I said two weeks, this is like a week or more early lol, BUT I figured I could put this update up a little quicker as it's more early day stuff and of course we all wanna get to the part where more cannon characters appear ;) they are coming, promise.
Hope you enjoy!
This can't be right. No way. When he first shows me my room, I'm stunned. This can't be for me. The door has no locks on the outside, there's four dry walls, a bed without a bit of rust or mould in sight. On top of that, a roof. No leaks. No tiny alcove to defend during the winter and hold metal sheeting over for a small brace against the cold wind. I pinch myself but I'm definitely awake. My mouth is hanging open but I can't even think to close it. My own space.
"I uh…" Shouta pulls the curtain across and I realise there's even a window. No bars either. "Sorry it's such a tiny window. I've not really used this room. But it's yours to... Kid?"
He lingers by the curtain as I slowly go over and peer out. There's other flats, a small courtyard below where I can see a dog leash hanging and a cat asleep on a porch across the way. But best of all, I can see daylight. There's birds over there!
"Kid, you okay?"
It's only then that I realise there's tears streaking down my face. Well done on keeping it together, Alex.
I wipe them. "It's great. Really."
He looks around the small space, frowning. "How about we pick some colours or something? Maybe get you some new bed sheets and stu–" the air huffs out of him as I give a hug I hadn't intended. I dunno where it came from really, but it feels right. It only lasts a couple moments but I know I don't know enough good words to explain how thankful I am.
"Thanks Shouta. Thanks so much." I mumble before letting go and looking back out the window.
"Yeah… You're welcome."
He goes to put the kettle on and as we drink it, we make a list of things to get. He hasn't relaxed his jaw since I hugged him. Initially I'm worried he didn't like it, or approve. That he's going to suddenly yell about boundaries or something. But he doesn't. In fact I swear I saw a blush when he caught me looking. Is he just as nervous as I am?
Yeah, it's the early days. We're both really awkward.
Over the years we live together and thrive. When he let me put a lock on the door on my side and pick a colour for the walls etc. I cried. Without being able to even think about holding it back, I was sobbing. I dunno if that scared him more than the hugging, but I saw another blush. Poor guy. But I can't help it. Kindness. Generosity. They were words I could spell, but I'd never really known. I'd certainly not experienced them. Not without a price.
We got there, bit by bit. For every headstrong idiotic thing I tried to pull with developing my power, he ended up working too long or not feeding himself right. He could teach and I could cook. We kept each other in check. A strange balance developed, give and take, push and pull. I loved it. No longer did I simply scrape by, I lived. I'd never known someone to give a damn about how my day had gone, and I reckon the same applied to Shouta. Or at least, this seemed to be the first time he'd believed someone cared.
Initially I was taught from home due to them wanting to keep me hidden. The gang Shouta had pissed off had far bigger connections than anyone realised, having ties to the Yakuza. In darker circles, my description and Shouta's hero name were circulating. I'd become a big target. Thankfully, at least from word on the street, it didn't seem like the thugs had figured out my power. Some said bullet control specifically. Others theorized force fields. Only a few mentions of telekinesis were thrown around, and usually in a tone of disbelief. I hadn't ever considered my power something special, but apparently it was the type to be coveted. Especially when so strong. I didn't understand, but I guess it wasn't the first time I'd been told that. Maybe not everything Shigaraki said was bullshit. As far as I was concerned I was a nobody, but Shouta assured me otherwise. In a loving sense as well as a warning. My power was the type to be wanted by both heroes and villains, for good and ill. I had to hide it until I could control it, simply for my own safety. At least I had a headstart thanks to my thieving days. Not to mention Shigaraki's efforts.
Once the Yakuza threat died down, heading into a proper school for the last couple years before applying to UA didn't seem worthwhile. So homeschooled I remained. I didn't mind, people weren't exactly high on my like list. I kept the apartment clean and got my cooking skills up to scratch, I was a regular mini domestic goddess. Nemuri helped me learn, along with when my body began to change and Shouta was immediately out of his depth. Considering he faces violence and unknown crazy powers every day of his professional life, the fear in his eyes that night was kinda nuts.
Thank you Aunt Nemuri...
Over the years I saw Shouta in every shape imaginable. Victorious. Defeated. Barely bruised. Brink of death. The last variety came as a nasty wake up call shortly after I turned thirteen.
