an ODST among Heroes.

16

Izuku slowly opened his eyes, the sterile white ceiling of the medical facility coming into focus. The rhythmic beeping of the monitors and the faint antiseptic scent confirmed it—he was in a UNSC medical bay, one located on the military base just outside town. He shifted slightly, wincing at the pain that still throbbed through his body.

Looking around, he noticed two familiar figures. Katsuki was slumped in a chair, arms crossed and head drooping as he dozed, while Ochaco sat nearby, eyes closed but with a worried expression that hadn’t left her face even in sleep. The sight of them brought a small, tired smile to Izuku's face.

The sound of the door sliding open broke the silence, and Captain Keyes stepped in, his uniform as crisp as ever. He regarded Izuku with a relieved expression, his hardened features softening slightly. “Ah, you’re finally back in the land of the living, son?” he said, his deep voice tinged with a touch of warmth.

Izuku straightened as best as he could, reflexively beginning to salute. “Captain Keyes—sir.”

Keyes raised a hand, cutting him off. “At ease, Corporal. You’ve more than earned your rest.” He approached the bed and pulled a small case from his pocket, opening it to reveal a medal. “Got something for you,” he said, presenting the gleaming Purple Heart. “The brass wanted you to have this. You more than earned it with that last stand.”

Izuku’s eyes widened as he took in the sight of the medal, a symbol of sacrifice and resilience. His fingers brushed over it lightly, feeling the weight of what it represented. Turning to the sleeping figures of Katsuki and Ochaco, he frowned slightly. “Sir, civilians aren’t usually allowed in a place like this.”

Keyes’ expression turned somber as he glanced at the two students. “Normally, no. But times are changing, Corporal. We’re coordinating with this world’s governments now, and the situation is... evolving. The war with the Covenant isn’t going well, and if these so-called ‘heroes’ from this universe can help us, then we’d be foolish not to take the chance.”

Izuku’s gaze fell to his bandaged hands, the weight of those words pressing down on him. He knew all too well what that meant—more fighting, more bloodshed, and more young lives dragged into the chaos.

Keyes continued, a rare hint of regret in his voice. “I hate the idea of more kids becoming soldiers, but with the Covenant here and things escalating, it doesn’t seem like we have much of a choice.” He placed a firm hand on Izuku’s shoulder. “Rest up, son. You’re going to need it. We all are.”

As Keyes turned to leave, Izuku nodded slowly, determination rekindling in his eyes. He was battered, but not broken. The fight was far from over.

Season 1 End
"Thank you, sir."