A Stranger's Hospitality
The trio followed Zeus toward the distant cottage, their steps slow and wary. They had every right to be after rather confusing ordeal they had just went through. The fields past the cottage stretched endlessly around them, their vibrant greenery almost surreal compared to the war-ravaged land they had left behind.
The wind carried the faint scent of woodsmoke and fresh earth, a stark contrast to the very similar suffocating stench of destruction that had clung to them for so long. That scent also carried a small mix of blood that was dropped from an abundance of Nomu corpses littering the ground, along with a corpse belong to a pro-hero.
In fact, it wasn’t uncommon to find dead pro heroes surrounded by dead Nomu’s. It was a testament to the heroes that gave their lives to stop the Nomu from rampaging across Japan.
So, seeing this peaceful landscape with no trail of destruction anywhere was just so unreal to Izuku and Bakugo. As they followed the old man, Izuku couldn’t help but glanced at his blond friend, whose shoulders remained tense, with his crimson eyes constantly scanning their surroundings.
Looking further down, Izuku could see his hands twitched every so often, as if resisting the urge
to ignite an explosion at the first sign of trouble.
Meanwhile, Eri clung to Izuku’s side, her tiny hands still gripping tightly on his black sleeve. The exhaustion from the Final War was clearly evident in the way she leaned against him. His arms were around with a tight grip that Eri did not mind, in her eyes, her papa was warmth and comforting.
Gramps walked ahead of them, his steps were light and unhurried, as if he had all the time in the world. He didn’t look back and check to see if the trio he found were following, he simply knew they would.
His presence was overwhelming yet oddly it was comforting, like the kind of strength that didn’t need to be flaunted.
Izuku finally broke the silence. "You…really are nothing more than a grandpa?" His voice was cautious, yet filled with a bit of curiosity.
The old man let out a hearty chuckle. "That’s what I said, isn’t it?"
Izuku frowned. "But that’s-“ Before he could continue, his brother kindly interrupted him.
"Doesn’t explain your weird aura," Bakugo cut in, his voice filled with skepticism. "You’re an old man alright, but that doesn’t explain why you do not “feel” like one." Bakugo knew that Izuku could feel it to, the old man in front of them, had this weird “feeling” about him.
Gramps hummed, his bright blue eyes shimmer with amusement. “You two are quite perceptive, I can see the caution in your eyes." Gramps said honestly. Izuku opened his mouth to argue but clearly hesitated.
The sheer presence of the man in front of them made it hard to dismiss his brother’s claim outright. Something about him felt weird, as if his existence was different from his, his little snowflake, and his brother’s
Eri, still half-asleep, tugged on Izuku’s sleeve. "He’s not really human…is he?" she murmured, her red eyes barely open.
Gramps chuckled again, finding the small girl similar to his grandson. "Sharp one, isn’t she?"
Izuku swallowed. "If you are only a grandfather… then what is this place?"
The old man stopped walking, turning to face them. His expression was filled with a sense of warmth and childlike humor, but his eyes held something deep, that didn’t quite fit his facial expressions.
"This is a world of gods and heroes," he said simply. "And if I found you simply appear out of thin air, then fate must have plans for you." Izuku’s brother didn’t take that lightly, growing annoyed at the mention of fate.
Bakugo scoffed. "Fate can shove it. We didn’t ask to be here."
Gramps merely smirked. "Most great journeys don’t begin by choice, boy." Truly spoken beyond his years. Bakugo bristled. "The hell did you just call me-" Before he could let off an explosion, Izuku placed a hand on his friend’s shoulder, a silent plea to let it go for now. Bakugo huffed but didn’t push further. Gramps, who saw the two’s interaction, couldn’t help but smiled. Their interaction reminded of days long since passed.
The group continued in silence until they eventually reached the cottage.
It was modest house, but well-kept, with stone walls and a wooden roof. The scent of something cooking wafted through the air, making Izuku’s and Bakugo’s stomach growl, reminding both of them that they hadn’t eat in days. The Final War provided very little opportunities to eat while the threat of death loom over them. The warmth of a crackling fire flickered from the open windows, casting soft shadows against the walls.
Zeus pushed open the door, stepping aside and gesturing for them to enter. "Come in. Get yourselves settled."
Izuku hesitated, but one glance at Eri, her tiny frame drooping with exhaustion, made his decision for him. He stepped inside, Bakugo following begrudgingly. In normal circumstances he wouldn’t even dare, but because of his promise to his brother and niece, he couldn’t say no. Once inside, they took a look of the interior of the small house.
It was simple yet inviting. A large wooden table sat in the center, surrounded by sturdy chairs. A pot of something rich and savory bubbled over the hearth, filling the room with a sense of warmth.
Shelves lined the walls, filled with old books, trinkets, and weapons, some of which looked far too old to belong in a simple cottage. Izuku could feel something pulling him to one of those weapons, but he ignored that in favor of the old man.
