[Here we are...We finally reach it...The epic conclusion to the HERO KILLER ARC. It's been a ride of ups and downs. But we've finally reached the end, and I feel, and hope, it's something you all can enjoy. Because there's a lot of heart put into this one, and lately, that's something I feel my books need more than ever. I do truly hope you enjoy it all, for this chapter ends on a note you will not want to miss! So, yeah! Get ready for the action and fun below, it's definitely a plus side in an otherwise slow arc.

[But from the chapter after this I will be doing a new writing style. So be excited for that as well]
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[3rd Person POV]

"When I was younger...I had a nightmare that wouldn't go away..."

Rising from the shadows of the alleyway, from within the smoke brought on by the most recent collision of powers, a figure could be seen beginning to take form.

"...But unlike most nightmares, it didn't come to me when I was asleep. It came to me when I was awake..."

Slowly, as more and more of the appearance of this figure came together in the shadows, they started to move. Their weakened body hobbled through the dark mirrors that cascaded through this pitch-black world around them. Heading towards the middle of this walled off area.

"...It flashed before my eyes. In an instant. A nightmare that felt too real to ignore. A nightmare I still carry to this day..."

The uncoordinated steps in which this person took soon became obvious. Enough to draw the gaze of young Tenya Iida, who still remained unable to move from his position on the cold alleyway ground. Once his gaze caught hold of the approaching person, his eyes widened. The man in the shadows continued to draw closer.

"...When I first caught grasp on this living nightmare, I tried everything to quench it. I did all I could to keep it at bay. But nothing worked...Nothing ever seems to work in this dark world..."

In this moment, Stain exited from the darkness. His body was covered with blood and purple bruises from everything that just happened. He was so sore he could barely find the strength to remove his second sword from the holster on his back. But with his other sword being discarded after the powerful attack from (Y/n) earlier, the Hero Killer didn't have much choice. Once his hand grasped the centre of his blade and removed it from the compartment on his back, he sent his eyes toward Iida. 

"...Eventually I grew tired of the pills and the people who told me various reasons for why I had these nightmares. But they were wrong. They didn't understand this world like I did..."

With blood dripping from his hands and falling to the ground, Stain's body eventually came to a stop right behind Iida. There, he slowly began to lift his blade high into the air. The only reason Iida had any idea what was going on was because of the shadow that was displayed in front of him. The haunting image of Stain and his weapon, raised high into the air, ready to strike and finish him off. In this moment, a wave of regret and fear splashed Iida.

"...In the end, I came to understand something. If I wanted these nightmares in my head to stop. I had to do something about it. I had to stop the nightmares. And sometimes, the only one to stop nightmares... Is by killing them at the source."

But what was the source of these strange nightmares? Well, that was simple. The way to end these nightmares had become the very mission Stain had placed upon himself. A mission that could be summed up in four simple words.

Kill!

Stain: "...Kill..."

All!

Stain: "...All..."

False!

Stain: "...False..."

Heroes!

Stain: "...Heroes."

The words came to Stain like a conviction. A conviction that wouldn't go away until he had finally made it a reality. It was like a hunger in a way. A starving feeling inside that wouldn't go away until he quenched it. Filled his gut with the satisfaction of ridding this world of yet another person who uses the name of a hero for their selfish gain. So far in the years he has been on this earth, this had been the only remedy to the one nightmare that has continued to course its way through Stain's life. 

The only source that brought him peace. It was the only way to not only bring about peace to him, but also the entire world. They needed to know that if something terrible was to happen to them, there would be a hero, a true hero, who would do anything to help that person. Not someone who would blackout for lack of gain in whatever the matter was. That was Stain's mission. To bring about a true peace onto the world. 

A true peace that so far was only made by one person. But after the events that just took place moments ago, events which left him battered and bruised, bleeding from inside and outside of his body, made Stain have high hopes that if 'he' wasn't enough alone to bring this peace...Maybe there was another who could help. And that knowledge was enough to make Stain crack a smile. Of all things. As he went to plunge the edge of his sword right into the back of Iida. Only to suddenly be brought to a stop...

"Stop!"

Stain: [Lifting Head; Panting] "Hu...Huh?"

Pausing his previous action and lifting his head, through his blurry vision, Stain found the sight of (Y/n), hobbling, to be the previously mentioned figure walking through the shadows. It was something Iida had noticed first, indicated by the widening of his eyes earlier. However, before he could say anything toward his classmate, that was when he spotted the shadow of Stain behind him. But now that Stain, too, saw the image of the approaching hero, right hand holding the shoulder of his left arm, as blood rested around his lower lip and upper head, the Hero Killer couldn't help but tilt his head slightly as (Y/n) used his strength to speak.

(Y/n): "I...I-I said...Stop. I won't...I won't let you...Hurt him..."

Iida: [Mutters] "...(Y/n)..."

The word softly escaped Iida's lips as he found himself stunned by the fact that (Y/n) came to save him once again. Even after the countless times, Iida had told him to leave. But (Y/n) didn't. It was a shocking revelation for Iida. Whilst it was a call to laugh for Stain.

Stain: "You--Haha--You won't let me?" [Panting] "Ha...Haha...Face it, Hero. Your time to stop me was with that final punch you just gave me." [Panting] "But look! I'M STILL STANDING!!"

A notion he proceeded to declare to the world, as he launched his arms high into the air and screamed from the bottom of his lungs. Though despite what Stain said being true, that (Y/n)'s previous attack had not delivered the decisive blow, the matter in which his arms could barely stay up without shaking slightly, merely showcased that (Y/n)'s punch had at least done some damage. It was something (Y/n) immediately took notice off as he continued to stand some distance away from Stain and Iida, his own body barely standing up without his legs shaking from the exertion of using the energy from his Quirk more than he could handle. 

If he wanted to save Iida and properly stop Stain, he needed to do it in a way that meant he couldn't move much. But surely there was no way something like that could be possible...Right? Well, that's what seemed like the likely answer. It couldn't be done. But when an idea sparked to life within the mind of the young boy, (Y/n) couldn't help but offer a small smile to himself. One he kept out of view from the Hero Killer as he lowered his head. But even with his head lowered, it didn't stop Iida from noticing it from his position on the ground below. Again, he was unable to comment on it, even mentally, before he was once more cut off. This time, by (Y/n) himself.

(Y/n): "...You're right, Stain..." [Tiredly Lifts Head] "My time to bring you to an end was with that final punch. And unfortunately, it didn't work..."

Slowly, Stain analysed the face of (Y/n), searching for any hint of trickery on his mind. But when he spotted none, the Hero Killer allowed a grin to find his lips.

Stain: [Grins] "Well then, I guess, in the end, despite precautions you may have taken, or the added increase in power, you still are nowhere near as true of a hero as 'him'."

(Y/n): "And you're right about that. I am no true hero. But that's the thing, Stain. The thing I've finally realized since coming across you and the hell that comes along with it..."

Stain: "And what would that be?"

(Y/n): "That I'm not a hero... I'm the opposite."

Stain: [Chuckles] "Are you saying you're a villain?" [Suddenly gets serious] "Because if that's the case, then I have been wasting my time from the very begin--"

Before he could finish speaking, Stain was silenced abruptly by the simple raised hand of one, (Y/n) Midoriya. A shocking action, one added by the mere still expression (Y/n) carried as he stared into the eyes of the Hero Killer. It was as his hand dropped, however, that a grin appeared across his lips, as the perfect response came to mind.

(Y/n): "...You didn't let me finish. I said I wasn't a hero. But that doesn't mean I'm a villain either. If you look at it blindly, maybe so. But I expected someone with a...view, like you, would be more open to what I have to say right now."

