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-« BOOOORING !!! » Banjo whines, lounging in his chair as he laments the lack of action.
When you are dead and living in a world of vestiges and traces, time tends to go by exceptionally slow. Most days, with Danger Sense going off almost continuously and the kid needing their help and guidance, they barely had time to think about their timeless existence.
But now, when they are all on the same page and the kid is finally catching on much-needed sleep; they literally had nothing to do but sit around and wait for some signal or threat.
But there was none, they have been fighting villains for 3 months now and it seems things are starting to slowly settle in this area, at least.
Banjo, being the born fighter that he was, was bored out of his mind.
-« I can’t believe we ‘ave to wait for all this time. God, I am so BOOOOOORED. » he inhales loudly, making a show of sprawling on his chair and sliding down.
Hikage frowns at his friend: « Actually we should be thankful for this. If Danger Sense isn’t going off, that means people are safe because of the kid’s hard work. It’s actually great, he deserves a short rest. » he smiles a little, pride swelling in his chest.
En nods beside him.
Banjo just stares at the two before sighing louder: « But, time goes so slow here, I want to be entertained. This is kind of annoying. »
Yoichi chuckles: « Well, that is what happens when you are dead, time isn’t really a thing anymore. » He looks to his left, beaming at the seated brunet beside him.
He had accepted to join them in their meeting seats, to meet Deku when he is ready to draw the potential of his quirk.
It just filled him with joy, to be together with his hero again.
He catches the gasp that comes to Banjo, the man’s previously downcast eyes beaming with something akin to mischief. He sits upon his seat, ready to speak his idea to the others.
-« Banjo, before you say something stupid, NO. » The 4th interrupts him even before he could make an attempt to talk. The 5th huffs, turning his shoulder at him and looking right at others.
-« Hey, the kid is asleep right. ? Then that gives us an opportunity to get to know him better. » He says, getting only confused stares from the others.
The flame of All Might fidgets a little.
-« What do you mean, Banjo-san? » Nana questions, genuinely intrigued by the request.
Banjo grins: « We are gonna see through this kid’s heart and desires. »
-« Oh my God, I told you, NO. » Higake scolds, smacking a hand over his head.
-« Why are ya always ruining my fun? I said nothing wrong. I just want to see what this kid is really made of. »
-« We already settled that, didn’t we? Shimura tested the kid and he passed with flying colors. He is a great hero and savior, no need to doubt him anymore. Also, weren’t you the one who assured him that his privacy would be protected? »
-« I diiiiiid. Buuut… » The 5th rubs on the sore spot. Goddamn does he still pack a punch. « the kid showed us his heroic side, I am not saying I don’t trust him. In fact, I fully believe in the kid. I granted him my power after all. However, I am very curious about his heart. »
« Senpai what do you mean? » En questions, quirking his head to the side.
-« Well, you see… You know how All Might be the same as Deku, right? » He states, the others all nodding along, waiting for him elaborate. « And you know that I was practically the first one to the front from the depths of OFA, right? » He speaks, hanging on each word with suspense.
-« Banjo-san ? » Nana urges him to continue, wanting to hear more about her disciple and his student.
Banjo continues: « I remember the first time I met the kid, the first emotion I felt from him was deep hatred and ugly jealousy. »
The 3rd scoffs: « Well, that is interesting. »
-« That’s quite odd, Banjo-san. Since the first time I met him, I felt his kindness and altruism. » Yoichi adds, somewhat trying to defend the kid. He seriously could hardly believe the kid is capable of such feelings. Izuku was a good kid, too good for his own wellbeing at times.
-« I thought that too. But I literally had to tell the kid to control his heart and limit his quirk access before he would’ve done something with it. It felt so dark, he literally wanted to hurt. »
-« And NOW, you are telling us this? » The 3rd glares, his blank stare as cold as ice. « After we put our fate in a boy with a hidden murderous vendetta? »
The fiery shadow of Yagi’s flickered in worry.
Banjo then smirks: « Nah, the kid is fine. Because there is a catch to it. The kid was angry with someone else. A Kacchan to be specific.»
