Chapter 28
Internabout (Felicia's POV)
On the third day of my internship, I woke up as usual, changed into my hero costume, met up with Momo and Kendo in the hallway, and we ate breakfast together in the cafeteria.
While we were eating, we watched some breaking news on the tv. It was about an incident in Hosu City, where the Nomu attacked, but they were stopped by the Pro Heroes. Also, the Hero Killer Stain was arrested and defeated thanks to Endeavor.
'Blimey! I can't believe that happened in Hosu City,' I thought with shock.
The news then showed some pictures of the Nomu. They looked like muscular humans, but with really dark skins and exposed brains. One of them had wings.
'So those are the Nomu that Class 1-L and 1-A faced in the USJ before Arisa and I joined. They look strong and a little scary,' I thought.
I was even more shocked when I saw my friends Arisa, Eli, and Kai on the news. Also, Momo's classmates Midoriya, Todoroki, and Iida were on the news too.
"Hey, Felicia and Yaoyorozu. Aren't those your classmates on the news?" Kendo asked, which got our attention.
"Yes," I nodded.
"Those are them," Momo confirmed.
I was worried for my friends, and I glanced at Momo for a second to see that she was also worried for her classmates.
"Are you two okay?" Kendo questioned as she looked at us.
"I got a location text from Midoriya last night, but I didn't understand what it meant, so I thought it was a mistake. Though now I see it was a call for help," Momo explained.
"Actually, I got the same kind of text from Kai last night," I revealed. "I thought it might be him needing help, but when I saw we were too far to help in time, I convinced myself it was probably a mistake. Now I'm starting to think we should have gone to help."
Momo and I both felt down about not helping our friends and classmates.
"Well, you both did gets texts last night that you didn't understand so it's understandable why you thought it might be a mistake," Kendo tried to cheer us up. "Besides, it looks like your classmates are okay on the news, so you two shouldn't worry so much."
"Maybe you're right," Momo looked like she was feeling better.
"Indeed," I agreed with a small smile.
Though on the inside, I still felt bad for Arisa, Eli and Kai, and I wondered how they were doing.
'Maybe I should call Arisa,' I thought as I reached for my pocket.
Then Uwabami joined us, and started talking to us about the news. I decided to call Arisa later when I would get the chance.
Uwabami was glad that the Nomu and Hero Killer Stain were stopped, and that no Pro Heroes or civilians were severely injured or killed. Momo, Kendo, and I agreed with that, especially Momo and me.
-My Hero Academia-
After we finished breakfast, the three of us followed Uwabami to the limo. On the way, I waved to Karen Tsuji at the receptionist desk and she waved back to me.
Inside of a building, Momo, Kendo, and I watched the Snake Hero posing for her photo shoot in a room as usual.
'Since we might be here for a while, I think now would be a good time to see if Arisa is okay,' I thought as I took out my cell phone.
I decided to let Momo and Kendo know what I was doing in case they wanted to know.
"Momo, Kendo. I'll be right back. I need to make a phone call," I told them.
"Okay," Momo said.
"Sure," Kendo nodded.
I left the room and called Arisa right away.
'I hope Arisa and the others are okay,' I thought worriedly.
"Hello?" Arisa started.
"Arisa, are you okay?" I asked worriedly.
"Um, yes I'm fine," She responded.
I sighed in relief as I said, "Oh thank goodness. I just saw you, Eli, and Kai on the news about the incident in Hosu City. I also saw Midoriya, Todoroki, and Iida on the news too. I just wanted to see if you were alright."
"Thanks for calling. I'm okay, and so are Kai and Eli. I think Midoriya, Todoroki, and Iida are okay too," Arisa stated.
"That's splendid to hear. Well, I have to get going now. I'll try to talk to you later," I said.
"Okay, bye," Arisa ended the call.
'I'm glad they're all okay, and Momo might be too when I tell her. Though I still feel bad I couldn't help them, maybe I'll tell Arisa about that later,' I thought as I went back to the room.
When I saw that Uwabami was still doing the photo shoot, I decided to tell Momo the good news.
"Momo, I have good news," I started, which got the attention of both her and Kendo.
"What is it?" Momo asked.
"I called Arisa, and she and the others are okay from last night's incident," I revealed.
"Oh. That's wonderful to know," Momo look relieved.
"Yeah, that's great to hear," Kendo commented.
"It's splendid that everything's alright," I added.
Then we went back to watching Uwabami posing for her photo shoot.
For the rest of the day, we followed the Snake Hero to other photo shoots and interviews and just watched her from afar.