A bite of the tongue was all Stain could do at the remark from (Y/n). The young boy remained unphased.

(Y/n): "What I'm saying is. There's a lot a hero carries that is the direct opposite to a villain. But there are also things that neither party carry, yet there are still opposites. One of those opposites is the route in which someone will go to protect their side in this dark world. Some will kill, whilst others will refrain from it."

Stain: [Tilts Head] "And what about you, young one? Will you kill me for the deeds I have committed, or will you simply throw me away in a prison cell because you are weak?"

(Y/n): "I told you before, Stain, I didn't come here just to beat the shit out of you. I came here for a purpose. Someone more than just reckless violence. Something you have no idea about compared to me."

Stain: [Grins] "And that is?

"...Fear."

That one word was enough to strike both Stain and Iida in one blow. That one word was enough to confuse them to a degree. Iida in the sense that he was surprised with such a response, because despite fear being (Y/n)'s Quirk, Iida presumed (Y/n) simply wanted to fight him because he felt it was his 'duty'. But with this response, it made Iida believe his reasoning was less selfish. As for Stain, he was confused because, well, he found it surprising that a young boy would even attempt to strike fear in him. After all, he was a Hero Killer. 

Anyone with the title 'killer' in their name seemed to be the last person you'd associate with fear. Especially given someone who isn't so shy in regards to letting his name into the world as Stain. But as the aforementioned Hero Killer continued to stare into (Y/n)'s eyes, he found no sense of the momentary humour that had sparked with the start of his original sentence. Now, he carried nothing but a serious tone that showcased he was indeed not joking around when bringing forth the idea of making Stain afraid.

(Y/n): "You see, Stain, before when I said I had made precautions to make this fight different to the last, I wasn't just referring to a boost in strength. Punches may beat the common thug, or villain of the week. But you're not like those people, Stain. You are what they are now, only the disease inside of you as grown. It's spread. All because you believe what you do is right. It allows an arrogant confidence to form inside of you, and trust me when I say I know a thing about arrogant confidence."

Stain: "What's your point with all this?"

(Y/n): "My point is, I needed something more than simple punches to defeat you. So whilst I was away, recovering from the pain you inflicted on me, I began to question what was the right way to properly bring you to your knees. Then I realized the perfect way to do that. It's a way that we all are forced to confront at one point in our lives. Fear...Will always get the better of us eventually. And today, it's your time to be afraid, Stain."

Stain: "Ha! You think today is the day I will fear? And from what, a young boy like yourself? I think my praise for you getting stronger has gone to your head, child. Because trust ME when I say..." [Lowers Tone; Gets Serious] "...People like me don't fear just anything."

(Y/n): "Oh, I know. But that's the thing. Everyone I've come across, they believe something a little different. They believe you fear nothing at all. But I know that's not true, and whether you do or not is another question. But as someone who fears every day of his waking life, we all fear. And you're the exact same. It's just you may not have faced your fear yet...or maybe..."

Immediately, Stain's eyebrow raised as he flicked his gaze back to (Y/n) abruptly. The young boy left contemplating what he was about to say before finally giving in and speaking the words from his mouth.

(Y/n): "Or maybe...You do know what you're afraid of. In fact, you may be so afraid of this very thing...That it forced you down a path of death and destruction. One which made you don the name of 'Hero Killer'?"

Stain: "...You think I am who I am...Because I'm afraid?"

(Y/n): "It very well could. Fear is what made me who I am today..."

The mind of the motionless Iida suddenly sparked to life upon hearing that remark. (Y/n) didn't notice, so he continued speaking.

(Y/n): "Or what? Did you think I liked walking around, prowling through the dark streets of the night, dressed as a green demon from your very nightmares?"

Stain: "What you do in your free time doesn't concern me."

(Y/n): "But what you do, does. Because I'm sick and tired of reading about you in the newspapers. All these headlines about a Hero Killer on the loose. I'm tired of seeing your name every damn day."

Stain: [Grins] "Why? You jealous?"

(Y/n): "I'm angry. Angry that no so-called 'hero' has the balls for what needs to be done."

Stain: "You mean kill me?"

(Y/n): "I mean putting you in your place. Because face it, Stain, at the end of the day, you're no one special. All you are is a spoiled kid thinking he can do whatever he wants and get away with it. But not anymore. Because now you've reached your end. Last time, you jumped me. Now it's my turn. The only difference is you attack through flesh and blood. I attack where it really hurts...The soul. That's why I want you to savour this moment for all you can. Because I only have two words left to say to you, and once they're up, you're done."

Stain: "Two words, huh? And what are they that they're so special to be left on their own?"

(Y/n) didn't respond right away. Instead, he proceeded to grab the back of his mask and flip it over his head once more. As it returned in place, his previous (E/c) eyes were swapped out with the vibrant green of this living nightmare standing before Stain. It was as this monstrous form finally took hold, (Y/n) was able to speak the words that would spell Stain's doom.

(Y/n): "Fear...THIRD!"

Immediately after the words left his mouth, (Y/n) swung his right hand up toward his face. As he did, his jaw extended open. In doing so, one of his upper-front youth, one of his K9's, the second directly from the centre, could be seen glowing green. A fang sharpened like one of a nightmare. It was the only one to glow green, allowing Stain's attention to lock onto it as (Y/n) dug this tooth into the bottom of his extended thumb. The bottom row of teeth was used as a bridge to hold his thumb in place as he dug down with his jaw. At first, this seemed off to Stain. He didn't know what was going on. 

But as time went on, he began to notice the green glow from (Y/n)'s mouth was growing. But as it grew brighter, the light seemed to transfer from (Y/n)'s fang into the thumb, of the hand he had just bitten into. But it didn't stop at the thumb. This glowing green light travelled throughout (Y/n)'s entire body at a rapid pace. As it did, (Y/n)'s skin slowly became a translucent green. Eventually shifting into the same tone as the fog that had previously evaporated from the young boy's body in their original fight. That's how Stain noticed the similarities, but for Iida, he remembered this exact transformation from the Sports Festival.

Iida: [Thoughts] "This...Transformation, it's the one (Y/n) used in his fight against Kaito and Todoroki. That means...He's about to turn into that--"

But before Iida could finish, he was cut off by the green light only growing in strength. Before long, the green fog that had been surrounding (Y/n)'s body, had now fully become his very body. Such was shown to both Iida and Stain within seconds. That was the final thing they witnessed before a great explosion of green light completely swallowed (Y/n)'s body. When his appearance finally returned. Any sight of the boy was gone. All that was left...was a nightmare.

It didn't take long for (Y/n)'s new appearance to have an effect on both Stain and Iida. The pair unable to hold back their eyes from widening in shock from the out-of-this-world appearance (Y/n) now carried. For Iida, this was the first time seeing such a haunting creature up close, but now that it was, he was left questioning if this was even (Y/n) anymore. For Stain, he didn't know what to think. 

So many thoughts rampaged through his mind right now as he processed everything that just happened. Everything from what (Y/n) had said about fear, and declaring Stain should have been able to understand his true place amongst the world of heroes and villains. To the very raw energy currently coming off the form of the young boy. In the end, there was only one reaction Stain could make...And that was beginning to laugh like a crazy person.

Stain: "He...Hehe...HehAHAHAHAHA!!!!"

Before long, the action of laughing got carried away by the masked figure. The reaction certainly did throw off the subconscious of (Y/n). And with the ability to talk no longer present with this nightmarish form, all this hovering body of green fog could do was just remain in place. But thankfully for (Y/n), he didn't plan to use Fear Third as a means to speak. But a means to properly place fear unlike any other into the soul of the Hero Killer. And he didn't wait long to begin doing exactly that, as out of nowhere, in the blink of an eye, a trio of the clawed arms that had previously formed all over his fog-based body, suddenly launched into the air and went to attack Stain. 

