Heya folks! CAMP TIME! This is a bit of a bigger update because it's more snap-shotty. I wanted to show the camp but not linger too long. So it's more snapshots of what goes down rather than the more cohesive chapters beforehand. Just how it came to be, hope you still enjoy!
The bus rumbles along the road towards camp. Everyone is chatting and laughing. Jiro has fallen asleep next to me, head against my shoulder as we round another corner. The world opens up. Dad told me we were headed into the middle of nowhere, but I guess that hadn't really clicked. It's so open. No buildings in sight, just greenery for miles. All at once I'm amazed and daunted. I am very small. Dad has taken me out of the city before, it's why I love stars, but this is going to be mainly without him. That's weird. I only notice my nose is pressed against the glass once we stop and I bump against it.
Everyone seems glad of a chance to stretch their legs, but I'm not buying this for a second. Dad would just keep going, he wouldn't let kids have the chance to scatter and be noisy before getting where he needs to go. It isn't logical. I eye him and that barely repressed smirk, assuming the worst. Not that I have any bloody idea what that is.
Regardless of my suspicions, I want to drink in that view. I go to the barrier and look across the forest, marvelling at how the canopy moves with the breeze and birds soar. It must go on for miles. Is that smoke in the distance? A small stream rises over the canopy. Maybe someone has a house out here. New voices appear and I turn, sticking to the barrier as details fall into place. Hang on a second… Lots of space, shiny new pro heroes talking about rescue situations, this is their land so we can use our quirks. Oh shit wait… Are these the Pussy Cat guys Dad mentioned?
Shouta smirks right at me. God dammit.
The ground shakes, and the others yelp or try to run. No use guys, we're doomed. With my power, I hold myself up as the earth crumbles beneath my class, dragging them to the forest below. Cheap shot. The Pussy Cats look at me in confusion, but I just shake my head at Dad and lower myself towards my bruised classmates. He waves and gets on the bus. Easy route for him. Lazy bastard.
"Stop panicking." I sigh as I reach the ground. A couple of them glare as they rub their new bruises. "We're taking the long way round."
Ura pouts. "Did you know?"
"Had no clue, but is it any surprise that he pulled a cheap trick? Seems to be… his teaching… style…"
Something rumbles behind me.
The hell was that? Thunder?
No… something closer and bigger.
The Cat people hadn't looked like they were going anywhere, the blue one at least. Is this her doing? Her quirk? It better be. This camp is meant to be a secret, safe from Shigaraki and his shitheads. Right? Please don't tell me I'm about to see pale blue hair emerging from those trees.
"Guys…" I lower into a fighting stance. "What was that noise?"
Mina throws a twig and it bounces off my head. "Don't try and freak us out Alex!"
I point. "I'm not."
A creature lumbers into view, jaws gaping hungrily; made of mud and wood. Okay, not Shigaraki, it's definitely the Cat lady. Weird quirk, but workable. The penny drops for the rest of the class whilst Mineta pisses himself. Why, oh why does he exist?
I run forward with Midoryia and Iida. I hold the beast in place whilst Midoryia serves a swift punch and Iida throws a kick. It dissolves. Too easy. That likely means lots of enemies all the way through the trees.
This is going to be so much god damn fun.
"Let's go!" I laugh.
Another twig hits my head. "Stop celebrating you weirdo!"
"C'mon Mina, free range to be your Alien Queen self!" I throw my hands up. "This is fucking great!"
"I need more twigs…" But she can't help the smile. "Fine!"
I could murder a cheeseburger.
Like everyone else, as the building is revealed, I slump to my knees. We made it. Took longer than expected, but those enemies just kept coming. I have a theory that the Pussy Cat wearing blue might have gotten a little carried away. Whatever the reason, I'm spent. Only one nosebleed though, so I'll take that as a win.
"C'mon, no doubt there'll be food waiting." A hand appears in front of me, Sho smirking down, face smudged in mud. Glad to know even he hadn't come out of that looking perfect. I grab his hand and he pulls me up. "Your endurance has recovered."
"Thanks, you're getting faster at switching between powers."
He shrugs and we head towards Dad waiting with the other Pussy Cats. Sho is kind enough to stick to my pace. Always too kind.
"Does your Dad do those weird turn arounds at home?"
I chuckle and scrape my hair back, glad to feel a chill as sunset falls. "Nah he's pretty straight forward at home. But in teaching… I think he likes to highlight how quickly plans can go out the window. Just because you intend one thing, doesn't mean five other things might not happen first. Or instead."
"That's… a good point."
"Mm, he has his moments." I sit down with a few of the others, cracking my neck and trying not to think of simply sleeping.
They start talking again, I know I should be paying attention, but the kid at the side has me side-tracked. Why is there a little kid here? And why is he so pouty? I look to the Pussy Cats but he doesn't seem keen on being close to anyone. Is he a stray? A feral wee thing from the woods? Whatever he's here for, he's not happy about it. I'm about to ask, when Midoryia goes over to him, offering a hand, speaking in that oh-so-friendly manner I never quite know whether to believe or not. I can't help it, I'm a cynical bastard. But then the kid strikes out. He punches Midoryia right in the dick.
Oh my god.
I stare. We all stare. Question is, how morally iffy is it to send a toddler flying? Ok not toddler, like... Eight? Does that make the flying better or worse? I could just open a hole under him, send the rat down below.
The pink Pussy Cat goes over. "Kota! These kids are here to–"
He storms off whilst Iida holds Midoryia up. Poor guy. I raise a brow at the stropping child as he disappears into the woods, tempted to throw a tree at him. Little shit.
"Sorry about that everyone." The pink one blushes, looking for the brat. "Uh… did anyone see where–"
"Your darling cherub went that way. Follow the sound of tantrums." I point and get myself up.
"Right. Sorry!" She dashes off.
Dad steps forward. "Everyone go unpack, get cleaned up for dinner. You'll have it prepared for you tonight only, after that you're making your own meals."
The others disperse, but as I go to grab my bag, Dad gestures me over.
He flicks dirt off my shoulder. "Don't be too harsh on the Kota kid."
"Why? So I don't get punched in the–"
"Because who was it that punched me in an alleyway when she was ten?"
