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[96] Survivor's Guilt
🕑 Added 2025-12-11 21:42:43 +0000 UTC(Kata POV – Class 1-A)
‘It’s so depressing in here.’
I rest my cheek against my palm, staring blankly out the window. Class 1-A is usually buzzing with energy even before homeroom, but right now the atmosphere feels drained and hollow.
We’re all waiting for Aizawa to arrive and announce the final exam results… though most people already know how they did.
And considering how the practical went, the silence and sadness are almost what I expect at a funeral.
Eight out of nineteen failed their exam.
“Everyone… I’m looking forward to— hic —a bunch of… awesome stories from the trip…” Mina manages between sniffles, wiping her eyes with her wrist. Her usual spark is so dim it’s painful to look at.
At his desk, Midoriya has fully retreated into a storm of self-doubt. His chin is on his hands, and his eyes are unfocused as he mumbles at mach speed.
“What do I do now what do I do now… I mean objectively speaking I definitely failed the practical but maybe Summer School has value since it’s still hero training even if it wouldn't be as great as the training camp, but I can still learn so much…"
A dark, cursed aura billows around him like he’s summoning a demon. Uraraka hovers beside him, patting his back hesitantly, given that she passed and would be going.
“C-come on, Deku… I’m sure they don’t only look at whether you won…” She says, her voice wavering. “And even if you did fail, uh… you know… you won’t be alone…”
The room joins in their collective suffering.
“AAAAAGGGHHHHHH—” Groans ripple across all the rows like the chorus of dying souls.
Bakugo sits stiffly by the window, jaw clenched, eyes locked outside. No one goes near him as everyone assumes he’s one spark away from exploding.
‘That’s not it.’ I think, watching him from the corner of my eye. ‘He’s pissed, yeah… but mostly at himself. He’s probably thinking he's weak for losing… and it's true.’
Not to discredit Lady Nagant, but if they lost to All Might, it would have been reasonable to say their opponent was too strong.
'I guess it's also made worse by the realization that if she were an actual villain, they likely would have died without ever realizing how.' I sigh.
I know the frustration will eat at him, pushing him to train harder and do better. Which, in the end, is good for him.
Around the class, the gloom keeps swelling, choking the air, until…
RIIIIIIING.
The bell cuts through the tension, and the door SLAMS open.
Aizawa enters a bit too energetically.
“That’s the bell. Be seated.” He says flatly, and everyone immediately makes their way to their seats.
“Morning. About your final exam…” He looks around the room. “We had some failures. As such—”
Eight students collectively tense, bracing themselves as their faces twist in dread. I can almost hear Kaminari whispering goodbye to his summer under his breath.
Aizawa lets the silence stretch… then finally:
“You’re all going to summer camp.” He announces with a huge grin, which is creepy coming from him.
Then—
“WHAT A TWIST!!!” The entire room erupts in synchronized disbelief, voices cracking from the emotional rollercoaster.
Relief floods the classroom so suddenly it almost feels dizzying.
“Everyone passed the written test.” Aizawa continues, actually sounding faintly impressed. “With flying colors, surprisingly.”
That earns cheers, high-fives, and a few even hug each other in celebration.
“But…” He adds, and eight people freeze mid-celebration. “Those of you who failed the practical will receive special supplementary lessons. Far worse than summer school.”
Nervous glances pass between them, but overall, even with this, they're relieved they still get to go.
Aizawa starts handing out camp manuals, moving down the rows, and soon after, we begin filing out, buzzing with renewed excitement.
Then—
“Aoyama. Stay behind.” Aizawa says simply.
Aoyama brightens innocently, touching his chest. “Oh? Moi? I wonder what dazzling news awaits me.”
‘I wonder if Nezu’s finally taking care of him.’ I think. ‘Honestly, it’s about time. He's more trouble than he's worth.'
I've long since checked, and he doesn't know anything that could lead us to AFO, which is unfortunate.
'Hopefully, he can be used to set a trap.'
With that settled, for now, I run through my plans for the afternoon.
‘I should visit Cathleen since she’s now awake, then hopefully Rumi is home. I want to ask her for CQC training.’
After the fight with All Might, and with AFO having New Order, I need a method to deal damage just in case.
I barely take two steps toward the infirmary before the hallway around me fills with chatter. Everyone’s buzzing about what they need for the training camp. Bug spray, extra clothes, and so on, and half of them are already complaining about not having time to prepare everything.
“Oh! I know!” Toru pipes up suddenly, hands clapping together. “We’re off tomorrow, and tests are over, so why don’t we all go shopping together, Class A?”
“That's a great idea!” Kaminari cheers, fist pumping. “Seriously, why have we never done this before?”
“Hey! Bakugo! You’re coming too!” Kirishima calls with a grin.
Bakugo doesn’t break stride. “No way in hell. What a waste of time.” He stalks off, scowling.
