Chapter Text
Chapter 1: Taken
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"Hmm, what do we have here?"
A dark figure approached, crouching down to get a good look at his two prisoners. An angered green haired woman and an unconscious boy, the true prize of tonight. His eyes lingered towards the greenette’s angered look, shamelessly taking the time to look down at her curvaceous figure. The unknown fiend smirked at the audible growl and couldn’t help it when he ran his hand through the loose strand of hair, inhaling the soft scent.
“I heard you took down some of my guys,” he hums, “Very strong…and beautiful.” Inko aims to head butt the man but he dogdges the attempt.
The figure chuckles, taking note of her red stained lips. “So what do they call you my lovely?” A bloody spit to the face is her response.
“My, how amusing. She’s still lively I see, I wonder if I can help with that?” a hand reaches for her jaw, pinning her to the wall. Inko thought she heard a crack at the resounded thud. Before Inko could retaliate, there is a soft groan of awakening to her side.
Inko attempts to shift out of the grip to reach for Izuku, who she had grown worried when first gazing upon his motionless small figure. Her son had rough rope keeping his arms to his back while Inko’s appear to be cuffs meant for cancelling quirks. These men knew something she didn’t and Inko hoped that they still have a chance to get out of there before they separated. If only…
The offending hand finally releases its forceful hold. “Seems like our main guest has awaken, little Izuku I presume?”
At the unfamiliar voice, Izuku jolted awake. He wasn’t sure what he had been seeing first, unsure why his mother looked panicked. It almost felt like a nightmare before he realized it is a reality. He took in his surroundings, zeroing in on his mother’s cuffs. For a brief moment, everything hit him all at once. His memories finally catching up to their predicament.
They were kidnapped in broad daylight.
Inko doesn’t like the implications being spoken by their kidnapper. These men’s motive was to capture her son? But why?
The man nods towards a tall red headed male, "So, Shin, you’re sure this time? I don’t want another case of the late bloomers if he isn’t Quirkless.”
Shin, the pawn behind him hummed, “Yes sir. Without a doubt, he’s to be quirkless for the rest of his life.” Inko pretended to not hear that comment, instead thinking about what the best way to dispose of the red headed idiot in the most painful way. Yet, burying him alive in cement sounds more alluring.
Izuku, in turmoil at the news, feels his eyes water out of shame and sadness. They were caught because of him and now they are telling him that he’s to be quirkless for life.
They had just been headed to the Bakugo’s house to share some news about some All Might collectibles Izuku had obtained. They soon realized that they may have taken a wrong turn and were just as suddenly surrounded by these strange men. Inko had tried ushering Izuku to stay behind her, when the situation had escalated when a gun was pulled. Luckily Inko was faster and kept them at bay with her quirk, maintaining a distance between the men and them. A second too long was all the men needed before she lost sight of her son, suddenly in the hands of the one Inko assumed had expired. To her surprise, the pawn’s quirk was an illusion type. Probably what had caused them to take a wrong turn into the awaiting street.
A bag was swiftly placed over Inko's head before she could react while one of them quieted the small 3-year-old. They were to be pulled away in a dark van, quickly disappearing without a trace.
"Aww, it’s alright kiddo.” Izuku hiccuped, “Maybe you’ll finally be with dear old dad. Wherever the hell he is, hahahaha.” Inko gritted her teeth, disliking where this is going.
“You should learn to expect this from the type of shitty society we live in. Seeing first hand what kind of people exist is probably the only way you can survive in this superhuman society. Speaking of heroic society, have you ever noticed how corrupt it is? It’s a fact that most gangs have dwindled to pickpocketers or measly vandalism. Things that get us criminals nowhere.” he monologued.
“...Trafficking, however, is exactly where the money’s at. Quirks are of great value to us underground criminals, especially to government officials and those looking to rule over those lesser quirked. Knowing the right people gets you some good connections in this society. Sometimes from those glorified heroes you look up to,” He paused in his speech, realizing that he began rambling again.
