Midoriya froze.
Niece.
Amaya was Stain's niece.
It made sense really; why else would she be guarding him like that?
Except she seemed confused as well, her entire body was shaking. Her eyes were all over the place, cat features twitching sporadically.
Did he call her Yajū?
Midoriya didn't want to fight her and she didn't seem like she wanted to fight them either. He felt his heart constrict, sympathizing for the girl. He couldn't imagine how she must be feeling right now.
"Hitachi what are you doing? Get away from him!" Todoroki hissed, hating the sadistic smirk on Stain's face. It was the fondness in Stain's eyes that really pissed him off though.
The small girl flinched at being called out, her breathing getting heavier by the second.
"Now now. Don't try and corrupt my little niece like that. You stupid boys will only try to teach her what you think makes a real hero, but you have no idea what that actually entails," Stain snarled, bringing one of his blades out and hovering it above Amaya's body.
The boys tensed, having no idea what to do in this situation.
Iida didn't know what to say. Amaya's uncle was the one who almost killed his brother. And she was defending him!
But she seemed terrified.
"C'mon Yajū, let's take these annoying pests down. Some family bonding."
Family.
Was family supposed to leave her all alone when she needed them most?
"But he accepted us, accepted me… always."
"Then why didn't he come save us? Save you! Why did he leave us alone for 4 years without ever trying to contact us?"
"I don't know..."
Amaya turned and weakly pushed her uncle away.
"You say family, but then why did you leave me?" she croaked out, tears filling her eyes.
Stain paused, scowling.
"My little sister was arrested for trying to achieve justice, I had to go. I wanted to take you with me, but they had already swarmed the area by the time I got there."
"He's selfish. No one was ever going to save you, especially not him."
"Why couldn't you have tried harder to get me?" Amaya whispered brokenly, clutching at her chest.
"You have to stop thinking others are good, everyone will hurt you one way or another."
Stain grimaced and tightly grasped at the girl's arm.
"I did try but there was nothing I could do. Don't argue with me now, family is what matters most, right? So, go show those silly boys everything I taught you," Stain calmly commanded, his eyes cold.
Amaya tried to back up, terrified of the man before her. This wasn't her uncle; this was someone who was so wrapped up in their ideals of how the world should be that they forgot about their family.
"No," she whispered, teary eyes glaring harshly up at murderous red ones.
"No? You dare defy me? You think these boys want you? That they'll protect you? Defend you? They'll leave you to rot just because of your family name! You are nothing to them!" Stain screamed, tightly gripping Amaya's shoulders.
Amaya's ears flattened on her head and her tears escaped her.
Softly clutching onto her uncle's—no, Stain's wrists she smiled bitterly up at him.
"How is that any different from you?"
Stain growled and swung his hand down; Amaya closed her eyes ready for the impact, but it never came.
Midoriya had punched Stain in the face while Iida wrapped the cat-girl in his arms, Todoroki standing in front of the two as a barrier.
"Don't touch her!" Midoriya shouted, his tone by far the most serious Amaya has ever heard.
Iida's arms tightened on her and she could feel his blood dripping onto her.
"Do not fret Amaya-san. Just as you came to save me, please allow me to do the same," he kindly whispered to her. Amaya felt her throat close and she desperately nodded into his chest.
Why were they being so nice to her?
"Seems like there are assholes in every family. But don't worry Hitachi, you showed me that we don't have to follow their footsteps, right?" Todoroki called out as he made an ice wall.
Amaya huffed at that and nodded, wiping her tears and detangling herself from Iida's strong grip.
"You're right. I don't have to follow my family's footsteps!" Amaya agreed, wobbly getting into a fighting stance.
Stain spit some blood out before facing the teens, eyes enraged.
"Amaya are you really going to pick these fake heroes over your own flesh and blood? Don't you remember what they did to Kou! Can you seriously look me in the eyes and say that the hero system isn't horrible!" Stain shouted, tightening his grip on his knives.
Amaya faltered slightly; she did think the hero system was corrupt. She didn't agree with how it just picked and chose who the best hero was based on quirk. She hated the prejudice of being quirkless or having a "scary" quirk.
