[And...We're back. After a month, we're back. But honestly, it's been probably around 10 weeks since actually continuing the proper mainline story. The last chapter was a Christmas special, and, uh...It did not do very well. Honestly, that's part of the reason why I stayed away from this book longer. I was worried the book had lost its steam, and it made me not really want to write it. But I put a vote on my conversation board and it was neck and neck between this one, and one of my JJK books. But this one won, and so, I shall heed the request. Good outcome or not, you guys will be getting a brand new chapter of ANTI-HERO today! I hope you enjoy, and I hope you're ready for this Bootcamp ARC to come to an explosion ending...Really.]

[Recap Time: "Last time on ANTI-HERO...After crushing Musculer to a pulp, (Y/n) and young Kota, one of the Wild Wild Pussycats nephew whose parents were killed by the aforementioned villain, return to the training camp to see it being under attack. The Wild Wild Pussycats, as well as the majority of Class 1-A and 1B students who had yet to go into the forest for the test of courage, were cornered by villains Spinner and Magne. They were quickly disposed of by (Y/n), however, after finding out that Uraraka, nor any of his other girlfriends, were present with the group of students he had just saved, (Y/n) rushes into the forest to find them...only to find that Uraraka had been taken.]
______

[Your POV]

When I first lost my brother, I thought my world would never be the same again. Before Izuku died, I could smile, and take enjoyment in the little things. To put it in a simpler term. Back then, I had a soft heart for a world I presumed was just as soft. But after everything happened, my once soft heart began to harden. It began to corrode. To decay. To wither in despair from the chaos and turmoil around me. After Izuku died, I started to see what the world really was. I lost the eyes a child normally carries and instead dawned a pair that had seen the world at its worst. From that stage onward in my life, I was a completely different person, one who never thought things could get better. But that all started to change...when I met her.

Uraraka Ochaco appeared to be like a lot of people in this world. Someone who had a bleak knowledge of the wrongs going on in it, and even if she were to see it straight in front of her, she'd remain optimistic. She'd believe there was a better path ahead, for any situation, and any person. I wanted to scoff when I first heard her say something along those lines. What I had been through...no better path seemed present, and even then, what made her think be bringing true justice onto villains and criminals who cause others pain wasn't a better path? At least then no one else could be hurt. However, I refrained from scoffing, because Uraraka didn't deserve that. She was a good person. And as I got to know her better, I realized by just how much.

Whether it be with Izuku's death, or any source of turmoil I was abruptly thrown into, Uraraka was always there to help me. Always there to make me believe in the parts of myself that I once thought I could no longer do such a thing with. Over time, I started actually to smile again. To throw away my eyes from the pain of my youth, and instead focus on a future. A future with a girl who liked me, and believed that I could be a better person, even when I didn't believe I could be one myself. It was through Uraraka that I saw a better future for myself. One where I was happy. I thought nothing could tear that away...At least, that's what I thought until now. Where I'm left to hobble on my knees, looking down at the dirt beneath me, as I waver in the middle of this damn forest.

Uraraka had been taken...

Those were the words Akiko just told me.

Uraraka had been taken...and it was my job to get her back. 

But right now, all I could do was remain on my knees, my suit stained with sweat. The dark shadows of the night above covering me with their shame. The gentle cool breeze brushed against my hair, free to do so since the removal of my mask. Something which would once be a welcoming feeling, now nothing but a constant annoyance.

(Y/n): "Uraraka was taken...?"

Akiko: "(Y-Y/n), I'm sorry...I really know you don't want to hear this...Especially from me, but--"

(Y/n): [Lifts head] "That's what you said, right? She was taken...And what? You just let it happen, Akiko?"

Akiko: "What? No, I-I didn't...I was--"

Hagakure: "No, (Y/n), Akiko didn't do anything. It was...someone else."

From my side, the voice of Hagakure sounded. I was only able to look in her general direction due to the hovering clothes that seemingly carried no body. By her side, Yaoyorozu was also present. Both seemed afraid, yet in this moment...All I could do was laugh.

(Y/n): [Chuckles lightly] "Someone else? Hehe...Why am I not surprised, she's fooled you both as well."

Yaoyorozu: "(Y/n), we're being serious. Someone dressed as you showed up and took Uraraka."

Hagakure: "I know it's hard to believe, (Y/n), but it all really happened. Akiko didn't have anything to do with it."

(Y/n): "And yet I'm expected to believe she did nothing to help." [Glances at Akiko] "Just stood there and watched it happen? Whilst Uraraka probably called for help, begged for someone to be on her side to save...and you just stood there and watched?"

Akiko: "N-No...(Y/n), I...I wanted to help, but it happened so quickly, and...I-I was scared."

(Y/n): "Scared? Ha! That's ironic..."

Slowly, I climbed to my feet. My mask in hand, and a smile on my face. But it wasn't one of happiness. No...It was far from that.

Yaoyorozu: "(Y/n), I know you must be angry and upset. We all are. But Akiko really isn't to blame here. None of us did anything."

(Y/n): "But there's a difference, Yaoyorozu." [Turns to her] "You...You would have at least tried. You would have thought of helping. You and Hagakure both would have...But Akiko..."

Hagakure: "...(Y/n), don't do this..."

(Y/n): [Turns back to Akiko] "But you've got a history of not being there for someone when they need them most, don't you?"

Akiko: "(Y/n), this has nothing to do with when we were kids, okay? I wanted to help Uraraka, but there was nothing I could do."

In that same moment, rustles from a nearby set of bushes sounded, scaring the girls. I didn't move a muscle, I just kept my eyes on Akiko who had since turned away to look towards the noise. The cause for such was soon shown to be pointless as it was only Bakugo and the girls from Class 1-B, who I had suddenly left from elsewhere in the forest after hearing Uraraka's earlier scream.

Bakugo: "Huh? Is this where he--Oh, there you are, (Y/n). I was starting to wonder where you ran off too. Did you find the girls?" [Notices the girls] "Oh! Uh, never mind then. Haha."

It only took a few seconds, however, before Bakugo noticed the missing piece to his previous sentence.

Bakugo: "Wait. Only Rich Girl and Casper are here. Where's O-Choco, (Y/n)?"

(Y/n): "...She was taken..."

Bakugo: "Taken?! What the hell, man? What happened?" [Noitces Akiko] "Oh, for fuck's sake! You're here?! Wait...What did you do? Did you make this happen?!"

Akiko: "What?! No! Bakugo, I did nothing. I just--"

Bakugo: "Save it. You know what, I only give nicknames to people I like. But I'm gonna make an exception for you. Your new nickname is Cancer, because no matter how hard we just to fucking get rid of you, you just keep coming back!"

Hagakure: "Wait. Bakugo, I can--"

Bakugo: [Raises hand] "It's all good, Ghostbuster Buster, I've got this." 

Yaoyorozu: "No. Bakugo. Seriously, Hagakure and I were there, Akiko wasn't the one who--"

Bakugo: "--Wasn't the one who, what? Took O-Choco? Pfft! I know that much already!"

Yaoyorozu: "Wait. You do?"

Hagakure: "...Really? I'm, like...Kinda shocked by that."

Bakugo: "Please, I'm not a total idiot. Uraraka ain't some easy girl to be just taken down by anyone." [Glances back at Akiko] "Especially by this year's runner-up to those American Drag race shows in front of me."

Hagakure: "Wait. So who do you think--Hold on, did you just call Uraraka by her real nam--"

Bakugo: "Of course, Akiko didn't do it. She's too weak, and frail...But that's not to say she had a part to play in it."

Akiko: "What are you talking about?"

Yaoyorozu: "Bakugo, I think you're overreacting.

Bakugo: "Ha! As if! If anything, I'm the only one who is reacting accordingly. I mean, just think about it. All of sudden, after (Y/n) fought those guys in USJ, Akiko surprisingly shows up at school. The first time we're all out of school together, in a place so reclusive, a place only students and teachers would know about, we're attacked by villains. Now how does that make sense?"

Akiko: "Um, I think you're forgetting something moron. My Uncle is Eraserhead!"

Bakugo: "And my Uncle was the Number One Salesboy for my local grocery store twelve years running, but did that stop me from stealing from that place all the time? No! So stop blabbing about things that don't matter right now."

Akiko: [Mutters] "Pfft...I see some things just never change, huh?"

Bakugo: "What was that you just said to me, Ironing Board?"

Yaoyorozu: "Bakugo!"

Hagakure: "Okay...I think we've had enough talking here."

Bakugo: "What? I did nothing wrong."

Akiko: "Nothing wrong?! You're really calling me an Ironing Board because I'm a girl? That's really sexist."

