Stuck Between Realities-Remastered

Part 47~Protection

"Wait, what do you mean?" Shoto turned to Izuku as he sighed.

"As far as we can tell, there are three targets: Momo, who's currently with Aizawa, and Kacchan and myself."

"Why are they targeting you?"

Izuku paused, a frown on his face. "Do you remember the story of how I met Charlie?"

Shoto narrowed his eyes, glancing at Tokoyami and Shoji. "You said you helped her after you both were kidnapped."

"Yep. Kacchan was there too; it's the event that caused his parents to move him away."

"Wait," Katsuki stepped closer, "that's where Charlie is from? Which one was she?"

Izuku nodded. "She was the one who was laughing."

Katsuki paused, narrowing his eyes. "I think I remember her."

Izuku rolled his eyes. "Anyway, the person that took the three of us was this super annoying man who is the secret patron to the League of Villains and as a result of... Charlie, he doesn't like us. We should try to get back to the camp. It's the safest place now, so long as Vlad King and Mr Aizawa have regrouped there."

"Understood, but wouldn't it be better for you to fly Bakugo back alone. You'll get there faster," Tokoyami questioned as Izuku hummed.

"Probably not wise. I'm not that good flying while carrying people anyway, and if we get attacked, we'll be alone."

"Then we work together to get you and Bakugo back safely."

Izuku nodded before he kneeled down, drawing a loop in the dirt. "It's possible the Pussycats are still fighting in the clearing. Going that way would draw the attention of the villains. Plus, it's longer. We should cut straight across."

"We don't know how many enemies there are. We might come across some by chance."

Izuku grinned. "We can use Shoji's search ability. Besides, if we run across anything, Shoto's ice and my elements should be enough to keep us safe. And if Tokoyami's okay with it, we can always use Dark Shadow now that we can actually control him. Honestly, with a group like this, we could probably even go up against All Might."

Shoji picked up the 1B student, securing him to his back before the group surrounded Katsuki and Izuku.

Izuku glanced at Katsuki, nudging his side slightly. "You okay? You've been quiet."

"I don't like this. Why didn't you tell me that maniac was involved?"

"Last time we talked about what happened, you had a panic attack. I didn't think telling you there was a chance he was hunting you was the best move."

Katsuki paused, frowning as he sighed. "That's fair."

"I know it is. Now stop complaining. Let's go."

~~~

As they ran through the forests, they heard a scream. Bursting through the trees, they found Uraraka and Tsu. "Quickly, guys! Help her."

Toga released Uraraka, jumping away in disappointment. "There's too many people here now, and I don't feel like being killed tonight. Toodles."

"Get her," Urarkaa shouted as she got up despite Tsu's efforts.

"It's too dangerous. We have no idea what kind of Quirk she has."

"Who was that girl just now?" Shoto rushed over as the girls relaxed.

"One of the villains. She was crazy," Tsu answered.

"Uraraka, you're hurt."

"It's not bad. I can still walk, okay."

"We can't stand here and talk," Shoji announced. "Let's move. You can join us-" Shoji stopped as a loud explosion came from the side.

Large Earth spikes pierced through the tops of the trees, Izuku charging after an odd man in a yellow coat. "Give them back!"

"Woah, what's happening?"

Shoto looked around in dawning horror. "Bakugo and Tokoyami are missing."

Mr Compress dodged Izuku's attack, grabbing onto his next as Izuku went from being a large sphinx to a small blue orb.

"Izuku," Shoto shouted as Mr Compressed landed on the spikes.

"It's a nice trick, eh?"

"Give him back!" Shoto was about to run at Compress when Shoji stopped him.

Compress just played with the orb. "'Give him back'? What an odd thing to say. Midoriya doesn't belong to anyone. He's his own person. Don't be so arrogant."

"We'll stop you." Shoto stomped his foot on the ground, the ice spikes charging at Compress, who jumped away.

"Why the aggression? We're merely serving the world, showing him the fanatical world of heroism he's drowning in. It's important to choose a path that aligns with your core values after all." Compress landed in the trees as Shoto gritted his teeth.

"If you're monologuing because you think you've beaten us, you're mistaken."

"A bad habit of mine. I was once an entertainer, you know. Taking Tokoyami was a bit of improv on my part." Compress moved his hand, showing three orbs in his fingers. "Moonfish, your dear 'blade tooth'. He may not look it, but he's a dastardly death row devil whose last appeal was denied. When I saw the avian take him down so easily and violently, I decided he should join our troupe."

"You bastard! You can't take them!"

"Himura, calm down," Shoji ordered, but Shoto didn't listen. The ice burst out of his side, covering the force in a display far surpassing what he did during the sports festival.

"Apologies, but sleight-of-hand and escapology are my specialities, not combat. I'm not foolish enough to fight hero candidates from UA. Vanguard Action Squad. I've acquired the targets. Our little show has officially come to a close. Meet me at the retrieval point in the next five minutes for the final bow." Compress quickly rushed off as the group stared in horror.

"They're going to take them. They can't," Tsu gasped as Shoto nodded.

"You're right. We'll stop them."

~~~

Jiro and Momo collapsed as they reached the building. Vlad caught them, pulling them inside as he shared a look with Aizawa. They put the girls with Pixie Bob as the students rushed to help them.

"We need to get them to help," Mina gasped in horror as Vlad nodded.

"We will. Aizawa," Vlad pulled Aizawa aside, whispering to him. "Shinso ran off."

"What?"

"He arrived with a few others, but after Midoriya and Iida ran off, he did too."

"And you let him."

"I tried to stop him. He brainwashed me."

Aizawa sighed. "Stay here and protect the students. Don't let them get hurt." And Aizawa was gone again as Vlad sighed.

"Vlad, Monama called out, looking at Momo. "She won't last the night."

"I'll do what I can. Can you help?" Monama nodded as they approached. Jiro tensed as Vlad tried to soothe her. "Don't worry. You're going to be okay."