Gramps strode inside as if he owned the place, which, given his claim, he very well might. He grabbed a few wooden cups from a shelf and poured water from a clay jug, setting them on the table.
"Drink," he said. "You look like you could use it."
Izuku gently lowered Eri into a chair before taking a seat himself. He reached for a cup, taking a slow sip. The water was cool and crisp and refreshing in a way he hadn’t realized he needed. Bakugou, though still wary, grabbed a cup and downed it in one go before slamming it onto the table.
"Alright, old man," Bakugo growled. "Enough games. Where exactly are we?" Getting straight to the point as usual, Bakugo made sure to be as blunt as possible.
Gramps leaned back against the counter, folding his arms. "You’re in a simple no name farm village."
Izuku blinked. "A Farm?"
Gramps nodded. "Despite this village having no name, it is home to around 300 souls that do their part in making this place home. Despite it being far in the country side, it is quite close to place called Orario.” The word sent a strange shiver down Izuku’s spine, as if the weight of word pressed against his very being.
Bakugou narrowed his eyes. "Orario?" Gramps nodded as he took another snip of his water before continuing.
“It is known as the beating heart of this world. A place where gods and mortals walk side by side. It is also home to a placed called the “Dungeon” and is probably the main attraction for people who venture into the city.” Izuku and Bakugo eyes narrowed, with Bakugo subconsciously twitching his hands.
”Dungeon?” Bakugo asked this time, with Gramps nodding his head.
"A labyrinth beneath the city, teeming with monsters. It’s where adventurers test their mettle, grow stronger, and carve their names into profits." Zeus tilted his head. "Which brings me to you two."
Izuku tilts his head while Bakugo narrowed his crimson eyes. "Us?"
Zeus’s eyes suddenly gleamed. Again, Izuku could see the childlike wonder in them. "You’re not normal. I can feel it." He motioned to Izuku. "That strength inside you, it’s different from anything in this world."
His gaze shifted to Bakugou. "And you… your power feels volatile, untamed. One that takes a considerable amount of self discipline to even control."
Izuku’s fists clenched. Looking at Bakugo for advice, all he received was a nod. "We’re not from here." Izuku stated.
Gramps nodded. "I figured as much. Though that is not my main question. My question is, what will you do now that you are here?"
The weight of the question settled heavily in the room.
They had no way back, no idea what had happened back in their world. They had no answers. They only had each other.
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After some time, Izuku exhaled. "I don’t know."
Gramps, on the other hand merely grinned, with his bright blue eyes practically shinning with stars. "Then I suppose you’ll have to find out."
Bakugou scowled. "And what? You’re just gonna sit back and watch?"
Gramps shrugged. "I’m just an old man enjoying his retirement."
Bakugou scoffed. "Bullshit."
Zeus laughed. "Maybe. But for now, eat and rest." He motioned toward Eri, who had already dozed off against Izuku’s arm. "The little one especially."
Izuku hesitated but then nodded. "...Thank you." Bakugo didn’t say anything, instead he chose to head over to the pot, grabbing two wooden bowls and filling them with the pot’s contents. While he did so, Gramps waved him off. "Don’t mention it." Bakugo soon came back with the two wooden bowls and Izuku smiled as he took in the meal for the day.
The rich aroma of stew filled the small cottage, a blend of hearty meat, fresh vegetables, and a touch of spices that made even the weary muscles in Izuku’s body feel relax. The warmth of the meal seeped into him with every bite, the taste was unfamiliar but undeniably comforting.
Across from him, Bakugo tore into his own bowl with single-minded focus, not bothering with words. Gramps chuckled as he watched the two eat, rocking back in his chair with an amused smirk. “You two act like you haven’t had a proper meal in weeks.”
Izuku swallowed a mouthful, feeling the warmth settle in his chest. The greenie scratched his cheek sheepishly. “Well… we kind of haven’t.”
Bakugo grunted in agreement, shoveling another spoonful into his mouth. “If I’d known we’d end up in some backwater world, I’d have eaten more before our last fight.” Izuku didn’t outright say it but he agreed with what his brother said.
He honestly wish he could have had a nice relaxing diner with Kyoka before the last fight. A ping of pain passed through his body as his heart longed for his grape head.
Gramps raised an eyebrow. “Backwater, huh? You might wanna hold that judgment until you see what this world has to offer, brat.” Bakugo’s entire expression changed to that of a devil as he glared at Gramps, who was hardly affected by it. He had been on the receiving end of the Silence’s glares so Bakugo’s did not wanter any reaction from him, but it was half as scary as the Silences.
Before Bakugo could snap back, the front door creaked open, letting in the crisp aftern air.
A young man stepped inside, his white hair slightly disheveled, his red eyes carrying a tired but content glow. He shut the door behind him with a sigh, stretching his arms over his head. “I’m back, Gramps.”
Said Gramps grinned. “Welcome home, Bell.”
Izuku blinked at the name, watching as the newcomer turned toward them, his expression shifting from exhaustion to surprise as he noticed unfamiliar faces at the dinner table.
