Chapter Text
After the world hero mission, Izuku returned to his home country, his body marked with the scars of battles fought in the name of peace. His classmates, too, bore the physical remnants of their heroic endeavors. However, these injuries paled in comparison to the enduring bonds forged during their time abroad.
Despite the toll of the mission, the thought of reconnecting with Rody, his newfound friend from Otheon, filled Izuku with a sense of joy. The connection they had established during their journey to Klayd had grown into a deep camaraderie. Rody's unwavering support had been a beacon of light during Izuku's emotional moments.
Even when Izuku found himself falsely accused of mass murder, Rody's lighthearted humor served as a comforting refuge. In the midst of adversity, their friendship blossomed, each shared joke becoming a testament to the strength of their bond. The weight of Izuku's worries seemed to dissipate whenever Rody was around, a testament to the healing power of true companionship.
Their paths diverged after saving the world together, but distance did little to diminish the connection between Izuku and the auburn-haired teenager. They kept in touch through messages and calls. The memories of their shared experiences served as a foundation, allowing their bond to withstand the challenges of separation.
As the echoes of victory settled in the aftermath of the war against All For One and Shigaraki, Izuku found solace in the continuous exchanges with Rody. Their bond, nurtured through messages and calls, had become a lifeline in the turbulent aftermath of the heroic battle. Rody, fueled by his own determination, had even invested in a phone with the money he had saved, a gesture that spoke volumes about the sincerity of their connection.
The initial seven months were filled with the shared joy of victories, the relief of overcoming challenges, and the simple pleasure of daily conversations. Izuku, who was known for his keen observation, couldn't help but notice a profound change in the dynamics of their communication after the war. While the heroes had emerged triumphant, it seemed that something within the fabric of his friendship with Rody had shifted.
In the wake of the war, as peace settled upon the world, Izuku began to scrutinize the details of their conversations. What caught his attention was a conspicuous hiatus in Rody's online presence. Three days before the victory, Rody had gone offline for an entire week. This revelation stirred a sense of confusion within Izuku, who had grown accustomed to the regularity of Rody's encouraging messages during the height of the conflict.
As Izuku delved into the messages exchanged during that period, a subtle transformation became apparent. It was as if the week of silence had become a turning point, leaving an indelible mark on Rody. The once-familiar messages carried a nuanced difference, and Izuku sensed a change in Rody that went beyond the surface.
The mystery of that one-week absence hung in the air, prompting Izuku to wonder about the events that transpired during that time. Was it a personal struggle? A moment of reflection? Or perhaps, an external influence that left an imprint on Rody's outlook? Izuku, ever perceptive, couldn't shake the feeling that something significant had unfolded during that period.
Izuku also noticed a shift in his friendship with Rody. Attempts to celebrate through calls or even acknowledge Izuku's birthday were met with consistent excuses from Rody. The change extended beyond words – where once Rody shared selfies with his siblings, he now sent pictures of random objects, purposefully excluding his own image.
This shift raised genuine concern for Izuku. When he pointed it out, Rody adeptly sidestepped the issue with excuses, leaving Izuku feeling a growing uncertainty about the state of their friendship. The absence of Rody's face in their exchanges became a poignant symbol of the uncharted territory their relationship was navigating in the aftermath of their heroic triumph.
Rody 💫
R- *attached data*
I- aww there she is my favourite bird! Haven't seen her in a while
R- yeah you're absolutely getting spammed with Pino pictures today
I- how about I get spammed with Rody pictures instead? :D
Read
I- Could you quit disappearing on me whenever I mention seeing your face
R- oh sorry didn't meant to ignore you, was dealing with a table, they wanted more drinks, what about you hero, ever drank before?
It was quintessentially Rody – always skillfully changing the subject when faced with something he didn't want to discuss. Izuku found himself frustrated by this tendency, a gnawing feeling that perhaps Rody was growing distant. The thought tugged at Izuku's emotions, leaving him in a state of quiet contemplation.
