Dragon of the Academia-16
"So, how does it feel to be free after ten years of being locked up in the mental ward?" Athena asked, walking through the mall with her companion, and Saffron on her shoulders.
"It feels, different, but in a good way." Rei said, her hair in a braid. "So where are we going now?"
"Now, we're going to… oh hold on, my mom just sent me a text." Athena said, pulling her scroll from her pocket. "Oh, looks like we have to go home now. My mom's wanting to talk to me about internships."
"Oh, too bad. I was really enjoying out time at the mall." Rei smiled. "But let's not keep your mom waiting."
After turning around, and heading for the train station, while bringing their purchases with them. Rei had really changed attire since she left the hospital. Her clothes no longer consisted of those dreary boring gowns, but now consisted of a light blue top, with a shall and a pair of jeans and open toed laced sandals. Catching the next train to their district was a breeze to, as they weren't that far from it.
"So, how's my Shoto in class?" Rei asked, sitting next to Athena on the train.
"He's great. He's one of the top students in class." Athena smiled. "He works very hard, and he's always pushing himself to do better at his studies."
"That sounds like him alright." Rei said, looking at Athena's left arm. "I'm sorry you had to force Shoto to use his full power."
"What this? Don't be sorry, I'm glad I got him to take the first step in accepting who he really is." Athena said, raising her left hand. She figured that her idea of keeping her gemstone arms covered was a pretty bad one since they had been completely exposed during the Sports Festival, so she just went without the silicone sleeves and left her limbs out for the world to see. "Besides, it was my own fault this happened. I used my full strength against him, when I knew for a fact, my body wasn't able to handle it."
"But still he's my son. I still feel somewhat responsible for it." Rei said.
"Well you shouldn't." Athena said. "Like I said, this was my decision. Now enough about that."
After reaching their stop, and getting off the train, Athena and Rei made their way back to the house, one in which Rei never thought would have been bought out by Athena's family. She'd managed to form a good friendship with Yang and Blake ever since Athena first started visiting her in the hospital, and has been there for Athena to lay her troubles down on, giving her advice where it was needed, and now she was living in the same house, being under the legal watch and care of Golden Huntress and Shadow Huntress, since coming out of the hospital.
"I was really surprised when Enji signed off on my release. I wasn't expecting him to do that." Rei said. "I didn't think I was ready, since I was still being kept there."
"Well according to the doctors, you've been stable enough to be discharged for the last couple months now, so I don't see why he would keep you there, unless it was to make sure you were actually ready to leave." Athena said as they walked through the gates. "C'mon, my mom has something to show us in the courtyard before she wants to talk about my internship."
"Alright." Rei said, following Athena to the courtyard. When the door of the hall, leading to the courtyard slid open, Rei was taken aback by what she saw.
"Surprise. Welcome home Rei." Several people cheered, two of which, were her children Natsuo and Fuyumi. The others were Yang, and Blake with each of them carrying the twins, and Toshinori.
"What is all this?" Rei asked.
"It's a home welcoming party." Athena said. "I might have spent the morning distracting you while Mom and Mama set this all up."
"But there's someone else here who wants to see you." Toshinori smiled.
Stepping out of the way, the five people revealed Rei's youngest son, Shoto, standing behind them, a bit of a worried look on his face when he saw her.
"Shoto." Rei said, tearing up when she saw him.
"Mom." Todoroki said. "I…"
Todoroki stopped talking when Rei used her ice to bring herself to him, and pulled him in for a surprise hug.
"I've missed you." Rei said. "I'm so sorry, for everything that I did."
"It wasn't your fault mom." Todoroki said, returning the hug. "It was Endeavor's fault. He drove you to the breaking point."
"That's enough Shoto. Just let mom have this." Fuyumi said.
"But he is right. It is that bastard's fault you snapped, and Toya is dead." Natsuo said, before receiving an elbow to the chest from his older sister.
"Natsuo, let mom have this moment. An' watch your language, there are impressionable infants here." Fuyumi said.
"We also have another surprise for you all actually." Blake smiled.
"Due to the fact we have so much space, we've decided, to offer the four of you, a place to live, here in the house you grew up in, if you're interested." Yang added.
"Are you serious?" Fuyumi asked.