Heroes failed her family and her parents tried to change things. But they went down a dark path. The wrong path.
"Who are you to take another's life so meaninglessly! Don't bring Kou into this when he risked his life to save an animal! A cat! He rescued a cat because he knew that the value of life was immeasurable! So, don't preach to me like you're any better. Heroes and "villains"— just be honest, there are people who suck and others who try to do some good," she screeched, taking both katanas out and running widely towards him.
"You're not one of them," she hissed as she made contact, drawing out a growl from Stain.
They clanged swords so fast the other three boys could only watch.
Todoroki had only fought Amaya once with her katanas but watching her now he realized just how skilled she actually was. She looked so graceful, moving around like a leaf in the wind.
In a weird way her fighting style almost seemed delicate even with the passion she was admitting. She looked beautiful.
Midoriya felt as if he was standing on pins and needles, trying to find a flaw in Stain's fighting to help Amaya out. While she was an amazing swordsman, she was fighting on adrenaline and he feared she'd get hurt. He could only hope the pros showed up soon.
Iida stared openly at the scene before hand, almost wishing he could've kept the girl in his arms but also admiring how bravely she was fighting for them, for herself.
Stain frowned and blocked Amaya's attacks again, it seemed as though it was too late for his niece.
"I wish it didn't have to come to this my little Yajū, but you leave me no choice," he sighed before kicking Amaya in the chest suddenly and stabbing a dagger in her stomach.
Amaya groaned in pain, staggering where she stood, hearing her friends angered cries.
"This guy really pisses me off."
Midoriya was ready on his feet to move when black tendrils exploded from Amaya wrapping themselves around her.
Stain jumped back in surprise, looking worried for the first time since the fight. Since when did his niece know how to control her quirk? She didn't even bite the seal!
Amaya smirked, blood slowly dripping from her lips.
"Fuck you," she growled, whipping out her miasma, letting it attach to Stain's wrists and body.
Stain grunted in pain, the burning of his flesh and smog in his lungs catching him off guard.
Amaya didn't release, she increased the poison in her body uncaring about her injury and focused on hurting the man before her.
"He trained us. He loved us. He was always there for us. And now we see what he truly is!"
"Wait Yajū calm down a bit, we don't want to kill him."
"I do. I want him to suffer. Suffer for leaving us."
Amaya grit her teeth as she saw Stains flesh become raw with blood. He tried to move away but the smog was making it difficult for him to think.
Amaya cried out, looking towards her friends for help.
"Knock me out! I can't control my miasma; I'll end up killing him!"
Todoroki disliked this plan but moved first when a knife suddenly flew through the air and hit Amaya right in the shoulder.
That seemed to distract her enough and she stumbled back, her tendrils disappearing.
"Heh. Hahaha. You little bitch. You tried to kill me," Stain coughed out, looking at Amaya unhinged.
"Maybe we're not so different after all," he groaned out, licking the blood of the knife that hit Amaya.
Instantly Amaya felt the paralysis and the floor looked closer than before.
In less than a second Midoriya was there, gently catching Amaya in his arms, as the other two attacked stain head-first.
Amaya tried to keep her whimpers in, but the pain of the stab wound was getting to her.
Midoriya gently set her down, trying to control his emotions, shakily running his finger through her hair to calm her down a bit.
The good thing was that the knife was still there so while he knew Amaya was in pain, at least she wasn't bleeding out. He hated having to leave her, but he knew the only way to protect her was to help the others right now.
Before he moved, he leaned down to whisper in her ear.
"You're not the same. You're a hero Amaya, don't let him make you think otherwise."
Amaya felt her eyes water again as she gazed up at Midoriya's strong back.
He still thought she was a hero.
That meant she needed to get back up and fight.
Family or not, this man hurt her friends. She couldn't just keep watching it happen.
Try as she might Amaya could not lift a finger, only left watching the scene before her.
Iida intercepted one of Stain's throwing knives targeting Todoroki, causing Amaya to wince at his pain. However, he merely grunted, only asking Todoroki to freeze his radiators.
Stain continued to pin Iida down using another knife and Amaya could only watch as Iida ripped it off using his teeth.
