My Hero Academia: Akio Takeyama

Chapter 19

"Isn't It weird, that before all of this we were just normal civilians?"

The question was asked on a boring day. Tsuyu sat beside me at our usual small round lunch table with Habuko nowhere to be found. The lizard was out sick, her text to us today implied as much.

Such unfortunate timing. I would've loved to know her answer, however, another time perhaps.

A hum escaped Tsuyu lips. As she looked up to the ceiling obviously gathering her thoughts into a concise manner, before allowing it to leave her mind through spoken words.

Patiently I waited, my fingers drumming against the edge of the brown wooden lunch table in slow meticulous rhythm. My other hand holding up my head as I lazily slouched in my seat. Scanning over the array students talking, chatting, and some showing off their quirks. I closed my eyes.

Heroes come in many forms. No, they used to come in many forms but now the stereotypical heroes you're told about in stories and read in books have become dominant in this world. Before the appearances of quirks, it was a random student doing something goofy or showing a real talent that left everyone around them impressed. It's now 'look at me! My quirk is awesome right!?'

Yeah, it's just as awesome as the hundreds of others who have the same variation of it.

I closed my eyes already attempting to drown out the noise around me.

"Akio?" Tsuyu somewhat croaky voice made me snap my eyes open. I shifted so I was comfortable looking at her. Our eyes met. Black orbs glossing over my face.

"Maybe." Tsuyu answered. A minute passed. There was nothing added to the statement. Did she have nothing more to say?

Maybe? I hate that word. It's such a crutch to avoid answering the question. I hadn't noticed Tsuyu staring until her black eyes removed itself from my face and back to the half-eaten sandwich between in her fingers. Soft pink lips opened and draped themselves over the bread before biting down. I quickly forced myself to look away.

"Do you want some?" Tsuyu voice held no amusement in it. It sounded and felt like a genuine question but it made my heart skip a beat.

She saw me staring. Very perceptive.

"I mean I'm not going to eat off of your half-eaten sandwich…" I felt stupid. It was common sense that it shouldn't really matter. It wasn't as if her mouth left any germs in the food? It seems like such an unnecessary problem to worry about.

I shrugged my shoulders, "Actually, I'll take a bite." I leaned forward her hands still holding the half-eaten sandwich and I deliberately took a big chunk out of it. Eyes closed I let the taste of a nice well made sandwich wash over me. Mustard? I rarely add mustard to my sandwiches...maybe I'll start adding it more often. It brings an oddly satisfying taste to the sandwich.

My eyes opened after swallowing the bit of food in my mouth. Tsuyu looked somewhat amused. I had half the thought to ask her, 'what's that look for?' but it probably would've been brushed off, redirected, or answered with the most common pick.

"Some might find this world weird if perhaps you lived hundreds of years ago. Some people found it weird that one day out of the blue we just starting getting quirks like someone had flipped a switch. With no real explanation as to why the phenomenon happened." It's here that I'm listening to Tsuyu talk that I've become aware of Tsu's intelligence. Much more thoughtful than I was led to believe.

A hum rose from my throat as I mulled over her words. True but scientist just chalked it up to it being another evolution phase to the human species. It's weird and some people even argue that the world is even harder than before. When people with quirks are dominating the workspace. Not just in the hero department but every other single job.

Sports have become almost non-existent or uninteresting to watch. The million dollar question is would you rather watch your favorite hero pummel a villain into the ground and save the day? Or people running, jumping, leaping, throwing as a normal civilian would? When hero's do it In a more sporadic and amazing way that leaves your eyes glued to the screen.

"The point is that nobody questions why the world didn't stay the way it was," I say as my lips curl up into a small smile. "Fantasy is now a reality. Who would want to be a normal civilian when you can act out your once wildest dreams in the most famous profession." Tsuyu smiled and inclined her head.

"I wouldn't want to go back." Tsuyu admitted without a hint of reluctance or hesitation.

"Neither would I." I agreed.