"You'd have to pay rent, but it'd be a smaller amount that what you're currently paying, I wager." Blake smiled. "As long as you don't mind there being a couple babies in the house."
"I don't mind I love children. When can I get my stuff moved in?" Fuyumi asked.
"I'd appreciate a cheaper place to stay, the manor is closer to my college to." Natsuo said.
"Perfect. You can start moving in as soon as possible. Just let us know the day you'll be bringing your stuff in, in advance." Yang smiled.
"What about me?" Todoroki asked.
"You actually don't have a choice." Blake said.
"Blake and I have been made your legal guardians until your mom is ready to try and get a job with some stable income." Yang said. "Endeavor signed the legal paperwork and everything."
"Well, at least you're no longer gonna be abused by him." Natsuo smiled. "So let's party."
As the party went on, Athena couldn't help but smile at how Rei was already merging back into society quite well, and the smile she had, showed she was the happiest Athena had ever seen her, in the entire time she's known Rei.
"Enjoying the party?" Toshinori asked, sitting next to her.
"Yeah, I'm actually really happy for Rei right now." Athena smiled. "She deserves this, her happiness."
"I'm glad you think so." Toshinori smiled. 'Always thinking of others before herself. She and Young Midoriya are more alike than she thinks.' He thought, before reaching into his pocket and handing her a folded piece of paper. "Here."
"What's this?" Athena asked.
"A Royalties Check." Toshinori said.
"For what?" Athena inquired, before opening it. "Holy, are you sure they didn't misplace the decimal point somewhere?"
"Nope that's the amount they want to give you. You know the company that makes all of All Might's merchandise?" Toshinori asked, knowing to talk about his alter ego, like he was someone else entirely.
"Yeah, why do you ask?" Athena inquired, pocketing the check.
"They contacted me and Yang last night, wanting to make merchandise, based off you." All Might said.
"You're kidding. I don't even have my provisional license yet." Athena exclaimed.
"Nope, I'm serious." Toshinori said, with Saffron hopping on his shoulder. "You've already made a name for yourself with that showing of power you did against Young Todoroki in the Sports Festival. But when they saw you take down Endeavor, and two former classmates, in your hero costume, they wanted to sign a contract with you. But since you're not eighteen yet, your mom was the one who signed the contract for you."
"So… what am I supposed to do with 500,000 Yen?" Athena inquired.
"First you need to deposit the check, then you figure out what you're gonna do with it." Toshinori said. "But for now, don't you have a singing idol you need to go and do makeup for?"
"Oh right, tonight's the night of Reaper Rose's next video. Thanks Uncle Toshi." Athena said, putting down her cup, with Saffron jumping into her shoulders as she moved past him, stopping at Rei first. "Rei listen, I'm so sorry, but I have to go to my part time job."
"It's fine don't worry. Though I hope I can meet this Reaper Rose you work for someday." Rei said.
"Yeah, I'm sure you'll meet her someday." Athena smiled, before leaving, heading for the studio, where she ran into Mina and Jiro just getting there.
"You're not set yet?" Mina asked. "We start in ten minutes."
"No, sorry. But I do wanna make this video a special dedication to someone, if you don't mind." Athena smiled.
~15 Minutes Later~
"Hey everybody, sorry that the live stream is starting late. Though we would like to dedicate one of the songs to a special someone to Reaper Rose's makeup artist, Athena Xiao Long. So, Rei Todoroki, if you are watching this right now, then this first song is dedicated to you, and your successful recovery, and to welcome you back home. Now here she is, the idol, Reaper Rose." Mina said, with Saffron on her shoulders, before stepping to the side and back to the wall.
(Cue Music… Keep Holding On: Avril Lavigne)
You're not alone. Together we stand
I'll be by your side. You know I'll take your hand
When it gets cold, and it feels like the end
There's no place to go. You know I won't give in
No, I won't give in
Athena stood on the stage, in her idol clothes, and looked into the camera, as she gently swayed back and forth in a slow dance motion, as she sang.
