The rancid smell makes you tag awake, sitting up and covering your nose. You pause, jolting with realization before swiftly running out of the room, feet hitting black water that covered the hall. It shifts and you let out a loud yell just before the water surrounds you, everything going black as the water spins you about. You pull off your glove, right hand bursting some of the water but not enough to free you.

          'I'm going to drown! They're going to take Sakusa.' You think in panic. For a moment numerous images of him flood into your mind. Your right arm flexes and half of the water orb you were in bursts. You cough, and pause, looking back to see Death blinking in surprise.

          "Boss is right, yer full of surprises." He comments, raising his arms slightly. "But ya ain't gonna stop us this time." He smiles as a black wave forms behind him. Your eyes widen and you run for Sakusa's room but the water is faster, sucking you up into blackness again, you try to struggle against the water but it spins you about and flips you. 

         "This is how yer friend lost his memories ya know." Death's voice sounds in the darkness. "I filled up his room, then I gave 'im a lil pill. Which made him forget all about ya." Your chin is grasped and a cyclone of water restricts your movement. "But yer special, I can't do that to ya. And I can't kill ya." An air bubble forms around your head and gasp in the rancid air, everything still pitchblack. "But I can take the memories of the poor soul that just rushed into my waters… Or.. I can crush him and have my waters devour him. Make it a little darker." 

          "Please! Don't… Don't hurt him. I'll do anything."

          "Ya don't even know who it is though. Ya might hate him." He hums.

          "I love everyone in this dorm. Please. Don't take any of them. Please. I'll do anything." You plead tearing up.

          "Ah… Don't cry lovely. I'm not dat bad." He pats your head. "Alright. But I gotta take his memory too, can't have everyone coming after us." There's a ripple for a moment and silence takes over as you try to free yourself from the cyclone. Suddenly the cyclone dies and water drains from the hall. You get up, freezing when you see Bokuto unconscious across from you. 

         "Bokuto!" You gasp crawling over to him and rolling him onto his back as the alarms go off. He was breathing, he seemed fine. But you already know he wasn't going to be the same. You can hear people shouting outside, and look to Sakusa's room, the door was wide open. "Dammit." You grit your teeth, hugging Bokuto. "I'm so useless…."

          "___! You okay?" Kuroo asks, coming through the opened window, and pausing at the sight of Bokuto.

         "They took his memories… I couldn't do anything." You look at him tearing up. He blinks, frowning heavily before coming over and hugging you both.

           "They got us this time… They took Sakusa." He whispers. The tears overtake your eyes and you bury your face in Bokuto's chest.

           "Dammit…" You sniff. Bokuto groans and you lift your head as his eyes ease open. He blinks at you and flinches slightly, fear coming over his face. "It's okay. You're safe." You smile softly. "You're safe…"

          "So… They got Sakusa, erased Bokuto's memory, and Tendo's missing." Atsumu lifts off. "What are we going to do?"

           "I have a tracker on Sakusa. I just need to find it." Akaashi says, focusing on his radar, but you could see his hands shaking slightly. You move and sit with him, rubbing his back. He glances at you and stops briefly, taking your hand as he focuses on his work again. "I'll find him." He murmurs as another tremor shakes the dorm. "You should talk to him." He adds, squeezing your hand before releasing it.

            "Right." You get up and go outside to find a giant earth pillar next to the dorm. Kenma looks up at it worriedly. "Shit. That's high…."

           "It's about a hundred feet up." Kenma murmurs looking between you and the pillar. "I'm worried…"

           "I'll go talk him down, don't worry." 

           "I don't want to forget." He breathes and you pause. "And I really… Really don't want to be forgotten. I'm not strong… I don't know if I could handle it… Even Kuroo's having a hard time." He looks down with a frown. "I'm worried… What happens if we all forget.?" Your shoulders slump slightly at that.

           "I… Can't promise you that it's going to be okay… But…" You go over and hug him tightly. "I will do my best to stop this." You vow through grit teeth. He blinks before hugging you back.

           "That's incredibly reassuring too." He murmurs. You close your eyes, before releasing him.

           "Alright, I'm going up." You breathe, going to the dorm door opening it. "Noya, I need you." You call. He pokes his head into the lobby before coming over and hugging you.

           "Yes?" He gives a small cute smile. You blink and relax, smiling in return.

           "Thanks. I didn't know I needed your smile too." You murmur, making him blush slightly.

