The day of the press conference was widely spoken about around the community and everyone was eager to talk about various crucial events from the past couple days.

Even the president of the commission was going to come out in order to address the recent disappearances that have littered everyone's mind's lately. It was an incredibly sought out day, with hundreds of reporters and journalists circling the scene already.

It was something Amari was not looking forward to, now entering the common area of the dorms quietly in order to grab a quick snack before she left. Being a part of the press conference had led her to get up earlier than usual and the girl was beginning to feel it, now yawning in the process.

There were so many thoughts swirling around in her mind that Bakugo couldn't help but stew about all of them, knowing what kind of day was ahead of her already. It was going to be interesting, that was for sure.

Although she was quickly stopped by a very familiar voice to her left. It was rough and short, causing her to jump almost immediately at the noise. "Oi, stupid, did you hear me?"

The girl held her heart in panic before quickly turning to find her brother staring at her, his hands buried in his pockets and a large duffle bag around the center. "Oh, Hey Katsuki. Sorry I guess I was just spacing out a little bit."

Oh, that's right, he still had his provisional license training going on. That meant that Todoroki would be here soon as well. Ah crap, now she really wanted to see him.

At the thought, Amari couldn't help but look over her shoulder, causing Katsuki to slap her upside the head, immediately knowing where her attention was. "Would you stop looking like a lost puppy, icy hot isn't even here yet. I swear, you two are so freaking annoying."

A light red started to fill her cheeks as the girl immediately pushed his hand away, pouting her cheeks in a huff. "Whaa come on, I wasn't looking for him..."

Yet the boy knew better, already crossing his arms over his chest so that she couldn't reach them. "Bullshit, I know how you both are. I swear, whenever someone even mentions your name anymore, that half hot half cold bastard immediately starts looking around. It's ridiculous."

His explanation about Todoroki couldn't help but bring a look of surprise on his face, not knowing how often the boy actually did that. Perhaps they were kinda the same after all. "Wait, really?"

Nodding back, Katsuki could only scoff. "Yeah, and now I gotta deal with both of you on a regular basis so cut the crap already. You're gonna make me sick."

Her brother's words were rough but Amari couldn't hold back a chuckle, teasing her brother by poking him in the stomach. "Ah come on Katsuki, the future number one hero can't even handle a little flirting? Don't worry, someday you'll find someone that can handle your angry Pomeranian energy…"

At that, she watched Katsuki's face turn into one of absolute rage, his iris's shining with pure annoyance. "Ha?! What the hell did you just say..you better rethink those words, you brat!"

Immediately widening her eyes, Amari began to turn on her heel before sticking her tongue out to her brother roughly. "Sorry, that's not my style.."

Her brother then balled his hands into hard fists before chasing around his sister around the common area, his palms threatening explosions. "I swear, when I get my hands on you..!"

Amari couldn't help but smirk though, dodging his glowing hands with amusement. "Come on, Kacchan, is that the best you got?"

Ticking his brow in fury, the boy growled and threw down another hand causing Amari to squeak in response, just barely missing his attack as he smirked "Oh, now you're dead.."

Running even faster, the girl noticed a familiar head of green hair before immediately pushing him in front of her in order to hide behind his tall shoulders. "Deku, hide me!"

The boy couldn't help but stumble on his feet as he looked over to the scene he just walked into, now seeing his childhood friend with explosions at the ready. "Ahhh, Mari-chan, Kacchan, what is this all about?!"

Although he quickly realized the mood was indeed playful as Amari stuck out her tongue again, mostly to Katsuki's displeasure as he tried to hide his own smile. "Hiding behind that damn nerd isn't gonna help you. I'm gonna make you regret those words."

Deku still seemed slightly afraid though, wondering how Mari-chan could handle such an angry Katsuki, and what led them to this point. "Kacchan, please don't kill your sister."

Using his words to her advantage, Amari began to bat her eyes before giving her best soft voice and "damsel in distress" expression. "Yeah Katsuki, be careful I'm fragile."

Yet her brother could only chuckle at that, already making his way to his sister with full intent, causing another squeak to escape her lips. "Fragile my ass, come here..!"

Then before she had a moment to process it, Katsuki lifted his sister off the floor, much to her displeasure before hearing her gasp of surprise. "Wait wait Katsuki, hold on...you wouldn't dare..!"

Yet just as she said that, her brother plopped her on the sofa before aggressively tickling her sides, causing Amari to let out loud giggles as she tried to slap his hand away. That jerk, this was such an underhanded move. "Okay...Okay….I cave..I cave…I take it back...!"

