Chapter 2 (EDITED)

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Edited : 26 July 2023 (I'm sleepy. Its 1:36 am but I will persevere )

"What now?" Izuku questioned, his voice trembling with shock and disbelief.

In that moment, Izuku realized that his world would never be the same again.

In an uncharacteristically frightened tone, Nezu spoke up, "Your DNA matches with AFO, and we confronted him about this as well."

Izuku's mind raced, absorbing the weight of the revelation. "What did he say?" he managed to ask, his heart pounding.

"He didn't deny that you were his son," All Might replied, his expression laden with sorrow.

"I can't believe this," Izuku murmured, the weight of the truth settling upon his shoulders. As the pieces of his tumultuous life fell into place, he finally understood why his so-called father had never shown any interest in him, leaving him to navigate the world alone.

He sank into his chair, feeling a mix of anger, hurt, and confusion swirling within him. The man he had once hoped to find comfort and connection with was none other than a villain - the very embodiment of evil that he had vowed to oppose as a hero.

Nezu's voice cut through the heavy silence, "We still need to keep you here, but it's fantastic to know you're not involved with the League of Villains."

A bitter chuckle escaped Izuku's lips as he shook his head in resignation. "What about my mom? Did you interrogate her?" he asked, hoping for some glimmer of clarity amidst the chaos.

"We did, but your mother claimed her memory was foggy, and she couldn't remember anything about her husband," Nezu explained, his keen intellect trying to unravel the enigmatic web woven by AFO.

"It seems like AFO used a memory-type quirk to conceal his existence from you guys," Nezu continued.

As the reality of his heritage settled in, All Might hesitated before gently inquiring, "Have you ever inquired about your father from your mother?" He cared for Izuku like his own, concerned about the pain this revelation might cause.

"I was too terrified to ask her, so I never did. Besides, I don't need him in my life. My mother cared for and loved me while she raised me alone. She is a treasure to me," Izuku replied with a defiant grin, his heart reaffirming the bond he shared with his mother.

All Might's relief was evident in his own smile, for he knew that Izuku's strength of character was a testament to the love and guidance he had received from his devoted mother.

Yet, even as the atmosphere lightened, Izuku's mind raced with concerns. What would this revelation mean for his future as a hero? The Hero Public Safety Commission held immense power, and the fact that he was the son of a dangerous villain could bring grave consequences.

In the midst of his thoughts, Izuku recalled his confrontation with Shigaraki, the leader of the defeated League of Villains. The memory echoed in his mind, and he couldn't help but wonder if this revelation was the secret to which Shigaraki had cryptically referred.

Flashback

"It's over, you lose," Izuku breathed heavily, standing before the defeated Shigaraki.

A few yards away, Shigaraki lay, clearly incapacitated. However, his smirk caught Izuku's attention, adding to his confusion.

"This is just the beginning," Shigaraki grinned mischievously.

"What are you talking about? It's obvious the League of Villains lost! All of your friends have been defeated," Izuku commented, perplexed by Shigaraki's words.

"Once the secret is out, your allies will turn back on you," Shigaraki laughed, his expression twisted.

"What do you mean by that?" Izuku demanded, rushing up to him and grabbing his collar.

"Oh Deku, you'll find out sooner or later," Shigaraki chuckled, his laughter taking on an almost maniacal tone.

"TELL ME!" Izuku shouted, his frustration and anger boiling over.

"You shall be betrayed by one who calls you a friend," Shigaraki's grin widened, savoring the impact of his cryptic words. 

Before Izuku could press further, Aizawa intervened, and the other heroes and police arrived at the scene, handcuffing Shigaraki. When Aizawa questioned Izuku's reaction, he merely shrugged it off, keeping the ominous prophecy to himself.

End of Flashback

Shigaraki's cryptic words now echoed with a haunting clarity, aligning with the truth about his father. Could it be true? Would one of his friends betray him, armed with the knowledge of his tainted lineage? The uncertainty enveloped him, like a shroud of darkness threatening to suffocate his spirit.

Vowing to protect his heart and trust with newfound vigilance, Izuku grappled with the turmoil that roiled within him. The heroes' departure from the interrogation room only heightened the gravity of his situation. His mind whirled with thoughts and emotions, his journey as a hero now embroiled in an intricate tapestry of complexity.

Stepping out into the world, Izuku understood that the path ahead would be a treacherous one. His choices would reverberate not only through his destiny but also impact the lives of those he held dear. The fate of his friends, his beloved Todoroki, and his longtime companion Bakugou hung in the balance.

Anxiety gripped Izuku as he realized that his friends seemed to have learned about the shocking news before he did. Their eyes bore into him, perhaps with pity or suspicion. Class 3-B might have caught wind of it too, and he fear the idea of Monoma spreading the revelation throughout U.A. Dread gripped his heart as he sweated profusely, his eyes reflecting his fear.

"What should I do?" Izuku whispered, the burden of secrecy pressing upon him like a heavy harness.

He yearned to preserve the camaraderie they had built over the years. The thought of Todoroki, the one he loved deeply, viewing him with suspicion, pierced his heart. They had a future to look forward to, their final year together before making their heroic debut. Love had blossomed between them over a year and a half, and he couldn't bear the idea of losing that connection.

As for Bakugou, his childhood friend, the notion of betrayal seemed inconceivable. Their bond had withstood the test of time since they were children, and he clung to the hope that it would endure this challenge too.

However, fate seemed to have other plans for him. Rumors, like wildfire, spread through the halls of U.A., and Izuku couldn't escape the realization that he stood on the precipice of a storm. The very foundations of trust and friendship he cherished now trembled under the weight of the truth he had unwittingly uncovered.

With trepidation and determination warring within him, Izuku knew that his journey was far from over. A new chapter awaited him, one that would test not only the strength of his convictions but also the depths of his resolve. He understood that the shadows that threatened to engulf him could only be dispelled by his unwavering determination and unwavering heart.

The story of Midoriya Izuku, the boy with the heart of a hero, was about to enter a new phase - a chapter he now faced a battle beyond mere physical prowess - a battle for the preservation of his friendships, his honor, and the very essence of his heroic spirit. Little did he know that this chapter in his life would stretch the limits of his resolve, bringing him face to face with the shadows of doubt and the unwavering light of hope, as he embarked on a journey that would define his place in the tapestry of heroes and villains alike.


To be Continued

Word: 1218 

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