           "D-Don't get sidetracked ___…” He looks away bashfully. 

           "Right. I need you to throw me." You point up at the pillar, "And stick around in case the only way down is falling." 

            "Sure. I can do that. I'll be your wingman." He half jokes, pausing as you tear up slightly. "No no! I'm sorry. I didn't mean to remind you of Bokuto." He adds swiftly.

             "___, please take this too." Kenma passes you a water bottle.

             "Right. Let's do it Nishinoya." You breathe. He nods, wind deity coming out and picking you up before launching you. It almost wasn't enough, you grab onto the side, sliding a bit. "Kuroo!" You manage almost falling but he grabs your arm hauling you up and falling back with you.

             "What are you doing?" He snaps. "You could've gotten hurt." He scoffs as you sit up, looking down at him. 

             "You're really stressed." You frown. 

            "Of course I am. You saw Bokuto. He's hiding in the corner of your room in fear of everything. Sakusa got taken right from under our noses…" He covers his eyes, gritting his teeth. "We're supposed to be becoming heroes. I can't even protect my friends." You frown, he was echoing everything you've been thinking for the past hour. 

            "... So what if we couldn't protect them?" You breathe. He pauses and peers at you. "We can't protect everyone, and that means each other. But we can still fix this. We can still save Sakusa. Bokuto's not dead. He's just lost right now. We still have things to do Kuroo." You point out. 

           "... How do you do that?" He murmurs. "Stay together when everything is going bad..?"

           "Honestly I keep hearing Sakusa's voice at the back of my mind." You rub the back of your head with a small smile. "Nothing else I can do about what's happened besides what I need to do." He relaxes at that, smiling a tiny bit.

           "You two really are a great team." He breathes looking up at the sky. He reaches over and pulls you down into him, hugging you warmly. "Thanks ___." 

           "Anytime… It's scary when even you lose your cool." You admit.

           "Sorry. Didn't mean to scare you…" He hugs you tighter. He pauses as a hawk lands on the pillar. "... How high are we?"

            "Very high… Kenma said about a hundred feet." You respond turning your head and looking at the hawk too.

            "Oh… We might be stuck." He hums.

            "Don't worry. I have Noya ready to catch us." You assure. He blinks and turns his head, kissing your temple.

            "Okay. Let's get off this rock." He says sitting up with you. You chuckle and pull him up to his feet, both of you going to the edge and peering off. 

             "There he is." You wave to Noya, receiving a wave in response. "Okay… Between you and me… This is a bit scarier since Bokuto isn't himself to catch us."

             "I was thinking the same thing… Wanna hold my hand?" 

             "Absolutely." You take his hand and you both share a nod before stepping off and falling. A gale of wind slows your fall near the end, wind deity catching you both and setting you down. Shaken, you and Kuroo hug each other. "Scary…" 

              "Thanks for holding my hand…" Kuroo manages.

              "Hm? You two okay?" Nishinoya tilts his head.

              "Thanks for catching us." You both respond.

              "Anytime." He grins. You and Kuroo let go of each other and you hand your senpai the bottle of water so he can focus on bringing down the pillar. You head back inside, hearing the guys making plans in the main room. You decide to go upstairs and check on Bokuto. Osamu sat with him, eating quietly as Bokuto pokes at his food warily. You press your lips together and go over, catching Bokuto's attention and making him shrink into the corner slightly.

             "Hey… Aren't you hungry? It's okay to eat." You murmur. He shifts looking between you and the plate. 

            "I… Don't know how…" He murmurs looking down. Osamu pauses, clear worry crossing his face.

            "I'll feed you. I'm sure you'll be fine once you get a taste." You smile, moving closer and gently taking the plate offering a bite. "Say 'ahh'." 

            "Ahh." He opens his mouth and you put some food in his mouth. As you had expected he starts to eat automatically, humming in delight. You chuckle and continue to feed him until it's gone. He licks his lips after, peering at the empty plate.

             "It's good right? Osamu made it." You smile, glancing at the cook as he shifts with a small smile. "He's the best cook in the dorm."

             "Then… What am I?" Bokuto asks, pointing at himself. 

             "You are… Bokuto is…" You put a knuckle to your chin and tilt your head. "Bokuto is… He's loud and carefree… Loves to have fun and cuddle. He can make anyone smile with how cheerful he always is. And… I feel so safe and happy when he's nearby. So bright and warm like the sun…" You smile softly and meet his gaze. "That's Bokuto, the fastest hero in the dorm." He blinks at you in awe, pink dusting his cheeks.