Nana inhales all dramatically, her love for gossip showing in her glinting eyes: « Oh my God, who is it? Is it a friend? Family ? or maybe… a lover. »
Banjo grunts: « I don’t really know. Never got the opportunity to look for it, things got complicated really fast afterward. »
Banjo crosses his arms, feigning thoughtfulness. But he knows what he is doing, he already had their interest and curiosity. They all wanted to know the same thing as him.
1
2
3
4
-« I wonder who this Kacchan is ? » En says, and Banjo just holds his need to laugh.
-« Seems like something we should know about. » Nana
-« Yeah, if it can get such a visceral reaction out of Deku, then it must be very important. » Yoichi
-« We should be guarding this person. We can’t have him going mad like that again. » the 3rd
He can feel the intrigue wafting off Hikage by his side, he was just too proud to voice it.
-« Then it’s decided. » The 2nd stands, turning around. « We will have to see for ourselves. This dark desire of the kid we trusted. » He began walking off.
Banjo has won. If he had the second, then the first would wordlessly stand up and follow behind him like the lovesick puppy he is. The 3rd would sigh and follow. The others just looked at each other before following.
-« I hate you. » Higake slurs, walking off as well.
Banjo finally screams in victory. Time for some excitement.
The isle of the brain that processes emotions and feelings is called the Haven. And in Izuku’s brain, it resembles a bustling All Might fanfare.
The All Might gate leads into the numerous bouts and fun food stalls. Catch-an-AllMight, the Texas smash hammer, Hero race, and an endless supply of Katsudon and cake.
It was rare for the vestiges to get out of their space, but it was incredibly fun to feel like humans again.
-« Hey, look what I got. » Yoichi waves the fan in front of the 2nd:’ My Hero’ written in the typical flashy All Might colors.
He smiles a little at the other antics, resuming his search for the others who have gotten caught up in a game of Hare Trampoline.
Yoichi enjoyed the fact that he got this chance; a second chance to spend more quality time with the one who saved him that day. His first friend, his protector, the first one he ever trusted in his life, showed him the outside world and how worth protecting it was.
It warms his heart.
They finally find them, the 3rd scolding En for getting tangled in a jumping rope. They spend a great deal of time helping him.
.
-« They were a lot more in here. » the monk in the Grand All Might shrine tell them. They made a stop there to pray for their successor's safety and for the end of AFO’s rule of terror when the man sees them.
His robe was the colors of the Golden Age All Might suit and his face awfully resembled that of David Shield.
-« There used to be a Ferris wheel. A United States of Smash course, even a mirror room, and a daily firework show. But that is long gone now. » The man raises his hands, dark tendrils were snaking up his forearm, the skin around it crusting up like old paper. « The negative emotions have been growing within him and we are just clinging to whatever happiness it is left. » He smiles softly, drawing his large sleeves to hid his rotting arm and looking at the group. « May I help you in your quest ? »
-« We wonder if you can tell us where to find a Kacchan, » Banjo speaks, and the monk giggles in response.
-« Well of course I could. After all, that is one of the things that are constant in here: this All Might shrine and… » he points at a plain of trees in a distance. « Kacchan. »
-« In fact, he has been spending a lot of time there recently. It’s very beautiful. »
The vestiges bow to the monk, who dismisses them and thanks to them for helping Izuku grow and fulfill his dream.
-« Sometimes, I really hate myself. » Yoichi says out of the blue, the group is approaching the location the monk gave them, the 1st and 2nd hanging on the back ( Well, it was mostly the 2nd keeping up with Yoichi’s frail body.)
-« What do you mean ? » the other says beside him, the annoyance seeping through.
-« I… my brother and I, …. We cursed you guys. We started this conflict as brother banter and look where it led… Many innocents were used and manipulated, we caused you guys to die so early. Even this starry-eyed kid, turned him into a doubtful, ruthless beast. If only, if only we hadn’t been bo.. »
-« Don’t you dare say that! » The other cut him off sharply.
