Musutafu, Japan: Shuzenji Residence - (14/3/2017 6:14 PM.)
As the keys jingle audibly against the metallic keyhole, a few muffled footsteps draw near the door. The elder steps back once the doorknob twists. The door creaks open and a silver eye gleams from the tiny slit. It darts about and narrows onto the concealed woman. A soft slam could be heard as the door shuts. A wary voice calls out, "Who's there?!"
An endearing smile perks on saggy cheeks as the elder removes her winter cap, "Sweetie it's me, Chiyo-san."
A few thuds and jangles resonate from the other side of the door. "A-ah! Sorry! I'll open the door now." The final lock becomes undone and the elder casually makes her way inside the apartment. A cool breeze blows through the door, thus filling the room with a bitter chill. The girl manages to shut the door and comes down for a bow, "W-welcome home Mama-chan!" She happily smiles and helps the elder with her luggage. After placing the baggage in her room, she returns to provide more assistance.
The girl leans towards the small lady and carefully removes the oversized coat she was wearing. "L-let me get that for you! I'll also prepare your bath if you'd like." Before anything else could be done she looks at her caretaker and notices her firm glare. A-ah...I did it again didn't I?.. The teen thinks to herself and patiently waits for the elder to speak.
The elder frowns as the girl continues to pamper her. She firmly takes her stand and waits for the teen return from her room. The elder wastes no time to reprimand, "I've told you several times that you don't have to be so formal with me." She proceeds to lecture the child and scoffs, "Aiko, although I appreciate what you're doing, you need to understand that you don't owe me anything. All I ask of you is that you live an honest life where you can be a better person." She turns to the conflicted teen and beams a warm smile at her, "I know these past few months have been difficult...but you'll get the swing of things eventually."
Aiko, the troubled teen, looks down in embarrassment. She's been trying so hard to impress her caretaker that she forgot how to act appropriately. Aiko sighs, the embarrassment is a overwhelming and it starts to get the better of her. Although she understands that the elder means well, she can't help but feel somewhat detached from her caretaker. The girl's timid smile soon fades and an emotionless glare stares at the floor.
"It's been 5 months since you took me in, but I still haven't been able to get my act together…" There is a small pause as tears begin to brew in her eyes. Aiko takes a deep breath and continues, "I swear I'm trying...but everytime I try to open myself to other options something bad ends up happening." Muffled sniffles escape through gritted teeth and Aiko admits in defeat, "Just look at what happened last year in M.A.H1…"
The elder's frown subsides. She slowly approaches Aiko and places her hand on the child's shoulder. The woman offers solace and carefully coos, "Those fools wouldn't know real talent even if it hit them. Besides, it's not your fault that-"
Aiko shakes her head and cries out, "Exactly 54 people were injured that day because of me…" Frustration. Anger. Regret. Those are but a few emotions Aiko has to deal with because of what had happened. Although she realizes that there was nothing she could've done she still feels responsible for that vile attack. The girl goes silent and turns away from her guardian. She can no longer contain herself and proceeds to break down in front of the elder.
Fresh hot tears burst from ruby eyes while Aiko furiously tries to rub them away. She knows that crying is a good way to mend the soul but is afraid it'll expose her weaknesses. "I just..need time alone.." She whimpers and does her best to avoid the elder. Aiko tries to flee to her room but thankfully the elder was fast enough to stop her.
"Shh shh, it's ok...come here, it's ok sweetie." Chiyo coos and offers comfort with open arms. The girl concedes and quickly dashes towards the elderly lady. Aiko lets out muffled sniffles until it snowballs into uncontrollable sobs. Her bottled up emotions have been set free and the elder happily smiles, "You're a good child Aiko. Don't let others say otherwise. Yes, what happened was unfortunate but look at where you are now! You're healing and doing better for yourself and those that were harmed." Chiyo turns to her surrogate daughter and a proud smile shines towards her, "I'm proud to have such a strong daughter like you."