I blink. Oh. Okay, he's kinda got a point. Kind of. Maybe?
I glare at his smirking victory. "Oi, that wasn't the same. Not entirely."
"No?"
I close my mouth and think. I'm being cornered here, those eyes are waiting for the 'told you so' moment. "Look, old man. I was a small girl being loomed over by a lanky weirdo hero in a back alley, a bit different."
"Mm." He shrugs. "Or maybe he's also just a messed up kid in need of a helping hand?"
I grab my bag and shove his shoulder. "Stop trying on the wisened sensei bit, you're not nearly grey enough for it to stick."
"No doubt you'll turn me grey eventually."
"Doing my damned best." I wink and he shoves me towards the dorms where the other girls had disappeared. "See ya at dinner?"
"You'll be eating with the class, Alex. Time to be 'sociable'." He headed in the other direction, no doubt to his own quarters. I wonder how far off they are.
I keep moving, face burning a little. That's right. Dad's gotta look after everyone, not just me. Duh. Okay, this is fine. So what that Dad isn't two doors down on the right? He's… somewhere else. Right. That's fine. C'mon Alex you're nearly 16 for fuck's sake. You can do this. It's fine. You won't have a nightmare about Shigaraki and freak out all the girls with your weird mumbling or yelling… ah… shit.
I follow the sounds of chatting and giggling. The girls have chosen their bunks and Mina has saved me one next to her. I put my things away and keep busy, answering when asked a question but generally trying to compartmentalise how badly this could go. No. It'll be fine. Yeah. They already know I'm odd, yeah. But how odd can I get before the turn away? I put my towel in my small locker by the bathroom. This is fine. They will be fine. If I have a nightmare, they'll understand. Hell, they might have their own. I wasn't the only one at the USJ. Jeez. Head out of arse, Alex.
A pink hand lands on my shoulder, jolting me out of my rabbit hole.
Mina smiles. "You okay?"
"Uh yeah, just overthinking."
She squeezes. "It's okay, kinda guessing you ain't really been in this sorta situation before?"
"Have you?"
"Well, I've stayed over at friend's houses, yeah. Not been away from my parents for a week though, so that's kinda weird. But we're all here, Alex. All raring to be there however we need to be. Momo is already sweating over the thread count on the bunks."
We laugh together and I feel my nerves settle.
"Thanks Mina. I'll… I'll keep that in mind."
"You better, or my twig throwing is gonna be next level by the end of this."
Dinner was great, eating with the class made it feel like any other school day other than the aching hunger that had us all ravenously attacking the table. Kota comes and goes with his Aunts, helping in the kitchen and making sure we know he's not happy. Dad had a point, but I find it hard to believe that Kota felt threatened by Midoryia. No, that kid just wanted to hurt someone. Whatever turned that kid so bitter so soon, clearly had strong roots. But hey, not my problem.
I pause.
Midoryia's eyes follow the kid with that pinched bit between his brows. Concern. Worry. Empathy. Immediately Midoryia realised something was amiss with that kid and he wants to help. Of course he wants to help, he's a hero.
What am I doing?
I'm being so harsh, condemning the kid to wallow. Why? Because he struck out at my friend, my friend who seems far more concerned with the kid's well-being than his own. I can't deny, a little shame creeps up the back of my throat. Damn. Without saying a word Midoryia's shown me up.
I set my fork down and sip some water. I'm not gonna run over and try to offer the kid therapy or anything, but I guess I can try to not judge quite so harshly. Unless he tries to punch me. Then we're having words. What? I'm still learning.
After dinner, it's finally time to hit the hot baths–just what my exhausted body needs prior to our training tomorrow. I hope the rest of them realise how early it's going to start. I saw the plans on Dad's laptop. My classmates are gonna learn what the arse-crack of dawn looks like.
The other girls went ahead because my bikini ended up staying at the bottom of my bag. Whoops. I get changed and head out to enjoy the water, very glad to have a partition between us and the boys. Or rather, one boy. One boy with fucking grape balls on his cretinous little head. I round the corner, hearing the girls already chatting, before they go silent. They stop. They stare. At me. I hadn't considered anything along the lines of nerves, but as the girl's wide eyes gape, I start to unfold my towel. I need to cover up. I need to hide. Should I just go back to the bedroom? Ah shit, my skin must look revolting to them.
Ura jolts. "Alex, no wait. Sorry! We just… We've never seen your scars before. Took us all by surprise, I think." She laughs nervously and the others nod.
I look down at the old bullet wound scar, the one I got from the car and… and all the others. Duh. This was why you wanted to bring the school suit, remember? They're not judging. No. Of course not, right? No. Just worried. I guess. My head is all over the place right now.
I get into the water. They're sweet to be worried, but the spotlight is horrible.
"I uh… sorry I should have warned you."
Mina glares. "Alex, that's totally not the point!"
I sink lower. "Then… what is? Please stop staring at me like I'm a bomb about to go off." I sink till only my nose peeks over the surface.
Momo smooths her long hair over one shoulder, absentmindedly braiding it. Fucking hell she is perfection, isn't she?
She sighs. "We're concerned. It looks like you've endured a lot. I suppose we knew that, but to see it so blatantly is another matter. It's not judgement, just us worrying."
I smile and wish my face would stop burning. "They happened years ago, I barely remember where most of them came from. But uh… thanks for clarifying."
Mina smiles and sits deeper into the water. "Of course we're not judging you ya dumbass!"
"Oi, I'm allowed to be nervous, I'm still a teenager ya know."
"Coulda fooled me, you seem middle-aged half the time."
I splash her with water and we laugh, the others relax as well. Except Ura keeps fidgeting, so I splash her and raise a brow, prompting her to spit it out. Whatever it is. Maybe we're going to finally hear about how madly in love she is with Midoryia?
Ura smiles nervously. "I just wondered… I-Is it true how you got the bullet one? People kept guessing how you met Mr Aizawa and some people said you got shot so..."
I blow bubbles. "Depends what the story is." They all hesitate and I roll my eyes. "You've already stared at me like I'm a weird painting. Just spit it out ladies."
Ura steps up. "You got the bullet scar from defending Mr Aizawa and that's why you know him? It's why he wanted to look after you?"