"Your friends are fucking animals."
"Look who's talking…. wait, you just admitted they were friends!"
"Read the atmosphere dumbass, not the time. Get off your lazy ass."
Amaya agreed she needed to move, slowly starting to feel tingly in her limbs, but she wouldn't forget what Yajū just admitted.
While Midoriya who had been paralyzed again slowly regained his mobility, Iida with his now frozen radiators allowed him to unveil a new special move.
"Recipro Extend," Iida screamed as he kicked Stain away.
Amaya watched with wide gold eyes as Stain flew into the air and her friends continued to pound into him, despite their injuries. All at once Midoriya and Iida rushed together to attack Stain by using their quirks, scaling up the alleyway and striking the Hero Killer simultaneously.
With a bated breath, Amaya watched as her friends and Stain fell onto Todoroki's ice.
Immediately her friends all stood together, ready for anything, but all four teens quickly noticed Stain had quite clearly passed out. Immediately her friends got to work tying him up and removing all his weaponry.
Amaya stared at Stain from her place on the ground with cold eyes. Yet there was a small part of her that felt like crying for the man that had trained her and even loved her at one point. Even if it was wrong, a tiny piece of her wanted to hug him one last time. She didn't want him to leave her, just like her parents did…
"Amaya-chan are you okay? We really need to get you some medical attention for that! Do you mind if I carry you?" Midoriya kindly asked as he reached for the cat-girl's arm.
"Midoriya, your legs are shot, and Iida can't move either. I'll carry her," Todoroki interrupted, moving behind and lifting Amaya onto his back, causing a small squeak to escape her.
As she laid across Todoroki's back, she looked around to see her friends looking at her with serious concern, almost doting on her, despite having their own injuries. A light blush spread across her cheeks, hiding a smile she looked down.
Well, even if she didn't have any blood-relatives, having friends that cared for her might just be fine. Maybe even a little better.
Amaya felt a bit bad for Todoroki because not only was he carrying her, but he was also dragging Stain, yet he seemed fine. Subconsciously her tail had wrapped itself around his arm and she felt her blush heighten when his body stiffened.
"Oh damn, I didn't mean to do that."
Amaya wanted to say something but decided just to live down the embarrassment, too tired and in too much pain to say anything. Thankfully Todoroki didn't comment, yet had Amaya looked at his front she would've seen the tiny blush and small smile on his own face.
As they kept walking down the alleyway Amaya felt her phone vibrate but, in her position, she couldn't get it. Aizawa was already going to kill her once he saw the stab wound, ignoring what was probably his call was just ensuring her grave.
Amaya didn't get to fuss, in one minute Midoriya was on Native's back and the next an old man had kicked him right in the face.
Without meaning to, she tried to help him, only ending up jostling the knife in her stomach and having Todoroki scold her.
Right, maybe moving around with a knife lodged in your stomach wasn't the best idea. She really wished she could just rip it out, but they had no materials to wrap it and she'd surely bleed to death, so this was the next best thing.
Oh yea, Aizawa was definitely going to kick her ass.
"Who's that?" Todoroki boredly asked, while Amaya simply glared at the old geezer.
"That's the hero I'm interning with, Gran Torino. But why?" Midoriya answered, before looking down at the old man in confusion.
"I was told to come here all of a sudden. Well, I don't really know what's going on, but I'm glad you're okay," Gran Torino responded, staring at each teen briefly before his eyes fell on Midoriya again.
"Gran Torino, I'm sorry," Midoriya apologized genuinely.
Amaya continued glaring at the old man, annoyed that he kicked an injured teen. How could Midoriya apologize to that old fart after being kicked in the face?
"Meow, your fangs are showing."
"Be quiet."
"Gran Torino, this is Amaya, she's been stabbed, we need her to get some medical attention right away!" Midoriya added, looking at Amaya with worry.
The old man stared at Amaya, no expression on his face. She wondered if he hated her too and was going to reject that notion when random voices began speaking out, interrupting everyone's thoughts.
"Endeavor told us there was a request for help here but…" a hero Amaya had never seen before commented, looking over the group.
"Children!" Another hero shouted out.
"Those injuries look serious! I'll call an ambulance right away!"
