The Hope Barely Found

Ratattatat

A young boys startled scream as Kaminari fell before he toppled over in surprise as well. Izuku switched with Shinso, leaving Kaminari to knock them both to the ground before catching the small boy, cradling him in his arms. Kouta's eyes rolled back, forcing him into unconsciousness.

"AIZAWA!"

***

Izuku gently placed Kouta on the couch in Mandalay's living room. She was standing above him and started stroking his hair. Izuku felt a path of jealousy before pushing it off.

"Poor kid."

Izuku paused in his way out. "What do you mean?"

"Kouta has had a rough childhood," Mandalay sighed. "His parents died from a fight. There was too much destruction and a building buried them alive. Kouta hasn't been the same since. I was surprised he talked to you so openly."

Izuku suddenly felt bad for that jealousy. Not knowing what to say, he simply nodded before turning away to find Aizawa. He needed to talk to Eri.

***

The kids were exhausted. They had been working all day, each on their own things. Katsuki was working on punch after punch, Kirishima on constant blocking from Mina's dancing attacks, Momo working on her leading plans with Todoroki, switching out to work on getting crafty, Tsuyu had been doing laps in the water, Sero was practicing knots at the moment after fighting Shinso and Kaminari who were now sparring, Izuku was focused on a little bit of everything but Aizawa actually had him focused on self control and knowing when to run away.

So far he's failed every test.

This brutal training continued for three days before the first real camp activity would occur. Despite their exhaustion, the kids found themselves really getting into the training as the difference became more and more noticeable.

Everyone, excluding the adults, had gathered in the clearing to plan for their charge on class 1-B and split themselves into groups. Izuku took the chance to slip away for a quick call to Eri.

"Eri?" Izuku peered into the phones camera as it picked up.

"Izu!" Eri squealed. Izuku gave a muffled snort in surprise. She was wearing little pink cat ears with a matching Kawaii sweater and leggings and a green skirt that made it all clash.

"I thought you had better taste!" Izuku chuckled in amusement.

"I do," she whispered back, "But Mic picked these out and I didn't want to be mean!"

Izuku nodded in understanding. "How has your day been?"

"It's been so cool! Mirio told me about the stars and all the cool signs that go along with them! He also told me about candy and something called holly-days!"

"Holly-days? What are those?"

Todoroki, who was standing nearby in case Izuku somehow found a way to get himself injured, overheard and frowned. "Izuku, holidays. Celebrations you do with your-," he choked on the last word, "Family." Todoroki supposed he only knew about this because of Fuyumi and Touya, or else he'd be as clueless as Izuku and Eri. "You're supposed to get presents."

"Did you hear that, Eri?" Izuku nodded at her. "Next time the holidays come around, ima get you tons of presents!"

The glitter in Eri's eyes made Izuku's own shine. "Thank you, Izu!" She sang happily. Her mouth formed a thin relaxed line.

Izuku frowned as Uraraka called him over. They were starting.

"I have to go. I'll call you tonight, okay Eri?"