Graduations Part 1/2

Amari: Age 18


As Kenji walked over to his little brother's gravestone, the boy sighed roughly before shoving his hands into his pockets. This was the first time he was courageous enough to even come here, the boy always stopping outside of the cemetery every day in the past year.

Everything was still too hard for him, the boy letting his brown hair fall in front of his eyes before forcing himself to take another step. He wasn't even sure if Kazumi would've even wanted to see him after everything that had happened.

The grey marble appeared in his vision a moment later, gazing down at his brother's name before closing his eyes a moment later. He didn't even have the right to be here, what was he even going to say. "Hey Kazumi.."

He screwed his lips shut a moment later before looking down at finding a small bouquet of purple hyacinth's at his feet in confusion. What the hell were these doing here, had someone been here before him? Kazumi didn't have many friends.

Kenji then leaned down and touched the flowers before someone behind him snapped him out of his own thoughts. "Someone's been bringing those by every week. I never got their face but they must have really loved him."

Turning around, the boy found his mother staring back sadly, a small bouquet of white lily's to add to the gravestone. "I didn't expect to see you here. Did you come to say hi to your brother?"

Yet those were the words that made Kenji immediately close his eyes in unsaid pain and guilt before quickly taking a step back from his mother. No, he couldn't do this. How could he grieve when this was all his fault? His mothers tears, her somber voice.

They were all his fault.

Taking another step backwards, he managed to stutter out. "No, I was just leaving…"

Then as quickly as possible, the boy practically ran away from his own feelings, vaguely feeling his mother's stare from behind him as he left the cemetery without another word.

I'm sorry Kazumi, I can't do it.


Running across the tiled floor of U.A, Amari dodged around a group of first years before quickly ramming into another one and profusely apologizing a moment later, bowing her body towards her feet in a quick millisecond with a huff. "Ah, sorry!"

Then she snapped herself up before continuing her dash across campus, using her explosions to quickly jump onto someone's else's shoulders in order to let her pass quicker as they blocked the way. "Hey, what the hell do you think you're doing?!"

Yet once again the girl only had time to lift up a quick hand in apology before ignoring the boy completely as she focused on finding her class. "Sorry sorry, can't talk. Gotta go!"

Two years ago, Bakugo didn't know how much she missed moments like this, small interactions that made her feel alive more than ever. After the war, things were pretty tough after all and the doctors weren't sure that she would ever recover.

To say she was messed up was a bit of an understatement as All for One's drug mixed with the massive overuse of her quirk had completely destroyed any bit of stamina and strength she had built up throughout the years with her trainers.

So because of that, the girl had to start practically all over again, working her quirk back to the level it was before. Although, it wasn't all bad because Endeavor and Hawks were there to train her privately, ensuring that she could graduate with her brother.

And it worked. Now the girl could run down these hallways without fear, standing beside the rest of her classmates as they prepared to graduate. She was thankful to them, because without their selfless help Amari knew she would have never gotten to this point again.

Another student cursed behind her but Bakugo could hardly care, waving her hand up once more in a silent sorry before a body blocked her vision, ramming into her the same time she decided to turn around. Crap, she didn't even notice that one..

Because of her small size, Amari was immediately knocked over onto the floor as her phone flew out of her hand a moment later. She then began to curse to herself as she picked up the object quickly before noticing the large pile of paper on the ground as well.

Closing her eyes in embarrassment, she quickly bowed her head at the stranger. "Oh shoot, I'm so sorry! I guess I didn't see you there. Here, let me help.."

But the minute she touched the paper, the stranger huffed before practically ripping the paper out of her hands, a flash of his brother's eyes in her vision. "Watch where you're going next time, would you?"

At the disrespect, Amari then quickly raised her head to meet the very familiar eyes of the browned haired Kenji. This caused her smile to drop immediately. "Oh, it's you."

Call it petty, but the girl couldn't help her unenthused response as the years she had to spend with Kenji weren't the best, mostly because he always seemed to be so rude to her for some reason. Perhaps she reminded him of his late brother, the one that she had killed before the war.

And that was another thing, Amari just couldn't look at the younger boy without seeing his brother, the one that so desperately begged her to kill him the night All for One manipulated the boy into drinking that drug and dying.

It was such a horrible night, one that the girl would like to forget.

But it seemed like fate was cruel because with Kenji hanging around, she could never actually forget. Call it eternal punishment. "I mean, I'm really sorry about that. I guess I just got excited and everything. How have you been Kenji?"

Yet the boy seemed less than thrilled at the conversation, scoffing under his breath. After this morning, the last person he wanted to see was her. "Yeah, still getting in everyone's way I see…"

Nervously laughing, Amari replied. "Ah, yeah that's me. But I'm getting better! You see, today Hawks told me..."

But she was quickly cut off as Kenji spoke over her immediately, only seeing Kazumi in her words, how he was always so excited to talk to him about hero stuff, about his future. It was pointless, what she was saying was pointless. Why couldn't she see that, see what it did to his brother, what he did to his brother?

Putting his hand up, Kenji replied plainly. "I'm going to stop you right there. I don't really care about whatever self privileged perks you've been given. It's so obvious that you are getting favors from the pros so trying to act all strong. It's pissing me off. How about you stop relying on stronger heroes to get by?"

This caused Amari to widen her eyes in disbelief before standing up herself and dusting off her uniform with annoyance. She knew she probably shouldn't have been so bothered by his words but she couldn't help it.

His responses, they always reminded her of the past, of how Katsuki used to speak to her. And just like back then, Amari found herself immediately shrinking inside her own anxiety, the memories of the past seeping in all at once.

Rubbing the back of her back, the girl replied small. "I don't rely on them."

Yet Kenji only scoffed. "That's the best joke I've ever heard. Of course you do. Don't you forget, you were in the hospital three years ago. That's when you should've realized you weren't cut out for this…"

His words caused the girl's hand to ball into a fist, wanting to tell off this boy but knowing it wouldn't do any good. Perhaps it was foolish but she didn't really have the right to disagree. Any other person probably would've quit by now.

Too bad she wasn't any other person. "You're wrong I.."

