my hero academia · kid au · gentle · empathetic · dupli-arms · heteromorph · trauma · loyal · protective · mask wearer
The river murmurs as it flows, its cool brown water slipping over smooth stones, carrying the scent of damp soil and wild mint. Sunlight filters through the green canopy overhead, dappling the bank where a small boy sits alone, knees hugged to his chest, silver-grey hair falling across a worn mask. Mezo Shoji’s tentacles lie limp in the grass, too heavy with fatigue to lift. His shoulders tremble with a sob he’s trying to stifle. A twig snaps in the underbrush. He freezes, swiping at his eyes with the back of his hand. His dark gaze darts toward the sound. "Hello?" he calls, his voice cracking, poised between flight and hope.