Through her woe and regret, Aiko listens closely at what the elder has to say. The overflow of tears begins to subside as the girl slowly calms down. It takes her several more minutes before she is completely calm. Through tearful chokes Aiko replies, "I'm glad to have met you Mama-chan..thank you for giving me a chance where others would not."
The two smile at each other one last time before Aiko's grip weakens. She rubs her puffy eyes and slowly returns to her timid self. The elder turns to Aiko and quietly asks, "If you need more time to reevaluate your decision we can call off the meeting."
Aiko shakes her head and takes a deep breath, "No, I think it's best if I make my decision now." She pauses for a moment and finally comes to a conclusion, "I would like to attend the most challenging and prestigious school there is." She confidently asserts herself before adding, "That way I can prove to myself that no matter what background people may come from: they can always strive to be something above what they were destined."
The girl becomes overwhelmed in embarrassment as her caretaker leans onto her for a big smooch. Chiyo happily kisses Aiko's forehead and a jovial laugh escapes the elder, "Haha! That's my girl! Always looking at the bright side regardless of how trivial things may be." She reaches for her phone and dials a number. Before the call goes through she turns to Aiko and cheerfully exclaims, "Go on and get ready, he'll be here within the hour. And don't worry sweetie, he's a good man."
Aiko simply smiles as the elder converses on the phone. She heads towards her room to get a fresh pair of clothes and stops at the mirror. Her thoughts run wild once she realizes what she agreed to. Ahhhhh! I can't believe I just did that! Wait...DID SHE SAY HE'LL BE HERE IN LESS THAN AN HOUR?! AHH! I GOTTA GET READY! Aiko lets out an exasperated groan and idly grumbles to herself while getting dressed.
Thirty minutes pass before a soft knock is heard coming from the door. The elder had just finished brewing tea and she casually strolls towards the door. She peeks through the peephole and sees nothing but a shadow covering her vision. A soft chuckle resonates and she happily exclaims, "Aiko! Your guests are here!"
A muffled commotion comes from the girl's room as she hastily dashes towards the living room. She's dressed in a red sweatshirt accompanied with dark brown cargo pants and brown boots. The headset around her neck does nothing to help with the professional attire her elder hoped she'd wear. A quiet sigh escapes old lips before the elder slowly opens the door. The elder greets the guests and proceeds to head to her room. She turns to Aiko and waves before giving them space to get properly acquainted.
An abnormally huge man dressed in a business suit slowly steps inside the quiet apartment. Once inside, a small creature dressed in similar apparel suddenly springs out of the man's coat. Aiko stares perplexed by such a bizarre sight and hesitantly bows, "H-hello...I'm Aiko. Aiko Amanati-Shuzenji, it's a pleasure to meet you two." She comes up from her bow and offers to take their coats.
"My my, polite and well mannered!" The small creature exclaims and happily claps his paws, "Not a lot of people have those qualities these days." It turns to the man and ponders, "Hmm, curious. Usually people freak out over your presence but she seems unfazed."
The man rubs his massive chin while his toothy grin is focused on the small creature. "Well, I'm not one to really care for fame so that's fine. So long as people are safe, that's all that matters." He turns to the girl and urges, "Come, let's sit down and discuss about your recommendation into U.A over a cup of tea." His smile shines ever so brightly thus inspiring the girl to greet him with her own.
She places three cups for each person and slowly begins pouring them with the freshly brewed tea. Once the table is set and the drinks have been served the man makes himself clear, "Aiko, I'll be honest with you. We came here because Shuzenji-sama confirmed you're willing to participate in U.A's newest program." The man pauses and looks down for a moment. Thirty seconds pass before he continues, "Is this something you really want to do? Both the principal and I know that you're more than capable of becoming a top student in U.A but we want to know if you're willing to commit yourself to this." He contemplates and looks out the window on his right. A deep sigh escapes him, "A hero's duty is not an easy task. It's grueling work that constantly demands your one-hundred percent." He returns his gaze towards the girl and solemnly states, "Is this what you want to dedicate yourself to? Helping people no matter what? We can grant you that wish, so long as you are definitely sure it's something you want to do."