One night he'd been out on patrol–no it wasn't entirely legal to leave a minor unattended, but the man was a pro Hero, so we were given liberties–and an arrest went wrong. Really wrong. I'd hear about it on the news for the following few days, but thankfully I hadn't been watching at the time. The apartment was closer than reaching Recovery Girl or the hospital, so Shouta headed home. Probably just on instinct. Had he been able to think logically as usual, he'd have aimed for Hizashi or Nemuri, not his ill-equipped child charge. At the time I didn't blame him, and even in hindsight I don't.
Had he tried to go further… I don't want to think about that.
It was pretty late by the time I heard the tapping on the balcony door. This wasn't anything new, I'd let him in that way a few times when it was raining. So I thought nothing of it. I had no idea my world was going to be tilted on an angle, making me worry about his patrols from then on.
I rubbed my eyes, yawned loudly and wondered if he'd be hungry. There was leftover pasta. I'd made the garlic kind he loved so much. I fumbled with the latch and tugged the door open, about to give him my sleepy welcome when everything changed. Thud. Shouta slumped, body shivering against me as he fought to remain on his feet. I was was soaking, but not just from the rain. Blood. It seeped through my pajamas along with the residual rain water. There were so many wounds; like he'd battled a blender.
"Sh-Shouta?"
He groaned, trying to get the strength back in his legs but he was spent. Any second and he'd be sprawled on the floor. It seemed to take forever, but I dragged him to the sofa step by step. He fell without resistance, limbs spilling everywhere. I grabbed my phone, fingers smearing red across the screen.
After two rings she picked up. "Alex dear wha–"
"N-Nemuri? Sorry but can you get hold of Recovery Girl? Please?" I could barely grip the phone.
"Of course. Your apartment? What're his wounds?"
"Apartment, yes. Knife, I think. Lo-Lots. What do I do?" Sobbing didn't help anyone, but I couldn't help it. Every drop of blood he lost felt like another grain of sand reaching the bottom of his glass. He was right there and I was losing him.
"Take a deep breath, Alex. We're on our way. Keep pressure on the wounds as best you can and keep him awake. Be brave girl, you've already done the right thing. See you soon." And the click let me drop the phone and go back over to the sofa.
Slow blinks. Shallow breaths.
He tried to get up, but I kept him down. It was the first time I'd ever used my power for medical reasons, but as I concentrated on the larger bleeds, they slowed. After a few minutes, his consciousness steadied. My head ached, I hadn't used my power for this long and as this level yet. My jaw ached from being clenched so tight, but it was that or scream, sob and shriek. I was thirteen, yes I was fucking panicking.
"Alex?" He wheezed, and I pushed his hair back and loosened the scarf round his neck. He coughed and I wiped the blood from my face. "Couldn't… Couldn't make it to the hospital. S-Sorry. Ca-Call Nem–"
"I already have you idiot." I sniffed and wiped his mouth. "D-Don't talk. Just breathe. And stay awake, Nemuri and Recovery Girl are coming."
He groaned, his pupils getting a little large for my liking. Don't you dare leave me.
He smirked. "That's my girl."
I clasped his hand tightly. "Damn right. But just breathe. They'll be here soon. D-Don't go dying on me."
"Wouldn't dream of it." He wheezed into another cough. The hand grew slack in my grip.
I held tighter. "Stay awake Shouta! C'mon."
For the next five minutes he apologised between wheezes. One lung had collapsed, judging from the gurgled rattle of his breathing. I'd heard it after my fellow street kids got too bad a beating, or a hobo got knocked by a car. Those breaths never saw the next day. Over and over he apologised, until eventually I begged him to stop. The words stopped sounding like apologies and started to sound like goodbyes. I wasn't ready for goodbyes. Not from him.
I never knew my parents. I had no recollection of when or why they left me, or even lost me. I had nothing to mourn because I knew nothing. But sat there, focusing on five different wounds, feeling Shouta weaken under my care, I feared I was about to know real pain. Being alone had never been a problem before. But before, I'd never known a home, or being loved. We never said it out loud. Both of us were emotionally stunted like that. But I know it was there. For all intent and purpose he was my Dad; maybe one day I'd have the courage to call him that. Unless one day slipped through my fingers.
By the time Nemuri got there, blood ran freely from my nose, soaking through the front of my pajamas. I saw double and breathed in gasps. The exertion hadn't been what I expected, but the different points and not pushing too hard had proven tricky. Like balancing on a football on one foot. My power was strong, but I had a long way to go in terms of finesse. I think Shouta had assumed it was his blood and so hadn't said anything. If he could even see me. His voice seemed drunk, words kept bumping into one another.