Keep holding on
'Cause you know we'll make it through. We'll make it through
Just stay strong
'Cause you know I'm here for you. I'm here for you
There's nothing you could say. Nothing you could do
There's no other way when it comes to the truth
So keep holding on
'Cause you know we'll make it through. We'll make it through
So far away. I wish you were here
Before it's too late this could all disappear
Before the doors close, and it comes to an end
With you by my side, I will fight and defend. I'll fight and defend
Yeah, yeah
Dancing in front of the camera, Athena could feel a sense of pride welling up within her, as she performed not just to make a video, but to also put a smile on the face of her friend, who had no idea who it was actually her, singing the song.
Keep holding on. 'Cause you know we'll make it through
We'll make it through, Just stay strong
'Cause you know I'm here for you, I'm here for you
There's nothing you could say. Nothing you could do
There's no other way when it comes to the truth
So keep holding on
'Cause you know we'll make it through. We'll make it through
Hear me when I say, when I say I believe
Nothing's gonna change. Nothing's gonna change destiny
Whatever's meant to be will work out perfectly
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
La da-da-da. La da-da-da. La da da-da-da-da-da-da-da
Spreading her wings out, Athena flew a bit into the air, Kyoka's dad controlling the camera to follow her motions, and with the light shining behind her as she sang, Jiro could honestly swear that Athena looked angelic as she was in the air, thankfully the singing room was designed for those kinds of performances.
Keep holding on. 'Cause you know we'll make it through. We'll make it through
Just stay strong. 'Cause you know I'm here for you. I'm here for you
There's nothing you could say. Nothing you could do
There's no other way when it comes to the truth
So keep holding on. 'Cause you know we'll make it through, we'll make it through
Keep holding on
Gently floating back to the ground, Athena controlled her movement expertly as she slowly twirled in the air, with the grace of a dancer.
Keep holding on
There's nothing you could say. Nothing you could do
There's no other way when it comes to the truth. So keep holding on
'Cause you know we'll make it through
We'll make it through
With that, Athena's feet touched the ground, and she spread her wings wide, before she took a bow, feeling good about having done this video.
(End Song…)
"An' wasn't that amazing?" Mina smiled coming back into the shot. "Again Rei if you're watching this, I hope you enjoyed the song, as Athena dedicated it to you, with all the love she has for you to show she's always gonna be there to make you smile, and if any of you other Roses have any dedications for friends or family members you cherish, let us know in comments below the video, and we'll do our best to respond to them. Now, onto the next song."
~Train to U.A 2 Morning's Later~
"Classes start back up again today." Athena sighed stepping onto her train. "It was a fun two days while it lasted."
As the train began moving, Saffron had to swat her paw several times to keep someone from grabbing Athena's ass, by smacking their hand away with her claws. He finally stopped, when Saffron attempted to bite him, and the guy ran for the hills. After that Athena went back to looking at the morning news reports on her scroll.
"Hey, you, excuse me." Someone whispered behind her. "You're Xiao Long from Class 1-A." That statement alone got the others around her to look in her direction. "Great job in the sports festival, I rooted for you." He said giving her a thumbs up.
"You were in the top eight right. You also won the festival didn't you?" Another person questioned. "That's so impressive, and your Reaper Rose's makeup artist to, what's she like?"
"She's a bit taller than I thought she'd be." A woman said as the whole car was now starring at her. This caused her to become quite nervous as everyone in the car, began saying stuff about her, and how she was going to be a real impressive Pro one day. She was even asked by several middle schoolers to autograph their bags for them. As she was hounded by the people in the train car, several of which were asking how her arm was doing, Athena couldn't help but feel a little pressured from all the praise and attention.
"Keep trying for it hero." Everyone in the car eventually said.
"I will… Thank you." Athena said with a nervous smile.
Eventually the car stopped and all three U.A Students departed, though the weather was a problem currently as it hadn't stopped raining since early afternoon the day before. Thankfully it had been nothing more than a light drizzle before she woke up a few hours ago. Pulling out their umbrellas, the three U.A Students made their way to campus.
"Good Morning Xiao Long."
"Oh morning Iida." Athena said turning to look at him only to see him running in very noticeable rainwear. "You really went all out with the rain gear huh?"
"Why are you walking so slowly? You'll be late." Iida exclaimed.
"Late, but there's still five minutes until the bell rings, isn't there?" Athena asked as she chased after him. "Besides, these skirts aren't exactly designed for running in."