              "I sound awesome…" He murmurs looking down.

              "You are." You grin. "And you give the best hugs…. Can I have one?" You ask, tilting your head.

              "Yes… Show me how?" He blinks. You nod and give him a hug, being enveloped by his arms instantly. "... I really like this…" He smiles a bit. "I don't think I'm afraid now."

            "Good. You're with friends. We'll protect you." You squeeze him and Atsumu peers in.

            "Akaashi has a location. They stopped at the edge of town." He tells you. You nod and pull away, taking Bokuto's hands.

            "We need to go get another friend back now. Okay?" You breathe.

            "... Um… I'm scared again…" He frowns uneasily. 

            "I'll be back soon. It's not safe for you to come with us right now, so stay here, Sugawara and Asahi will stay with you." You breathe, cupping his cheek. "Wait for me." You add before pulling away and heading out with the twins, Sugawara and Asahi taking your place. Bokuto watches after you uneasily. 

            "Suit up." Iwaizumi passes you your suitcase. 

            "Right you breathe ducking into the bathroom to change before going back out as everyone finishes. Akaashi puts an earpiece in your ear, making you pause. 

            "Takeda and FireCrow have a bus to take us near the area without drawing attention." Oikawa tells everyone. "Kenma and Akaashi will be our eyes so listen to what they say when they get there. And be careful, there are villains we haven't faced before amongst them. Not to mention they have Sakusa's vials to use against us."

            "Stealth would be our best option. But…" Kuroo peers at you as you shift, adjusting your glove. "It's our turn to make some noise. Let's put the fear of Raizu in them." He straightens up. 

            "Right…" 

            The bus drops your group off a block away from where the tracker was. Akaashi takes the lead as the group takes the backstreets. You and Atsumu pause as you come to a familiar spot. 

          "___." He turns to you as you look around.

          "Yeah… I know…" You nod. This is where the twins had been playing catch so long ago. Which means the bridge was close by too. "Let's go."

*~*~

          "Smoothest operation yet." Midnight hums, patting Death on the back as he goes to kneel in front of Sakusa. "Sorry Sakusa. We're going to break your mind and remold it. You'll make a fine villain. I just know it." Sakusa glares uneasily at him.

          "Break my mind…" He echoes. 

          "That's right, it'll take a while though. Try not to die." Midnight straightens up. "Okay Kobalt. Drown him for a bit." He adds moving away. 

           "Sorry lad. Boss's orders." Death says making a glob of black water float over his hand. Sakusa swallows in a gulp of air before the black orb comes over his head. A few moments pass and Sakusa starts to struggle. 

           "Now." Midnight hums. Death removes the glob and Sakusa coughs out the black sludge, shaking and gagging. 

           "You… You're trying to make me forget ___ again." Sakusa manages. Midnight pauses, turning to him carefully. "I won't. I refuse. Try to brainwash me all you want. But I know where my heart belongs." Sakusa glares at him. 

           "You really should think before you speak. Or remain silent." Midnight's shoulders slump slightly. "Ki-" He freezes, looking to the doors of the warehouse. Sakusa follows his gaze as doors become fuzzy, just before you walk through them, sending particles scattering, the front of the warehouse turns to particles.

           "Now then. Which one of you bastards is the boss?" You breathe dangerously, raising your right arm as your dorm mates follow you in.

           "Wow." Sakusa murmurs.

           "Shit… Amara!" Midnight shouts and the woman sitting in the rafters throws down a rain of vials. Your dorm mates put on their gas masks at that and you launch at Midnight.

            "Hello Midnight." You breathe as you get into proximity to strike him. Bluish blades leave the arms of his suit and he turns to slash you but you deflect them with your own arm blade lightning and sparks bursting off them as you kick him back. "So that's what happened when we first met. You have lightning blades." 

            "TCH. DEaTh!" Midnight's computer voice crackles.

            "Twins!" You shout, swiping your right arm out, keeping the black water back for a moment.

            "Got it!" They say, grabbing Sakusa and taking him outside. You send Oikawa a nod and he quickly follows them.

           "Wreck them!" You and Kuroo order the others just before a black wave sweeps everyone else up. You close your eyes, arm starting to buzz as you focus.