Immediately as soon as he noticed this, Stain stopped his maniacal laughing, to quickly send his sword slashing through the air. Each strike he made managed to cut through an arm. But as Stain was quick to find out, such attacks had no effect. His blade simply travelled through it. No harm was done whatsoever. This allowed two of the three fists made of fog to collide with the villain. One right across the right side of his face, and the other against the left side of his stomach, smashing into his rib cage. This caused Stain's body to twist to the side. It was as this happened, that the third of (Y/n)'s arms came flying in from above, ready to embrace Stain's body completely. 

After all, that's all that was needed to truly activate the power of Fear Third. He needed to consume Stain's body with his foggy tendrils. But even with all the injuries he had suffered, Stain still proved to be a nuisance. For as before the third arm could reach Stain, his body disappeared in the blink of an eye just like before. This left Iida left alone in that particular spot of the alleyway, meanwhile, Stain wasted no time in going to strike (Y/n)'s body with a relentless wave of slashes from his blades. However, unlike before, they did no damage. Any cuts that were made were immediately filled up by the green fog that had now become (Y/n)'s body. This still left Stain confused as to how this was possible.

In the end, he was thrown off long enough that an extra trio of green tendrils launched from (Y/n)'s back and wrapped around his torso, arms, and legs. Any movement from the villain was now disabled. No matter how hard he tried to break free, the Hero Killer found no triumph. As for (Y/n), he wasted no time in completing the task at hand, slowly starting to consume more of Stain's body with the green fog. All of this went down in rather quick succession. Before long, Stain's groans and gripes of freedom were completely cut off as his mouth and finally, his head disappeared into the green mist. When it all came to be, the last thing he saw before everything went black was the dark night sky above. And the remembrance of just why he did all this.

******

[Your POV]

By the time Stain's body had fully been embraced by my Fear Third form, was the moment everything went black, for me, and Stain. It's hard to exactly describe the transition it is when I go from the real world, to the very twisted reality of those whose nightmares I now reign supreme in. You see when I use Fear Third and fully envelop someone's body completely with the green foggy tendrils from my own, I can basically enter the world that their mind creates. Think of it like their subconscious. Everyone has one. But with this part of my Quirk, instead of just controlling the nightmares of my own mind, I'm able to control the nightmares of others. 

And whilst in reality, they are nothing but figments. Just like when you're asleep, nightmares feel as real as the air you breathe in. It's with this ability that I'm able to send that feeling up to an eleven. So far, I had only used this form twice; with the first two coming during the Sports Festival. The first time I used it was against Kaito, and with it, I saw his greatest fear was basically being seen as below me by everyone else. Which is pretty understandable once you begin to know who Kaito really is. The second time was with Todoroki, but unlike Kaito, I was given a much harsher reality. One where Todoroki's own Father abused and neglected his entire family. 

It was a horrifying sight. I couldn't help but feel sorry for him after that. But I was so thrown off by the chaos of his nightmares, and the potential harm I could cause, that I pledged to never again use this form against people who didn't deserve it. But now that I had come across someone who I deemed did deserve to deal with their greatest nightmares, I couldn't help but wonder what exactly Stain's greatest fear would be. But I guess my mind must have been set on something else, because when the pitch blackness of this void within Stain's mind finally started to clear, to reveal the groundwork of his greatest fear, I was shocked by what I saw.

For before my eyes was no monster, tragic backstory location, or anything of the sort. The first thing I saw...was a street. A simple, yet busy, street in a city, much like Tokyo. The scene came in the form of a first-person view, before eventually my conscious set itself back, allowing me to stand in the moment like I was really there. It was once this process was completed, I didn't hesitate to look down by lefts and rights. I did so because I was expecting to see something scary. Something I could use to truly bring Stain to his knees. But I saw nothing other than a simple city, filled with people walking along the sidewalk, minding their business. Until...

"I am telling you all! If you truly want to be safe, please, sign this form that will stop the government from allowing heroes to be corrupt and unworthy of the title!"

(Y/n): "Huh?"

Quickly turning my head in the direction of the voice, I witnessed the sight of a skinny man in a suit with a red scarf wrapped around his neck, standing on the sidewalk handing out flyers to people passing by. A simple look at this man with black hair was all it took to see he wasn't very strong, nor someone that would normally stand up for himself. But for this subject that he was speaking of, he definitely seemed determined. It didn't take much for me to realize the obvious... 

(Y/n): "...Stain?"

I didn't believe it at first. That this skinny and weak man, who seemed unable to hurt a fly, could end up being a Hero Killer of all things. But there was no doubt. This person was Stain. And the more I heard from him, the more I realized such was true.

Akaguro Chizome (Stain): "That is why I am here today, to ask you people that find ourselves in this sham-filled society, where criminals who wield their power in the name of petty mischief, can you truly sleep safe at night with the knowledge that there are people out there who bring you all a false hope? Those people are not heroes! They are simply a different breed of villainy waiting for something to go against them!"

Male Citizen: "What are you talking about? Heroes aren't villains, idiot! They protect us!"

Female Citizen: "Yeah! And this thing you want us to sign, you want us to vote so heroes don't get paid for their work?"

Male Citizen #2: "They're humans too, ya know?"

Male Citizen #3: "They need to still supply for themselves and the ones they care about!"

Female Citizen #2: "Yeah!"

Male Citizen #4: "Yeah!"

Before long, more voices from the citizens began to rise. All came against the word that Stain preached from his mouth. But with each rising 'No'; and call of declaration, the more an odd expression began to grow on Stain's face. One I never thought I'd actually see him muster. The look on his face...was that of fear. Fear of not being heard. Fear of being unable to make these people see the truth he wanted to bring to them. In the end, it was this fear that resulted in Stain's weakened persona to drop lower with every second that passed.

Akaguro Chizome (Stain): "N-No, please! You must understand! Whilst these people continue to do what they do for their own needs, this world cannot truly be safe! Even worse! With each minute that passes, they continue to tarnish the name of true heroes. Can you not see how they live off your cheers and praise? If they continue to do this all because they can gain something, this world will surely crumble!"

But no one listened. One by one, I watched as the people walked away. As they did, their forms disappeared as the world grew darker. Eventually, only the man who Stain once was remained. The sad grief mixed with fear of his failure continued to grow. In a way, Stain was just a broken man who was trying to do good. But how this person ended up becoming the Hero Killer still seemed so far-fetched.

"...What a weak dog I once was."

Instantly, as my eyes widened, I spun my body around and set it on alert. Once I had come to face the source of the voice behind me, the sighting of Stain, the Hero Killer version, immediately registered in my mind. But my defensive stance soon began to drop when I saw no ill intent within the eyes of the man before me. In fact, he wasn't even looking at me...He was looking at himself.

Stain: "Back than I thought I could change the world with simple words. I foolishly believed that people would listen to me without being shown what would come after." [Turns to you] "But as I've come to understand, faith is something a lot of people lack."

(Y/n): "So...What? People wouldn't listen to you, so you decided killing is the best way to solve yoru problems?"

Stain: "Not 'my' problems, the worlds problems. How can anyone truly feel safe in a world where the people who protect them do it for themselves?"

(Y/n): "Yeah, well, this world isn't exactly a fair place, now is it?"

Stain: "Oh, I know that. And I know you know that as well."

The emphesis he put in mentioning me was enough to cause my gaze to immediately lift once more to reconnect with Stain's own. This time around, his focus was fully on me, and no longer the version of himself from the past.

Stain: "I've watched you, boy. As we fought, and even before than. I know, you too, have your doubts about this world."