And yet once again, Kenji cut her off, frustration on his brow. It almost reminded her of Toya wherever he was irritated that she wasn't getting what he was trying to say. "I'm not wrong, you wanna know why? Because you shouldn't even be here, you should've walked away the day those villains put you in that hospital, you should've realized that it's pointless for weak heroes, just like I've been trying to say…"

His words cut her deep, Amari listening to each other as she teeth gritted together in pure annoyance and fury. Sure it wasn't a secret that people didn't believe in her but Kenji always seemed to torment her the most, making her regret living instead of the ones she loved.

Although just before the boy was able to finish, another presence moved in front of Bakugo before crossing his arms in a heavy glare, a small growl in his voice. "I'm going to stop you right there, and that's because everything you just said was wrong.."

Blinking in surprise, Amari then refocused her eyes to find a very familiar head of purple hair facing away from her, his tone disgusted at the words that were spoken. "I don't know who you think you are but I won't let you talk to her like that, not after everything she's been through. You don't understand anything, so I suggest you back off.."

At the utter hatred in his stance, the girl quickly touched his arm before causing the boy to turn around at her voice, softening his glare immediately. "Hey, knock it off Toshi. He can believe what he wants."

Yet Shinso couldn't help but widen his eyes at that, knowing that wasn't a very "Amari response". Usually she'd kick his ass or tell him off. Who was this dude? He was making her act weird.

Yet he pushed away the thought when Kenji couldn't help but chuckle back. Oh yeah? And what will you do if I don't?"

This caused the purple haired boy's expression to darken immediately before stomping up to the underclassman with a plain voice. "Then I'll make you back off. So go ahead, choose.."

Amari knew he was ready to activate his quirk which could cause him to get into some serious trouble. They were in school after all, this was not the time. Kenji wasn't worth it.

She was about to open her mouth when Kenji seemingly scoffed before turning on his heels, obviously not looking for a fight either. "Whatever, I have better things to do anyways then argue with your white knight."

Seeing him leave, Amari exhaled a breath that she didn't know she was holding before slapping her best friend on his shoulder in clear annoyance. "Toshi, what the hell were you doing? You were going to use your quirk, weren't you? You can't do that, it could hurt your chances of graduating!"

The purple haired boy couldn't help but glare in the direction of the stranger before shrugging his shoulders, not really caring about the repercussions. "It would have been worth it.."

Shinso then turned back to the girl before placing a warm hand on her hand in concern, his eyes softening just slightly. "Are you okay? You didn't seem like yourself back there. What did that asshole say to you? Who even was he..?"

At his multiple questions, Amari couldn't help but chuckle before throwing his hand off of her to show she was alright. "Whoa whoa what's with the twenty questions? I'm fine. I mean come on Toshi, I faced the worst villain in history and you think I was a little scared by a scrawny looking boy that's a year younger than us? Oh please.."

She said that but Shinso could see the anxiety in her eyes from the interaction, the boy sighing roughly. "Amari come on, I'm not stupid. There is something about him. I know you, you wouldn't let that kinda guy talk to you like that without a reason. Talk to me."

At his explanation, the girl immediately deflated before rubbing her neck with the anxiety she was trying to hide. She knew she couldn't openly tell him about his brothers murder in school but perhaps she could share something else.

Sighing as well, Amari replied. "Yeah, you got me. He just makes me feel kinda uncomfortable sometimes, like how Katsuki used to treat me. I don't really wanna think about it, it brings back bad memories…"

And that was all it took for Shinso to understand, his stance softening before nodding his head. He had heard plenty of stories about how bad it was between her and her brother so he could fully picture how those kinds of things still affected her, even now.

So much so, that the boy looked away before changing the subject right now, respecting her wishes to not linger on it for now. "Where's Todoroki? I haven't seen him around lately."

At the mention of Todoroki, he then watched as Amari's lips turned into a soft smile, causing Shinso to feel conflicted. Part of it was because he was happy to make her happy again, but the other was knowing that smile wasn't for him.

Amari nodded her head at his words before replying lightly. "Oh yeah, He's been pretty busy actually, working with his dad at Endeavor's agency. Since Shoto's going to work beside him after he graduates they both thought it would be good for him to learn the ropes sooner rather than later. He'll be here for graduation though."

Although that's when the girl noticed her friend's wordless withered state before changing the subject once more, not really knowing why he was depressed but wanting to fix it. "How's it going with you though? You're still working to be a sidekick first right? How's that going..?"

This seemed to snap Shinso out of his own thoughts before reaching into his bag and showing Amari a bunch of half opened letters.

At first the girl beamed in happiness from the amount of letters, although it was quickly diminished with the boy sighed. "Still not great. I've been rejected at every agency so far. Seems like starting in the hero course late and having a villain quirk isn't such a great combination.."

Taking one of them, Amari frowned before opening up the rejection with disbelief. "Whaa? Come on, even with Aziawa's recommendation?"

Shinso only shrugged his shoulders though, seeing the answer as obvious. "Yeah, it doesn't really matter what dad says. I'm not his real son so people are still skeptical."

Hearing the boy call Aziawa his father still made the girl smile inside, knowing how hard it was for him to reach this point. Although, that didn't make her any less angry about the agency rejections. Shinso was such a great person and a hero, he didn't deserve this, he had worked too hard.

Although seeing her ball her hands at her side only made Shinso smirk before placing the letters back into his pocket. "Hold on there angry eyes, I know what you're thinking but don't go fight the entire hero society because of this, alright? It's not that big of a deal. I just gotta keep trying. I'm used to the rejection by now.."

His positive attitude was reassuring enough for Amari to relax her body language only slightly, disdain still in her voice. "It's still not fair.."

Rolling his eyes, Shinso replied. "Well, that's just how it is for people like us, right? Just like you with your agency. How's that going by the way, any progress?"

And then, almost immediately, it seemed like Amari's eyes sparked to life, her mind trying to process the words, almost like she was forgetting something. "Any progress.."

Although after a moment, the girl's expression widened with excitement before slapping her hand over her face. Oh crap, how could she forget why she was running down the hallways a second ago?! "AHH I almost forgot. I gotta go Toshi…"

Jumping up and down in a panicked motion, Shinso turned his brow in concern a moment later. What the hell did he say to get her so worked up? "Uhh okay? Is everything good?"

Bakugo just barely managed to nod her head in joy before already turning away, her voice quick and rambled, like she wanted to get somewhere as fast as possible. "Oh yeah yeah everything great, fantastic even! I can't tell you now but I will soon, okay? I really gotta go, see you, good luck with your agency hunt..!"

