Fukuoka Central Shopping Centre
Hawks, Runa and Erude had all been on patrol for three hours and nothing of major note had transpired. Hawks had been effortlessly using his Fierce Wings, to help various builders, waiters and delivery services in transporting their goods and services as he casually walked past. Runa and Erude had yet to lift a finger, and had been somewhat awkwardly talking to various civilians asking for information or just making small talk. The one incident worth mentioning of a petty thief stealing some jewellery was also handled within seconds of him running from the storefront, once again due to Fierce Wings.
As they had continued on, they decided to stop for lunch at an outdoor café. They waited for their orders – Hawks ordered an espresso shot, Runa a flat white mocha and Erude an iced latte. Hawks seemed to snort at Erude when their drinks arrived, which only served to irritate him. He quietly but furiously said "Are you a child? You've taught us nothing tangible and just acted like we're baggage. Is that what we are, baggage?"
Runa went ghostly white and gaped, her eyes flicking between Erude and Hawks.
Hawks' eyes narrowed, but he responded calmly. "We're on patrol, now aren't we? As you can see, Fukuoka is a nice, safe place. Any crime that does occur is quickly handled by myself. Apart from that one Nomu incidence, nothing of note has happened here at all. So sorry that it's not crime central, but I told you from the start this is what it's like for me." Runa still looked scared but was curious as to how the conversation would progress.
"Yes, I understand that I suppose. But I still wish you'd teach us some stuff. Runa-san has been lucky enough to be instructed on flight control from you for a bit. But what about me, I figured you'd have some tips on telekinesis for me. Aren't your Fierce Wings telekinetic? They're awesome. So why have you had me practicing with rocks and cans? You said power isn't my issue, and purpose is? Too true. You haven't been very forthright in providing purpose so far. I just can't see why you picked me after all I guess." Erude sighed and sat in silence after this. Hawks studied him carefully, then turned to Runa.
"Runa Tenshi, what do you think?" Hawks asked curiously.
Runa looked at him and spoke politely "I agree with Erude-kun sir. You have so far been quite unfair to him, and not furthered his growth in any way. While I have learnt some useful aerial manoeuvres from you, you have failed as a mentor to Erude Rikaga. So, I agree with his assessment." She turned to smile at Erude. He looked at her surprised, but smiled back gratefully.
Hawks smiled "You stuck up for him." And turned to Erude. "I'm sorry. I should've been clearer. Yes, it is true my Fierce Wings are telekinetic. But they don't work mechanically like your telekinesis. For me, it is almost instinctual and requires only subconscious thought. The way I was trained facilitated this. But it isn't something that can be realistically pushed onto a high school student. That's all I can say there. And also, I didn't pick you for your Quirk. I've looked at your roll sheet. You put in a lot of hard work. I can tell already you study a lot for your exams, practice a lot for your physical assessments and read a lot into tactics and strategy. You put all the effort in. But you have no achievements to show for it. I believe your mindset is holding you back. But I will be honest; I don't know what mental block is holding you back. You have a very nuanced, complex case here and I'm just trying to- "
Hawks was interrupted by a feeling on the right side of his temple. Erude, who had been staring at him, his eyes widening as he realised what was happening sharply concentrated. Hawks' eyes scanned to his right, and he could make out a spinning bullet, currently slowly creating a entry point into his temple skin. A sweat bead rolled off of Erude's face as he kept the bullet in place. Hawks quickly slid under the bullet with agility, and Erude released, the bullet embedding in a wall behind the café. The small thud sound was barely noticeable, but Hawks clattered to the ground, the right side of his temple bleeding. The bullet hadn't entered but had still grazed him. People in the café and nearby street heard the commotion, and confusion and noises started to erupt as people started panicking. Runa, who had seen this transpire suddenly shouted "Civilians! Please find cover! Under desks, chairs, benches, whatever you can find, please!"
The citizens hurriedly complied and Erude couldn't help but be impressed at her authority. Hawks and the interns also hid under their table quickly. "Thank you both, you just saved a bunch of lives…" Hawks looked slightly shaken but quickly recovered. "I have exceptional hearing, but only heard that bullet as it approached very close to me. I would not have been able to dodge without your telekinesis. Even a silenced bullet normally wouldn't be able to escape my notice…."
"What does this mean?" Runa asked tensely.
"It means whoever killed Endeavour's perp is trying to kill me too…"
Hawks briefed the interns oh what he had heard from Endeavour and his interns.
"Woah…Jacob and Suzumi were dealing with that…" Erude spoke while awestruck.
"We know the angle of attack. The villain surely can't move quickly, or so we hope. We need a plan of action quick." The hero and his heroes-in-training were in a tight spot…