Another noticeable change in their dynamic was the dwindling frequency of Rody's voicemessages. In the aftermath of the war, when UA students had gained some much-needed free time, the absence of those familiar audio snippets became more pronounced. Izuku, staring at his laptop, found himself drawn to the idea of bridging the physical gap that seemed to widen between them.
With a determined resolve, Izuku found himself on a quest for reassurance. He started exploring flight bookings, and without much hesitation, typed "Otheon" into the search bar. Selecting the earliest available flight, Izuku resolved to see Rody in person. If words couldn't bridge the emotional distance, perhaps a face-to-face meeting could provide the solace Izuku sought.
Prior to Rody's one-week disappearance, a series of events unfolded, causing his sudden absence. Let's delve into the circumstances that preceded his unexpected offline period.
In the bustling atmosphere of Stanleyk's Bar, Rody immersed himself in his work, tirelessly striving to financially support his siblings. His unwavering dedication aimed to offer them the kind of childhood he had missed out on, driven by the realization that his father had sacrificed himself for their well-being. This newfound understanding transformed Rody's perspective, replacing any lingering grudges with a poignant sense of longing for his departed dad.
The scars left by the HumanRise terrorist organization, responsible for his father's demise, still haunted Rody. Despite the organization's leader, Flectturn, facing justice and imprisonment, some members remained at large. Rody's smoldering anger against these remnants manifested in his steadfast refusal to serve any HumanRise-affiliated customers. This principled stance often led to heated arguments, a situation understood by his boss, Stanleyk.
While Rody's occasional clashes with patrons tested Stanleyk's patience, the bartender's exceptional skills and undeniable popularity among customers shielded him from serious reprimand. Despite the underlying tension, Stanleyk recognized Rody's commitment to his family and the internal struggle he faced, creating a complex dynamic within the bar's vibrant ambiance.
As the clock struck 2 am, Rody meticulously wrapped up his duties, methodically sweeping the bar's floor. The rhythmic swish of the broom accompanied his soft humming of a tune cherished by his siblings. The lyrics of the song echoed through the nearly empty bar, a sentimental melody that spoke volumes about Rody's connection with his family.
Engrossed in his task, Rody was taken by surprise when he noticed a mysterious figure leaning casually against the counter. The stranger, whom Rody had failed to notice until now, sported a mischievous grin as they interrupted his humming with a soft, teasing voice that hung in the quiet atmosphere of the late hour. The unexpected encounter added an intriguing twist to the otherwise routine closing ritual, leaving Rody curious about the stranger's presence in the dimly lit bar.
The unexpected comment on his humming disrupted Rody's routine, causing the broom to slip through his fingers and clatter onto the floor. Startled, Rody turned his attention to the source—a mysterious figure leaning against the counter, their face unfamiliar in a bar where Rody prided himself on recognizing almost every customer.
"Nice song," the stranger remarked. Rody, slightly taken aback, managed a quick "Uhm, thanks." The late-night silence lingered between them until the stranger broke it with an innocuous inquiry about getting a drink, seemingly unaware that last call had already passed 30 minutes ago.
"If you want a drink, I'm afraid we called last call half an hour ago, buddy," Rody responded. The stranger, realizing the situation, questioned, "Oh, so that's why you're cleaning up?" Unbeknownst to them, Rody's inner thoughts betrayed a hint of annoyance, What's the deal with this guy? Of course, I'm cleaning up.
Offering a polite but slightly exasperated response, Rody confirmed, "Well, yeah." The exchange left an air of curiosity hanging in the dimly lit bar, as Rody continued to navigate the peculiar encounter with the enigmatic customer during the late-night cleanup.
The uncomfortable silence persisted, and finally, the stranger began to turn toward the door. Rody felt a sense of relief as the mysterious figure made his way out, but just as the door was about to close, the stranger dropped words that sent a chill down Rody's spine.