Then before the boy couldn't even open his mouth to reply, Amari was gone. This caused Shinso to shake his head in exasperation before a small smile worked its way to his lips. Same old Amari.


As Amari finally reached the door she was looking for a moment later the girl smiled to herself before grasping the handle. Finally, she had made it..

Amari then practically ripped the door off of its hinges in the process before finding the spiky haired blonde boy she was looking for, his head turning to her in confusion as she shouted like a small puppy.. "KATSUKI…"

Noticing that she practically shouted his name, her brother scoffed before placing his feet on the desk, sticking one finger in his ear in order to lessen the noise. "Ha? What the hell are you screaming about so damn early?"

Yet the girl only hopped into the classroom before smirking back. "Oh please, It's not like you scream every second of the day, you little angry Pomeranian. Now anyways.."

Bakugo tickled his brow at her tone before immediately standing up to tower over his sister, anger etched on his face now. Although the girl only looked proud though, like she knew she pissed him off. "That's it, you're dead. Come here…"

Throwing an explosion in her direction, Amari smirked before grabbing the nearest desk next to her and using it as a protective shield, the other students not even batting an eye in the process. Yep, these were the Bakugo twins, just as explosive as ever.

The girl then tossed the desk away before sticking her tongue out a moment later. "Looks like you're gonna have to try harder than that brother."

The class eyed their interactions with interest, the group missing the energy of the chaotic pair. Because they were in their last semester of U.A. Most of the hero kids were busy setting up their own futures, completing work studies and agency runs in order to better themselves.

Because of that, class time had been cut down to minimal which meant that time like this was rare to have anymore, Denki smirking at the newfound energy in the room. "Come on guys, it's only been five minutes and you're already at it?"

Mina couldn't help but elbow him at that. "I think that's a record. Usually they wait till after class to start."

And even Deku couldn't help but smile, knowing the two twins were far more expressive and loud nowadays. He supposed that just showed how comfortable they were with each other, and about how much they truly trusted one another.

They had come a long way and the boy was thankful for it.

Feeling his quirk start to ignite through his palms, Katsuki then raced forward before grabbing his sister's collar and lifting her off the ground. "You little brat, now you're asking for it.."

Bakugo smirked before throwing the short girl over his shoulder before spinning her around in a circle like a helicopter at an aggressive rate as the girl squeaked in surprise, holding onto her brother for dear life. "Katsuki, what the hell..put me down...I'm gonna be sick…"

Yet the boy only chuckled evilly, fully enjoying the moment. "Like hell, this is for calling me a Pomeranian!"

Squeezing her eyes shut the girl then began to pound on his back as she cried back angry. "That's because you are one, dumb ass! Now, you have five seconds to put me down before I throw up all over you, and I won't be sorry about it either.."

Amari then placed a hand over her mouth in a fake gag, causing Bakugo to immediately place his sister back on the ground, not wanting her breakfast to be thrown on him. "Whatever. What the hell are you screaming about anyways? Did you just come in here to piss me off?"

The girl then widened her eyes, almost like she had forgotten the reason why she was here in the first place before smiling widely, not intimidated by the boy at all. "Oh, right! Thanks for reminding me. I have great news!"

Her brother couldn't help but lift an eye at that, watching the girl try to make the world stop spinning from his torture.. "And what's that?"

Throwing her hand into her pocket, Amari then took out her phone before showing Katsuki the contents, hopping up to him excitedly. "Hawks found us a place. You know, for our agency!"

At her words, the blonde boy couldn't help but widen his eyes as well, looking at the location on the screen before huffing out a breath of disbelief. There was no way.

The twins had been trying to find a place for their agency for about a year now, but sadly with no credibility and public approval mixed with the commission trying to stop them every chance they got, the idea seemed almost impossible. There were just too many variables and everything.

But staring at the screen before him, Katsuki read their mentor's words one at a time, soaking in each other slowly as it read. LOOKS LIKE YOU GOT YOURSELF AN AGENCY KIDS.

Letting out a sigh of relief, Bakugo scratched the back of his head before a small smile crept into his lips. It was happening, finally. "Damn, that bird brain really did it.."

Nodding back, Amari grinned before throwing her arms out and flapping them widely. "I know! I'm so excited, he finalized it this morning so we can go look at it after school. I'm so excited Katsuki, this is really happening!"

Katsuki noticed the word choice before shaking his head in exasperation. "You said excited twice."

Thinking about his words, the girl then pushed her arms down before scratching her neck nervously in response. "Oh, ah sorry I'm just excited. Wait, I just did it again, didn't I? Oops."

Her brother couldn't help but smirk at her attempt of trying to calm her emotions before rubbing the top of her head lightly. A year ago he would've found her anxious spastic nature annoying but now he knew better.

In fact, he missed her little puppy moments as three months ago the girl was too caught on her own death to really cherish her own life. It was like she was living for everyone else and these interactions just proved to Katsuki how carefree his sister was now, like she believed she was worthy enough to live.

He supposed he had to thank Toya for that.

Bakugo had barely known the villain but it seemed like his death really impacted Amari, her whole life attitude switching the minute she woke up from the hospital for some reason. He didn't really understand it but Katsuki was thankful for it regardless.

So much so that the boy placed a warm hand on top of her head before smiling towards his sister, already excited to see what kind of amazing place the Bakugo agency was going to be. "Idiot, it's normal to be excited. We'll go after school."

Already seeing her eyes light with excitement was enough for the girl to lift up her hands widely before beaming with utter joy. "Okay! Let's go see how amazing our agency is..!"


Practically running towards the location that Hawks had send her, Katsuki huffed out a breath, trying his best to calm his spastic twin the best he could. "Hey dumb ass, slow down a second. You're gonna tire yourself out before we even get there!"

Yet Amari hardly seemed to care, throwing her hand back in a shrug. "Aw come on Katsuki, lighten up. You know I can run now, the doctor said so! The skies the limit now, I don't have to be as careful anymore."

Her brother still couldn't help but watch her in concern though, his mind flashing back to all of her training and rehab his sister had to go through in order for her to build her strength back up.