"Heh, I’ll leave you two for now while I go have a chat with my associate. They appear to have a high price on your quirkless brat," he ended his one-sided conversation but not before taking one more immodest glance. Soon walking out of the room with the-soon to be dead-pawn following close behind.
Inko huffed a curse, turning to comfort her weeping son, "Izu, it’s okay sweetheart. Greenbean?" She reaches as much as she can with her cuffed hands. The cuffs were attached to a clip on the floor between her legs, so it took some shifting to be able to press a palm to his face. She doesn’t like how red and bruised her son’s arms were becoming.
"Momma, I’m scared." she patted his tears. Her baby was always a crier but it has never stopped her from providing comfort when she can. She wishes they were at home enjoying a nice dish of Katsu while watching another episode of All Might’s special, but that would have to wait.
With a smile on her lips, she softly states, "We'll be ok sweetheart. I promise that I won’t let anything happen to you, okay? Your momma will get us out of here."
He leaned into her comforting hold nonetheless glad his mother was with him. Inko buried her chin into his green curls, silently promising that she would do anything to keep her son safe. Anything.
She took in her surroundings, noting any interests that could help in their escape. Inko went through her memories, reminding her of a long forgotten life of crime and secrets. If it meant reliving her past to get her and her baby away from here, so be it.
The room itself wasn’t very large and was most likely used as a large closet. Glancing around the room, she noted some large wooden storage containers and metal boxes filled with old rusted car parts. So, some type of warehouse is what Inko thinks, likely an abandoned industrial factory. The drive from the point they were taken from, indicates that they must still be in Musutafu. Probably near the coastline from the slight smell of salt and fish, also the hint of decay. The only area Inko can think of where they may be is Dagoba Beach. Specifically, a location Inko and Izuku know very well.
Catching another glimpse of some of the nearby crates and at those labeled ‘flammable’ in english bold letters, Inko continues to run through some solutions. A glint of something shiny catches her eye. Fragments of glass that lead to the window above, most likely caused by what appears to be remnants of a pigeon mistaking the window as the sky. Inko took in the untidy scenery oncemore and shook her head in disapproval. ‘This is too easy,’ her thoughts shone with a plan.
Her telekinesis quirk would have done quick work at the first step in her escape, but alas the sound of the rhythmic beeps emanating from her shackles reminded her of her predicament. She easily reaches for some glass and cuts through the rope keeping Izuku’s arms and wrists tied before she goes to tamper with her cuffs. Izuku watched anxiously as Inko pulls out a hair pin from her hair, his heart pounding in his chest. He prayed silently that their captors can’t hear the sounds of shuffling.
Not as easily as she hoped but with a pop, the chain tethering her cuffs to the floor loosened after jamming the pin into the notches. The beeping continues but she’s atleast separated from the chain restricting her to the ground. The familiar thrum of her quirk would have to wait for after she bashes the skull of the man who even dared lay a hand on her son. If she had more time and patience she would have unlocked the cuffs. All she could do is sigh in satisfaction at the freedom she now has to be able to do so. She then shifts her son to face her, whispering her next words.
“Izu, do you remember about All Mighty? You know, for what to do when the yellow bunny isn’t here?” a quiet hum of yes reaches her ears, “Do you also remember what you need to do until he gets back?” He hums again with teary eyes. “You think you could be a good boy for me and wait here? I’ll be right back with All Mighty,” This time, a response accompanied by a hesitant whimper. “Don’t be scared baby, momma’s got this. Don’t you think so?” He hesitated momentarily, but an adorably intense gaze crosses his face, and with the newfound confidence, he nodded decisively. Izuku is looking more like her determined little hero.
“That’s my greenbean,” she whispered affectionately, planting a lingering kiss on his forehead. With a subtle gesture, she motioned for Izuku to conceal himself behind a stack of crates. Inko flexed her sore wrists as much as she could, the adrenaline coursing through her fingertips. The foolish kidnappers had neglected to station a guard, a critical oversight on their part.