Bakugo: "Uh, okay, there's your problem. I was calling you Ironing Board because you're a woman...I was calling you one because your chest is so flat I could literally cook eggs on it during a hot day. Oh, wait, maybe I should have just called you 'Kitchen Stove' then? Well, that really does make it sound like I'm being sexist, hu--"

Hagakure: "Yep! Okay! Definitely enough talking from you for one day, Bakugo!"

Bakugo: "Huh? What for?"

That remark from Bakugo was enough to make Yaoyorozu and Hagakure slap their faces in frustration.

Yaoyorozu: [Sighs] "Okay, all seriousness in this situation has been thrown out of the window."

Hagakure: "Honestly, sometimes I forget he's this much of an idiot."

Meanwhile, the confused group of Class 1-B girls also make their claim to the situation.

Kodai: "Um...Is it just me, or is this really happening?"

Kendo: "Don't worry, it's happening alright."

Kinoko: "I thought Class 1-A were supposed to be the best? Yet right now all they're doing is arguing."

Shiozaki: "As the tales say, even the strongest will crumble in times of struggle."

Pony: [In American Accent] "Oh! Oh! Do you think we should do something about this?"

Tokage: "Pony might be right. We don't want a fight to break out."

Reiko: "It might be best to leave it for now...or not..." [Sighs] "...I don't care much..."

Rin: "And there goes Reiko being her usual emo self."

Reiko: "It's not a phase!"

Rin: "...What?"

The commotion between the opposite class was enough to bring about confused glances from Yaoyorozu and Momo, meanwhile, Bakugo continued to go off about how Akiko really could be a spy implanted by the League of Villains to get at both me, and the school. But honestly, I could hardly focus on any of what was happening. All I could think about was Uraraka, and how right now she was probably scared and looking for me to help her. 

The thoughts of her crying, begging for someone to save her...It made me sick. It reminded me of the night Izuku died, and how he needed someone to help him then. Unfortunately, back then I was too weak and afraid to do anything. But now, I wasn't afraid to hurt someone to protect another. In fact, hurting someone seemed to be the only idea I had in mind right now that could actually end up saving her. It was as I realized such, that I knew what needed to be done. 

Bakugo: "--And let's also add in the fact, Akiko, that ever since you've came back to U.A., you've constantly been trying to befriend (Y/n). Why is that?"

Akiko: "Because I wanted to make things right with him. I had HOPED he'd moved on from what happened as kids, but clearly not! So I decided to be the bigger person and apologise for something that wasn't even my fault, and I'm stick and tired of pretending it is!"

Bakugo: "...Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! That's a whole bunch of balony...Expired balony at that. Haha!" [Leans on your shoulder] "You hear all this crap coming out of her mouth, (Y/n)? And here I thought that'd end when she stopped riding Kaito like a--"

(Y/n): "--I gotta go."

Bakugo: "Huh? What do you--"

Before Bakugo finished, I was already in the process of leaving. Tossing my mask over my head and activating One For All in my heels, I launched into the sky, causing Bakugo to stumble to the side and leave everyone else to look up into the sky as I disappeared over the treeline and into the shadows.

Bakugo: [Looking up to the sky] "Hey! Yo! Bro! Don't leave with out me...I've got the Class 1-B girls to introduce you too!"

Yaoyorozu: "Where'd he go?"

Bakugo: "I don't know. But where he did go, I pity whoever he's going to come across."

Hagakure: "I hope he isn't going to do something that he regrets."

Akiko: "He's heading for the clearing where the Test of Courage started! Let's follow him!"

Bakugo: "Oh? So you can report it to which scummy villain you're working fo--"

Akiko: "Just shut up and follow me, will you? Or do you want your best friend to die?!"

Without waiting for a response, Akiko and all the other girls quickly took off in the direction I had disappeared. As for Bakugo, he remained behind momentarily...

Bakugo: [Mumbles] "Pfft...As if I'd let (Y/n) die, I haven't reached my dream of giving him a hundred girlfriends yet."

...Only once that remark was done did Bakugo follow after the others. However, for me, I had already reached my destination, and as Akiko guessed, it was where it all begun. The clearing where I saved the Wild Wild Pussycats and most of the school students from Spinner and Magne, speaking of which...Both of the aforementioned villains were left next to a tree, Spinner unable to move due to his broken leg, as well as dealing with the pain from his three broken fingers alongside the leg I gave to him in our previous fight. Meanwhile, Magne was still knocked out unconscious next to him, meaning neither one could get out of there without Magne waking up.

Spinner: "Come on, Magne! Wait up already--Argh." [Slightly tears up] "Stupid fucking so-called hero breaking my fucking fingers and leg...That really fucking hurt...ARRGGHH! MAGNE! GET YOUR FAT ASS UP OFF THE GROUND ALREADY!!!"

Yet no matter how loud he screamed, Magne would not wake up. This left the frustrated Spinner to slam his head back against the tree he was forced to lean against to in frustration. His eyes shutting as a sigh escaped his lips. However, upon opening his gaze, he almost choked on that aforementioned release of air when he saw my darkened silhouette standing no more than five meters away. With the moon clouded above, my body could hardly be seen. But my eyes...My glowing, green, eyes that cut through the darkness itself...they could be seen quite clearly. It was that effect that caused a wave of fear to plunge through Spinner's very soul...even if he tried to hide such eventually.

Spinner: "--FUCKING MOTHER OF--What the fuck, dude?! You almost...I-I mean..." [Acts cool; Turns head away] "...What do you want, Junior? Didn't have enough fun breaking my fingers and leg already?"

(Y/n): "Where is she, Spinner?"

Spinner: "Huh? Who?"

(Y/n): "You know who, you overgrown lizard! The girl you took! The one you planned to take from the very beginning!"

Spinner: "Hmm...I don't know what you're talking about." [Grins] "Maybe you'll have to go about breaking my fingers again, tough guy?"

(Y/n): "Oh...I'm about to break more than your fucking fingers you lying piece of shit."

Spinner: "Ooooh. So scary~ What are you going to do that's worse than breaking my fing--"

BAM!

Before I knew it...It just happened. My fist had been clenched tightly ever since back with the others in the forest. It was like it was waiting to find someone I could freely punch without any guilt, and that's exactly what happened halfway through Spinner's sentence. Before he even got the word out of his mouth, my fist just cut through the air and landed directly in the oversized pet lizard's face. I didn't just stop my punch as soon as it touched the green, scaly flesh of this villain, however. I kept pushing. Digging my knuckles deeper into his face. Putting as much force behind it as I possibly could without killing him. I was going to find out why they took Uraraka, because it wasn't just some accident, it was done on purpose. The only problem was, once I started punching Spinner, and releasing all that pent-up anger...It was hard to stop.

Punch!

Punch!

Punch!

Punch!

"...Bluh..."

"...Augh..."

"...Gah..."

"..kluk..."

After each punch, I would draw my fist back, only to send it crashing forward again. But in the small amount of time that it took for my fist to come backwards and then to be sent forward again, allowed a very tiny window for different types of sounds to escape Spinner's mouth. Most of the time they were aftereffects from either blood or spit building up in his mouth due to the constant inflictions done to his head. About around about the fourth or fifth time in which I spent towering over the injured villain, holding the back of his head with one hand and using the other to repeatedly beat him with, mumbled words began to escape his mouth. Words that didn't form an entire sentence, but still gave a clear enough idea.

"...Why..."

Punch!

"...I did..."

Punch!

"...You asked..."

Punch!

"...I...I don't..."

Punch!"

"...I don't...Understand..."

Punch!

Eventually, the repeated action of punching Spinner tired my arm out, enough to the point I could barely lift it. But even then, I wasn't done. With my hand that was already glued to the back of his head, I ripped the mask of Stain off his face and chucked it to the ground. In the same instance, I dropped to a knee before him and removed my own. It was in this position Spinner was able to see the pure mixture of anger and sorrow that course through my eyes currently. A look not many get a front-row seat to.

(Y/n): [Panting] "You...You don't understand, huh? Well, let me explain it to you. Remember before..." [Panting] "...Remember when I asked you what you knew about All Might? I asked you that because I wanted you to know something...Because whereas All Might hopes for a fight to be avoided...I'm the opposite. I hope a fight happens. I hope you pathetic villains push me to my limits. You know why...? Because when I'm fighting people like you, I'm free to hurt you as much as I want. And I enjoy that, I do. I know I shouldn't, but I do. Because when I make people like you feel pain, just like my brother felt it, I finally feel free of my own..."

Spinner: [Groggily] "...Wha...What the...What the fuck are you talking about...?"

(Y/n): "What I'm talking about, Spinner, is my reason. My reason for hurting you know. Because you villains...You took her from me. The only one who could make me feel free without the violence. YOU TOOK HER FROM ME!"

Spinner: "Who?!"

(Y/n): "You know who you filthy son of a bitch!" [Stands up suddenly] "You were a fan of Stain, right? Well, I've give you something only a fan would want. I'll give you a proper recreation of just how I put that pathetic excuse of a villain to the ground, just as I'm about to do to you."

