Stuck Between Realities-Remastered

Part 51~The Plan

"This isn't a good idea," Kakashi warned as the group walked through the hospital.

"I don't like this any more than you do, but Hitoshi is determined, and it's infected Shoto." Izuku glanced at his phone, typing as he walked. "Not to mention Kirishima and the others. If they go in without one of us, they'll die."

"You have a lot of faith in your friends," Kakashi scoffed as Izuku gave him a look.

"I know AFO. There is a difference." Izuku turned off his phone. "Emiko and Charlie are gonna meet us there."

As the two approached the outside, Izuku paused. Kakashi placed a hand on Izuku's shoulder. "We don't have to join them. Charlie could probably handle this without us."

Izuku chuckled. "Maybe, but then things really will be hairy. Charlie's not a girl we should leave unchecked."

Walking outside, the two found Kirishima, Shoto, Hitoshi and Yaoyorozu already present. "Izuku," Shoto called out as he walked over, taking Izuku's hand. "I didn't think you would come."

"I didn't think I would either. This is dumb, and I hate any time I have to deal with that asshole, but I'm not letting any of you do this without backup." Izuku looked past Shoto. "I want you all to know that if AFO makes a showing, we will throw you out of the city."

Kirishima laughed nervously. "Sure thing."

"He's being serious," Kakashi interrupted. "Emiko- Izu's sister- has telekenetic powers. First sign of OFA, and she will pick us up and throw us out of the city, so be prepared. Work out how you're gonna land."

The group shared a nervous look as Izuku nodded. "If my sister doesn't throw you, Charlie will throw you out, and her method is a lot rougher." Izuku looked at each person. "You should stop now and go home."

Kirishima gulped. "Not a chance."

"Bold statement when one of you is squishy," Kakashi joked, looking straight at Hitoshi.

"Hey! I can handle myself."

"Right." Kakashi stretched almost lazily, but his foot tapped the ground. "Is there anyone else coming?"

"I don't know."

"Hold on," Iida called out, walking towards the group.

"Iida," Kirishima called out. "You're here?"

"You. Why did it have to be you three of all people? The ones who stopped me when I acted recklessly. Who received amnesty with me after Hosu. Why are you trying to make the same stupid mistakes I made? Didn't you learn?"

"What are you talking about?" Kirishima stepped forward as Kakashi shot Izuku a look.

"What did you do?"

Izuku gave Kakashi a silencing look while Yaoyorozu placed a hand on Kirishima's shoulder to stop him.

"We are still just students," Iida continued. "And UA's in a bad position as it is. Anything we do will reflect on our school. Don't you get that?"

"Iida, we have to," Yaoyorozu shouted. "I know you don't like us breaking rules, but-" Yaoyorozu walked up to Iida only to be punched right in the face.

"Oh shit," Hitoshi shouted as everyone stared in shock.

"I'm frustrated, too! And concerned. Obviously. I'm the class rep, dammit. I'm worried about all my classmates. Not just Bakugo. When I saw your injuries, all I could think of was my brother in the hospital. What if your bodies end up irreparable, just like his, because I didn't step in. Have you not stopped to think about where I'm coming from? Or are you saying that you don't care how I feel?"

"Of course I do."

"Iida," Shoto interrupted. "You've got it wrong. We don't expect to face them head-on and win. We'll get him back without fighting."

"Yeah, we'll be stealthy," Kirishima added. "I'm talkin' covert ops here. We can rescue him without breaking the rules."

Kakashi sighed. "I understand your anger, Class Rep, and your hesitation, but if anything goes south, I will step in. Unlike you embryos, I actually have my hero licence."

"Same with Emiko," Izuku added as Kirishima grinned.

"Thank you!"

Kakshi paused. "Though, maybe we should warn Charlie she's not allowed to fight."

"I know I'm hurt," Yaoyorozu began. "But if I can still move at all, then I can't just sit still. I have to reach out and do something. 'Cause all I can think about is saving him."

"We'll never agree. So I'm going to come with you."

~~~

Emiko frowned as she and Charlie walked through the underground. "What are we looking for again?"

Charlie grinned, skipping over a puddle that was definitely not water. "A sign."

"A sign?"

Charlie nodded, not bothering to explain further. "You think we shouldn't go?"

"I think they'll get themselves killed without us."

Charlie hummed. "Izuku and Kakashi would survive."

"They would die." Emiko chuckled softly before she looked up through a drain, seeing the stars above them. "Maybe this is the end of our journey."

"You doubt me?"

Emiko shook her head. "I never said it would be the end of your journey."

Charlie frowned. "I won't let them kill you."

"You better not." Emiko paused, fidgeting. "I would like to live long enough to take you on a date."

Charlie blinked, the word registering slowly. "What?!"

"Shit! Did I misread?!"

"No! This is just sudden. I always thought I would ask you out."

"Is that a yes, then?!"

"Yes!"

"Why are we still screaming then?!"

"I don't know!" The two laughed as Emiko gently took Charlie's hand.

"If AFO is in prison, you won't have to go outside in disguise."

Charlie smiled. "I look forward to it." She glanced around, letting out a scream. "The sign!" She pointed at a literal sign, taking a turn as Emiko laughed fondly.

~~~

Katsuki wasn't sure where he was. His head hurt, and his body felt heavy. There were heavy stone restraints on his hands and a muzzle covering his face.

"I wouldn't bother trying. Without any oxygen, your explosions can't activate."

Katsuki froze as he heard the voice. A memory rattled about in the back of his mind, screaming at him that he was in danger.

"Do you remember me, Bakugo?"

Katsuki shook his head.

"You tried to kill me. You destroyed a lot of my work, and after all, I did for you."

Katsuki closed his eyes as he saw a fire and children screaming. Izuku was screaming.

The man walked closer, his movement caused the lights to switch on. Katsuki was surrounded by test tubes containing nomus. One, behind the villain, had Ragdoll in.

Katsuki went to open his mouth, but the muzzle wouldn't budge.

"Who am I?" The villain laughed as he walked into the light. He wore a large black mask covering his face. "I am All For One."

Katsuki closed his eyes as the memories burned. Tears fell down his cheeks as he shook his head.

"I've been trying to find you for a long time, my rebellious Nomu."