Nobody told me it would be this hard

I froze when I entered the classrrom...and without even a moments notice her black irises caught ahold of mines. They were powerful and whatever had kept me stuck in front of the door thawed at her sight.

There was nothing to worry about. Everything that happened during the festival is in the past. I pursed my lips finding them a little dry as the skin scraped against each other. It will only be awkward unless you make it awkward. There was nothing truly hard in that was there? Her eyes never left my form even as I maneuvered my past unoccupied desks to reach her she trailed me like a hawk.

When I did reach her it took a moment. She took a moment to stare up at me her face stoic with little to no expression nor way to accurately tell how she felt. She turned away for a moment placing her phone on the desk. The metallic steel leg of the chair scraping back against the floor as she removed her legs from under the desk and pushed herself to a stand. It took another moment before I leaned down and carefully snaked my hands around her. the back of head tickled the crook of my neck as I hid my face in her shoulder.

She squeezed lightly at the arm of my blazer. It's okay. I inhaled deeply through my nose before releasing it as a shaky breath. Her hand rubbed at the back of my shoulder soothingly. Everything is going to be alright. Her actions spoke words that needn't be verbally punctuated to me. I understood clearly what she was trying to convey without words. Something Tsuyu expressed she wanted to do but couldn't do last night when I texted her.

I blinked and raised my head so my chin could rest on her shoulder. Ashido blinked eyelashes fluttering as she looked away and a smile found it's way onto her lips. Without a beat, I quickly released Tsuyu from the hug running a hand back through my blonde locks. Ashido is snickering and I want to slam my head into the nearest wall. Damn, I can feel the heat rushing to my face now.

"Hey, Akio I like the new haircut." Jiro complimented me her ear jacks pointing up at my head as she took a seat next to Yaoyorozu. Oh yeah...I guess she did a good job on it. I touched my fingers at the faded side of my hair I'm happy that it got cut, it was getting quite annoying and in the way. I wonder if this hairstyle was the right choice?

It was almost faded along the sides while they left most of the hair on the top slicked to the back.

"Wow, I didn't notice that...I think a more spiky approach would've suited you better though." Kirishima jokes hands twisting about as if trying to take an imaginary photo.

"Well thankfully someone kept reminding me about it so...I got it cut." I give a Tsuyu a not so obvious side glance after the statement. Tsuyu is smiling and she ribbits when I playfully nudge her with my elbow. The class goes into a chorus of chatter as we wait for the rest of the classroom to arrive and Aizawa to enter homeroom to transition into today's lesson.

Strangely enough, I feel overly intoxicated. But in a good way. As I scan the faces of my friends in front of me I feel like I missed them greatly over the break given to us.

It wasn't unlike when I was in middle school and dreaded having to interact and fake emotions with my 'friends' that I had. But instead, I feel excited and pleased that I'm among my actual friends in class 1-A. People that I can trust. Well, some I can trust more than others like Tsuyu...maybe Todoroki and Yaoyorozu too. When was the last time I talked to Todoroki? I craned my neck to look near the back of the classroom and there sat Todoroki actually...looking ready to doze off before class.

Unfortunately for him, The clock on the wall hits a new hour and in steps Aizawa never a minute late. Even as the chatter dies down and Ashido freezes mid-spin in front of the classroom it almost becomes too hard for me to keep in my laughter as just I hop into my seat in front of Todoroki.

He stops and stares at Ashido for a moment. "Is there a reason you're standing in front of the classroom like a statue?" Aizawa coldly asks.

Ashido hops on one foot in fear and surprise. Her eyes widen a tad bit once she realizes who it is. Ashido swiftly turns and lowers her head in apology. Everybody - except for Bakugo, Todoroki, Lida, and Tokoyami - started to snicker not able to hold in their laughter.

"If you don't all stop I'm going to give you all detention," Aizawa warned, The class apologizes choosing not to humor the possibility. Plus, Kaminari and Mineta have already done enough of that and we've seen what happens as a result.