“Oh! Um,” Bell straightened up. “I didn’t know we had guests.”
Gramps chuckled, waving his grandson over. “These two came here not too long ago. They are a bit rough around the edges, but they’re good kids.” Izuku tilts his head while Bakugo quietly growled.
Izuku then stood up slightly and extended his hand. “Midoriya Izuku. Nice to meet you.”
Bell hesitated for a second before stepping forward and shaking his hand, his grip a bit firm but friendly. “Bell Cranel. It’s nice to meet you too.” Just before he could introduce his brother, said blond Pomeranian stood up decided to speak for himself.
Bakugo scoffed from the side. “Don’t bother introducing me. Name’s Bakugo.”
Bell gave a small, polite nod. “It’s nice to meet you too, Bakugo.”
Bakugo merely clicked his tongue, focusing back on his meal. Izuku smiled as he sat back down and continued to eat his rather delicious meal.
Bell, who is used to more eccentric personalities just smiled before glancing at Eri, who was curled up against Izuku, fast asleep. His gaze softened almost immediately as he took in her appearance. “She looks exhausted.”
Izuku ran a hand gently through her hair. “She is. We’ve all been through a lot.”
Gramps nodded knowingly, before gesturing toward the pot. “You’ve been running around all day helping folks, Bell. Sit down and eat before you pass out.”
Bell chuckled sheepishly and did as he was told, grabbing a bowl and filling it up. As he sat down, he glanced at Izuku and Bakugo. “So… you’re not from here?”
Izuku nodded, leaning back slightly. “Yeah. We don’t know how or why we got here, but…” He looked down at Eri, brushing a stray strand of hair from her face. “Right now, I’m just grateful we’re safe.”
Bell nodded in understanding. “Well… if there’s anything I can do to help, just let me know. I know this place like the back of my hands.”
Izuku smiled. There was something earnest about Bell, genuine kindness, the kind that was rare even in their world. “Thanks, Bell.”
Gramps leaned back, watching the scene unfold with a pleased expression. “Looks like you three are gonna get along just fine.”
For the first time in what felt like forever, Izuku allowed himself to believe that maybe, just maybe, they had found a place where they could rest.
Soon the inhabitants of the cottage finished the meal and soon ran into a rather daring problem.
The cottage wasn’t large, but it was warm and homey in a way that made the exhaustion in Izuku’s body weigh down even heavier. The flickering light of the fireplace cast soft shadows across the wooden walls, filling the space with a peaceful stillness. The meal had done wonders for their weary bodies, but now that it was time to rest, Izuku couldn’t help but feel the tension creeping back into his mind.
He didn’t know this world. He didn’t know what dangers lurked beyond the quiet hills or whether they’d truly escaped the war that had consumed their lives. But for now, at least for tonight, he had Eri safe in his arms. That was enough. It was decided that Izuku and Eri would sleep in Bell’s room as he had an extra bed. Meanwhile, Bakugo would simply go with flow.
The warmth of the small cottage settled in as the night deepened, the distant sounds of the wind rustling through the trees with occasional crackling of the fireplace filling the quiet space. The meal had long since been finished, and now, it was time to rest.
Izuku adjusted Eri in his arms as Bell led him down a short hallway, pushing open the door to his bedroom. The room was simple but cozy, a wooden floor, a desk by the window, a small bookshelf with a handful of books, and two beds, one neatly made and the other slightly disheveled from earlier use.
Bell smiled sheepishly, rubbing the back of his head. “It’s not much, but there’s an extra bed, so you and Eri can use it.”
Izuku sighed in relief. “This is more than enough. Thank you, Bell.”
Gently, he laid Eri down on the bed, pulling the blanket over her small frame. She barely stirred, too exhausted from the day’s events. Her tiny hand instinctively reached for Izuku, even in her sleep, and he grasped it gently, giving her the silent reassurance that he was still there.
Bell smiled at the sight before moving toward his own bed. “I’ll be sleeping here, so if you need anything, just let me know.”
Izuku chuckled as he sat on the edge of his bed, rolling his shoulders. “I think we’re just going to knock out the second we hit the pillows.” Izuku was to tried to even change out of his hero costume. The black outfit with green outlines providing a nice contrast with the softness of the bed.
Meanwhile, back in the main room, Bakugo had already claimed the couch, lying on his side with his arms crossed, his usual scowl in place. The old man stood nearby, amused by the choice.
“You sure you don’t want the other bed?” The old man asked, stroking his beard. “I’m sure Bell wouldn’t mind.”
Bakugo grunted, shifting slightly. “Hell no! Last thing I need is to be in a room with that damn nerd, his kid, and the rabbit-looking brat.” He turned to face the back of the couch, his voice muffled but firm. “I’ll take the couch.”
Gramps chuckled. “Suit yourself.” He soon retreated back into his room for night, today’s events finally catching up with him.
