Chapter Text
IZUKU
Everything hurts.
I just need...to rest here a while. It'll be okay. It'll be okay...
"M-Mister?" The white hair shines, as crimson meets green eyes. "Are you...okay?" A meek voice spills from the young girl. Eri.
"Of course, Eri. I'm...perfectly okay." A small smile slips on the lips of his gaze as he tries to focus on what's in front of him. A girl, still in need of a hero.
To his right, the body of Kai Chisaki lay, his body being rewound to his less muscular form. Voices. Voices. I can hear...
"DEKU!!!" A bright and bubbly voice pierces through his senses as he mutters to see...her. See the girl he has desperately fallen in love with, and that he sees...a future with. A croak is heard as he sees Tsu shield Eri from what sure has to be the horrible sight.
But things will be okay...right?
All Might...
"Oh my god...oh my god..." Ochako mutters as she attempts to cover his wounds. Gauze. Pressure. Blood. So much blood.
"Ur-Ochako." Izuku manages weakly. Ochako tears up at the small voice she finds in front of her. "Ochako." Izuku repeats, reaching a hand to cup her face.
"I-Izuku. You're going to be okay. Medics are on their way, and there will be a hero to help you, and you have to stay awake, okay? Just s-stay awake for me!" She manages, choking out tears as Nighteye watches in the background.
"Ochako. We don't have much time." Izuku manages weakly, staring at the chocolate eyes he had wished to see more of. Especially in this moment. Please allow a little more time.
"I n-need you to trust..." A viscous cough is heard. "...Trust me...do you trust me?" He asks, a wobbly smile grazing his features as her tears stain his.
"O-of course, Izu—" She was interrupted by the sudden appearance of Izuku kissing her, allowing his saliva to mix with hers, allowing her to swallow it.
I give this gift to you, Ochako. You deserve it. You will be the Tenth. Please. Do not blame yourself.
Her cheeks shine a bright red as her eyes widen. She melts into the kiss before pulling back. "I-Izuku?"
"S-sorry...for not asking but...I needed to transfer DNA..." Izuku winces, his eyes becoming less and less focused. Ochako's breath hitches. "I've liked you for so long...Ochako—" A cough, blood pours from his mouth, causing her to use a small gauze pad from one of the compartments of her costume to wipe his mouth.
"I've liked you too, dummy." She cries harder. "Now live! So we can—" *Hic* "—be together after this...please...please..."
Izuku smiles. His eyes never faltered from his hero. "It's your turn now. You're the Tenth. You have..." He coughs. "...One for All...Ask All Might...what that means...."
Ochako looks on in confusion, "All Might? Izuku?" She notices his eyes droop. "No...no, no, no, no, no, no!!!!"
OCHAKO
She screams, shaking him, allowing the pressure she had on his wounds to release, only to reapply it. "FUCK!" She screams, sirens heard as paramedics rush in.
The world muffles around her, the voices not finding themselves as she gets pulled back. A familiar set of green hair and croaks is all she registers before she tries to break free to return to him. IZUKU!!!
Her eyes widen, the paramedics carry him into a stretcher, a body that she isn't sure will return to her. Her sobs are muffled. Something that only everyone else but her can hear.
"AHHHHHHHHH!!!!" She clutches her stomach. The body of Kai Chisaki is being taken into a police transport, Nighteye is being taken in another ambulance as her sobs are being released.
Nejire and Ryuku rush over to find the sight. Her world slows down.
Her world.
Her hero. Was gone.
Her own injuries took a back burner to what she had felt in her heart. He just...confessed...please Izuku...make it...
A wave of darkness hit her before she collapsed.
She stirs awake, the brightness of the lights combating with her need to close her eyes again. The sound of medical equipment mixed with the soft drips she had faintly heard. Her eyes turn side to side, trying to find any hint of where she could be.
Hospital? Oh...I got hurt again...sorry, Mama. Sorry, Papa.
Her eyes betray her once more, opening to adjust to the sudden brightness. She lay in an empty room. The sounds of clattering are not lost as she turns to locate the source. Nothing.
Outside the door, a faint conversation is heard. What sounds like two men...and Nezu... discuss something urgently outside her door.
She turns, allowing herself to push upwards. "H-hello?" Her voice is weak, scratched, and the noise betrays her as the voices suddenly stop. The sound of soft voices resumes for a moment before the door opens softly.
"Ah, Ms. Uraraka. It is a pleasure to see you awake!" Nezu chirps. In front of him, a man in a tan coat and a tall man with blonde hair and a skeletal form graze her before she looks around, confused.
"O-Oh, hello, sir. How is everyone? Is everyone okay? Is Eri okay?" She asks, immediately pumping her fists in what she hopes will be good news.
The three figures share a solemn look, the blonde man looking down, tears forming as the man with a tan coat speaks. "Hello, you probably remember me as Detective Tsukauchi, from the USJ incident, yes?"