"Now to get back on track," Aizawa returns his attention to the board in front of him, muttering something, before walking to his usual spot in front of the class.

He pauses once more looking over the class before resting his eyes on me. What? They quickly dance away to scan the rest of the classroom.

"Mourning." He greets after some time.

"Good Morning!" Class 1-A greets back in unison. It's practically routine that we show respect to a teacher by always greeting them when they come in. Something I've learned while always being in the presence of UA teachers.

Aizawa was always someone who took no shit and no slacking. Aizawa cleared his throat lightly picking at the skin of his scar.

"Code names. Today's goal will be to create a codename by the end of class." Aizawa reveals. I immediately perked up as some of the class jumped out of their seats and cheered in excitement. I stayed in my seat even knowing full well Aizawa was going to force them to sit down. He wasn't done after all. But I could feel myself get giddy, we were going to pick our hero names! What isn't exciting about that?

…

Shit.

I didn't think this far ahead.

"This is related to the pro hero draft picks I mentioned the other day. The draft begins in earnest in the second and third years. This is after students have gained enough experience and can become immediate assets to pros. To paraphrase, for them to extend offers to first years like you - show that they have an interest in your future potential as a hero." Aizawa finishes and he pauses looking over the class. Of course, that's our cue to ask questions if we didn't understand him or seek further clarity.

When no one looked like they wanted to ask a question Aizawa seemed almost seemed relieved closing his eyes and his posture becoming more slack

"So we'll have to prove ourselves once we get picked right?" Hagakure asked and Aizawa confirms with a nod of his head.

I raise my hand politely. "So are we going to know how many offers we got or is that private?" I ask and Aizawa reaches into his pocket to take out a remote.

"Yes, I'm going to show everyone the number of offers, but only you will know who made the offers." He clicks a button on the remote and the board in front comes to life with blue bars attached to a name gliding across the screen in different lengths.

My eyes widen in shock at the number next to my name.

"In other years it's been more spread out but as you can see that isn't the case this time." Aizawa comments and immediately the class has mixed reactions.

For me, I'm quite shocked at the numbers I was seeing from Bakugo and Todoroki. Their offers were over the three and four thousand marks. Making everyone else numbers seem quite mediocre at best. I take note of what my other classmates are saying, especially the bit about the reverse in roles from the positions obtained in offers and at the festival. But, of course, the Todoroki name comes with many perks. He was the son of the number 2 hero after all, what is there not to like.

I carefully turned in my seat to Gauge Todoroki reaction. His lips were slightly curled downward in a frown a scowl appeared on his face - he wasn't pleased. Who wouldn't be...most of those offers aren't truly genuine.

Todoroki Shoto isn't half-witted.

Onyx eyes flutter towards the board, me, and then Todoroki.

"Todoroki you're quite amazing." Yaoyorozu compliments. I can't help but notice that Todoroki shrugs it off.

"There all because of my father." He dismisses her compliment without much thought. Todoroki you imbecile.

Onyx eyes flutter once more in surprise and her fingers press into the side of her mechanical pencil. There's confliction - no doubt about it - Yaoyorozu is a dime in a thousand. A family name such as her's come with a lot of pressure. Subpar results at the festival will get you a subpar score with the hundreds of pro heroes watching.

Yaoyorozu is a sculptor.

"No one appreciates good art," I suddenly say pursing my lips. My purple eyes drift away from her onyx orbs as I lightly play with my blonde hair.

"Sometimes they have to look a second time at what lies beneath just the initial painting to get a better understanding." I give Yaoyorozu one final look. You're amazing and if those thousands of pro heroes can't see that they're narrow-minded. Yaoyorozu mouth is slightly ajar and her face turns slightly pink. Good, my point got across.

I relinquish a small smile and twist back to look at Aizawa.

"Keeping these results in mind, whether or not anyone asked for you. You will all be participating in internships with pros," Aizawa stated firmly making me nod in understanding. He further explains that it's necessary to gain experience with how pros deal with fighting villains firsthand.