"Finally, someone with a brain."
"Yajū be nice."
"You were fucking stabbed, maybe focus on that."
"H-hey that's!" A voice shakily whispered, finger pointing down at an unconscious Stain.
"Don't tell me… it's the Hero Killer?" The only female hero of the group called out, looking at Amaya and her friends in bewilderment.
Amaya was softly placed down and propped to lean against Todoroki as the heroes asked about their injuries.
The adults stared at her in concern from her stab wound but Amaya could see the trepidation in some of their eyes. At least they were trying to help, she was going to take that as a win.
The heroes tried to help Iida, but he suddenly walked towards the teens, facing Midoriya who was on Amaya's right, Amaya herself, and Todoroki who was on her left.
"You three… you were injured because of me," Iida bowed to the three, his voice cracked with emotion.
"I'm truly sorry. I couldn't… see anything… through my anger…" he cried, staring at the floor.
Amaya felt her face soften and she reached out to lift his head up.
"Hey. We forgive you. I should've tried harder to knock some sense into you," Amaya teasingly joked, lightly tapping Iida's forehead.
"I'm sorry too. Even though you were feeling so cornered, I didn't notice at all. Amaya had told me to talk to you, but I didn't do enough. We're friends and didn't help you. And for that I'm sorry," Midoriya added, looking guilty towards Iida.
Tears ran down Iida's face and Amaya twitched, wanting to wipe them away.
"Pull yourself together. You are the class rep, right?" Todoroki voiced, and while his words seemed detached Amaya could sense the kindness he was trying to express.
It seemed like that's what Iida needed to hear because he nodded, wiping away his tears before coming to stand fully up again.
For a moment everything seemed calm and Amaya was glad her friends were safe.
But of course, the peace could only last for so long.
"Get down!" Gran Torino shouted, and everyone turned to see a disgusting looking Nomu flying towards them.
"Those shits can fly?!"
"Like the last one wasn't bad enough."
Amaya's train of thought was broken as the Nomu got closer and reached out grabbing—
Midoriya.
"Shit!"
The Nomu had Midoriya right in its claws and Amaya acted quickly. Using the knife still plunged in her stomach she took it out and immediately threw it at the Nomu's wings.
It didn't even break the skin.
Goddamn Nomus.
"Hitachi! Are you crazy! You're bleeding out!" Todoroki reached for the girl, but she pushed his arms away.
"We have to save him!" Amaya screamed, not feeling the burning pain in her stomach, too worried about the boy who was quickly getting farther away.
Before anyone could try and think of a way to help the green-haired teen, the Nomu suddenly stumbled.
Amaya looked down to the ground only to see an escaped Stain rushing towards that thing and Midoriya.
"This society is overgrown with fake heroes…" Stain chanted, gaining speed on the falling creature.
"... And criminals who wave their power idly," he continued, jumping up and stabbing the Nomu in the brain, dragging it and Midoriya to the floor, "should all be purged."
Amaya shivered at his words; Stain looked absolutely manic.
She tried to move forward but Todoroki wouldn't let her, his hand wrapped tightly against her wrist.
"Why are you all standing around in a group? The villain should've escaped this way!" A deep, annoying voice called out.
Amaya groaned and glared up at the massive piece of garbage that was Endeavor.
"Seriously don't tell me we have to deal with him now."
"I don't like it either, but we need all the help we can get to save Midoriya."
"Are you sure that saving that dude is worth dealing with that?"
Amaya scowled, not enjoying Endeavor's presence either but accepting it if he would help Midoriya.
"Hitachi! Hitachi! Amaya you're bleeding out, put pressure on the wound and don't move," Todoroki quietly whispered to her, distracting her momentarily.
Amaya hissed, but it came out pitifully as she staggered, exhaustion and blood loss finally reaching her.
"Shit. Don't focus on me, save Midoriya," she pleaded even as black dots started surfacing throughout her vision.
Todoroki spoke again but it all sounded muffled to Amaya, her knees buckled, body succumbing. Todoroki quickly caught her, placing his hands on her wound, worriedly looking between her and Midoriya.