Almost immediately the torture stopped, causing the girl to huff out a breath as Katsuki triumphantly smirked above her. "I thought so."

Deku couldn't help but watch the scene with amusement, knowing how far the two had gone since the start of school. They really seemed like twins now, and for that the boy was grateful. After everyone that has happened to Amari, the green haired student was happy to see her laughing so joyfully.

Taking another breath, Amari paused when she saw her brother's hand reach out to her in order to help her up, a knowing look on his face. "There, now you don't look all depressed and shit anymore."

The girl couldn't help but blink at that, now fully understanding why her brother had chased her around playfully. He must have wanted her to stop thinking about all that stuff earlier.

She accepted his hand before smiling back softly, a small mutter to her voice. "Thanks.."

Nodding once, the boy then began to turn away before shoving his hands in his pockets. "It's the conference right? That's what got you all damn spacey.."

Amari recalled the conference before letting her eyes fall. She had told Katsuki about the opportunity and offer that the president had offered last night so it must've been obvious to tell she was nervous about it. "Yeah.."

Looking up towards the ceiling, Katsuki then took a breath before crossing his arms. "Listen, whatever you decide, make sure it's your choice, you hear me? No matter what, I'm still going to be number one and you'll be next to me, got that?"

Widening her eyes, the two were suddenly cut off as Aziawa's voice entered the space, his tone low and bored. "Bakugo, the bus is here. Let's go."

Katsuki then uncrossed his arms before placing a warm to her head, turning away from his sister without another word, leaving the girl in shock and confusion. What did he mean by that? Of course this would be her choice.

Then she lowered her eyes before going on the plan in her mind, already knowing what was going to happen today.

Sorry Katsuki, but I'm about to do something stupid.


Straightening out her hero costume, Amari sighed heavily as she made her way towards the back of the building where the press conference was being held, The nerves in her system were clearly getting the best of her already and she hoped this would be over quickly.

Although one look from the numerous reporters could tell her it wasn't going to be, now shoving her hands in her pockets before quickly trying to dodge the large group of people. The less she had to deal with before the conference the better. It seemed crowds still weren't her strong suit.

Successfully dodging the flashing lights, Amari slowly slipped into the building before letting out a heavy sigh of relief. Oh good, it seemed she avoided everything for now.

Yet that was short lived as Bakugo suddenly felt a hand on her shoulder, her heart dropping into her stomach at the action. Crap, had she missed someone, did she get caught up with another reporter? This was bad, she was gonna freak out.. "Hey.."

Immediately slapping the strangers hand away, Amari flinched before turning around, fear clearly etched in her eyes. She couldn't help it, after the girl's encounter with Dabi, she was still jumpy about these kinds of things. "Get your hands off of me..!"

The hand seemed to retract into his body at that, concern and surprise filling his eyes as Amari recognized his obnoxious red wings already. "Whoa whoa, it's just me kid. I didn't mean to scare ya. Seems that's a bad habit of mine, huh? Sorry about that."

Very quickly, Amari's stance changed from one of fear to one of annoyance, the girl running a hand through her hair in order not to seem as freaked out. "What do you want Hawks?"

Blinking in surprise, Hawks then lifted his wings before his eyes scanned towards a slew of reporters to his left. "Oh, uhh well I came to pick you up. Thought you might've gotten lost with the crowds and everything..."

Bakugo twisted her brow in confusion at that. Why did it sound like he actually cared for her right now? He shouldn't be doing that, given that she already knew his real intentions.

The girl then placed a hand to her chest before trying to calm her nerves at the same time. She didn't like the hero seeing her in this kind of state, not anymore at least. "So you came to help me out of the goodness of your heart? Yeah right, what's the real reason?"

Hawks' heart couldn't help but twitch in hurt at her words. Yes, he deserved every bit of them that didn't make it hurt any less. Even if he told her that he really was concerned about her, he doubted Amari would listen. "There's no reason really. I just thought you'd be afraid of the crowds, given past experiences."

Although that wasn't the right thing to say as Bakugo's lips quickly twitched in equal hurt, now thinking about his brave rescue a couple days ago that turned out to be fake.

Staring to walk away from the uncomfortable situation, the girl bitterly muttered under her breath "Oh, was that in your file on me as well?"

The hero couldn't help but cringe at that as well, already knowing that's exactly where he had that information. In fact, he used that fear in order to make her break. How terrible he was indeed. "Ah well.."

Yet before he could finish, Amari turned back around to face him, her hands grasping her arms in a clear sign of nerves. "Listen, if you want any more information about Dabi, you're out of luck. Just give it a rest, bird boy, I already know your game."