"U.A Students should always arrive ten minutes early, don't you think?" Iida questioned as he began to pick up speed.
'He's plotting something, I can tell but what?' Athena pondered. 'Maybe he's trying to think up some revenge against Stain for paralyzing his older brother. I heard he was paralyzed from the waist down in the news report, and his brother was why he had to leave the festival early.' She sighed as she entered the shoe locker area before shaking off her umbrella.
"So Iida um…" Athena began, as Iida put his boots away.
"If it's about my brother, don't be concerned. I'm sorry I made you worry, everything will be fine." Iida said turning to her, while removing the hood of his gear.
'He masks the pain and anger well.' Ruby thought. 'I sorta know how he feels. After what happened to Penny, I became so enraged with wanting to find Cinder and make her pay, I nearly let the anger of my failures consume me.'
~1-A Classroom~
"It's so weird that people recognize us from T.V." Mina exclaimed. "Everyone wanted to talk to me on my way here."
"Yeah, me to." Kirishima stated.
"People on the street were staring at me. It was kind of embarrassing." Toru exclaimed.
"Sure but isn't that pretty normal for you?" Ojiro questioned.
"I mean, the girl basically went and flashed her goods to everyone on camera. So it shouldn't be too surprising." Athena exclaimed.
"You won't believe what a bunch of elementary school brats yelled at me on my way to school." Sero said, sounding and looking upset.
"Nice try?" Tsu and Athena questioned, causing Sero to groan as they both had amused smiles on their faces.
"All it took was one sports festival, and suddenly we're like celebrities." Kaminari exclaimed. "This school really is amazing."
"So, what happened with Bakugo and that kid from Class-B?" Uraraka questioned.
"They were arrested and sent to jail as soon as they were able to move again from the beating Athena gave them." Mina said. "Last I heard they were sent to Tartarus Prison, but the news last night said, two new prisoners had escaped, and have yet to be tracked down."
"Think the League of Villains is trying to recruit them?" Jiro asked.
"Let's hope not, I wouldn't want to face them as my enemy, especially with Bakugo being as violent as he is." Toru said.
"We can talk theories later, right now we should all get back to our seats. Class is about to start." Athena said.
"Morning class." Yang said coming into the classroom.
"Morning Ms. Xiao Long." The entire class said as Athena took her seat.
"Alright so before we begin I just wanna say that today is my official last day of teaching you all. When you come into class next, you'll have Mr. Aizawa back with you. Also, Vlad King was fired from his teaching position, for letting his competitive spirit influence how he teaches his class, so the new teacher for Class-B is someone who can be trusted to teach them. An American Hero, names Spiderman." Yang explained. "Anyway, we have a big class today. The topic, hero informatics."
This news caused the entire class to freeze, well, all except Athena.
"Oh no." The rest of the class thought.
'Informatics? Please don't tell me it's a Pop-quiz.' Kaminari panicked.
'Crap, I bet it's about hero laws, I'm so bad at stuff like that.' Kirishima thought.
'I wonder what's for lunch today.' Athena thought.
"You all need code names. It's time to pick your hero identities." Yang stated.
'This is gonna be totally awesome.' The class thought in celebration, before Yang's eyes changed color, and she let a bit of her power seep, intimidating the class into silence.
"This is related to the Pro-Hero draft picks I mentioned the last time class was assembled." Yang explained. "Normally students don't have to worry about the draft yet, not until the second or third year actually, but your class is quite different in some regard. In fact, by extending offers to first years like you, Pros are essentially investing in your potential. Any offers can be rescinded if their interest in you dies down before graduation though."
"Stupid selfish adults." Toru stated. "So what you're saying is, we'll still have to prove ourselves even after we've gotten recruited."
"That's right." Yang stated. "I never got drafted my first year since I was home schooled for the Hero Course, but I'm sure it'll be fine. Now here are the totals for those of you who got offers." Yang added, as she brought up the list on the projector.
The class were all looking up but some were disappointed that their names didn't have any offers next to them. What they weren't surprised about, was the fact Athena got the most offers out of all the students in the class. Being 5252 offers, under her was Todoroki, and then came Tokoyami, Uraraka, Iida, Kaminari, Yaoyorozu, Kirishima, and finally Sero.