Once Izuku ran off, Inko rolled her shoulders and cracked her knuckles, ready to create an escape route. She was relieved to finally release some of the pent-up anger she'd been harboring all week. The constant frustrations with Izuku's absent father and rude classmates had been wearing on her nerves. Frankly, she felt these kidnappers deserved whatever was coming to them. Though Inko might be a bit rusty in her tactics, she was confident she could channel some of her anger into action, even with her hands held together by the cuffs. She only hoped she'd have a chance to confront the red-headed one before retrieving her son.
Meanwhile, Izuku, understanding the assignment, slipped into the role of an underground hero whenever a secret mission is given. Recognizing that when playing an underground hero, he must be silent and ready to attack. On the days where he researched the heroes he role plays, Izuku stumbled upon a news article of a mysterious and emerging hero, a figure who swooped in to save the day and then vanished, almost like a ninja in the shadows. The hero bore a distinctive white scarf in every blurry image captured by onlookers. Yet, this mysterious hero never graced television screens or magazine covers. Kacchan of course was disinterested in anyone that wasn’t the number 1 hero. But this didn’t stop Izuku from becoming intrigued by this elusive figure.
He couldn’t help wonder why such a remarkable hero remained away from the spotlight. It wasn't until his mother shared the concept of underground heroes—those that swoop in to save the day without a need for a flashy quirk or any expectant credibility—that the pieces fell into place. Quirks aren’t everything, especially while in wait for a quirk to appear. Izuku would spend nights imitating some of the moves of fighters and heroes in order to be a well rounded hero. Sometimes he would recreate some of All Might’s special moves, which made Kacchan mad-jealous-when Izuku almost defeated him without a quirk. Taking this new realization in, Katsuki began to learn some of his own fighting moves. Izuku was super excited when hearing about this and would offer some of his own feedback, which Katsuki took in without appearing too interested.
Running parallel to his boundless admiration for All Might, Izuku continued to learn as much as he could about underground heroes. The idea of heroes working without a use of a quirk or a weak quirk to save everyone just like All Might fueled his resolve to embody the principles of both worlds in his own heroic journey. Intelligence, strength, and confidence, he realized, could be essential elements that could make a hero capable of saving others.
Taking a page from his mother's playbook, Izuku remained vigilant, keenly observing his surroundings. Unperturbed by the distant cries of distress or what he suspected might be the ominous sound of someone being dragged down the hallway, he focused solely on the present moment. In the realm of heroics, the here and now demanded his undivided attention. Even at the new revelation that he may be quirkless for life, he knew that it is still possible for him to be a hero. Quirk or not, he would become a hero.
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After incapacitating a guard with a swift blow to the head, Inko navigated the maze of crates, her mind racing as she tried to recall the layout of the building. Time was of the essence; she knew they had only minutes before they noticed their disappearance. As she moved stealthily, dispatching any guards in her path, Inko's thoughts turned to her confrontation with the red-headed kidnapper. The thoughts that sprung through of what she would do that man, she is hopeful to share her new methods of torture and eventual death.
In the next area, Inko observed a group of guards engaged in various activities, oblivious to her presence. Two of them are playing a game of Shogi and seem to be in mid conversation, three others are watching some drama. Pretty much laid back and completely vulnerable to any attacks. Good.
“Did ya’ catch the game on Sunday?” one of them boredly said to the other, strategizing their next move before continuing.
The clear winner of the two soon answers after making the follow up move, “Nah, missed it to meet up with Tsumugi.”
The first male, growling at the quick takeover, “Oh? You’re still shacking it up with that woman you met a month ago?”
“Yeah, but I’m thinking of ending it soon,” the almost winner sighs.
“Hah, not working out?” another piece is moved, becoming the resulting win for the other.
Inko doesn’t think she needed to put too much effort to take these guards out, but for the sake of an easy exit. Easily, she reaches into one of the nearest crates and pulls out a plank, tossing the heavy object into the aisle over.