And I planned to do just that. With my body so full on emotion and excess energy, I could barely stand properly. My feet shook and my legs faltered. Yet I found the strength to lift my closed hand high into the air one more time. This was it...I planned to kill him. There was nothing holding me back. I would have ended up doing it to if it weren't for my legs finally giving out, sending me towards the ground. However, before I were to hit it, I was caught. 

Turning my head in an instant, the shock and fear on my face from everything that just happened, and was about to happen, was clear to see by Bakugo, who had caught me. Even with the dark sky above, I was still able to clearly see his face of worry, and the looks of concern on Hagakure, Yaoyorozu, and the faces of everyone else behind them. Even Akiko seemed concerned, but in this moment, I could only think of one thing.

(Y/n): "Ba-Bakugo, I...Uraraka...I-I need to find her. She's out there. H-He has to know...He has to!"

Bakugo: "(Y/n), it's okay. We'll find her. I promise you that. But for now...This one moment, I need you to just collect your thoughts, okay?"

Before I could even respond, I was already being removed from Bakugo's arms. I wasn't simply sent to the ground, however. Instead, Bakugo was quickly swapped over with Yaoyorozu and Hagakure, both of which seemed more concerned then I first thought, and were quick to hold me in their arms and continued to do so, as if never wanting to let go ever again. Meanwhile, Bakugo got to his feet, where Akiko stood, looking down at the scene before her.

Akiko: "...They really care for him, don't they?"

Bakugo: "Of course they do. Because he cares about them just as much. Even if it may not seem that way to some."

Akiko: "And what about you? I mean, I know you're his best friend..."

Bakugo: "I care about him too..." [Lowers head slightly] "...But there are things someone more than a best friend must do, especially when he's sad. But then again, there are also things only a best friend can do."

Akiko: "Like what?"

Bakugo: [Turns to Spinner] "...Like getting his hands dirty to make sure his best friend is never sad again."

It was from that point that Bakugo stopped talking. He just kept his eyes focused on the confused Spinner, and slowly started walking towards him...

[3rd Person POV]

--Elsewhere--

...But it was as Bakugo hoped to get some answers from the cowering villain before him elsewhere in the forest, atop a small mountain front in a separate clearing from the one (Y/n) and his friends were currently located in, the villain group consisting of the Blue Flame Quirk user Dabi. Next to him was a well-built man in a black and gray bodysuit that covered his body completely, along with gray boots. The upper half of his signature mask was gray with white eye sockets, while the lower half covering his mouth was black. 

The other two present standing atop the mountain front was a villain wearing a Gas Mask named 'Mustard', the cause for the purple mist currently creeping through the forest causing all of those to breathe it in to become unconscious, a state which had already succumbed to a few students yet to be seen. And finally, a terrifying-looking individual going by the name 'Moonfish', who towered over his allies and a wore black straitjacket that only leaves his mouth exposed. 

The suit is held together by black restraints decorated with red spikes. These same restraints connect to metal clamps that cover Moonfish's head and keep his lips open, often causing him to drool. Other straps cross Moonfish's torso, waist, and the top of his boots. But it was none of these villains in particular that were the cause for attention currently. That fell onto the mysterious figure wearing a costume similar to that of (Y/n)'s own, who currently held the unconscious body of Uraraka in their arms.

Dabi: "I see you completed your mission, huh? The boss should be happy with that."

(???): "..."

No response came from the evil lookalike. Such simply left Dabi to grin, whilst the seemingly energetic villain 'Twice' leaned over to the firebender and muttered out loud.

Twice: "This guy don't talk much, does he Dabi?"

Dabi: "No, he does not, Twice. But at least he brought the girl."

Twice: "Oh, yeah! The girl! I almost forgot about her..." [Turns back to Dabi] "
Hey, Dabi, question. Why did we take the girl again?"

Dabi: "It's what Shigaraki wants. She's close to the one he wants dead, and to get to him, we needed to make him lose focus."

Twice: "Ooooh. Right. Right. I get it now." [Mutters to himself] "I totally don't get it now." [Out Loud] "I get it. I also get it. Me too! I get it all!"

It seemed as if Twice was having a conversation with himself right now more so then with Dabi, but the overly scared individual did not seem to focus on such at all. He simply left his gaze, as well as the others gathered around him, to focus on the red-themed varient of (Y/n)'s hero suit, and the girl in their arms. Meanwhile, a grunt could be heard from behind. One which caused Dabi to smile as he turned around to greet the approaching individual.

"...Argh...Fuck this. None of this should have happened! This is all that brat's fault!"

Dabi: [Smiles] "Sorry to say this to ya, especially in your time of...grief--" [Turns around] "But the only person you have to blame for your beat up appearance, Muscular, is yourself."

Muscular: "What the fuck did you just say, Dabi?!"

Dabi: "Well...Good to know at least your ears still work fine."

The witty remark, of course, left Muscular angered beyond belief. Despite his deformed face, one covered in brushes and dry blood, his vicious expression could still be seen quite clearly. Yet it didn't waver Dabi's own expression, his smirk remaining free to see by all as he walked down the backside of the small cliff face to approach not only Muscular but the person who had managed to find him in his previously...vulnerable state. A young girl with blonde hair dressed up in a rugged and slightly old-looking school uniform. Her wide smile somehow even managed to conquer Dabi's own, showcasing the inner Psychoti tendencies behind those razor-sharp teeth.

(???): "Oh! Dabi! Dabi! I did it! I found Muscular just like you said! Hehe~ He was all battered and bruised, and bleeding! Oh! It was so FUCKING COOL!"

Dabi: [Grins at Muscular] "I'm sure it was..."

Muscular: "Grrr...Watch it."

Dabi: [Turns to Toga] "Good work, Toga. Now with Muscular here, we can really get this plan in to motion. Though, hopefully, this time around...we can keep it in our best interests to not go off wandering and get hurt again, hmm?"

Muscular: "Hey! You weren't there, okay?! Things didn't go to plan!"

Dabi: "Like, you just wandering off, therefore potentially throwing the original plan into chaos? That plan, or the plan of you just going off and doing whatever you want?"

Muscular: "It's...a different plan. Argh! It doesn't matter! What matters is that we came here to kill that brat of a hero like Shigaraki said--But he's no hero!"

Out of nowhere, Twice pops up from behind Dabi's back with a finger raised to the air.

Twice: "Really? Because he sure looks like a hero? I mean, he has a suit and saves people."

Muscular: "That's not what I mean, you freak!"

Twice: "Ouch. That's not nice." [In A Deeper Voice] "Hey! You can't just go around calling people that, buddy!"

Muscular: "Whatever! That doesn't fucking matter anyway! What matters is I'm saying this guy, this kid, we came here to fight...He wouldn't fight like a normal hero was...He was dirty. Playing by his own rules."

Dabi: "Rules you lost to?"

Muscular: [Leans face towards Dabi] "...I wasn't prepared. But next time, I will be. And this time, he'll be the one walking around like a corpse."

Dabi: "I certainly hope so. Because whilst you were being bait and a good destruction...The rest of the actual plan was going ahead."

Muscular: "Huh? What do you--"

Before Muscular could finish, everyone soon turned their heads behind the giant brute as footsteps entered the air. Turning around, Toga, Muscular, and the other villains gathered behind Dabi were given a front row seat to the red varient of (Y/n)'s costume, as well as the mysterious figure inside of it, finally concluding their journey around the small cliff-face and arriving up the foot of it. All the while still carrying the unconscious body of Uraraka in hand.

Toge: "Hey. Who's this, Dabi? His costume is really red, like blood! I love it! Haha! I love it so much!" [Realizes] "Oh! Is it someone I can kill? Oh, boy! I've been waiting for the moment to slice someone's throat. I mean, the suit is already red so you won't really be able to see the blood. But, still, my Mom always used to say. It's the thought that cou--"

Muscular: "Hey! That's the brat who beat me up--But...Red." [Turns to Dabi] "What the hell is this, Dabi?"

Dabi: [Smiles] "The plan..." [To Toga] "As for what you were saying, Toga. Unfortunately, no. You can't kill this one. They're on our side."

Toge: "Oh..." [Turns to Dabi] "They are?"

Twice: "Uh, huh. He totally is, Toge. He's managed to get our mission into a really good spot. Dabi said so. He even got the girl we needed."

Toge: "Girl...?"

It seemed that in her sudden shock at seeing the new arrival, one dressed in such a...noticeable coloured costume such as the one before her right now, Toge had failed to notice the unconscious body of the girl in their hands. But upon turning around once more, she made sure to not ignore this time, and as she did see it she felt....Absolutely nothing.

Toge: "Can I kill this girl? She's a hero, right? So it's okay?" [Hungrily turns back to the body] "Oh, I can't wait to see what she's really lik--"

Dabi: "Again...You can't do that, Toga."