"Where the hell did you hear that?" There's no way that can have gotten out. How? Unless of course once the news hit that he was my guardian the press started doing some major digging. What am I saying, of course they did. Nosy bastards never knew when to quit.
Mina narrows her eyes. "So… it's not true?"
"Almost, true." I sigh and they all go wide-eyed, but this time in amazement, leaning in like I'm hoarding some amazing secret. "You… Don't tell him I told you, okay? I dunno if he wants folks to know. But then again if it's already a rumour…"
Mina grins. "Spill, we'll not say a word."
"He was trying to get me to a home, like an orphanage thing? Yeah, then some Yakuza thugs caught up to him. I fucked up defending him by blocking bullets, and I let one get past. Thankfully it hit me not him and… well that's it. I hit the deck, he got me to hospital. And the poor guy's been stuck with me ever since. He didn't want to take me in at all I don't think, not initially, but he didn't want the thugs going for me to get to him."
They stare.
I sink again, blowing bubbles.
Ura looks around the group. "You say it like you messed up by saving him. Am I the only one hearing that?"
Mina raises a brow. "Are you surprised? It's Alex. Of course that's what she's saying."
Ura frowns. "Alex… How old were you?"
I shrug. "Ten? Ish?"
They laugh and shake their heads. Apparently, they're impressed.
Jiro raises her hand. I blink at her and she blushes. "I have a question, if it's cool?"
"Shoot."
I guess we might as well get them all out of the way in one go. How long have they been storing these up? Is someone taking notes?
Jiro fiddles with one of her earjacks. "We uh… Look, we're worried okay? We noticed your hair in the woods today, and none of us were sure if it was there before or not. So, was it?"
Ah. Fuck. That makes sense.
My hand goes to the patch, unable to not think of the panic in Dad's eyes when he saw it, his guilt at Recovery Girl's explanation. I share the explanation, and the girls all look down. No doubt feeling a damn swell of pity for me, the victim. Damn body. Damn hair losing colour.
"I'm fine guys, really."
"Look after yourself, ya hear?" Mina splashes me and I return the favour.
Thankfully though, the questions stop there and we simply enjoy our evening. Well, until Kota nearly brains himself on the other side of the partition thanks to Mineta being a creep and Kota being overwhelmed by how hot Mina is.
Apart from that though. Totally great rest of the evening.
I jolt awake.
My breath catches in my throat, eyes bleared by tears. I grip my blanket and grit my teeth. The image of Shigaraki's reaching hand dulls, the echo of a laughter I don't recognise goes quiet, and my heart slows. The nightmare ends. I swallow hard and listen to the room, but none of the other girls are awake, they snore onwards or mumble about their dreams. Phew. I wait till I've stopped shaking then get up, I need some air.
It's so quiet out in this wilderness. Maybe too quiet, the rustling leaves and occasional movement of shadows make it easy to conjure new dangers in my head instead of clearing it. Stop it, brain. No one is out there. My friends are safe. Dad is safe. I'm safe. No one's watching me, waiting to pounce.
With all the training ahead, I can't afford to not sleep. Then again, when did logic ever help with fear? I lean on the porch railing and hope a lap of the building might help. If anything, it's worth a try.
I come round the other side, nearer the boy's bedroom and see someone sitting on the stoop. Whoops. I'm about to backtrack when I see that it's Sho, cradling a mug of tea. His mismatched eyes are fixed on the skyline, and he looks incredibly peaceful. I shouldn't intrude. I keep backing up.
"I wouldn't mind the company."
How the hell does he know I'm here?
I sit. A comfortable silence settles over us, soon accompanied by that sense of calm I searched for. Perhaps he helped. Sho felt so constant, so assuring. Does he know that?
He continues to watch the stars. "Are you cold?"
"No, I'm fine. Did you enjoy the first day?"
"It was... Illuminating." He smirks into his tea. "I learned a couple things about everyone's powers. Those tree creatures were interesting. You did well against them, pulled them apart."
"You did well too, your ice was great."
He smirks. "Never gonna let me just pay you a compliment, are you?"
"Probably not." I wink. "Can't say I think I measure up to much against your raw power."
"You have the same, more maybe." He raises a brow at my confused expression. "At the USJ."
I'm still not getting it. "My power barely did anything, Sho. What're you on about?"
He looks at me like I'm insane. "You threw a dozen villains, Shigaraki and the Nomu."
"Oh…!" A lightbulb appears. "You mean my 'power surge'?"
"Yes… Don't you want to harness that?"
I shrug. "Never happened before or since."
"It was amazing." He sips his drink. "You threw the villains like they were twigs."
He's not wrong, if I could harness that power it could be seriously useful. But right now, it's as abstract as me moving a building. My main aim for this camp is to up my endurance, strength, and to test my shield. Unleashing a surge… I don't even know how to access it. Maybe I should talk to Shouta about that tomorrow. I'm not sure what the plan is, but now Sho has my mind rumbling. The surge could be so useful, if only I could control it. I shake my head, one thing at a time.
Sho leans back and I do the same, both propped up on our elbows. I have no idea how late it is, but as my mind continues to calm, I wonder if I should attempt some more sleep. He should do the same, we both have training tomorrow. Though admittedly I have a lot more work to do. But still, I don't really want to move, I like his company. He seems to like mine. Am I reading into this too much?
Hang on.
I blink. "Hey… Sho?"
"Mm?"
"Why are you out here?"
He grows still–not that he had been wriggling before, but now there's a tightness to his jaw.
Nosy girl. I bite my lip. "If that's a question best left unanswered, I'm sorry. Feel free not to answer."
"Its fine, I just… A bad dream. I rarely get back to sleep after them and didn't enjoy listening to Bakugo growl in his sleep."
"He growls… That doesn't surprise me." I sit up. "Guessing you'd rather not discuss the dream?"
"I didn't ask you to join me so I could burden you." He mutters, closing his eyes before snapping them open again. No doubt the images were waiting, ready to pounce. My nightmares were always sneaky like that.
I sit up and place a hand on his shoulder. "Sharing with a friend isn't a burden, I want to help. But if you'd rather I keep my prying nose out of it, then just say."
He frowns. "It won't even sound frightening."