(Y/n): [Narrows Gaze] "And how exactly do you know that?"

Stain: "I can tell just by looking at you. The conviction you carry every time you put on that mask. It's the same conviction I carry when I put on mine!"

(Y/n): "Wh-What? ...No! I'm nothing like you!"

Slowly, a grin found way to Stain's face. That moment of shock at the start of my sentence enough to give him a headstart into this new conversation. Something I immediately started to regret.

Stain: [Grins] "...Are you sure? Because whereas you may not see it, I most certainly do. The pain. The anger. The urge inside of you that wants to make this world better. But it feels so hard because everyone around you lives by this...code...a false code that makes everything worse."

(Y/n): "I do--"

Stain: "There's no reason to try and hide it. I saw that very feeling inside your eyes during footage of the Sports Festival, when you punched Endeavor. In that moment, you released an anger of true justice. Because you realized he couldn't be left to walk from whatever crimes he may have commited. Now, what they are, besides being one of the greatest offenders to the name 'hero', I don't know. But you do...And whatever you know, it drove you over that edge where you didn't care if a thousand people saw you do it. You'd still make sure he was judged for his crimes. It was when I saw that footage right before my eyes that I realized you were different from the others."

(Y/n): "Yeah, well...Being different isn't something new."

Stain: "Hmm? Is that so? Tell me than, if being different isn't new to you, why do you try to be seen like everyone else?"

(Y/n): "Huh? What do you mean?"

Stain: "I can tell in the way you fight, and your lack to go the extra mile. You want to. You know to truly achieve a better tomorrow you have to...But you don't. Is that because you think if you don't kill, if you try your best to be the hero in 'their' eyes, you'll see yourself as a 'hero' as well? Is that what you believe, child? Or are you really the one afraid to admit that the real you...isn't a hero at all?"

Before I even knew it, Stain's words had stuck to my mind like glue on paper. I couldn't shake them. They had an immediate effect unlike anything I had felt before. My first action was to immediately rebuke them. To call out the lie within them. But than I pondered the question. In the end, was Stain the one lying? Or all this time, was the real cause of the lies... Me?

(Y/n): [Shakes Head] "...ARGH! It doesn't matter what I believe! What matters is that I make sure people like you won't hurt anyone who doesn't deserve it! So forget about whether I'm a hero or not!"

In an instant, I pulled my mask back over my head and rocketed off the ground with One For All.

Stain: "Hahaha!! But we all deserve judgement! We just have to wait for the right person to judge us! Luckily for you...I am here!"

Those words immediately caused me to snap. The image of All Might appeared before my eyes. Leaving me to question what he would think about the convoluted thoughts that coursed through my mind right now. The idea alone made me angry, and made me cast that anger towards the only person I believed deserved it right now. In the same moment, I forgot everything about conedmning him with fear. I just wanted to shut him up. And in the end, it was this selfish act that caused me to completely forget about Gran Torino's training, along with any aspect of a plan that I originally had. For instead of using One For All's boosted speed, I merely activated my Nightmare Quirk, just another show of this selfish void building up inside of me. 

I wanted to defeat Stain my way, and it was because of that brass sefishness...That I failed. For just like many times before, as I launched off my feet to strike my enemy, I felt as if time slowed down. In it, I thought about why I was doing this. I thought about Izuku, and the pain that came with that night so long ago when I did nothing. But unbeknowst to anything I was thinking right now, I was doing everything BUT honoring my brother, and I realized that too late. For as I was focused on being selfish, I was falling right into Stain's trap. The wicked grin of the villain crossing his lips before he disappeared from in front of me in the blink of an eye. By the time I noticed it, it was too late. 

One moment, I was flying through the black void of Stain's mind, heading right for him, and the next...I felt a pain unlike any other coming from my ribcage. Looking down, I saw a streak of blood frozen in the air, and the cause...was none other than Stain, who now stood behind me with his back the only glimpse I was able to capture before the pain became too much. By this point, time picked up. As it did, so did the agony I felt from my chest. It only got worse a few seconds later when my body dropped to the ground. Yet, it wasn't like hitting the ground in reality. After all, this was within Stain's mind. So really, your body doesn't suffer the punishment you receive in this world, but your spirit does. And right now, my spirit was at its lowest.

Stain: "...This... It all could have been avoided if...You just let me go about my business cleansing the world of false heroes. But you couldn't do that. Could you?"

(Y/n): [Glares] "IF I LET YOU GO, YOU WOULD HAVE JUST HURT MORE INNOCENT PEOPLE, YOU BASTARD!! AND YOU KNOW IT!"

Stain: "People who use the name of a hero but aren't worthy of such are not innocent. They deliver a false hope to those on this planet."

(Y/n): "BUT SOMETIMES PEOPLE NEED A FALSE HOPE, DAMMIT! BUT YOU DON'T KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT THAT!"

Stain: "Oh? That so?" [Crouches down] "Then why don't you tell me? Why does this world need a false hope in heroes who aren't even worth to be imagined as such?"

In this moment, my anger stalled. Simply turning into panting as I processed what Stain had just said. Before I knew it, however, the words just kept falling from my mouth.

(Y/n): "...Sure...There may be heroes on this planet that are shit! They may not be strong like you want them to be! And they may be in this for themselves! AND OUT OF YOU AND ME, I SHOULD BE THE ONE TO HATE THOSE HEROES THE MOST! But...But that doesn't mean they deserve to die!"

Stain: "And what makes you think that?"

(Y/n): "Because at the end of the day, they give people hope! Hope that they can sleep at night with peace! That they'll be alright when they wake up the next day!"

Stain: "But they might not either. There will be heroes who aren't strong enough; and heroes who simply are afraid to fight villains they believe stronger than themselves. They shouldn't be allowed to use the name then."

(Y/n): "THAT'S WHY I'M GOING TO CHANGE IT! I'M GOING TO BE THE HERO WHO ISN'T AFRAID OF NOTHING!"

Stain: [Tilts head] "Come again?"

(Y/n): "YOU HEARD ME, DAMMIT! I'M GOING TO BE THE HERO THOSE PEOPLE CAN TRULY BELIEVE IN! I'LL BE THERE TO SAVE THEM IN THE MIDDLE OF THE DAY, OR IN THE DARKEST PART OF THE NIGHT! WHEN THEY CALL FOR A HERO...I'LL BE THERE! BECAUSE I KNOW WHAT IT'S LIKE TO WAIT FOR A HERO TO SAVE THE DAY! I KNOW THE PAIN!" [Panting & Glares] "So...Yeah...I'll be that hero. Sure. I'll be there."

Stain: "You will?"

(Y/n): "You best believe it. I'll be there. I'll be there to tell those villains straight to their face, that if anyone should be afraid...IT'S THEM! THAT THEY SHOULD BE AFRAID! WHY?! BECAUSE I'M THERE YOU FUCKING MONSTER!!!"

Once my thunderous speech came to an end, a silence built between us. Though, it wasn't one that lasted for long. Though the time in which it did take to become complete, Stain took it to ponder down at me. Questioning everything I just said. Before rising to his feet with a sigh.

Stain: [Sighs] "...I see so much of him in you...and yet...There is something inside that is stopping you from reaching his heights..."

(Y/n): "SHUT THE HELL UP!!!"

Immediately jumping to my feet, I reactivated my nightmare quirk. Fists of flaming green fear raged through the air. Yet each strike pulled up short of reaching Stain. The Hero Killer always seemed to be just a little out of reach. Eventually, the strength in my body started to fade. My punches became sluggish as my body slumped forward.

Stain: "Then again, maybe I have been the one making the mistakes here. I continue to compare you to him. But everything I've seen from you is just so...different. WHY IS THAT?!"