As the house finally settled into silence, Izuku lay back, staring at the wooden ceiling. His body still ached, his mind swirled with unanswered questions, and yet… for the first time in a long while, he felt something close to peace.
He turned his head slightly, watching Eri’s slow, steady breathing. Izuku leaned back against the headboard, staring at the ceiling. As they settled in for the night, questions still burned in Izuku’s mind.
Where were they truly? How did they get here? And most importantly…
What came next?
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{Next Morning}
Bell stirred awake, blinking groggily as the first rays of morning light filtered through the small window of his room. He yawned, stretching his arms over his head before turning toward the spare bed, only to find it completely empty and neatly made.
He sat up abruptly, his heart skipping a beat when he saw that both Izuku and Eri were gone.
‘Did they leave? No… that wouldn’t make sense. Their clothes and gear were still here when they went to bed. So where-‘ Bell immediately panic before hearing something.
A faint sound drifted in from beyond his room, the rhythmic clatter of utensils, the sizzling of something cooking, and the faint murmur of voices.
Confused, Bell swung his legs out of bed and made his way down the short hallway, rubbing the sleep from his eyes as he stepped into the kitchen.
What he saw made him freeze.
Izuku and Bakugo were standing side by side at the small stove, still clad in their hero costumes from yesterday. Izuku held a spatula in one hand, carefully flipping what looked like thick slices of toasted bread on a pan, while Bakugo had a large pot in front of him, stirring with a focused expression.
The two worked in perfect tandem, moving around the small space with practiced ease, as if this was something they had done a thousand times before.
Seated at the dinner table, legs swinging slightly, was Eri. Her crimson eyes lit up when she saw Bell enter the room, and a small, warm smile spread across her face. A smile that made Bell stopped as he felt a sudden need to protect her with all the evils of the world.
“Good morning!” She chirped. Bell blinked. “Uh… good morning.” He glanced between her and the two, still processing the scene. “What… what’s going on?”
Izuku turned his head, flashing Bell a sheepish grin. “Ah, sorry if we woke you up. We figured we’d make breakfast to thank you guys for letting us stay here.”
Bakugo scoffed, not looking up from his pot. “My brother is the one who insisted on it. You should be thanking me for making sure this idiot does not burn the whole damn place down.” Izuku faked gasp as he lightly punched Bakugo’s shoulder.
“Hey!” Izuku pouted. “I’m not that bad at cooking!”
Bakugo shot him a side-eye. “You made rice once and forgot to put water in it.”
“…Okay, that was one time.”
”One time my ass. I can recount the amount of times you cooked something incorrectly. In fact the only thing you can remotely cooked is your signature dish of Katsudon. Now that, I will say, is the best type of Katsudon I have ever had.” While these two bicker, behind them Bell stifled a laugh, watching the back-and-forth between them. Despite their bickering, there was an undeniable ease between them, as if this kind of banter was second nature.
Eri giggled before turning back to Bell. “I’m Eri. It’s nice to meet you, Bell Cranel.”
Bell felt a warmth in his chest at the sincerity in her voice. He knelt down slightly to meet her height. “It’s nice to meet you too, Eri.”
Izuku beamed. “Looks like you’ve already made a new friend.”
Bell smiled, feeling a strange but comforting sense of familiarity with them.
This was going to be an interesting morning.
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The scent of freshly cooked food filled the small kitchen as Izuku and Bakugo set the last of the dishes on the wooden table. Thick slices of golden-brown toast, scrambled eggs, and a hearty vegetable stew filled the air with warmth, a stark contrast to the war-torn memories lingering in their minds.
Eri clapped her hands in delight as she eyed the food, while Bell, still not fully used to their presence, sat down hesitantly.
The entire situation was surreal, two strangers that came from out of nowhere, casually cooking breakfast in his home. The peaceful atmosphere would soon be broken by one loud pervert in disguise.
“Alright, brats, move over,” Gramps grunted as he strolled into the kitchen, scratching the back of his wild white hair. He inhaled deeply, a grin spreading across his face. “Now that’s a smell worth waking up to.”
Izuku chuckled as he gestured for everyone to sit. “We weren’t sure what everyone liked, so we kept things simple.”
Bakugo, arms crossed, rolled his eyes. “It’s not like we had a choice with what little you had stocked up.”
Zeus barked a laugh. “Welcome to village life, brat. We don’t have fancy city markets out here. But hey, nothing beats fresh produce.” Gramps plopped down at the head of the table, grabbing a bowl of stew. “Now, let’s eat.”
The five of them soon dug into their meal. Eri hummed happily as she nibbled on a piece of toast, her small hands barely able to hold it.
Meanwhile Bell, after taking his first bite of the stew, blinked in surprise.
“This is… really good.” He looked at Izuku and Bakugo in astonishment.
Izuku grinned, rubbing the back of his head. “We had to learn to cook during our time in school. You can’t work on an empty stomach.”
Bakugo merely huffed. “Damn right. It didn’t help that our classmates were utterly as useless as Izuku, but he had at least was willing to learn how to cook.” That was the final thing said as the group of five ate their delicious breakfast.