           "I don't know if yer brave or dumb." Death's voice sounds around you. A bubble forms around your head. "Yer gonna get your mates killed."

            "We noticed something about you, Death. You take all this black water inside you right? What happens to you if we release a black toxin into your waters?" You hum smirking. There's a pause and the water suddenly retracts from the room. Death reforms, carefully plucking a tranquilizer from his neck. You land on the ground. "But don't worry. Our Eagle Eye  shot you first." 

           "Damn clever… But ya got the wrong one." He chuckles before turning into a puddle. 

           "They got away." Kuroo frowns. "And we stink…."  

            "But we're alive. Thanks Akaashi." You breathe going out of the warehouse with everyone.

             'I'm glad you're all safe.' He responds.

             'I lost sight of them. Looks like they went into the sewers.' Kenma says.

             "Following them down there would be suicide." Kuroo murmurs.

             'Sakusa! Where are you going? Tch. ___ get over here on Shōkan street. He's not listening to us heading to a bridge.' Atsumu tells you. For a moment you pause, before you take off running for the bridge. The others following behind in confusion. 

              You stop once you reach the bridge where the twins were. Sakusa was looking off at something near the creek.

              "Seriously what is he-" you touch Atsumu's arm before carefully approaching Sakusa, heart pounding slightly. He doesn't move, eyes locked on the spot near the creek.

              "... My heart called me here." He says calmly. "I never really believed in fate or stuff like that… I haven't been here since elementary, but the moment I came to this spot, everything came back." He straightens up and turns to you. "I don't know if I can give you everything you want… But. You're important to me too. So… Let me stay by your side." He frowns softly. 

             "Of course… Welcome back Kiyoomi." You manage with tears in your eyes, rushing to hug him. He holds you close, sighing quietly. 

             "... I'm sorry. This is as much as I can do right now." He pulls away covering his nose. "You stink…"

            "Yeah… Black water does that." You smile sheepishly. "Think alcohol bath might help?"

           "I really hope so." He murmurs.

           "Hey, is everything okay? Not gonna run off?" Atsumu asks as the twins join you two, looking at Sakusa in concern.

           "Don't ever hug me again vermin." Sakusa gives them a look.

           "... I can't not do that now! Welcome back Cactus!" Atsumu cheers hugging him. Sakusa makes a disgusted face and Osamu joins in. You laugh as everyone rushes in to greet Sakusa, hugging him despite his objections, eventually all getting paralyzed.

             "Kiyoomi I know you don't like hugs again but did you have to paralyze everyone?" You tease. He points at you.

             "Shut up and help me out." He says. You chuckle and pull everyone off. "And why did you let me walk around with no mask?" 

             "... Because I was enjoying all of your expressions…" You admit bowing your head and offering him a mask. He sighs, a smile crossing his lips before he hides it behind the mask.

            "Let's go home."

            "Home is here though… But Bokuto is missing from it. Should get back to him though."

***

         Midnight rolls onto his back once they leave the sewers, pulling off his mask and laughing lightly. "That was exhilarating! ___ is stronger than I thought." Tendo chuckles touching his stomach. 

          "Glad ya aren't mad boss." Death comments leaning over him. 

          "Oh no. Not at all. I'm glad we were interrupted. My jealousy almost made me make a big mistake." Tendo hums sitting up. He takes out a burner phone inputting something briefly before their phones go off. "There's your money for today. I need to make new plans now so stay in town." He smiles at them. "And thank you for your hard work."

          The others take off at that, Death sticking around. "Need help back?"

          "Nope. I'm good." Tendo gets to his feet smiling to himself. "My best friend is pretty amazing you know. The only person that can give me chills and make me feel proud at the same time…" His smile falls a bit. 

          "Yer a complicated one boss. But I hope ya feel better soon." Death pats his back before heading off. 

           "Complicated huh…" Tendo looks at the sky. "I should contact ___ soon."

~*~*

       Atsumu and Osamu take the group to wash up at their old house, introducing their Grandma to everyone. You were the first to shower, heavily, eventually scrubbing out the rancid smell.

        Oikawa and the twins had gone out to buy new clothes for the ones that had been in the black water. They were especially happy to give you what they had picked. Oikawa picked the pink color, the twins picking a fox theme for you. Damn them all for being cute.

         Eventually you all return to the dorms. You hurry upstairs to your room to check on Bokuto.    

       "___! I'm sorry!" Asahi gasps, somewhere in front of you but you could only see floating clothes. 

