Shouta's POV

Ever since class started, I can't help this gut-feeling telling me something is wrong. I don't know why because, logically, everything went okay. All we have to worry about is the paperwork, which the students will be doing after school, and Eri. Izuku is probably working on his now so that he can work with Shinso after school.

Everything is fine. I stick with the usual routine for the first half of the day.

It's around the end of the day when that feeling returns harsher. I notice the kids seem off, but I ignore it to continue teaching the class as All Might had another doctor's appointment to go to at this time. As I am teaching hero laws, I hear a knock on the door before the click and opening. I turn to see Hizashi at the door.

"I am busy," I state as I am about to continue. However, Zashi cuts me off.

"This is serious. I already have Ectoplasm here to teach in your stead, so come on." Zashi says with a tone of seriousness and worry that I rarely hear. It better be something valid, or I will ignore him or a week.

I sigh as I look upon the students, "You heard him. Behave." I leave the room while walking past Ectoplasm and close the door behind me, "This better be an emergency." Hizashi starts walking away from the door, and I follow.

"It's about Izuku. You haven't looked at the news at all today, have you?" That warning returns, but I keep my face blank.

"What did the brat do this time?"

"Sho, he's severely injured. He's in hospital as we speak and has been since this morning." What? He wasn't injured during the raid. What happened since then? Why does the media know before me? I look at Zashi with confusion.

"Why didn't I get a call about it? I'm on his emergency list. What kind of injuries?"

"Izuku's in a huge mess right now. I wouldn't be surprised if the Hero Commission stopped them from calling, or they only called Inko as she is related to him. As for injuries, they aren't saying. However, there is a video of him in a fight. It...it looks horrible, Sho." I face Zashi to see tears running down his face. On instinct, I pull him into a hug. "T-thanks...Nezu knows more than me, so talk to him. You need to get to Izuku fast."

I pull back and nod as I realize that we are at Nezu's office. With worry filling my features, I enter the room.

"Ah, Aizawa. There's so much to tell, but so little time. I'll tell you which hospital after I explain the situation." Nezu says with a solemn voice. That's never good.

By the end of the explanation, I am running to the hospital, completely disregarding my surroundings.

When I arrive, I leave to search for Izuku.

---

Izuku's POV

God, did you pick me up yet?

Wait, no, because I am still talking.

Fuck. This hurts more than being rammed by Shrek, and that doesn't seem to be a pleasant feeling.

Most of the pain is in my right arm, but it does extend to the corresponding side of my body. It's like a brushing pain, but it's something I can handle. Flipping heck, man.

Like how my body usually betrays me, I already feel the urge to get up and move. My eyes snap open to see a bright-ass light that looks like heaven in front of me; however, I know I won't be going there, so I can safely assume that I am in a hospital.

"Izuku, you're up! I should have known you would be up earlier than expected. How are you feeling?" I turn my head slightly to the left to see my mom sitting there with a blotchy face like she has been crying for hours. For how she is, she probably has. What kind of injuries did I receive to have her like that? I notice her pressing the nurse button.

"Eh, the usual pain of life and work! Oh, and hunger!" I exclaim as I start to sit up, but I take note of how I'm not doing the action as I should. A look over of my body would help, huh?

I start from my feet to notice that my costume is off. That's expected when you're in the hospital. There are minuscule burn markings that look like raindrops on my right leg, but I can't tell you what that's from yet. There's not a lot, but it's there if you look hard enough. My left leg is completely fine. As I start my body, I stick with my right as I feel no pain on my left. The gown blocks most of it, but I assume that it's more raindrops.

That's when I see it.

Disregard my previous statement about the pain coming from my right arm.

I reach my left hand over to my right side and feel around where my arm should be. However, all I feel is air. I slide my hand up to what's leftover of my arm covered in bandages.

Everything from my elbow down is gone.

Like that, the memory hits me. That stupid blue flames growing towards me. Patchy knocking Dabi over to partially save me.

Sacrificing my right arm to save the rest of my body. Those flames burnt my arm away.

Yet, I don't know if it was worth it.

I take a deep breath, "It could be worst. I can work with this." And it's true. I can work with this.

