Chapter Text
Mina’s POV
“Kirishima, no. I will not go and support that quirkist.”
“Mina, come on. He’s our friend.”
“He is not my friend after what he said at that press conference.”
“It’s not that bad.”
“Not that bad?! He literally said mutants were lesser. I’m a mutant—and so are many of our friends.”
“Tetsu didn’t mean you.”
“Get out.”
“Fine.” He walks out, slamming the door behind him.
I pick up the card I found on my windowsill the other night. It reads: Come to Haven, where everyone is welcome. Haven was started five years ago during my first year at U.A. Apparently, it’s on an old island that I-Island donated to them. It’s supposed to be a safe place for anyone, no matter their quirk status. It has the highest quirkless population rate in the world. And it was just recognized as an official country by ninety percent of the world. Japan is one of the holdouts—and apparently very hostile toward them.
I call Tokoyami and tell him I think it’s time. We meet up and call the number on the back of the card.Suddenly, a man with green hair and another man with blue skin appear out of nowhere.
“I am Midoriya Izuku, the leader of Haven. And this is Sean, also known as Blue.”
“We are—”
“I know who you are. Ashido Mina and Tokoyami Fumikage. Quirks: Acid and Dark Shadow. Both attended U.A. Both were in the same class. And both have been bullied because of your quirks.”
“How do you know so much?” Tokoyami asks.
“We research everyone who wishes to join Haven.”
“Shall we go, boss?” Sean asks in a thick Irish accent.
“That’s up to them.”
Tokoyami doesn’t hesitate. “Yes.”
I think back to the hate I’ve received. The death threats. The whispers. I nod.
Sean grabs us, and suddenly we’re standing somewhere I’ve never seen before.
“Welcome to Haven,” Midoriya says.
As I look around, I see countless different kinds of people. Some are using their quirks openly. A girl with purple skin stands on a stage, shooting fireworks from her hands as she dances. People are flying. Others are simply… happy.
“As you can see, we encourage quirk use,” Midoriya continues. “But if you intentionally harm someone or break the law, there are consequences. Depending on the crime, after serving your sentence you may be banished from Haven or reintroduced with a quirk tracker.”
“What would we do for work here?” I ask.
“We’ll help you find jobs. But I was hoping you’d be willing to become heroes here.”
“I’ll do it.”
“Same,” Tokoyami agrees.
Suddenly, Midoriya starts coughing. “If you’ll excuse me, Sean will show you to your residences and explain more about being heroes here.” He walks away.
Izuku’s POV
I head to my office and call for the doctor. Instead, Eri walks in.
“Sam sent me. He said you should know better than to overexert yourself.” She hands me the medicine, and I swallow it while she watches closely. I gently rub her head.
“Tell him I know. But when I see someone in need, I can’t help myself.”
She sighs and walks away. For an eleven-year-old, she can deliver a very disappointed look.
“Listen,” I call after her softly, “I know it’s bad to go on trips outside Haven. But it’s something I have to do.”
“We know,” she replies. “But your lungs are getting worse the more you go out. You went out five times today alone.”
Before I can respond, her beeper goes off and she rushes back to help Sam. After she leaves, I look up at the picture of Haven’s original founders.
I’m in the center. Next to me is Melissa Shield, the one who secured the island for us. She’s our lead researcher. Sean are first hero on the island. Sam, a doctor from Canada, is our head medical expert. The Urarakas are our lead builders. I found them when we were searching for construction crews. They had refused to sell out to a villain group—and paid the price.
Those early days were peaceful. Just people wanting to help others in need. None of us imagined how fast Haven would grow. Now we’re home to nearly two and a half million people.
I turn back to my desk and resume tinkering with a project I’ve been working on for years. I just haven’t been able to perfect it yet.
After about an hour, I put it away and pick up the cocktail of medication I’m forced to take. Then I head to my apartment. I live simply. Nothing lavish. Not what you’d expect from the leader of a country.
When I open the door, Ocha greets me with a kiss.
“Hey, sweetheart. I heard from Eri you overdid it again.” She lightly slaps my arm.
I take her hand, bring it to my lips, and kiss it. “Sorry, Ocha. But you know me. When I see someone in need, I have to help.”
“Yes, yes. Did you invite them over for dinner?”
“I had Blue ask them to come around seven.”
“Okay.” She walks back to the kitchen and continues cooking. I join her.
“By the way, Toshi called. He said he and David will be back next week.”
“Good. I missed our talks. Remind me to buy more tea before they get back.”
We settle into a comfortable silence, not needing to fill it with words.
At seven, Ashido and Tokoyami arrive.
Tokoyami’s POV
This place doesn’t feel real. I see people who, in Japan, would have been treated as lesser—standing proud of who they are. I can’t wait to speak with Midoriya and learn more.
When we arrive, a woman opens the door. “Come in. Izuku is setting the table.”
We enter, and she smiles warmly. “I’m Izuku’s wife, Ochaco. We’re having curry tonight. I wasn’t sure how much spice you could handle, so I made it mild.”
As we eat and talk, I notice Mina staring at something. I follow her gaze and realize Ochaco is missing her index finger on both hands.
“I can see you staring,” Izuku says calmly.
“It’s fine, Izu,” Ochaco replies gently. “I’d be curious too. So… let me tell you the story.”