutes go by, Izuku basking in the silence and the sun. The chirps of the birds and sound of the river. Then a few beeps go by. Izuku’s head lifts up. Rody sends him an apologetic glance. “They want us back.” 

Izuku nods. It was more than enough. 

More than he deserved. 

They go back. The elevators are daunting and heavy as it sends them down. 

“They asked us to head to Command,” Rody says. 

Izuku nods before gesturing to the supplies they took. “I have to drop these off first.” 

That’s how they find themselves going through the cafeteria. There isn’t a single person in there as it isn’t lunch yet. However, the TV is playing and Izuku can see Emi speaking on the TV. 

Her words don’t register until it shows Kacchan on the screen. 

Kacchan who is pale and skinny. Who looks so different from the one from before. Who looks more like a skeleton, his face taut with horrors. His eyes red and his hands shaking as he feels the rose in his head. “I wish I could give this rose to you, Izuku,” he whispers. 

Izuku drops the stuff down. His mouth opened. His voice comes out in a shake. “He’s changed so much already. What are they doing to him?” 

“A sweet gesture for a boy who has inspired such violence,” Emi comments. “You must love him very much to be able to forgive him.” 

Izuku shakes his head. 

“I don’t think I could,” Emi says. “Unless, of course, Katsuki, you think that perhaps being forced into saying things that he doesn’t even understand.” 

Katsuki is silent for a moment. His eyes are heavy with bags from lack of sleep. “Yeah. That’s exactly what I think,” he says raspy. 

“Even his voice is different.” 

“They’re using him,” Kacchan says. “To whip up the rebels. I doubt he even knows what’s happening.” Rody stays silent. “Or what’s really at stake.”

“Now, Katsuki,” Emi says. “I doubt the rebels will ever let him see this. But if they do, what would you say to him? To Izuku Midoriya?” 

Izuku’s eyes water. 

“I would tell him to think for himself,” His eyes find the camera. Sunken and afraid. Like he’s being asked to do this. Like he has no idea what he’s saying. “Don’t be a fool, Izuku,” he says, “I know you never wanted the rebellion. The things you did in the games were never intended to start all of this. The rebels have made you into something that you are not. Something to destroy all of us,” his voice cracks—tears forming in his eyes. 

Izuku feels the tear go down. “So if you have any power or any say, in what they do or how they use you. Please, please urge them to stop this war, before it’s too late. And ask yourself, can you trust the people you’re working with? Do you know what they really want?” 

Izuku isn’t sure himself. His mind goes back to Tomura’s voice. Are the Nomu ready yet? 

“We need to respond,” Rody says. 

“Thank you, Katsuki Bakugo,” says Emi from the TV. 

Izuku turns slowly to Rody, as if he had heard him wrong. His eyes furrow in anger. “Did you see what he looks like?” 

“I saw a coward,” Rody replies. 

“You don’t have any idea what he’s going through!”

“I don’t care,” Rody says. “I would never say what he just said. Not if they tortured me, not if they had a gun to my head.” 

“That is the same Katsuki who defended all of us! Even you, and your siblings!” 

“No, it’s not,” Rody replies, sterner. “Now he’s only defending himself.” 

His beeper blinks and it makes noise. Rody looks down. “Tomura wants us. We need to respond.”

Izuku feels his lip curl in disgust. “When did ‘we’ become you and Tomura?” 

“Everyone has a choice, Izuku,” Rody says, turning back. “How can he sit there in the Capitol and defend the people who destroyed his home and murdered his parents?” 

Suddenly, like a slow realization, his eyes meet Rody’s. 

“He doesn’t know.” 

Rody’s eyes widen. 

“How could he? Nobody has seen what the Capitol did to twelve.” 

Rody looks away. 

“I need to show them,” Izuku whispers. “Some way…” 

Izuku needs to find a way to get the message to Kacchan. He’d die trying. 

He can’t let Kacchan stay there any longer.