Which explains why we need hero names.

"So technically we're going to be sidekicks or apprentices," I blurt out.

"Correct, you'll be learning the trade and different strategies that go into defeating certain types of villains. Which is why I highly suggest if you're interested in rescue, then intern with a rescue hero and so on." Aizawa scratches his lower eyelid. "On the note of your hero names, they are temporary. But if you're not serious about it…"

That was an unnecessary pau - "You'll have hell to pay later!" - se.

The new and more feminine voice had me snapping my head to the entrance of the classroom. To my surprise, it was Midnight. She seemed to be happy and almost more chirpy in a way. I reluctantly raised my hand in a wave.

Midnight sky blue eyes took notice of me. She stopped, smiled, and waved back. My lips curled up into a small smile. I've never conversated with Midnight before but she doesn't seem all that bad.

The top to the marker came off with a pop.

My hero name?

The whiteboard was clean, so squeaky clean in fact, that it could be a mirror. Me. My image. What I wanted to be in the future. I never put too much thought into it...always blinded by my anger for my mother I never really cared for my design.

It was thrown together the same day it needed to be mailed to the offices. I remember just tearing out a piece of paper from my notebook and threw down whatever came to head. I pressed the marker to the whiteboard and paused. This feels oddly familiar. I tapped the back of the marker against the board as I closed my eyes. Oh right.

How original.

"A child could come up with that name." Lia sounded slightly offended in response to my berating of her choice in hero names.

"But I was a child when I came up with that name," Lia quickly responded.

I rolled my eyes.

She pinched my cheek. "Okay, little fucker let's see you come up with a better one," Lia challenged. I attempted to escape but suddenly her hair wrapped around my stomach holding me in place. I whined and tried desperately to pry them off but to no avail. Of course, Lia always did this when she was trying to prove a point. If I just stay quiet she'll eventually laugh and release me. When she didn't I craned my neck to look back at my aunt confused. She gave me a small smile and pressed her finger hard into the crooks over my shoulder blade. I grunted in slight pain as Lia slowly pressed, pushed, and squeezed at my shoulders. Oh, I really needed that after the training session today.

"Talk to me." She encouraged as I let out a pleased grunt at the way she pushed into my back. r

"I never thought about it," I responded, taking a quick intake of breath. I looked down at the rubber ball in my right hand - Why have I still been holding this -r and watching it morph and move against my finger. A sigh and a sudden pull from the top of my head as I was laid on my back. I blinked looking up into the dark magenta eyes of my aunt as she smiled once more and used her fingers to comb through my blonde hair. A shiver ran down my spine at the touch, my eyes closing on their own and the hint of a smile on my lips. I feel like a cat.

She hummed a soft tune to herself as she ran her fingers through my hair. "What books do you like to read? Or rather what was your favorite book?"

My favorite book? There are a few. But they weren't quite as memorable as this one.

"My favorite book was...Junipers Light." I answered.

Lia chuckled. "That's a classic novel," There was a pause as my aunt placed a hand over my eyes. I didn't react. "Now i want you to say the name of the first character you think of from that book."

There wasn't much thought to be had as Osiris the abysswalker was the first and my most favorite character to cross my mind from the book. Osiris was a special character. Gifted. Like the many people with quirks today. But his world was parallel and exact opposite of ours in the fact that he was the only 'gifted' within his region. Gifted were seen anomalies in people or in the world that need to be taken out.

Humans are afraid of what they don't know. Osiris couldn't be any much more honest than he was when he spoke that line. That same page he encased himself in stone so that he didn't have to burden the people who swore to protect him.

He and his world were fictional, but yet both were written so real. Osiris had similar power to mines...maybe it's why I took such a liking to him so early on in the book. He feared that the people close to him would eventually also in time reject him...that is my greatest fear. I don't want to push my burdens on my friends. I dont even want to think about the repercussions. How they'll eventually grow tired of it and me. They'll discard me.