It seemed like second nature now for him to be extra cautious, given what he had to live through when she was in a coma. That was something he never wanted to experience again. "Yeah but that doesn't mean you can just go off and kill yourself again. The agency isn't going anywhere, just take a goddamn breath for once.."

Yet his demands were quickly ignored when the girl saw a flash of red around the corner, hopping up to their trainer and sponsor with excitement. "Keigo! We're here..!"

Waving her arms excitedly, the bird couldn't help but smile before lifting his wings in a welcome. "Hey, if it isn't my favorite chickadee! Good to see ya kid."

It still felt weird to call him by his real name so openly but after she woke up from the hospital and reunited with the bird, he had stated that he didn't really mind his name anymore. So much so that he encouraged her to speak it more often.

And when she heard those words, it really made Amari extremely happy. Mostly because it meant that he was finally beginning to start his life as Keigo, not Hawks.

Although not everyone had the permission to say it just yet but she knew that day would come soon as well. "Same here. Now, where is it?! I'm so excited…"

Groaning to himself, Katsuki finally caught up to the girl before slapping her upside the head. "Yeah, and I've heard her say she was excited about a thousand damn times since she told me. Hurry up and show us so she can stop already.."

Keigo began to chuckle to himself before replying. "Alright alright, I guess I've kept you waitin long enough. Follow me kids."

Then he began to walk down the busy street, causing Amari and Katsuki to follow him excitedly. Although whereas Amari was practically hopping down the street, her brother was just silently content about whatever lay ahead.

This was going to be their future after all

It took a couple minutes but the hero finally stopped before lifting his hands out to the large space in front of them, his wings spread wide at the presentation of his accomplishment. "Here it is kids, your new agency!"

Quickly turning their heads, the Bakugo's expected to see a shining new building just like all the other ones they've seen in their lives, a place that would be respected and looked at for years to come, the legacy Bakugo agency..

Although one look at the building slowly caused their smiles to drop immediately.

Stranding in front of them wasn't what they had pictured in the slightest. In fact, this building was practically falling apart with mold and rust. There were a few windows but they appeared to be broken and boarded up while the walls that had some graffiti on them as well.

It didn't look like an agency at all, it looked like a crack house.

Yet it seemed like Keigo didn't get their disappointment, waving his arms wildly. "Sooo? What do you think? I know it needs some work but I think it could be really good, yeah?"

Blinking in disbelief, Katsuki was the first to speak, not fully knowing if this was a joke or not. "Some work, it needs a lot more than that. What the hell even is this?!"

Keigo could only offer a nervous chuckle though. "Your agency?"

At that, Bakugo immediately began to turn away as Keigo used his feathers to stop him right away, cutting the jokes. "Alright alright. I know I know, okay? It's not great but this was the best I could do. You see kids, getting an agency off the ground is hard enough without the commission turning down every offer I've made along with the public's view. It's been really rough and I really had to pull a lot of favors to even get this place."

The blonde haired boy scoffed his disapproval before Amari finally came out of her shocked trance, an anxious hand to her neck. "Aww come on. It's not really that bad. I'm sure with a little love and some paint and maybe an exterminator this place can be great."

Katsuki couldn't help but blink in disbelief at his sister, stomping up on her roughly. He always got her positive attitude but this was crazy. "Are you blind?! It looks like the place is gonna come down any minute…"

Placing her hands on her hips, Amari sighed before pointing to her discolored left eye, courtesy of Dabi from the war. "Only in one eye, remember? But even with one eye I can really see some potential here…"

At her words Katsuki immediately stopped, his gaze saddening at the mention of her non working left eye. Sometimes he forgot about her sacrifices, about her scars and moments like these really made him want to kick himself for being so careless.

Although Amari didn't seem to mind the comment, smiling softly. "I mean, this place is ours Katsuki, it's our agency. It's the place that we've always dreamed about as kids. Sure, it isn't what we pictured just yet but we just gotta work on it, don't you think? It's like Keigo said, I think it could be really good."

The positivity she had for the place made, her brother sigh roughly before muttering back. "I don't know, I think it's beyond saving."

Yet the girl couldn't only giggle at that, pointing between Hawks, and herself. "Nothing is beyond saving. I mean just look at us. We all thought we couldn't be saved, right? But we are standing here, having overcome everything. I think the same can be said for this place."

A lump of emotions rang into Keigo's throat at that, fully understanding the meaning behind her words. She was right. It was like this agency represented their struggles and obstacles, the ones that pulled them down so many years ago.

It seemed like a good analogy, the once broken kids fixing the broken agency. It seemed, almost right in a way. "Aww kid, I know if anyone can do it, you two can. Although I'm still sorry I couldn't do ya any better. Some sponsor I am, huh?"

Yet it was Katsuki that responded this time. "Whatever, don't beat yourself up about it. We're lucky you even deal with us half of the time. Yeah, the place is shit but maybe what Amari says is right, maybe it isn't hopeless.."

This caused the hero to brighten up immediately, mostly because it was Amari's brother that had complimented him. That almost never happened so it was extra special coming from him.

Lifting his wings out, Keigo then smiled before pulling two letters out of his jacket and handing them to the kids. "Ah, that's right I almost forgot. There's only one thing left to do before we can get your agency off the ground. It's something that will help the public's opinion of you guys as well.."

Not really understanding, the twin quickly grabbed the letter before opening the contents and reading what was inside as they widened their eyes.

Amari was the first to speak, her fingers trailing over the words. "These are offers for sidekicks?"

Nodding back, Keigo beamed. "Yep! Now, it won't be easy because you're so new but I want each of you to find a sidekick to bring on for your agency. It's gonna be a lot of work before you open up and having more people on your side will really boost your numbers."

Although the girl couldn't help but look down at the plain white envelope with silent thought. Keigo had a point, having more people on their side would fare well, especially when the commission was practically out for their heads and their failure.

It seemed like the president wasn't too pleased with the idea of her favorite puppet getting taken away to work with the twins instead. Ah well, it was Hawks' decision after all.

Katsuki didn't seem to share the same thoughts though, narrowing his eyes at the white paper. Call it trauma but the boy still felt uneasy and the sight of letters after Amari's coma. "I don't want some extras here. This is bullshit, the only one I need is Amari. Everyone else is gonna drag us down.."