"ENDEAVOR!" Stain screamed, freezing everyone in their spots.
Amaya strained her eyes, watching as Stain stumbled to walk.
"You fake… I must make things right. Someone must be dyed in blood. I must take back what it means to be a hero! Try and come get me you fakes," Stain growled, his blood lust making everyone too scared to move.
Iida and Todoroki fell to the ground in aghast. Todoroki subconsciously cradled Amaya closer to his body. To comfort her or himself, he couldn't say.
As Stain kept stepping closer, his steps pounding into everyone's ears, he shouted chaotically.
"The only one I'll allow to kill me is ALL MIGHT!"
The malicious aura spread more, and Amaya gripped onto Todoroki as tight as her weak hands could.
She was terrified.
And so was everyone else.
"For my family… I will end you," he gruffly whispered before he stopped moving, eyes rolling back into his head.
Tears rolled down Amaya's cheeks, and in her last moment of consciousness she whispered something so very faintly only Todoroki could hear it.
It made his heart throb in sympathy for the girl.
Ojisan.
"Were you able to sleep, Midoriya?" Todoroki's calm voice filtered through.
Amaya groggily opened her eyes, trying to move forward, only to wince through the process.
"Ahh Amaya-san! Don't move too much! You're still recovering from that stab wound!" Iida panickily commanded, wiggling in his spot on the medical bed, almost as if he wanted to move his arms.
Amaya would've laughed but the pain in her stomach stopped her.
"A-are you alright Amaya-chan? You took the worst injury out of all of us," Midoriya kindly asked, eyes filled with concern as he checked her over.
Amaya briefly nodded, "I'm fine. Are we in the Hosu Hospital?"
The other three boys nodded, and Amaya took in their injuries. Iida had casts on both his arms and Midoriya had bandages wrapped around his legs. Todoroki seemed fine for the most part, only having a few bandages on his arm and face.
It became quiet for a moment before Midoriya began speaking, "Thinking about it now, we did something amazing, huh?"
"More like stupid."
"Yea," Todoroki quietly responded.
"Idiots."
"Seeing an ending like that really makes you feel like it's a miracle we're alive," Midoriya continued.
The others nodded and Todoroki commended Iida on being able to face Stain, especially with Stain's murderous intent.
Amaya frowned, while she was glad her friends were fine, she didn't necessarily approve of what happened.
Yet glancing at Iida's guilty face she couldn't say she didn't understand the feeling of wanting revenge for a loved sibling.
Before she could add in her own comments the door suddenly opened revealing a concerned Manuel Hero, an amused Gran Torino and a pissed off Aizawa.
"Shit," Amaya muttered under her breath, avoiding everyone's gaze, specifically the man whose aura radiated anger.
"Fuck is more like it. Aizawa looks ready to finish what Stain started."
As Amaya glanced back at her guardian she immediately regretted, biting her lip to keep in the welp sound wanting to escape. Aizawa's usually tired eyes were bright with frustration… and underlying concern, but all Amaya could focus on was his "you are in so much trouble" gaze.
"So, you wounded kids are awake," Gran Torino stated happily, like a jolly old man.
Aizawa said nothing, merely glaring at the flinching cat-girl in front of him.
The other boys looked from Aizawa to Amaya and immediately felt pity for the girl. If Aizawa was her mentor they already knew the kind of trouble she'd be in. And from what Midoriya knew, even more so since Aizawa-sensei actually saw the teen as his own daughter.
Midoriya could only cringe as he thought of his own mother who was probably not happy with him either.
"You guys got a visitor," Gran Torino continued, completely ignoring the current atmosphere, "Hosu's chief of police Kenji Tsuragamae," he finished introducing.
A very tall, sturdily built man with the head of a beagle walked in, causing uncomfortable shivers to run down her back.
The chief of police was a freaking dog. Of course.
She tried to relax but due to her annoying biology she hissed at the man without thinking.
Everyone froze, including herself who blushed scarlet as soon as she realized what she had done.
"S-sorry, bad habit?" She tried to play it off, but everyone knew the truth.
Ignoring that awkward incident, the chief started speaking, "You must be the U.A. students who brought down the Hero Killer, right?"