"In past years, the offers are more spread out. But there seems to be a pretty big gap this time." Yang exclaimed.
"Gah." Kaminari whined dramatically. "That's no fair."
"What about the real star, muah?" Aoyama questioned fuming a bit.
"Oh put a sock in it Tinkerbell, you didn't do anything special." Athena exclaimed. "How about you pull your head out of your ass and deflate your ego a bit?"
"Athena got the most? I'd have thought not a lot of people would give her offers because of how self-destructive her power can be. I mean her arm did get torn from her body in her fight against Todoroki." Jiro stated. "Then again, she did show some really good fighting prowess, and control over her power through the rest of the Sports Festival, more so during her fight against Endeavor, Bakugo, and that kid from Class-B. I guess she was demonstrating that her power was both destructive and effective, but that she actually has a handle on it."
"People want us." Uraraka said, tears of joy in her eyes as she jumped up and down in her seat at a rapid fire pace.
"Despite these results, you'll all be interning with Pros. You understand?" Yang exclaimed. "Even those of you who didn't get any offers, you'll still get assigned Pros to work with. Though I can tell you that these hero names will likely, be temporary, but take them seriously or…"
"You'll have hell to pay later." Midnight's voice resonated in the room as she opened the door to the classroom, coming in with a sexy sashay in her stride, her mask on top of her head, like a pair of glasses. "What you pick today could be your code name for life. You'd better be careful, or you'll be stuck with something utterly indecent."
'It's Midnight.' All the boys thought.
"Hi Nemuri." Athena smiled.
"Call me Midnight Sensei at school, we've talked about this Athena." Midnight said.
"I know, it's just fun teasing you." Athena smiled.
"Enough banter you two." Yang sighed handing out whiteboards and markers. "Midnight has a point about the names. I remember what Mic told me about Mr. Aizawa's hero name, and how he got stuck with it. But back to the task at hand, Midnight is gonna have final approval over your names, which is something I can agree to. The name you give yourself is important, it helps to reinforce your image, and shows what kind of hero you want to be in the future. A code name, tells people exactly what you represent. Take All Might for example. Or my actual name. Yang means the symbolization of peace between the two factions of harmony and chaos of Yin and Yang."
"Hmm…" Athena thought as she stared at the blank white board in front of her.
The time ticked by, and it seemed most of the other students had chosen out their names, though something did come to a bit of a surprise for some of them.
"Now students, who among you is ready to share?" Midnight questioned.
'We're presenting these?' Kirishima questioned.
'Oh great who's got the balls to go first?' Sero asked, just as panicked as the spikey redhead beside him.
Aoyama was the first to come up and give his hero name.
"Hold your breath." He said. "The shining hero. I can, not stop twinkling. Mon Amie, you can't deny my sparkles."
The rest of the class either looked at him like he was insane, or he was indirectly coming out of the closet.
'Come on.' The class thought.
"It'll be better this way. Take out the, I, and shorten the, cannot, to can't." Midnight exclaimed doing some edits to the name.
"It's stunning mademoiselle." Aoyama stated.
"She likes it?" The class questioned.
"Also, you're not really French are you, that's just an act." Sato accused.
"No, he's French, his transcripts prove it." Yang stated. "By the way Aoyama, to even out the classes since we both have nineteen students, you're being transferred to Class-B starting tomorrow, giving them 20 while we have 18 until two transfers from other courses can be made."
"Oui, I understand." Aoyama said.
"Oki-dokie let me go next." Mina exclaimed coming to the front, showing her name. "My code name, Alien Queen."
"Hold on, like that horrible monster with the acidic blood? I don't think so." Midnight exclaimed.
"I like it." Athena said.
"I support her choice to." Yang chuckled. "Also, did you watch Aliens when you were little or something, and that's why you don't like the name?"
"I said no." Midnight said, standing her ground.
"Dang it." Mina said, in disappointment going back to her seat.
'That one wasn't okay?' The class questioned.
"Ribbit. I think I've got one okay if I go next?" Tsu asked, raising her hand.
"Come on up." Midnight smiled.
"I've had this name in mind since grade school." Tsu said coming to the front. "Rainy Season Hero: Froppy."
