Try Me Bitch (Vigilante Deku)

STUPID! SO STUPID!

The city stretched out before me like a vast, uncaring maze. My eyes combed the landscape over and over, desperate for any sign—anything that could lead me to Eri. But the rooftops, alleys, and streets all blended into the same meaningless blur of lights and shadows. There was nothing. No movement, no trace, no clue.

Why can't I find anything? 

How could they just vanish?

Frustration bubbled up, mingling with the self-loathing that had been simmering beneath the surface. I'd wasted hours, running around in circles, tearing apart that lab, searching every inch of this godforsaken place—and what did I have to show for it? 

Nothing.

Yeah....

EXACTLT NOTHING!

You're useless, Izuku. 

You should've thought of this sooner. 

You should've known better.

I clenched my fists, the anger and despair twisting tighter and tighter inside me. I couldn't do this alone. I hated admitting it, but the truth was staring me in the face—I was in over my head.

And who do you have left to turn to?

Serpant had given me everything he could, and Stain wouldn't have the connections I needed. Shigaraki... I couldn't involve him, not when he was already under so much pressure from my dad........

HOLD UP!

That left only one option, didn't it?

The number one villain himself... my father! 

He surely knows whats going on!

I hesitated, the thought sending a cold shiver down my spine. I'd tried to handle this on my own, tried to be strong, to prove I didn't need anyone. But the kids, Eri—they were out there somewhere, and I was wasting time.

You're such an idiot, Izuku. 

Why didn't you call him earlier? 

Why did you wait until now, after hours of searching?

With a sigh, I pulled out my phone, the screen glowing dimly in the night. My thumb hovered over the contact labeled simply as "Doofenshmirtz." This wasn't something I could afford to mess up... and I wish I had just called him dad and not Doofenshmirtz but better safe than sorry. This way, no one knows our relationship. I took a deep breath and pressed the call button, listening as the phone rang in my ear.

It felt like an eternity before I heard the familiar, smooth voice on the other end.

All for One: Izuku, my dear bunny mundy. To what do I owe the pleasure?

My throat tightened, the words catching for a moment before I forced them out.

Me: Dad... I need your help. It's urgent.

There was a pause, and I could almost picture his expression—a mix of curiosity and concern.

All for One: Of course. Tell me what's happened.

I swallowed hard, the emotions I'd been bottling up threatening to spill over. But I couldn't afford to lose it now. I needed to be clear, and forget everything else right now. They needed me. They needed help. They needed a hero and if no one was gonna be it, then I certainly would.

Me: I found a lab... full of dead kids, and there was a girl named Eri. But they're gone now. I searched everywhere, but there's no sign of where they took them. I don't know what to do, and I can't waste any more time.

The line was silent for a moment, and I could feel my heart pounding in my chest, waiting for his response. When it came, his voice was calm, almost soothing.

All for One: You did well to call me, Izuku. I'll have my sources look into it immediately. In the meantime, stay put. I'll send someone to retrieve you.

I closed my eyes, a wave of relief washing over me despite the gnawing guilt. I should've done this from the start. I should've trusted that he'd know something, that he'd be able to help.

Me: Thank you, Dad.

All for One: Anything for you, my boy. We'll find her. Don't worry.

The call ended, and I stood there on the rooftop, the phone still clutched in my hand. The anger and frustration hadn't completely faded, but at least now, there was a sliver of hope. I wasn't alone in this anymore.

But you should've known better, Izuku. 

You should've called him sooner. 

How could you be so stupid?

I shook my head, trying to push the self-hate aside. There wasn't time for that now. I needed to stay focused, to keep searching, even if it meant waiting for my father's resources to come through.

But deep down, I knew this was just the beginning. If my father couldn't find them, then what hope did I have?

No, I won't think like that. 

We'll find her. 

We have to.