Kirishima sighs. “Man, I’ll get him one of these days.”
Midoriya turns to Todoroki. “What about you? You coming?”
Todoroki shakes his head. “I… visit someone on my days off.” His tone makes it clear that’s the only explanation they’re getting.
But aside from those two, the class seems excited, maybe even relieved, to just do something normal together.
Then Mina looks around and realizes one person hasn’t spoken yet.
“What about you, Kata?” She asks, leaning in. “You coming?”
“I’ll have to pass.” I say plainly. “I already have plans tomorrow.”
“Oh…” Mina deflates a little. She tries to hide it, but it’s obvious.
And she isn’t the only one. Momo glances over with mild disappointment, while Toru’s shoulders droop.
‘What do they expect me to do?’ I sigh inwardly. ‘I've already committed to—’
“You mean with me?” The voice rises behind me. It's light, melodic, and very pleased with itself.
I turn my head to the source.
“Hello~!” Himiko chimes as she hops toward the group, wearing a large grin. She waves cheerfully at everyone before beelining straight for me. She flashes her phone up to my face.
“I passed everything! Look!” She declares, almost buzzing with excitement. “You owe me that date now!”
'She’s… not wrong.'
And looking at her scores, she did really well.
“I’m proud of you.” I say with a small smile.
The moment the words leave my mouth, the hallway goes silent. I feel at least ten sets of eyes on us. When I glance around, half the class immediately looks away, pretending to cough or suddenly find the ceiling extremely fascinating.
“Hm?” Himiko tilts her head. “What’s with everyone?”
No one answers. Not directly.
They all mutter variations of, “Oh, nothing,” while failing horribly at acting normal.
Himiko narrows her eyes, then looks at me. I explain simply about the class shopping trip, the invitation, and how I declined to attend.
“That’s it?” She says. “I thought someone was dying.” Then she shrugs with absolute ease. “Well, don't let me stop you. And if you’re going… can I come too?”
The girls don’t even hesitate.
“Yes!” Mina blurts. “We’d love to have you!”
“More people makes it more fun.” Jiro adds with a nod.
Toru waves her sleeves excitedly. “Of course you can come!”
“You guys don’t mind, right?” Mina turns to the boys with a mischievous grin. Even if phrased as a question, they don't really have the option to refuse.
“The more the merrier!” Kaminari says instantly.
“Yeah! Totally!” Kirishima laughs, thumbs up.
Sato, Shoji, and Ojiro all nod along.
And just like that, the atmosphere shifts. Himiko fits in seamlessly, like she’s been part of these plans from the very beginning. She doesn’t feel like an outsider barging in, but a spark that the group just naturally folds around.
Then, without a care, she immediately seizes the moment.
“Okaaay!” She sings, hooking her arms around Mina, Momo, and Toru before they even realize what’s happening. “Ladies, come with me! I've got an update for you." She giggles, flashing me a wink before dragging them away.
Toru squeals, Mina laughs, and Momo looks lost, but follows without resistance.
And just like that, the issue is resolved.
'She's probably gonna tell them about last night.' I sigh helplessly. But in the end, it's none of my business.
'But when is she postponing the date to?' I wonder, as I was also looking forward to it.
(Cathleen POV – UA Infirmary)
“When’ll I be discharged?” I ask for what feels like the hundredth time. I grin at Recovery Girl anyway, trying to look perfectly healthy. “I feel great, ma’am. Fit enough to start jogging laps if you want proof.”
Recovery Girl sighs. It carries the fatigue of someone who's dealt with numerous troublesome children. “Even if Kata patched you up, you don’t get to just hop out of bed. You were nearly torn in half, young lady.”
“I’m not that young.” I mutter, slumping back against the headboard, but she ignores me, of course.
When she turns away, I exhale slowly and look out the window. Early morning light spills over the courtyard, bright and peaceful… an insult compared to the storm inside me.
‘I really fucked up.’
My right hand curls unconsciously, fingers digging into my palm.
I could’ve won.
I could’ve fled.
I could’ve died…
All would've been better outcome.
But the worst part… the part pressing on my lungs… is the truth I haven’t said out loud:
I shouldn't have let him steal New Order.
Now that AFO has my quirk… he'll eventually figure out how to weaponise it. Then the number of people who will suffer because I wasn’t strong enough—
‘It’s tearing me up.’
I breathe in slowly, steadying myself. I don’t get to drown in self-pity. I made the call. I survived. I have a responsibility to use that survival.
‘All I can do now is help. As much as possible.’
I’ll give them everything. Every possible rule, limitation, quirk interaction, and hidden mechanics of New Order. Even if it won’t be enough, it’ll be something.
And above all—
‘If it weren’t for Kata… I’d have lost everyone. Not just two.’
My chest tightens. Gratitude. Regret. Grief. All tangled together.
I’m still sorting through the mess when someone knocks on the door.