Ochako nods. "Yes, you talked with all of us after the League of Villains attacked." Ochako hummed as the man gave a nod.
"Well..." Tsukauchi sighs. Nezu picks up. "Most everyone is expected to make a full recovery. Eri is safe, Rocklock is healed, and Mr. Aizawa is expected to make a full recovery! Mr. Togata is also expected to recover, but unfortunately lost his quirk."
Ochako's eyes widen. "Lost...his...quirk?"
Nezu nods.
"What about Izuku? What about Sir Nighteye?" She asks, her heart racing as the events of the last day play inside her mind.
"How long have I been out?" She turns left and right, looking more worried and breathless.
"A-And All Might?? What is happening? Is Izuku okay?" She asks again, the three men looking more and more solemn as All Might speaks up.
He sighs, tears straining along his face. "I'm so sorry. I'm so so sorry." Ochako's breath shudders. No.
"He's just hurt, right? He broke his arms again? Silly Izuku!" Ochako lets out a wet laugh as the men turn to face each other.
"No. You've been out for a day. This morning, Izuku Midoriya passed away due to the injuries he sustained." Tsukauchi manages, his breath catching as tears begin to form. "And Sir Nighteye...shared a similar fate." His eyes squint.
"We are so sorry, Miss Uraraka." Nezu finishes as her tears begin to fall once more.
"H-he kissed me." She whispers. The group's heads shot up.
She cries harder. "He finally confessed, then he..." Her voice catches as the numbness pulls within her. The mask. Pull on the mask. They can't see you like this.
Ochako. Stop.
She takes deep breaths. Her breath is ever so shaky as she shakes her head. "E-Eri's okay?" She asks solemnly.
Nezu nods. "Yes. She is fine."
In for 4. Hold for 8. Out for 8.
Her tears stop. The shakiness in her voice resolves before she looks up, her eyes numb, and the feeling of grief, pain, loss, and sorrow fades as she looks at All Might.
"I'm so sorry. I couldn't keep him safe." Her voice shudders. All Might's eyes widen. He stands and hugs her. "Do not fret, Ms. Uraraka. You did your absolute best." He sniffles, and the sound of sobs escapes as they both cry on each other's shoulders. "I'm so so sorry." He whispers.
After a moment, silence basks in the moment before Ochako breaks it. "W-what's One for all?" She manages. All Might stiffens.
"Young Uraraka, how do you know about—" His eyes widen. She stares resolutely. "Principal Nezu. Tsukauchi, can we get the room?"
Nezu and Tsukauchi nod. "Of course," Nezu says, both leaving and closing the door.
"Izuku—he...kissed me. Said it's my turn. Said I'm the tenth and to ask you about One for All." She manages, her breath becoming far more shaky the more of the sentence escapes her lips.
All Might manages a small smile. "Even now...he's giving us a massive gift." His voice comes in as a whisper. Her eyes look on in confusion. "One for All is a quirk, young Uraraka. One that you now possess." He manages a small smile, looking at her.
"One...for...All?" She asks, her eyes widening in confusion.
"Yes. It is a stockpile of power passed on from one user to the next. I was One for All's 8th wielder. Izuku...he is...was..." All Might's eyes close. "He was the 9th wielder. This quirk can be passed on from one user to another through DNA. He...kissed you, so he wished to transfer the quirk to you."
Ochako's eyes widen.
"I have...Izuku's quirk?" She asks. All Might nods.
"Yes. It appears so. We can test later, I understand...this came as a shock." He sighs. Tears grip his cheeks once more. "I thought...he would not need to pass it along for a long time. And yet, young Uraraka, Izuku chose you. Chose you, the brave, smart, and valiant mind to transfer the quirk onto." He stands up, stretching out an arm. Her eyes widen as she looks up to her teacher. "Young Uraraka, you are now entrusted with this secret. With this power, one that comes with great responsibility." His eyes hardened, the tears never failing to appear. "All for One. The wretched villain I fought a few months back is sure to come up with an evil plan to enact. As your teacher and predesscesor I promise to do my best to ensure that won't happen. But alas..." His eyes drop once more. He falls back onto the bed. "This...is hard, Young Uraraka. This must come as a shock."
All she can manage is a small nod.
Izuku...you had All Might's quirk? Were you meant to succeed him? Is that why you worked so hard?
Izuku...
Izuku...
"Did...he...make a mistake?" She mutters, her hands in front of her face as she cries once more. "I...couldn't...save...*hic*...him. Sir Nighteye said Eri, and he would die...and I said I wouldn't let that happen. But...*hic*...I did." Ochako finishes as she grabs All Might's suit jacket.
"No, young Uraraka. He did not make a mistake in choosing you. And you tried your best. Your valiant efforts saved Eri. Mirai's prediction wasn't wholly true." All Might smiles. "And..."
Her eyes shoot up, her choked sobs never reaching her throat as All Might looks lost in thought. "Have you tried using it?" He asks. "Do you...feel different?"