With the outreach of his words flooding the air, Stain's vicious smile returns as he clenches his right fist and sends it piling into my gut. The strike lands right where his sword had cut me moments ago. A fresh imprint of pain surging through my body as I dropped to my hands and knees once more.

Stain: "There is so much raw passion inside of you. A drive to bring true justice to the false idols of this world! So why won't you just do it?!"

Kick!

A powerful strike delivered to the side of (Y/n)'s head, causing his Mask to fling back over his neck, revealing his bruised face once more.

(Y/n): "ARGH!"

Stain: "You want to kill! You crave violence! There is a voice inside of you that begs for it! So give in already!"

Kick!

Slash!

Stab!

The pain...It wouldn't stop. Each attack came right after the other, applying a new scar to add to the bloodbath of a painting that was my body. But in this moment, what cause me the most pain wasn't the repeated stabbings and kicks to my soul; it was knowing that with each strike I took I was further letting down Izuku....and the memory he stood for.

Stain: "COME ON! Tell me, Child! Why won't you do it! Why won't you unleash the nightmare inside and kill those that need to be cleansed from this world!"

Kill...?  It had been a question Stain had continued to ask me, and up to this point, I just completely disregarded it all. I shunned it thinking it was just a piece of bait from the Hero Killer. But the more he spoke, the more I realized he was genuinely asking me that question. Sure, it was in a way I had never been asked a question before, but the message still stood. Enough to the point it truly made me ask the question...

Why don't I just kill them?

They're the scum of the Earth. They don't bring a slither of meaning to this world. All they're here for is to rob, destroy, and bring sorrow to the weak. So why shouldn't I kill them? I shouldn't I put an end to their misery...?

"Because then you'd end up just like him."

(Y/n): [Gasp] "Izuku?!"

When my eyes opened next, Stain was gone. I still remained in a void of darkness. But a part of me gave me the confirmation it was simply the inner walls of my own mind. Now, how that worked when I was already in the mind of Stain made absolutely no sense to me. But I was thrown off from even caring about that when I saw the person standing before me was the young, smiling face, of Izuku Midoriya...My little brother who had died so many years ago.

(Y/n): "I-Izuku...? Is that..." [Sighs; Lowers Head] "...You're just in my head, huh?"

Izuku: "And what makes you say that?"

(Y/n): "Because...This isn't the first time I've envisioned you when fighting someone..." [Chuckles Lightly] "I guess, even after all this time, you're still there to save me in the moments where I don't know what to do, huh?"

No response came right away. I guess I liked it that way. Whilst it was true, this wasn't my first time seeing a figment of my dead brother in my mind, it definitely wasn't something healthy to happen. But in this moment I took to recollect myself, the figment of Izuku slowly proceeded to get down on one knee until we were face to face once more. It was as my eyes were reflected in his own, I...I couldn't help but cry slightly, after be so close to someone I had lost long ago.

Izuku: "I'm sorry, I'm not your brother. But I am what he has left behind...Or what he wanted to be left behind, I suppose."

(Y/n): [Lifts Head] "...Huh? I-I don't understand?"

Izuku: "I'm afraid I cannot explain it as best as I would like. All I can say is, your brother wished for nothing more than to become a hero. Unfortunately, he died before he could make that dream become a reality in the normal process of things. But whereas you believe his death was the end of him, you're wrong. He left behind a part of him inside of you. A desire. A goal. A power..."

It was in this moment everything became clear. My eyes slowly beginning to widen as I understood what exactly was speaking to me right now through the form of my brother.

(Y/n): "...One For All...?"

A soft smile from the figment of my brother was enough to confirm such.

Izuku (One For All): "Well, I guess you can put it that way for now. At least, until you're ready for more."

(Y/n): "Um...Okay?"

Izuku (One For All): "Now then! It seems like you're in quite the pickle with the Hero Killer back there. Why do you think that is for?"

(Y/n): [Scoffs] "Probably because I'm refusing to use One For All because I'm angry?" [Looks at Izuku] "That's why you're here, right? To curse me for disregarding you again? Boy..." [Sighs] "...Gran Torino would be proud..."

Izuku (One For All): "Actually...That's not why I'm here."

(Y/n): "What? You're not?"

Izuku (One For All): "Well, I mean, are you kinda forgetting about me? Yeeeah, just a little bit. But that's not the point! I'm here to reassure you that that line the Hero Killer keeps bring up, about you not going over the edge to kill people. That's not holding you back, (Y/n)."

(Y/n): "Really? Because, well...The more he talks about it, the more I'm starting to think that killing the bad guys would be better than simply putting 'fear' into them. If I did that, maybe this Shigaraki guy wouldn't be attacking the city with Nomu's right now?"

It truly seemed like that was a possibility. If I had just killed him instead of putting fear into him. Then maybe none of this would have happened, and then the heroes could have put their full focus onto capturing Stain. If I could have just done that one thing than maybe--

Izuku (One For All): "--Nothing would have changed."

(Y/n): [Lifts Head] "Huh?"

Izuku (One For All: "If you would have killed Shigaraki, maybe nothing would have changed? Maybe there would have been someone else to rise up, and than Shigaraki's death would be pointless, no?"

(Y/n): "Wh...What? How can you say that? H-How can you say the death of someone who has hurt so many people--will continue to hurt so many people--Be pointless...?"

Izuku (One For All): "It wouldn't be pointless for those other people--The people he could kill later, sure. But it would have been pointless for you. (Y/n) Midoriya. The man who has taken on this quest of ridding this world of evil."

(Y/n): "Me...? It wouldn't be pointless to me! I want to help people!"

Izuku (One For All): "Yes, you do! But killing comes from anger. Not true justice, despite what some may think. It was anger that this form I take now sadly lost his life young. He died by a man who was angry at himself, and decided to put it out on other people. You are not him."

(Y/n): [Suddenly Jumps Up] "You're damn right, I'm not him! So don't you dare compare me to him! And stop looking like my fucking brother already!"

Immediately, concern found the eyes of Izuku. A look that continued to grow as he slowly lifted his hands up. When I saw it...Despite knowing full well that this was One For All and nothing more, I couldn't help but feel crushed when I questioned whether this was the look he carried when he died by the monster that night. That thought ended up being enough to make the tears come back, and as they fell down by cheeks, I fell to the floor, swallowed by agony yet again.

Izuku (One For All): "You know you don't want to kill, (Y/n). Not because you don't want to punish people...You hold back from killing because you're afraid that will put you on the same level as the monster who killed your brother. And if Izuku hated that man...What would he think about you? But I'm here to reassure you, that Izuku, he would be so proud of the person you have become. And now, sure, you may not be the 'heroist of heroes'; but the fact you go out there to be the person who will do whatever he can to save someone, no matter what time of day or night it is, goes to show that we have found the right successor to One For All, and that Izuku, your brother...has found the right successor to carry on his dream. So I tell you now, forget about the fear inside of your spirit! Rise up!"

"...And show this killer the true power that your brother has left behind!"

In the end...That's all I needed to hear.

[3rd Person POV]

Stain: "You are so close! So close to being right where you have to be to truly save this world! And I can help you, child! All you have to do is take my hand, and I shall show you that Death is a powerful weapon! One you just have to learn to use it properly. That's why... I offer you my help."

Slowly lifting his head, his eyes--cascaded with dry tears--(Y/n) focuses in on the extended hand left out for him by Stain. For a moment, (Y/n) ponders the idea of taking it, and where it could lead him. But then he remembers Izuku, and the path his dying brother unknowingly laid out for him. If (Y/n) was going to continue this journey, he wasn't going to be a hero; he just realistically can't be one of those. However, he wouldn't be a villain either. Nor would he stoop to Stain's level of Justice where he'd 'cleanse' those he deemed unworthy of the hero's name. No. So he wouldn't be a hero. He wouldn't be a villain. And he wouldn't be like Stain. But where does that lead him? Well, if he can't be a hero, then all that's left is to be the opposite. The Anti of it...