The sound garners their attention. “Ugh, what was that? I swear if its one of the new hires, I’m going to murder them myself,” groaned the loser, moreso at the fact they have to start the game over. “Can one of ya’ll go check it out?”
“Why don’t you go?” stated a woman that was sat at the television.
He snaps, “I’m busy beating this asshole!” The other player chuckles at the idiot while they begin a new game.
“Alright, I’ll go,” answers another that was sat next to the woman. “This show is lame anyways.”
“Heh, you didn’t think so last week when you screamed at Gojo being put in a box.” the woman laughed.
“Whatever,” the male growls and steps away to go inspect the noise.
Inko made quick work, strangling the male with the short chain of her cuffs and then dragging him into a dark corner. The sound of the body hitting the ground soon got the others’ alert. With precision and speed, she took out the guards one by one, clearing another path forward.
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Izuku continued to sit vigilant, imagining his take downs of the villains. He couldn’t wait to see their faces when he beat them up. His mother must be teaching them a thing or two, especially with the angered look she had. The last time she’s ever been that angry was when he told his mom about the new word Kacchan taught him. She wouldn’t stop yelling through the phone and it seemed like even Auntie Mitsuki was scared as well. Izuku could have sworn he heard Auntie speak before she stayed silent. Izuku giggled at the memory of Kacchan-not-being embarrassed when he apologized to Izuku the next morning.
Silently, Izuku scanned his surroundings for the 10th time to see for any new changes, quickly switching positions to keep his cover. He was about to scan the next crate when suddenly, he felt a strange sensation–a pull, unlike anything he’d ever experienced. It was compelling, almost irresistible, urging him to follow it. Almost like he’s been waiting for this pull his whole 3 years of life. Izuku couldn’t identify the feeling, but whatever it was, he needed it. The feeling was hypnotic and proved effective against the child.
Stepping away from his hiding spot, he didn’t realize that the strange hungered sensation was guiding him down the hallway, the opposite direction his mother had gone. Farther and farther down the hall. Without a coherent thought, Izuku drifted in the direction of the pull. The item of interest moved further from him, so he needed to ensure it didn’t go too far.
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Inko finally glimpsed the exit, though she hadn't yet encountered the red-headed kidnapper. Letting out a growl, she knew the anticipated reunion would have to wait a little longer. Retracing her steps, she takes out another 4 guards before returning to the same room.
She lightly taps on a crate, eliciting the secret code for Izuku to come out. After a minute passed with no response, she repeated the sequence, just in case her son hadn't heard. After another, long silent moment, she believed that Izuku was trying to remain hidden so she whispered,“Green bean?” She knocks once more before she finally gives up thinking that Izuku is too focused on being sneaky. Her green bean is such a silly hero.
Yet, as she searched every corner and container in the room, Inko couldn't find him. Panic finally set in as she realized he was nowhere to be seen. With a sense of urgency, she combed the room once, twice more before she turned to face the hallways. She looked both ways and somehow knew he wasn’t in the same direction she cleared.
“Izuku?” she called out, scanning for any signs of his whereabouts. But all she found were the guards she had subdued.
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After a few minutes of navigating the shelves, Izuku found himself in a new area. The sound of footsteps had snapped him out of his daze, and his attention had been drawn to a suitcase that was placed down onto a desk.
He couldn't explain why the suitcase had seemed to glow moments earlier before he shook himself from the trance-like state. Fear gripped him as he realized his mother would soon discover he wasn't where she left him. Izuku struggled to contain a rising panic attack, his mind racing with thoughts of how he would be disappointing his mother and causing more trouble for her. He’s already done enough. Using the dim lighting to his advantage, he cautiously maneuvered through the crates, attempting to head back in the direction of the room.
There were some familiar voices, the two men from before in the direction of the suitcase. He knew that he needed to get out of there, quickly. From the snippets of conversation he could gather, they were speaking about him and his mother.