"Doesn't really matter." I smile. "Your dreams, your fear, your nightmare. I'm not important."
He lays still, I leave my hand where it is. I want to help him. For all intent and purpose, Sho has been a solitary guy; as the rest of the class has grown closer, he's warmed a little, but not in the same manner. If I can help, I will.
His hands curl into fists. "I peer round a door and watch my mother boiling a kettle."
I expect there to be more, I can't deny that, but he just glares at the sky. All peace has vanished. A simple thing, but considering the scar on his face, I can only imagine the terror it evokes. And the guilt. I had only heard him mention his mother a couple times, but it was always with a warmth. How did it feel to have her in his nightmares? To know she had done that to his face because of his Father? That was what he said, back in the classroom, that Endeavour drove her to it…
I offer a hand and he sits up. I keep my voice steady. "Do you wake up as it starts to steam?"
He nods. "Sounds so foolish."
"Not foolish. Sounds like trauma." I meet his unsure gaze with a firm one. For whatever reason he had felt like he could open up to me, I have to measure up to that. "Fear's a bastard Sho, but we all feel it. Doesn't matter how strong we are, or how long it's been. It's always there."
"You never seem scared."
"Heh, remember? I'm good at bullshitting." I decide to take a risk. I pull him into a hug.
It's awkward at first, feeling more like he's short-circuited than hugging me, but then he loosens up. Soon enough he's holding me tight, strong arms holding me close. Half of him is so warm, and the other half chilled. Sho gives pretty good hugs.
I put my head against his warm shoulder. "Am I right in thinking you usually talk about her in a warm way?"
He nods. "I forgave her the second it happened. She held the kettle sure but…"
"She was driven to it by him. Yeah. I get that." I move my hands up and down his back.
Out here in the quiet, I can only imagine how loud his mind got. Mine did the same, but I at least had the ability to occasionally share. Dad is a good listener. Sho seems more inclined to bottling. Thinking of him waking in the dark, the steam whistle still ringing in his ears, it's horrible. I wonder if the scar aches when he has the dream. Probably. I know mine do.
"Where is she now?"
"Still in the hospital. I doubt she'll ever leave."
"So you feel pretty guilty too, hm? About the dream?"
"Damn your perceptiveness." He sighs and I chuckle softly. He lays his head on my shoulder, mirroring me. "Do you have nightmares? Is that why you're awake?"
"Yeah. One of my nightmares about Shigaraki is literally him opening a door and standing in the threshold. Pretty sure Shouta knows that dream by the specific scream." I don't want to take advantage, no doubt he doesn't want a lingering hug. I sit back and trace the wood grain. "It kinda sucks now that Shouta knows everything. Makes it a little harder to brush off."
Sho takes my hand, tracing along my palm light enough to tickle. I stay still, letting his mind rumble along whatever path it needs to. He's opened up to me a lot, and I feel like that word 'friend' that had knocked him for six in the coffee shop has only gotten stronger. Does he get nervous like me? Is his stomach doing flips like mine? I'm not a dumbass, I know I like him, I know I like him far more than a friend should, it only gets more obvious the more time I spend with him. But. A big one. I also know he's far too good for me; like a prince sitting with a rat.
"Alex–"
Steps approached with the faint smell of tea.
Oh, bugger.
Dad.
"Whilst glad not to find you making out, I don't know why either of you are out of bed." Shouta drawls from behind us, and I feel a boot nudge my back. "Bed. Now. And I mean alone."
"Dad!" I groan, both me and Sho bright red thanks to his damn teasing.
The bubble bursts.
Like Sho would even look at me like that. These days I'm a fucking patchwork of scarring, far worse than his own. Why would he want to be with someone who'd just remind him of his own pain? Daft old man had to stir shit up. Making out? As if.
I bid Sho a good night, noting how his eyes study the wooden boards. On my way past Shouta I give him a punch to the arm, but don't miss the smirk.
I hate being right.
First peek of sunshine and Shouta is demanding we be up and ready to start work. The girls ask if he's serious, hoping for some kind of typical Aizawa double turn, but no. This time, of all times, he is serious. They groan, they get ready, we head out. I keep quiet about how awake I feel, unlike them, I'm excited. Unlike them, I have a lot to be catching up on. Come on, I'm ready, I want to make every second of this worthwhile.
Dad stands waiting at the front of the building, scanning his tired little lambs with about as much interest as I would expect. The boys don't look much more awake than the girls, except maybe Iida, Midoryia and Sho. They're bright as buttons. I suppose early mornings are probably normal to diligent guys like them. I can easily imagine Midoryia on early morning runs, Iida probably doing the same or cleaning something, and no doubt Endeavour sets a hard schedule for Sho. I hope he got some sleep.
Safe to say, the training is intense.
Considering everyone else's training, I'm being sent around, trying to withhold their quirks if it's a physical manifestation like fire or objects, or to slow Iida down, or to keep Midoryia contained. I land on my ass more than once, and I have a grand total of three nosebleeds by the time we head for lunch. Only small ones, but still annoying. The small targets, the sheer power, it's a whole new level of concentration.
After lunch, it's much the same. This time I'm sent to work specifically with Bakugo. His aim right now is to enhance the volume of his explosions. I watch the plume of fire and fury rise into the air, wondering just how 'secret' they could expect this place to be with that going on. I go over and wait for him to take a breath. He looks exhausted already, but obviously not willing to give in. Not a chance.
He nods me over. "Sent to work with me, huh Hypocrite?"
"That my new nickname?"
He snorts, wiping his brow and downing some water. "Fits, don't it?"
"Guess it does, yeah." I scuff the dirt with my shoe, bringing another water bottle over from the stand when he has drained the first. He takes it and starts chugging again. "I'm sorry Bakugo, you're totally right to–"
"Don't fuckin' aplogise moron, just don't do it again."
I blink. "I… I don't plan to."
"Good. All the nerds were worried about you, wouldn't fuckin' shut up about it."
I think, somewhere under that scowl, that was an attempt at showing concern. I smile softly and he glares harder.
I hold my hands up. "You got it. Can't be having those noisy nerds."
"Fuckin' right. Now then, we doing this?"
