Linked Paths

Arc II - Many Firsts [Chapter 3: Coping]

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The author's musical inspiration:
'Taylor Acorn - Birds Still Sing'
'Anberlin, Matty Mullins - Walk Alone'
'NOTHING MORE - Tunnels'
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× Izuku's POV ×
[About 4 weeks later, 29th of March, Friday, U.A. med center]

We come to a halt on a hill with a wonderful view of the plain below us. The warm night air washes pleasantly through my lungs as I suck it in deeply, relaxing my nerves further. A light summer breeze blows, brushing my skin, running lovingly through my curls, like a friend welcoming me. The rich grass, silver in the face of the full moon, dances with the movement of the air, giving the impression of making fine waves. My heart is touched with familiarity as the crowns of nearby trees rustle delicately in the breeze of this summer night. With the perfect starry sky above us, which loses none of its splendor despite the full moon, the weight on my shoulders seem lighter. Like tears, shooting stars constantly fall from the sky in a variety of colors, filling me with awe and providing me courage at the same time.

I wish I could remain like this here forever.

Suzuki-san: "Very good."

I look to my left. My companion gives me an encouraging nod.

Suzuki-san: "Are you ready to face your fearful image, Midoriya?"

It's far too bad to sully this beautiful scenery and positive mood, but we're here for a very specific reason. I agreed to take this step.

"Uhn. I'm ready.", I reply in the most confident voice possible.

Suzuki-san: "Okay. Then, turn around now."

I take another deep breath in and out so that the comforting air can work its magic once more, and then follow her task given.

As soon as I see him a few meters in front of me, however, my guts crunch and my eyes burn. My heart starts to beat faster, increasing the pain with each strike. My fear of this person threatens to overtake me.

Despite being in night scenery, I can clearly see Tamamushi, as if the full moon itself is casting its full glory solely on him from above, bringing him into the focus of my perception even more.

Suzuki-san: "Don't let your fear get the better of you. What are you, Midoriya?"

"Strong.", I answer in a whisper.

Suzuki-san: "What are you, Midoriya?"

I quickly shake my head, "I'm strong!" My voice comes more firmly than before.

Suzuki-san: "Exactly. Now, face your fear with strength."

Tamamushi: "Midoriya?", *takes a step towards me*

I stand firm. Even if everything inside of me is screaming to take a step back - oh, what am I saying - to flee, I stay right here. Even if I would rather jump off a cliff than seeing him, I force myself fo look straight at him nevertheless. Ultimately, I know I can't escape him.

Suzuki-san: "And what do you want to tell him here and now?"

Tamamushi: "Say it!"

His voice and his whole body language change to just like they were when he laid his hands on me. Deep brown, almost black eyes bore into my chest. An unpleasant trembling goes through me. Right now it takes everything in me to be confronted with him like this. First tears are running down my cheeks.

Suzuki-san: "Make it clear to him that you are strong. Don't let him intimidate you."

"I-I...", I clutch my chest, struggling to find the words.