𝒉𝖏𝙨 𝒑𝞂𝖏𝙨𝞂𝛈

𝐜𝒉𝝰𝒑𝙩𝒆𝗿 14

Izuku sat in the garden, bathed in the warm glow of the setting sun. His reunion with Momo a couple of weeks ago had stirred up a whirlwind of emotions and thoughts, leaving him torn between the past and the present, the life he used to know and the one he now lived.

He'd always had a special place in his heart for Momo. She had shown him kindness when he needed it most. They still haven't met up again yet, mostly because Momo was busy with school.

But, as he gazed at the vibrant colours of the garden, a heavy sense of unease settled in the pit of his stomach. He knew he couldn't reveal the truth to her, the truth about the life he had been leading as a vigilante. He was proud of the change he'd undergone, no longer the timid and powerless boy he once was, but the world outside of Astraloria, or at least Japan, wasn't ready to accept him as he was now even though he and his brother are the reasons things have begun to change.

His role as a vigilante, along with his brother, was shrouded in secrecy and fear. They were outlaws in the eyes of both heroes and villains. Hisashi had told him that the path they chose wasn't without consequences, but the injustices they sought to right were far more important.

The thought of Momo, a hero-in-training, training to be part of the very system that he had grown to despise, was a source of inner conflict for him. She fought for the idealistic world of heroes, one he no longer believed in. He wanted to believe her promises, but he couldn't fully shake off the feeling of trepidation. Heroes and vigilantes didn't mix well. At all.

He glanced down at his hands, realising how different he had become since the days of his childhood. His body was no longer that of a scrawny, weak, and timid boy. The years of training and experience in the magic realm had forged him into a different person—tough, strong, and unyielding. The memories of being called a "Deku," a derogatory term meant to belittle him, were still etched in his mind, but he had transformed.

"Maybe it's not too risky. After all, I look nothing like the pictures they have of me in the news and posters. A meeting would be a gamble, a delicate balance between opening up to someone he cared about and keeping the secrets that were crucial for his identity as a vigilante." He mumbled to himself.

It wasn't just the vigilante life that troubled him. His disappearance from the Yagi family's lives had caused an upheaval in the hero society, one he had never expected. Last week, the Yagi's were on the news, revealing the truth about Izuku. he noticed the missing posters that were plastered everywhere. But he no longer resembled the scrawny, weak, crybaby they all remembered and that's exactly what those pictures of him represented. he was shocked that they even had a picture of him any older than four years old.

'The Yagi family... they suddenly act like they care. Like they're concerned. Found my letter, did they? That's a laugh. It's as if they're trying to save face,'

He had been hurt deeply by the indifference of his own family. Inko, Toshinori, Izumi and everyone else who had claimed to care for him had shown little interest in his well-being, as if he were a burden they were relieved to be rid of. To him, the news of his disappearance wasn't a cause for genuine concern; it was more like an attempt to salvage their reputation. He remembers the utter rage he felt when he saw the broadcast of the number one and eight heroes being neglectful parents. 

'They're trying to act like they cared, like they were worried. But I won't forget what they put me through— the neglect, the pain, and the indifference. It's why I've chosen a different path, a path that lets me protect those who need it, without the limitations and politics of the hero society. If only they could see that.'

The next day

The sun was high in the sky, casting a warm golden glow over the grassy clearing where Izuku and Tyrell practised their combat skills. The two brothers engaged in a lively sparring session, clashing swords, and sending arcs of magic through the air.

Tyrell couldn't help but notice that something was off with his brother. Izuku's movements were uncharacteristically hesitant, and his focus was clearly divided. 

He wasn't giving his all to the fight.

Tyrell halted his attack, withdrawing his sword and lowering it to his side. 

Izuku's brows furrowed as he sheathed his sword, slightly bewildered by the abrupt pause in their training. "Tyrell, what's going on? Why did you stop?"

Tyrell's expression was a mix of annoyance and concern. He adjusted the grip on his weapon and pointed it towards Izuku. "You're clearly not into this today, Izuku. Something's on your mind, and you're not focused at all. Talk to me. What's up with you?"

Izuku let out a deep sigh, his shoulders slumping in resignation. His brother knew him well enough to see through his facade. "It's Momo, Tyrell. I can't stop thinking about her."

Tyrell's annoyance softened into understanding, and he lowered his weapon completely. "Momo, huh? What's bothering you about her?"

Izuku hesitated for a moment before he began to speak. "We texted each other yesterday evening. She promised she wouldn't tell anyone about our meeting, and I trust her. But, Tyrell, I'm a vigilante, and she's training to be a hero."

Tyrell leaned against a nearby tree, crossing his arms as he listened to Izuku's dilemma. "I understand your concerns, Izuku. It's a complicated situation."

Izuku ran a hand through his hair, frustration evident on his face. "I don't know what to do. A part of me wants to see her again, to reconnect with an old friend, but the other part worries about the complications that'll come with doing so."

Tyrell's gaze was unwavering as he spoke with conviction. "First of all, if you want to see her, I won't stand in your way. You're your own person, and you can make your own choices. But you can't tell her anything about our secrets, Izuku. No matter how much you trust her, our lives are far too complex to reveal. And even though you've connected quickly, there's a lot you both still don't know about each other."

Izuku nodded, understanding the gravity of his brother's words. "I get it, Tyrell. And I wouldn't risk our safety or even her safety like that. It's just that... I can't help but wonder how it'll all work out. My mind is racing with multiple scenarios!"

Tyrell chuckled softly, a hint of a smile on his face. "That's just how you are, Izuku. You analyse everything, sometimes even overdo it. I'll be real, though, I think you're worrying too much about it. Think carefully about what you want to do. If it's worth it, then go for it. But if you have any doubts, you should be careful."

Izuku absorbed Tyrell's words, understanding the wisdom in his brother's counsel. He had always admired Tyrell for his pragmatic approach to life, and in this instance, he couldn't help but respect his perspective. Their world had changed, and trust was a rare and precious commodity.

"I'll think about it, Tyrell," Izuku finally responded. "You're right, I do tend to overanalyze things. I appreciate your advice. Let's continue sparring. I need to clear my head and focus on the battle at hand."

With that, they resumed their practice, their swords clashing with intensity.