Yesterday all felt like a blur to me. It wasn't as if I was sore or not, although I did have some minor migraines, it was just more of how much I wanted to forget it. That event was as big of a reality check anyone could've gotten in this society. Real people's lives were on the line, I fought against a real villain, Iida and I were, in that moment, real heroes. I just wanted it to leave my mind and let me recover today. While I threw on my clothes and began to head downstairs, I heard, the news? From what Grandma and Grandpa told me, they used to have an old radio that the used to listen to the news. This is the first time I've ever seen it out of the storage closet.
"In other news, two rookie heroes saved a building of people yesterday from a villain known as, The Compressor," oh great, more news about yesterday. Just what I needed! "The two soon-to-be U.A students, Tenya Iida and Hoji Ikimasuta acted quickly to make sure everyone was safe. While we have no word from Ikimasuta, we do have some words from Iida, describing the events before and they're dynamic chemistry." As I heard Iida talk about our lunch beforehand, I pulled up a chair to the table, getting Grandpa's attention.
"Ah, well, good morning Hoji. Glad to see you're doing okay after yesterday," he turned off the radio, garnering my Grandma's attention from the radio to me. As she went to go get breakfast I rested my head into my arms. I felt so drained, like I haven't sleep for days. Maybe I was just being too negative about everything.
"When did you guys decide to bring the radio back out?" I inquired. Although I thought I knew the answer, I just wanted some confirmation.
"Well Hoji, ever since yesterday, we considered bringing it back out so we can be alert of what's going on in the city," bingo, just as I suspected. I could understand that reason however, their 15-year-old grandson did square off with a villain while out with a friend. Of course, they'd want to be informed about their surroundings.
As Grandma finished setting breakfast on the table, a black car rolled up and parked on the sidewalk. I heard a knock at the door and went to answer. As I opened the door I was greeted by a stalky, squarish man in what appeared to be a trench coat. His dark hair appeared to be combed down, either that or the hat. I'd never seen this man before, was he so lost that he found his way here?
"Is this the Ikimasuta household?" His voice was flat and smooth, like the top of a stick of butter, "I'm Naomasa Tsukauchi, Police Force." I was greeted by a golden badge with the Police Force logo engraved into it, he had the proof. But is he here for why I think he is? Most likely, yes.
"Yeah, you found it. We're in the middle of breakfast, care to join us?" Grandma always made more than enough breakfast for us in the morning. I don't think she'd mind another mouth to feed.
"While I appreciate the offer, I came for you, Hoji," yep, he's here for the reason I think he's here for, "I'm going to ask you to come with me."
"Alright, but can I at least finish my breakfast and let my folks know?" He gave a nod as I went back into the kitchen. I told them everything and, while seeming a bit to calm, Grandma packed my breakfast and I was out the door. As we slipped into the car, I started to wonder why now the police would want me and not yesterday?
It was a long, awkward ride to the police station. I had nothing to strike up a conversation with, not since yesterday. The station felt like it was on the other side of the city, but the car at least was comfortable. We pulled up to the station and parked in the garage. After some security, we finally arrived in an interrogation room. We both pulled up some chairs and got started. Mr. Tsukauchi pulled out a picture of a middle-aged woman. Her short, dark brown hair and green eyes struck me as familiar, but I can't put my finger on it.
"Tell me Hoji, do you who this woman is?" I shook my head no, "Her name is Prika, she used to be a normal woman. She had a husband and a son she loved, or so it seemed. An incident about 11 years ago lost her husband and her son."
I looked at him curiously, unwrapping my breakfast, "So, what does this have to do with me again?"
"Well, she murdered her husband and lost custody of her son. She was sentenced to life in prison, but broke out somehow and she's on the loose," his eyes narrowed at me, trying to add tension to the mood.
"Again, what does this have to do with me?" I couldn't see the point in bringing me all the way out here for no reason.
He took a deep breath before he spoke, "Hoji, she's your mother."
Yep, my mind broke. The chopsticks and rice I was holding at that moment hit the floor. I looked at him in utter shock and despair, "You're kidding, right? This is just a cruel joke, right? Please tell me it's a cruel joke!" Tears welled up in my eyes. My arms were trembling, this was bad. If I lost focus now, the next two blocks could be wiped off the map. He tried to put and arm on me as I was freaking out, my breathing going heavy. The lady who took away the father I loved so much, was on the loose? What if she was after me? What if I don't even make it to 16?