It wasn’t long until Gramps, after slurping down a spoonful of stew, leaned back in his chair and let out a satisfied sigh. He turns to look at both Izuku and Bakugo, his usual smile on his face.
“Alright, now that breakfast’s done, what’s the plan for the day?”
Izuku and Bakugo exchanged glances before Izuku spoke up. “Honestly, we still don’t know where we are, so exploring would be a good start. We need to understand the place we’ve came to.”
Bell perked up at that. “If that’s the case, I can show you around the village. There’s not much, but it’s a good place to get a feel for things.”
Gramps nodded. “That’d be a good start. You’re far from place besides Orario, the big city where all the adventurers gather. This place is just a quiet little farm village on the outskirts.” He smirked. “Ain’t much excitement, but it’s peaceful.”
Izuku exhaled, processing the information. No bustling hero society. No Pro Heroes. Just a simple village in an unknown world.
Bakugo leaned back in his chair. “So what, we’re stuck playing farmers now…how ironic.” He mumbles the last part but Izuku was still able to hear him.
Gramps laughed. “Not unless you want to be! But hey, hard work never hurt anyone.”
Eri tugged on Izuku’s sleeve. “Can we really stay here, Papa?”
Izuku looked at her, seeing the hope in her crimson eyes. He reached over, gently patting her head. “For now, we’ll figure things out. We’ll make sure we’re safe first, okay?”
She nodded, reassured by his words.
Bell smiled. “Alright then! After breakfast, I’ll take you around the village.”
Gramps grinned. “Good! And maybe, if you brats are lucky, I’ll even tell you a bit more about this world.”
Izuku and Bakugo exchanged looks.
They had no idea what they had fallen into, but one thing was clear, this world was nothing like their own.
And today, they would take their first step into understanding it.
{XXXX}
After breakfast, Izuku and Bakugo changed out of their hero costumes. Gramps had rummaged through some old storage and managed to find clothes that fit the era. Izuku now wore a simple dark green tunic with a brown leather belt, loose black trousers, and sturdy boots. A green cloak hung over his shoulders, fastened with a small brass clasp.
Bakugo, on the other hand, wore a crimson long-sleeved tunic with dark pants and a pair of gloves that he insisted on keeping, though he grumbled about the lack of his usual gauntlets.
Eri had been given a simple white dress with a light blue cloak to keep her warm. She twirled in place, giggling at the way the fabric flowed. “Papa, look! It’s so comfy!”
Izuku smiled, patting her head. “I’m glad you like it, Eri.”
Gramps chuckled as he looked them over. “Not bad, you two almost look like you belong here, almost.”
Bakugo scoffed. “Don’t lump me in with him. I don’t give a damn about fitting in.”
Bell, standing nearby, smiled. “Well, you at least look less out of place now. Alright, let’s start going. I’ll show you around.” The three soon left, following after Bell.
The village was small but lively, with stone and wooden houses lining the dirt paths. The scent of fresh bread and tilled soil filled the air, and the distant sounds of farm animals could be heard.
A few villagers were already busy tending to their crops, others carrying baskets of produce toward the marketplace.
As Bell led them through the village, many of the locals stopped to watch the newcomers, their eyes curious but not hostile.
“Bell! Who are your new friends?” a woman called from a fruit stand, her arms resting on her hips.
Bell waved. “They’re travelers, Miss Lysa! They’ll be staying with me and my grandfather for a while.”
The woman, Lysa, eyed them with curiosity before smiling at Eri. “And who’s this little cutie?”
Eri, peeking from behind Izuku, hesitated before quietly saying, “I’m Eri…”
Lysa chuckled. “Well, aren’t you adorable? You be good to these boys, alright?”
Eri nodded quickly, making the woman laugh before turning back to her customers.
Bell continued leading them, pointing out different spots of interest. “Over there is the blacksmith. He mostly works on farming tools, but he’s skilled with weapons, too.”
Izuku’s gaze lingered on the forge, watching as a burly man hammered away at a glowing piece of iron. The heat radiating from the building reminded him of Mei Hatsume’s workshop back home. Well, more like Mei blowing up the the stuff she makes.
Bakugo crossed his arms. “So no real weapons, huh? What do you guys even need them for out here?”
Bell scratched the back of his head. “Well… not much happens in the village, but sometimes monsters wander too close from the woods. It’s rare, though.”
Izuku perked up at that. “Monsters?”
Bell nodded. “Yeah, there nothing like what adventurers in Orario face. Just small creatures that threaten livestock. The village hunters usually take care of them.”
Izuku glanced at Bakugo, sharing an unspoken thought, this world really was strange despite it being set in a completely different era.
As they walked further, they passed a small tavern, an open-air market, and a communal well where villagers gathered to chat. Many greeted Bell warmly, and though they eyed Izuku and Bakugo with curiosity, there was no hostility. Which furthered unnerve them as they were used to seeing way worse in the civilians back home.