Almost reaching the entrance to the hallway, a click was heard and the strange feeling returned full force. His head turned without him realizing it, noting the now opened case. There’s such an intense red glow and the feeling of a red gaze staring right at him. Thoughts of returning to the room were slipping and quickly being replaced by the alluring red aura. Though a part of him resisted, reminding him of the danger, Izuku found himself drawn closer. He somehow knew that revealing his position would jeopardize their escape, but his legs continued to lead him without a change in pace.
The hidden item whispered something, something he couldn’t hear unless he got closer. His feet continued, leading him closer and closer to the case. Before he knew it, he was standing before it.
Ignoring the men conversing nearby, Izuku reached his small rounded hands and retrieved a vial of red liquid. The whispered promises were now tempting him, ‘Open me. Give it a try. You will feel better. Do it.’
The red liquid glowed brighter in his hands, blinking in glow as it whispered in the bearer’s hold. Izuku held onto the vial, listening for the instructions and untwisting the lid. The opening touched his lip and turned it to take a small sip. Just a little…
The whispers clouded his ears and he missed the way the men behind him turned and gasped at the sight of the small boy. Without realizing it, Izuku drank the whole thing down and in another second, Inko appeared, yanking her son into her arms.
Their reunion was short-lived as guards surrounded them. She kept Izuku in her arms, glaring at the guards surrounding them.
Their kidnapper's voice was tinged with annoyance. "Well, what a surprise seeing both of you," he remarked, "could you not wait any longer before we invited you to our little gathering? We were about to retrieve you both if you only waited another minute more." Behind him, the red-haired man wore an amused smirk directed at Inko. ‘Bastard’ she thought.
"However," he continued, "it seems like our situation has changed. Both of you may very much be useless to us in only a few moments." Initially, Inko assumed they were about to be disposed of, given their easy escape. But as she observed the gathered men, she realized their eyes were directed elsewhere. Despite her imposing presence, Izuku was at their direct attention.
"Most of the quirkless brats didn’t survive one drop of that vial," he remarked with a chuckle, "I’d bet the whole thing wouldn’t be any better. What a shame, your son seemed promising as much as the others did. At least we can put some use into you since you won’t be burdened by him any longer."
Inko's widened eyes betrayed her internal thoughts, though she refused to entertain his taunts. Her attention shifted to Izuku, who had grown unnaturally damp and cold in her arms. Izuku was shivering and Inko could feel his racing heart. Unaware of the events preceding her arrival, she looked to those around her.
“What did you do to my son!” she snapped, tightening her hold on Izuku.
The kidnapper shrugged. “Oh, I did nothing. Your son set himself up all on his own. He sauntered right over and drank that damn whole thing.” He pointed at the emptied vial on the ground and continued, “I was shocked myself since most children would have run before getting anywhere near that stuff.” It seemed like he was more annoyed at the fact that none of it was left than what was happening to Izuku.
Repositioning Izuku to examine his face, Inko's hands trembled as she ran them through his curls and over his cheek. “Izuku, baby, hey. Mommy’s here, Izuku. Can you wake up for me? Hey!” Her voice cracked with desperation as she stroked his face, hoping for any sign of a response. She knew she must have looked vulnerable, but she couldn’t bear the thought of losing her only family. This couldn’t be happening to her again.
Amidst the tense standoff, no one made a move toward the mother and son. Some stood in anticipation of orders, while others prepared for a potential attack. The main kidnappers granted them a moment before their grim intentions became clear. Izuku’s fate was sealed.
As Izuku took a final, stuttered gasp of breath, his dazed eyes fluttered closed. His body became heavy, slumping against her chest like the impact of a final punch. He moved no more. She felt for a heartbeat, but there was none. He was gone.
Seeing an opportunity to ruin the saddened moment, the main leader remarked, “Damn, at least he lasted longer than the others,” He then motioned for the guards, “Alright, go ahead and restrain her.”
