THIS IS THE REWRITTEN VERSION OF "WHAT ARE THE ODDS"
Disclaimer: BNHA is not mine. The only things I own are my original characters and some plots in this story.
English is not my first language, and writing stories is just a hobby, so I apologize for any mistakes made in the story.
I hope you enjoy my story!
STORY SUMMARY
She died with regrets, ranging from the guilt of leaving to the death of the little girl tucked in her arms. Now, living in a world where superheroes and supervillains exist is so cliche but who is she to complain? After all, she got reincarnated in one of her favorite animes. It was kind of a bummer she didn't get to the Marvel Universe though.
PROLOGUE
"THAT'S MY NAME"
"Why don't you try to go in, miss?".
The woman, who is standing in front of the office door, turns to look at the source of the voice.
A tall dark-haired man wearing a long white robe stood beside her with a smile plastered on his face.
"So?", the man asked again with his warm smile, "Why don't you try to go in, Althea?".
The woman blinked, stared at the man for a couple of moments before responding, "How... do you know my name?".
The man let out a hum, averting his gaze onward, his hands clasped in front, "I know everyone", he answered vaguely.
"Again, I highly suggest going in the office. After all", He glances back at the woman, who is called Althea, giving her a closed-eye smile.
"Won't you like to know why you're here?".
Althea stared at the man for a few moments before bringing her attention to the door in front of them.
"Alright", she responded after a while, taking two steps closer before finding the courage to open the door.
"Glad to see you finally came in, Ms. Althea", the woman sitting behind a desk greeted her before turning her attention to the man behind her.
"Thank you for the assistance, Sir Gabriel", she thanked him with a short bow, which he returned. The man, now called Gabriel, gave one last smile to Althea before closing the door behind her.
"Miss Althea Salvador, yes?", the woman behind the desk asked with a smile which Althea responded with a nod.
"Please take a seat and let's continue", the woman continued, gesturing to take a seat at a vacant chair on her right. Althea moved, glancing briefly at the office, before taking a sit.
"You may call me Miss Lady", the woman introduced with a smile, "Now, let's see", she mused as she opens the white portfolio resting on her desk.
"Althea Salvador, age 21", she read out loud, "Status: Single, Oh my, an honor student too. It's a pleasure dear", she gave her a warm smile, which Althea returned with a strained one.
The office lady silently read the rest of the file, making the woman fidget nervously, before returning her gaze to Althea, "And may I ask... what was the last thing you remember before coming here?".
Althea lowers her head and focuses her gaze on her clasped hands, "I... remember going out", she replied hesitantly.
Miss Lady let out a hum, focusing her attention on the woman in front of her, "Yes, and then?", she asked again, motioning for Althea to continue.
"I...", she paused, licking her lips before continuing, "I-uh decided to go to the grocery".
"I'll go out for a while, the groceries aren't going to buy themselves, no?", Althea said while heading towards the door.
She paused by the door, turning to glance at her cousin, Marie, briefly and send her a grin,
"I'll cook some of your favorites as soon as I'm back, kiddo. So wait for me alright?".
"I think... there was a robbery".
"Take away their phones!", a man, whose face is covered with a black bonnet, commanded loudly, "Make sure to take plenty of food supplies and anything convenient for us!".
"I heard... a lot of crying".
A little girl crying loudly in her mother's arms, who is trying- and failing- to comfort her daughter.
Althea frown slightly, "I think the police came...?".
"DO NOT MOVE!"
A loud voice, probably a cop with a megaphone, filled the air making the henchmen freeze slightly at the order.
"YOU ARE SURROUNDED! SURRENDER AND NO ONE WILL-!"
"I...", she trailed off as her eyes glossed over, finally remembering her last moments.
"-miss?"
Althea squinted her eyes, trying her best to see through the black spots that are slowly taking over her vision. She could see the faint outline of a person, with a tint of yellow.
"Are you... miss?"
'I couldn't-!'
"The girl-!", She chokes out, the numbness spreading fast through her body making her too tired. "Take care... of the little girl... please", The woman whispered, feeling too numb.
She could see the person began screaming yet she couldn't hear a single thing he says.
The last thing she saw was the face of a person.
It was the blonde-haired man from before.
The damn idiotic man who stood up suddenly.
Acting like some kind of... hero.
"I'm... dead", Althea concluded in shock, turning to look at the woman behind the desk, who nodded solemnly. "You are", she agreed, tapping twice on the white portfolio before continuing.
"You died of blood loss and currently in my office waiting for your judgment"
"Am I going to hell?", she blurted out making Miss Lady look at her in surprise, with a hint of amusement, "And how did you come with that conclusion, dear?", she questioned.