"That's delightful, it makes you sound approachable." Midnight exclaimed. "What a great example of a name everyone will love."
"Me next." Kirishima stated coming to the front. "I've got mine to. The Sturdy Hero, my name is Red Riot."
"Red Riot? Interesting, you're paying homage to the Chivalrous Hero: Crimson Riot, yes?" Midnight asked.
"That's right." Kirishima stated. "He may be kinda old school, but someday I wanna be just like he was, Crimson was my idol."
"Hmm… If you're bearing the name of someone you admire, you have that much more to live up to." Midnight smiled.
"I accept the challenge." Kirishima said, with a proud and confident smile.
"Man, I still haven't been able to think of anything that's cool enough." Kaminari suggested before he felt a tap on his shoulder from Jiro.
"Hey I've got one you could try." She said with a mischievous grin on her face. "How does Jamming-yay sound to you?"
"Ha, oh it's like Heming-way who wrote a farewell to arms right?" Kaminari questioned. "Real clever, I like it."
"No. It's because even though you're powerful you always, jam your brain." Jiro said, trying not to laugh before she couldn't hold it in anymore.
"Oh come on Jiro, quit messing with me." Kaminari shouted as Jiro went to the front.
"The Hearing Hero: I'm Earphone Jack." Jiro stated.
"Now that's a good one." Midnight exclaimed.
Next up was Shoji.
"The Tentacle Hero: Tentacole."
"Oh I like what you're doing with that, a nice portmanteau." Midnight said.
Sero.
"The Taping Hero: Cellophane."
"That's on the nose, good work." Midnight stated.
Ojiro.
"Martial Arts Hero: Tail Man"
"No surprise with that one I guess."
Sato.
"I'm the Sweets Hero: Sugarman."
"Perfect."
Mina again.
"Pinky."
"Make those looks work for you girl."
Kaminari.
"Stun Gun Hero: I am Chargebolt. Electric don't you think?"
"Makes me all tingly."
Toru.
"The Stealth Hero: Invisible Girl."
"That really suits you."
"Now come on, who's gonna step up next?" Midnight questioned.
"I hope that I can live up to this name. The, Everything Hero: I'm Creati." Momo said.
"Creative."
Todoroki.
"Shoto."
"Just your name, is that it?" Midnight asked.
"Uh-huh."
Tokoyami.
"Jet-Black Hero: Tsukuyomi."
"Uh, God of the night."
Koda.
His sign said Petting Hero: Anima.
"Yep, all about it." Midnight said with a thumbs ups.
Uraraka.
"Okay, my turn. This is the name I thought of, Uravity."
"I just love that." Midnight exclaimed with a smile. "To be honest, choosing names is going faster than I thought it would. All we have left is young Iida, Midoriya, and Athena. Then that's the entire class."
While Tenya looked like he was still going through the process of choosing a name, he could help but think of a conversation he had with his older brother while he was visiting him in the hospital. Finally, he made a decision. Iida stepped up to the front and put his white board down and all that was on it, was his name.
"You're using your real name to?" Midnight asked, only getting silence from the boy. "Alright, Athena, do you have a name yet?" Midnight questioned turning to her.
"Hmm… I'm having trouble, because my first name already sounds like a good hero name, but… I've got it." She smiled.
"I'll go before you then." Midoriya said, going up front, and presenting his name, to which they were all shocked.
"Are you sure man?" Kirishima asked. "This could end up being your Hero Name for life."
"I'm sure. I have no doubt that this is who I am, and this is who I'll be, as a hero." Midoriya said, his whiteboard saying, Deku.
Athena smiled, happy to see he was embracing his heroic side, before she scribbled down a few words on her white board before coming up to the front of the class, presenting her name.
"Scarlet Huntress." Athena stated.
"Going with something resembling your parent's names huh? That's kinda bold." Midnight stated. "I approve."
"Now that everyone's decided on their hero names. We can go back to talking about your upcoming internships." Yang stated. "They'll last for one week. As for who you'll be working with, those of you who were offered, will choose from among them. But those who weren't offered, as I said before, will be assigned heroes to work with. You have a lot to think about, there are around forty agencies who've agreed to take on interns from your class. Like Quirks, each agency has a different specialty that its heroes focus on. Keep that in mind."