Toga: "What?! Why not?!" [Crosses arms; Pouts] "You're no fair!"

Dabi: "Yeah, well, if I let you kill this one now and drink her blood, we won't be able to draw out the big mean hero who hurt poor little Muscular."

Toga: "Huh? What do you--"

Muscular: "That's it, you son of a bitch! You're not the leader here, I--"

Instantly Muscular was cut off by Dabi creating a hot blue flame in the palm of his hand. The bright ball of heat enough to stop Muscular from reaching out to grab the scared teenager. Yet again, this sign of fear ended up being enough for Dabi to smile once more.

Dabi: "You know how this works. None of us are the boss. We listen to Shigaraki and call him such, but we all do this for a common goal. You'll get your second chance at the little hero boy--" [Turns to Toga] "--And you'll be able to kill as many people as you want."

Toga: [Pumps fist in air] "Yes! You're the best Dabi!"

Dabi: "...But until then, we have to wait. It won't be long until this kid pretending to be a hero comes to find us. But before that happens we need a place with better...scenery."

In this moment, not one of Dabi's fellow villains knew what he was talking about. Though going off Dabi's consistent smile, he knew exactly what was going to happen, and where it needed to take place. Such a thing hinted at as his eyes shot through the top of the treeline of the forest before him. Trees, trees, and more trees could be seen. But some couple hundred meters away, the rooftop of the bootcamp's main building was located. 

It was within that very building that Aizawa, Vlad King, as well as their various mixture of students who were taken away from being able to complete in the Test of Courage. They did so in the beginning because those students needed extra studying to catch up on the tests they had failed on, though little did they know the need for catching up on tests was going to be the least important thing right about now.

--Back With You--

Silence filled the cool, gentle night air in the middle of the forest landscape. A little under a dozen U.A. students could be seen gathered at the starting line of a wall of trees that set the beginning for the maze of wood and leaves that called forth beyond them. It was this particular tree in front of them currently, however, that brought the most attention. Two bodies, those belonging to villains, Spinner and Magne, left either unable to move or unconscious. The figure of Bakugo stood before them, glaring down at their bruised and injured bodies. The damages brought on by one person only.

However, despite the ramifications of such actions being put clearly on display, the person to caused such a thing seemed anything but at this moment. For instead of carrying a dark aura of anger and frustration, (Y/n) Midoriya instead found himself seated on the ground, his gaze wandering into the distance. No spot in particular caught his attention, he just kept looking at the blank void in front of him, all the while he was held tightly by the arms of his two girlfriends. Their gentle voices softly enter his ears, but all (Y/n) could hear right now were the voices of self-inflicted hatred and disgust that currently rotted away at his mind.

'...This is all on you...'

'...You failed her...'

'...Just like you failed him...'

'...You couldn't be trusted with the life of a dog...'

'...let alone a human you care about...'

'...You should give up now...There's no point in going to save her...'

'...You'll just lose...'

'...You always lose in the end...'

'...It's just your eternal burden...'

'...To lose those who you cherish the most...'

(Y/n) knew he shouldn't listen to the words, but the temptation to fall into their welcoming despair was too much to reset. Because there was one thing only a few people knew about (Y/n) Midoriya, something not even his girlfriends fully confirmed about their partner. It was the inner realization that at the end of the day, (Y/n) knew he wasn't a person meant to have a happy ending. He knew that for the longer he lived, the more pain would eventually come his way. He knew of such since the day he was born, but only began to realise it more so as his years went on. (Y/n) knew his life was full of pain and suffering. 

He also knew that the easiest choice to bring things to an end would be to just give up and let his life slowly come to a close, like a fading breath. He knew what that feeling felt like, of being on the brink of death. He felt it during his fight with Stain. Yet just as with his life, (Y/n) refused to go down by a person claiming to be a true hero. Most saw (Y/n)'s resilience against Stain as a showing of his courage, and lack of weakness. But (Y/n) knew otherwise. It wasn't courage, it was stubbornness. Because as much as (Y/n) knew death would be the easy way out of his life's troubles, pushing forward was what would bring the true turmoil, and his true punishment for the mistakes he had made in his life. Because the story of (Y/n) Midoriya wasn't one of redemption against the troubles of his past. 

Instead, it was a warning of just how heavy a burden such mistakes can bring upon people. Even those with the brightest, most kind-hearted souls around, who eventually want nothing more than to suffer for everything they had brought onto the lives of those who surround themselves with him. In this moment, (Y/n)'s come to accept that, only for his stubbornness to strike once more. His clouded mind pulled from the nightmarish thoughts of his inner sanctum to be brought back to reality. In doing so, his head slowly lifts, his eyes no longer focused on the bleak nothingness of the forest outline before him, and instead focusing on the expressionless face of one Katsuki Bakugo.

Bakugo: "So, you done moping about? Or do you want me to go off and rescue O-Choco alone?"

(Y/n): "H-Huh?"

Just like that, his mind snaps free from anything holding him back. All the while the minds of his girlfriends follow shortly after.

Yaoyorozu: "Bakugo? What are you talking about?"

Hagakure: "You know where Uraraka is? How?"

Bakugo: [Grins] "What can I say? I'm a very persuasive person. How else do you think I've managed to get all those 1-B girls to agree to go on a date with (Y/n) even after they saw him getting a few 'One', 'Twos' into those villains back there?"

The eyes of Yaoyorozu and Hagakure instantly turning to the only other people present, the girls of 1-B. However, going off their own looks, Bakugo's words werren't exactly 100% true. Even so, (Y/n) cared little for that, and instead on what Bakugo was seemingly stating in the background of all that was being said.

(Y/n): "Y-You really know where Uraraka is?"

Bakugo: "Hmm? Oh, yeah...Of course, man." [Nonchalantly slaps your shoulder] "I wouldn't just go through all of the trouble of getting you with her only to just let some villains ruin my plans. I told you, dude, one hundred girlfriends for you, otherwise, my name ain't Katsuki 'Money-Bags' Bakugo."

Akiko: "You're a teenager. You're broke, Bakugo."

Bakugo: [Without looking] "No comments from the peanut gallery, thank you." [Turns to you] "--Anyway, more importantly, don't you think it's time you wipe that early '2000s emo look off your face and go to save the girl? You know, classic hero style?"

Whilst Bakugo's words may not have exactly fit the scene, nor it's tone, that wasn't stopping (Y/n)'s continued climb out of the abyss that was his mind to slowly regain the confidence and determination that he really needed right now. Such confirmed as he took Bakugo's hand that was on offer and lifted to his feet, not to say there weren't complications in doing so, however.

Hagakure: "Wait. So, what's the plan now then? Do we all go off to find Eraserhead and the other teachers?"

Yaoyorozu: "Yes, if we find them, surely we will stand a better chance to--"

Bakugo: "--Nah. That sounds too boring."

Yaoyorozu: "What?"

Bakugo: "I was more so thinking that (Y/n) and I would go off to where ol'Godzilla cosplayer back there told me his little boy band was taking Uraraka. That way, not only can he get his revenge, but also look incredibly cool so every girl in a one hundred mile radius falls heads over heels for him."

Akiko: "Bakugo...That's a stupid plan." [Walks over to the group] "You've got to realize just how stupid that is, right?"

Bakugo: "What? It's not stupid!" [Turns to the girls] "Right, Girlfriend-2 and Girlfriend-3? You want my boy to have other girls by his side, right?"

Yaoyorozu: [Mutters] "The matter of having my boyfriend date other girls really seems to be the lesser of two important goals right now. Yet, for whatever reason, I find myself more so concerned with that matter than with getting Uraraka back. Sorry, Uraraka. I know I should not be thinking such a way right now. I am so wrong for doing this. Why do I get so jealous when I first come across other girls liking (Y/n)? Ahh! I need some tea."

Bakugo: "Um...Okay then." [Smiles brightly] "I take that as an A-Okay for my plan. Casper, any objections?"

Hagakure: "Yes! A thousand objections! You're not seriously thinking about going off to fight who knows how many villains there are waiting for us!"

Bakugo: "--Correction. Waiting for (Y/n) and I."

Hagakure: "Whatever! I'm not letting him just go off to get hurt again. Because, I...I've already had one person I care about taken from me...I don't want another."

Bakugo: "Well, that's where you're wrong. No one's going to be taken again. (Y/n) and I are going to put an end to it."

Akiko: "But why?! Why does it have to be just you two when teachers are waiting to be called upon? Fuck! They're probably already on their way here!"

Bakugo: "Didn't I tell the peanut gallery to remain quiet?"