(Y/n): "...Sorry, Stain..."

Slowly, (Y/n) lifts his head up to Stain. When the Hero Killer connects his gaze with the book, he's greeted by the heartiest of grins.

(Y/n): "...But Imma do my own thing."

Without a moment of hesitation, (Y/n) slings back his right arm as far as he can. As he does, he charges up a wave of One For All. As he did, he thought of Izuku, and the path he left for him to take. But (Y/n) didn't stop there. No. Even when One For All reached his limit, (Y/n) merely reinforced it with a wave of his Nightmare Quirk; and the notion that whatever path he may take; and whoever may have left it; in the end...He'll do it the way he wants.

So as all these sources of power came into the single clenched fist of one, (Y/n) Midoriya, all Stain could do was widen his eyes in complete surprise. Complete bewilderment. Complete disbelief. Whatever form in which you wanted to use. They all could be used in this moment. But no matter what emotion he showcased in this moment, it was almost instantly shadowed by (Y/n)'s next set of words.

(Y/n): "UN-NIGHTMARE STATES...OF SMASH!!!"

With the cry of his words roaring from the bottom of his gut, (Y/n) released everything he had left in a final shot to truly end his battle with Stain. And once that powerful strike finally made contact with Stain, not only did it leave the Hero Killer in a similar state of pause like his very Quirk, but it was also enough to send his consciousness right out of his mind and back into his solid body back into reality, where Iida witnessed as Stain's form launched from within the green mist that was (Y/n)'s body and crashes into the wall of the alleyway right next to him. When the frozen body slowly turned his eyes the best he could, he was shocked to see the expression on Stain's face as his body lay in the rubble of his crash. The one expression he showed in this very moment...

...Was fear.

--Two Days Later | Shinkensan City District Hospital--

...Ten minutes later and the familiar sights of Pro Heroes gathered at the entrance of that alleyway. Upon arriving, they expected to find the Hero Killer still standing tall. But to the shock of Endeavor, and many other heroes, was that the person standing tall wasn't the Hero Killer...But the hero who had brought his killings to an end. The sight of (Y/n)'s batted and bruised body, standing over the tied-up figure of Stain, was an image that sent shock through multiple heroes. Whilst it also left some more mildly stunned, like Endeavor and Todoroki, who had been interning under his father the last few weeks. 

The only one amongst them who wasn't shocked...Was Gran Torino. The old man carrying a smile foretold all of his thoughts right in that moment. To the point, when (Y/n) and Gran Torino finally did make eye contact, both knew exactly what the other was thinking. But they weren't the only ones in the moment. A little further behind (Y/n) and Stain, the injured hero Native was still lying on the ground. Immediately, a few Pro Heroes rushed to help him. When they did, they spotted Iida seated right next to him. The images of his wounds immediately caused them to be concerned, but Iida himself seemed to carry no such feelings. 

Instead, all the young boy could do was look on at the back of (Y/n)'s head. Of course, (Y/n) didn't come out of this scene uninjured. He actually gathered up quite the resume of wounds that many heroes would struggle to come back from. It's for that very reason, that right now, in the current time, the young boy could be seen sitting up on his bed in a hospital room somewhere within the plethora of walls that made up the Shinkensan City District Hospital. Beside him, his mother, Inko Midoriya, could be seen sitting quietly as the doctor delivered the results from the latest tests revolving around (Y/n)'s injuries.

"...Alright, well, going off the results of the tests, besides a few broken bones, including a broken leg, fractured arm, plus the countless cuts over your torso, back, and lower legs, you've definitely pulled out far better than you probably should have. I would consider yourself to be a very fortunate person, Mr. Midoriya."

Inko: [Sighs] "Oh...Thank goodness." [Turns to you] "I was so worried my baby boy would be much worse."

(Y/n): [Groans] "Mom!!! Can you not say that, please?!"

Inko: "Say what? That you're my baby boy? Well, you are, young man. And I will say it to whoever I want!"

Of course, (Y/n) wasn't exactly thrilled she said so in front of his doctor. Thankfully, when the young boy sent an awkward glance at the aforementioned individual, the doctor only seemed to close his eyes and laugh the moment off. Thankfully for (Y/n), no more awkward moments followed from this. After a few further details from the doctor were shared, he took his leave, allowing the Mother and Son some time to themselves. Of course, Inko didn't wait any time to turn toward her son to ask for the hundredth time now how he was feeling. 

A question that had plagued her constantly since she met up with her son at the hospital two days ago. However, when she went to speak those very words of concern, her action was paused when she saw (Y/n)'s head was turned away from her. Instead, it was focused on a nearby opened window where only a glimpse of the city outside could be seen. Inko knew right away that (Y/n)'s mind was still on that night. He hadn't really told her much, nothing more than the fact that he had beaten Stain and saved his classmate in the process. 

Inko wasn't so shocked by that part, she knew her son was strong and that he'd do anything to save someone he cared about. So as much as she wanted to find out more, as any concerned Mother would, she knew if he wanted to tell her, he would. However, before Inko could ponder such a thing anymore, her focus, and (Y/n)'s included, was soon suddenly turned towards the entrance of his hospital room, where two familiar voices suddenly came from. Two voices that Inko couldn't help but smile at. The first being loud and arrogantly...

"I can't believe this! This is so balls-to-the-wall shitstains, man! Why does life hate me so much?!"

The next voice was much softer, and rather thrown off by the loud tone...

"Well, I'm sure it's not that bad. I mean, at least they still mentioned it, right?"

"Who gives a fuck that they mentioned it! Do you know how good this could have been?! My boy could have gotten so many girls from this news?! And not just school girls either! Girls from the streets! Street cred girls!"

"Um...? Okay? I don't exactly like the idea of random girls 'getting' with my boyfriend. Especially, um...Street girls at that?"

"Pfft! Please! It was bound to happen eventually. Slow your roll, girly. Just remember, your role is to be his girlfriend, my role is to get him more of those."

Now, a lot...and I mean, a lot, of questions could have been raised from the short conversation that Inko and (Y/n) were suddenly greeted to upon receiving this company. But any such thoughts were soon ignored when the familiar faces of Uraraka and Bakugo could be seen walking into the room. The brunette left to stare confusingly up at Bakugo, who just grinned back down at her. This just left both (Y/n) and Inko to carry the same confused look on their faces as they questioned what exactly the pair were talking about. Of course, they never got the answer to this as before they could, Bakugo, keeping his grin, abruptly turned his gaze off the girlfriend to his best friend, and focused in on that very best friend.

Bakugo: "Yo! What's up, dude? Glad you're not dead!"

He said with a cheery smile, all before casually walking further into the room.

(Y/n): "Um...Thanks?"

With confusion still marking his face, (Y/n) then proceeded to turn his gaze back toward the entrance of the room. Once done, he was greeted by the sight of Uraraka smiling, and looking his way. Upon seeing this, (Y/n) proceeded to smile as well. It was clear that the pair had missed each other, especially after all the chaos that had gone on between them since they had last seen each other. For Uraraka, it was just stressful training under a Pro Hero, whilst (Y/n) was now inducted into his second hospital visit in three weeks. So the fact they were now able to see each other was definitely pleasing to both of them...and one other person in particular.

Inko: "Aw~ I swear, seeing you two together for the first time like this! Ah! It's so adorable!"