Was I losing him?
I'm pulled back to let Recovery Girl work and I cling to Nemuri. She started to clean my face, but I just stared at him. If I looked away, he might slip.
My lips quivered. "Did I kill him?"
"What?" She held me by my shoulders. "Why would you say such a thing my dear?"
"He got worse." My eyes itched and soon I couldn't see him past the stupid tears. "I didn't manage to stop the bleeding, I only slowed it. I-Is he gonna–"
"Shh." She pulled me close and let me fall apart. "You kept him alive sweetheart. He'd be long gone if not for your quick thinking. Although, I'll need you to come along to the hospital too now, judging from the extent of that nosebleed."
"I wanna go with him anyway."
"You did an amazing job, Alex. Please know that."
"I can't lose him." I openly sobbed and she held me tight.
"He'll be fighting hard, Alex."
As soon as he was stable enough to be moved, we got him to the hospital. The doctors worked through the night, and we stayed in the private room waiting for him to return from surgery. I paced, I worried, I nearly crushed a bin with my power due to scattered focus. But finally the doctors came back with him and as they wheeled him in, bandaged up and sleeping, I felt like I could breathe again. A little colour had come back to his cheeks and he took deep breaths.
The nurses tried to get me to leave, to go home and wait for visiting hours in the morning. They soon realised how stubborn a teenager can be. I curled up in a chair next to his bed, only dozing at most, not wanting him out of my sight.
The next morning, as soon as he woke, I punched him in the arm. "You scared me!"
"Sorry, kid." He pulled me into a hug.
So far, I think Nemuri has kept her promise to not tell him how freaked out I got. But I'm not sure. He could probably feel me shaking even then. Either way, that night was when I knew I needed him, that was the night when I knew I loved my Dad.
It was the first of a few nights along those lines, but thankfully the only one that came that close to being fatal. The others were scrapes or nasty bruises. I got some decent medical training for low-level injuries, that was for sure. It was the silver-lining I threw into view whenever his embarrassment flared. But after that first scare, he was a lot more careful. I can only imagine the scolding Nemuri gave.
I made my own mistakes though.
Nobody's perfect, right?
Impatient to improve my quirk, to move beyond what I'd accomplished with Shigaraki, I'd push too hard. I'd work for too long, and occasionally lie when I said how much workout I'd done. It never went well. He always found out. But I'm a kid, so I kept on forgetting that and kept on making the mistakes.
Until finally there was a lesson I couldn't ignore.
To build up the strength of my quirk, we had worked with his at home weights. But when he went on an all-day mission, I wanted to try something harder. For days we had struggled to get me past lifting a certain weight; he thought it was fatigue, I figured my body was just holding out on me. Left alone to think myself into a corner, I'd convinced myself I needed to make progress. That it would please him.
I was an idiot, moron, fool. Any word you wanna use, that's me.
In the end, I tried to lift the whole rack of weights. That day I found out about the rebound on my power. It built and churned into a point of pressure the size of a tennis ball, I felt it in the room, to the point it was like I could see it broiling in front of me. I panicked. I let go too quickly. The pressure slammed back into me when I failed to maintain focus. One moment I was lifting everything, feeling amazing and powerful, the next everything went black.
Later, he told me that he found me on the carpet, bleeding from my nose and ears. Not pretty. Had he not tried phoning me and gotten voicemail five times in a row, he might not have returned so promptly. And I might have simply choked on my own blood or tongue.
Recovery Girl was called in and whilst I got a decent scolding from her, as soon as she had left, it was definitely the angriest I had ever seen Shouta. He grounded me, lectured me and ranted for what seemed like hours. But then, having moved me to my own bed and helped clean me up, he held me so tightly. Like he could fix any damage by squeezing me back together.
I clung to him. "I'm sorry, Shouta."
"Remember how scared you were that first night I came back bloody from patrol?"
I nodded against his chest, able to clearly hear his thundering heart.
He sighed. "I'm probably as scared as that, or was when I came back to you lying there in your own blood. Fuck, kid, I thought you were on your way out. Thought I'd lost you."
I tried to apologise again, but it only escaped in choked sobs.
He stroked my hair. "Just… Give yourself time, Alex. You're already ahead of the game, you're gonna breeze through your tests and exams for entry to UA next year. Don't push so hard you break."
I sniffed. "I'm an idiot. I know."