I watch Mom give me a hesitant smile, "I know, sweetie. I know." Why does that sound off? Her overall vibe feels off. Now that I think about it, what time is it?

Huh, just before evening. I must have been out all day.

Anyway, it feels awkward being with Mom with right now. Thankfully, that's when a young female nurse comes in.

"Midoriya-kun, you are up rather early. We expected you out for the rest of the night! How are you feeling? Oh, and do you remember what happened?" Okay, act sane, Izuku.

"Besides receiving a big slap across the face about missing part of my arm and the pain, I'm doing pretty well all things considered! Oh, and yeah. Hot, hot, hot, hot chocolate." I'm really trying to act normal here despite everything, so don't blame me.

"That's good. We have you on a pretty high dosage, so we can't really increase it. Besides that, all your vitals are looking good. Now, some people have been waiting to come in for a while. Are you willing to take visitors?" I consider it for a moment before nodding. "Alright, I shall bring them in."

With that, the nurse goes off. While we have the chance, I decide to ask,

"Mom, what's wrong?"

"I'm fine, Izuku," She simply responds back, but I know something is wrong. I know enough about women to know fine does not mean fine. I have been around Nezu too long to not know. Something is about to go down. She wouldn't be vague otherwise.

That's when I get my answer: an elderly woman with shoulder-length slicked-back hair in a dark suit with two guards. I immediately recognize her.

The Public Safety Commission President.

What did I do to get her?

"Hello, Midoriya. I am the Public Safety Commission President for the Hero Association; however, I assume you know with your level of knowledge. I am here for two reasons.

First, I would like to thank you for your bravery. Because of your actions, we were able to retrieve the bullets from the League of Villains." I can't help a sigh of relief. However, the President continues.

"As for the real reason I am here, I assume you have no idea what is going on in the media?"

Okay, just because the President is here doesn't mean I'm going to limit myself, " I wish. Did something happen while I was out?" Wait... "Hold up, that battle was in the middle of a highway. Don't tell me that the media got the shit, yet the heroes didn't come to help me?" If so, that's a strike. Just like how Mom just struck me on the head and apologized for my behavior.

"You're correct. The media got the flames and you running. As we believe you would not be able to hide this from the public, we released your real name." My heart stops for a moment. Anger prickles in my stomach.

"What? Everyone here knows that I could have covered this up somehow! It may take time, but it would have happened! Why didn't you release my hero-name or say I was an underground hero? Now, the public is probably hay-wired, and the whole 'should a quirkless be a hero?' drama is back!"

"I will be honest with you, Midoriya: I did not believe you should be a hero from the beginning. I still don't. Not only for your quirklessness but also for how you treat each situation like this one.

The hero commission agrees with me.

Midoriya Izuku, your hero license has been temporarily revoked. You can not participate in hero work of any kind, including cases. On this day next week, there will be a meeting you must attend and defend yourself of how you should be a hero. It includes facing not only the board members but the public as well. You have a week to get ready.

However, we do have an offer for you. The Hero Commission is massively understaffed at this time. With your abilities, you can provide the heroes with a huge advantage. We will make sure you obtain a position that benefits everyone the greatest. "

For those who don't know, the Hero Commission is a group of people who are in charge of heroes. They are the ones who accept or decline heroes, pair heroes, organize raids, and all that jazz. If they are to give me the position, I would have more control over attacks to an extent.

But I am well aware that nobody will listen to me. I have no respect because of who I am.

Besides, why would I throw away my work? What am I proving if I give up on this?

This is the thanks I get?

I bite back my anger, " See you at the meeting, then."

"Will do, Midoriya- " However, the President gets interrupted by Mom.

"Izuku, are you sure?" What?

"Don't tell me that you think I should give up on this?!" I exclaim with fury steeping through. That triggers Mom.

"Do you not see your arm?! Izuku, this is too far!"