The first looks up at his companion, he was frowning: « After everything you’ve been through, how you fought against your brother’s anger and torture, and you say this? OFA might be cursed, the two power have started a cycle that has been going on for years. However, it has only led to here. Us together, this kid, the future of Quirks, it all led to this penultimate moment. If it weren’t for your resolve, do you think there would be someone to fight your brother? You gave us power, hope. A,d just like that monk said, thanks to your power this kid’s dream came true. It was a blessing for the quirkless. You saved them. So… Don’t you dare wish yourself harm. » He hissed the last words, looking ahead with a frown.
Yoichi just stared, the warmth and happiness from that day blooming in his guts once again. That day when they walked into his cell and reached his hand for him.
-« Want to fight your brother or die here like a wimp ? » the words were harsh, and it would’ve hurt him if it weren’t for their owner’s sincere eyes.
Yoichi snorts, taking his fan and waving it up in the air: « You are really amazing, my valiant hero. »
The 2nd rolls his eyes.
-« HOLY FUCKING SHIT. »A scream comes from the front, the two looks at each other before they rush up to where the others have already made it to the top of the hill
-« HEY, WHAT HAPPENED? »*
-« Is everyone okay? »
They freeze in their place when their eyes catch what had Banjo screaming
In the center of the field of cherry blossom trees, sweet songbirds whispering their melodies in a distance stands the large mahogany doors
There was no room or house, the door floating above the ground, collecting the downpour of flowing petals
-« How pretty! » Nana awes, her heart beating faster at the romantic setting
Hikage comes forth to collect his shocked friend, they didn’t expect such a breathtaking display of emotions to be set up here.
From this distance, he can easily read the ruby incrustation near the lock.
Kacchan. It read.
-« We found it. » First murmurs, admiring the scenery in amazement. He had seen a good deal of places on his travels with 2nd and 3rd. Some were prettier than others, but this… It felt so intimate.
-« Alright, stand up… » he hears the voice of 3rd. « You wanted to be here, didn’t you? Now push that door and let us get over with it,» he commanded the BalckWhip user, the man breathing in and out and walking forward.
Using all his strength he pulled at the doorknob, the gate opening wide with a wave of petals.
The users enter.
The first memory they see through the screen of Deku’s eyes is of the back of a young child. His blonde hair sticking in odd directions, spiky and glistening with sweat and dirt
The kid seemed to be holding Deku’s hand, dragging him along as he talked his ears off about the sky, the clouds, the cool adventure he had in the forest yesterday, and how cool All Might’s last rescue mission is
He was quite energetic, pointing at everything and anything and jumping on the balls of his feet as he walked them together.
Yoichi looked at the child, feeling a strange sense of familiarity and a warmth in his guts. It was coming from the successor. And they were feelings that Yoichi related with on a personal level.
Deku giggles at something his friend said. They start laughing together.
The scenery shifts.
Now it’s of the same blonde hair, now walking away from them. He was slouched forward and never looking back at him.
They could feel the frustration within the boy. It was overwhelming to ignore. The insecurities and fears.
They had never felt such hurt coming from their successor.
-« What the hell? » Banjo whispers between them when the scene changes again.
Sceneries start to play before them like a camera roll: The same view of the same blond youth’s back, getting further and further until they hear those hurtful words: « Shitty Quikless nerd. »
-« Yoichi, are you okay? »
-« Huh… » he looks at his partner, finally noticing the damp trails falling down his cheeks. « He feels so much pain and yet... »
-« His resolve only grew. » 2nd completes the thought, a frown knitting his brows.
He was skeptical
The scenes stop flying by and shadows of events come by in succession: A notebook in a puddle, a moving shadow, a broad back, the asphalt of the street, and the same blond hair stuck in a goo
Suddenly, the ground under their feet cracks and they are free falling.
-« What the… »
-« HOLD TIGHT ! »
-« What is happening? »
-« Leader !!! »
-« Yoichi, hold on to me. »
-« Yes !! »
You can be a hero too.
-« Toshinori ?! » Nana gasps, watching the rundown of her disciple training the 9th. The days of welding their bond tighter and tighter.
Motherly pride blooms in her chest.
Other memories of the 9th follow them as they fall deeper into this endless abyss: his training with All Might, his receiving of OFA, his mother’s proud face when he reached his dream, the friends he made in UA, his classmates, their adventures and struggles, fights and conversations.