They'll-

"Let that be the inspiration for your hero name,"

I snap my eyes completely having been out of it for the last minute. I looked down and scanned the board in my hands - almost dropping my marker in shock. I zone out too much.

The hero of Growth: Osiris.

I'll be like Osiris. A boy who was an outcast and grew to develop a feeling and gain knowledge about the people and world around him. To learn that not every gift bestowed upon someone will necessarily be through a gift by the public.

"Now all that's left is for Bakugo to change his, Lida, Midoriya, and I haven't forgotten about you Akio." Midnight sky blue eyes are directly on me at the end of her statement.

She smiles and beckons me forward with a hand.

"Don't be shy I'm pretty sure your hero name won't be as horrible as bakugo." Midnight reassures with a light jest that earns the laughter of most everyone in the classroom. Her comedic relief to relieve pressure and tension is greatly appreciated. Bakugo seethes and scratches at the board furiously with his marker but doesn't say anything. Midnight cocks out her hip to one side and lets out a chuckle when I almost stumble out of my seat.

Midnight looked giddy and filled with delight as she watched me set my board flat against the podium. Midnight made a sound of confusion as I forced myself to look up at my classmates. All of their eyes were on me - and when I mean all I mean all of them - my fingers started to shake.

Well, so much for being confident.

FIngers pressed into my shoulder and my eyes were met by Midnights.

"Don't worry about what other people think..." Midnight does this pause her lips curling up into this beautiful smile. She leans over and covers her mouth as she whispers into my ear.

…

A snort escapes my lips.

Akio Takeyama is a sucker for puns.

"That was dumb," I comment.

I pull the board up. "The hero of Growth: Osiris."

"Is that for the Egyptian god?" Midnight asks and I shake my head. Midnight is surprised, only for a moment, however, as she taps a finger against her chin.

"I...like it," Yaoyorozu spoke up and everyone in the class turned to her. Onyx eyes were attached to mines however as she smiled dutifully and I couldn't help but...feel my heart skip a beat.

"Nice and to the point," Kirishima says.

"Fits the character too!" Jiro speaks up.

"Yeah, we're all still growing no matter what right?" Sero points out.

Of course, we all have so much to learn. About the world, ourselves, and the people around us. People change. The things they like, things they hate, and the people they love.

…

I hate change.

Once all was said and done Midnight congratulated everyone - mostly everyone - on a job well done on their hero names. Midnight than went on with her speech about it's not only how you make yourself a legend someone who will make an impact on the pages of history, but the name that people will refer to you as in those legends. For years and years to come.

Will I truly make much of a difference in my lifetime?

It's later and I sit at my desk still skimming the sheets given to me after our last class with Cementoss. I'm happy that math is the last class of the day. It's too much stress on the mind to be pumping out solutions for algebraic and numerical equations all the time. I swear if I didn't have such an aptitude for learning new things I would be struggling for weeks.

But even I dont have a week to decide my hero internship. I slumped in my seat I shifted the stacks of papers of each hero agency that gave me an offer. I can barely focus on how loud my classmates were being. Although it's fun - and I mean really fun - to take a piss out of Mineta. Go home.

"Yep, being referred to as a beverage in my legend...I doubt anyone will think the person telling that story is crazy right?" Jiro starts and the class is immediately rolling with it.

"Did you literally see that? Grape Juice saved me from being crushed to death!" Kirishima mocked in a girly voice as everyone started to laugh. I never realized that using Mineta Hero name in a sentence is literally a joke all in itself.

The possibilities were endless with a hero name like Grape Juice. Mineta obviously wasn't happy that we were taking a piss out of his hero name but he did deserve it.

Mineta huffed and crossed his arms. "Watch and see how stupid you look when you realize just me saying I'm Grape Juice will get girl's to dro-" A slap from Tsuyu tongue had him not finishing that line of thought.