"Should finish up soon, don't want to keep your siblings waiting in the trailer~" The innocuous comment froze Rody in place. A shiver ran down his spine, and a knot of fear tightened in his stomach. His mind raced with a whirlwind of questions – "Who is this guy?" "How does he know I live in a trailer?" But the most pressing question echoed, "Why does he know my siblings are in the trailer!"
Before Rody could gather his thoughts and approach the stranger, he had vanished. The air in the bar seemed thicker with uncertainty as Rody, momentarily paralyzed by an unsettling mix of fear and confusion, watched the door close behind the mysterious visitor.
Ignoring his duties at the bar, Rody's instinctive concern overrode everything else. It didn't matter if the guy was playing a twisted prank; he needed to ensure his siblings' safety. With a sense of urgency propelling him, Rody sprinted out, grabbed his bike, and pedaled through the deserted streets in the dead of night.
Balancing on his bike with one hand, he tried to call Roro's emergency phone, desperate for answers, but there was no response. The combination of anxiety and the darkened streets heightened Rody's determination as he raced towards his trailer, a palpable fear lingering in his body language. The rhythmic pedal strokes were accompanied by a gnawing uncertainty, each turn of the wheels bringing him closer to the unknown awaiting him at home.
"Fuck!" Rody's exclamation echoed through the night as beads of sweat formed on his forehead, accelerated by the adrenaline pumping through his veins. He navigated the streets at a breakneck pace, causing annoyed honks from passing cars, but Rody couldn't care less about the disapproval of other drivers. Pino, his loyal companion, fluttered anxiously by his side, emitting worried chirps that only heightened Rody's stress.
After what felt like an eternity of racing against time, Rody skidded to a stop at his destination. He tossed his bike to the ground, the harsh metallic clang emphasizing the urgency of the situation. With a pounding heart, he sprinted towards the trailer door. As his trembling hand reached for the doorknob, a sinking feeling settled in his gut – the door didn't budge. Panic gripped Rody as he frantically jiggled the handle, the lack of movement sending shivers down his spine.
"Lala! Roro! Are you inside?" Rody's urgent plea filled the night air, the worry evident in his voice. The silence that followed was deafening, each passing second amplifying the uncertainty that gnawed at him. Pino's concerned chirps mirrored the anxious rhythm of Rody's heartbeat, the once familiar surroundings of his trailer now taking on an unsettling and foreboding atmosphere.
"I'm gonna break the window; don't stand in front of it!" Rody urgently warned, the muffled noises from inside the trailer fueling his desperation. With a deep breath, he braced himself and unleashed a series of forceful blows to the window, each strike met with a dull thud. Frustration and anxiety overwhelmed him, his knuckles beginning to bleed from the relentless assault.
Realizing the futility of his efforts, Rody called out to Pino, his loyal bird, in a plea for assistance. Swiftly responding, Pino arrived with a stone clasped in her beak. Rody, recognizing the potential solution, took the stone and hurled it against the window. The glass shattered, offering a pathway into the trailer.
Using his slender frame to his advantage, Rody slipped through the broken window, his heart pounding with a mix of relief and fear. The cramped space inside the trailer revealed a scene that shook him to the core – his siblings, Lala and Roro, were bound not with ropes but with duct tape that tightly encased their hands and legs. Lala's tear-streaked face conveyed her distress, while Roro, shaking his head, signaled urgently for Rody to leave.
Determined to free them, Rody knelt down and began working to remove the duct tape, his hands trembling not only from the urgency of the situation but also from a deep-seated self-loathing that had haunted him for years. As he struggled with the sticky adhesive, he couldn't help but curse his own body, feeling a profound resentment towards its limitations.
The reflection of his physical shortcomings played like a broken record in his mind. Rody had always despised his thin and small stature, wishing for a body that could match the strength and resilience needed to protect his loved ones. The relentless punches against the window had only intensified the pain in his already battered fists, a painful reminder of the inadequacies he felt within himself.