And all those memories, every single one of them, be it in the background or the forefront of it, that head of the blonde stood out. Always in full focus, never missing from the boy’s eyes.
The only one who can accept your feelings right now is me !!!
You were always there, even closer than All Might; MY IMAGE OF VICTORY !!!
I have lost control of OFA, reaching 8% suddenly.
You have the greatest hero backing you up. Better not fail.
The last sentence wasn’t in their successor’s voice, it was gruffer and almost pained.
Suddenly their feet land on the solid ground again, the abruptness of this boy’s emotions was so jarring to the point that Shinomori had to hold back the need to throw up from motion sickness.
Kacchan
Kacchan !
Kacchaaaannn >_<
Kacchan.
They are looking through the boy’s eyes again. He was running somewhere. It was winter, seeing from the puffs of air coming from his mouth. He walks through an empty hallway, they could feel the delighted smile stretching on his face.
He only stops when they see that board back and blonde hair.
-« Kacchan !!! I am sorry I left you waiting. » He greets the other, still looking at his back.
The blond groans and he finally turns around, looking at their successor and revealing his face to the vestiges.
-« Shitty Deku; always in the nick of time. »
The vestiges standstill; all staring in various levels of shock at the face of their successor’s love.
A thud.
-« Oh my God, Yoichi-san are you okay? » Nana rushes to their senpai, the man had fallen to the ground at once with no warning. « Is your body not handling this? Is it his face, I know it’s.. » she freezes at the wet chuckle coming from him.
Yoichi had at some point started crying, fat tears rolling down his face as he gave his widest smile ever: « This is it !! This is actually it !!! This is what OFA was waiting for Hahahaha. It’s really the time. We have waited so long but it’s finally here. » He laughs happily, his shoulders shaking from the weights of his grateful sobs. « We actually made it, my hero. We did. » He looks up the taller man, still staring at the living, talking copy of himself. « Our story will finally reach its conclusion with them. »
The other man looks down at his partner on the floor, then a wide grin appears on his face.
-« Yeah, we are finally here, Yoichi. We are finally here, baby. » He crouches to the other’s level and secures him in a tight hug which Yoichi reciprocates eagerly.
The users from 4 to 8 just stare at the intimate display of affection, genuinely confused by what the hell their two senpais were talking about.
I mean, they all knew the two must’ve had a thing or two back before they died, it was in your face from all the mushy eyes and soft touches. But this? What is all this?
Banjo in particular was thrown into a loop, he never expected THE Kacchan to be a blond, short-fused brat. This was what the boy was jealous of to the point of releasing a new quirk? The hell?
Shinomori tries to hide his surprise, but it comes to hit him at full force the moment he sneaks a look at the 3rd for answers only to see the man rolling his eyes so damn hard and looking so done with the afterlife.
The confused vestiges just continue staring between the 1st and 2nd and the screen before them; which has started to shift sceneries all the while.
However, now the blond boy’s face was in every single one of them instead of his back: Glaring at him, challenging him, yelling at him for being too fidgety in class, bringing him a lunch box one day, training him and his quirks with no restraints, staring at him as he was pinned to the ground in the restraints of Blackwhip.
-« Well congratulations, shit nerd. You finally caught me. » He says breathless, looking up at them with a sultry glance.
-« JESUS CHRIST. MY QUIRK IS NOT FOR THIS KINKY SHIT !!! » Banjo screams in horror, all the adults fully aware of the implications of that look.
They watch as other scenes play before them, the 1st now safely held in the hand of the 2nd. En was the first to notice.
-« Didn’t his face change ? » he speaks into the silent group.
-« Now that you mention it, his face looks odd the more we watch. » Nana ponders, contemplating the small profile of the boy as their successor is swarmed by the attention of his other friends: « It’s becoming softer. »
-« More loving. He is starting to care. » the 2nd elaborates on those thoughts, a knowing gleam in his eyes. « Or maybe he always cared, and never accepted it. And now,… he just can’t hold back anymore. »
Nana looks at her senpai, fully taking the way the two firsts are looking at the pair, almost like they were themselves on that screen.