Dude is an idiot. If he wasn't just thinking about getting in girls skirts all the time he would realize Grape Juice is a beverage and since his name is the same he could be very well the best hero to advertise for those kinds of things. It could be his shtick than just some running gag. That's a lot of revenue going into his pockets.

One thousand and ten offers. That's a lot of offers alright. I flipped through the papers in my hands searching for only the hero agencies that stood out to me.

Fingers lightly tapped against my shoulders and I looked up at to find Yaoyorozu.

"Akio, have you decided where you want to go yet?" Yaoyorozu asked.

I looked down at the papers in my hands and shook my head. "There were a lot of good offers," I said with a chuckle. Really tempting offers too. If I didn't know any better I would've picked the first top hero I recognized...but it's all about what I prefer. I rather intern with a hero I know I'll learn something meaningful from.

Yaoyorozu hummed and nodded her head in understanding.

"I see. It must be a very hard decision...anybody of interest?" Yaoyorozu asked and I nodded.

My eyes trailed down the list on the paper, "Some of the heroes are very popular...like Ryuku and the rising star Kamui wo-" I had to pause noticing something I hadn't before. I read it over once more.

It can't be...no. Endeavor gave me an offer!? My eyes went wide in shock. Never once in my lifetime would I have thought Him of all people would actually give me an offer.

…

Wait, wasn't I? Oh, Yaoyorozu! I quickly snapped my head up to find Yaoyorozu looking at me bewildered. "S-sorry, Yaoyorozu." I blurted out running a hand through my hair.

She didn't seem to mind. "No worries, are you okay?" Yaoyorozu sounded slightly concerned for me and I quickly waved a dismissive hand.

"Yeah, something caught me off guard is all. Sorry if I worried you Yaoyorozu." I gave her a cheeky smile I expected Yaoyorozu to ask me what had caught me off guard but, instead, she smiled folding her hands together in front of her.

"Momo," She said.

I blinked. Her name? I raised my eyebrow at her. Yaoyorozu cheeks turned a dusty pink as she rubbed her arm. A nervous tick. Why is she so nervous all of sudden?

"You said my last name, it's a mouthful, and I would greatly prefer if you just called me Momo." I stared at her for a couple of seconds. Yaoyorozu wants me to call her by her first name? Aren't those for very close friends? But why not Yaomomo like everyone else?

Purple eyes widened in sudden realization. Oh. She wants me to call her by her first name. "Oh sure Momo." I agree, letting her name roll off my tongue for the first time. It's not weird or forced so I'll eventually get used to it.

"I...wanted to thank you for what you said earlier in class." Momo bows her head in thanks. With a smile, I stand up out of my seat.

"It's no problem, You just need to have more confidence. Don't compare yourself to other people and you'll be fine." I say with a chuckle. Don't do what I did. Onyx eyes waver to the side for a moment before they close.

A deep breath and Momo arms hook under my armpits embracing me. I pale for a moment my heart skyrocketing.

"Thank you, Akio," Momo whispers.

Wow. Words hold power to influence someone's perspective. When you use your words to positively achieve that then it becomes truly something grand.

"Yeah, anytime Momo," I say, as we release each other. Hands gingerly brush against the chest of my grey blazer and unintentionally I freeze. It's the sight of Momo's eyes that keep me from moving. How her skin barely has any blemishes and only the smallest amount of makeup leaves me consciously stunned. Is she mixed?

Her hand slides off.

Momo quickly apologizes - she has to go. Adjusting the handle of the bag on her shoulder. "Let's talk after classes?" Momo suggests.

I nod smile on my face. "Sounds good." We share a smile once more before she leaves the classroom. At that, I'm left in the classroom with my own thoughts.

Maybe I should ask her to hang out later today...I need something to distract me from everything. I fell back into my chair exhausted.

I love you Akio...Even if you don't love me. I wasn't here for you before but anytime you need me I'll come running.

I don't need you to come running. I wanted you here with me. But you couldn't even do that!

I slowly folded my arms over my head as I lay my cheek against the desk and shut my eyes.

I haven't slept since yesterday.