-My Hero Academia-
After we got back to the hero agency and had dinner there, I went to my room to take a shower and put on my pajamas.
'Should I call Arisa now and tell her that I'm sorry for not going over to help her and the others or not?' I thought, lying on my bed with my phone in hand.
'Maybe I should get someone else's opinion first. I suppose I can call Yuki and see what he thinks,' I started calling him.
"Hello, Felicia," Yuki said.
"Hello, Yuki. How are you doing with your internship?" I started.
"My internship is good. Hado and I are still helping keep the people safe while Ryukyu and the other Pro Heroes fight the villains," He answered.
"That sounds great," I commented.
"What about you and your internship?" Yuki asked.
"It's still good. So far, Momo, Kendo, and I have been following Uwabami to her photo shoots and interviews. Also, we haven't done any hero work yet," I admitted.
"That sounds a little terrible. Hopefully, you three will do some hero work eventually," Yuki stated.
"Thank you, Yuki. I hope so too. By the way, did you get a strange text from Kai yesterday, and see the news today?" I questioned.
"Yes, the text was only his location, and I did see today's news. From the news, I figured Kai's text was his way of getting help," He replied. "Why do you ask?"
"Do you feel bad that you didn't go to help?" I inquired.
"Not really," He casually said. "Kai's text was vague, so it was difficult to identify if he was in danger or if it was a mistake. Also, from where my internship is, the Pro Heroes and I wouldn't have arrived in time to help the other Pro Heroes fight the Nomu."
"So you don't feel any regret?" I further asked.
"No, because according to the news, our classmates Eli and Kawasaki, and the Class 1-A students Midoriya, Todoroki, and Iida were there. It's possible Kai had their help, and it seemed none of them were severely injured," Yuki responded.
"Oh. Right," I said.
"Why do you ask?" He inquired.
"When I received Kai's text, I assumed he was in danger and needed help. However, because it was vague and that my internship was far from Hosu City, I thought I wouldn't arrive in time to help and the text was a mistake. I feel bad that on the news Kai, Arisa, Eli, and the trio from Class 1-A were in Hosu City with the Nomu and Hero Killer. I'm glad they're okay and the Nomu and Hero Killer were stopped, but I feel as if I could have done something to help," I explained.
"You shouldn't worry over what could have been done differently. You should accept what's happened and go from there," Yuki advised.
"I suppose you're right. I heard from Arisa that she and the others are okay," I revealed.
"That's good to know," He said.
"Though I feel that I should apologize to Arisa for not going to help. It might sound a little selfish, but I feel like I need to do it. What do you think?" I asked.
"If you feel that your need to apologize will help you feel better, then you should do it," Yuki suggested.
"I think I will," I decided. "Thank you, Yuki, and good night."
"You're welcome, and good night, Felicia," Yuki ended the call.
'Alright, I'm going to call Arisa and tell her what I need to say,' I thought.
Just as I was about to call her, she called me.
'Blimey! What a coincidence,' I thought as I answered the call.
"Hello?" I said.
"Hi, Felicia," Arisa started.
"Hi, Arisa. How are you?" I asked.
"I'm fine. I'm just taking it easy today because of what happened last night," Arisa answered.
"I'm really glad you and the others are okay. The news reported that Nomu attacked Hosu City, and Endeavor stopped the Hero Killer Stain. Yesterday, did you get a location text from Kai too?" I questioned.
"Yes, I did. Actually, he, Eli, and I were surprisingly in Hosu City at the time of the attack," Arisa admitted.
"Oh. Well, I'm glad you and Eli were there to help Kai. I want to say I'm sorry for not coming over to help," I stated.
"Why are you sorry?" Arisa sounded confused.
"When I got Kai's text, I thought about going to help because there might be trouble. I used the Joogle Map App on my phone and when I saw I was far away, I thought I wouldn't make it in time to help. I even told myself that the text could be a mistake and there was no problem. I'm really sorry I didn't come to help you and the others," I explained sorrowfully.
"No, it's okay Felicia. Kai's text was a little strange. Also, what happened yesterday was really dangerous and scary so it was probably good you didn't come over. I'm just glad it's over and everyone is okay," Arisa tried to cheer me up.
"Thank you for cheering me up Arisa," I felt happy again. "I'm glad you and the others are alright."
"You're welcome. So, how has your internship been so far? Have you done any hero work? Are there other interns with you?" Arisa inquired.
