Undead Revolution (⛔☁️)

S6 - 3. [Bonds]

Katsuki made his way to Teskai's place, carefully navigating through the early morning streets. He felt Eri's small body relax against him, the rhythmic motion of his steps lulling her into a sleepy trance. The morning sun began to rise, casting a warm glow over the city, a stark contrast to the chaos they'd left behind.

He couldn't go to his parents, he'd decided. They were more than qualified to take care of Eri, but his livelihood was at stake. His parents couldn't know about his mercenary work.

He'd have to tell them eventually, of course, but he still had that Shie Hassaikai bastard to take care of.

When they reached Teskai's apartment, Katsuki knocked softly on the door. It wasn't long before the door creaked open, revealing Teskai, who looked slightly disheveled from being woken up so early.

"Huh?" Teskai's eyes widened when he saw the girl in Katsuki's arms. "Did you...?" 'Kidnap her' was definitely the rest of the sentence.

"It's a long story" Katsuki said, rolling his eyes and stepping inside. "This's Eri. I can't tell my parents, obviously. She's gonna have to stay here for now"

Teskai's expression softened. "Sure"

Katsuki followed Teskai into the small living room, gently setting Eri down on the couch. Teskai grabbed a blanket and draped it over her. Eri didn't say anything, but her tiny form looked even more fragile under the blanket.

Teskai led Katsuki to the kitchen, where they could talk without disturbing Eri, who looked like she was simply dissociating in this new place. A pitiful sight that Katsuki could deeply relate to.

"...So?" Teskai asked, his voice low.

Katsuki rubbed the back of his neck, feeling the weight of the night's events. "We rescued her from the Shie Hassaikai. They've been using her for experiments-" Teskai winced, knowing the turmoil Katsuki was currently undergoing. "-an' she's been through hell. I need somewhere for her to stay while I sort things out"

Teskai nodded, his eyes filled with understanding. "Just have her stay here permanently. Can't go to your parents, remember? You're here pretty much everyday and I can try the whole 'apprentice' thing. She'll be like you if she isn't given an outlet. No offence"

Katsuki shrugged. "None taken. I owe you"

Teskai replied with a reassuring smile. "I'll hold you to it"

Katsuki glanced back at Eri, who was still staring into nothing on the couch. He felt a sense of relief knowing she was in good hands. "I gotta make a call"

Teskai placed a hand on Katsuki's shoulder in a mockingly serious way. "I got this"

Katsuki nodded, feeling a sense of fondness. "Idiot"

As he left the apartment, he saw Teskai carefully introducing himself to the young girl.

He slipped out his phone and dialed a number he'd found in his pocket a few weeks ago. "It's five am, but what can I do for you?"

Katsuki took a deep breath, adjusting his grip on his phone. "I need a favor"

There was a pause on the other end, followed by Nezu's calm, measured voice. "I see. How can I help?"

Katsuki glanced back at Teskai's apartment, the weight of responsibility pressing on him. "I got this kid-" There was a sharp inhale from the other side of the phone. "-and she needs things I can't provide right now"

Nezu's tone was thoughtful. "Are you suggesting we take her in at Yuuei?"

Katsuki liked the fact that the chimera didn't question how he'd acquired Eri. "I just need a check-in off the record. I can't wanna use my connections here. Buncha snitches"

"Bring her to Yuuei tomorrow. I'll arrange for Aizawa and Recovery Girl"

Relief flooded through Katsuki. "Thank you, Nezu. I owe you one"

Nezu chuckled softly. "Nothing to owe, I always help my students, current or not. I'll handle things here"

Katsuki ended the call, feeling a weight lift off his shoulders. He walked back into Teskai's apartment to find Eri sitting at the kitchen table, Teskai entertained her while she slowly ate a bowl of rice. Reheated from yesterday, definitely. She looked up at him, her eyes still glazed but there was less tension in her body. Teskai was oddly good with children.

"We're heading to Yuuei tomorrow" Katsuki told them, his eyes locking with his informant's before smiling at Eri.

Eri nodded slowly, her small hands clutching the edge of the table. Katsuki crouched down to her level, offering a reassuring smile. "I'll be there with you, we'll come back here after"

Eri's seemed to search his face for deceit, but found none. He was being truthful, after all. "Really?"

Katsuki's heart ached at her expression. "Of course. Teskai needs someone to watch him. Now, let's get some rest. Today was tough"

As he moved Eri into the spare room, his room, and settled in for the night, Katsuki felt a sense of something harden within him. He had a mission to complete and a promise to keep. For Eri, for himself, and for all the people who had been hurt by those he was fighting against. This was just the beginning.

Word Count: 858