Heroes of Today

Part 25~Lost Truths

Uzu glared at Shigaraki as he waited. He did not want to join these villains and he never will. Bakugo had been usually quiet throughout the whole event, it was unnerving.

“You know, we did some digging, you have quite an interesting record, Uzu. Ran away from home multiple times. Had surgery without telling your guardians, they almost sued the hospital. Parents dead. Several different families. Oh, the Universal Studio Japan incident- that one is my favourite.” Shigaraki smiled an insane grin as Uzu scoffed.

“If you think you’ll get under my skin I’ll tell you this now, you won’t,” he claimed with his head held high.

“Are you sure about that? You’re second best to a girl who cowers at doors slamming and beaten by a guy who claims he’s your friend only to avoid you for no rhyme or reason. Invisible to your friends. Invisible to your family. Invisible to your crushes.” Shigaraki smirked as Uzu’s breath hitched. “Oh, yes we know about them. Yaoyorozu and Jiro, right? Quite polar opposites, those two. I wonder what they would do if they found out. Not only are you trans but poly too. Don’t get me wrong, I respect that but who says they will.”

Uzu lowered his head. Shigaraki’s words echoed, cutting into her heart like thorns. “Wait… How did you know that?” Uzu stared at Shigaraki who waved his head lazily.

“Never mind that. All you need to know is that we can help you. You see Mag over there, she’s the same as you. She can help you more than any hero.”

Uzu stopped listening, his mind on something else completely. Uzu knew no one knew about his crushes. He only told one person. Of course, Akiko might also know but she was Akiko. Akiko wouldn’t betray a fly. But the phone calls. She arrived late. She’s changed. Could she be a villain? Which one betrayed him?

“Release them.”

Uzu snapped back to reality as Twice approached him. Twice removed the restraints holding Uzu and Bakugo to the chair. The second Bakugo was free, he growled. He let sparks rain down his palm, exploding the ground. “Don’t fucking underestimate us! Don’t listen to them, Uzu! You’re fucking better than that!”

Uzu’s throat ran dry as he pushed himself up. “Right!” Growing out his arm, Uzu spun toward the wall. “Gain way!” Uzu crashed through the wall, causing All Might to scream and jump out of the way.

Edgeshot spun into the room, disabling the villains. Uzu skidded to a halt, a relieved expression on his face. That was until the suffocating liquid rose up his throat and swallowed him whole.

Uzu didn’t hate a lot of things in his life. He disliked a lot of things but this was different. He hated being helpless yet again.

~~~

“So here’s the plan. Dante and Gael will do most of the distracting with Liz, Alfie and I on back up. Midoriya, Iida and Naka will launch in the sky in two separate groups using Kirishima and Jiro to get Bakugo and Uzu’s attention. Todoroki will make a ramp for them to use. Sero, your job is to get ready to pull them down safely.” Akiko looked around the little huddle, waiting to see if anyone would disagree.

“What are we doing?” Ava glared slightly as Akiko shook her head.

“No offence Ava but right now you're not greatly useful. I want you and Have to wait with Sero in case someone is hurt.” Akiko squeezed Ava’s shoulder, pushing her towards Sero.

Ava clearly did not fancy leaving Akiko but she knew not to mess with the plan. “Stay safe Aki.”

“You know I will.” Akiko brushed back a small part of Ava’s hair before she turned away and lined the wall.