"Imagine that you were Thirteen. You'd want to choose a place that focuses on rescuing people, not fighting against villains or criminals." Midnight exampled.
"Think carefully before you decide." Yang exclaimed.
"Yessir." The class said in unison as the bells rang out.
"Good. Now, it's time for lunch. But remember, turn in your sheets by Friday." Yang stated. "Otherwise, you'll be interning for Huntress Agency, an' we'll work you to the bone. Athena, I'd recommend taking a look at the top of your list, there's a certain hero who's eye you caught, and this is a once in a lifetime opportunity to work with them."
"Alright." Athena said.
"Good luck on picking everyone." Yang smiled.
~Lunch~
"So guys." Mina began as she was reviewing over the list of agencies she was set to go to. "Have you decided what Pro-Agency you wanna go for? I mean, we've only got two days to turn this in."
"I've got an idea of where I'd like to go." Athena stated.
"You made it pretty far in the tournament." Ojiro stated standing next to her desk. "It's weird you didn't get any offers."
"I know." Mina whined.
"Hey Athena, who were you thinking of going with?" Uraraka asked looking to her friend.
"Well, I took a look at the top of the list like my mom suggested, and was surprised to find that hero's name on there. They've never taken an interest with interning potential heroes before, which really makes this a once in a lifetime opportunity." Athena exclaimed her body shaking every so often.
"Who, is it?" Mina questioned as the others came to the desks she and Midoriya sat at.
"Well, take a look. It's highlighted in blue." Athena exclaimed.
"No way. You got an offer, from a hero who's supposed to be stronger than All Might?" Mina asked, looking at the name.
"I know, so I've been debating whether or not to actually take that offer, and by the end of the day, I'll have made my choice." Athena said, before turning to her friend. "So who'd you end up going with Ochako, or have you not chosen yet?"
"I've actually settled on my choice." Uraraka smiled.
"Already?" Mina questioned.
"What agency?" Ojiro questioned.
"The one that the Battle Hero: Gunhead, runs." Uraraka smiled.
"Huh? Gunhead's a big brawler though. Yeah I mean he can act adorable and be the crazy uncle everyone has sometimes, but are you sure? I thought you were wanting to be more of a rescue type hero like Thirteen?" Athena asked.
"Yep, he sent me an offer." Uraraka smiled. "Oh that's right, you've been training under Gunhead for several year now. You know what he's like don't you?"
"Gunhead is a real nice guy. Took me out to lunch every weekend after I'd finish training. You should have seen him when he found out who kidnapped me six year ago though. He went ballistic, and destroyed six punching bags in the same amount of months. He's got a real soft spot for kids, and is protective of them as well." Athena smiled, one of her cat ears twitching, as she shook a bit again. "Though again I ask, why choose him. I thought you wanted to be a rescue specialist like Thirteen?"
"Ultimately that's the plan, but I've been thinking ever since the festival. Well at least since I faced off against Bakugo, when he almost killed me, that I could have easily lost my life to him. The only reason I didn't was because you stopped him before the teachers could react. But if you hadn't, the teacher's wouldn't have stopped him in time, and he'd have killed me for sure. So I got to thinking, the stronger I am, the more possibilities I'll have. Plus learning from a battle hero will give me a different perspective. Right?"
"Yeah, and it would also be a double edged sword, in a good way. You'd be a rescue specialist, and know how to fight off enemies at the same time." Athena exclaimed.
"More importantly there's something I've been meaning to ask you all day." Uraraka stated. "Why are you trembling? Are you feeling tired or something? Do I need to take you to Recovery Girl?"
"Oh, the trembling is because of exercise. I'm doing a workout that doesn't involve much movement, called Air-Chair. Izuku is even doing the same exercise as me right now." Athena stated. "Until the internships start, I'll just be doing some basic strength training with weights, possibly train with my new weapon."
"You incorporated a new weapon into your arsenal?" Uraraka questioned.
"Yeah, I had been working on it for a while and finally got it built. I still have some kinks I need to work out of it, before it's actually combat ready." Athena exclaimed.
"So, have you two been doing that exercise through all of our classes?" Uraraka asked.
"Pretty much." Midoriya said.