Iida responded and Amaya nodded glaring at the man-dog.
"Regarding the Hero Killer that we arrested… he had fairly serious injuries, with burns and broken bones, and is receiving treatment under strict guard, woof," the chief explained, his woof causing Amaya's tail to bristle and eye to twitch.
"Since you are U.A. students, I'm sure you already know, that when superpowers were becoming the norm, the police attached high importance to leadership and standards and made sure quirks were not used as weapons," Tsuragamae continued, looking at each teen intently.
"And then the profession of 'hero' emerged to fill that gap, woof. For an individual's use of force and power that can easily kill others—actions that would normally be appropriate to denounce—to be accepted officially is thanks to early heroes who followed the ethics and rules of the profession, woof," the chief rambled on.
"Ugh why is this damn dog lecturing us."
"Just be quiet."
"Even up against the Hero Killer, for uncertified individuals to cause injury with their own quirks without specific instruction from their guardians or supervisors is a clear violation of the rules," the dog-man continued this time glaring at the teens. His annoyed gaze ending on Amaya.
"The four of you and pro heroes Endeavor, Gran Torino, Manual and Eraser Head must receive strict punishment."
Punishment?
Amaya tightly grasped onto her shock collar with shaky hands, face pale.
"N-no," she whispered, eyes large and terrified as she glanced up at Aizawa.
Aizawa's frustrated look immediately melted into concern as he gazed at the trembling form of the small girl before him. He quickly shook his head to dissuade her thoughts, they were not going to shock her, definitely not with him in the room.
"Wait a minute…" a pissed off voice interrupted.
Amaya glanced back to see Todoroki standing straight, hands into fists.
"If Iida hadn't done anything, Native would've been killed. If Midoriya hadn't come, the two of them would've been killed!" Todoroki argued, glaring back at the chief.
"No one realized that the Hero Killer had appeared. Are you saying we should've followed the rules and watched people get killed?" Todoroki continued, voice raising along with his temper.
Iida looked at him in concern and Midoriya put his hands out to stop the half and half boy, stuttering for Todoroki to stop.
"Are you saying that as long as it turns out all right, it's ok to bend the rules?" Tsuragamae questioned back, his tone completely calm, yet somehow patronizing.
"What did this bitch just say? God, I hate cops, they only care about themselves and the damn law."
Amaya hissed at the chief for real this time, startling everyone as she angrily cried out, "Isn't it a hero's job to save people?"
Tsuragamae merely sighed, shaking his head, "That is why you are not a full-fledged hero, yet. Goodness, what are you being taught at U.A. and by Eraser Head?"
Amaya growled, standing up despite her pain, claws out, gold eyes into slits as she tried to move forward.
"You damn mutt!" Amaya shrieked, stumbling as she tried to grab the man only for Todoroki to pull her into his chest.
"How dare he insult Aizawa that way!"
"Let's teach this dog a lesson."
"Stop it! He's absolutely right!" Iida cried out, yet Amaya continued to flail in Todoroki's arms, irritating her wound.
"Amaya calm down, you are hurting yourself," Aizawa scolded, yet his tone held affection.
"Listen to what the man has to say, let him finish," Gran Torino added, sounding exasperated.
"That was the official opinion of the police. And the punishment and such would only happen if this were all made public, woof. If this were made public you would probably be applauded by the public, but you would not be able to escape without punishment," Tsuragamae explained, and Amaya slowly started to relax in Todoroki's hold.
"On the other hand, this is a bit underhanded, but if it's not made public, the burn scars would support Endeavor being the hero who saved the day and it would end there, woof."
"So that piece of crap gets all the glory. You're shitting me."
"Well, it's either this or probably back to the slammer."
"I fucking hate the law."
"Thankfully, there were very few witnesses. This violation could be crushed here. But this would also mean that no one would know about your good judgment or achievements," Tsuragamae explained, looking less chastising than before.
"Which do you prefer? Personally, I don't want to be the one to find fault with promising young ones because of one big mistake, woof," he teased, sticking his tongue out and giving the teens a thumbs up.
"Ew."
"Aww, that was kinda cute."
"Well, either way we adults will take responsibility for being negligent during our duties," Manual added.