Widening his eyes at her sharp words, Hawks' wings couldn't help but deflate. Of course she would mistake his kindness for manipulation. That's what his track record was after all. "Come on kid, it's not like that.."

Bakugo couldn't help but grit her teeth together at that, already slowly losing herself to this man. "Then what is it like Hawks? Please tell me, tell me how you only got close to me because of Dabi, tell me about how you used my weaknesses to get what you wanted, tell me how I should trust you again?"

At her words, the hero couldn't help but take a step back in shock, now seeing the utter turmoil under her expression, the pain that he had so clearly caused. He wanted to give her an answer, he wanted to tell her about his double spy mission for commission but that just wasn't possible.

And it's not like it mattered, he betrayed her trust and it was now utterly impossible to get that back, Hawks knew that. He knew how much he had broken her. You shouldn't kid, you shouldn't trust me again.

So much so that his silence was telling, causing Amari to scoff under her breath. He wasn't denying it, he knew exactly what he had done. "I thought so.."

Just then, another voice stopped their bickering immediately, the president's voice cutting through any tension that was there a moment before. "There you are Bakugo. It seems like Hawks has failed to bring you to the hall in a timely manner."

Dipping her head to a bow, she watched Hawks roughly slap her back in a playful tone, now trying to erase their hatred for each other. "Sorry pres. I was just catching up with Bakugo. We haven't seen each other in a couple days after all."

Glaring back, Amari coughed once before replying back. "Yes, sorry president. It seems I got a little lost getting here as well."

The president stared at the two for a couple moments before curling her lips into a light smile, one that caused the hair on Hawks' neck to stand straight up. "Seems like you're enjoying yourself. No matter, the press conference doesn't start for another hour or so anyways."

She then lifted her hand before her eyes bore into the small girl. "Now come on my dear, you must prepare yourself for the conference. I've already set everything up for you."

Not fully understanding, Amari couldn't help but turn her head, already following the president down the hall. The woman just told her to wear her hero costume, maybe she had done something wrong. "Wait, prepare?"

The woman only nodded her head though before pushing open the door to her left, revealing a line of dozens of women with various workers who bowed upon entry. Wait, what the heck was going on?

Although Amari shortly got her answer when the president spoke again. "Yes my dear. You are going to be part of the commission which means that image is everything. You have to look presentable to the public, I'm sure Hawks has taught you that much as least…"

Almost immediately, the woman started circling the small girl, making her uncomfortable as they wrapped the tape measure around her waist and hips aggressively. "Whaa, wait hold on.."

Yet they didn't stop, causing Hawks' wings to twitch in anxiety. He knew how she was with crowds and large groups of people so this mustn't have been fun for her.

So much so that the bird couldn't help but speak out, already using his wings to will the very touchy women away from her. "Whoa hey, the kid here doesn't like crowding that much. How about you give her some space, yeah?"

The president didn't seem pleased with his response though, her sharp tongue causing the hero to stop immediately. "Oh please Hawks, she has to get used to it. Stop acting like a little boy."

Seeing him flitch her word choice, Amari then watched with insanity as the heroes' wings deflated before the women continued their work, much to her dismay. He didn't even notice her staring as he slowly took a step back in order to be quiet, immediately noticing the familiarity in the situation.

The women finished a moment later before handing Bakugo a pair of extremely high boots in order to make her seem taller, along with another group of people immediately putting heavy amounts of makeup on her face. "Is this really necessary?"

Although the president only nodded once. "Of course my dear. A hero is a symbol to the public, and we must all look our best to fit that image. That's just the way things are. You want to be a capable hero, don't you?"

Staring down at the heeled boots, Amari couldn't help but let her eyes fall in an unreadable expression. The president took this as acceptance, knowing that she was right. "Yes, I do."

The woman smiled back as she waved her hand for the makeup artists to finish causing Hawks to close his eyes in shame. He knew exactly what she was doing to Amari.

He knew exactly how she was manipulating her, and yet he couldn't do anything but watch. It was toruture to say the least, like some sort of punishment for his crimes. "I'm going to check on the attendance of the crowds."

Then he shuffled away, not wanting to see another moment of the president's tactics.

No, he couldn't bear it.


Once everything was finished, Amari looked at herself in the mirror before placing a hand to the reflection before her. The girl that had come into the building a couple hours again was suddenly no more, now replaced by the fancier, more fake model of herself.

From the thick amounts of makeup to the large boots that now graced her body, giving another foot of height, the girl didn't seem to recognize herself anymore. Was this what a hero was supposed to look like, because from here it seemed like anything but Amari.

