Chapter 10: A New World (Nora)

The journey back to Sanctuary was silent. Izuku walked cautiously, making sure Nora could keep up. The former cryoprisoner was still weak and trembling, wrapped in the coat he had given her. Every now and then, her gaze would wander to the horizon, trying to make sense of the impossible.

When they finally arrived at Sanctuary, Nora stopped dead in her tracks.

Nora: (In a whisper, her face pale) No... this can't be...

In front of her, the ruined houses and streets covered in rubble shouted the truth: the world she had known no longer existed.

Izuku: (In a calm tone) I know it's a lot to take in...

Nora began to walk slowly through the destroyed houses. Her hands trembled as she touched the rotten wood of a door, the remains of a mailbox corroded by time.

Nora: (With a broken voice) This... was my home.

Izuku felt a lump in his throat. He had gone through this too, and though he hadn't fully accepted it yet, he knew what Nora was feeling.

Suddenly, a robotic voice interrupted them.

Codsworth: Mr. Izuku! Oh, and a new face! How was your trip?

Nora jumped at the sight of the floating butler, but Izuku placed a hand on her shoulder to calm her.

Izuku: Codsworth, this is Nora. She was in cryostasis in the vault… like me.

Codsworth turned his optics toward her.

Codsworth: Oh my… another survivor from before the war. Madam, allow me to welcome you to this... erm... new Sanctuary Hills.

Nora couldn't process it.

Nora: (Shaking her head) No… this isn't happening…

Izuku gently took her by the shoulders and made her look at him.

Izuku: (With firmness and understanding) Listen… I know this feels like a nightmare. I know it hurts. But you have to be strong. You're not alone.

Nora's eyes shone with tears. Everything inside her wanted to scream, but she knew he was right.

Nora: (Taking a deep breath, voice trembling) I'm not going to give up… but tell me, Izuku… what do we do now?

Izuku looked around, towards Sanctuary and the people he now called family. Piper, Eri, the rest of the group…

Izuku: (With determination) We survive. Together.

With those words, Nora knew her life didn't end here. It was just beginning.

---

End of Chapter 10.

Thank you for reading.