In the middle of her stomach...she does feel something. Something new?
"I—I think so." She manages, her voice displaying the true numbness that reached her chest.
"One for All is an incredible power. Once you grow stronger, you will begin to see...vestiges. Ghosts." All Might starts, staring into his pupil's eyes.
"Ghosts?" She squeaks.
"Yes. The previous users of One for All. Young Midoriya was describing how he was able to communicate with them on occasion. So..." All Might frowns.
"Maybe...I can too. And maybe I can talk to him...talk to him again..." Her eyes tear up at the new revelation.
"Yes. You may also meet with other users before him. Truly, all I can say is that you will be the quirks' 10th user. And I will do my best to train you." All Might frowns.
Izuku...did you give me...a gift?
SHOTO
The dorms were unnaturally quiet, the living area full of nervous students trying to turn on the television.
"Come on! Come on!! Just as it was updating us!!" Denki screams, gently smacking the television as he grumbles.
"I am sure things are okay." Momo manages, though her voice betrays the thought.
Shoto sees Bakugo sitting on the couch, staring at his phone. Grumbling to himself.
The doors open, the sight of Nezu and a bandaged Aizawa joining the living are,a as questions are immediately flown their way.
"Is Ochako okay? Midoriya? Tsu, Ejiro, everyone??"
"Did the girl get saved??"
"Sensei! Are you okay??"
"What happened??"
Aizawa and Nezu are silent throughout this exchange. They clear their throats. "Yes, yes, we are aware you all have questions and concerns regarding your classmates." His voice was less chipper than usual.
Odd.
"But we must request everyone to take a seat. Whether that be by the couch or on the floor, please allow us to provide you with updates." Nezu finishes as the class gives each other concerned glances.
The door opens to have Hounddog join them.
"Apologies." He musters as he stands side by side with the two figures.
Shoto notices Aizawa shaking. Nezu is repeatedly opening and closing his paw, and Hounddog is sniffing a lot more often.
"As for your concern, most of your classmates did not sustain life-threatening injuries. Most will be able to return tonight or tomorrow morning." Nezu chirps.
Tenya immediately shoots up his hand, just beating Mina and Bakugo.
"Sensei! What do you mean most?" He asks, his voice laced with concern.
Nezu looks at Aizawa and Inui.
"Is everyone okay?!" Mina asks, her feet jumping off the balls of her heels.
Aizawa sighs. He covers his eyes before shooting his hands down. "It is with great remorse that we tell you that your friend and classmate Izuku Midoriya passed away this morning." He bows. "I'm so sorry for your loss."
The class freezes. Shoto's eyes widen, and immediately frost and flame dance onto his fingers.
Mina's eyes widen, her general atmosphere shifting as she lets out a choked sob.
Iida's eyes close shut, his tears prickling the edges of his eyes.
Midoriya. You...showed...me...
Bakugo stares in shock and horror before standing up and screaming, "BULLSHIT! HE DIDN'T—" He lets out a choked sob as he catches himself before he falls.
Momo breathes shudders as she stares in shock.
"He managed to stop Kai Chisaki and save the little girl we were intending to rescue. Till the very end, Izuku Midoriya was a hero." Nezu starts. "Inui-sensei will be here as a guidance counselor to talk. Please do not hesitate to use his services."
"I apologize as your homeroom teacher." Aizawa bows once more. "It was my responsibility to protect all my students, and I failed." He lets out a choked sob. "With that, I will be handing in my resi—"
"NO!" Shoto screamed. His voice horse from the effort. "Midoriya...he would not have wanted that. We know you tried your best." Shoto glared at his teacher.
"Yeah!!" Mina let out a choked sob as she rushed in and pointed to Aizawa. "You have so much left to teach us." She lets a wobbly smile.
Shoji, Tokoyami, Ojiro, and Sato stare in shock. "Sir, please...we can't lose you, too." Sato manages.
Tooru releases a sharp sob. "Midori..."
Jiro rubs circles onto her back, her own eyes stinging from the tears bridging her skin.
Denki stares in shock. He frowns. Aoyama's eyes widen. Fear gripped his body.
Nezu hums. "I wouldn't have accepted your letter anyway." He sighs. "This is a massive loss. Please do not hesitate to return home and spend time with your loved ones. Bakugo, please come to me." Nezu finishes as he walks outside.
Midoriya...I'm so sorry.
KATSUKI
Izuku...I...never said sorry.
His eyes gloss over, following the rat as he steps outside. "All Might wished to inform you in person, but is staying with Young Uraraka at the moment." Nezu hums.
"Round-cheeks? What does she have to do with this?" His eyes send a sharp glare at the principal.
"She now possesses One for All. Young Midoriya's final wish was for her to succeed him." Nezu finishes. "I imagine he would have liked you to know."
Katsuki shakes. His tears escape his body as he collapses to his knees. Nezu is rubbing soft circles on his back.
She...Izuku...I'll make sure she'll be the number one hero.