The hero couldn't help but frown at that, patting the angry twins back once. "Aw come on kid, it won't be that bad. You just gotta find the right fit. That's why I'm letting you two find them yourselves. I'm sure you'll change your mind once you find the one."

Yet Bakugo was still not overly thrilled with the idea, not understanding why they needed to bring some other bastard into their dream. Given his experience it was hard to trust and rely on anyone as it was, never mind having to put his faith in a total stranger.

What Keigo was saying was bullshit, there was no way that there was someone else worthy enough to stand by them, they didn't exist. "I doubt it."

His wings deflated at that, causing Amari to speak up into the gloomy atmosphere, sticking her letters into her left side pocket. "We'll try our best Keigo, but I don't really know if anyone can handle us the way we are. We will probably scare them away.."

At the sound of her joke, Keigo cracked a smile before lifting his hands out. Yeah, the Bakugo twins were certainly a handful but he knew there were plenty of people out there that could find their kindness as well. It just took some digging to find it. "Just keep your eye out and we will talk about it after your graduation in a couple days. No use worrying about it right now. It's just something to keep in mind. That's all."

Nodding back, Amari then lightly touched the pocket where the letter was before smiling softly. She didn't even have the slightest idea where to start with this but hopefully it would just come to her. "Okay, I will.."


As a pair of hands shook her awake, Amari groaned to herself when the sun from her window appeared into her eyes a moment later, signaling the start of a new day, a very important day. "Amari sweetie, it's time to get up. You have to get ready."

Recognizing her mothers voice, the girl forced her body to wake up before using her hand to rub her eyes once in a yawn. "Get ready for what?"

Although that only caused the woman to chuckle under her breath, now reaching for the curtains by her bed. "Oh silly, you know what day it is already. It's your graduation. Now come on before I send Katsuki in here to wake you up.."

Once the threat of her brother was out there, Amari immediately jumped out of bed before stretching her arms and glancing at her U.A. uniform hanging up to her right. This was one of the last times she was going to put on her uniform and it was already making her emotional.

So much so that she didn't even notice her mother leave before moving up and touching the fabric between her fingers with a small smile on her face. So much had happened in her life since joining U.A. and she knew she would be forever thankful for it.

Sure there were some bad things. Katsuki's misunderstandings, All for One and the league coming after her, putting Shoto in danger and being kidnapped, and still so many mistakes and she wished she could've redone.

But just like with the bad, there were also some things that she was grateful for. Her class, Shinso, learning to love herself again, getting to become closer to her brother, finding the love of her life. Those were only a couple things that she couldn't help but smile for.

And there were so many more as well.

Already feeling the tears make their way towards her eyes, the girl paused when a rough voice shattered her thoughts, watching the girl as he leaned against the doorway. "Don't tell me you're already crying.."

Blinking away the tears, Amari sniffled before turning to her brother with an unconvincing laugh. "Whaa? No, of course not. I'm not some kinda cry baby or anything. It's just, I never thought I'd get to this point."

Katsuki's expression immediately softened as he watched her begin to play with Toya's ring on her right hand silently, knowing she was thinking about him and what he did for her.

Hell, after the war Bakugo wasn't sure if they would get to see their graduation together either, so he understood completely. "You're here cause you damn deserve it, don't go thinking any different, you hear me?"

Amari then looked down at the ring before smiling sadly. "Yeah, I know. I guess I'm just a little emotional about it. Sorry."

She reached forward to touch the fabric once more only for Katsuki grumble at her depressed stance and stomp over her with a huff. He didn't like when she apologized, almost like she thought he was bothered by her weak state.

Perhaps small fragments of the past still lingered somewhere inside her, and he really hated seeing them. "Idiot, obviously you'd be emotional."

Then he reached forward before grabbing her shoulder and swirling her around into a hug, his strong arms securely tightening around her frame without hesitation. "You earned this Amari, more than anyone, you hear me? You don't have to be sorry for living, you don't have to regret being here because I'm sure damn glad you are, okay?"

Already feeling the tears make their way up to her eyes, Amari tried to blink them away again only for Katsuki to tighten his arms even further, forbidding the idea. "So go ahead and cry if you want to. You deserve it, you deserve to graduate just like the rest of us."

And that was all it took for Amari to break down, bringing her shaky arms to meet him before crying into his chest with shorted breath, grateful and yet somehow still regretful that she was the one chosen to live instead of Toya.

Toya believed in her, trusted her to push forward but sometimes his sacrifice was still so hard to bear, the idea of her taking his life for him so painfully clear in moments like this. "I'm happy but..I wish he was here.."

Nodding under her frame, Katsuki only replied plainly. "I know, I know you do but you can't do a damn thing about it. That bastard made his choice so you gotta live with it, and that starts by finally doing what you wanna do, what makes you happy.."

His words brought a ring of truth to them, gently pushing him away before staring at her uniform with a sad smile. Her brother was right, she couldn't let Toya's sacrifice go in vain.

She had to make him proud. "Yeah, you're right. I'm going to get changed."


After greeting some students and underclassmen, Amari walked around the hallways of U.A. for the last time, taking in everything she could about the place before she walked up on that stage. Everything still just felt so strange, so unreal in this moment. She could hardly believe it.

Walking by the hero course classrooms the girl stopped before noticing a familiar shade of purple hair inside of the classroom next to her, his head staring down at something particular.

What was he doing here, it was almost time for the ceremony to start after all.

Amari smiled to herself before moving towards her best friend, her intent to either scare him or say some kind of silly joke regarding him being late to his own graduation or something.

But that's when she noticed his face.

He seemed almost sad, staring down at a stack of half opened letters before rubbing his face in frustration. Whatever it was, it was clear he was anxious about something.

So much so that Amari changed her approach, leaning against the doorframe before calling out to him gently. "Hey, you okay? The ceremony is about to start. We should head over soon."

Slightly jumping at her presence, Shinso quickly locked eyes on the girl before nodding back half heartedly. "Oh, yeah. I'll be right there."

Seeing that he wasn't going to bring up the topic, Amari took it upon herself before flopping down in the chair in front of him as her eyes bore into his. "Oh no you don't. You forced me to talk about my feelings all the time and now it's your turn. What's up?"

She did have a point at that, causing Shinso to sigh roughly before pushing the opened letters towards her. "It's nothing, just more rejection letters. I wanted to tell dad my plans before graduation but it seems like that's not happening."

