T he weekend was a long one. Between packing up my belongings, having to leave my parents and what few friends I had, and flying to Japan, I was beat.
The apartment they had set up for me wasn't bad, and supposedly not too far away from the school either. I had still yet to see the school, but I had a feeling it was going to be over the top. Left on my dresser was a map of the city. Apparently, someone didn't know about maps on a smartphone. The map was helpful, regardless, pointing out shortest routes to the school, closest restaurants, and stores. I already knew I would need to visit one of the stores to pick up food for lunch during the week, hoping they would have some western foods that I was used to.
As I explored the rest of the apartment I realized that all school supplies that I would need were already packed into a backpack for me. Looks like I didn't need that supply list after all, which was a big help. As for the uniforms, it seems Nezu got one part wrong. The uniforms were too small. I had recently hit a major growth spurt and went up 2 sizes in the last year. Looks like I would have to wear regular clothes to U.A. for now.
It was growing close to lunch time by the time I got everything set up, and by now, all I was, was tired and hungry. Deciding to take a look around the city and pick up food while I was out, I left the apartment.
By the time I realized I had forgotten both my phone and the map at the apartment, I had already ended up lost. Apparently, it was painfully obvious to those surrounding me of the predicament I was in.
"Excuse me, miss? You look a little lost."
I whipped around to see a boy about my age with bright red hair standing on end and the widest grin I'd ever seen. His clothes were casual, blue jean shorts, t-shirt, and red crocs to match his hair.
"Oh man, do you not speak Japanese? Uh, English?" The boy seemed to be floundering now to try and figure out if I could understand him.
"Both," was my only answer.
"Oh! Good then! You're not from around here are you?"
"How could you tell?" I smiled wryly, knowing the answer.
"Well, as I said earlier, you look a little lost. And as a hero in training, it is my job to help you."
"Oh? A hero in training?"
"Yup! Manly, huh?"
"Very. Well Mr, Hero in Training, care to help me find the grocery store?"
"Sure! It wouldn't be very manly if I didn't. Plus, I was just headed there myself! The names Kirishima, by the way."
"Well Kirishima, it's nice to meet you. I'm Jade Radcliffe, but please call me Jade."
And that was how Jade made her first friend in Japan. She didn't realize it at the time, but they would become close, close enough for Jade to trust with her life. She also didn't realize that with Kirishima, came a group of rowdy teenagers, all heros in training, all her future classmates, and all people she would one day call family.