Akiko: "Stop fucking joking about! This isn't a joking matter, you dumbfounded idiot! Can you please take this thing seriously? (Y/n)'s face alone tells me he isn't in the right mind space right now, so for whatever fucking joke that God has brought upon us right now, we need you to be the one with common sense. So stop doing what is right by you by fucking doing all of this to get some girls to crush on (Y/n) and do what is right by everyone here!"

For a moment following Akiko's words, everything came to a stop. The girls of Class 1-B stopped all forms of conversations in the background, left to stare at Akiko in shock. Even the Spinner, the only conscious villain, though doused with a slight growing concussion due to (Y/n)'s previous punches somehow recollected the seriousness and intenseness of the moment to join Hagakure and Yaoyorozu to turn Akiko's way. But out of everyone, the silence that brought the most shock...was from Bakugo himself. He just stared at Akiko, not saying a single word. 

At least, not until the one right ones came to mind. Because for once...Bakugo thought before speaking. A process that began as the scruffy blonde slowly stepped forward, as he did so gently pulling the girls away from (Y/n), who still in his face of self-destruction and persecution remained standing a short distance away. Enough that he couldn't hear what was about to be said, even as Bakugo turned his gaze from Akiko...To Hagakure...To Yaoyorozu. His deepest, most sincere emotions coming through as he glanced at them all. Glancing at them one, by one, by one.

Bakugo: [Sighs] "Look...I'm only going to say this once, so listen closely." [Steps closer; Mutters Quietly] "You all think you know a part of (Y/n). And honestly, that's true. You all do. You all know a 'part' of him. Akiko, you know the nightmare. The side of (Y/n) that leaves him most vulnerable." [Glances to his left] "Hagakure, you know the hero. You've seen him as that since the first day you met him. The day he saved you at the park."

Hagakure: [Stunned] "Y-You...You know about that?"

Bakugo: "Of course, I do...You've basically been on the waiting list to become one of his girlfriends for the longest time now. I keep track of those things."

Hagakure: "Oh..."

Yaoyorozu: [Leans over to Hagakure] "...Is it wrong that I thought your question was going to be about how he called you by your name and not some silly nickname?"

Hagakure could only turn her head to Yaoyorozu quickly, all before her own gaze was pulled away by Bakugo.

Bakugo: "And you, Yaoyorozu, you know him as probably one of the only people who see you as a normal girl, and not someone held back by your name. Something I'm sure means a lot to you, right? Hence why you're so protective of him going to face those who took Uraraka."

Yaoyorozu: "...I-I guess so."

Bakugo: "Well, before you guess anything. Let me tell you something. Whereas each and every one of you knows a part of (Y/n). I am probably one of three to four people that know every part of him. I've known (Y/n) since he was three years old, and I've been best friends with him since we were five. It's during that time that I've seen (Y/n) as a normal kid, and someone who lost it all. I know how his mind ticks, I also know what's best for him--"

Akiko: "--And, what? Him going to fight villains, and probably die in the process, is what's best for him?" [Scoffs] "You've got to be joking! You girls aren't seriously listening to any of this right now...?"

But going off the way Yaoyorozu and Hagakure currently looked at Akiko, the young niece of Eraserhead was left in her own wave of silence now. All before her focus was drawn back to Bakugo, who still kept that serious look on his face.

Bakugo: "--Before you go to judge my friends capabilities again. Let me tell you something. Back during the USJ incident, when all those villains came to hurt our class, (Y/n) wanted to fight them. But back then, I wasn't like I am now. I asked him to stop. Begged him to stay back so he wouldn't get hurt. After all...He'd been hurt before."

Akiko: [Looks to the side] "..."

Bakugo: "But do you know what (Y/n) told me? He told me to trust him. Trust him that he'll come back. Because if I didn't trust him, he said, that he couldn't promise that he'd come back. And you know what I did...? I trusted him. Even though it hurt me. I trusted that he'd come back. But I didn't just do so because he told me to, deep down I knew that (Y/n) needed to fight those villains. He needed to win."

Akiko: "But why?! Why would he need to win? We're only human after all. We can't win every fight we're in!"

Bakugo: "But things are different for (Y/n). When Izuku died, he did nothing to save him. Even though that's understandable to us. He was only a kid. But to (Y/n), being a kid didn't matter. He lost his brother because he was scared to do anything. But from that moment on, he made a promise. That he would stop every villain he came across...Even if it killed him. Because, in (Y/n)'s mind, how can he possibly find a sense of forgiveness in himself when he can't keep his promise? That's why he needs to win. Because if he loses and gives up, he also gives up his promise to Izuku. And breaking a promise he kept with his dead brother is something far more terrifying than death. That's why..."

Yaoyorozu: "...That's why we need to let him go now."

Hagakure: "...So he can keep his promise to his brother."

Bakugo: "Exactly. Look, I know it'll be scary. I'm just as scared as you guys are about losing him. But he's not going alone...I'll be with him there. Not to aid him in keeping his promise. But to make sure he'll live another day to make sure that promise is just one of many things on his mind. So just like I did back then with (Y/n), I ask that you trust me. Trust me I'll bring him back. If you can do that much for me...I promise you'll see him again when all of this is over and done with."

No more words came after this point. The confirmation was already set, even through the silence. Hagakure and Yaoyorozu just turned to each other and smiled, all the while Akiko saw this and found herself wondering...Through all the years her and (Y/n) were apart, how had he managed to turn his life around? To reach a point like the one he was currently in? Unfortunately, any answer to that question would remain unknown for another day. For not a second passed before Bakugo turned around to claim the attention of the still silent (Y/n). A mere nod in the direction they needed to be headed all it took for the pair to take off into the dark night. 

Meanwhile, the female students that remained behind headed off for the main campsite building where Eraserhead and the others had headed earlier, little did they know that's exactly where Dabi and the rest of his forces were also headed. Such a notion would surely raise a few eyebrows later on, as Bakugo and (Y/n) were currently going in the opposite direction to which the villains currently were located at. Because going off the intel Bakugo got from Spinner. The villains were still located at a cliffside some distance through the wall of trues just beyond of their current location in the clearing. But was this a lie, or did Spinner simply miss out on the details needed for Shigaraki's plan to go into action? 

Such remained unknown as of now, for the mindsets of Bakugo and (Y/n) were focused solely on getting Uraraka back. But as the pair of childhood friends began using their respected Quirks to send themselves flying high above the tree lie, the silence between them was broken momentarily, as the first words from (Y/n) since his mental breakdown took place entered the air. Each wave of his sentence coming about every time (Y/n) used One For All to launch off the ground and fly high into the air. Such a repeated notion caused his sentence to come through to Bakugo in parts, who otherwise easily remained airborne due to his constant explosions from his wrists.

(Y/n): [Jumping upward] "...Thanks, Bakugo..." [Falling downward] "...For what you did back there..."

Bakugo: "Huh? You say something, buddy?"

(Y/n): [Upward] "I said, thanks..." [Downward] You know..." [Upward] "...For getting the girls to agree to let me go with you."

Bakugo: "Oh! That's cool, man." [Smiles brightly] "Besides, you would have gone either way, right?"

(Y/n): [Downward] "I guess..." [Upward] "...But still...It's cool to know you've got my back..."

Bakugo: "Eh. What can I say? I know I'm a little much sometimes with my girlfriend talk and whatnot. But I try my best."

(Y/n): [Upward] "Try you do. But still..." [Downward] "...You always do a lot for me. I don't thank you enough for that."

Bakugo: "No thanks needed, man. Really. I owe as much to you. You saved my life after all."

(Y/n): "I did?" [Smiles slightly] "What? When we were kids and you fell in that river?" [Upward] "I wouldn't exactly call that saving your life."

Bakugo: "Yeah, well...Saving someone comes in a whole lot of different forms, right? You're a hero, you should know that?"

On his next launch upward, (Y/n) just shook his head. His smile still remained.

(Y/n): "Whatever, man. Anyway, I gotta ask..." [Upward] "...How'd you get Spinner to tell you where these villains were?" [Downward] "...He seemed pretty firm on keeping his secrets to himself before when I...Well, you know..."

Upon going down for a second time, Bakugo didn't respond. Something that didn't clue (Y/n) into anything at first, mainly because he couldn't see Bakugo's face right now. But if he could have, perhaps he would have picked up on something if he had seen the look currently spread across Bakugo's face. The usually talkative and confident boy finding a saddened expression on his face, as if something terrible had happened that only he knew about. 

The look someone who had just made a deal with the devil would only carry. But upon (Y/n) coming back up once more, his boy crashing through the stray branches and leaves in his way to yet again sore above the trees to greet Bakugo in the air, he was smiling once more. But inside the young boy's brain, all Bakugo could do was try and focus on the good times...The times when (Y/n) had been the one to save him. After all, whereas Bakugo knew a lot about (Y/n), there were still some aspects to the young boy's life that even (Y/n) didn't know about himself.