       "... Did you lose my owl?" You frown heavily.

       "No. He's just a literal owl right now… Hiding in the closet." Sugawara tells you. 

       "I got him." You breathe patting their shoulders and heading up into your room, grabbing your owl hoodie and pulling it on before going to the closet and opening it to find the small horned owl hiding amongst your pillows on the top shelf. "I'm back." You call lightly reaching your hand out to him. "Come here." You smile as he focuses on you, carefully stepping off and onto your hand. 

         "Hey buddy," Kuroo peers in as you bring Bokuto down, petting his feathers. The owl lowers himself, watching Kuroo with some alarm.

         "It's okay Bokuto. You and Kuroo are like best buds." You breathe lightly. The owl shifts, changing into his chibi form as you bring him to your chest. 

         "A best bud..?" Bokuto echoes. 

         "Yeah." You smile softly. "This is Kuroo, he only looks scary. He's actually a big teddy bear."

         "Don't make me sound that soft." Kuroo grumbles.

         "Like that?" Bokuto points at the cactus plushie on your bed.

         "Exactly like that." You nod, peering at his face. "You look sleepy."

         "No. I'm just hungry. Can I have more Osamu food please?" He tilts his head. 

         "You're so cute." You cuddle his cheek. 

         "Alright, let's get him some more food." Kuroo hums, touching your back and steering you out the door, heading down stairs.

          "Samu! We have a request." You call reaching the lobby. 

          "Yes?" Osamu pokes his head out of the main room. 

          "Bokuto says he wants some more of your food." You tell him as Bokuto tries to hide against your hoodie. Osamu blinks before smiling lightly.

          "Sure thing." He rumbles heading into the kitchen.

          "Wanna watch?" You ask Bokuto. He nods, hiding his face in your chest. You smile rubbing his back as you go into the kitchen with Kuroo. 

          "That's a cute hoodie." Kuroo comments, pulling your hood onto your head. "Awe… That's really cute."

          "I'm an owl too." You grin. Bokuto peeks up at you and just smiles. 

          "I like it." The chibi hums. 

          "I prefer your fox hoodie." Osamu comments peering back at you. 

          "Hm… I think my favorite hoodie is my snake one because it looks so darn cool." You gasp.

           "Kinda reminds me of Daishou for some reason." Kuroo comments.

           "I picked it because it reminded me of him." You chuckle. "And the way the scales shimmer in the light is mesmerizing."

           "And it looks really plush and warm. Kinda like this one." Kuroo feels the hood thoughtfully. Bokuto reaches for your hood, mimicking Kuroo.

          "Whoa…" Bokuto breathes in awe. 

          "Like it? I'll get you one too. But we'll have to go back to the city for it." You tell him smiling. 

          "Yeah. I want one too. So we match." He grins. 

          "Little sunshine…" You chuckle kissing his cheek.

          "Heh. Looks like you're a bit more like yourself." Kuroo comments to him.

          "I am? Am I as cool as ___ says?" Bokuto asks him, finally seeming to warm up to him.

          "Yes. You're awesome bro." Kuroo smiles widely. 

          "Awe. Kuroo… Your smile is so cute." You gush slightly. His cheeks turn pink and he tugs your hood over your eyes as he chuckles bashfully. "So cute."

          "Shhh." Kuroo puts a hand over your face. 

          "Are you being shy right now Kuroo?" Oikawa comments peering at his face in surprise. Kuroo jumps and looks at him with a frown.

          "No. Shut it." Kuroo scoffs. 

          "Food." Osamu says, holding up a plate. 

          "Yay." Bokuto holds up his arms cheerfully as Kuroo releases your hood. You smile and take the plate going to the dining hall to sit with Bokuto so he can eat. 

           "He's small again?" Sakusa comments sitting across from you.

           "Yeah. Guess he got scared and turned into a little owl." You breathe, feeding Bokuto. 

           "Aww.. Is he feeling better now?" Oikawa asks.

           "Dunno. Are you feeling better?" You ask Bokuto.

           "Mhm. I feel safe with you." He smiles up at you, making your heart swell. You get starry eyed at that, grinning at the others.

           "It's too bright over here suddenly." Akaashi says looking away.

           "You're too cute." Oikawa chuckles. Bokuto smiles and hugs you as tight as his little arms can.

           "... How do I get big again?"

           "... That's a good question."