He laughed. "Apology accepted, but don't you dare do this to me again, problem child. Got it?"
I nodded and he held me, rocking slightly before making some stupid jibe about the carpet being ruined.
Eventually he trusted me to be left alone again. I studied hard and trained enough–but not too much. I kept the place tidy and enjoyed my films and books. All in all, it was a damned good life. But I'll admit there were days that I wanted to go out, I wanted to wander around the city like I used to and watch the people. I used to see so much every single day, and whilst I'm all for learning the entirety of Hitchcock's filmography, it's not the real world. Shouta advised I avoid watching the news, in case he appeared and I started to worry. But just occasionally I had to throw caution to the wind. What was happening out there? I wanted to know something.
The news flickered onto the screen and the headlines wandered onwards. Not much was going on. A slow day. But then, as I'm about to give up and switch to a movie channel, breaking news flashed up. A villain. A slime villain? No... sludge? I shuffled closer and hugged my knees, it didn't look like the right area for Dad to be working–and I'd fully ignore how that train of thought totally proved him right about me watching the news.
The villain had a hold of a kid. Shit. Fire and smoke messed up most of the footage, but when it managed to focus I can only stare. The kid fought back. That was where the fire came from? He must have a powerful quirk. I turned it up. No heroes managed to get anywhere with the villain, and the fires were keeping them at a distance. I peered. I wondered if the slime guy was trying to simply hold the kid till getting released? Or was it trying to overtake the kids body? I swallowed hard and hoped not the latter. The kid wouldn't survive. He looked my age. Another explosion erupted and the kid roared, fighting with everything. More heroes arrived. A perimetre was set up and civilians were kept back, all by the book and seemingly under control. But there's no way that kid could last much longer. Shit, was I about to witness someone die on tv? Where's someone like All Might when you nee–
Another kid?
A flash of messy green hair ran into the situation, throwing a school bag at the villain. A bag? I couldn't believe what I was seeing. I saw no sign of a quirk. Unless the green-haired boy had some kind of invincibility, he didn't seem to be using any kind of power. The kid in the slime must be his friend. So brave, and so very, very stupid. I hugged my knees tighter. Come on, please get out safely. A yellow flash appeared a moment later and I breathed out.
All Might.
For a second I put my head against my knees and laughed nervously. I could suddenly understand why Shouta left the news channels off. I'm not even a hero yet and it was hard to watch; to be inactive when you know you could maybe help. I could have tried pulling the boy out of the slime, or at least made an air bubble for him to breathe. But I'm not there, I have no idea where there is. I'm a watcher. Useless.
I rolled my eyes at myself.
I'm also a fucking kid who needs to remember she's not the only person with powers on this planet.
Dumbass.
The villain was demolished with a single punch, and as the clouds formed from the sheer impact, I shook my head. That's a hero. All Might, you're amazing. I wondered if Shouta knows him.
The front door closed with a snap. Ah. Crap.
"How often do you blatantly ignore my advice?"
I winced and turned off the tv. He rolled his eyes, locked the door and shrugged off his capture weapon. He looked tired. I put the kettle on, noting how he dumped his boots haphazardly and shuffled towards the bathroom. Bad day indeed.
He rolled his shoulder. "I'm taking a quick shower, tea would be great though."
"Sure!" I hoped he decided to be too tired to tell me off. I made the tea and tidied the plates from my lunch.
He returned in a couple minutes, steam following him out as he lazily towelled his hair. It never failed to amuse me how different he looked in casual clothing. He yawned and sat at the counter, before laying his head down against the cold top.
I set his tea down and play with a damp lock of his hair. "Bad day?"
"Four muggings, one fake gun incident and a mother who doesn't understand the idea that I might not be the best person to find her missing dog."
"Ah, little did she know that if it had been a cat, you'd have been on the case."
He clasped my hand and glared. "Awfully sassy for someone caught being a dumbass."
"I was just looking for a bit."
"Make you worry?"
"N-No?"
"Yes. Did it make you feel useless?"
I sighed and sat down, he let go of my hand and prodded the end of my nose. "Told you so."
I rub the spot. "Sorry."
"It's fine. It's not the end of the world, but it really won't do you any good. See something about the sludge villain?"
"Yeah, did you hear about it on your way home?"
He sipped his tea. "Couple of dumbass kids in the wrong place at the wrong time. I'll bet that blonde one, the victim, ends up applying to UA. If he hasn't already."