Carefully gathering the letter in her hand, Amari quickly flipped through them before lowering her eyes. Why did people like them always have to work the hardest? "I'm sorry Toshi, I know it must be hard. I don't know why people keep doing this, you're a pretty great hero to me.."

Although even her words couldn't bring him peace, the boy shaking his head. "Yeah well, you are what they call a rarity short stuff. No one really wants a kid with a grandfather that was a villain, parents that ran away from him and a quirk that could be villainous in the wrong hands. It's a lot to handle, I get it."

Amari couldn't help but frown at that. "Yeah but you can't change that. Just because you had a crappy life doesn't mean it lessens your chance of success. People should give you a chance so they can see what I see."

Smiling bitterly, her best friend appreciated her words but knew it was more than that. "I mean, I can't really blame them. I'm not really the image of a perfect hero so it would be risky to take me on. I already know the public approval would be low given what I've experienced at school."

Shinso then recalled the large amount of bullying and teasing he received from his quirk over the years. His classmates were going to be heroes as well which meant that things like that would continue to happen and the negativity would just end up hurting any pro that tried to take him on.

And as much as he loved Amari, she just didn't get it. She didn't get that not everyone was like Endeavor or Hawks or herself. Those kinds of people, the ones that supported people like them, they were just a small number of heroes in the world. She was lucky but that wasn't the same for everyone..

Sighing to himself, the boy continued roughly. "Amari, I mean this in the best way but not everyone can be as lucky as you. What you had, those so called "chances" you talk about, they don't usually happen. The truth is, if it's risky, most people won't want to do it…"

He watched Amari's only working eye to pool with regret before looking down at the desk in front of her. Shinso knew she understood what he meant, about the special treatment that she had been given over the years. She was just lucky, and she knew it.

Nodding back, the girl spoke sadly. "I'm sorry, you're right. Not everyone was able to have what I did, not everyone can be saved.."

Suddenly a flash of Toya appeared into her mind as she bawled her fists. Here her friend was hurting and she was speaking so shallowly, so unaware of the challenges he had faced in his life and would continue to face.

It was the cycle, it was the repeat offense that plagued the dark underbelly of the hero society. Long story short, anyone not fitting the perfect image of a hero was cast aside, forgotten, just like Toya.

No one took a chance, and that wasn't going to change unless she did something about it.

Then taking her hand, the girl swiped all of the letters off of the desk as they fell to the floor in a light tumble, causing the girl to slip something out of her pocket as it landed on top of the pile.

Fake gasping, the girl quickly looked down before giving Shinso an apologetic expression. "Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to.."

But it seemed like the boy didn't mind, reaching down to pick up the rejections, gathering up the letters into a stack before replying. "Don't worry about it, I got it."

Once the papers were firmly back onto the desk, Amari let her eyes glance at the objects before pointing to the top envelope with a curious expression. "Wait hold on, I think you missed one. This one isn't open yet.."

Raising his head, Shinso looked at the letters before flipping the top one over. To his surprise, she was right. He must have missed one. But that was strange, the boy thought he opened all of them. "What, I thought I got all of them.."

Amari only gave him a playful shrug though, pointing towards the seal a moment later. "Huh, that's weird. Well go on, open it.."

She seemed strangely hopeful which was weird for the boy, already expecting another rejection as he tore open the top. She really needed to stop getting her hopes up.

Although when he unfolded the paper and read the contents, Shinso's eyes couldn't help but widen immediately, completely ignoring Amari's small smile as he read..


Hello, we would like to formally invite you to join the upcoming Bakugo Twins agency as a possible sidekick. We've seen such wonderful potential you've displayed and see you as a wonderful addition to our team.

We look forward to working with you.

The Bakugo Twins


Staring at the contents with disbelief, Shinso's head immediately turned towards Amari who put her hands up in defense. "I know it's not from a proper agency but I want everyone to see what I see, I want them to meet the wonderful hero that I have the honor of calling my best friend."

Then she began to laugh to herself nervously, waving her arms around in defense. "But you don't have to accept, I'm just putting the offer out there, you know? I mean, I thought that maybe you could use us to try to get your name out there and then you can transfer or something once you build a name for yourself, but then I wasn't trying to call you incompetent or something like that, I just thought.."

Hearing her rambling explanation caused the boy to finally blink back to life before turning towards the letter once more with disbelief. "You want me to join your agency?"

Amari couldn't help but nod in response, a small smile on her face. "Yeah, I do. I think you'd be a great addition Toshi. Hawks told me to extend an offer once I found the right person and I think I finally found him.."

She wasn't really sure how he was going to respond, if he was going to reject her or wait for another better offer or something to that effect. She wouldn't blame him if he did, their agency was definitely not the easy road and would cause him some major obstacles in the future.

Although she was certainly surprised when Shinso's eyes began to line with tears before nodding back once, his voice so full of passion and emotions that it caught her off guard. "Amari..

Because for Shinso, it was Amari that was giving him that chance, it was her that was just crazy enough to bring someone with such a troubled past and quirk. It was always her, the one that believed in him no matter what.

So it made sense for him to join her, to help her in the fight of making the world a better place, a place where people like them could also be heroes.

Yeah, he knew they could change something together. "I would love to join your agency."


And finally, the moment was here.

Katsuki watched his sister walk across that stage proudly before accepting her diploma with tears in her eyes as Hawks took pictures widely next to a very stoic Endeavor along with his kids and the Bakugo parents.

It was something the boy would never forget, seeing Amari finally accept her future and her life as her own. He never would have admitted it but it almost made Katsuki want to cry as well.

So much so that the feeling carried on into after the ceremony, seeing hordes of people congratulate the girl and him as they talked about how proud they were.

And proud was certainly an understatement given everything they had to go through over the years, that was for sure.

Seeing her run up to him, Amari beamed happily as she waved her hand up in his direction. "Katsuki, mom wants another picture!"

He couldn't help but go on, knowing how many damn pictures the woman had taken already, already stomping away from her. "Seriously? When will that old hag quit?"

Giggling to herself, Amari shrugged before someone came up behind her, a small smile on his face. "Amari, these are for you."

She turned around only to find Todoroki staring back at her, a bouquet of pure white roses in his hands, just like back at the culture festival.

She knew the kind well, the kind that meant eternal loyalty.