I nod and step back, readying myself for his attack. He's not shooting at me of course, still upwards and as hard as he can, but I'm trying to focus it into a singular beam. Like we would if we were acting as a team or something, on the field for real. At least, that's what I'm going with. It's probably going to be called out as total bullshit by Dad, but hey ho, if this gets me a pass for my exam, I ain't gonna complain.
This is insane.
Totally bonkers.
Every fibre of my body feels locked into place trying to concentrate on this plume of madness. Every molecule is broiling, shifting, changing, moving, fluxing. I barely make it wobble before my power bounces back and I'm bracing against the ground, trying not to be sick. My head is pounding, my body shuddering, my power fluctuating against me. It's all I can do not to have bruises all over me and broken bones. Shit. Even Sho's fire was less manic than that. I guess it's different because Bakugo's is an actual explosion. Far more violent. Stupid really, I should have thought of that.
Bakugo's shoes come closer. "Hey, y'need Mr Aizawa?"
"No." I shake my head but don't move otherwise, waiting for the nausea to pass. "Your power's intense. Amazing."
"It ain't feeling like that right now…" he mumbles, feet shifting uneasily. I think I can assume Bakugo doesn't know much about dealing with someone who's feeling ill. "Should I keep going or what?"
I snort. "Go ahead Bakugo, don't let my arse get in your way. I'll go again in a second, just need to catch my breath."
"Don't go busting your head again or anything, that's not gonna do much good either."
I put my head on the ground and start counting, he may be right, but I have test scores to make up for. Steps recede as Bakugo goes back to work, and then they approach and I fear I've already been spotted by Dad. Someone kneels by me and a hand lands on my back, firmly and immediately running up and down. Yeah, hiya Dad, I'm being pathetic again.
"Alex, we knew Bakugo's power would be a challenge."
"I think 'challenge' might suggest it was even possible." I chuckle, sniffing and breathing deep, but gradually the nausea is passing. "Can you tell me what I need to do in order to pass the exam aspect of all this? Or have I already fail–"
"You already passed, idiot." He chuckles and I sit up too fast, soon putting my head back down. "The techniques you used with every single classmate were clearly in an attempt to be a team. That was where your head went without prompt, it was very encouraging. Vlad took one look and said you'd passed."
"R-Really?" I didn't think Mr Vlad was all that keen on me…
"Yeah, though I admit, I think he was on the side of 'she should have already been allowed to pass, damn fool of a principal'."
Dad's impression of Vlad is weirdly good.
"So…" I come up slower this time. He hands me water. "I passed?"
"You passed. Tomorrow night, when the group and I are going to extra lessons, you can stay with the others and have some fun." He leans closer. "But don't say anything yet, all right? It's meant to be a surprise."
"Telling me secrets, fuck I do look pathetic."
"Absolutely. Now sit this hour out and drink that water. Try Bakugo again if you want, but not too hard. No nosebleed is a good sign, but don't push it."
I nod and sit my ass down, watching Bakugo work and trying to get a read on any kind of pattern to his power. Safe to say, I fail. It's random, scattered, scarily brilliant. I lie back and wait for my body to stop aching, finishing my water and nearly falling asleep.
Then it's time for one last try.
I can do this.
Then again, maybe not. I try, the power fluctuates, I soar across the training area with a rather high pitched shriek, and land oh-so-elegantly on top of a very confused Midoryia.
Ow. He is not soft. Like landing on marble.
"Sorry Mirodyia!"
He just lays there, dazed. "Uh… wha? Oh god Alex! Are you alright?! Sorry did I get in the way or–"
"Midoryia I just slammed into you, allow me to apologise you idiot." I grumble, untangling myself and getting up, only to land back on my arse in the next second. Knees weak, but most annoyingly of all, a nosebleed. Dammit. I hold a hand to my nose, checking Midoryia but finding no trace of red. Phew.I hadn't dripped on him. That would have been gross.
Regardless of my words, he fusses, looking utterly panicked. "Do you need some ice? Mr Aizawa? Where's he gone? I should–"
I hold up a hand. "Just move me to that seat, please? Did I hurt you, Midoryia?"
He looks down at himself, like he just remembered having a body. "Uh… no, I'm fine!"
Phew. He carries me over and I give a thumbs up whilst hanging my head back. Yeah it just makes the blood run down my throat, but I only have so many clothes with me.
I watch the clouds in the darkening sky. Shit, we still need to make dinner. My body feels so heavy. I just wanna sleep. But as my stomach gives an affronted grumble I lay a hand there and chuckle, okay, fine. Maybe some food first would be good.
"Alex what the hell?" Mina beams, eyes sparkling. "When did you learn to cook so good?"
I laugh and nod towards Shouta who is sipping coffee and talking to Vlad. "Ya think he can cook? Okay no, that's mean, he can. But very basic stuff. I was stuck at home, hidden from the bad guys, remember? I learned a lot because I was fucking bored."
They all nod and I continue to 'chop' the veg with my powers and stir the pot as well. It was small things like that which helped keep my quirk's stamina going in all honesty, but you'd think I'd invented fire with the way they're staring. Bakugo continues to chop furiously, and Iida contemplates the intricacies of peeling a potato. Apparently, it's fascinating.
Soon enough, we're done. I don't know what Kirishima did to his pot, but it doesn't smell great. Regardless, we're all scoffing the food down and marvelling at how good it can taste after so much hard work. I'm no stranger to an empty belly, but this is on another level. Really feels like I earned every bite.
"This tastes so good." Mina coos. "You'll make such a good Mom, Alex!" She helps herself to more stew.
I laugh. "No chance."
"Yeah you would, good cook, crazy protective, you'll be–"
"Oi I'm not crazy protective… I'm just... careful." I wink and we all laugh. "But aside from that, I meant I won't be because I ain't having kids. No thank you." I shake my head.
A few of them stare, unsaid questions bubbling in the air.
I lower my fork. "What?"
Bakugo looks round the table. "Jeez ya idiots, stop acting like she just said she's got rabies. So what is she doesn't want stupid kids? Noisy brats are annoying."
Mina shrugs. "Nothing, just didn't expect you to be so against it Alex, considering how you kinda look after everyone."
Ah. OK, there's logic there. I stir my stew. "Makes sense, but no. Personally I don't want them, never have."