As soon as the voice of his mother was fully processed, a wave of dread came over (Y/n). To the point, he couldn't hold back from offering her a sideways glance that revealed all the emotions he currently had. The thing is though...Inko didn't care about whether or not she was embarrassing her son.

Inko: [Looking right at you] "My baby boy is so lucky!"

(Y/n): "Mom! Please! Stop!"

Inko: [Tears of Joy] "But I don't wanna! You both look so cute when in the same room!"

(Y/n): "Mom!!!"

Inko: "Okay! Okay! I'll stop..."

Uraraka: [Giggles] "It's alright, (Y/n). I don't mind your Mom saying that. She's really nice!"

(Y/n): "I--"

Out of nowhere, Inko pounces her head forward until the back of it is facing her son, and the front is focused solely on Uraraka.

Inko: "Oh! She's cute and polite! My baby boy is so lucky!" [Suddenly turns to you] "(Y/n) Midoriya, you do all you can to make this girl happy, understand?!"

(Y/n): "U-Um...Okay?"

Inko: [Turns to the Left] "And Bakugo! You make sure these two stay together!"

Bakugo: "Already on it, Mrs. Midoriya. They wouldn't be able to break up even if I wanted them to."

This seemed to be exactly what Inko wanted to hear from the boy who found himself seated at a small table in the opposite corner of the room. As for (Y/n) and Uraraka, they didn't exactly know how to respond to ANYTHING they just heard. In the end, all they could do was just stand there and watch as Inko slowly got up from her seat beside (Y/n)'s bed and slowly went to leave the room. Of course, as she did so, she made sure to keep her motherly smile right on the face of her potential, future, daughter-in-law. 

Uraraka could only smile as best as she could back. About thirty seconds later the door to the room opened and closed, allowing Inko to leave and for the group of friends to finally have some time together. In which, Uraraka proceeded to make her way over to the seat Inko was in previously, just so she could be closer to her boyfriend. A concept which still felt so...unreal to her. The way she could barely keep a sentence together clearly was sign of such. Yet (Y/n) didn't mind that one bit.

Uraraka: [Struggling to look at you] "Um...I'm glad you're okay, (Y/n). I-I'm really glad, actually."

(Y/n): "Oh? Um, yeah...Thanks, Uraraka. Sorry to make you worry."

Uraraka: [Blushes] "O-Oh! It's okay! Really! I-I wasn't worried too much!"

"Pfft! Yeah, right! Lie to me again, will ya?"

That voice, of course, came from Bakugo, who could be seen leaning back in the chair placed next to the table in the corner of the room. His eyes weren't exactly focused on the couple, per se, though once he felt their eyes lingering on him, he finally turned to question their confused looks.

Bakugo: "...What? She wouldn't stop panicking on the way here! You can only imagine what she'd have been like if she had known you were fighting a fucking hero killer!"

This was something Uraraka really didn't like to hear. The narrowed glare she currently offered Bakugo revealed as much.

Uraraka: [Narrows Gaze] "Oh, yeah? Well, maybe I should tell (Y/n) how you were crying on the way here because you were worried he was hurt too much."

Immediately after hearing this, Bakugo suddenly sat up straight in his seat and did his best not to fumble his next set of words.

Bakugo: "Bi...Bitch, please! A-As if I would cry..."

(Y/n): "That so? Well, what about the time you cried when we watched Wall-E?"

Bakugo: [Narrows Gaze; Grumbles] "...That is a powerfully animated movie about a robot who finds love and life, (Y/n)! It is a crime to not cry during that movie!"

Both (Y/n) and Uraraka couldn't help but chuckle. Especially as Bakugo proceeded to cross his arms and turn his head away from the pair. His childish antics only added more flavour to the reunion between the trio for (Y/n), who now smiled far more than he had since everything had happened. It was as he smiled, that he felt Uraraka grasp his hand tightly. Immediately, he turned his eyes back up to her, to see her beautiful smile on display once more. Even as she struggled to look him in the eyes still.

Uraraka: "Di...Did you sleep at all last night? You're, um...You're Mom said you had been struggling with it."

(Y/n): "She did? Oh. Well, um...No, actually. I didn't really get much sleep at all."

Uraraka: [Smiles Softly] "I thought as much...Oh! Uh, t-that's why I brought you some things that might help!"

Without wasting a second, Uraraka quickly pulled the backpack off her back and placed it beside her on (Y/n)'s bed. Once done, (Y/n) watched in silence as his girlfriend proceeded to pull out a box of special tea, some sleeping pills, an All Might plushie, and a sleeping mask. (Y/n) was shocked, to say the least. Not that Uraraka decided to pick out these things for him. But that she actually went to the effort of going to get all these things. It stunned him. But for Uraraka, she took this silence as concern that (Y/n) may have thought she was being silly.

Uraraka: "U-Uh, um, I-I just saw these things on the way here, you know! And, um, I-I...You know what? This is stupid! Sorry, (Y/n)! I'll put them back and--"

(Y/n): "No, wait! I--"

Though, just as Uraraka went to reach for the All Might plushie, her hand was suddenly stopped from going any further. All due to the gentle grip (Y/n) currently had on her wrist. When Uraraka spotted this, her gaze slowly shifted from their connected body parts, and up to the face of her boyfriend. There, she was greeted by the softest of smiles she never thought (Y/n) could muster. Just the look alone made her blush slightly.

(Y/n): "...I love them all. Thank you, Uraraka. It really means a lot to me."

Uraraka: [Blushing Slightly] "O-Oh! Um! Th-That's cool! I-I'm glad..." [Lowers Gaze] "...I'm glad you liked them."

With the drop of her head, Uraraka allowed her own smile to appear once more. And even though (Y/n) could hardly see it, just imaging it made his own smile widen. This moment. Right here. Right now. Was perfect. For both of them. And it was clear, that nothing, nothing at all, could ruin it...

Bakugo: "Annnnd...Kiss."

(Y/n)/Uraraka: "Huh?"

Immediately, the couple's gaze was drawn to their right. As their heads slowly turned, they were both greeted by the sight of Bakugo, whose stomach currently lied across the empty spot on (Y/n)'s bed. Where his elbows were used as leverage to hold up his cheeks, and head. This perfectly kept it in place as he smiled brightly whilst glancing between the pair before him.

Bakugo: "...I missed this."

(Y/n): [Sighs] "...And I missed you, Bakugo!" [Smiles at his friend] "Now then, question! What exactly were you two talking about when you decided to grace me with your presence? Hmm?"

Bakugo: "Huh? Oh!" [Sits up on Bed] "That reminds me, actually! Hang on! Wait here a second!"

Without another thought, Bakugo suddenly twisted his body and jumped off the bed. As he did, (Y/n) and Uraraka silently watched as the goofy blonde raced over to his bag on the nearby table and grabbed what appeared to be a newspaper out of it. This only confused (Y/n) more. Not the fact that Bakugo was pulling a newspaper out of his bag...But that Bakugo even knew what a newspaper was to grab one. Nevertheless, his focus was soon taken off that matter, and onto the newspaper in general, when Bakugo turned around and proceeded to launch the item into the air and caused it to land inches from (Y/n)'s body on the bed. It took nothing more than leaning slightly forward for the young boy to see the cover that had caused Bakugo so much annoyance.

HERO KILLER DEFEATED!! CRIMINAL THAT HAS CAUSED COUNTLESS DEATHS, STOPPED LAST NIGHT! REPORTS AND EYE WITNESSES SAY THAT THE HERO KILLER WAS DEFEATED MY A DEMON FROM THE DARK!!