Eventually, they reached the outskirts of the village, where the farmland stretched out as far as the eye could see. Farmers worked tirelessly, tending to wheat fields, vegetable patches, and orchards.
Izuku took a deep breath, feeling the peaceful atmosphere settle around him. It was strange, he was so used to the chaos of hero work, the constant weight of responsibility that came with being the Ninth Wielder of One For All, but here, everything felt…calm.
Bell turned to them with a smile. “So? What do you think?”
Izuku smiled softly. “It’s… nice.”
Bakugo shoved his hands in his pockets. “Too quiet.”
Eri giggled. “I like it.”
Bell laughed. “Well, if you ever need anything, just ask. The villagers are kind. I’m sure they’ll warm up to you soon.” The trio soon nodded as Bell lead them back the way they came.
{XXXX}
The sun rose and fell over the small farming village, marking the passing days since Izuku, Bakugo, and Eri had arrived in this strange new world. The once unfamiliar land had begun to feel… if not like home, then at least like a place where they could exist without the constant weight of battle on their shoulders.
They spent their mornings wandering the village with Bell, meeting its people and learning its ways. Life here was simpler, yet filled with a warmth that neither of them had known in their war-torn world. The villagers, at first were wary of them, but quickly grew fond of them as they helped wherever they could.
Izuku, ever the diligent helper, took to assisting the farmers in the fields. He surprised them all when he lifted an entire plow over his shoulder with ease, much to the wide-eyed amazement of the watching villagers. They had never seen such strength before, at least not without magic.
When asked about his absurd strength, Izuku had simply rubbed the back of his head with a sheepish smile. “I trained a lot.”
Bakugo, on the other hand, had less patience for farming but quickly found himself invaluable in other ways. When a group of villagers struggled to clear a stubborn patch of land filled with thick roots, he scoffed, raised his palm, and boom! A controlled explosion tore through the area, leaving behind scorched but cleared earth.
The villagers had gawked, some in awe, others in fear. "Relax," Bakugo had grunted. "I have control over the explosions I release. There is no need to fear me." He made himself useful with repairs, using precise blasts to mend cracked stone and break apart stubborn obstacles.
The village blacksmith, fascinated by his ability, took him under his wing and had him work around the forge, something Bakugo, despite himself, found interesting.
The blacksmith had tried to teach him about blacksmithing, but Bakugo chose not to as it just wasn’t something he could find joy in. Although, he did like the heat that emerge from the forge and how it made him feel peaceful.
Eri stayed close to her papa, uncertain about using her quirk. She watched on as he and Bakugo worked, sometimes stepping forward to help but hesitating before ever activating her ability.
She could heal, she knew that. But… something about this world felt different. The energy was unfamiliar. Would her quirk even work the same way? She wasn’t sure, and the idea of testing it on someone scared her.
Instead, she helped the women of the village with smaller tasks, washing vegetables, sewing clothes, learning how to make bread. The elderly women adored her, often patting her head and giving her sweets, which she shyly accepted. She had never known such simple kindness from strangers. Not until her papa and momma had showed up and rescued her from the man with the bird mask.
However, that did not mean everything was alright for the duo.The nights were the hardest.
After long days of labor, when the sky darkened and the village grew quiet, memories returned.
Izuku lay awake most nights, staring at the wooden ceiling of Bell’s home, listening to the faint rustling of the wind outside. He could still hear the echoes of the war, the screams, the explosions, and the desperate cries for help. The scent of blood and burning metal still clung to his senses, even though it had been days since they had left that world behind.
‘Was it really over?’ Izuku thought to himself, unaware that his brother was going through the same thing.
Bakugo wasn’t faring much better. Though he never admitted it aloud, he too found himself haunted by the ghosts of battle. He sat outside most nights. He stared up at the stars, his fists clenched as he tried to push those memories away. The war had taken nearly everything from them.
And now, they were here, alive, breathing, even whole.
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But why did it felt so wrong. Why did they have to be sent here?
One night, as the fire crackled in the hearth, Izuku and Bakugo sat around it, finally having a a moment to speak together. Brother to brother. Eri was also there, but she was lay across her dad and uncle.
“It doesn’t feel real,” he murmured, staring at the dancing flames.
Bakugo, sitting beside him with arms crossed, scoffed. “It really doesn’t.”
Eri curled up between them, her small hands gripping her blanket. She didn’t say anything, but she listened.
Izuku’s grip tightened around his own hands. “We fought hard. We lost so much. And now we’re just… here. Like nothing ever happened.” He exhaled sharply. “I don’t know if I can accept that.”
Bakugo was quiet for a long moment before he muttered, “I…I understand that feeling. Heh, I keep expecting something to happen. A villain to show up. A fight to break out. Something! But all that’s here is a bunch of farmers and a brat who barely knows how to swing a sword.”
Izuku chuckled softly at that. Bell had been doing his best to train while still helping around the village, but compared to them, he was just a kid. Then again, so were they.