"I...", Althea trailed off, scratching her cheek briefly and settling her gaze on the desk, "..did a lot of nasty things".
"You do have a hobby of cheating on your exams", Miss Lady teased playfully making Althea flush in embarrassment, "I... Those exams were hard", she defended weakly, pouting slightly.
Miss Lady let out an amused chuckle, "Well, they certainly are", she agreed cheerily, "Well, there are others too... which we wouldn't mention", she added quickly making Althea sending her a grateful look.
"Right, so let's proceed to-", "-Actually-", Althea cut her off, "-I'd like... to ask if Marie is doing okay?", she asked, biting her lip as she thought of her next question.
"And... if the little girl is okay?".
Miss Lady stared at her, surprised, for a few moments before sighing. "We don't have the authority to disclose to our client about details regarding non-kin", she confessed making Althea deflate lightly.
"But-", she continues, making Althea perk up, "-I could inform you bits and pieces so don't worry!", she exclaimed while giving her client a thumbs up, who sign in relief.
"Your cousin, Marie-", Miss Lady started, "-took your death hard but she managed. She did go to Canada though and I think it was kind of sweet of her to continue your dream".
"My dream?", Althea repeated in confusion, "You mean... a lawyer?", she asked which Miss Lady nodded in reply.
Althea let out a laugh in disbelief, "That brat... who knew she was sentimental, huh", she mused fondly.
"The little girl, on the other hand...", the office worker trailed off making her client look at her, feeling a sense of dread.
"She... well, she died along with you".
Silence filled the office as Althea stared at her, her eyes widen and her lip parted slightly in shock, "D-Didn't I... saved her?", she asked, "I felt a pulse! I know I did-!"
"-she did had a pulse", Miss Lady interjected, "but the ambulance came too late and she died on the way which-", she looks at her pointedly, "-is the same as you".
"Then... she's here?", Althea asked, paling at the thought, "She's somewhere here?".
"Each office has a great distance from one another", Miss Lady informed her, "So even if she's in the next office, you cannot see nor hear her".
"It is designed to avoid situations such as fights between the departed."
Althea deflated, the reality of having no medium of communication with the little girl hit hard, the guilt swarm within her as if it's choking to death.
Miss Lady cleared her throat after a few awkward moments of silence, "Going back", she said while flipping onto the next page of the white portfolio, "We've wasted a couple of minutes so I'll get straight to the point".
She clasped her hands together as she turns to look at Althea with a serious expression, "You did not meet the requirements needed to enter both the paradise and the underworld".
She continues, "Most clients are given a list of choices, those in between, that will decide them after all, however,-", she grabbed the white portfolio and slide it towards the dead woman, who accepted it and began reading its contents.
"Given the amount of 'good' and 'faith' points you accumulated, it is highly suggested that you pick the route of reincarnation".
"Reincarnation", the dead woman repeated as she stared at the encircled phrase 'To be Reincarnated' on the portfolio. She looks back at the office worker, who didn't leave her gaze.
"Yes", the office worker affirmed, "Keep in mind that all this maturity that adults have does not simply exist yet. After all, a child is still a child"
"Which means, you may choose to act like a mature child but you are still a child. There will be some childish moments if you call them"
Althea pursed her lips in thought, letting that information sink for a few moments before asking, "Can I know where?", she glanced briefly at the portfolio before looking back at the woman in front, "Am I allowed to have any clue?".
"All I know is you will be reincarnated in World 9332", Miss Lady answered, "Unfortunately, you cannot reincarnate in your previous one but do not fret, I heard this world is... fun to live in".
"After all, it is a world where superheroes exist".
"Marvel?!", Althea exclaimed in surprise, startling Miss Lady, "Is it marvel?!", she asked, her eyes brimming with hope.
"Uh-", the office worker hesitated for a moment before responding, "I am unaware what... 'Marvel' is but oh!", she perks up, "Does 'Marvel' have quirks perhaps?".
The dead woman's jaw dropped, eyes widening further as she processes the information, "Y-You mean-?! BNHA?!", she shrieked in joy.
"Quirks! Of course, it's BNHA! I can't believe I would have the honor to-!", "-Yes", Miss Lady cuts in as she looks at her client in disdain, who continues her ramblings totally ignoring the office worker.
"-isn't it dangerous to put me there though? What about the timeline? Wouldn't I cause some ripples if I do something not included in the series-".
"This is the fifth time today", the office lady muttered under her breath as she ignores the continuous rambling, proceeding to take out a black portfolio.
"Oh goodness, a black one, huh?", she mused.
"My my, it looks so ominous, isn't it?".