The time in which it took (Y/n) to read the title of the newspaper allowed both Bakugo and Uraraka to get ready for his reaction. It was safe to say they weren't exactly shocked when (Y/n) turned back to his best friend with a raised eyebrow. Well, Uraraka wasn't surprised. Bakugo expected more from his friend.

(Y/n): "So they said Stain was beaten? So what?"

Bakugo: "SO WHAT?! What do you mean, so what?! This was your chance to become even more popular! You could have become not only the hero of U.A.--Which I already consider you to be, by the way--But also the hero of Tokyo! Do you know what that could have gotten you?!"

(Y/n): [Rolls Eyes] "Let me guess...Girls?"

Bakugo: "YES! GIRLS! ...And free ice cream, depending on where you go." [Shakes Head] "The point is! This is terrible! They didn't even get your picture right!"

(Y/n): "Picture?"

Without responding, Bakugo immediately unfolded the newspaper to reveal the 'picture' he was talking about.

Bakugo: "Look at this! This photo is going to get teenage girls and their attractive mothers going crazy for you! Though, actually, now that I think about it, dark and brooding is Goth Girl territory. Huh? Maybe this could work in your favour, (Y/n)?"

Such a statement only caused (Y/n) and Uraraka to just look at their friend in concern. However, it didn't last for long. Removing his focus from Bakugo, and turning back to the newspaper, (Y/n) read the title once more and examined the picture. As he did, Uraraka tried to scan the face of her boyfriend to see exactly how he'd react to the news that he didn't get credit for defeating Stain. Though, in the end, the young girl wasn't exactly shocked when she saw (Y/n) simply turn the paper over and smile.

(Y/n): "...Oh, well." [Looks at the Others] "Doesn't really bother me."

Bakugo: "WHAT?! It doesn't? Why not?! You defeated the Hero Killer! Someone no one else could even get close too! If I was you, I'd be pissed!"

(Y/n): "Yeah, well, I guess I understand that. But at the end of the day, I don't really care."

Immediately, the attention of Uraraka and Bakugo closed in on the face of their friend. It was clear (Y/n) was about to speak from the heart.

(Y/n): "...I don't do what I do to get praise. I do it because I know what it's like to lose. To feel helpless. To feel like no one is there to save you. I know that pain...and I know what it's like to be angry..."

As (Y/n)'s words continued, unbeknownst to him, outside the room, a bandaged Iida could be seen standing right next to the door. He had originally came here to speak with (Y/n). But when he heard the voice of the young male speaking with Uraraka and Bakugo, he went to leave. Only for this very sentence to keep him from going.

(Y/n): "...I didn't put on the mask to be receive praise. I put it on so I could honor my brother. He died because I could save him. Because there wasn't a hero to save him. And for so long now, I tried, desperately, to be the hero Izuku would want me to be. But after Stain, I've realized I've bee doing this all wrong. I'm not a hero, but I'm not a villain either."

Outside in the hallway, those words sparked the voice of Manuel to the mind of Iida. A set of words he said that perfect summed up what (Y/n) had just said.

~~~~~~

Manuel: "Iida, in this world, as I'm sure you know, there are two sides, right? Heroes and Villains."

Iida: "Right."

Manuel: "But what if I told you there were a few subdivisions of those two sides?"

Iida: "Subdivisions? I...I don't understand."

Manuel: "Us heroes call them 'ANTI'S'. There are both Anti-Villains and Anti-Heroes. They see the world as a much darker place than what others do. And feel that means they have to take their own measures to cleanse that darkness. Whereas Heroes don't have the right to arrest or punish villains and criminals they come across, Anti-Heroes believe they can do it because it brings a permanent end to their evil. Most... By killing the criminals they face."

~~~~~~

As Manuel's words came to an end, Iida truly came to realize what he meant that day. With this, the young boy slowly walked away. A plethora of fresh thoughts now on his mind. Meanwhile, back in (Y/n)'s room, he had finished explaining it all to the others.

(Y/n): "So, yeah...I'm not really annoyed that people don't know it's me. In fact, if anything, I'm glad people know that there's someone out there that will help them. If that means they can sleep peacefully at night, well, that's more than enough for me."

Those words were more than enough to make an effect on both Uraraka and Bakugo. The former smiling softly at her boyfriend, fully understanding where he was coming from. As for the latter, he did not understand.

Bakugo: "LAME!"

(Y/n): "Huh? Lame?"

Bakugo: "Look--" [Places Hand on Shoulder] "Listen, my homie from another bromie, I understand you've got this badass backstory and conviction that comes with it, but if you could please just go along with the coolness of beating a Hero Killer when I inevitably bring it up in front of a group of girls, that'd be great. But, hey! Feel free to be all poetic and shit any other time, okay?"

If anyone else had said stuff like this...(Y/n) probably would have punched them. But because it was Bakugo saying this, (Y/n) couldn't help but laugh. Why? Well, because it was Bakugo, of course! So all (Y/n) could do was laugh, and eventually, Uraraka joined him in laughing due to Bakugo's antics. This, however, left Bakugo confused. He didn't exactly understand why the pair were laughing at him.

Bakugo: "Hey, why are you laughing?"

(Y/n): "Hahahaha!"

Bakugo: "Hey! Hey! Why are you laughing? Seriously?"

Uraraka: "Hahahahaha!!"

Bakugo: "Argh! Seriously?! What's funny?!"

(Y/n)/Uraraka: "HAHAHAHAHAHA!!!"

Before long, all that could be heard from this room was laughter and more laughter. The joy of friendship was clearly in the air. However, unbeknowst to anyone in the room currently. As they continued to laugh, out in the hallway, a familiar looking pair of legs could be seen marching through the halls. Getting closer and closer toward (Y/n)'s room. It didn't take long before they finally reached it. Though, the way they decided to enter was most definitely a shock.

(Y/n): "Hahahaha!!! Damn, man! Hahaha!!"

Bakugo: "Come on, (Y/n)! Tell me what's funn--"

BLAM!!

Out of nowhere, the door to the room goes flying off its hinges and crashes to the ground. Without a second thought, (Y/n), Bakugo, and Uraraka turn around, ready to fight whoever is standing in the entrance. Though it doesn't take more than a few seconds for the trio to freeze in place. Each carrying different expressions on their faces. And how could they not...? Because standing before them, was none other than one of the most popular heroes around, and the very hero (Y/n) interned under... Mirko.

Mirko: [Narrows Gaze At You] "(Y/n) Midoriya...I'm coming for you."

(Y/n): [Thoughts] "WHY DOES SHE ALWAYS HAVE TO SAY STUFF LIKE THAT?!" [Out Loud] "Well, then, I only have one thing to say to that..."

"...Shit."

[225 votes in 24 hours and I'll bring another chapter...NEXT WEEK!! And after the ending to this one...You don't wanna miss it~]

[Alright, so there we have it. What did we think? Was that a good conclusion to an ARC that has gone on forever? Lol. Anyway, I'm honestly glad I'm finished with it and can move on to what else I have planned. I'm talking more Harem stuff. More moments with Bakugo! And maybe some emotional stuff between certain characters you didn't expect? And I hope I can bring you all that stuff because, well, as you know I've spoken about my slump with books on here lately. Especially ANTI-HERO. But what I haven't spoken about recently is my slump IRL. I just haven't felt very motivated and a little down if I'm being honest. And, before anyone says take time if you need it...Trust me, I know, lol. But I just wanna see how it goes and if it gets too much I'll take that time. But for now I wanna keep bringing you chapters, and as mentioned above if this chapter reaches 225 votes in 24 hours I'll bring you all another big one NEXT WEEK! So if you want that, feel free to vote and leave your thoughts in the comments below. DON'T FORGET TO SUBSCRIBE!! And I'll see you all again soon for another chapter of...Anti-Hero~]