“I miss them,” Eri whispered suddenly, her voice barely audible.
Both boys turned toward her.
She was staring into the fire, her crimson eyes reflecting the light. “Mirio… Nejire…Momma…everyone. They should be here too.”
Silence.
Izuku placed a hand on her head. “Yeah,” he said softly. “I miss them too.” He looked at Bakugo and he could see no disagreement in his eyes.
They all miss someone.
For now, they had no choice but to move forward. To make sense of this new world they had found themselves in.
{XXXX}
Days turned into weeks, and slowly, Izuku, Bakugo, and Eri settled into the rhythm of village life.
The mornings began early, long before the sun had fully risen. While that may surprise others, Izuku and Bakugo had quickly grown with Bell who also woke up before the crack of dawn.
Izuku found himself drawn to the physical work of farming, plowing the fields, carrying heavy sacks of grain, and ensuring that the livestock were well-fed. It was peaceful in a way he hadn’t expected. There were no villains to fight, no cities to protect, just the quiet satisfaction of working with his hands and seeing the results of his effort grow from the earth.
Bakugo, despite his grumbling, ended up helping out in the forge. He still had no patience for learning the trade of blacksmithing, but his raw strength and precise control over his explosions made him invaluable. He could heat metal quickly, break down stubborn materials, and carry heavy loads without complaint. The village blacksmith, a gruff old man named Garret, grew to appreciate his help, even if Bakugo’s temper flared up at the constant instructions.
Eri continued to help with small tasks, learning from the women of the village. She still refused to use her quirk, uncertain of how it might react in this new world, but she slowly grew more comfortable. The villagers adored her, often calling her their "little angel," a name that made her cheeks turn red.
At night, they gathered at Bell and his Gramps home, sharing meals and stories, with the old man slowly revealing more about the world they had found themselves in.
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One evening, after another long day of work, Izuku and Bakugo sat at the dinner table with Gramps, Bell, and Eri. The fire crackled in the hearth, casting flickering shadows against the wooden walls.
Izuku leaned forward. "So…this place. You said it's not just a normal world, right?"
Zeus chuckled, sipping his drink. "Far from it, my boy." His old eyes twinkled with amusement.
"This world is home to gods, adventurers, and dungeons filled with monsters. And at the heart of it all, Orario."
Bell, who had been told by the trio that they came from another world, perked up at the mention of the name, while Izuku and Bakugo exchanged glances.
"Orario?" Bakugo asked, skeptical. "What's so special about it?" The reason why they were asking this question again is because it’s been quite some time when they first asked about Orario and were looking for another explanation.
"It's the center of the world, at least for adventurers," Zeus explained. "A city built around the great Dungeon, a place where monsters continuously spawn, and adventurers go to prove their strength. They are mortals who have been blessed with divine power. With the gods of the world having descended from the heavens to form Familias."
Izuku's brows furrowed. "Familias… so they're like groups, but with gods leading them?"
"Exactly," Gramps confirmed. "Those who gain the blessing of a god, their Falna, can grow stronger by gaining Excelia from battle." At that notion Izuku raised an eyebrow. Bakugo scoffed. "Sounds like some RPG bullshit."
Gramps laughed. "I have no idea what an RPG is but I suppose it does, but it's very real." He leaned back. "And then there's the Far East, a land reminiscent of your own homeland based on what you’ve told me. They hold to their traditions tightly and are separate from the rest of the world. It’s run by the Goddess Amaterasu and she is easily one of the top 10 beautiful women on this world.” Gramps showed a lewd face at that, remembering the time he managed to sneak into a hot springs and see the goddess naked.
Izuku's eyes widened slightly. "Really?"
"So there's a place like that here," Bakugo muttered, frowning when he saw the old man’s lewd face.
"Guess that makes sense. We did show up in a place with gods walking around."
Meanwhile Bell tilted his head. "Japan… is that where you guys are from?"
Izuku nodded. "Yeah. Though it is a long way from here, though. But enough about that. Bell, you wanted to tell us something?” Bell seemed thoughtful for a moment before looking down at his hands. "I want to go to Orario one day," he admitted. "I want to become a hero."
Izuku and Bakugo both turned toward him at that, their expressions unreadable. Bell fidgeted under their gaze. Even Eri turned his way, but her expression wasn’t unreadable like the other two. Bell could see worry in her eyes, making his heart hurt. Was he the caused of that worry?
"I know I might not look like much, but… I want to be someone people can rely on. Someone who can help others." His hands clenched into fists. "I want to be like the heroes in the stories my grandpa has told me. ."
Silence filled the room for a moment before Izuku let out a small chuckle. "You remind me of myself."
Bell blinked. "Huh?"
Izuku smiled, though there was something distant in his expression. "You want to be a hero, right? To help others, no matter what?"
Bell nodded firmly.
Izuku took a deep breath. "Then… you should know." He glanced at Bakugo, who merely folded his arms and grunted. "Back where we're from… we were heroes."