"Oh?" I glanced at the black screen, wondering if I would end up seeing the kid at the entrance exams. I might even end up in the same class if we both passed. I smirked, I was getting ahead of myself.
"Clearly got lots of power and nerve, from what Hizashi was saying the kid showed real spirit. But his little friend is a moron. No obvious quirk and ran right–"
"Hypocrite." I snorted and his mouth slowly closed. "What? You are."
"Different."
"Oh? So people assuming you had no quirk to speak of until you were finally able to properly showcase it, and that being an unfair assumption that if it's not a flashy quirk it's no quirk at all, that isn't what's hypocritical here?"
"If I had been in that situation–"
"Situation aside, you know I have a point Shouta." I grinned. "Or has my guardian been feeding me a load of shit about my own non-flashy quirk?"
"You'll be able to move buildings eventually. That's the definition of flas–"
"You know what I mean." I simper and he can't help but join in. He hated when I managed to corner him, but I think a small part of him is also a little proud. I take my turn to prod his nose. Yes Shouta, you have accomplished the goal of bringing up a smart-ass pain in the butt. Congrats.
So here we are, all caught up and raring to get myself into UA.
Shouta suggested giving me a recommendation. It didn't have to mean I was his kid, it didn't mean anything beyond a recommendation of skill. I appreciated the want to support me, to make things easier, that he was that confident in my ability, but I couldn't accept. No. I want to do this by my own merit. The moment I say it he's grinning, he wanted this all along, but wanted to check I did too. Old shit can't help but test me, even now. I'm fifteen, it's been five years since he took me off the streets and I've learned all that I can from him. Time to start showing that it had paid off. I apply, Shouta having gotten me exams to sit in order to legitimise my at home education. Now I just have to contend with the entrance exam.
Easy. Right?
Yeah… I can get my own foot in the door. Yes. I can do this.
I don't sleep a god damn wink the night before. How can I? This is it. The test. The moment to show Shouta that his trust wasn't misplaced, that he really did see potential in me when we met. I'm more than street trash.
Somehow I don't vomit on the way to the school. I had said my goodbyes to Shouta at the house, we can't risk being exposed due to a simple "Good luck" before I go in. At the front door of the apartment, I clung to him for too long, but he just kissed my head and said he was proud either way. It's a sweet sentiment, but total bullshit. At least, that's what my brain is telling me. Today, my brain is not my biggest fan.
There's so many kids here.
At first I think I must stick out like a sore thumb, but on reflection, I have no idea why. I'm nothing special to look at; average height and build, pale with dark hair cropped short (by a hairdresser these days, rather than whatever sharp implement I could find) and dark eyes. Pretty dull when compared to these kids with quirks built into their looks. They're amazing. So the fear soon passes, and I just focus on getting to orientation. Everyone is new. Everyone is in the same boat. Just put one foot in front of the other. Head down. You're just like everyone else– I do my best to ignore the ruckus of laughter in my mind. Fuck you Shigaraki. I can do this.
The written part is fine, I feel quietly confident as I get into my training gear for the physical exam. Deep breaths. Count to ten. We are separated into groups going to different training arenas, so we queue to get onto the buses. Now it's clear I'm not the only one nervous, a girl with brown hair keeps tapping her collarbone and muttering to herself, whilst a boy with dark hair, glasses and a serious brow is pursing his lips so hard I wonder if they'll pop off. We're all a bit fidgety.
I sit on my hands on the bus and put my head against the window.
I can do this. I can do this.
"I can do this." The words are mine but they didn't come out my mouth.
I jolt and look at the kid who sat next to me, his wild green hair shifts with his distress, and he keeps muttering against his hand. Something is familiar about him, but I'm thoroughly distracted by his constant movement. The guy is practically vibrating.
I sit up. "You okay?"
He cringes and looks at me with big bright green eyes, freckles looking ready to jump off his face. He's totally lost.
I smile and hold out my hand. "Alex, pleased to meet you."
"Uh…I-Izuku Midoryia…" He speaks in a daze until blinking and shaking his head. Then he clasps my hand tight and shakes excitedly. "Hey! Sorry about that, I get caught up in my head sometimes."
"Totally fine, we all have our ways of dealing." I look at our hands that are still shaking due to his eagerness. He releases and I chuckle. "It's nice to know someone else is as jittery as me, to be honest."
He tilts his head. "Oh, really? You looked kinda bored. So you're hiding it super well."
This guy is very sweet.
I sit back at the door closes, nails digging into my knees. "Nah, I'm plenty nervous. Plenty."