After looking at the clock, Bakugo realized that there was another ten minutes before the start of the conference, causing the girl to take a shaky breath. It was almost time.

Then she decided to go for a small walk in order to calm her nerves, struggling to stand from the heavy boot on her feet. Perhaps she should get used to these as well before the girl face planted in front of the entire country of Japan. Yeah, she didn't need anymore public embarrassment.

Opening the door to the room, Amari aimlessly moved around the hallways before hearing a loud shout coming from the left side of the stage. It seemed like someone was making a scene over there.

Curiosity soon got the best of her as the girl made her way over to the sound, now being able to pick up on a few words from the man. "You can't do this, I have to speak to the president right now! Get your hands off me!"

That voice, it sounded so incredibly familiar, so much so that she decided to step closer before making out the features of someone she wasn't fully ready to face. It was Kazumi's brother, Kenji.

Widening her eyes, Amari stood silent as she watched the boy struggle against the guard's arms, his expression frantic and angry as he did so. Out of everyone in the world, why did it have to be him? "I said, let me through damn it!"

Bakugo then balled her hands against her side before walking closer, her voice doing it's best in order not to seem afraid. "Kenji, what are you doing here?"

The guard turned his head at the noise before seeing her backstage pass around her neck, causing the man to step back and allow the boy to speak freely. "You, you're that Bakugo girl, right? Don't tell me, you're the new member they are talking about.."

His brown hair couldn't help but make Amari's eyes drop, recalling the deep crimson between her fingers as she ended his brother's life in selfish desire. "Uhh yeah kinda."

Noticing her apprehension, Kenji narrowed his eyes before pointing behind him roughly. "Never mind, it doesn't matter. You have to tell them to let me through. I need to speak to that deadbeat ass president of the commission!"

Amari took in his tone before turning her head. He seemed angry, really angry. And that was saying something as the girl already knew he wasn't the nicest person to begin with. "Wait, what's going on?"

Balling his hands into fists, the boy then spat out venomous. "They are trying to write off Kazumi's murder by saying it was his fault! I know that idot and he's not that stupid!"

His words caused Bakugo's eyes to widen, her breathing starting to pick up immediately. She had no idea about this. "W-What?"

Kenji could only nod back though, raising his voice even more. "They can send my family as much blood money as they want but I'm not going to let them do this!"

The words slammed into Amari all at once, causing her to take a step back in shock. "W-Wait, but isn't the conference to talk about his death? That doesn't sound like they are covering it up to me.."

Yet the boy only scoffed before waving his hand around the space. "That's what they want you to think. I already know what they are going to do, and it's not going to happen. Kazumi was a person, not a damn number they can just try to cover up!"

He then began to push through the guard once more, causing the man to shove the boy even further back, obviously having enough of this kid. "That's enough kid. Leave the premises before I call the cops."

Kenji wasn't having it though, struggling against the man before the guard activated his quirk, pushing the boy out of the door roughly. "You can't do this, you can't just pretend that everyone is okay when it's not. What kind of heroes are you, you are supposed to protect us!"

He continued going until the man and Kenji were out of sight, probably going to report him to the police as instructed. Although, that wasn't what stuck in Amari's mind.

Placing a hand to her head, the girl began to stew about her thoughts before hearing the commission president approach the girl from behind, her voice ringing with confidence. "Alright Bakugo. it's almost time. Are you ready?"

Hawks couldn't help but notice her sunken eyes, wondering what had caused that kind of expression before the woman repeated the question, obviously upset that Amari wasn't answering. "Ember?"

Jumping at her words, Amari seemed to snap out of her trance before nodding back absentmindedly. Hawks seemed to notice this as well. "Oh, uhh yeah. Sorry."

Although the president seemed to ignore it, now reaching into her pocket before pulling out a stack of plain white note cards and handing them to the girl. "Now, I've gone ahead and created notecards of the presentation. Just read from them and you'll do wonderful.."

Amari took the objects quietly before reading over the cards and recognizing a very formal introduction on the top, something that she normally wouldn't have been great at.

Yet when she quickly turned the card over, the girl's eyes began to hollow, reading the words she was supposed to say in her mind. Wait, this wasn't right, this was..

Letting her voice come out, Amari's tone lowered. "President, this presentation.."

Although she was shortly cut off by the woman herself. "Yes, it is quite informative, isn't it?"

Baukgo seemed to have other ideas though, her words pouring out without a second thought. "No it isn't that. Why are you trying to cover up the missing kids? You are telling me to say that everything is fine but that's not true at all. This is a real problem and.."

Yet once again, the girl was cut off from speaking as the commission president narrowed her eyes at the displeasure. "Bakugo, do you remember what I told you when we first met, what the job of the hero public safety commission is?"

