Take Me Back

The Path Unfolds

   "How are you feeling today Midoriya?" Awase asked the next morning.
   "Better." Izuku responded sleepily.
   "Rough night?"
   "You could say that. It's been years since I slept in a tent." Izuku said with a slight chuckle.
   "That makes sense." Awase responded.
   "Guys, Tetsutetsu's back!"
   Izuku and Awase looked over and saw Tetsutetsu come out of the forest carrying two rabbits.
   "Is he the one who does the hunting?" Izuku asked.
   "Yea, we figured he'd be best at it because of his quirk and his experience using crossbows."
   Izuku nodded his head and they both walked over to the table they had reserved for their catch.
   "Oh, hey Midoriya! I never expected to see you here." Tetsutetsu said with a smile as he put the rabbits on the table.
   "Hey Tetsutetsu." Izuku replied.
   "So where have you been hiding this whole time? We all thought you were dead." Tetsutetsu said as he began to skin the rabbits.
   "You have no idea how many times I've been told that since I got here." Izuku said with an exasperated sigh.
   "I mean, can you blame them? The outbreak started almost a month ago and you were nowhere to be seen and that usually means you've become one of them or you're just dead."
   "Well, luckily for me that wasn't the case. I just happened to be left inside the hospital where I wasn't found by anybody. It was just dumb luck that I managed to wake up before I was found." Izuku explained.
   "Wow. I can't imagine how confusing that must've been." Tetsutetsu said glumly.
   "Yea, it was. But Kendo found me not too long after and explained what was going on before bringing me here."
   "Well that's good. I'm glad you weren't out there for too long by yourself. It's not common for people to survive out there on their own. Usually because if the wanderers don't kill you then lack of proper resources and shelter will. The only reason we let Kendo go on supply runs alone is because she has good combat skills and her quirk comes in handy. Plus she knows how to use a gun really well; better than any of us anyway and also because she prefers to go alone. It's almost impossible to convince her otherwise."
   Izuku nodded his head in response as he didn't really have anything to say. His mind was still swimming with questions that he had no clear answers to.

   I really hope Kacchan and mom are okay. I can't imagine anything bad happening to them. I wouldn't know how to cope if something did. I need to find them; and I need to do it soon.
   Izuku was determined to find his family. He wasn't sure how he was going to do it but that didn't matter to him. The only thing that mattered was making sure they were okay, even if it meant putting his life at risk. Of course, that was something he couldn't really express to Kendo or anyone else because of their views on the situation. He felt torn, like he wasn't able to do anything. It was frustrating.
   "Hey, Izuku."
   Izuku turned around and saw Kendo walking towards him.
   "Oh, hey Kendo." He replied.
   "I was thinking, do you want to go on the next supply run with me? I know you've only been here for a day and you're probably still exhausted but I know how badly you want to find your family and I figured this would probably be the best way to do that until we come up with an actual solid plan."
   "Oh, uh, I would like that actually." Izuku said hesitantly, not sure if what she was saying was just a test to see what he was going to say or if she was actually being serious.
   "Great, I just need to pack up a few more things and then we can head out. I suggest doing a couple practice swings or something with your quirk so we know you're at least somewhat capable enough to fight if the need arises."
   Izuku nodded his head with a smile. He was finally gonna get the chance to try and find his family. It was something he absolutely could not wait for.

   About ten minutes later, Kendo and Izuku were getting ready to head out. They were just doing a few check ups on their list of supplies to make sure they had everything and were saying goodbye to everyone in case they didn't make it back.
   "Be safe out there, okay?" Pony said as she waved to them slowly.
   "remember, stay low and try to stay away from the main streets." Vlad instructed.
   "We know Vlad. We'll be careful. I promise." Kendo said with a smile.
   "I know you will." Vlad said proudly as he gave Kendo a pat on the shoulder..
   Kendo looked at Izuku who nodded his head with a smile and they both turned around and began walking towards the city; waving back to the campers until they were out of their line of sight.
   "So where does your mom live?" Kendo asked after walking for a bit in silence.
   "She lives in an apartment complex not too far from Kacchan's place." Izuku replied.
   "I think we can make that work." Kendo said as she made a mental map of the route they needed to take to get there.
   I'm so nervous. I want to know that she's okay but a part of me fears that she isn't and that I'm gonna find her dead. If I even find her at all. Izuku thought to himself and he and Kendo continued walking.
   "Wanderer on your left." Kendo said a few minutes later.
   Izuku turned to where she was looking and there was indeed a wanderer. It looked to be a police officer; thankfully not one that Izuku knew.