"All we can do is try our best!" He smiles so brightly despite having just been on the verge of a panic attack. This guy is something else. Why the hell do I recognise him?
I nod. "Good point."
"Good luck today, by the way."
"Thanks. You as well, and you're right…" I smirk at his confusion. "You can do this."
He settled into a wide eyed silence after that.
As we arrive at the centre I get myself into my own little bubble. No one else matters right now. As nice as it is to mingle, and maybe even make friends, this is my day. This is the time to show off, to be helpful, to really showcase what you can do. I note the cameras and wonder if Shouta is watching right now. I'm not sure if he'll be there for my exam or not. Is he as nervous as I am? I have no idea. The air isn't co-operating, but I drag in deep breaths all the same. One. Two. Three. We're told to get ready. I do my best, but know it just comes down to acting on instinct once those doors open. Get in there and take down some robots. Sure. I can do that.
I can't fail Shouta, but more than that, I can't fail myself.
It begins.
Everyone surges forward and I keep pace. Thank goodness we had been working on my cardio recently, these other kids are fast! The area is so built up, just like a real city. Weirdly, though maybe not weirdly, I feel right at home.
I charge forward and hop over any debris that falls from other fights already happening. No one is waiting around. Sure, I could sneak in and take the final blow from another student, but I'm here to show what I can do as a Hero. Not as a shitty competitor. This is being judged by Shouta's colleagues, they wanna know that students can work together as well. And no, this isn't a team exercise, but I'm not going to actively undermine someone either. I get away from the main grouping and find myself a couple lower pointer bots further in. I could just yank their wiring loose and leave it at that, but I have to show that it's Me doing it. This is the time to be a little showy. That was what Shouta said. And if Shouta is telling me to be flashy, he bloody means it.
I leap into the air, using my power to get onto the shoulder of a bot. I dodge its attack and use my hands to make it seem like they're needed, they're not, but again, I'm making a point. The head comes free, wiring jutting out like muscle and bone, and the body slumps to the ground. I do this a few more times. On the fifth one the body is slumping towards a building. Nope. I guide the bot down so there's minimal damage to the area, only a bench got squished. That's gotta help, right? Heroes are always getting into bother when the property damage goes up.
Tick those boxes Alex. Play the game.
I come back to the main area after doing fairly well in the small alleyways, I've got at least ten kills down by now I think. Counting has gotten a little trickier as the time goes on. The main street is madness, I find myself stunned at the carnage. Everyone is on the top of their game. It's surprising. It isn't like I thought I was exceptional, but this is one hell of an eye-opener for what the talent level of every other student will be. This isn't hobos with small time quirks, this is skilled kids all as driven as me.
Time's nearly up.
Have I done enough? I hope so. The cameras aren't easily spotted, but I know they're there. Are you watching Shouta? Are you seeing your hard work pay off? I hope so.
Now that I've paused to think, I notice my fatigue. Shit. My lungs are burning as I pause to lean on my knees, my head aching with every breath. A little blood runs down my nose but not too bad. I've been sniffing repeatedly, keeping it hidden. I'm practically drinking the stuff at this point. I don't want a nosebleed to count against me. It's just stamina. I can improve that. I can be better. Whether the damage Shigaraki caused with his damn tests and exercises can be reversed or not isn't something I know, but time will tell. It'd be a far better idea to talk to Shouta about it, to see if he has any recommendations or knows anyone that could help. But that would be dipping into my past. It would open up questions I don't want to have to answer. No. Shigaraki will stay in the past where he belongs.
A crash sounds nearby and I avoid some debris hitting me and a few other students, slowly lowering it to the side afterwards.
Oh.
The crash was the big bot.
It counts for zero points but damn it does a good job of making us feel small. I see the Midoryia kid gaping up at it, and as it lurches forward the other students yell and run. Wow. Way to show Heroic intentions guys. I try to clear some of the dust that just erupted from the movement, but as I do I see someone stuck. Oh shit. A student's caught in the debris. But Midoryia's there before me, leaping into action and… going for the bot? Ballsy move, if a bit pointless. I guess he's hoping to just stop it?
As he runs I find myself reminded of something. Of a sludge villain. Was Midoryia the kid who ran in to save his friend? I can't be sure. Not really the time to stop and ponder though. Keep moving.
I run over to the girl, hearing her struggle against the rubble that has her pinned. Hopefully no bones are broken. I kneel and lift the larger pieces with my power, feeling the deep ache as my limit looms. Just a little more.