In all directions, tasers and guns were aimed at the silent mother, oblivious to the dark atmosphere. Inko wasted no time, her mood not inclined towards a gentle defense this time. A crowbar materialized from an unknown source, slamming into the first three assailants with a strength they couldn't comprehend. She surged through the crowd, swiftly dispatching anyone who dared to approach too closely.
The next to catch her attention, the smirking red-headed idiot, Shin. Not having anything to stop her line of sight, she made sure to use his frustrating illusion quirk against him. Recalling Izuku's strange fascination with quirks, she lunged towards the area where his quirk manifested. If she acted fast enough, he wouldn't have time to create an illusion.
Blood sprayed in all directions as the crowbar slashed through both of his eyes, blinding him instantly. Inko's eyes burned with fury as she relentlessly attacked his face, slashing and cutting as slowly and deeply. She enjoyed the sound of his anguised screams and sighed at the diminishing sounds.
Once satisfied, she turned her attention to the man responsible for their predicament. For their kidnapping and Izuku’s….
With a growl, she aimed the bloodied tip of the crowbar at his neck and charged forward.
Confusion swept over her as the man remained oddly confident, unmoving since the confrontation began. Suddenly, the crowbar froze in place when it reached high above his head.
“You’re lovely when you’re angry, has anyone ever told you that?” The man taunted, smoothly evading her swing. Inko completed the motion, stumbling as she realized what happened. Taking note of his quirk, she prepared for another strike, before she froze once again. This time, the male takes this as a moment to snatch Izuku from her.
“I wonder what your husband or baby daddy is thinking about right now? Do you think he wonders about you and your son?” He danced around another swing, freezing her once again with his quirk.
“Heh, does he even know he has a kid?” His words struck a nerve, prompting Inko to change her tactic. Instead of going for a full swing, at the last second, she lets the bar go. The bar touches his arm and she is able to swipe a hand into his coat pocket, taking hold of the hidden blade. She had caught the glint and had figured out how his quirk worked. Inko has dealt with worse to know when a quirk is weaker than it looks.
With a deft maneuver, she drove his own blade into his chest. “You shouldn’t have messed with my son.”
She relished in the snap of his rib, twisting the blade and diving it deeper into his lungs. Spitting in his face, she shoved him to the ground but not before removing her son from his hold. She watched as the man grew confused, clutching at his chest in a futile attempt to staunch the bleeding. His quirk, which protected him from anything not touching him, failed him in his final moments. He bled out pathetically before Inko's eyes, his eyes becoming glazed and breath silent.
Izuku still limp in her arms, Inko placed a tender kiss on his curls before navigating through the bodies strewn across the room. If any were still alive and attempting to crawl away, Inko paid no mind when an incredibly heavy shelf suddenly fell over.
She soon found the key for her cuffs on one of the guards. Inko rubbed her wrists from the freedom and paced away in silence.
A click of a gun sounded out in her direct path, the red-headed male was looking for a second round. Despite having no sight, he seemed to have partially dodged when she slashed his eyes. He was holding onto the wall and was using a device to identify where she stood.
Inko readied her fists but before she could act, the red-headed male fell to his knees in pain or rather in fear. In a panic, the male began to aim in all directions at an unseen force.
Inko felt the air grow cold around her, her breath visible in the dim light. She couldn't believe her eyes when she noticed Izuku's arm reaching out towards the male, an unfamiliar sight. Inko gasped in shock as his skin grew warm against hers and couldn’t help the tears now running down her soft features.
Within moments, the man was reduced to cowering on the floor, his gun emptied from firing in all directions. Ignoring the pathetic sight, Inko simply walked past, her focus solely on her not-dead son. His eyes were closing back up but she had seen how his eyes glowed before dimming. Brushing back his curls to calm her sleeping son, she hurried out of the room, racing towards the nearest hospital. Unbeknownst to her, one of the stray bullets had ignited a small fire, likely taking out the remaining guards. But she paid no mind to it.
Before leaving, Inko made sure to take the remnants of the vial with her. She needed some answers.
End of Chapter 1