"It's still good. There are other interns with me. Momo Yaoyorozu from Class 1-A, and Itsuka Kendo from Class 1-B. So far, we've been following Uwabami to her photo shoots and interviews. We haven't done any hero work yet, but I'm sure we will at some point," I answered.
"That sounds nice that you're with Momo and Kendo, and I hope you three do some hero work too," Arisa said.
"Thank you, Arisa. Well, I have to go now. Ta ta," I told her.
"Okay, bye," Arisa ended the call.
I lied down on my bed, feeling better that I told Arisa what I wanted to say.
'I'm glad I talked to Arisa and now I feel better. As if a huge burden has been lifted off my shoulders and chest. I'm also glad everyone's okay and there's no need to worry,' I thought as I went to sleep.
-My Hero Academia-
For the fourth day of the internship, it was pretty much Momo, Kendo, and I shadowing Uwabami to her photo shoots and an interview.
First, we followed the Snake Hero to a few photo shoots in the morning via the limo.
Right now, we were at the same radio station from a few days ago. Uwabami was about to start an interview with Asaka Shindo.
Outside the sound booth, Momo, Kendo, and I waited on the couch to listen to the interview.
"After this interview, Uwabami has a few more photo shoots," Momo read from the Snake Hero's schedule book.
"I still feel like we're her entourage. We've been following her to photo shoots and interviews for most of the internship," Kendo commented.
"Indeed, but hopefully we might do some hero work," I said.
"This is just part of being a hero. I'm sure there's some lesson to learn from this," Momo stated with determination.
Kendo and I sweat-dropped from how Momo was acting.
'Momo has been like this ever since the first day of the internship. Is she like this because we haven't done any hero work yet or is it something else?' I thought.
"Welcome folks to the Afternoon Edition radio show. I'm your host Asaka Shindo. Today, I've got the Snake Hero Uwabami here for the Hero Chat Segment," the radio presenter started.
That snapped me out of my thought as I paid attention to it.
"It's wonderful to be here," the Snake Hero said.
"So, I'm sure you've heard of the incident in Hosu City, where the Hero Killer Stain was defeated thanks to the Number 2 Hero Endeavor. What is your thought on it?" Asaka asked.
"While the incident was terrible, I'm glad Endeavor stopped the Hero Killer, and now the people in Hosu City are safe from the villain," Uwabami stated.
"That's true," Asaka nodded. "So, have you seen the online video about the Hero Killer?"
'What?' I thought.
I was confused by what I was hearing. I quickly glanced to see that Momo and Kendo were also confused.
"No, I haven't," the Snake Hero responded.
"Well, it's no wonder. Despite it being a popular video, it keeps getting uploaded and taken down almost as fast as Speed Girl changing into her hero costume," the radio presenter joked. "Anyway, for the safety of the public, I won't play the video, but I can tell you the gist of it."
"The Hero Killer Stain was once Chizome Akaguro and he was inspired by All Might. He didn't like his high school's education on being a hero, so he spent his teen years preaching for a return to the early days of heroes, but it fell on deaf ears. Ever since, he trained to become the Hero Killer and supposedly took on an apprentice. Stain believes that heroes should focus more on the acts of self-sacrifice than wanting compensation. He also believed that the present Pro Heroes are frauds, and that his killings would make people side with him. According to him, the only worthy and true hero out there is All Might," Asaka explained.
Momo, Kendo, and I were stunned by the summary of the video.
"So, what's your take on it?" the radio presenter questioned.
"I can understand that heroes prioritizing compensation over self-sacrifice is wrong, but I don't agree with killing them. Those heroes can learn to be better, and them losing their lives before that can happen is a missed opportunity for everyone. The Hero Killer took his ambition too far, and hopefully, others will learn to not do what he did," Uwabami said.
Momo, Kendo, and I smiled, liking what she said.
'Blimey! That was wise of her to say,' I thought.
"I've gotta say that's pretty cool of you to say," Asaka commented.
"Thank you," the Snake Hero responded.
Once the interview was done, we followed Uwabami to rest of her photo shoots. When we got to the various locations, it was simply the same routine as always. Uwabami posed for the cameras, and Momo, Kendo, and I watched from afar.
While we stood and watched, I started to think about what the Snake Hero said during her interview.
'What Uwabami said during the interview was splendid. Even though we haven't done any hero work, perhaps she can teach us something important,' I thought.
After the photo shoots were done, we were all in the limo, on the way back to the Uwabami Hero Office. The Snake Hero was on her phone, and the rest of us were just sitting and waiting.
'Perhaps now is a good time to ask her,' I thought.