Twisting her brow in confusion, the woman replied a moment later. "We are in charge of keeping the peace and order in this country. The public don't want to live in fear, they want to be reassured and protected."

Amari couldn't help but shake her head at that, already feeling something wrong with that stance. "Yes but isn't that the same as giving them a false reality? What if their child is next, what if they are in danger? Don't you think they should know that.."

Taking a step further, the woman answered plain, like it was the most obvious thing in the world. "All we know is that all of the victims have been weak or quirkless children like yourself. We need more information about the situation before being able to apprehend the villain responsible."

Bakugo couldn't believe what she was hearing though, balling her hands into firsts as she gritted her teeth. "So you're saying that you would rather let more kids die instead of trying to protect them like a hero is supposed to do?!"

Not liking her tone, she only narrowed her eyes even further. "As a child you do not understand but I can assure you. The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few. A couple of sacrifices are necessary for the greater good of society."

Twisting the notecards in Amari's hands, the woman spoke again, her cruel words striking the girl immediately. "And besides, the weak were never meant to become heroes in the first place. The world doesn't need such fragile children after all."

That phrase stuck in Bakugo's mind immediately, knowing the insanity behind it. She was really going to let more kids die just because they weren't strong enough, because they didn't fit the ideal image of a hero.

Although, she already knew this, she knew that this kind of society did to the weak. She had seen this time and time again..

Yet she paused when the woman placed her hands on Amari's shoulder with a bit of pressure, causing her to push the small girl further into the ground. "But you Bakugo, you aren't like them. You are a special kind of hero, one that has beaten the odds and the impossible.."

Squeezing her fingers into the girl, the president continued into her ear. "That's why you have to be the one to tell the public. You have to tell them that there is nothing to fear, that the public can be at ease with their worry. Only you can complete this task Ember, everyone is counting on you.."

The amount of pressure both physically and literally pushed into the girl, thinking about what exactly the president wanted from her, and about how wrong it was to do so. What she was basically saying was to lie, to deceive the public into believing a fairytale.

Shaking her head, Amari began to walk away from the woman before taking a step back. No, this was wrong. This was so wrong. "I'm not going to lie, they deserve to know."

Bakugo then watched as the president's smile curved down into a frown, her heels clicking as they made their way towards the girl in question. "Really? And what if it costs you and your brother your career?"

Widening her eyes, the woman stopped in front of Amari before her eyes bore into the small child's soul, cruelty taking its place. "You know how hard it is to start up an agency nowadays? Without the commission's endorsement, it will be impossible. You don't want to waste this kind of opportunity, do you?"

At the sound of her words, Amari couldn't help but feel a sharp shiver appeared down her spine. "A-Are you blackmailing me?"

The woman couldn't help but chuckle at that. "Oh no dear, I'm just explaining what could happen to your brother if you aren't careful. The hero world is a tough business, you'll need all the help you can get. Don't waste your future Ember."

Feeling the stutter in her own voice, Amari spoke back small. It was obvious the woman was playing her cards right, knowing it was indeed practically impossible to achieve her and her brother's dream alone. "But I can't…"

And once again, the girl was cut off, a thick venom replacing it immediately. "As much as you dislike it, this is just how the world works, little girl. So my advice is if you want to have a future as hero then you should start doing as you're told."

Stunning her into absolute silence, Hawks then watched as she broke that poor child, seeing her stance shrink immediately. He couldn't blame her, knowing just how good that old woman was at her job.

Using her and her brother's career was something that was second nature to the commission, already knowing that they used similar tactics on him as a child, things that forced him to agree.

It was the same here and Keigo hated seeing the president create another "Hawks" right before his eyes.

If only he wasn't such a coward, if only he wasn't such a little boy. But the man knew better than anyone how tight her chains were. And now, it seemed like Bakugo couldn't break free anymore either.

Suddenly one of the stage hands entered the scene before telling the group that they were ready to start, causing the president to walk away from the small child, enough to let her breath for once. She must've already known that she had won.

Seeing the unreadable expression from his past trainee, the bird then walked up to the girl before speaking with sympathy, knowing it wouldn't change anything. "Sorry kid. I really am."


The crowd for the conference was marginally larger than usual, large flashing lights taking up the entirety of the space as Hawks and the president walked to greet the public.

Although the only thing the bird could really focus on was how much Bakugo would hate this suffocating crowd. He hoped this would be over soon in order to avoid a panic attack from the girl.

Yet he stopped himself a moment later. He didn't have the right to be concerned about her, not after what he had done in the past. It was foolish, trying to protect someone he was supposed to murder. Stop it Hawks. You know how this is going to end already. Don't get attached.