"Uh- Miss Lady?".
Miss Lady glance at her client, who finally finished her ramblings, cheeks warm in embarrassment as she gave her a sheepish smile, "Uh... what's next?".
The office worker let out a chuckle, amused at her embarrassed she is, "Now-", she answered, pulling out a stamp from her drawer and look directly at her client, giving her a warm smile.
"It's time to say goodbye, dearie".
Althea blinked, "What do you mean?", the office worker just proceeds to stamp the page on the white portfolio, making it glow.
Her eyes widen at the glowing portfolio, "Oh, what does it do-?".
And the next second, Althea Salvador is gone.
"Oh?", Miss Lady paused as she stared at the checked box of 'Memories' on the client's file. She scratches her cheek in dazed, wondering why she didn't notice that certain detail.
"Was that supposed to be checked?".
The soon-to-be reincarnated woman opened her eyes, white filled her vision as she glances at her surroundings.
"It's bright", she noted, frowning at the sight, "Hello?", she called out hoping for someone to hear her.
"Is there... anyone there?"
The woman deflated after a few moments of silence, "Is this some sort of punishment before reincarnation?", she asked out loud.
"This sucks"
She huffed and decided to walk around, hoping to see anything other than white. As time pass by, she grew frustrated as she couldn't spot anything else.
White in her left.
White in her right.
White in her front.
White in her back.
"What is this?!", she exclaimed, closing her eyes as she pinched her nose bridge in frustration, "What kind of sicko would do this-?!"
"Akasuki"
Her eyes widen as she turns around in alarm, "Whose there?!", she called out, her eyes looking around frantically, "Who-?!"
"That is your name"
At the corner of her eye, she spotted a red corridor appearing out of nowhere.
"Look how beautiful, she is"
With gritted teeth, she turns and runs towards the red corridor where the voice has gotten louder and louder.
"We love you so much"
She reached out desperately as the light began to evade her vision, tears burning her eyes and her lower lip began to tremble.
"The brightness in our life"
Althea, she is no more.
A toddler, by the age of 4, sat at a balcony humming faintly while swinging her legs by the beat.
Her short wavy vermillion hair tied into a low pigtail, her cerulean blue watching the scenery ahead as she continues waiting.
"Oh, Aka-chan!"
The girl perks up as she heard her name, spotting the silhouette of a slim man in his mid-30's, who just arrived home.
Sadao Genji, with neatly combed soft black hair, cerulean blue eyes, is dressed in a blue suit matched with his shoes.
"Papa!", she called out happily, not bothering to went down as her father grabbed her after walking a few steps closer, tucking her comfortably in his arms.
"What are you doing outside?", Sadao asked with a frown, "How did you even open the door?".
The girl let out a huff, " 'm smart", she told him with a serious nod, "So smart". Sadao let out a chuckle, looking at her in amusement, "That you are, my little smarty pants", he cooed while opening the front door.
"I'm home!"
A slender woman, it is not Slenderwoman- she doesn't exist in this story, appeared from the kitchen, her crimson hair tied in a messy bun, emerald eyes widening at the sight of the toddler in her husband's arms.
"Aka-chan!", Kaori Genji, the woman, began scolding her daughter, "What did I tell you about going outside?"
"Not too", the girl answered with a pout, "But I wanna!", she whined making Sadao chuckle.
"You can't blame her for missing her papa, Kai", he teased playfully before kissing his wife on the cheek.
"Put her down and help me with dinner", Kaori ordered with flush cheeks, turning around to head back into the kitchen.
Sadao snickers as he put his daughter down on the nearest sofa, "Stay here okay, Aka-chan?", he said cheerily, "If you stay here, papa will give you a lot of ice cream!", which brought a happy cheer from the toddler.
"Honestly, you spoil her too much Sao", Kaori scolded her husband as soon as he stepped into the kitchen, "What would happen if she turns out to be a spoiled brat like you?"
Sadao lets out a dramatic gasp, clutching his chest as he looks at his wife, offended, "I am not a spoiled brat! How could you!", he cried out making his wife scoffed.
"You seem spoiled to me"
"How cruel, Kai!"
A pair of cerulean eyes watched the two adults playfully argue in the kitchen, a smile appeared on her face as she watched the scene fondly.
She averted her gaze, settling on a mirror nearby, eyes locked on her reflection as she takes yet another round of checking her appearance.
Both her vermillion shade red hair and cerulean eyes are something not natural from where she from yet here she is, something that deem as 'abnormal' from her previous world.
Ah, right- previous. It isn't her world now.
'Akasuki Genji'
She lightly pinched her cheek, the feeling of her skin and the linger of pain is proof enough for her to believe this isn't a dream.