Midoryia clears his throat. "How come?"
"I never wanna be the reason someone's left on their own." I shrug and understanding flickers through them all. A couple nod. Pity turns up. God dammit.
Bakugo most of all looks like he gets it, though I can't say he seems the most domestically inclined either. The other table, across the way, is deep in conversation, Iida and Sho are discussing training and I think Momo is trying to get service on her phone. I wonder what the rest of them think of being parents, but considering the reaction from my table I guess they just assume it's part of their future. Makes sense. It's not something a lot of kids think about till they have to. I'm an exception, and I'm glad. My normal is weird.
I finish my stew and help clean the pots and pans.
Mina brings some more dishes. "Alex, you're gonna tell me off, but let me say it, okay?"
I open my mouth but then close it. Okay, fine. She can say it… whatever it is.
She picks up a towel to start drying what I've already washed. "I'm sorry about earlier. I reacted really weird."
"Mina–"
"Shush! I hate thinking I made you feel weird."
I'm about to brush it off with a joke when I notice her downcast eyes, how she's almost hugging herself with that towel, then the wobble on her lip. Wow, she's really tearing herself up over this. I dry my hands and pull her into a hug. Guess I am a bit mothering… never really thought of that.
I hold her close. "Mina, I'm fine, we're fine. You didn't make me feel weird, you just reminded me not everyone's thought about this stuff." I squeeze.
"Sorry, just felt like a total dick, y'know?"
"Yeah, I can kinda tell now."
"I just... I used to get enough grief for how I look, then I went and gave you grief for–"
I keep squeezing till she laughs breathlessly.
I lean back and smile. "You don't have to be perfect Mina, it's comforting to know the Alien Queen herself can be normal too."
She snorts. "Midnight wouldn't like you using that name."
"Ah, I think she'd forgive me." I wink and then go back to washing up. "But it's seriously fine, it's not something I consider a problem. I don't want kids, never have, doubt I ever will because the issue is never not gonna be there. Unless I suddenly didn't wanna be a hero and… nah, that's what I want to do."
She leans on the counter next to me, drying things. "So you don't think heroes should have families?"
"It's not that, people can do what they want, but as someone left behind by both parents, I can't say I feel comfortable taking that risk. It's just… I have a different perspective on it." I scrub at a particularly stubborn bit of food, noting a pair of eyes peering over a table across the way. Kota stares right at me, glaring, but in a manner of confusion I think. The kid is so weird.
Mina hums. "So… you think that's what happened with your folks?"
"No idea." I shrug. "But they ain't here, I don't even remember them, so… something happened. Regardless, no bubbas happening here." I chuckle and then finally the bit of food comes free. "You wanting kiddies?"
"I dunno, I guess so. Hadn't really thought about it that hard. Now I'm gonna though…" she chuckles. "Then again, can't go deciding my whole future now, eh?"
"Good point." I dry my hands as the last pan is finally clean.
"I wonder if Todoroki wants kids…" she mutters, winking at me when I glance her way. I blush as bright as her hair and she starts cackling, whole conversation derailed into her giggling. She's gonna be a nightmare for the whole evening now…
The next day it's back to training. I warm up with Sero, collecting his tape into one concentrated ball; it's trickier than it sounds due to how thin the tape is and the speed at which he's making it. But I get it done. It looks like a massive ball of yarn by the end. Then I work a little with Midoryia, and whilst his power is immense, I can at least focus on his body so it's an easier thing to contain. But now, it was time for another session with Bakugo.
I approach him as he soaks his hands in the hot water, panting after his latest explosion into the air. There haven't been any birds around for the past two days.
He spots me. "Ready to try again?"
"Sure thing, you needing some more time?"
"Nah, I'm good. Wanna keep my pace up as well, don't wanna be left out of fights for minutes at a time, do I?"
I get myself ready. "Guess not. Go for it."
He grins and readies himself, taking a long breath in and looking up. Here we go. He moves, arching back and holding his hands up, arms flexing as he gives a mighty roar and unleashes his quirk, the air erupting into broiling flames. Okay. Focus. I press in from the outskirts, funneling the blast thinner and thinner. It starts to move. A solid mass turning into a column of blazing heat. Sweat beads my brow and pain threatens behind my eyes, but as I push enough to get the funnel to only a few metres wide, I release again and sink to my knees. My head feels like it's going to copy his quirk, my lungs are struggling and my chest is on fire, but hey, I fucking did it. I brace and laugh softly, hand to my chest as my heart goes at a gallop.
His blast stops. "Hey you did it!"
"Too right." I gasp, looking up and beaming at his damn smirk. "Thanks for letting me try again."
"No problem ya dumbass. Wanna go again or what?"
"Think I'll leave it for now, or I'll just end up on my arse again." I get up and waver, but ultimately stay upright. I wave and head back towards the refreshment station, enjoying some water and waving to Dad's thumbs up.
Progress. Real progress. That feels good.
See Shigaraki? I can learn. I can be better. Fuck you.
One last thing though, a shield. My bubble does its job, but it takes such a toll on me. Back in the USJ every time a villain hit against it during those final moments, it felt like a new needle in my eye. Since then, I have been cultivating it, practising whilst on the streets because it helps keep out the cold, and it was the only thing I could practise without drawing attention. But it's not really been tested. Not yet.
I head over to Dad. "I have a request." He raises a brow, so I keep going. "I want to test my shield. It's gotten stronger during my uhm… time away, but I haven't tested it yet. Can I ask a classmate to work with me?"
"Suppose it would allow them to continue to use their quirk, so yeah. Who were you thinking?"
"Maybe someone like Kirishima first, to see how I do against one of his punches. Then maybe Midoryia, for a higher power set and uh... Then maybe Sho or Bakugo? Fire or explosions would be a great thing to have a defense for."
Dad is nodding until I mention the last two. Fire. Yeah. It's not exactly a forgiving element if it went wrong. But that's why I'm building up to it. Being careful. See? I am learning. But I stay quiet, letting Dad go through all this himself, because I know he will. Dad instincts appear first in his worry, but then the teacher rears his head and he calms down.