“Who could that be?” Recovery Girl mutters, hopping down from her stool. She opens the door. “…Oh. It’s you, Kata.”
“Good morning, Recovery Girl.” His voice is its usual calm monotone, but softer. “I was hoping to speak with Cathleen. About what happened.”
“I see.” She nods knowingly and steps aside. “Don’t keep her too long.” Then she slips out, closing the door behind her.
I smile widely. “Great to see you again! Though I’d’ve preferred a reunion on American soil instead of an infirmary.”
He doesn’t smile back. Instead, he looks at me very quietly… not coldly, but deeply. Like he’s reading the truth I’m trying to bury under jokes.
Then, gently:
“You know… it’s okay not to be okay.”
I blink. “I’m fine, though?”
My arms are crossed, and head tilted. “I’m not a baby. I’m not gonna cry just because I lost.”
“I didn’t mean the loss.” His voice is steady, but comforting. “It’s not your fault.”
My throat tightens instantly, but before I can argue, he moves on.
“I came to tell you I’ll get your quirk back.”
It's said plainly. Like a statement of fact.
I close my eyes. “I’d rather you got rid of AFO for good than risk your life trying to retrieve New Order.”
“And I’d rather get it back.”
We stare at each other, me stubborn, him unrelenting and unphased.
In the end, I deflate first.
“…Fine. I can’t stop you anyway.” But despite myself, warmth grows in my chest. That he’d go through that for me, someone he barely knows…
After a few quiet seconds, I swallow and speak again.
“Thank you for saving my bros.” My voice cracks on the last word. “I don’t know how you brought them back from… from the hands of death, but I’m grateful.” I bow as I sit, but a soft force keeps me from fully bending.
“I didn’t revive anyone.” He says firmly. “That kind of power would be dangerous. I just managed to reach and heal them before they died. That’s all.”
They were dead.
I saw it.
But the look in his eyes tells me what he’s not saying. ‘I shouldn’t reveal it. Not even to the boys.’
“Regardless…” I murmur. “Thank you.”
He is silent for a moment. Then:
“…I’m sorry I couldn’t save them all.”
“Four is already more than anyone could’ve hoped for.” I smile. It's small, but real. The first real smile I've had since getting here. “I know you did your best.”
He nods. “That’s all I came for.”
He turns toward the door, but pauses with his hand on the handle.
“A quirk isn’t everything, Cathleen.” His tone hardens, not unkindly but with conviction. “So long as you’re alive, there’s hope for a better future. Don’t tell yourself that dying with New Order would’ve been the better outcome.”
My eyes fly open. “How do you—”
“And…” He cuts me off. “America’s Number One doesn’t stand alone. So many people believe in you. Your death would cause far more chaos than you losing a fight ever will.”
He looks back at me, just once. “Be proud you survived. There are people who’d be devastated if you didn’t.”
Then he slips out before I can reply.
I sit there, staring at the door.
And for the first time since waking up… the weight on my heart loosens.
‘There’s still hope, huh?’
Faces flash through my mind… colleagues, students, civilians, my squad. People waiting for me back home, with or without my quirk.
‘He’s right.’
I survived. I can still help. New Order or not.
Determination floods my chest, so intense I almost jump out of bed… but Recovery Girl opens the door and glares at me.
“Ahem.”
I freeze. “…I’ll stay in bed.”
She nods, satisfied, while I sink back into the sheets, lighter than before.
************
A/N: Hello Everyone! How are you all?
So I've sped up the pacing slightly. Next is gonna be the mall shopping stuff for the summer camp, as well as I-island after that. So plot will move forward. I've also found a way to ensure that all the girls are developed properly (although, less satisfying, but I'm kinda pressed by not having enough plot remaining to properly do it all🫠). So yeah, we'll soon be reaching the end, I believe. But that like within the next 50 chapters I believe. So there's still quite a bit of time. Of course, that's just a guess from me.
As for this chapter. I summarised a lot of stuff in the first half, since it's quite well explained in the manga, and I'd mostly be repeating things. So I won't talk too much about that. Himiko's gonna spill the beans, and encourage the girls to make progress too, and as for Cathleen's portion... I feel like that's the only part of this chapter I can be proud of🤣😭. I tried to balance her guilt and perseverance, while making Kata comforting, which hopefully ended up that way.
But yeah... That's all from me.
I hope you all enjoy the rest of your day/night 😁
Comments
AMV Weakly
She'd be too OP in the game If they do her right🤣. I'm glad you enjoyed it. I actually quite admire her character, and she's overall more powerful than canon All Might after they both lost their quirks completely. They didn't do her justice in canon😭
David Arenas
Thanks for the chapter. I really like the work you do giving Cathleen Bate a more prominent role. It makes one want to see her included in MHA: All's Justice.
AMV Weakly
Happy you liked it😁
Zero1zero1
Thanks for the chapter!