Her lips parted and she whispers,
"That's my name"
"In all honestly, if I didn't know I was going to be reincarnated in BNHA I would have thought I was in Naruto", Akasuki let out an embarrassed chuckle, rubbing her neck sheepishly, "It's just... my name, you know?".
ENDING BONUS
A Parents' Love
Third Person's POV
Kaori and Sadao Genji both married out of love.
Sadao Genji, a man who came from a prestigious family who owns the infamous G-Generations, a support company that produces top-quality support items for the heroes.
Kaori Fujitani, a woman who came from a family of doctors, who runs a hospital under their name- Fujitani Hospital.
Their love story is special in their own way, two people who met in a pure coincidence and fallen deeply in love as time passes by.
As proof of their love, the"G-Generations" was renamed as "Fuji-Gen Corporation", a company that produces top-quality items for heroes and the medical field.
As their love story comes to an end, a new story has begun.
"I apologize, Genji-san"
The doctor pursed her lips, giving the couple a solemn look, "Your child... it's a stillborn" [1]
Kaori could only let out a mournful sob as Sadao wraps his arms around his wife, the tears were in his eyes but he recomposed himself to look brave for his wife.
"I apologize but-", the doctor continues with a frown, "-in your record, with the multiple miscarriages... your chance of being pregnant again is very slim", she stated.
"I highly suggest considering adopting"
At the age of 32, Kaori Genji has experienced 1 stillborn and 2 miscarriages.
Not one of their children survived.
While it may be the fault of the author- uh-!- the couple could only grieve their dead children and hope yet again for a child.
Well, that's the optimistic thing to do, isn't it right?
"... Sao?"
Sadao turns to his wife, who's laying on the hospital bed looking at him, looking a bit lifeless, "Do you... think I'm beautiful, still?", Kaori asked in a hollow tone.
"I cannot give you a child"
"My love", Sadao said as he completely faces his wife, one hand grabbing her clasped hands and one on her cheek making sure to look into her eyes, his eyes brimming with emotion.
"You, my dear-", he answered, lovingly stroking her cheek with a warm smile, "- are the most beautiful person in the whole world"
"I would take over a world for you"
Kaori's mouth twitched before letting out a small snort, "As if. You're too cowardly", she teased, brightening faintly.
Sadao dramatically gasps and clutch his chest, "Oh great sorrow!", he exclaimed, dramatically falling onto his knees near the hospital bed, "My fair maiden, how shall I prove thy love!"
Kaori smiled warmly as she continues to watch her husband make a fool of himself. She glances at her stomach briefly, her eyes saddening at the sight.
"... I named him Kiseki", she said softly, catching the attention of her husband, as she sadly caresses her flat stomach, "Because I thought he's going to be our little miracle"
She continues as tears stung her eyes, "I imagined him having my hair... and your eyes-!", her voice cracks in the end as tears flow freely from her eyes, "Your beautiful cerulean blue eyes"
"I would rather have them your beautiful eyes", Sadao replied softly, placing his hand on top of hers, letting out a small smile, "Your emerald eyes shine more beautifully than mine, my love"
Kaori let out a sob making Sadao wrap his arms around her, tucking her in his arms as she began sobbing, "He would've been so perfect, Sao!", she cried out, "They all would've been!"
"They are", Sadao replied earnestly, closing his eyes as he holds back his tears, recomposing himself for his wife,
"They are all perfect, Kai"
The couple, with no other choice but to move on, slowly continue their life with unhealed scars that continue growing.
Especially for the mother whose health continues to diminish as years of hardship pass by.
"You should get ready now, Kai", Sadao said while entering their room, dressed in formal attire, while Kaori sat by the window in her nightgown, starring blankly at the scenery.
"We have another meeting later at 3-"
"- I'm not going"
Sadao paused, processing the statement fully before turning to look at his wife cautiously, "... why not?", he asked hesitantly, thinking of multiple reasons why his wife is solemnly looking out the window.
"Is there... something I forgot?"
"... It's Chia's death day tomorrow" [2, she said melancholily as she kept her gaze outside, "She's supposed to be turning 8 years old this year"
Sadao walk toward his wife and place his hands on her shoulder, squeezing it lightly, "Then let's move the meeting to next week", he said earnestly, placing a kiss on top of her head,
"I'll buy the brightest candles I could find"
And they continue to live with a heavy heart, the memory of their children engraved in their minds.
Although, it wasn't long until they were gifted by another chance.
"Congratulations, Genji-san!"
The couple looked at their family doctor in shock, the news still sinking in their minds.
"You're pregnant!"