"All right, go through those steps, but do not go with either Todoroki or Bakugo unless those previous tests have had no issue. Got it? In fact, I'm coming with. The rest are basically fine themselves. C'mon."
Not what I had intended, but I'll be glad of his practised eye anyway.
We approach Kirishima first and of course he's more than willing to help out a friend. He only hardens his arm for the punch, but initially aims for my shoulder. Don't want him accidentally stabbing me in the gut. I focus, concentrating on my breathing, and enveloping myself in the second skin. I give the nod and he makes the strike. He bounces right off. Good start. But one hit isn't likely to be the end of a fight. We start to spar, seeing how well I can move with the shield in place. And I don't want to sound arrogant here, but damn it goes so well. I duck and dive, not relying on the shield or letting myself be sloppy, but if Kirishima ever does get a hit in, he's sent back with the rebound. We spar for ten whole minutes before Dad calls it and lets Kirishima carry on with his own training.
First try, a success!
Time for Midoryia. Of course, the freckled wonder is eager to help. He powers up, a little nervous at first and to be honest, so am I. I've seen the power behind his strikes before, but still, blunt force is still going to be easier to deal with than an intense burn. So this step makes sense. He gets those little flickers of energy surrounding him after I've confirmed the shield is up and he makes the strike. It's like thunder erupted over the valley. But I felt nothing, and only a vague ache is in the very back of my mind. I wait and move my head to see if I'm dizzy, but I seem fine. I nod, and we start to spar. I hold a hand to stop up as we headed for the five minute mark, but I maintained the shield the whole time and barely felt his strikes. Amazing. It's actually working.
Midoryia leans on his knees, panting, but grinning. "That shield is pretty great, Alex!"
"Thanks, I'm glad to know it works against a truck." I laugh and sit down for some water, thrilled to find no blood under my nose either.
Shouta kneels and looks into my eyes, doing the usual checks and finding no problem. It's not paranoia, it's just caution. I can't forget the damage the USJ caused. And even if I can't see the white patch of hair, I know it keeps the danger at the forefront of Dad's mind. It reminds him of my limits. I hate it, but I can't do anything about it either.
"Thanks for the help, Midoryia." I smile at him and he nods, wiping sweat from his brow before heading on another run. His endurance must be coming along leaps and bounds, surely. He works so damn hard.
Finally, with this progress, it feels like I might have a slight chance of catching up.
Dad finishes his assessment. "You seem fine. Any pain?"
"Not beyond the vague notion of an ache right at the back of my mind, but that could simply be a toll of using the power for so long. But nothing sharp, no pinches or stabs. No blood either!"
He smirks at my beaming face. "You're doing well."
"But?" I chuckle.
He snorts. "But don't go pushing too hard too fast. Maybe wait to try the other two. And I'd suggest Todoroki first anyway, his flames are more controlled. You had real issue with Bakugo's power initially, let's not forget."
"Yeah… I was thinking the same, but can I try Todoroki's power before lunch? Then break and then see how I do against Bakugo after some food and rest?"
I think my puppy dog eyes still have a little power.
Dad isn't sure, but eventually he sighs. "All right, train with Todoroki before lunch but not Bakugo. Only go for that if you feel able, after some food to recharge. I'll go see if Todoroki is willing to help out, though I can't say I expect anything but an eager nod."
"The whole class wants to help." I point out, and he rolls his eyes before walking away.
I sip my water and close my eyes, doing a double check on how my head is feeling. But it really is fine. The shield, I think, is easier to maintain. I'm focusing on my body, my solid mass, so I think it's easier to hold up rather than my attacks elsewhere. Holding back other quirks means I need to focus on those particles, be they thin tape, an incoming fist, or scattered molecules of fiery death. A lot harder. My quirk, it turns out, has a few more intricacies than I realised. Golly gosh, the wonders of school.
As much as I'm enjoying the training, I will admit I am looking forward to blowing off some steam tonight with the games. The Pussy Cats, as annoyingly shiny as they are, are good fun for things like that. At least, I'm hoping so. Being with my classmates for so long has been amazing. Really feels like in the past couple days, I've gotten that much closer to all of them. Even Bakugo has stopped calling me Hypocrite today. That's good. That's progress.
Dad calls me over as Todoroki climbs out of his barrel and readies himself to attack. I stand a few metres away, facing him but with my back to the mountain. Don't want forest fires, or any barbequed classmates. The shield goes up, I give the nod, and prepare myself. We're only going to try it for two seconds initially to avoid nasty accidents. I can't exactly give a safe word when it would be smothered by the crackling heat.
I stare right at Todoroki, seeing how the flames initially start over his scar. Interesting. Then they erupt over me, deep reds and oranges cascading past me, but I feel nothing but a heat similar to a summer's day. Two seconds, then they disappear. I blink and look down at myself, not a scratch or rather, singe. I grin and Dad gives the order for a longer trial. This time, five seconds. It's amazing how long five seconds can feel when watching a kaleidoscope of heat pouring over you. It's almost like water as it swoops over me, looking for any weakness, seeking a way in to consume me. They go away and once again I am fine.
"Let's try thirty seconds!" I call out, and whilst they don't look happy about it, they both agree.
I take a deep breath and the flames return. I laugh a little, feeling my power hold up without issue and my mind handle it all. Progress. Real progress. Finally the little kid in the alley is making good on the potential Eraserhead saw in her. I can really do this hero thing. Maybe, I can be shiny. The flames fall away and they both jolt as they mistake my laughter for sobbing. I wave a hand and hold my belly as the laughter bubbles out of me. Pure elation sinking me to my knees.
"Alex, you having a mental breakdown?" Shouta calls and I look up to beam at them, both thumbs held up. "That's a yes."
"I can fucking do this!" I laugh louder and get up to do my oh-so-refined happy dance. I then head closer to them, shield dropped and bounce from foot to foot. "Sparring?"
Sho blushes and looks to the ground. "Uh… I haven't done that with my fire yet. Sorry."
"Oh, of course! Totally fine, I'm just excited." I keep bouncing and Dad smirks, putting his hands on my shoulders to keep me still. He fails.
"Still wait till after lunch for Bakugo."
"Fine."
"Thanks for the help Todokri, you can continue with your own training as you see fit, but it is lunchtime anyway so gather your fellow students and come to the meal area." He lets go and heads across to Vlad to talk shop.