"IT'S TOO FAR WHEN I AM DEAD! DO YOU KNOW HOW DIFFICULT IT IS FOR US QUIRKLESS PEOPLE? HAVE YOU LOOKED AT THE SUICIDE RATE?! EVER SINCE I STARTED THIS, IT WENT FROM 95% BEFORE ADULTHOOD TO 74% IN THE PAST FEW MONTHS! IMAGINE BEING DECLINED A JOB EVEN IF YOU ARE MORE VALUABLE TO SOMEONE JUST BECAUSE THEY HAVE A QUIRK! IF I GIVE UP, I AM GIVING UP ON THEM AND GIVING SOCIETY AN EXCUSE TO CONTINUE TO BEAT US TO DUST! IF ANYTHING, THIS IS A SIGN THAT I NEED TO CONTINUE NO MATTER WHAT!"

Throughout this rant, I am removing the wires attached to me because I don't need them.

I look at the President as I stand up, "Have my license ready to give back because I have many more people to save."

The President nods and leave.

"Izuku-"

"Mom, if what you are about to say is anything against my decision, keep it to yourself." Mom goes quiet.

I know she is trying to protect me, but this isn't what I need. I have a war to fight.

I grab the clothes she brought me, go to the bathroom, and put them on with some struggles. I can't stand to sit around right now when there is so much to do.

I need to get used to one arm.

I need to convince the public that I'm not a lost cause.

I need to show my Mom that I am doing this no matter what.

I need to protect Mom because she could be a target now.

. . .

I have so much to do...

With a sigh, I ignore my mom asking if I need help as I get my clothes on that happen to be the basic necessities with pants, a t-shirt, and some old red shoes. It takes a few minutes, but I get it. I step out of the bathroom to see my mom at the door in tears again.

"Izuku, we need to talk about this," Mom says as she approaches, but I move out of the way.

"There is nothing to talk about. I want you to get your stuff ready for UA. You might be a target now. Don't expect to see me." I don't bother with a goodbye as I figure my way through the hospital. After some fighting, I manage to get myself out legally.

Only to reveal the media outside. I could go the back way, but I know I will need to face them no matter what. I just wish I looked nicer.

I step forward into the blinding flashing lights with questions being thrown left and right. I raise my left hand and my voice; however, I make sure I don't sound like a villain, "If you do not step away and quiet down, I won't tell you anything."

Thank above that works because everyone gives me three feet (a meter) all around me and quiets down! Bless, we have something!

I straighten my posture and face the cameras, " Next week, the same day as today, there will be a meeting with the Hero Commission of whether or not I should be a hero. I will be fighting for my position amongst my generation of heroes. I will not tell you anything about what happened but know that there is more to the eye than we can reveal. We were not trying to stop the League. All you need to know is that we did succeed in our mission. If you can excuse me, I have work to do."

Everyone backs off as I leave.

---

After walking for what seems like bloody ever and asking multiple people for help, I enter a familiar building.

"Izuku, why aren't you in hospital!?" I look up to see Bubble Girl behind the desk. Yes, I'm at Sir Nighteye's agency.

"Did you really think I would stay there?"

"I should have known. How's it going?"

"It feels like the world is crumbling around me! I need some ducktape to put it back together." Then, I hear loud clicking of shoes coming down the hall. I look down to see Sir Nighteye and, "CAT, COME HERE, BUDDY! GIVE ME A HEADSET! Oh, and hi, Sir." CAT meows as it pops a headband from its neck. I take it, put it on, and cover it with my hair.

Sir Nighteye looks towards my missing arm and steps forward, "Midoriya, I am sorry for what happened. I tried to do everything I can, but nobody was willing to help."

I sigh and give him a smile, "I know. It's fine, Sir. The good news is that we got the bullets from them! Sure, it took a literal arm, but it was worth it!"

Despite the dark humor, Sir still chuckles, "I'm glad you're able to joke besides everything. Otherwise, there wouldn't be a bright future."

"I have to. Otherwise, I face reality again. It seems like the world is against me once again, but I will fight them every step of the way."

"I know you will. However, you know we can't work together anymore since your license has been revoked. I hope to see you after this."

"You will. I won't keep you from your work. Bye, Bubble Girl! Bye, Sir! Let's go, CAT!" With a meow and a wave, CAT and I head out.