Smiling softly, Amari carefully gathered the roses before replying. "Aww thank you Shoto, but you didn't have to do this. Where did you even find the time to buy roses?"

He seemed to think about her question for a moment before pointing back to his siblings that were giving him a thumbs up in the corner of his vision, causing the boy to groan in embarrassment. "I had Natsu and Fuyumi buy them before the ceremony. I hope that's alright?"

Touching one of the petals, a light blush ran across her cheeks before answering lightly. "Of course it's alright. I love them. Thank you."

He nodded in response before grabbing her hand. "I also wanted to congratulate you on your graduation. I know how hard you worked to get here and I just want to say, I'm proud of you."

Just then a flash of Toya worked its way into her visions before absentmindedly touching his ring, twisting it around her finger before changing the subject. "Yeah, you too. You worked really hard to be here too. I mean, so much as changed since we started school and everything. You deserve to be congratulated too."

Noticing her sadness and the cause Todoroki's eyes fell before gently squeezing her hand in reassurance before gesturing behind him. "I would like to show you something if you have a minute?"

Amari couldn't help but agree as he then turned away before leading her back inside the building quietly, a confused expression on her face. Where the hell was he taking her?

They walked for a couple minutes before reaching the very same auditorium that they had just left from before pushing open the doors and stepping aside to let her see, causing the girl to gasp in surprise.

In front of her was a trail of the same white roses that he had gifted her before, lining the walkway like some sort of aisle as small little candles lit the dim room before them.

Turning back towards him, Amari couldn't help but be stunned. "Shoto, what is all of this?"

He began to move her forward until they reached a small ring of flowers in the center, his voice slightly curious to her reaction. "Do you know why I chose this place? Because it's where we first met, when you called my eyes pretty."

Thinking about back to that embarrassing day, a small blush couldn't help but work its way to her cheeks. "You're never going to let me live that one down, are you?"

He smiled softly at the response before looking around the space. "I know it's a little excessive but I wanted to do something to celebrate today. When I asked my siblings about it they seemed to think you would like something like this.."

Knowing that he had consulted his siblings about this was sweet enough, causing Amari to look around the space at the candlelit circle. "Of course I do, but when did you even find the time to do all of this? I thought you were training with your dad most of the time?"

Todoroki only answered plainly. "When I told him my intention he let me have a couple days off. Along with Natsuo and Fuyumi helping as well. Although they seemed to think this was a proposal, even after I told them otherwise.."

At the word, Amari's eyes couldn't help but widen before coughing to cover her embarrassment. She wasn't even thinking about that. "O-Oh, I see."

Reading her face, Todoroki eyes softened before grabbing both of her hands in a light squeeze of concern. "Are you disappointed?"

Amari couldn't help but widen her eyes at that, already answering before her brain could process the words. "Whaaaa? No no of course not. I'm not disappointed, I guess it's just embarrassing to think about, I've never really thought about it before, you know? Ha ha ha.."

Hearing her rambling caused him to relax before lightly bringing his hand to touch her face, brushing his fingers across her discolored eye once. "Me neither, but I promise you that when that time does eventually come, I will do everything I can to make you the happiest woman in the world."

His words caused her blush to deepen before stuttering out. "A-Ah I see. Well I guess I'll be waiting for that then.."

Seeing her so flustered caused Todoroki to smile before a song rang out through the space, the tune so familiar to her, causing the girl's eyes to widen.

It was her song, the one she wrote for him so long ago.

Todoroki then extended his hand before smiling towards the woman he loved more than anything in the world. "But until then, may I have this dance, beautiful?"

At his nickname, the girl felt her heart flip inside her chest before accepting his hand, now feeling his arms secure themselves around her waist without a second thought. "Of course my love. I would love to dance with your pretty eyes."

As they moved to the beat of the music, the two recalled everything they had gone through leading to this point, the emotions and growth the pair had received since first hearing this song and how much stronger they were because of it.

After a couple minutes, Todoroki then pushed his head up to meet her face before twisting his eyes in an anxious expression. "There is something else I would like to try, if that's alright?"

Smiling to herself, she couldn't help but laugh at that. "Shoto we've been dating almost four years. I trust you, you don't have to ask for my permission for everything still."

Yet that caused Todoroki to frown. "Absolutely not. You must always be respected. Your feelings will always be top priority to me, regardless of what I desire. You always come first."

And as ancient as his thinking was, it was still really sweet, causing the girl to curve her lips up in amusement. "Alright then Todoroki Shoto. What would you like to try then?"

That's when his eyes deepened, chilling her to her core. "I would like to kiss you."

The request was simpler than she originally thought, not really understanding the meaning behind it. They had kissed thousands of times. Why was he asking permission now?

But even so she decided to humor him, her lips pushing together in a slight challenge. Well then, do it alrighty."

At the sound of her permission, Todoroki nodded before the girl felt his hold on her waist tighten before turning her around and pushing her backwards into a hard dip as a gasp of surprise echoed in her throat.

Looking up at the boy, Amari's eyes locked on his before he tilted her head backwards to support her before leaning down and kissing her passionately a moment later.

She couldn't help but gasp at the action, not expecting it as butterflies soon filled her stomach at the actions, Amari smiling into the kiss before placing a hand on his cheeks and returning the bold move.

The moment lasted seemingly forever before the two finally pulled away as Todoroki and Amari smiled towards each other, a small chuckle escaping their lips before the boy spoke proudly.

"Congratulations on your graduation, and to many more successes in the future."


Dodging behind another group of people, Katsuki sighed after realizing he had finally gotten rid of his mother. She was really something else today, yelling at him for a thousand different pictures of the same pose.

After some convincing, the boy finally got his mom to agree to give him a rest in order to find Amari so she can be a victim as well. He didn't know exactly where she was but if he had to suffer through their parents today then she was going to have to as well.

Moving towards the school, Katsuki stopped when he heard a very familiar voice stop him in his tracks, the tone slightly annoyed and dismissive. "Stop saying that."

He turned his head to find that irritating third year kid Kenji with a woman he assumed was the boys mother, her eyes sad at his response. "Come on Kenji, it's been three years. I know you things have been rough but skipping classes will help nothing.."

Almost immediately, Kenji turned on his heels before scoffing loudly. "What are you talking about? I'm fine, I just don't see the point of this stupid school anyways."

