In the bustling cafeteria, Ellen joined Shinwa and Kaori, and after exchanging casual pleasantries and catching up, the conversation shifted to a more serious topic.
Kaori: "Ellen, there's something important we need to discuss. It's about Ken and Shoya—their current situation and what they went through because of the League of Villains and All For One."
Shinwa: "We believe your quirk, Gates of Heaven, could be the key to helping Toshinori. He's in a dire state, and your power might be our best chance to assist him."
Ellen: "I see. But I must decline. I have my reasons."
Kaori: "We understand there's some past between you and Toshinori. Could you tell us what happened? We remember you had feelings for him, and things changed suddenly."
Ellen: "It's a painful memory. I once confessed my feelings to Toshinori, but he rejected me harshly. He accused me of using him like others had and insulted me in a way that hurt deeply. Since then, I've been unable to reconcile with him."
Shinwa: "I'm sorry to hear that. But we need to set aside past grievances. The current situation is critical. Ken and Shoya are not brothers; they were best friends. They're suffering, and Toshinori is in a state that might be irreversible without your help."
Ellen: "I understand the urgency, but my past with Toshinori still lingers. I need to think about it."
Kaori: "Please reconsider. The pain of seeing our loved ones suffer, knowing we might be able to help but can't, is unbearable. Toshinori needs you, and if you could look past your personal grievances, you might make a difference."
In the grandeur of the Mer Mansion Ellen met with her father, Diego, the No. 1 hero and King of Russia. The opulence of the mansion contrasted starkly with the heavy weight of their conversation.
Ellen: "Father, I spoke with Shinwa and Kaori today. They need my help for Toshinori. They believe my quirk, Gates of Heaven, could help him."
Diego: "I see. And what did you decide?"
Ellen: "I initially declined. I still harbor resentment towards Toshinori. After I confessed my feelings to him, he rejected me harshly. He accused me of using him and insulted me deeply."
Diego: "Ellen, there's something you need to know. I was the one who pushed Toshinori away and manipulated him into saying those things."
Ellen: "What do you mean?"
Diego: "I was afraid that a quirkless person like Toshinori would destroy the royal lineage of our family. I forced him to reject you and disassociate from us. I thought it was necessary to protect our legacy."
Ellen's eyes widened in shock and betrayal. Her father's confession cut deep, and the weight of the truth was almost unbearable.
Diego: "I regret it every day. I see now how my actions have led to this situation. Toshinori's suffering, and now the suffering of Ken and Shoya, is partly my fault. I wanted to protect our family, but I only caused more pain."
Ellen's tears began to flow as she processed her father's words. The realization of the true reasons behind Toshinori's harsh rejection, combined with the knowledge of her father's deep regret, overwhelmed her.
Ellen: "Father… why didn't you tell me this before? I've been carrying this anger and hurt for years, and now I see it was all for nothing."
Diego: "I'm sorry, Ellen. I was blinded by my own fears and failed to see the bigger picture. Now, I want to make amends. Help Toshinori. Help them all. It's the least I can do to right my wrongs."
Ellen nodded, her resolve strengthening as she wiped away her tears. The pain of the past had not dissipated, but the need to correct the wrongs outweighed her bitterness.
Ellen reunited with Shinwa and Kaori in a secluded corner of the café, her face pale but resolute. As she recounted the painful truths about her past with Toshinori, her voice trembled with a mix of sorrow and determination.
Ellen: "I've learned that my father's decisions drove Toshinori to bear his burdens alone. He was forced to reject me and endure hardships, all to protect our family's legacy. I was hurt, but now I understand why he acted the way he did."
Shinwa and Kaori listened in stunned silence, absorbing the weight of Ellen's revelations.
Kaori: "So, your father… he manipulated Toshinori and forced him into that rejection?"
Ellen: "Yes, and it breaks my heart to know that the pain I felt was just a part of a much bigger tragedy. Toshinori has been suffering, bearing scars both physical and emotional. He has endured so much alone, and it's my fault for not seeing it."
Shinwa: "And you're willing to help him despite everything?"
Ellen: "I have to. My feelings for Toshinori have always been deep. I loved him, and despite the hurt, I can't just walk away. I want to make him remember everything, to show him that he can't just leave after causing so much pain. He needs to understand what he's done and face it."
Kaori and Shinwa exchanged glances, recognizing the profound love and unwavering determination in Ellen's eyes. Despite the years of hurt and rejection, Ellen's commitment to helping Toshinori was undeniable.
Shinwa: "Ellen, your love for Toshinori is clear. Even after everything, you're willing to stand by him. We'll support you in helping him remember and find redemption."
Ellen: "Thank you. I need to do this, not just for Toshinori but for my own heart as well. I won't let him face this alone, nor will I let my past wounds go unhealed. I will be there for him, no matter what it takes."
Ellen, Shinwa, and Kaori made a pact to join UA and support their respective loved ones. Their determination to help Toshinori, Ken, and Shoya drove their decision.
Kaori: "I'll enroll at UA to be close to Shoya. He needs someone who understands him, and I want to help him remember his past and the bond we shared."
Shinwa: "I'm joining UA to be near Ken. I know he needs to come to terms with his past, and I'll do everything I can to help him remember and heal."
Ellen: "I'll be at UA too. Toshinori needs to confront his past, and I want to be there to help him through it. Despite everything, I'm committed to helping him remember who he truly is."