[Your POV]

It felt like an eternity that followed from that point onward. No words were spoken between Bakugo or I. Even so, I kept having the sense that he wanted to say something. What that was, I didn't have much of a clue. But when he didn't bring anything up himself, I decided to leave it at that. After all, if Bakugo wanted to say something, he would. He's not really the type to keep things to himself for long anyway. Besides, I still had my own things to focus on. It had been almost half an hour since Uraraka was taken by those villains. I've still to see no sign of them other than what Spinner and Magne claim to be the 'best of the best'.

But whatever villains did decide to show their ugly faces on this dark night, they would soon come to see their mistakes. Half an hour has passed since Uraraka was taken, half an hour too long. Half an hour where I've spent being angry at myself and unable to do anything due to the weakness of my own spirit. The image of myself remaining on my knees as I'm held in the arms of Hagakure and Yaoyorozu still play through my mind. It makes me want to throw up and pull out my stomach from how pathetic the image makes me seem. I shouldn't be miserable now. I shouldn't show weakness. I need to keep moving. I need to find Uraraka and save her. Because if I don't...

(Y/n): [Thoughts] "...if I don't..."

Bakugo: "(Y/n), look. Down there. Through the trees."

(Y/n): "Huh?"

Before that thought could finish, I'm interrupted by Bakugo. Before I even turn to him, my gaze lines itself with the trees beneath us. Purple mist, not as thick as fog, but deeper than smoke runs through the shallow banks of the tree's base roots. I couldn't see the ground from my position in the sky, but with gravity soon playing its part, it wasn't long before my body hurried towards the ground below.

Thud!

A loud thud announces my presence once I've hit the ground. My feet purposely digging into the ground a little harder than I normally would. Not because of nerves, or a showcase of a lacking mind in my current situation...But as a warning. I may have not been the best student in class growing up, but even I knew that purple mist wasn't normal. With the presence of villains in the area already on my mind, I didn't waste to put my defences up. Narrowed eyes used to glare through the shadows, I may not be able to see anyone right now, but they could see me. 

And boy, did I want them to see me. It was as if my mask still remained in its place, hanging from the back of my neck, that I thought this. The normal face of a teenage boy may be less scary than that of the image I usually dawn with my hero attire. But right now, I wanted whoever was watching- because they most certainly were watching- to know the person bringing them down wasn't someone like All Might. They were worse. They were someone who had already lost so much...and had very little left to lose.

Bakugo: [Landing beside you] "What is this stuff? Did Mineta let one rip or something?"

(Y/n): "No. It's a Quirk. I'm sure of it..."

Bakugo: "How do you know that?"

(Y/n): [Slowly turns to Bakugo] "...It's purple mist, dude. Stuff like this isn't normal. Of course, it's a Quirk."

Bakugo: "Oh...Right. Type shit. Type shit."

There were often times as a kid when I thought Bakugo's lack of seriousness, even in such a serious situation, was a skill I longed to have. The way how he was able to keep a level mind, even when villains were around showed why he'd be a skilled hero one day. But right now, I didn't find myself thinking that. An inch of annoyance pressed at the veins in my neck as I continued to walk further into the mist, Bakugo following behind shortly. But I kept my cool, it was the pressure of not knowing how Uraraka was that was bringing up my levels of anxiety. It wasn't Bakugo's fault I said to myself. It wasn't his fault...

Bakugo: "You know man, I've been thinking..."

(Y/n): "About what?"

Bakugo: [Sighs] "...You know how we've known each other for a long time, right? Honestly a lot longer than other best friends usually have."

(Y/n): "Yeah...?"

The word travelled on my tongue a little longer than usual. My focus was still on the eerie area around me, yet I still tried to listen to what Bakugo had to say.

Bakugo: "Well, I've just been thinking. We've known each other for so long, and done so many things together...and with everything going on right now, with Akiko being back, Uraraka being taken, and you kinda having a mental breakdown back there, I feel it's only right that I ask--"

(Y/n): "Dude. I'm okay..."

Bakugo: "Huh?"

(Y/n): [Slowly turns around; Smiles] "...I'm okay. Really. I know back there I may not have seemed like it. But I'm really okay. I'm going to get Uraraka back. As for Akiko and everything else, that's stuff I'll deal with later on."

Bakugo: "Um...I know that. That's not what I was talking about."

(Y/n): "What? It wasn't?"

Bakugo: "No."

(Y/n): "Then what were you talking about?"

Bakugo: "I was just going to say that even with all this shit going on, I still expect to find out which 1-B girl is your favourite."

Again, the strike of annoyance struck the veins on my neck. The feeling tensing up. Even so...I kept my cool.

(Y/n): "What? Bakugo...No, I don't--"

Bakugo: "--Because I know you, dude, and I'm just going to say it now. Things worked out with Uraraka cause she's one of those overly nice girls who was raised right. Kendo is not that. So I swear, (Y/n) Midoriya! If you say she is your favourite...I will slap you."

(Y/n): [Sighs; Lowers head] "Bakugo...I really think now is not the ti--"

Snap!

There it was! The moment I knew would come! The instant I turned my back away from what mattered, choosing to instead focus on Bakugo and his selfish ramblings, whichever villain had been watching us this entire time--the one who caused this strange purple mist--would come out of hiding to attack me from behind. But little did they know...I never truly dropped my guard. That's why, as soon as I heard the sound of a stick snapping on the ground, I wasted no time in launching my body back around to the direction I was previously facing, turning my back to Bakugo once more, and clenched my fist as tightly as possible before cutting it through the air. I've spent most of my life in fights, so I've come to gather my senses pretty well during that time. 

I almost have a six sense when it came to figuring out where people were standing, and how far my fist needed to travel to reach their most vulnerable places. Now was no different. I cut my fist through the air with the intent to hurt whoever had been a part of the team of villains that took Uraraka from me. I planned to make them pay...But that all stopped suddenly when I saw the person standing in front of Bakugo and I wasn't a villain...but a hero. Well, a hero in training to be precise. Though to be more precise than that, it was a hero in training who Bakugo and I knew. It was Shoji, the tall muscular boy with that 'cool' white hair that covered the top half of his head, as Bakugo would put it. 

Though I'd more so point out the mask he always wore over his mouth if you asked me what I found 'cool' about him. Even so, my mind was quickly taken off of those features when I noticed other things that were more important. Like the scared look on his face. The widened eyes that showcased fear had imprisoned his mind due to seeing something horrifying. But that could have been put onto him for a multitude of reasons, like the fact that one of his many hands from his many arms was missing. Cut clean off. A pool of blood now wrapped around its wound. It could have been that...or the unconscious body of Tokoyami that rested in Shoji's remaining arms. Once I noticed all of that, my own mind had slowly seeped inward with fear.

(Y/n): "Shoji!"

Bakugo: "Octopussy! What the fuck happened to you and Angry Bird?"

Shoji: [Panicking] "(Y/n)! Bakugo! Oh, thank goodness I found you two! Quick! We need to get out of here!"

(Y/n): "Huh? Why? What happened to you?"

It seemed as if Shoji was about to finally answer the question that had been on all of our minds since coming across him. However, before he could we were all interrupted by the sound of more movement, this time coming from a bush to the side. We all were prepared to fight, but yet again we were proven to be jumping a little too far with our need for combat, as the person coming from the bushes was yet again another student from U.A. and not a villain. This time around, Todoroki was shown to be that chosen individual.

Todoroki: "It is you guys...I thought I heard your voices."

(Y/n): "Todoroki, you're here as well?"

Bakugo: "Seriously?! We've got Ice Spice, Octopussy, and Angry Bird?! If that isn't the starting line up for a boy band, I don't know what is, man."

Todoroki: "What?"

Bakugo: "I sa--"

(Y/n): [Annoyed] "--Don't worry about him. He can't take moments like this seriously..." [Shakes Head] "Todoroki. We're you come from? Is anyone else with you?"

Todoroki: "No. I was doing the Test of Courage by myself when I started noticing this purple mist. Then I got a Telepath link from Mandalay saying that villains were attacking, so I took off trying to find others."

Bakugo: "Telepath link?"

Shoji: "It's her Quirk. I got one of those too. Tokoyami and I were heading back to the main campsite building after we heard it."

(Y/n): "I see. So Mandalay did that, huh? Well, at least that means everyone is aware of what's going on. Hopefully, that means everyone will be okay."

Todoroki: "I'm not so sure of that."

(Y/n): "Huh? What do you mean?"

Bakugo: "Oh, great! More bad news! There's always more bad news, man!"

Todoroki: "On my way here...I found five Class 1-B students lying on the ground, unconscious. A little further from them I found Tsu and Jiro unconscious on the ground as well. I think it's this mist."

Bakugo: "Of-Fucking-Course! Great...I knew these villains were pervs. That Spinner guy gave me total Bangbus fan vibes...Ew! But more importantly, Todoroki...Were Tsu and Jiro okay? Were they touched in any way?"