Bell's eyes widened in shock. "What?"
Bakugo leaned back against his chair, his eyes looking distant. " Dunno if we still are, though."
"But we were," Izuku said, his voice steady when he was looking at Bakugo before turning back to Izuku.
"Back in our world, we went to a school that trains you to become heroes, people who protect others, fight villains, and save those in need.” Izuku stopped talking for a moment, thinking before speaking again.
“It wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows though. We fought in terrible battles, we lost friends. We won fights that should’ve been impossible." His grip tightened slightly. "We gave everything we had to make sure others were safe."
Bell sat in stunned silence.
"You want to be a hero, Bell?" Bakugo asked, his red eyes suddenly grew sharp. "Then get ready for a lot of shit. 'Cause heroes ain't just about looking cool and saving people. It also means bleeding for others, making choices that suck, and pushing forward even when you wanna quit."
Izuku softened a little, nodding. "But it also means making a difference. No matter how hard it gets."
Bell looked down at his hands again, his mind racing.
Eri, who had been quiet, suddenly spoke up. "You remind me of papa."
Bell's head shot up, startled. "I do?"
She nodded. "You want to help people, even though you're not the strongest. But Izuku always said that being strong doesn’t make you a hero, your heart does."
Izuku blinked, touched by her words. His little snowflake always knew what to say to make him feel better and brighten his day.
Bell looked at him again, a new fire in his eyes. "Then… maybe you guys can teach me?"
Izuku and Bakugo exchanged glances. They stared at each other for quite some time, which made Bell grow nervous. Luckily, Izuku choose to spare the boy before freaking him out even more.
Izuku smiled. "Yeah. I think we can."
Bakugo smirked, rising his hands. "Don't think we're gonna go easy on you, though."
Bell, instead of cowering fear like he usually would, grinned with excitement building in his chest.
Gramps chuckled to himself, watching the scene unfold. ‘Interesting, he thought. Very interesting indeed.’
{XXXX}
Back in the My Hero World
Weeks had passed since the end of the Final War.
The world was rebuilding. Cities were no longer burning, and the skies were no longer filled with the echoes of battle. Heroes worked tirelessly to restore what had been lost, to heal the wounded and to secure a fragile peace. But for some…the victory felt hollow.
For Yagi, the days had blurred together.
He sat in his office at U.A., but the warmth that once filled the place was gone. Paperwork lay untouched on his desk, reports from various agencies detailing the recovery efforts. But he couldn’t bring himself to care. Not when his greatest students, no, his family, were gone.
Midoriya. Bakugo. Eri.
Vanished.
There had been no bodies, no traces, they were just gone.
A part of him refused to believe it. Midoriya was too strong, Bakugo was literally too stubborn to die, and Eri… she was just a child. She couldn’t be gone. And yet, no amount of searching had turned up anything. Not even a hint of where they could be.
These days, he couldn’t help but think that his failure had cost them everything.
When looking at the windows, his own reflection looked so hollow. His face was worn, eyes sunken with many sleepless nights, the weight of regret pressing down on him harder than ever before.
I should have done more.
His fists clenched.
I should have reached them.
But there was no one left to hear his regrets. Midoriya’s mother hadn’t taken well to the disappearance of her son. The last Yagi had seen of her, she was in a mental institution for attempted suicide. It broke his heart to see the woman reduce to a mere shell of herself and couldn’t help but blame himself for that.
Another thing to add to her list of regrets. But before those dark thoughts could overwhelm him, a knock on the door broke the silence, but he didn’t turn.
"Yagi-san…" Recovery Girl’s voice was gentle but firm. "You need to eat something."
He said nothing.
A sigh. "You’re not the only one suffering."
That made him flinch.
Because he knew that was the truth. He wasn’t the only who was suffering from their disappearance.
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Kyoka Jiro has not left her room in weeks.
The once lively space, filled with posters, records, and the comforting hum of music, had fallen into eerie silence. Instruments that had once been used constantly, now sat untouched, gathering dust. The curtains remained closed, leaving the room in perpetual darkness.
She didn’t eat, didn’t sleep, and when her friends tried getting her to she just couldn’t find herself to care. Why is that?
Because the two people who had made her life worth living were gone.
Izuku and her snowflake, Eri. Her family.
She had promised to protect them. Promise to always be there for them… and yet, she wasn’t.
She barely remembered the last battle, only the moment when they had disappeared in that golden light. One second they had been there, and the next, gone.
No goodbyes. No last words. Just emptiness.
Her body felt like it was wasting away, but she didn’t care. Food had no taste. Sleep brought no rest. The world outside her room no longer mattered.
The others had tried to talk to her at first. Momo had knocked on her door every day, leaving food that always went untouched. Kaminari had sent messages, pleading, even begging for her to at least talk.
She ignored them all. Because without them, there was nothing left. And she wasn’t sure she wanted to keep going in a world where they didn’t exist.