Just then the president appeared to the camera's, a sickening smile on her face, almost like she hadn't just threatened a child a moment ago. "Thank you all for coming today, I know there is some unrest within the community regarding the last couple days. But before that, the commission has a wonderful announcement."

Lifting her hand, the audience seemed to eat up her words, causing Hawks to internally scoff. She was only trying to get attention off the case, like per usual. It was obvious to see in his eyes.

The woman then turned her head before speaking proudly. "We would like to welcome a promising member of the next generation of heroes, one that the commission will fully accept with open arms after graduating from U.A."

Narrowing his eyes, Hawks really dreaded those words. Another commission member, another mindless soldier. He hated the idea itself.

Finishing her words, the president then lowered her eyes before giving a knowing look. "Everyone please say hello to our newest hero, Ember!"

The crowds began to clap loudly as Bakugo appeared before the light. On the outside she looked calm and collected but Hawks could easily tell she was immediately uncomfortable by the large number of people.

Amari moved up to the podium before taking out her pre-written notecards from the commission, causing the hero's heart to fall in his chest. Of course she would listen to that woman, she does make a good argument most of the time.

Taking a breath of courage, the girl then began to read the cards, just as the president desired. "Hello, it is an honor to be able to accept such a wonderful opportunity from the hero public safety commission. Allowing to take someone under like me under their wing has truly been a blessing and I am very thankful for their generosity."

She stopped for a moment and the hero held back the need to roll his eyes. "Geez pres, could you sound even more preachy there? It's obvious you're gloating now.

Bakugo then turned the card around only to look at the content for a moment, obviously dreading what she was going to say. "Now I am sure you are all very concerned about the unrest in the community given the recent disappearances. But may I assure you, that everything is…"

Stopping in the middle of her sentence, Amari looked at her next words before feeling the words catch in her throat. She read them over and over until they filled her mind entirely, knowing what would happen if she spoke them..

Everything is alright, there is nothing to worry about.

Everything is alright, there is nothing to worry about.

Everything is alright, there is nothing to worry about.

Amari then shook her head before really thinking about those little words. If she uttered them, then that meant she was pushing Kazumi's life away, it meant that she was agreeing to the president's beliefs that the weak weren't meant to survive.

Going back to that alleyway with Dabi, she finally understood what he truly meant by his past words, and the hatred behind them. This is why you're an idiot. You can't stop it. It's been going on for years. They say that they are so righteous and yet push away the people that don't meet their damn standards. To them, you are either used or thrown away."

And that was true. Everything wasn't alright, everything needed to change. But the problems laid with those that stayed silent, those that pushed everything under the rug to save themselves, those that didn't object, even if it was wrong.

Even now Bakugo was frozen, knowing what was right and yet still terrified of her own future. This is why nothing ever changed, this is why people like her and Kazumi and Toya lived in fear and tragedy. Because no one spoke out..

Balling her fists to her sides, Amari closed her eyes once more before fully recalling Endeavor's words, the tone reminding her almost immediately. You can't control the past, but you control right now. So, what are you going to do right now Bakugo?"

That was right, she couldn't control her past decisions that led her to All for One, she couldn't control Kazumi's death, she couldn't control Toya's hatred of heros but she certainly could stop the cycle...

She could protect them.

Taking a heavy breath, Hawks mistook it for nerves, causing his eyes to fall in desperation and guilt. She must have been having a really hard time up there.

Although that's when he watched as the girl lifted the pre-made notecards in her hands before ripping them right down the middle, her voice full of malice and spite. "You know what, everything is bullshit."

The collective gasps around the area was marginally noticeable, causing the president's eyes to widen with disbelief as Amari continued. "I can stand up here, and lie to you, saying that I've never been bullied or criticized for my health and everything has been sunshine and rainbow my entire life but then that would be bullshit also."

Already taking a step forward to cut her off, Hawks immediately put his wings out to block her, extremely interested to see where she would take this. "Careful prez, you know you have to maintain your image."

Grumbling back, the woman remained silent causing the hero to smirk. Did that girl know that the president couldn't do anything after she was on stage? Well if she did, it was smart.

The camera's began to flash in Amari's face as she continued. "I think we should stop sugar coating everything and realize that there is a big problem in this society. That if you don't fit the perfect image in everyone's mind, then you are cast out, never to be heard of again."

Balling her fists, a flash of Dabi appeared in her mind. "And we can say that these missing kids are just the cause of their wrong choices in life, that they deserve it, but do we ever think of what leads them to that choice? Do you ever think about how fine the line between hero and villain actually is?"