Todoroki: "Um...No? I don't think so."

Bakugo: "Good...I'd hate for anything to happen to them before they can do it with (Y/n). That'll be his job as their future boyfriend."

Todoroki: "What?"

Shoji: "Um..."

(Y/n): "DUDE!"

Bakugo: "What...? It will be."

To say my neck veins had already been repeatedly prodded at because of Bakugo in the last ten minutes would be an understatement to what it felt like was happening to them now. All I could do was blurt out that one word as I stared at him with eyes that showcased my embarrassment and shock at how stupid he could be right now. But to Bakugo, he didn't see it as being stupid. He saw it as being something normal people would say. But I didn't get to tell him all of that was completely untrue, however, because for one...Now wasn't the time, and secondly, before I could, Todoroki had finally taken notice to Shoji's wounded hand and Tokoyami's unconscious body.

Todoroki: "Shoji! Your hand, a-and Tokoyami...What happened?"

Shoji: "That's what I was about to tell (Y/n) and Bakugo." [To You] "When Tokoyami and I heard Mandalay's Telepath link, we were headed towards the main campsite building when suddenly we were attacked by villains. He had these... razor-sharp tendrils of metal, like endless sword blades or something. They were so sharp they cut off my hand, but I couldn't worry about that. I needed to make sure Todoroki was covered so Dark Shadow couldn't come out. But when I was running away, he hit his head and became unconscious. I've been carrying his body and running for my life ever since then."

(Y/n): "No way..."

Todoroki: "I can't believe something like that happened to you."

Bakugo: "Fuck! I gotta stop calling you Octopussy and something else now. A pussy would have just stayed there and wet themselves...like Mineta."

(Y/n): "Tsk...Anyway, Shoji, these villains. Which way were they?"

Shoji: "Um...About five minutes in the way I just came from behind me? I  ran pretty fast from them, so I was able to create some distance. Why do you ask?"

(Y/n): "...Because I'm hoping it won't take as long for me to catch up with them."

The words I planned to leave on as I immediately returned my mind to the goal at hand. Getting my hands onto one of the villains who played a part in taking Uraraka from me. I just hoped that the one I'd come across would be the leader of this entire little adventure into the dark. Because then I'd really begin to feel some kind of closure for everything that went on tonight, and finally put it to rest. It was as I did so that Todoroki and Shoji turned to watch me do so in shock. 

Meanwhile, Bakugo just smiled as he followed after. Unfortunately, it seemed that Bakugo's movement was enough to give Todoroki the same idea. But instead of wanting to join me in my quest for vengeance and to rescue Uraraka, he went about pushing past Bakugo and myself until he was standing in front of us once more. Only then did he stop moving to eventually turn to face me yet again, and all I needed was one look of his face to know what he was going to say.

Todoroki: "(Y/n), you can't be serious. You can't just go off to face them alone. Look what they did to Shoji!"

(Y/n): "No offence to anyone, Todoroki. But Shoji ain't me..."

Bakugo: [Grins] "Yeah! My boys built different! He's gonna go out there and kick those villains asses! Besides, you should know how tough he can be, Ice Spice. After all...You only beat him during the Sports Festival because (Y/n) landed one on your Dad instead."

Todoroki: [To Bakugo] "Whatever the reason...I'm not saying he isn't capable. But right now his skills would be better suited to us meeting up with the teachers, no?"

(Y/n): "I'm sorry, but I can't. I need to find Uraraka. I can't just leave her out there, Todoroki."

Todoroki: "But you saw what they did to Shoji--"

(Y/n): "--Exactly. I saw it. That gives me even more reason why I need to beat these guys. I'm not going to let them just get away with hurting anyone. That's the rules of a hero, right...?

With our eyes locked, I could tell this situation was going to end in one of two ways. Todoroki would step aside, and I'd be given a clear path towards the direction these villains awaited me; or I'd have to make Todoroki move. In the end...it was neither of these options that came out on top. For as Todoroki and I continued to look into the eyes of each other, waiting for the other to make a move, out of nowhere a glimmer caught my eye. It wasn't much, but noticeable to the point that even the corner of my eye could make it out. It was thanks to the light of the moon reflecting on a flying piece of sharp metal coming our way that alerted me. 

Within just the right amount of time, I was able to shove Todoroki backwards, whilst using the built-up pressure from that push to send myself backwards. Enough so that I to was able to dodge the attack. All of which seemed to be just in time as well, for not even a second later a sharp tendril of metal, the one I presumed to belong to the villain Shoji mentioned earlier. Before long it was revealed to be true, as the source of the metallic attack made himself known to the eyes of all four of us who could currently see him. His horror-ish body seemed exactly that, an image out of a horror movie, and going off the look Shoji currently carried as he stared in shock...Told me all I needed to know to be aware of what he had in store.

Moonfish: "Flesh...Piece of meat...FLEEEAAASSSHHHH!!!"

The loud scream of the haunting word the only warning we got before even more tendrils of blades launched from seemingly within the dark void that was this villain's mouth. So many blades came out suddenly, all of which came flying our way, that they managed to even send this villain high into the air. As the few blades that were already plunged into the ground managed to keep this villains weight steady in the air, more kept coming in our direction. 

Such forced the likes of myself, Todoroki, Bakugo, and Shoji, who still carried Tokoyami's unconscious body, to duck for cover. No matter what it was, we tried to find a safe haven from the seemingly endless attack of blades. Whether it be trees or rocks, whatever could protect us and leave us unscathed we'd use. Eventually, we found some form of safety behind a large boulder in the ground and a thick tree. Todoroki and I behind the boulder, whilst Bakugo and Shoji used the tree and the bushes around it to hide themselves from the villain's presence.

Todoroki: [Panting] "This is ridiculous. I've never seen a Quirk like that before."

Bakugo: [Whispering Loudly] "It's like something out of a horror movie."

Shoji: [Shaking] "That face...That terrifying face...It'll haunt me in my dreams for the rest of my life..."

Bakugo: "Hey. Don't say that. If you keep doing it, I'm gonna have to go back to calling you 'Octopussy'. You don't want that, right?"

Shoji just looked at him in a mixture of confusion and shock. Meanwhile, even from my own spot some distance from Bakugo's own, I still found myself getting annoyed by his remarks. I don't know if it was because he was acting so...dumbfounded, whilst Uraraka could possibly have her life in danger that got to me the most about it. But it was like all those years of me not being bothered by Bakugo's remarks were finally breaking me. Nevertheless, I shook them off the best I could and pulled my mask over my head. As soon as I felt the familiar warmth spread across my mask, it was like my emotions had been sealed away. I remember one time in the school library when Uraraka and I were studying, she told me about this thing she read in a book. 

It was something about one of the first people to dawn a hero costume whilst also using the name. At first, it seemed like nothing special, until she got down to the meaning of it. You see, when the first hero costume was worn, it wasn't made because someone wanted to protect their identity from villains and to protect the ones they cared about. Instead, they made it because it felt like when they were a hero, they weren't the same normal, boring person they were in their normal lives. They felt like a completely different person when they put on their mask, like they could completely forget about the life they had usually, and instead just focus on being this amazing hero everyone looked up to. 

In the moment she told me that I didn't really take it for much, but right now, I felt as if what Uraraka said that day was the truest thing I had ever heard in my life. Because as soon as I put that mask on my face, I wasn't (Y/n) Midoriya anymore. I wasn't the boy who had just broken down from the thought of losing my girlfriend. The person I was now had no one to lose. He only had one goal. To save everyone. To save everything. Not because they mattered to me...But because they mattered to others. And all the while, as I did something for those other people, I'd also be doing something for myself...and that was being free to beat in the skulls of every disgusting piece of shit criminal that was forced feed into my life every time I put this mask on. 

Because as much as I tried to change things... For as much as I try to be like everyone else... I can never be that. I'm not some normal teenager. I'm not a hero there to save the day. I'm just a broken man, with a broken soul...Who enjoys hurting those who enjoy hurting others. And for as long as I'm that person, I can never be called a hero. The best I'll get from it...Is the Anti. In the end, that was the realization I needed to snap me from my mind and back to reality. For even as more blades came dashing our way, repeatedly stabbing into the front of the tree and the back of the rockface, I held nothing back as I launched from my feet and high into the sky, above the trees. Disappearing from both the sight of the villain, and those I call my friends who I left down below.

Todoroki: [Looking around] "(Y/n)? Where'd he go?"

Shoji: "He went into the trees. I saw him."

Todoroki: "What's he doing?"

Shoji: "He isn't leaving, is he?"

Bakugo: "He better not! Otherwise, I'll punch him right across the face for not telling me to do the same sooner. We're supposed to be bros!"

