𝐟𝐥𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐬 ⟢ 𝘁. 𝘁𝗼𝗱𝗼𝗿𝗼𝗸𝗶/𝗱𝗮𝗯𝗶

𝟐𝟔

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𝐲𝐨𝐮

the dim lighting of the lab flickered overhead as i sat surrounded by piles of notes, data sheets, and files—records taken from overhaul after his arrest. the quirk-erasing bullets and the experiments on eri were laid out in stark detail. i'd read and reread everything, the horror of it all sinking in deeper each time. but beyond the darkness, i saw possibilities. if there was a way to replicate the effects of eri's quirk—rewind—without harming her, then maybe, just maybe, there was a path to help those who had lost parts of themselves. and secretly, there was one person in particular on my mind.

him.

hours later, i stood wearing formal attire in a meeting room facing several hero commission officials and police representatives, my heart racing despite the steady tone i used to present my case.

"the quirk-erasing bullets and the experiments on eri were a cruel," i began, my voice clear. "but the science behind them, combined with eri's unique ability, opens up the possibility for something revolutionary for society. we could potentially restore lost limbs, heal permanent injuries, even give people back their quirks."

one of the officials folded his arms, a skeptical look on his face. "and how exactly do you plan to use a little girl's quirk without exploiting her, as overhaul did, y/n?"

"that's exactly what i'm avoiding, sir," i replied, meeting his gaze head-on. "my aim is to replicate the biological effects of rewind artificially, using samples from those who've been exposed to eri's quirk—and perhaps a very small sample from eri herself. i'll use my lab's equipment to create a controlled version of her quirk without direct involvement."

the room went quiet, a few members exchanging wary glances. it was clear the ethical considerations weighed heavily on everyone present.

"you'll need to talk to her guardians."

"i'm proposing a solution where we don't touch eri," i continued. "just imagine—restoring people's quirks, regenerating lost limbs... this isn't just for heroes, but for anyone who has suffered due to quirk-related incidents. it could change lives. it could give them hope."

more eyes began to light up with intrigue, but i knew convincing them was only the first step. my mind kept drifting back to the one person i wanted to help, though i didn't voice that part. that was something i kept to myself.

at ua high school, the familiar sight of the entrance and the buzz of students going about their day greeted me. near the gate, midoriya was chatting animatedly with bakugo and shoto, and when he spotted me, his face lit up.

"y/n!" he called out, jogging over. "are you here to take in more interns?"

"not this time. i think mei is enough," i said, offering a small smile. "i'm actually here to speak with principal nezu and aizawa-sensei. but maybe i'll stop by and see you guys train."

"more of your lab stuff, huh?" bakugo scoffed, folding his arms. "try not to blow up the school."

"no promises," i quipped, though the weight of the real purpose for my visit lingered at the back of my mind.

"y/n, please greet my siblings for me." shoto intervened.

"will do"

as i made my way to nezu's office, aizawa was waiting by the door, his face as expressionless as always. but there was a guardedness in his eyes—protectiveness i had expected.

"eri is under my care," he said before i even had a chance to explain. "i'm not letting anyone use her like overhaul did, not even the commission."

"i'm not part of the hero commission, nor am i suggesting using her," i responded calmly, following him into the office. "what i'm proposing is something different. i need blood samples from those who've been affected by her quirk—like midoriya—and maybe a small sample from eri herself. i'll replicate the effects artificially in the lab. she won't be directly involved."

aizawa's eyes narrowed, and his voice had an edge of skepticism. "and you think replicating a quirk like hers is that simple? that you can just recreate it in a lab without any risk?"

"it's not simple," i admitted, "but it's possible. the key is to artificially recreate the properties of her quirk without actually using her. i can ensure that we won't be exploiting her in any way."

aizawa's gaze hardened. "you're asking for a lot, y/n. if there's even a hint that this could endanger eri—"

"there won't be," i interjected, holding his gaze. "i'm not overhaul. my goal is to help people, to heal, not to harm. i promise you, eri will be safe, she will have a normal life."

there was a long silence before aizawa finally gave a slow nod. "i'll be monitoring every step of your progress," he said. "and if i see even the smallest sign of risk, we're shutting this down. understood?"

"understood," i replied, relief washing over me as i knew that i'd taken the first step forward.

back at the lab, i set up everything i needed for the research. soon after, deku arrived, carrying a small cooler with the blood samples i'd requested. he entered the lab with a cautious expression, but a hopeful one.

"here's everything," he said, setting the cooler down on the table. "eri's sample is in there too. aizawa-sensei made sure i understood the conditions before giving it to me."

"thank you, midoriya," i said earnestly. "and please thank aizawa-sensei for trusting me with this."

just then, the lab door slid open, and mei walked in, goggles perched on her head. she grinned when she saw deku. "midoriya! didn't expect to see you here! what are you working on? can i see?"

"mei," i said with a small laugh, "deku was just dropping off some important samples. you can help me with the analysis if you'd like."

"you know i'm always up for it," she replied enthusiastically, already rolling up her sleeves.

deku smiled at her before turning back to me. "if there's anything else you need, don't hesitate to ask," he said. "i'm rooting for you, y/n. i think what you're trying to do... it could be incredible."

"i hope so," i replied, glancing at the cooler and then back at him. "thanks again, midoriya. and don't worry. i'll make sure everything goes right."

as the weeks went on, the commission sent over several quirk-erasing bullets for my research, and i immersed myself in the work of examining their composition. replicating eri's quirk artificially was no simple task, but each small breakthrough brought a sense of cautious hope.

aizawa had stayed true to his word, keeping a close eye on my progress, reminding me often of his protective stance over eri. there were moments when his questions felt like challenges, but i couldn't fault him for that. he was doing his duty, and i was determined to prove this path could be safe.

with mei's help in the lab and shoto's friends occasionally stopping by for updates, i pushed forward, working tirelessly. the stakes were high, and while my motives remained focused on helping as many people as possible, thoughts of touya lingered in the quiet hours. i kept that to myself, though, knowing i couldn't afford any distractions. this wasn't just about him; it was about everyone who deserved a second chance.