You know how you get bad feelings? I know them all too well. Thankfully, my dad and Kenji managed to smooth things over after my little… fight with Endeavor the other day. They took the video down, spun it as a training exercise, the whole song and dance. Thankfully, the media bought it.
I'm sprawled on my bed at Dark Red HQ, completely drained. I didn't have the energy to think, let alone do anything productive. Besides, I had the night off, not that it felt like much of a break. The others have been pulling double shifts, covering for the four who will be deployed during the upcoming war – Jiax, Takai, Avis, and Lexi. They'd be acting as support for Class 1-A, fighting… something. I've been trying to dig up information about this looming conflict, but it's been like hitting a brick wall.
Dabi, of all people, has been helping, but even he's stretched thin, juggling his duties with fatherhood. Little Haru, his five-year-old son with Shigaraki and Hawks, is a handful, to say the least.
Weeks have turned into a slow, agonizing crawl, but still, nothing. Just dead ends. Why can't I find out what's going on? I know villains are coming and going through those damned portals. They're so fleeting, in and out before anyone can react.
Then, the notification tone pierces the silence. A call from my mother. A barrage of texts from… Class 1-A? My gut clenches. Something's wrong.
I glance at the screen. The texts from Class 1-A, a chaotic mix of worry and frantic questions.
Text Conversation: Class 1-A
Ochaco: Anos-san, have you heard from Izuku?
Iida: Midoriya has left U.A. without authorization! We are deeply concerned.
Shoto: He left a note. Said he needed to do something.
Kirishima: Man, this isn't very manly. Where'd he go?
Bakugo: That damn Deku… what's he playing at?
My mother's incoming call flashes on the screen. Reluctantly, I answered.
Phone Call: Inko and Anos
Anos: Mom? What's wrong?
Inko: (Voice trembling) Anos… Izuku… he's gone. He left U.A… he said he had to protect people. I… I don't know what to do. He won't answer his phone.
Anos: (Trying to stay calm) Mom, breathe. It's going to be okay. I'll find him. I promise. Tell me everything he said.
Inko: (Sobbing) H-he said he couldn't risk putting us… everyone… in danger. He said he had to do this alone. Oh, Anos, I'm so scared.
I ended the call, my hand shaking. Protect people? What was he thinking? My blood runs cold. I can't think, can't even begin to process this. Then I see it: a text from All Might, followed by one from Hawks.
Text Conversation: All Might & Hawks
All Might: Anos, have you had any contact with young Midoriya?
Hawks: Kid's off the radar. We're aware he's gone AWOL[1]. Any intel would be appreciated.
They know. Oh, my fucking God, Izuku… what the hell are you thinking? Just when things couldn't get worse, Shira calls.
Phone Call: Shira and Anos
Anos: (Grimacing) Shira… what is it?
Shira: We have a situation. A major prison break. Tartarus escapees. I need you on it.
Anos: (Exasperated) Now? Shira, with all due respect, can't someone else…?
Shira: (Cutting him off) No. You're the best we have, Anos. East and West wings. Go. Now.
She hangs up. Of all the worst times to get called in. I wanted to beg her to let someone else take it, but I knew she wouldn't even accept it. I sighed and forced myself to move, preparing for the night ahead. This was no joke.
I glance at my phone again. More texts, this time from my friends.
Text Conversation: Friends
Diamond: Anos, you okay? Heard about Izuku. Need anything, let me know.
Katsume: Deku better not be doing anything stupid. You find him, you hear?Ryan: Midoriya left U.A.? What the hell is going on?
Riley: Don't do anything reckless.
Anix: (Frog emoji) Ribbit. Be careful, Anos-kun.
Hannah: Everything will be alright, I promise.
Alex: Need any tape, I got you fam.
Eliza: I'll be here, if you need anything.
Marcus: Don't worry to much, you got this.
I sigh and get ready and leave.
[1] absent without official leave