Another gasp appeared in the crowds as Bakugo nodded. She already knew this wouldn't be a popular opinion but it needed to be said. "Someone once told me that "the many outweigh the needs of the few" but what if you turn out to be that few? Everyone turns a blind eye until it's you that's on the chopping block, until it's you that must pay the price, and then suddenly we care, right? That's always how it works."

Gritting her teeth, the girl then looked down at her discarded speech. "These kids, these kids that were forced into villainy, into horrible decisions just to be accepted, it needs to stop. The cycle needs to stop. The truth is, they deserve to be heroes just like everyone else. We deserve to have a voice, we deserve to be respected.."

Then she threw the notecard into the audience before narrowing her eyes in absolute power and determination. "So no, unlike what those notecards claim, everything is not alright, and I think it's time you realize it too."

A heavy silence appeared after she was done speaking, causing Hawks to drop his jaw in utter shock. She didn't just...did she..?

But it didn't seem to bother the girl, Bakugo only turning her back before exiting the scene quietly, causing the president to follow her roughly. Oh shit, she was going to get murdered!

Quickly hurrying as well, the hero flapped his wings with anxiety before following the two as well, a mix of disbelief and fear in his features.

Just what did that crazy girl do?!


Hearing a piece of glass shatter on the ground, Twice and Toga turned only to find Dabi staring at the television screen with absolute insanity as the press conferences played through the screen.

The glass he was holding seemed to be the victim of the crash, it's pieces scattered around the area as the purple skinned man didn't even react to the object, almost as if he hadn't realized it actually happened yet.

The man himself still stayed glued to the screen, taking in Amari's words one at a time before processing them all at once. "These kids, these kids that were forced into villainy, into horrible decisions just to be accepted, it needs to stop. The cycle needs to stop. The truth is, they deserve to be heroes just like everyone else. We deserve to have a voice, we deserve to be respected.."

When he heard about this conference he thought it would be just another way for those heroes to manipulate her, to make her a true dog of their fucked up society. That's always how it was.

But hearing her now, it seemed like he was wrong. The chains they were forcing around her, the chains that he had experienced himself many years ago, they were breaking ever so slightly.

No one spoke out, that's just what the hero's did. They loved to live in their glass houses of security, ignoring the lives they destroyed one by one. Sure people have noticed the problems but they were always silenced as well, wanting to keep their own careers in place of others. They were selfish and hypocritical.

But not Amari. No, she was risking everything, fully knowing that the hero's could banish her, toss her aside. She wasn't using her voice to hide like the others.

No, she was really trying to break the cycle, just like him.

He knew nothing would come of it but that didn't stop the man from widening his eyes in shock, her words striking something he had never felt before, something he had given up on a long time ago.

Something he used to refer to as hope.


Quickly tossing away her boots, Amari huffed out a breath before hearing the president's voice. It was clear she was upset, that much was obvious. "You, how dare you! Do you know what you've done, you've made a mockery of the commission and me!"

Although that's when the girl turned around, a cynical smirk on her face. "Yeah, that was kinda the point."

The woman began to seethe at that, now seeing the broken down girl now spring to life once more. She needed to stop this, she needed to control her. "Foolish child, I hope you know that your offer to join the commission has completely been revoked!"

Hawks expected the girl to shrink at that, to get on her knees and apologize for losing this opportunity. Although, that's not what happened in the slightest.

Instead, he watched as Amari only narrowed her eyes. "And I hope you don't think I'm actually that stupid. You see, I wasn't ever going to accept your offer in the first place."

Both the hero and the woman couldn't help but widen their eyes at that. But that didn't make sense, she fought the bird about it, she very clearly seemed interested.

Voicing his concern, Hawks gasped. "But what you told me.."

Narrowing her eyes, the girl scoffed. "I never said I was going to join the commission, you just wouldn't let me finish what I was trying to tell you and assumed that."

He opened his mouth to disagree with her sentence only to recall the conversation. Wait, she never did say she was going to join. The commission assumed it so he did as well. Man, he was really stupid, wasn't he? "But..the conference..."

Although that's when Bakugo placed her hands on her hips. "Actually, to be fair I was going to reject the offer right after I left the office but then you wouldn't stop trying to tell me what to do so then I had to agree to the stupid conference..."

Hawks couldn't believe what he was hearing. Did she really only agree to go to this press conference out of pure spite, because she was pissed at him for telling her she couldn't go? That was so childish and petty.

Yet that's when he quickly remembered the only reason Amari agreed to intern with Endeavor was because he said she wasn't good enough for his son. He supposed given the track record it made sense.