"That's such a boring and old fashioned way to work out." Mina said.
"Maybe, but it's also extremely effective. By contracting the A-Symmetrical muscles in the legs you're basically building a stronger foundation for your fighting capabilities." Ojiro said.
~Later After Class~
"Hey, Deku, Athena, wanna walk together?" Uraraka questioned meeting them at the class room door.
"Sure." Deku smiled. "Athena, and I were actually gonna go to the arcade with Mina, Kirishima, and Jiro to do our homework, in the snack area you're more than welcome to join."
"That sounds great." Uraraka said with a smile. "Iida come with us… Huh." She stopped her offer when she saw the next Ingenium was already gone.
"Probably already decided on where he's doing his internship. I wouldn't be surprised if he was off turning his forms in right now." Midoriya exclaimed.
Just as Athena opened the door, they were startled as All Might, came sliding and stopping at the door. Though he was bent over so he could be at eye level with Midoriya and Athena.
"Hahahahaha. I am here in a bizzar position." All Might said sounding nervous.
"Yeah what's that about, what gives?" Athena exclaimed. "An' why are you in such a hurry?"
"Hi come with me a sec you two." All Might exclaimed, making a, come with me, motion with his hand.
"Uh, sure, okay." Midoriya said. "Athena and I are going to be a minute, we'll catch up yeah?"
"Alright. See you at the Arcade." Uraraka said, as they went separate ways.
All Might led them to a secluded hall that directed students to the toilets. Figuring it was as quiet as it could get for the conversation they'd have.
"I'll get straight to the point. You've both received an offer from a hero who'd like to take you on." All Might said.
"Well, I've already chosen my internship place. Who is it?" Athena exclaimed, before noticing how much he was shaking. "Wait, seriously? Don't tell me it's Gramps."
"Yes, Midoriya, you've met him before actually, at Athena's birthday party last month. The Hero's Name is, Gran-Torino. He taught at this school back in my day, but only for one year, in fact the man was my homeroom teacher."
"He knows about One-for-All, as well. Actually I suspect that's the reason he asked for you." All Might exclaimed. "He retired a long time ago, so I forget to count him among the people who know about One-for-All." All Might exclaimed as his legs were shaking. "Is this because I wrote about you in the letter I sent him? Or maybe he saw you in the Sports Festival and saw my teaching was inadequate. Then he went so far as to use his old hero name when making the offer, scary too scary. Damn it legs stop shaking." He said slapping his legs, to get them to stop, but their shaking was only getting worse.
"He didn't seem like that bad of a guy at the party." Midoriya exclaimed.
"You've never been trained by him." All Might exclaimed. "Anyway, it is my duty to train you both, but since he sent the offer, you should work with him this week if that's what your heart says. Anyway h-he-here's t-th-the a-ad-address." All Might said, shakily handing Midoriya a piece of paper.
"Just how scary is his training?" Athena questioned. "I'm glad I've already handed in my application for which agency I'll be going to, if Gramps training is this scary."
~Teacher's Office~
Yang was looking over some of the internship papers that had already been submitted, one of them including her daughter's, smiling when she saw she picked the hero who would be a once in a lifetime chance. She forwarded her brow, when she saw that Tenya Iida, had already chosen where he was going, and she could clearly see, he had motive behind it.
"Internships huh?" Snipe asked, coming up behind her.
"Yeah, a few students already chose where they were going. Though I'm a bit concerned with where Iida wants to go. It's the same city his brother was attacked in. Poor kid probably has some anger to deal with." Yang exclaimed.
"Well, he might just be wanting to apply there to get a sense of his brother's influence on the people." Snipe suggested.
"Yeah, but I have a gut feeling, it's more than just that." Yang sighed.
"Well, there's not much that can be done about it. Looks like it's the only one he put down, and we can't really force a change, unless it's absolutely called for." Snipe stated. "Make sure your students choose wisely, there are plenty of third years who regret their decisions. So, who'd Athena choose?"
"Oh someone who she's looked up to, for a long time now." Yang smiled, holding up her daughter's internship application.
"You're kidding, she made this much of an impression on him?" Snipe inquired.
"It would appear so." Yang said with a chuckle. "I couldn't be prouder of my little girl."