As he peeled away more stripes of duct tape, his attention was drawn to the device duct-taped to Roro's leg. The ominous beeping commenced the moment Rody forcefully removed it. It dawned on him with chilling clarity – it was a bomb. Time seemed to freeze as the gravity of the situation hit Rody. Despite the shock and the nagging voice of self-doubt, he couldn't afford to freeze in a moment like this. Adrenaline surged through his veins, and with a newfound determination, Rody's mind raced, contemplating the next steps to ensure the safety of his siblings and defuse the imminent threat that had invaded their lives.
Rody's panic escalated into a frenzied rush as he desperately tried to free Lala and Roro from the constricting grip of the duct tape. Pino, sensing the urgency, fluttered around, trying to lend assistance, but even with the bird's help, Rody struggled. The relentless beeping of the bomb grew steadily faster, echoing the acceleration of his heartbeat.
"Fuck, fuck!! Why won't you get off?!" Rody's frustration escalated with each futile attempt, amplifying the stress in the cramped space of the trailer. Lalas' muffled cries and Roro's distressed pleas only added to the intensity of the situation.
Amidst the chaos, Rody's focus shifted as the bomb's ticking intensified, signaling an imminent threat. He ceased his efforts to free his siblings; there was no time. A surge of panic surged through him as he clutched the bomb, realizing the urgency of getting it out of the trailer. With a swift, desperate motion, Rody took the bomb and sprinted towards the door.
Roro's muffled "No!" reached Rody's ears, a heart-wrenching plea that pierced through the chaos. As Rody reached the door, panic clouding his judgment, he didn't even consider the option of throwing the bomb out of the window. Uncertain of the potential blast radius, he opted for the door.
This time, surprisingly, the door yielded with minimal resistance, swinging open under a bit of pressure. Rody, fueled by adrenaline and fear, dashed out. He covered a good 40 meters, his breaths coming in ragged gasps, the insistent beeping still ringing in his ears.
As Rody raised his arm to hurl the bomb away, the explosion erupted in a blinding burst of light and force. The blast was relatively small, but its impact was enough to harm Rody. The shockwave reverberated through him, leaving him disoriented and battered.
Rody's world plunged into darkness as he lost consciousness, collapsing onto the ground with an audible thud. The night bore witness to his prone form, the right side of his face bearing evidence of the explosion – blood seeping from wounds that marred his once defiant visage. An eerie stillness enveloped him, the unconsciousness a temporary escape from the chaos that had unfolded.
Pino, resilient and remarkably conscious, fluttered above the scene. Her keen senses were attuned to the plight of the children still trapped within the confines of the trailer. Undeterred by the surrounding turmoil, Pino darted towards the incapacitated Rody, assessing the situation with a bird's-eye view.
The duct tape, once a binding restraint, became a focal point for Pino. She swiftly descended, her beak and claws proving to be efficient tools. Methodically, she used her claws to rip apart the adhesive that kept the children in the trailer, using her intelligence to navigate the tape's stronghold.
Meanwhile, Roro, still grappling with the echoes of the explosion, remained conscious within the trailer. His eyes welled with tears as he witnessed Pino's determined efforts. The resolute bird, channeling her ingenuity, managed to bike down on the duct tape, using her claws to skillfully rip apart the adhesive that kept the children restrained.
As Roro's own duct tape was expertly removed by Pino, he joined the effort with a sense of urgency and teary-eyed determination. Together, they worked to free Lala from the binds that held her captive. Roro, with trembling hands, carefully removed the tape that sealed her mouth, a silent exchange of relief and gratitude passing between the siblings amidst the remnants of chaos.
"The explosion... where is Rody?" Lala's voice trembled with a mix of fear and desperation as tears streamed down her face. The trauma of the ordeal intensified as she frantically looked around, her heart pounding with worry.
In the dimly lit aftermath, Roro, too, shared her concern. The siblings, bound by their shared distress, ran outside together, searching for any sign of Rody amidst the chaotic aftermath of the blast. The night air hung heavy with the scent of fear, but determination fueled their quest to find their brother.