And then it hits her, the knowledge of what it’s really about.
The light around them goes off. The boy is switching emotions again.
KACCHAAAAAN
The ground quakes at the intensity of the scream, the hairs on their bodies standing at the raw feeling of distress that suffocated them in the pitch darkness.
The screen zeroes on one thing: The blond boy, Kacchan, was sprawled mid-air. Three spicks piercing through his body and protruding clean off his back, the splatter of blood and sway of the wind raining in slow motion and dancing at the boy’s vision.
They watch as the spikes withdraw from his torso, pulling back and the boy throws up blood falling back and out of their vision.
His lips moved, he said something. They couldn’t hear it over the static in their successor’s head.
Then all they see is red. Boiling anger just takes over all their senses and Nana remembers what happened after.
-« So this was what made him fully break… » She murmured biting her lip in guilt, now knowing what drove their boy to the edge and knowing what she does now, it felt all the more tragic.
The blackness jus thugs them from all sides, and they start hearing murmurs in their successor’s voice.
You are weak. Everyone got hurt because you couldn’t do anything.
Kacchan. Kacchan almost died? What should I do if he dies? What should I do? I won’t be able to keep up. I will lose it. I can’t. I CAN’T !!!!
You were no match for Shigaraki.
AFO is after you alone. It was a mistake to drag Kacchan and everyone into this. You can’t put them in danger anymore.
Leave. We should leave. To protect whom we love, our dearest, we SHOULD leave.
The screens have started to shift randomly, a chaotic movement of rotation and oscillation making Shinomori green in the face.
The kid’s thoughts continue to run a mile a second :
We should leave.
Leave letters to everyone, explain everything. Come clean and show your appreciation to them.
Mom, I need to talk to mom.
All Might will help me. He will understand. He has to.
What about Kacchan? He won’t like a letter. He will burn it on sight.
Talk to him?
NO, we will hesitate.
Then what?
.
.
.
Leave him notebook 13.
I wish we had more time.
The shifting stops. The vestiges are now standing on the aftermath of a battleground.
I wish we had more chances.
The wreckage of buildings and cries of help resounding around them.
But I am going to do my best.
They recognize some of the faces standing around. Deku’s classmates.
Because I want the day to come,...
They look at the front, at the center of a giant crater, two fists were held high.
The day where I can let it all out freely.
-« This… isn’t a memory. » The shadow of All Might speaks.
And show you what I really feel.
-« We did it. We did it, Deku. » Kacchan smiles at his partner, his hands were sore from quirk overuse ut he never felt happier. This was it, it was over. They defeated AFO together and now Deku can finally be the hero he always wished to be.
-« Yes, Kacchan. » the tattered green-haired hero sighs, putting down his fist and wobbling over to his partner. « We did it. Together. »
-« Whahmmph. »
I want us to be together until the end of time, Kacchan Nitsuki.
Deku jolts awake.
-« Midoriya-shonen, what is it ? Did you sense something? » He recognizes the voice of All Might talking to him from the driver’s seat.
Ah, he was catching up on 3 weeks of sleep on the back of All Might’s vehicle. Great.
He sits up in his place, rubbing his eyes with the heel of his palms.
His gloves come out wet.
Ah, he had had the same dream again. That innocent fantasy that one day, he will have the fairy tale ending as the greatest hero in the world.
-« Midoriya-shonen… » he hears the voice of his mentor once again, strained with worry.
He wipes at his tears fast.
-« Nothing All Might. I just woke up after having enough rest. I guess I’ll just go out and look around. Please stay hidden. » he says while collecting his backpack and flying off.
All Might sighs, splaying on his car seat.
His disciple was whimpering in his sleep. He knew from the beginning that the boy was suffering, mentally and physically. After the war, and especially after leaving UA without a word, his state has only digressed.
And All Might couldn’t help but feel a sense of guilt towards him. Towards the bright-eyed boy that he once knew.
But he was also aware that Midoriya isn’t the same. He was missing an important half of himself.
A half that he gave up for the greater good.
All Might closes his eyes, praying with a heavy heart, along with the other users that very soon there will be hope.
Very soon, there will be light for the young hero.