"Hoji! Please calm down!" Mr. Tsukauchi was trying to calm me down, to some avail. After some deep breathing I was, mostly calm. He continued to speak, "We're worried she could be after you, and considering you're going into U.A, it'll make things easier for her. What I want to do is make sure you have some protection, is that alright." I nodded shakily.
"What did you have in mind exactly?" My voice cracked what could I assumed two times higher than normal.
"As of now, I'll be escorting you to and from school, in addition to some surveillance outside your home," I felt the compassion and concern in his voice, it soothed me honestly. As we walked out to the garage we exchanged numbers just in case anything happened, and he told me that he had explained the circumstances to Grandma and Grandpa. We pulled up to the house and he told me he'd pick me up around 6 in the morning. I was on autopilot, just nodding and walking out of the car and inside. I didn't so much as look and my grandparents as I went upstairs and laid on my bed. It may had been the afternoon, but I was out.
It was a seemingly calm evening, Mom and Dad were cooking in the kitchen and I was watching television in the other room. They suddenly started arguing about something, and I walked into the room.
"I can't believe you've been lying to me all this time!" My mother roared as she pushed my dad against the sink. "You could've told me you were a Quirkless fuck! But you just had to lead me on didn't you!"
My father looked worried as we locked gazes for a moment. He turned to her and tried to soothe the situation, "Didn't my Dad tell you about that? Let's just deal with this calmly. Hoji's right there." Well he tried, but she was not having it.
"You lied to me for four years! We were supposed to have a child with a combined Quirk, but instead he has your Grandfather's?" She grabbed a kitchen knife and raised it up high. "I'll kill you and your filthy son!" With that she stabbed him in the chest. His bloodcurdling scream rung out throughout the room, blood quickly spilt onto the floor. Her gaze turned to mine as she yanked the knife out of his chest. The blade was dripping with fresh blood as she moved closer. I was shaking, so scared I began to cry. As soon as she raised the blade, everything went white.
I woke up covered in cold sweat, it was tomorrow already. I panted heavily, of course I wouldn't have a day to rest before my first day at a prestigious school. My stomach growled, I've missed out on two meals yesterday. Barely managing to stand, I hit the shower and did my morning routine of train, then food. My phone went off, it was Mr. Tsukauchi, telling me he was outside. As I headed towards the door, I thought it would be a good idea to grab my blade. He noticed the weapon as I threw it into the backseat along with my bag.
"And what might that be for?" He asked curiously.
"Well, my Quirk requires immense concentration. Consider the fact the past two days I couldn't recover, this is a better alternative to a dead kid." I remarked as we headed off. The school felt just as far if not farther away than the station. I was surprised how comfortable the uniforms were, I did look like I was wearing a suit. We arrived way faster than me walking would, which I was fine with. As I grabbed my things from the backseat, he spoke to me.
"Don't hurt anybody with that thing," he warned.
"I pray that day doesn't come for a while," I responded. And with that, I was off.
The school was large, but thanks to a few signs, I knew where I was going. I looked down at the slip of paper I had. "Class 1-A," it read. I looked up above the doors until I found it. I took a few deep breaths, swallowed nervously, and opened the door. It felt like everyone was looking at me, which they were by the way. Awkwardly shaking and confused at what to say, I raised my hand and did a slight wave. Hallelujah they stopped looking at me, but I couldn't shake the feeling that I was the topic of all their conversations. I meandered on back to the last seat in the middle section, setting my stuff down.
"Hey," I jumped at the greeting. Oh, thank god it was only Iida.
"Hey, ya need something?" I asked looking up at him. Guess he wanted to talk about yesterday.
"What is that leaning against your chair?" He pointed to the sword. Man, I should come up with a name for it so I'd sound a lot cooler when I explained it.
"It's a sword. You've never seen one?"
"Of course, I've seen one! My question is why did you bring it?" He seemed kind of angry, so I tried to calm him down. Last thing I wanted was more attention.
"Well, you see.." I leaned him in close and explained my situation to him. I saw his face get serious and we continued to whisper about it.