"Uwabami," I started, which got everyone's attention as the Snake Hero put down her phone. "I was wondering if you can share with us an important lesson on being a hero."
"What?" Kendo was surprised.
"Felicia, what are you doing?" Momo was confused.
Uwabami looked confused for a moment, before she had her usual smile back on her face.
"Is there a reason you're asking this?" She wondered.
"Yes," I nodded. "Ever since your interview about the Hero Killer, and the fact we haven't done the usual hero work that most Pro Heroes do, I was wondering if you can at least teach us something."
There was a moment of silence as I looked at Uwabami. Momo and Kendo looked worried, not knowing what might happen next.
"Well, since you girls are here to learn from me, I suppose I can share with you a pearl of wisdom," the Snake Hero decided.
That calmed down Momo and Kendo, as the three of us prepared to listen.
"If you girls don't already know, my Quirk is useful with rescue missions, but not in combat. Because of that, I've learned there are other ways to help as a Pro Hero. The commercial, photo shoots, and interviews you three have been following me to are some fine examples," Uwabami explained.
"What?" Kendo was surprised.
"Really?" I was unsure.
"How so?" Momo asked.
"Helping out with the commercial and photo shoots helps with increasing sales for the various companies. Also, doing the interviews is a good way to help calm the public in case of terrible news," she continued. "One important lesson I learned from those tasks is that looking your best is important."
"Huh?" We were confused.
"If you saw a hero in a dirty hero costume and looking filthy, do you think the public will trust that hero to save them?" the Snake Hero questioned.
"I guess not," Kendo said.
"Probably not," I guessed.
"No," Momo was confident, which surprised Kendo and me.
"Right. Now if you saw a hero in a clean hero costume and looking either cool or beautiful, the public would definitely trust that hero to save them. It's not only the Quirks and philosophy of heroes that gets the public on their side, it's also their appearance. You must always look good for the public, in both personality and appearance, because in order to earn their trust, they must see you at your best," Uwabami explained.
We looked happy as what she said made sense in a way.
"So, I assume that was a good lesson," the Snake Hero guessed.
"Yes," We smiled, having learned something at least.
After that, the limo arrived at the hero agency, and the four of us got out to have dinner there. Then Momo, Kendo, and I went to the third floor to go to our rooms. Just as we were about to enter, someone spoke up.
"Hey, Felicia," Momo and I turned around to see it was Kendo talking. "I just want to say thanks for being bold to get Uwabami teach us something."
"Yes, it was a brave thing of you to do," Momo nodded.
"You really made this internship not feel like nothing," Kendo commented.
"Oh, it was my pleasure," I smiled. "Would it be alright if we can exchange phone numbers? I think it'd be nice to chat with you two sometime."
"Sure thing," Kendo nodded.
"Of course," Momo said.
After we got each other's phone numbers, we went to our rooms. Then I showered, changed into my pajamas, and lied down in bed, thinking about what I did today.
'Blimey, I really took a risk with asking Uwabami for a lesson, but I'm glad I did. Now Momo, Kendo, and I learned something important, and I can chat with them when I feel like it,' I checked my phone for my newest added contacts.
Soon, I thought about some of my other friends.
'I hope the others are learning important lessons from their internships. I can call Arisa to see how she's doing, but I'm sure she's fine. Well, for the most part because she's with Endeavor. I wonder how Yuki is doing with making friends with the other intern Hado. Perhaps I should check,' I called him.
"Hello, Felicia," Yuki started.
"Hello, Yuki. I'm just calling to see how you becoming friends with Hado is coming along," I responded.
"Actually, I don't think that is going to happen," he said.
"What? Did something happen?" I was confused.
"No. Hado is a nice girl, but she is too childish and energetic for me, even though she is older. I consider her more of an ally than a friend," Yuki revealed.
"Oh. Well, that's good at least," I said.
"If I were to make more friends, I would prefer them to be a bit more like you. Gentle, mature, and not too emotional," Yuki stated.
"Um, thank you," I sweat-dropped, not sure if he meant that as a compliment.
"I have to go now, Felicia. Ryukyu needs my assistance. Good night," Yuki told me.
"Alright. Good night, Yuki," I ended the call.
'Well, even though he didn't make a new friend, at least he has Hado as an ally,' I thought as I went to sleep.
-My Hero Academia-
On the fifth day of my internship, things started to change a little bit.
Right after breakfast, Uwabami took us to her room because she wanted to show us something. She sat on her sofa as the rest us stood.
"I'd like to show you girls the commercial that the director Akira Reelsberg finished," the Snake Hero started the commercial as we watched.