The girls blush brightens as she wriggles free. "Tha-Thanks."
"No problem." I swallow blood. "Can you stand?"
"Uh, I dunno–"
Boom.
We both look up and watch the bot's face go concave as Midoryia smacks it back, the wheel having been only moments away. I had planned to drag us out the way if need be, but never mind. He had this.
Or… maybe he didn't.
As the impact sends the bot toppling, the kid is left mid-air and apparently in trouble. His arm is flapping about, same with his legs. Like they're filled with water rather than bones. That cannot be good.
I swallow hard. Oh god, he destroyed his arm and legs in the attack. Hell bent on helping the girl he just threw everything he had at it. I dunno whether the judges will see that as heroic or stupid, but that's not really my focus right now. He's falling. He's falling really fast. Shit. Shit think Alex. I try and focus on his body, to hold him steady and slow his fall. But he's toppling around so much, and I've already used my power for all those bots. I barely grip him before he's slipped again.
Warmth runs down from my nose. Damn it. I was so close to getting away with that.
The blushing girl struggles to her feet, I help her stand. She bites her lip. "I need to help."
"How can you?"
"I float things." She looks around, clearly intending to climb onto something, but with that leg it's not a good idea.
I nod, focusing on her waist. "I can lift you, deal?"
She nods and I do so, the whole thing only just happening in time for her to slap the kid in the face and have him float in mid air. The momentum from his fall is gone. At least one injury has been avoided.
"And… r-release." The girl touches her hands together and the boy lands softly. She jolts and turns away, puking. Lovely. I lower her away from the vomit and hold my hand to my bleeding nose. We're all just swimming in fluids, aren't we?
I go to Midoryia. "You awake, kid?"
"Nngh?" He's out of it. No wonder, but damn they need to bring in a medic.
The final bell sounds and staff appear. I lean on the boulder next to me and the blushing girl, drawing in as deep a breath as I can. Damn that was such a blur. Everything aches.
How did I do? Did I pass?
My head is splitting and the world is swimming. Yeah. I think I did too much with my power out there. I try to stay upright as best I can, but I'm sure Shouta can see through the cameras that I'm spent. Sorry Shouta.
The blushing girl puts a hand on my shoulder. "Are you okay?"
"Yeah. Just a bit dizzy. Power takes its toll on my brain box." I chuckle and keep trying to shield her from seeing the bloody tap that is my nose right now. She goes through her pockets and holds out some tissues. I take one and clean myself up a bit. "Thanks!"
"Least I can do." She smiles, but as medics turn up to help the Midoryia boy we're moved out of the way.
Time to go home.
We head for the main gate. "How do you think you did?"
"Not sure. Can only do our best though, right?"
I nod and stumble a little, righting myself before hitting the deck. "Just hope it was enough."
"I'm sure you'll have done well, you seemed really confident." She smiles and then holds her hand out as we walk. I look at my bloodied ones and she chuckles before lowering hers. "I'm Ochaco Uraraka."
"Alex… Alex uh..."
"Just Alex is fine!" She beams and then waves as she heads for a different bus. Nice girl.
I clamber onto my bus and slump into a seat, putting my head against the window as I wait for my stomach to stop broiling. I had done it. I had gone in and done all I could. Now all I have to do is wait for the results, but before that no doubt Shouta would have his own notes. I hope he was at least slightly pleased with how I did. I tried to keep his teaching in mind. Fluttering takes to my gut but I just curl tighter into myself, willing my nerves to shut up for a moment.
Me and Shouta head home separately to again avoid suspicion. I'll get there after him, I'm dragging my feet. What if he's annoyed about the nosebleeds? How can I stop them from happening? Or would he just be wondering why I went and put my foot in my mouth with my name? Or lack of last name rather. I'm already gonna look like a freak.
By the time I get back to the apartment I have thoroughly thought myself into a bunch of corners. I put my key in the door and pause. If I see disappointment on his face, what am I going to do? The idea of his lips pursing, his eyes being downcast. My stomach churns. This has been a big day for a long time, a finish line of sorts. Had I fucked it up? My hand shakes against the key. I stop and take a long breath. Don't be stupid, this is Shouta we're talking about, not some asshole pro like Endeavour. Whatever Shouta thought of my performance, he'll help me improve. I unlock the door and go in, stumbling a bit when entering total darkness. Why were the curtains already drawn? There's still sunshine outsi–
"CONGRATULATIONS!"