Joy filled the couple, who started to cry in happiness. With the miracle bestowed upon the two, they can only thank the gods for another chance and made sure to take great measures for their baby to be safe.
And when I say great measures...
I meant great measures.
"S-Sao, I think something's wrong!", Kaori said sounding clearly distressed as she rubs her stomach nervously, "I-Is my stomach supposed to be this small?! I-I think we should go to the doctor!"
"I-It is a bit worrying", Sadao replied nervously, rubbing his hands together while starring at her stomach pointedly, "Maybe... there is something wrong", he paled at the thought.
"LET'S TO THE HOSPITAL!"
And it continues.
"K-Kai!", Sadao exclaimed at his wife, albeit panicky, "D-Don't move around too much! I-!", he ended with a shout as he moves towards his wife with arms open wide.
"Here, I'll carry you!"
"What?! No!", Kaori replied loudly, flushing faintly as she pushed her husband away, "You'll drop me, Sao! Stop it!"
"B-But the baby-!"
"-is completely fine!"
And more.
"Just rest for next months, alright?
Kaori huffed at her husband, who is assisting her to walk towards the bathroom. "You're overreacting too much, Sao", Kaori scolded him, who just smiled brightly in return.
"I already filed your maternity leave in the company", Sadao continues, ignorant at the look of disbelief from his wife, "Everything will be alright so don't worry-"
"-Maternity leave?!", Kaori exclaimed, fuming in anger, "I work here at our home!", she argues.
"Stress is bad for the baby", Sadao counter back, pouting at his wife, "Work is stressful so I made sure to completely get rid of it!"
"You don't even complete those paper works on time!"
"I-I'll do it! I will! I promise!"
And more.
"Sadao"
Kaori said coldly while looking at her husband with narrowed eyes, "I said I want champorado" [3]
She held up the chocolate bar in her hands angrily, "Why on earth would you give me a chocolate bar, huh?!"
"Th-The baby, Kai!", Sadao answered nervously, "C-Calm down! Think for the baby-!"
"-HOW CAN I CALM DOWN IF YOU KEPT ON-!"
"-I-I'M SORRY!"
Until the day of labor.
"I-It's okay, dear", Sadao said in an attempt to comfort his wife while holding her hand, "The baby is okay, Kai. The baby will be okay", he cooed.
"The baby's okay", Kaori repeated as she groans and sweats from the continuous contractions, "The baby's okay", she chanted.
Sadao nodded quickly, squeezing her hand tightly, "The baby's okay. No need to worry", he cooed lovingly, "Everything's going to be okay, Kai"
And the moment has arrived.
Although there are... a few complications.
"She isn't... breathing", the doctor muttered looking horrified at the bundle in her arms, glancing at her watch,
She walks towards the other side of the room, which Sadao followed her with his gaze, a sense of panic filling him.
"Quick! Set aside-!"
"On it! I-!"
"-Ready the-!"
"What is...", Kaori trailed off, feeling a bit dazed, as she looks around trying to locate her baby, tuning out the sounds of screaming and pacing in the room, "Sao?", she called out wearily, spotting her husband nibbling his lip in worry.
"Wh-What's happening-?"
"Maam, we're doing our best please-"
"-My baby-! Where is-!"
"-Kai everything's alright-"
"-Calm down ma'am-"
"-Maam, I apologize but I think-"
"No!", Kaori cried out, her weak arms trying to reach out for her baby, "My baby! Please, no! She can't be-!"
Then, the room quietened at the sound of crying.
Cries of one healthy little girl.
Their daughter was born on May 18 XXXX, at exactly 3 a.m.
"She's so beautiful, Sao", Kaori muttered fondly as she looked at their daughter, who is sleeping in her husband's arms, lovingly, "She got my hair", she mused.
"She looks like you", Sadao added with a warm smile, gazing lovingly at their newborn daughter, "A replica of you, Chi"
Chiyo reached out and softly caresses their daughter's cheek with her pointer finger, "I can't believe she's here", she whispers, tearing up at the sight of their daughter, their alive daughter.
"Our beautiful Akasuki"
[1] Stillborn, or stillbirth, is the death or loss of a baby before or during the delivery.
[2] Aoi is the name of their first child who died through miscarriage.
[3]Champorado, or tsampurado, is a sweer chocolate rice porridge in Philippine cuisine.
The list of their children:
First = Chia, meaning "a thousand loves" [Deceased; Miscarriage]
Second = Nozomi, meaning "wish" or "hope" or "heart of hope". [Deceased; Miscarriage]
Third = Kiseki, meaning "miracle". [Deceased; Stillborn]
Fourth = Akasuki, meaning "bright helper". [Alive]