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”I’m standing outside the courthouse, where any moment now the popular hero Ground Zero can emerge from what has undoubtedly been the trial of the decade” the reporter practically yelled into her microphone to overpower the yelling around her.
“Jenny for the folk that have just joined in, can you tell us what’s happening out there?” the news host’s voice was heard in her earpiece, but the reporter still had to press her finger against the device to hear.
“Absolutely. Fans have gathered around the building demanding that Ground Zero walk free, however protesters have also gathered demanding that he takes responsibility for what happened”
“Have there been any development in the case as to what exactly happened?” the host asked eagerly.
“Unfortunately, no. At least no development that has been realized to the public. All we know for sure is that a little over a month ago Ground Zero demanded that police take him into custody after confessing to a murder. Since then a lot of people have claimed the right to sue him for this crime which has led to a lot of dead-ends as well as countless rumors of that exactly is going on with the famous hero” the reporter explained. “Today’s trial had been closed to the public in order to protect any delicate information Ground Zero may possess about classified missions as well as… wait the doors are opening. HERE HE COMES” the reporter started yelling and along with several other reporters started pushing forward to get close to the pro-hero. “GROUND ZERO, WHAT HAPPENED? WILL YOU TELL US WHAT THIS IS ALL ABOUT?” Jenny screamed as loudly as she could in the hopes of breaking through the ocean of questions that was bombarded onto Bakugo. The hero himself looked annoyed at them, but at the same time deeply exhausted. Police officers tried to push people back to allow the hero free passage, but it was practically impossible.
“Come on man let’s get you out of here” Red Riot grabbed Bakugo’s shoulder as he hardened his body to work as a shield. “No, it’s alright” the blond told his friend before lifting one hand over his head and fired a controlled blast. Everything went quiet.
“Hey are you sure. You don’t have to do this right now” Kirishima tried to reassure his friend, but he just got that look. The one that said that he was being ridiculous.
“Listen up I’m only going to say this once” Bakugo yelled over the crowd. “I am responsible for the death of a middle school boy named Izuku Midoriya. Due to wishes of privacy his mother has stayed out of the media until after today’s trial. I thought that my becoming a pro-hero and rise to the top and protect the weakest people in society I could make amends to the crime I committed” Bakugo stated in a firm and clear voice.
“Have you been found guilty?” a reporter from the back yelled.
“No, he wasn’t” a quivering voice broke through. A short woman with green hair emerged from behind Bakugo. She took a stand next to the pro-hero. “Because I’m not pressing charges” after that the crowd erupted into question that were impossible to hear.
“Miss. Midoriya it’s okay. You don’t have to be here for this” Kirishima gently wrapped an arm around the woman’s shoulder’s as sobs started wrecking her body.
“SHUT IT YOU BUNCH OF EXSTRAS. SHOW SOME DAMED RESPECT” Bakugo screamed at the crowd that quickly got quiet again.
“My Izuku is gone and nothing will bring him back, but I won’t let another life be ruined by this. If you really regret it then carry not only your dream, but the dream of my Izuku and become the strongest hero. A hero who protects everyone” Inko Midoriya said as she turned her attention fully on Bakugo. “You are a good kid and I know Izuku wouldn’t want you to suffer because of him. Put him to rest” the woman instructed with a shaking voice. Tears filled Bakugo’s eyes and he sank to his knees in front of Inko, bowing his head until his forehead touched the ground.
“I’m sorry. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean for it to happen. I never through he would do it. I didn’t realize how hard I was pushing him. I’m sorry” Bakugo half yelled, half choked out in-between sobbing.
“I know you didn’t, and I was angry for so long, but he couldn’t want that. He wouldn’t have wanted any of this” Inko tried to console as she crouched down and gently rubbed a hand over Bakugo’s back. Kirishima took a step back to give them some privacy but remained close to support his friend. The two shared a moment like that before Inko grabbed hold of Bakugo’s arms and the two got back on their feet. Before turning to face the press once more Inko wrapped Bakugo in a tight hug. It also gave Bakugo a chance to wipe his eyes discretely. “When this is over the two of us can pay him a visit. Would you like that?” Inko whispered in his ear and Bakugo just nodded. With an arm wrapped around Inko they turned back to the press.
The second the press had their attention again questions were shouted. Bakugo took a deep breath before pointing to a random reporter.
“Ground Zero does this have something to do with the anti-bullying campaigns you have been working on these past few years?”
“It has everything to do with the anti-bullying campaigns” Bakugo simply answered, before quickly pointing at another.
“Is it because you couldn’t save this Izuku Midoriya from being bullied?”
“I could have, but I didn’t want to at the time” Bakugo stated and whispering spread among the reporters.
“Who is Izuku Midoriya?” someone yelled without being asked, but no one seemed to mind the question.“He was a childhood friend and because of an unlikely statistic he didn’t have a quirk. Because of this I bullied him. I looked down on him and called him weak. I didn’t realize what I was doing to him before it was too late. One day he did what I had been telling him to do and he jumped off the roof of our middle school. That’s why I will never again turn a blind eye to those who suffer, and neither should you. It doesn’t take powers to save a life. You just need to care” Bakugo finished soberly. “That will be all”
“Hey, I got you man” Kirishima quickly jumped in front of Bakugo as and lead the way through the masses towards the car waiting by the curve.
“That was very beautifully said” Inko praised as Bakugo broke through the crowd, still with an arm around Ink’s shoulders.
“I just wish I had realized sooner” Bakugo mourned as they all got into the car.
“So did I” Inko admitted with a sad smile and a hand on Bakugo’s knee as the car pulled away from the courthouse and headed straight for the cemetery.