I did it. I really did it. I grin at Sho and eventually he returns a small smile.
I'm still bouncing. "Thanks so much for helping."
"You're welcome. Of course. Sorry I couldn't help with sparring. My flames aren't controlled enough. Bakugo will be able to do that though, he has sparring down fairly well." A twinge of shame is in his gaze, but I know exactly who put it there. Endeavour. Like Sho has to outdo everyone on the planet somehow.
I step in stride with him towards the meal area, the other students having caught wind of the word lunch and doing the same. We head towards another session of cooking.
"You're doing great with your flames, Sho. I just forgot."
"Still, would prefer to be able to help you."
"Shockingly Sho, and this is coming from me, this camp isn't all about me. You have your own training to do."
He snorts, rolling his eyes at me and shoving his hands in his pockets. I let it drop, because I know I can't get through to him fully. There's too much Endeavour noise going on in that head for that. Eventually he might be able to see past it, but for now, he's only peering. It was something at least.
After lunch, I bound over to Bakugo and am unable to avoid my excited hopping again. He follows me up and down a few times, lips curling into an annoyed grimace before he growls and grabs my shoulders to keep me still. He also fails.
"Whatcha jumping around for?"
"Can you help me test out my shield?"
He lets go and leans back. "How?"
"By throwing your quirk in my general direction." I stop bouncing and waggle my brows. He glares and I clasp my hands together, putting them under my chin. "Please, Bakugo? Shouta knows all about it, and I've already tried and succeeded with Kirishima, Midoryia and–"
He shakes his head and moves away. "I'd kill your dumb ass."
I bound in front of him again. "No you won't! We can start with a couple seconds and build it if I manage! With the others I didn't even get a scratch, or a headache!"
"Nosebleed?" He looks me up and down, suspicion pouring off him.
I shake my head and tap my nose. He looks around but finds Shouta giving him a thumbs up, it's all fine by him. I don't think Dad will be coming along this time, he has other students to help.
Bakugo sighs. "If this goes badly, it's on you."
"Duh! Now c'mon!" I grab his arm and haul him over to where he was working before, practically throwing him into position before getting my shield ready. "Give me all you got Lord Explosion Murder!"
"Oi, that's a legit as fuck name and you know it." He growls and rolls his shoulders, palms glowing softly.
I breathe deep, complete the shield and nod. "Go for two seconds!"
"You got it."
Boom. A little more heat gets through, and I can hear a noise not unlike bubble wrap being assaulted. And then it's gone. I didn't even have time to try and look. The attack ends and I look down. No damage, no headache and no nosebleed. Perfect. My heart swells, daring to hope for another resounding success. After landing on my arse yesterday, I'm due a win, right?
"Okay, go for five seconds! Then if that works, thirty!"
"Thirty?" Bakugo lowers his hands and looks to the side, like seeking confirmation from his teacher again. For such an arrogant arse he's being very cautious. "Ya sure?"
"Yes! If the five seconds goes fine, why not!"
"Fifteen, then thirty." He waits until I give my begrudging nod and then readies his five second attack.
I nod and he unleashes. I pry my eyes open and watch the patterns skitter over the surface a few inches from my skin. Like rain hitting a skylight, it pops and pools, splashes and trickles. Amazing. And then it's gone. No damage, no strain. I give a thumbs up and he goes for fifteen. I gaze in wonder at the colours. Whilst Sho's fire was deep reds and oranges, Bakugo's explosions are orange and gold, bright yellows spark too. Amazing. The storm wooshes around, for every flame there is pressure also, expanding and sending the heat in new directions. No wonder I struggled to contain it in my power.
And then comes the pinch.
Dammit.
Only one second shy of him stopping, a sharp pain strikes behind my left eye and I'm reeling, holding a hand there and trying not to cry out. Shit that stings. Maybe it's the culmination of the other trials before this, maybe it's the sheer force behind Bakugo's quirk. I don't know. But it's bloody annoying.
He runs over. "Shit, I told ya so ya dumba–"
"I can go for thirty."
"Can you fuck." He sighs, kneeling down and peering up at me, lip curled on one side as he tries to see the damage. At least there's no nosebleed. "C'mon, where's the pain?"
"Left eye. Shit I was so close." I lower my hand and he shakes his head, waving to someone before tugging on my arm to get me to sit down.
"Gimme an ice pack would ya? Yeah you, fuckin' Deku." He yells, before pushing my hair back and peering closer. "Think you got a blood vessel or somethin'. Not much, but definitely a sign to stop."
"Fuck sake." I groan, accepting the pack from a startled Midoryia and thanking him. Dad's heading over, and Midoryia lingers. "I'm fine, I'm fine. Just a training strain. You can get back to work Midoryia."
"I wanna see if you're okay. What happened?"
Bakugo smirks. "I fired my quirk at her and she couldn't handle it." I kick his shin from where I sit. He chuckles. "Told ya thirty would be too long."
I hate it. But he's right.
I'm helped over to the refreshment area and made to rest for the remainder of the day. I've done well, I know this. A set back sucks, but really, I've already come a long way. I knew Bakugo would be difficult to deal with, that was the point of building up to him. His power is so scattered and violent, it's always going to be tricky for my power to defend against. But hey, at least I know who can provide a good test. Maybe tomorrow, we can try again.
The blood vessel is recovering well, doesn't seem like it burst properly at least. There's no remaining headache and thankfully still no nosebleed either. Still, I'll rest up. After all, who knows what I'll be needing to do tonight.
The games await.
Dun dun duuuun! The GAMES AWAIT! Proverbial shite is hitting the fan next time folks, can't wait to see what you think of things. Thanks to all that have given faved, followed and reviewed, I love responding to those so check SHOUTOUTS below! See ya soon with another update ^-^
SHOUTOUTS:
Zikashigaku: Thanks for chiming in again, so glad you're still enjoying things! I love writing her with Todoroki tbh, it feels so natural and yet so awkward haha. I hope the initial stages of camp were good for you, I had a lot of fun exploring these more lighthearted moments before... well... the impending stuff haha. Hope you enjoyed! Thanks again for taking the time to review, means so much!