Aizawa nodded, seeming to not care anymore if there were spectators and removing Amaya from Todoroki's grip. Aizawa set her gently on her bed and tried not to glare back at his student.
"You damn kids really caused us a huge mess out there," Aizawa sighed, petting Amaya gently on the head.
"I'm truly sorry!" Iida apologized, bowing in front of Manual.
Amaya too bowed her head, quietly apologizing as well.
"Jeez kid, you're going to be the death of me one day. All I ask is you not get hurt," Aizawa groaned, shaking his head.
Amaya pouted, "You said to not die, I'm not dead," she retorted back.
Aizawa frowned and flicked her forehead, "Yea well maybe next time you won't be so lucky smartass."
Amaya nodded, rubbing at her new sore spot, softly squeezing Aizawa's arm for reassurance.
As the others apologized too, Tsuragamae added something to the conversation.
"Because of the unfairness of adults, you will not be able to receive the praise you probably would've gotten, but at least," he started off before suddenly bowing towards the teens, surprising Amaya, "as someone who also protects the peace, I can say thank you."
Amaya stiffened and she heard Todoroki gasp as well.
The chief of police was thanking them, them!
"Maybe—"
"Don't even go there, he's still a gross dog."
"Not all dogs are bad! They're cute!"
"Well, we'll leave you kids to rest now, have a good day," the chief concluded before bowing one more time and heading out, the other pro heroes following his lead.
Aizawa stood as well and glanced at Amaya one last time, "Don't think you got off this easy, once you're better and back home we're going to have a talk," he threatened before lightly pulling on her ear and leaving.
Amaya whined, hissing at him before turning to see Iida and Todoroki awkwardly looking at her.
Amaya sighed, really what was the point of having her legal guardian a secret when Aizawa didn't care enough to hide it from her classmates?
"Right, well Aizawa is—"
"Your father," Todoroki interrupted looking dead serious.
Amaya blushed slightly before smiling up at him, shaking her head a bit.
"Not exactly, he's my guardian but he's acted more like a father than what I'm used to," she explained, shyly playing with her bed sheets.
Midoriya couldn't help but think how cute she looked right now, wanting to say something but was interrupted by a phone call.
"Ah it's Uraraka-chan! I'll take this, be right back!" Midoriya exclaimed, scrambling to leave, almost falling over his crutches.
Amaya giggled, before she was questioned a bit more about her relationship with Aizawa by Todoroki and Iida.
As she explained, she noticed that none of them seemed the least bit scared of her. In fact, now that she noticed, even Todoroki had been calling her Amaya. It seemed as if they were friends now too.
She smiled, grateful for her friends.
Amaya had fallen asleep sometime during Midoriya leaving and Iida going to get his arms examined. She was only starting to wake up when Midoriya came back excitedly trying to retell his phone conversation with Uraraka.
However, Todoroki's grim voice captured both of their attention.
"Midoriya… Iida just finished getting examined," Todoroki trailed off, waiting for Iida to speak.
Amaya sat up, moving closer to the boys, staring sorrowfully at Iida's arms, feeling her heart pounding louder in concern.
"My left hand might have long term damage…" Iida quietly stated, not giving any emotions away.
Midoriya and Amaya both stiffened looking at each other before gazing back at Iida.
"Both of my arms were pretty beat up, but it looks like the damage to my left arm was especially severe. There was damage to my brachial plexus, but it just means I'll have trouble moving my hand and fingers as well as experiencing some numbness," he spoke about it further, but Amaya was taken back by the way he seemed so relaxed about it all. It was like he didn't care?
"Nah, he just accepted this."
"Apparently, there's a possibility that it can be healed with nerve transplant surgery. When I found the Hero Killer, I stopped being able to think. The first thing I should've done was tell Manual, but I forgot myself in my anger," Iida huffed, looking down in shame.
Amaya reached out and placed a gentle hand on Iida's shoulder.
Iida smiled lightly before continuing, "I hate Stain, but he spoke the truth. That's why, until I become a true hero, I think I want to leave my left hand as it is."
"That's dumb."
"Shh! It's slightly dumb but also it's a reminder for himself to not let his anger take over."