But my classmates weren't the only ones confused by my sudden disappearance, because just as I had expected, the likes of Bakugo, Todoroki, and Shoji weren't the only ones to notice me quickly taking off without a word to be said. Joining them in the matter was also the villain, who had momentarily stopped using his Quirk to look up into the treeline some ten meters from his current location, the last spot he had seen me in.

Moonfish: "Flesh...?"

"Hey, Moonfish! Why ya stop fighting, you had them on the run?"

Moonfish: "Huh...?"

Turning his gaze around, the villain I knew was called 'Moonfish' soon locked eyes with someone wearing a gas mask with glowing red eyes. I didn't need to pass junior high to know he was a fellow villain, but even from my spot crouched amongst the trees where I watched these villains from the shadows, I knew two villains would be more trouble than just one.

Mustard: [To Moonfish] "You have to keep using your Quirk to attack that rock and tree over there. That's where they're hiding."

Moonfish: "Flesh...?"

Mustard: "Yeah. Yeah. That's where the flesh is. So keep attacking them before they--Wait. Watch out! To your right!"

As soon as those words entered my ears, my eyes widened. It didn't take a lot for me to realise quick enough that the spot this gasmask-wearing villain was talking about, was my exact own, the spot I currently was in as I cut through the air, my body previously launching itself from a nearby tree branch. For whatever reason, as soon as my body even slightly touched the particles of purple mist in the air, it was like this villain knew where I was located. But any such realization was too late, as within a second Moonfish turned his head back towards my spot in the air and launched a sharp blade heading straight for me, no sign of being able to avoid it whatsoever. 

I was out in the open, with no means of any force of nature being able to be used to avoid the attack. All I could do was simply use as much bodily pressure as I could to move my form mid-air, it wasn't a lot, but enough that when the blade of Moonfish finally did reach me, it managed to just slice at my chest and upper shoulder. Something that didn't seem great, but compared to the fact that if I didn't move at all my entire body would have metal piercing through it like a fucking Shish kabob. Though despite all of that, it wasn't like the wound I received didn't hurt. It hurt...A lot. To the point a sharp cry of pain managed to break through my gritted teeth to enter the air, all the more made worse when my body eventually fell to the ground with a heavy slam.

Slam!

(Y/n): "Aargh!!"

Another groan of pain escaping my lips as I clenched at my shoulder whilst lying on the ground. If it wasn't broken, it definitely felt like it was. The signal of my pain, added by the fact Moonfish's other attacks had stopped, was enough to bring about Todoroki and Bakugo to step out from behind their makeshift shields to look at the sight before them. All the while Shoji and the unconscious Tokoyami remained behind them. Whilst screaming my name, Bakugo went to rush towards me. However, a mere raise of my own hand, a signal for him to stop all movements, was enough to cancel any sense of me retreating or for Bakugo to come and save me. I just slowly got to my feet, pushing through the pain of my shoulder, to continue to eye off the villains before me.

(Y/n): "Stay back! I-Ah--I'll handle this."

Bakugo: "Dude, I know you want this bad, but...Come on! If you get hurt who will save Uraraka then?"

Todoroki: "You have to get off this high horse of yours, (Y/n). Let us help!"

(Y/n): "No...I can't. I...I have to do this."

I had to do this. Because if I didn't...If I failed to save Uraraka...Failed to beat these villains...How could I ever look at Izuku again? How could I say I kept his promise when I couldn't even make it this far? I couldn't lose. I couldn't be defeated!

Mustard: "Yes...Let them help, (Y/n). It'd be much more fun for us that way. Wouldn't you say so to, Moonfish?"

Lifting my head, I found the two villains looking at each other, before the one with the gas mask turned back to me. As already mentioned, he was wearing a mask. But I knew he was grinning underneath it...That image alone drove me crazy. After all, my entire life I've been dealing with cocky pricks like this guy. First it was Kaito...Then it was the person who killed Izuku. There've been many others, during which all would act as if they were better then me...Until I proved them wrong. 

These two were no different. They thought they were better because they were villains, they were to be feared. But they were wrong. They shouldn't be the ones to be feared...I should be. So I decided, in this very moment, I would showcase exactly that right now. That's why, with no hesitation, no thought of the pain coursing through my body, I rose to my feet. As I did, I kept my eyes on the villains, I showed them I didn't care, I showed them I wasn't afraid. In doing so, I brought out more of their cockiness.

Mustard: "Oh, would you look at this? He's going to get up and fight after all...How foolish. You're making a mistake, hero. You sure you want to make this choice?"

(Y/n): [Struggling to his feet] "You call this a mistake...Argh...But the only mistakes I see here...are you two."

Mustard: "That so? Someone must have hit their head too hard on the ground just now. Because what you're saying doesn't make sense. Are you trying to be brave or something?"

Bakugo: "Hey, Asshole! Watch what you call my boy, otherwise, you'll be the ones ending up getting their heads hit too hard!"

Mustard: "Silence, thank you. I'm talking to the crazy man standing in front of me." [Turns to you] "So...Hero? What is it?"

(Y/n): "What? Am I trying to be brave? No...I'm not. I'm being honest. You are mistakes, and you're also mistaken. Because me getting up to keep fighting you both may be seen as foolishness, a mistake. But in the end, the only mistakes here are you two villains."

Mustard: "And why is that? Because we're here fighting you? I don't know if you haven't noticed...But it's two against on--"

(Y/n): "--That's not why you're foolish. I say all of this because you both were foolish enough to come here and fight someone you believe to be like All Might."

Mustard: "...Huh?"

(Y/n): "That's what you think, right? That every hero you come across will be like All Might? That they'll have the same moral code as him? That they'll be as hesitant to hurt you as he may be. Because, lets face it, All Might is strong. Strong enough to know his own strength and hold back the full force of it as to not kill those he fights. I'm not like that."

Mustard: "Are you saying you're going to kill us?"

(Y/n): "See? There we go again. More foolishness. I didn't say I was going to kill you...I'm just saying I'm not going to care if I end up doing so. Because when I fight you, I'm going to fight you with all I've got. I'm not going to hold back."

Mustard: "Neither will we."

(Y/n): "But there's a difference between you and I. You come here believing you are fear isn't. But me...I am fear. I know it far better than everyone else."

At this moment, Mustard became hesitant.

Mustard: "What...What are you trying to say, child?"

(Y/n): "What I'm saying is simple, villain. Fear me."

Mustard: "Ha...Haha...Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Fear you, you say? Ha! Ha! Why on earth would we fear someone like you, who can barely push through the pain his injured shoulder is giving him right now?"

(Y/n): "...Because not long from now, my pain that I feel will be nothing compared to the pain that's about to course through both your bodies. That's your second warning."

Mustard: "Ooooh. Our second warning?" [Turns to Moonfish] "You hear that, Moonfish? That's our second warning." [Turns back to you] "And please, dear hero, remind us what our first warning was again?"

A sigh escaped my lips. My head lowering momentarily as everyone looked at me. Everyone from the villains, to my friends. They all looked at me, waiting for something to happen. For a moment, nothing did. I just took in the air, took in the scenery, and finally...I took in the feeling of my mask. Right now, I wasn't (Y/n) Midoriya. I wasn't held back from my fears and concerns. Right now, I was free to do as I please. It was with that realization a sense of freedom washed over me, and along with it came an understanding. One I was about to pass onto these villains for the second time now.

(Y/n): [Sighs] "Fine...I'll say it again, seeing as you clearly didn't listen the first time around. I told you to fear me, dumb ass. Fear me with all you've got, because even once this is all over, it won't be enough. You know why? Because I won't lose! I won't give in! Because I made a promise long ago..."

...A promise I would never let down...

(Y/n): "...I made a promise...and I plan to keep it. So this time around listen to me properly when I speak, because it's the only warning you'll get from this point out. Fear me..."

"...For I am Here."

[Chapter FORTY...Over and done with. After 6...or 7...or an eternity, whatever amount of time it took me to be away, I am back and I've brought you 14k words of chapter goodness. At least, I hope it's goodness, the last time around I released a chapter it felt like the wait really cursed this book to death...This time around I hope I'm wrong. Now, I know I said it last time, but I really will try and get another chapter out soon. Hopefully, less than half the time it took for this one to come out. I'm happy with this chapter, but I wanted to add more but I also didn't want to go overboard on a chapter that's just coming back from a big break. 

Nevertheless, this chapter WILL, and SHOULD, end within the next one. Then we can move onto other things and finally get some freshness in this bish. And hopefully, this time around, this chapter will showcase life instead of death for this thing. So, yeah, I hope in the end you enjoyed this chapter and are excited for what comes next...Because whereas this chapter was set up, the next will be action...and sadness...and sorrow...and laughter...and all the in between that we love. But it's really up to you guys now when that thing comes out, nevertheless, wait and see as I always do, and whatever happens...happens. See you guys around.]