"So, you're using it only for self-defense?"
"I'm not a murderer like she is Iida. That and it can substitute for my quirk in some situations."
Right as our conversation was getting good, who I thought to be the world's most unfortunate insomniac walked into the room. He introduced himself as Shota Aizawa and told us to grab our P.E clothes and head to the P.E grounds. I grabbed my sword (seriously, I need to think of a name for this thing) and held it by my side as we all walked out.
Mr. Aizawa explained that we'd be having a "Quirk Apprehension Test" and that the lowest score will be expelled. I saw that Bomb Kid had quite the sour reaction, but I kind of did too. A test testing our Quirks, and I couldn't use mine? All I had to rely on was my natural ability from my training.
As the tests went on, I was barely doing ok. The grip test, 50m dash, and both jumps I did okay in. The pitch on the other hand, well the other students made it so that raw throwing power wouldn't cut it. For some reason, that Midoriya kid went before me. And boy howdy, Mr. Aizawa went off on that poor kid. Then Midoriya made him eat his words.
"Next up," he seemed tired, like I've been these past few days. I had to come up with a strategy, and fast. All options pointed to my Quirk, but now, I really had to focus. I stood at the mound, I decided to preform it as if I was training at home. I set the ball down, much to everyone's bewilderment and confusion, and thrusted myself into my deep thought. The ball began to move off the ground, surrounded by a faint purple outline. I moved my hands back to my chest and moved the ball closer. Aizawa was losing his patience, but the other students watched in suspense. With one final deep breath, I launched that ball. I launched it so hard the force made the surrounding air explode. I went to my knees, using my sword to keep myself posted.
"You know what sucks?" I spoke between heavy breaths, trying to stand up, "These past three days have been nothing but action. I haven't had any proper meals, and sleep has been off the table. I couldn't even go at half power." Now I wasn't bragging, that was an actual statement. I've been under so much strain that I couldn't even go half way. My legs were shaking like gelatin, my head was throbbing, I felt like I was about to puke. All I wanted was a decent meal and some sleep.
"Ikimasuta, you know where the nurse is?" It was Aizawa. I couldn't tell if he was being condescending or not. I shook my head no. Man, even responding hurt! "Go with Midoriya, alright?" I saw Bomb Kid glance in my direction. I propped myself up and made my way to catch up with him. We didn't talk much on the way there. Not like I didn't want to, it was just that I couldn't.
"Midoriya, who's your friend there?" It was the nurse. I guess he's been here before. Not that I cared, I was having trouble just staying awake. She turned away for a moment, checking some papers. I thought I saw my face on there, but I was close to blacking out, so it mattered not. Right when she turned to speak to me I fell onto the ground, darkness taking control of my vision. I was going out, and no one was stopping me.
My eyes slowly opened, my vision was blurry and my body refused to cooperate. I groaned as I rose, putting a hand on my head. I turned my head and barely made out two figures. I got both of their attention as I tried to get out of the infirmary bed.
"Hoji, you alright?" It was Mr. Tsukauchi. Why was he here? I looked outside and saw the sky was a magnificent orange. I was out for the whole day?
"Think so, the sleep I got at last helped," I responded as I rubbed my eyes. I could stand without shaking finally. I was still tired, but glad at the thought of getting some decent shut-eye tonight.
"Come on, I got something special for you," Mr. Tsukauchi led me out to the car. I was happy to finally be going home. Or that's what I thought. I was surprised when we pulled up to what looked like a restaurant and told me it was his treat. We got in and found a table. I got about 3 bowls of rice and some Chicken Yakisoba. When the food came, I didn't hesitate to begin eating right then and there. I earned a chuckle from Tsukauchi, I think he knew that I hadn't eaten properly in days.
I let out a sigh as I set down my chopsticks, leaning back a bit, "Thank you, I needed that badly."
"Your welcome. I guess now you're back to normal," he laughed a bit as I joined in.
"You got that right!"
After we paid and hopped back into the car, I felt more relaxed. Maybe next time I won't pass out from using my Quirk. And maybe I'll find a name for my father's sword.
Tomorrow's problems are for tomorrow's me.
Good lord this took me a while. It's surprising how well this series has gained traction over the past few days. Thank you all for reading! Mayhem out!