Soon enough, their eyes fell upon Rody's unconscious form, lying amidst the debris. Relief and anguish mingled as they rushed towards him, their footsteps echoing the urgency of the situation. Roro, a mix of emotions etched across his face, knelt beside his brother, and Lala, her tears flowing freely, clung to Rody's side.
As the siblings embraced their unconscious brother, a somber atmosphere enveloped the scene. The distant sounds of footsteps echoed as some awakened residents, stirred by the explosion, emerged from their homes. Concerned faces turned towards the trio, and a collective realization of the gravity of the situation settled in.
A bystander, witnessing the distress of the siblings, quickly dialed for an ambulance. In the distance, the approaching wail of sirens signaled the impending arrival of help. The night, once marred by chaos, transformed into a stage for the unfolding drama of survival and resilience.
As the ambulance arrived, its flashing lights cutting through the darkness, the paramedics swiftly assessed the situation. Roro and Lala, unwilling to part with their unconscious brother, clung to him, their tears dampening Rody's chest.
"You're such an idiot! Wake up, Rody, please!" Roro's voice wavered between frustration and anguish, his words laced with sobs that echoed the turmoil in his heart. The harsh reality of the situation weighed heavily on him, and the plea for his brother's awakening resonated through the night.
Lala, too, joined in the desperate chorus, her voice trembling with a mixture of fear and love. "Don't call him an idiot... big brother, please wake up. Rody, please!" The siblings clung to hope, their pleas echoing in the quiet aftermath of the explosion.
The urgency of the moment escalated as the paramedics swiftly and skillfully maneuvered Rody onto the waiting ambulance stretcher. Their practiced movements contrasted sharply with the siblings' raw emotions, but the medics understood the gravity of the situation. Roro and Lala, unwilling to leave Rody's side, stood beside him with tear-stained faces, their hands reaching out as if to anchor him back to consciousness.
Observing the unwavering determination of the siblings, the medics made a swift decision. Recognizing the emotional bond and the need for familial support, they gestured for Roro and Lala to accompany Rody inside the ambulance. The doors closed with a soft thud, cocooning the trio in the sterile environment of the vehicle.
Inside, the siblings huddled close to Rody, their hands brushing against each other as if seeking solace in their shared touch. The ambient hum of the ambulance's engine provided an uneasy backdrop to the siblings' whispered pleas and intermittent sobs. The paramedics, though focused on their medical duties, couldn't help but sense the profound connection between the trio.
As the ambulance sped through the night, the rhythm of the road became a metronome for their collective worry. The flashing lights outside flickered in time with the siblings' breaths, creating a surreal atmosphere within the confined space. The uncertainty of Rody's condition lingered like an unspoken fear, but amidst the shadows of the unknown, the siblings clung to each other, their collective love and shared pain becoming the emotional anchor in the midst of the medical emergency.
The next day arrived with a glimmer of hope as Rody stirred from his unconsciousness. The hospital room, bathed in the sterile glow of morning light, greeted him as he sat up, disoriented. The first words that escaped his lips were filled with concern.
"L-lala... Roro, where are—" Rody's words trailed off as he glanced down at the hospital bed. There, in a tender display of familial love, Lala and Roro were peacefully sleeping, their heads resting against the bed, and Lala's hand tightly holding onto Rody's even in her slumber.
A soft smile touched Rody's lips as he took in the sight of his siblings. Relief washed over him, and he couldn't help but marvel at the strength they had shown during the traumatic events of the previous night.
"Thank God you guys are well," he murmured, his voice a whisper of gratitude that echoed in the quiet hospital room. His gaze lingered on Lala and Roro, their peaceful sleep a reassuring balm to his wounded soul.