Aiko remains silent for a whole minute. She closes her eyes and reaches deep down inside her psyche to meditate. What is it I seek? I don't plan on using this experience for power or fame. Certainly not for some sort of revenge either...What is it that I seek?... She opens her eyes and finally makes up her mind, "Yes. I want to make up for the wrongs I've caused. Not just mine, but for the people that act with impunity too. I want to bring those who intend on harming our peace to the light of justice. That is what I seek."
A genuine smile perks on his chiseled face. The man can't stop smiling and happily chuckles as he hands the girl a sealed letter. He turns to the small creature and confidently exclaims, "She's got the same resolve as the kid! I'd like to see her grow into a fine hero someday."
The small animal turns to the man and happily smiles, "Ah! Such vitality and resolve behind those words! She's definitely U.A material, wouldn't you agree All-Might?" He turns Aiko and applauds, "Congratulations and welcome to U.A High School!."
Shuzenji Residence: First Day of School - (1/4/2017 5:30 AM.)
Electric buzzing screeches throughout the room and an exhausted Aiko groans aloud. She pounds the alarm with a solid wallop before hazily waking up. Although she shouldn't have been using her phone all night, she still continued to anyways. She thinks to herself, Ugh...morning already?...I knew watching those recordings on Protoguise2 wasn't worth it...Well...who am I kidding? Of course they're worth it! She finally sits upwards and yawns aloud. She stretches out and suddenly falls on the bed again this time somewhat awake. Her gaze focuses on the ceiling fan and casually follows its slow gyrations. Hmm, I wonder what today will bring. Maybe there will be some nice people...I just hope they don't find out about me… She sighs one last time before fully waking up. The girl stands up and realizes she's still in her night clothes. A tired yawn escapes her as she casually makes her way to the closet. There hangs her new uniform. A pearly white shirt with a smoky grey blazer and a navy blue skirt are hers to wear now. She takes a moment to admire the solid design and silently whispers to herself, "Alright Aiko, this is who you'll be representing now. I'll make them proud no matter what!" She confidently switched outfits and admires herself in the mirror. S-so cute ;w; She twirls and gingerly laughs as the skirt springs up a bit. She ponders for a moment and decides to wear shorts under the skirt from now on. Once ready, she proceeds to head out of the room and cautiously knocks at the elder's door. "Mama-chan! Are you awake?" She whispers aloud and patiently waits for the elder to respond.
The elder replies, "Yeah, I'll be there shortly just give me a moment."
Aiko smiles and happily calls out, "Ok! I'll go ahead and make us our lunches!" She makes her way to the kitchen and happily hums to herself. "Da dum..da dum la la la la laaa~"
The soothing hums echo throughout the kitchen. The girl is too caught up in her moment that she doesn't realize the elder is watching closely. She turns to her right and stops once she notices the elder applauding the performance, "Hehe, quite the lovely tune you've got."
The girl simply ignores the comment and quickly dashes to her elder. She smiles and does her little twirl and ends it with a cheerful, "Tada!"
The elder smiles and happily teases, "You trying to impress someone today?~"
Aiko pouts and groans, "Ughhhh! Nooooooo, I'm capable enough to take care of myself. Thank you very much!" She brags before excitedly urging, "Anyways, we need to hurry or else we'll be late!" With that, the mother and daughter happily go out the door. Aiko can't help but skip along the way and happily exclaims, "I'm just too excited!" A jovial laugh escapes her as it ends with an embarrassing snort. She ignores the elder's teasings and stares in awe once they arrive at the school's main entrance. Her eyes sparkle with amazement by how huge the school is. She turns to her elder and jumps in joy knowing this will be the second most important event in her new life.
1 Ministry for Aspiring Heroes. (M.A.H)
2 Protoguise: Rank 67 Stealth/Infiltration Hero. Quirk: Doppelganger.