I sigh. So much to fucking do.

Of course, at this time, CAT announces, "Shouta is calling. Would you like to answer?" Fuck. He slipped through my head with everything, to be honest. I don't want to hear it from him right now. Mom was enough.

"Send him to voicemail."

Then, Shouta's voice comes from the band,

"Izuku, I don't know what's running through your head right now, but I'm begging you; please don't do something stupid. We will make it through this. I have no idea where you are or what happened, but I will be at UA whenever you are ready to come back. The least I ask of you is to text me once in a while. I care about you, brat."

A soft click ends the call. I run my hand through my hair. I was heading to UA anyway, so I'll talk to him after I speak with Nezu.

---

I wasn't willing to deal with anyone. I sneak through the school until I enter Nezu's office.

"Ah, Izuku! I knew you would get yourself out somehow!" Nezu exclaims.

"Yada yada yada, I have a favor to ask of you. I need you to bring Mom here. Away from me, but she has to be a target." I go straight for what I am here for.

"I knew you would ask for that, so it's already been set up. If you need any help with proving yourself, I am willing to defend you. As for your class, you will not be moved unless the Hero Commission revokes it permanently. Anything else?" Welp, this is one of many times Nezu is just purely creepy.

"Nope, you're good. I need to talk to Shouta. Straighten my life out by 1%."

"Goodbye, Izuku!"

I leave the psycho rat behind to go to Shouta's apartment.

I decide to go through my apartment first as it means I get to go around back. When I enter, another spike of anger appears in my stomach as I see all the paperwork gone.

With my license being removed, that means all the evidence of the cases that I was working on is invalid. Damn it. Fucking laws.

I go to the door that connects Shouta's and I's apartments and knock. A moment later, Shouta opens the door, and he looks more tired than usual. His eyes search my body for injuries until it lands on the missing arm. Unlike others, it doesn't stick there. He looks me in the eyes.

Then, Shouta fucking punches me!

On instinct, I grab the fist and attempt to counter with a punch to the stomach only to realize I can't with one arm. Shouta takes the chance to that, causing me to let go and stumble back in my desk.

"WHAT THE FUCK, SHO?! IF THIS IS WHAT YOU'RE GOING TO DO, GET THE FUCK OUT NOW!" I snarl because I'm not in the mood for this shit. I watch his every move at this point.

Shouta doesn't respond. Instead, he dashes at me. I don't bother to think as I slide to the right. When he is close, I spin behind him and pin him to the desk with my weight. I'm not willing to go easy now.

"Give. Up." I growl.

Shouta huffs, "Izuku, I did that because you had me worried all day. I shouldn't have tried that, especially when you seem on edge. Sorry. Let me up, kid." Reluctantly, I do so, and Shouta pulls me in a tight hug. Because of how done I am with life right now, I lean against him and hug back as best as I could.

Knock Knock

"Door open," I mutter. I hear the door creak, and I see Nemuri and Hizashi at the door with a worried look. However, they calm down when they see us hugging.

"What the hell happened? I just heard Izuku screaming." Nemuri asks. I pull back, and a gasp can be heard when they see my missing arm; after the minor shock, they focus on me.

Thankfully, Shouta explains because he's the one who started this shit, " I attacked him as I sometimes do, and it pissed him off."

"No, shit, sherlock. He just got out of the hospital with an arm missing and learned people are shit-talking him." I chuckle softly because that's my life in a nutshell.

Hizashi interrupts, "Izuku, are you okay?"

I hum, "Physically? Yes. Emotionally? Fuck no. Do ya'll know what happened?" Everybody shakes their head. "Alright, then. We are going to Nemi's place as that has a couch, and I will explain everything."

"Wait, what's wrong with my place?"

"I know her place is clean besides the bedroom."

Nemuri smirks, "He's not wrong. Come on." We all head to Nemi's place, and we end up becoming the cuddle squad as we squish together on the couch.

"Alright, thots! This is the store of my life since this morning!"

"You make it sound so dramatic and old even though it just happened this morning," Hizashi says.

"Shut up, Zashi." Shouta states.

From there, I tell my goddamn drama to the squad.