The boy's mother gasped at that, reaching forward to touch his arm. "Don't say that, what about your brother? He wouldn't have wanted you to act this way. He always wanted to become a hero with you Kenji.."

That seemed to make the boy snap, pulling away from her before shouting back roughly. "Yeah, and he was too weak to do anything about it. Someone should have told that idiot that he never stood a chance, that people like them should've just remained nobodies!"

Widening her eyes at his words, Kenji's mother cried back. "Y-You don't mean that.."

Yet the boy only glared back, Katsuki noticing something familiar in his eyes. "Yeah, I do. Kazumi's dreams should've been crushed a long time ago. It would have saved him and everyone else a lot of trouble."

Tears began to work their way into her eyes before his mother lowered her head in shame before turning away. Even she knew this conversation was pointless. "You know that's not what he would've wanted…"

Seeing her walk away, Kenji then closed his eyes before balling his own fists in unsaid agony before muttering back. "It shouldn't have mattered what he wanted. Those kinds of delusions didn't do him any good.."

From an outside perspective, it was easy to paint Kenji's words in a negative light, to call them selfish and cruel but for Katsuki, he saw something else, and although the boy was trying to hide it, Bakugo knew that look better than anybody.

Over the years the boy had been watching Kenji silently, taking in mannerism and cruel treatment of his sister and understanding the reasoning behind each offhand comment or gesture.

And that was because he was guilty, he was hurting and most of all, he hated himself.

Yet only Katsuki seemed to notice everything, the familiarity of the situation slapping into him immediately.

Those last words he had said, they sounded like something he used to tell Amari in order to convince her to leave U.A, back then his guilt was consuming him.

It must have been the same here, he must have been guilty for his brother's death, for not doing anything to stop it. That's why he hated Amari, why he hated the idea of weak heroes and why he hated the idea of himself.

Looking down at his hand, Katsuki found his sister's bracelet a moment later, his late birthday present that meant so much more than just some kind of material item. No, every time he looked at that bracelet it reminded him of two specific things.

The first was the painstaking reality that he had just thrown it away the first time, just like her feelings. He shoved down his own guilt and pain to the point that he didn't want anything to do with the girl, that she would have been better off without him, with a better brother.

But the second memory that came to his mind when he looked at that bracelet was the overwhelming bond they shared now, the understanding between the two twins after he had opened himself up to her, shown her his scars.

And that would have never happened if she hadn't believe in him

But for Kenji, it seemed like he was all alone, like the pain, regret and guilt was slowly eating him up inside, changing him into the past version Katsuki he hated the most, and that was utterly heartbreaking, mostly because he knew what it was like.

But for him, where was his Amari? Where was his support?

It seemed like something was missing, something that Katsuki knew the boy would never find without guidance, without reassurance. Just like Amari was there for him, someone needs to show Kenji that his guilt wasn't everything.

And for that reason, Katsuki then reached into his pocket before pulling out the letter Hawks had given him before cursing under his breath. "I'm gonna fucking regret this.."

Yes, he knew what he had to do.


Skipping into the abandoned old building that was soon to be their agency, Amari smiled at Shinso before waiting for Hawks and her brother to show up with his chosen sidekick as well. Katsuki didn't say much about it but she trusted him regardless of the decision.

Whoever he picked couldn't be that bad, right?

She laughed at the idea when Keigo flew in through the massive hole in the ceiling, landing in front of them with a flap of his wings. "Hey chickadee, this must be the new recruit! It's nice to meet ya. You're Eraserheads boy, right?"

Shinso couldn't help but feel slightly intimated at the name, nodding back before muttering. "Uh yeah. That's me. But I'm not really his son, I'm adopted."

Although Keigo only shook his head, throwing his hands out. "Nah, that doesn't matter. I know for a fact he talks about you all the time. You know Eraserhead doesn't sweat the small stuff like that. You're definitely his kid in my eyes."

At his words a small bit of emotion made its way into Shinso's throat before looking away in order not to completely fall apart in front of the pro hero. What a great first impression that would be. "Thanks.."

But very much like Keigo, of course he had to ruin it a moment later. "But I gotta say, I wasn't expecting chickadee to pick you out of all people. Very interesting choice. I guess us outcasts gotta stick together, right?"

Dropping his smile at the blatant insult, Shinso opened his mouth to respond when Amari slapped the bird on the shoulder with annoyance. "You're doing it again Keigo. Cut it out. Stop insulting people when you first meet them."

It seemed he realized what he was doing cause the hero only threw up a lazy smile a moment later, rubbing the back of his head in response. "Ah, oops. Sorry, I tend to be too fast for my own good. I didn't mean it like that. I just meant that we all can understand where you're coming from and you have our full support."

Because the explanation was a bit nicer, Shinso relaxed his posture only for the door to open next to them as the group saw the vague outline of Katsuki from the doorframe. "Ah, and there is my other favorite trainee. Come on in Bakugo and show us who you brought!"

Strolling up to the group, Amari was also seemingly curious on who her brother had chosen to join them at their agency. He didn't really get along with most people so she really didn't have any guesses or anything.

She began to smile as the stranger pushed its way into view although that expression quickly dropped when his brown hair caused her to widen her eyes. No, it couldn't be he was just messing with her, right?

Although her hopes were soon dashed when the boy stopped a couple feet away from her and every terrible memory from that horrible horrible night came back to her in full force.

The one that she had always felt uncomfortable in front of

The one that reminded her of her past with Katsuki

The one that she couldn't even look at because it reminded her of the boy she had to murder, his brother she had to murder…

It couldn't be, it just couldn't.

The person Katsuki had chosen to join their agency was none other than Kazumi's brother, Kenji Sato.


I gotta break this up into two parts cause there are just too many things to add. But here we are with the time skip chapters, a lot has happened and a lot of development is still set to happen.

You thought we were done with Kenij, that I just forgot about his story? Nah nah, little do you know their arc was never about Kazumi at all, it was always about his brother.

But if this seems familiar with Kenji it's because of the cycle that Dabi was always talking about, the idea of it repairing itself. Although, it seems like Katsuki may have some "Amari type" traits in him after all..

Next Chapter: Amari is big mad at Katsuki's decision but she's gotta live with it and the mistakes that she had made in the past daunt her more than ever before.