"No matter how damaged your hair is, our new formula will surely penetrate each strand," the voice over sounded like Uwabami, followed by an image of a woman using the Uneri Hair Spray.
Then Momo, Kendo, and I were surprised by the rest of the commercial.
"Such shine." Kendo waved her curly ponytail hair behind her.
"Such volume." Momo waved her curly bang.
"Such confidence." I waved my curly ponytail behind me too.
"Such luxury!" Uwabami showed off her curls.
Then the final image was the four of us posing together.
"Easy curls with just one spritz. Uneri Hair Spray. Come on ladies. Ride the waves!"
The Snake Hero stopped the commercial.
'Blimey! I can't believe we were in the commercial,' I thought.
"Well, they made the commercial fast, but this one is the just the first cut right now. It will take about a month before it airs. It will need some CGI," Uwabami noted.
"So cool. We'll be on live TV!" Kendo commented.
"I've never would have imagined myself to be on the telly in my entire life. It's quite ... new and exciting," I admitted. "What do you think, Momo?"
"We're heroes. This is just what it takes to be a Pro Hero!" Momo mumbled to herself as she looked a bit darkened and disappointed.
"Are you alright?" I asked worriedly.
Uwabami stood up from the sofa. "So, how about we go on patrol?"
Momo, Kendo, and I looked in shock, but then we smiled. Now we were finally starting the good part.
"Yes!" We followed Uwabami outside.
Ten minutes later...
"Over here, Miss Uwabami!"
"May I shake your hand?!"
"Could I get your autograph?"
"I love you, Uwabami!"
Momo, Kendo, and I looked surprised and just dumbfounded. We thought we were going on a patrol, but this wasn't quite what we imagined it. In fact, should this be called a "patrol"?
"This is like normal whenever I go outside, but I don't mind. As long as I see my fan smiling, it makes me happy. If you three become popular, I'm sure you will get a big fan base as I do now," Uwabami said cheekily to us.
"This is a patrol?" Kendo asked in disbelief.
"It's all to do with becoming a great hero," Momo said to herself, though she tried to believe in that.
I sighed and thought, 'I hope Arisa and the others are doing something more proactive.'
After the fans left, the patrol controlled, but every now and then we were stopped by more of Uwabami's fans.
"Girls, after this patrol is done, there are some photo shoots and interviews I have to go to," the Snake Hero mentioned as she was signing autographs.
"Right," we nodded.
Just as Uwabami said, we took the limo for her to do her photo shoots and interviews, and as ususal, the three of us watched from afar.
During the ride back to the agency, I decided to ask the Snake Hero why the sudden change.
"Uwabami, is there a reason we did a patrol today?" I questioned.
"Yes. After what you asked me yesterday and the pearl of wisdom I shared, I decided you girls should experience a little hero work for the remainder of the internship," Uwabami explained with a smile.
"Thank you so much," Kendo smiled.
"It's an honor," Momo said.
"Indeed," I agreed with them.
After we arrived at the hero agency and had dinner, I was in my pajamas and in bed, thinking about how today was a little better than the previous days.
'I'm glad today we did some patrol at least, even though Uwabami's fans made it a little difficult. I'm sure my friends and classmates are doing that and more, such as Arisa and Yuki. Anyway, I hope Momo, Kendo, and I can do some more hero work for the last few days of the internship,' I thought as drifted off to sleep.
Ending Song: Don't Look Back (English Dub) by Rummy Labyrinth (MHA Version)
(In the UA High Gym, two girls [one with pink hair in a pink dress with moon designs and another with blue hair in a blue dress with butterfly designs] sing in front of a big stage with two parts; they are at the opposite ends of the bottom part of the stage and colorful lights fill the room.)
Don't you ever look back
Yes I promise to myself
Now I know I gotta go
My life is shining forth!
Generation!
Go to the next stage!
It could all seem all so big
Holding on to an image
Of goal, your dream
I know that I can fly, I can do if I try
Now I have~ you're right here next to me
That is so I know I don't have to feel
Soaring up above the skies!
Now I go & so stand up!
Fight along my soul & get my fight on!
Following my soul that I'll what if i can lost the game?
Don't you ever look back~ yes I promise to myself~ (Cute chibi versions of the following characters rise to the top part of the stage: Momo, Felicia, Kendo, and Uwabami )
Now I know I gotta go~ (Everyone dances, except Uwabami who does model poses)
My life is shining forth!
Generation!
Go to the next stage!
(The dancers stop dancing and everyone looks to the audience as the music ends.)