A few hours later,
Night time,

Shie Hassaikai lair...

Midoriya's POV

"Izuku... Izuku..."

When I parted my eyelids, I saw a figure of light. The shape of the figure resembled my mom's figure.
Slowly, the light turned into an appearance of a woman. I almost shed tears since I recognized that woman.

"M... Mom...?"

I croaked out, and Mom just smiled softly at me. My feet automatically moved and led me to her. I hugged her body without wasting any more moment. I missed her so much...

"M-Mom..."

I sobbed, burying my face in the crook of her neck. Mom stroked my dark green hair that was similar to her.

"You have grown up, Izuku..."

Mom uttered in peacefulness, pecking my fluffy head lovingly. I tightened my hold around her in desperation. I didn't want to let go of her anymore.

"Mom, I-I'm happy to see you again..." I confessed, a smile of gratefulness spread on my face. We both broke apart and gazed into each other's eyes.

Mom still had a peaceful smile on her beautiful face. "Me too, Izuku... But... This isn't the time for you. Not yet."

"What... What are you talking about?"

"Stay strong and courageous. Help that child and guide her to light. I know you can do it, Izuku. Because you are... A hero."

I was stunned by her words of encouragement. But something felt off..

"You... You are wrong. I am weak. I am useless. I am just a trash and a waste of space. Like Dad a-always said..." I kept belittling myself, tears rolling down my cheeks.

"You are wrong. Your father is wrong. No, I shouldn't be addressing him as your father anymore."

Mom exclaimed, her eyes closed, as if she was recalling something.

"M... Mom...?"

"I have not much time, Izuku. But please... Let me tell you one secret that I have been keeping from you, even from your father. He didn't know about this..."

"W-what? What do you mean not enough time? S-secret? Mom, please tell me everything one by one—"

But before could expose her secret, a very bright blinded my eyes...

I fluttered open my eyes after the light was gone. A tear flowed down the side of my face as I recalled the dream I had. I... Met my mother again.

Six years... It had been six years since she passed away...

And today... I met her again in my dream. But how did this happen? She is dead... Yet I saw her in my dream.

Maybe her soul decided to pay a visit on me?

I sat up myself, shaking my head. Oh dear, my head was throbbing achingly. Someone must have hit my head while I was unconscious.

My emerald eyes then looked around the room in silence. This room was not familiar to me. There was only one spacious bed and no windows around to provide sunlight. The room... Was dark, creepy and gloomy.

Where... Where am I?

Where did Kai brought me to?!

I ran toward the door and bang on it, repeatedly and brutally. "Let me out! Let me out!" I screamed, tears wouldn't stop falling from my eyes. My fists started to swell and redden because of all the fierce banging on the metal door.

I dropped on my knees in despair. It was hopeless. It was useless. I couldn't leave this place.

M-Mom... You are wrong after all... I'm not strong like you exclaim...

"Open the door." I heard Kai's voice speaking outside. I backed away from the grey door and it was opened. How shocked I was to see Eri-chan in Hari's arms.

How... How did she leave—

Wait, she left this place?! This prison?! Is that mean... She managed to escape just now?

I stared at the three people I treasured so much – Hari, Eri-chan and Kai – in pure shock. Hari was wearing his plague mask, but somehow, I could sense his aura. He looked guilty and frustrated.

Hari... It is alright, sweetheart... It wasn't your fault. Don't blame yourself.

I locked my gaze on his plague mask. Hari didn't say anything and entered the room, setting down Eri-chan on her bed. So this was her room all this time..

"Oh, Izuku. You are awake. That is early." Kai greeted me, crouching down to match my height. He reached out his gloved-hand to my face. But I, being bold all of a sudden, slapped his hand away harshly.

"Last time I'm gonna warn you... Don't touch me!" I yelled, gritting my teeth in anger. I felt nothing anymore toward him. Only anger and hatred kept growing within me every time I laid my eyes on this heartless man!

Kai glared dagger at me, his fingers rubbed his slightly reddened hand. "I guess I'm not very welcomed here.." He lowered his voice.

I furrowed my eyebrow at him, showing how unpleasent I was with his presence. I gripped the collar of his black shirt firmly and yanked him forward, very close to my face. I stared into his eyes, hard.

The vision... The future... Hasn't changed at all!

Heroes are still coming... Heroes will save us...

"Don't think you will win forever, Kai... One day, you will fall on your knees too." I warned him before harshly letting him go. I got up and walked over to Eri-chan's bed.

Eri-chan hugged me tightly, not wanting to let me go. I hugged her back while sending a death glare at Kai.

"Let's go, Chrono."

"His name is Hari Kurono, not Chronostasis." I rudely remarked in sarcastic tone, intending to mock him. I saw Kai's fingers twitching, perhaps trying to resist his anger.

You are that calm and cool boss, right? Let's see how long you will stay that way!
Hari suddenly looked at me. He might want to say something but his boss wouldn't allow him to. I just averted his stare, signing him not to worry about me.

Heroes will arrive soon... Very soon...

Because in the vision I saw when I met eyes with Kai.

Is a near future!

•••••

Outside Eri's room...

Kurono's POV

Overhaul and I left Eri's room in silence. I shut the metal door close neatly, before shifting my gaze to my boss. He was oddly quiet. Usually, he would at least answer Izuku. But now...

"Chrono, prepare the bath." Overhaul ordered, his tone was monotonous. The side of his face and his left arm were full of rashes. "Yes, sir." I complied though I was confused.

Izuku's touch will never cause his allergy to react.

Then why...?

•••••

In Eri's room...

Midoriya's POV

"I'm sorry... I can't be there to protect you..." I sobbed as I hugged Eri-chan close to me. My dear little sister kept crying non-stop. It must have hurt her a lot to go through those endless painful procedure, again and again.

"I-it hurts so much, Neechan... It hurts..." Eri cried out, her face was buried in the crook of my neck. "It is okay, it is okay. I'm here now..." I whispered into her ear calmly.

"Don't worry, Eri-chan. Heroes will save us one day, I swear. So let's bear this just a little longer..." I tightened the hug, protectiveness surged through my body.

I swear... I will protect her with all I have got!