Driven by a surge of affection, Rody carefully went through Roro's hair, his fingers gently patting his brother's head. The tender gesture stirred Roro from his own dreams, his eyes fluttering open in confusion before recognition dawned. A warm smile spread across Rody's face, mirrored by Roro's as he gazed at his brother. Sensing the gentle shake, Lala stirred, her eyes slowly fluttering open.
"Lala, wake up! Wake up, Rody's up. He woke up!" Roro's urgent voice filled the hospital room, slicing through the remnants of sleep that clung to Lala. Her eyes fluttered open, adjusting to the daylight filtering through the room. The excitement in Roro's voice reverberated, and she turned to see Rody sitting upright, confusion etching his features.
Rody, still groggy from his recent awakening, looked at Roro in confusion. Something seemed amiss. Unbeknownst to him, he instinctively reached out to his ear, trying to grasp the source of the disquiet that lingered in the air. Lala, now fully awake, took in the scene and rushed to Rody's side, her heart pounding with a mix of relief and joy.
"You're awake! Finally!" she exclaimed, her voice filled with both elation and emotion. Overwhelmed by the surge of emotions, she couldn't help but sob as she enveloped Rody in a tight embrace. Her arms, a haven of comfort, encircled him, the tears a testament to the worry that had gripped her during his unconscious hours.
As Rody embraced Lala, his confusion persisted. His attention shifted to his ear, the focal point of his disquiet. The touch of his own hand only deepened the mystery, and a furrow creased his brow. Roro, noticing Rody's confusion, joined the siblings, his concern mirroring Lala's.
"Your ear? What's wrong with it?" Roro inquired, his gaze fixed on Rody's puzzled expression. The trio, caught in the paradox of relief and uncertainty, awaited an explanation that would unravel the mystery behind Rody's confusion.
Roro's inquiry hung in the air, but Rody remained inattentive, his gaze fixed on the floor, fingers still tracing the contours of his ear as if seeking an answer to an unspoken question. It was as if the world around him had momentarily blurred, leaving only the puzzle of his own ear for him to contemplate.
"What?" Rody finally responded, his voice distant, eyes locked on his own hand as it explored the unfamiliar territory of his ear. His disconnect from the moment was palpable, a disconcerting shift from the joyous reunion that had filled the room just moments before. Lala, sensing the sudden change, released her embrace, concern etching her features as she looked up at Rody.
Roro, his initial concern now escalating, pressed on with a tremor in his voice. "Can you hear me?" he asked, hoping for a reassurance that the thread connecting them had not frayed. Rody, however, remained absorbed in his own contemplation, his focus fixated on his bruised finger.
As realization dawned on Roro, a shadow of unease crept into his voice. "Rody?" he called out, his words now carrying a note of urgency. The room, once filled with the warmth of shared relief, now echoed with the weight of uncertainty. The concern etched on Roro's face mirrored the growing unease that began to envelop the trio.
Rody finally lifted his gaze to meet Roro's eyes, a flicker of vulnerability momentarily breaking through the facade of reassurance he sought to maintain. Deep down, he understood the implications of his own silence, but a protective instinct urged him not to burden his siblings with worry.
"Hey, Roro, can you get the nurse with Lala together?" Rody's voice, though calm, carried a hint of strain as he made the request. Roro, torn between concern and the desire to support his brother, hesitated for a moment before nodding. Taking Lala's hand, he walked out of the room, gently closing the door behind him. Unbeknownst to Rody, the soft click of the closing door was lost to him in the silent world that enveloped him.
Alone in the quiet hospital room, Rody confronted the reality that had unfolded with his sudden awakening. "I... I can't hear," he admitted, the weight of those words echoing through the room. The vulnerability he had momentarily concealed now surfaced, his eyes betraying a mixture of confusion and apprehension.
The once-familiar sounds of the world had become elusive, slipping through his grasp like sand. The silence that enveloped him was profound, accentuating the gravity of the situation. Rody, now left alone with his thoughts, grappled with the fear that lingered in the shadows – the fear of losing a sense that connected him to the world and the people he loved.
"I lost my hearing..?"