That's when the president pipped in, seemingly confused as well. "You were going to reject it, why on earth would you ever do that? We could've given you everything you ever wanted.."

Amari snapped her fingers at that, silencing the woman just like she had done to the girl a couple hours ago. "You see, right there. That's why I didn't agree, because the words you used right now are exactly the same as someone else I know…"

Laughing slightly, the girl then eyed the two before glaring and recalling the similarities between all for One's treatment and theirs."You know, it's funny really. You mark yourself as heroes and yet I don't see much of a difference between you and the villains you claim to fight."

Her glare couldn't help but stun Hawks into silence, All for One's creation shining through her eyes as she looked at them with such disgust and hatred.

The president didn't seem to have a problem speaking out though, her rough voicing cutting through the space. "How dare you, I am nothing like those scum of the earth. You bite your tongue Bakugo."

Yet that's when the girl's eyes lazily turned into one's of amusement. "Oh really? So you don't prey on the weak, give them false promises and manipulate them to do your bidding, no matter how awful and cruel it is?"

Scoffing back, the woman huffed. "Absolutely not."

Smirking under her breath, Amari then turned her head over to the winged hero himself before speaking three words that stunned him into absolute silence. "Then explain Hawks."

The hero couldn't help but widen his eyes at that, locking eyes with the girl before the president spoke over him. "What exactly are you accusing our agency of doing, young lady?"

Bakugo only shrugged her shoulders though, refusing to leave the hero's gaze, almost to let him know how serious her words were. "It's just, I've been watching you this entire time, and if I know one thing, it's brainwashing."

As the bird blinked in surprise, Amari finally turned away as she recalled every time that woman cut Hawks off, or used trigger words to silence him into her demands. It was familiar, too familiar, and as much as she hated the bird for what he had done, she couldn't ignore this.

Because that is exactly what All for One did to her.

This seemed to cause the president to snap, now taking a step forward in absolute fury. "You insolent little girl, you know nothing! I suggest you shut your mouth before you regret it."

Yet Amari didn't move from her spot, a challenging smile on her face as she did so. "Yeah? Well unfortunately I don't take orders from you so you can't silence me. Too bad, right? You almost had me.."

Shaking with fury, the president then lifted her hand in order to strike Amari, only for her not to even blink, just stare straight in a teasing glare like she was daring her to lay a hand on her.

Then the woman brought her hand down only for someone to grasp her wrist before it reached the girl, now stopping the movement entirely. "That's enough from you."

Looking up with fury, she turned only to find Endeavor standing behind her, a heavy frown on his face at what she tried to attempt. It was a good thing he came backstage in time.

Amari on the other hand looked at him dumbfounded. "Endeavor, what are you doing here?"

At her words he released his hold before taking a step closer to the girl, silently daring the woman to come any further. "After you made a mockery out of yourself I wanted to make sure that woman wasn't going to murder you. It seemed I was right to come here. What were you thinking?"

Letting her head fall, Hawks then watched as all the malice escaped her tone immediately. "It just kinda happened…"

He couldn't help but shake his head at that, already ushering her away from the president and Hawks, not trusting either of them. "Can't say I'm surprised anymore."

Although just as they were leaving, the president called back roughly. "You will never be a hero, I will make sure of it. I will make sure you never gain your provisional license and get expelled from U.A. entirely!"

Yet that's when Endeavor turned around before smirking under his breath, already knowing what those threats would actually do. "If you are trying to scare her it isn't going to work. You see, those words are like a challenge to that girl."

Then the two left, causing the president to stomp away steaming with hatred as the bird couldn't help but stare in utter disbelief.

Throughout his entire life, Hawks had always felt trapped in his own decision, already accepting that no one would see through his facade, through his entire cry for help to finally be free.

But Amari saw through it, she saw through everything.


Amari is such a badass. I simp for her. And here we see Dabi and Hawks both getting changed by her actions as she speaks up for those that are getting abused in this messed up hero world.

Throughout this story I've received a couple comments saying that Amari is a Mary Sue and that she's too perfect but I think she's really struggled to get here. Yes she is changing the game, but only through hard work and character building. She didn't start out like this, she had to fight through her own trauma, ideals and experiences to get here so I think it's justified. She's far from perfect, but she still wants to do her best for everyone that's ever helped her. 3

And now she's using her experiences and feelings to help others that are in the same position. It's been a long time coming with me planting seeds throughout the book, showing how people treat Amari because of her size and health. Now she wants to change that, for the future generation as well. She's growing up. *cries in proud weeb mom*

Next Chapter: Hawks tries to make amends