Lights flash on and party poppers explode. Confetti, steamers and smiling faces. What the hell?
I flatten myself against the door and gape at Hizashi and Nemuri as they throw glitter at me and yell in apparent hysterical joy. Shouta sits at the kitchen island sipping on a beer and giving me a thumbs up–his equivalent of a parade. Did they know something I don't?
I accept Hizashi and Nemuri's hugs alike. "Uh guys? I have to wait a bit before getting my results so what're you celebr–"
"Oh shush!" Nem squeals, picking me up and squeezing. "You did amazingly, there's no way they won't let you in. And even if they don't, today was superb! You did a beautiful job my dear! And you looked wonderful. Very professional and oh-so-poised."
I pat her head. "If you say so, Nem."
"I do." She set me down. "Time for some bubbles!"
"She's underage for–" Shouta is silenced by a party-popper and he rolls his eyes. "A small glass."
"Good boy!" Nem ruffles his hair on the way past and sorts out a small glass of champagne for me and a large one for everyone else. Even Shouta takes one so he can raise it for Hizashi's toast. I think my face is going to burst into flames any second. They're making way too big a deal of this.
Hizashi clears his throat. "To our Alex, a hero in the making! From little skinny street scamp to our badass lady waiting to take on the world. We're proud girl, well done!"
They cheer and Shouta winks at me as we clink glasses and sip the bubbles. It tastes weird, but nice enough. I sit next to Shouta as Nemuri and Hizashi start to argue about what to order for dinner. They know we'll eat whatever they decide on, so we leave them to their bickering.
I keep fiddling with the glass until he nudges my shoulder. "How you feeling about it?"
"I uh… I think it went well? Might have even made a friend."
"You're shaking."
"Did you see the footage?" I take another sip.
He's watching me so closely with an expression I can't quite explain. Apprehension? Worry? Amusement?
Slowly he nods, and looks to the still arguing duo. "Gonna go onto the balcony for a sec with Alex. Order something soon, she's gonna be hungry."
I follow his lead onto the balcony, shutting their noise out. It's a little chilly as the sun starts to set, so I stand close, pulling his loose cardigan around me. He hugs me close and puts his chin on top of my head, the thoughts in his head practically audible in their rumbling. For the past few days he had been quiet, thoughtful, I'd seen him looking away from me suddenly if I glanced in his direction. So far I hadn't mentioned it, because basically I had been to scared. But I want to know what he's thinking. I squeeze his middle and then turn to lean on the railing, picking at some rust and listening to the streets below. The world just kept on turning. Half of them out there don't even know about entrance exams. They have no idea. I almost envy them.
He leans on the railing over me. "I saw the whole thing. From when you charged in and got yourself to a good vantage point, to where you ended up helping some random kid because you could."
I wait, but when I peer up at him, he's looking out over the city, as if he wasn't leaving me hanging.
I prod his arm. "And?"
He smirks and looks down. "Couldn't be prouder if I fucking tried."
Relief. I put my head against the railing as I laugh breathlessly, heart thundering in joy and mild hysteria. His arms go round me and squeeze.
I snort. "You asshole. Why not say that right away?"
He chuckles. "Why were you nervous? What possible reason could make you doubt your performance? Seriously kid, makes no sense to this old man."
I look up at him from the railing and he's waiting, eyes expectant of an explanation. Logic this and logic that. Always, things had to be based in logic, or else he turned into a total dunce.
"I got a nosebleed. And… I dunno in the rush of things I guess I was worried my form had slipped, or I hadn't actually wracked up that many points."
"Your points were fine, on all counts. And yeah, your form needs some refinement but half the kids had none and the other half had it far less refined that you. Plus, you're going to school to learn. It would be unfair if you had it perfect already." He tugs on my hair lightly when I look away to blush again. "You were great, Alex. Really. Your hard work paid off."
"You think I'll get in?"
"I think I'll need to hand in my notice if you don't, because the faculty will have clearly lost their damn minds." He snorts and I hug him again tightly, his belief and confidence in me doing weird things to my head and heart.
He was proud of me.
I'd finally proved Shigaraki wrong–I wasn't useless, I didn't deserve to be alone, and I could live without his strings. Finally, I'm free.
And there we have it! Will Alex get in? Did she do enough? What is her connection to Shigaraki and is it/how is it going to come back to haunt her? Guess stay tuned to know more!
The plan is to update every two weeks-ish, so see you around March 4th!
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