"DUMB!"
"Whatever, I'll support Iida even if this is slightly concerning."
Amaya nodded at the blue-haired boy, squeezing his shoulder briefly.
"Iida, I feel the same way… let's become stronger. Together!" Midoriya inspirationally advised, and Amaya watched as the light came back to Iida's eyes full force.
She smiled softly at the green-haired boy; he always knew the right thing to say.
"I feel kinda bad…" Todoroki nervously piped up causing Amaya and the other two boys to look over at the heterochronic boy in confusion.
"About what?" Midoriya asked.
"I feel like if I get involved… other people will mess up their hands… Is it a curse?" Todoroki anxiously revealed, sweating bullets.
Amaya, Iida and Midoriya all looked at each other before bursting out in laughter.
"Oh my gosh Todoroki-kun I didn't know you could joke around," Midoriya giggled.
Todoroki frantically shook his head, eyes serious as he continued, "No I'm not joking. I'm like the 'Hand Crusher' or something."
Amaya giggled and the other two boys cackled repeating the poor confused boy's words.
Todoroki would not stop, and Amaya had to hold herself upright, laughing unabashed.
The three boys took notice, light blushes on their faces as they stared at the laughing cat-girl, amazement in their eyes.
Not noticing, laughing carefree, Amaya believed that everything was going to be just fine.
That night Iida had informed the teens he would be leaving to rest with his mother.
Before he could leave, Amaya pulled him to the side, outside their shared room. She was leaning against the wall a bit, trying not to put too much pressure on her stitches.
Iida looked at her nervously, a light blush on his cheeks. He remembered the last time they were alone like this.
"Will you be threatening me like last time?"
Amaya paused before smirking, "I don't know, should I?"
Iida shakily laughed, making an X with his arms as a no sign.
Amaya smiled briefly, softening her eyes.
"I was going to scold you and call you an idiot, but I think you've gotten that enough today," Amaya started, trying not to laugh at how guilty looking Iida seemed.
"Anyways I just wanted to say that I'm really sorry. Sorry that your brother was hurt and even more sorry that it was someone from my family that did that," Amaya sighed, looking down, tone bitter and sorrowful.
Iida sputtered to respond but she kept going.
"I don't know what it must've felt like for you to hear that your brother was almost killed but I do know the pain one feels of seeing their sibling in pain... I lost my brother when I was eight," Amaya whispered, throat tight.
Iida frowned and reached out for the cat-girl, awkwardly patting her head.
Amaya forced a smile through, "While there was technically no one to blame, I do blame some people. I mostly blame myself for not being able to save him. So, while what you did was extremely stupid, I understand where you're coming from," she finished off giving him a closed-mouth smile.
Iida nodded, grateful.
"Amaya-san I hope you know I don't think of you any differently because of your relationship with Stain. I can't imagine how you must've felt," Iida admitted, trying for a friendly smile.
Amaya flinched at the mention of Stain but nodded hurriedly. She still didn't know how to feel about that whole situation either.
"I hope you know that just like you, we're friends and I'm here for you whenever," Iida added, smiling genuinely.
Amaya returned the expression and softly hugged Iida before turning back into the room to lie down, leaving the tall boy blushing.
Before she fully entered, she popped her head back out and smiled threateningly, "But if you ever ignore my advice again, I will claw your eyes out," she cheerfully called out.
Iida gulped and nodded, turning to go back to the room to say goodbye to the others.
Once Iida had left the three remaining teens went to bed, hoping for a better tomorrow.
The next morning, Amaya awoke to Todoroki already in his U.A. uniform, ready to leave.
Midoriya and her didn't even get the chance to ask about where he was going because he explained that he would finish his internship with Endeavor.
Amaya scowled after hearing that bastard's name, muttering curses to herself. Todoroki smirked at that and went on to explain how while he was a horrible father, he was the number two hero for a reason and that he wanted to make the most of his internship. Due to his light injuries, he didn't have to stay in the hospital like Amaya and Midoriya did.
Amaya hated that Todoroki was getting hero advice from such an asshole but kept her mouth shut. She could only hope Todoroki didn't take after him.
He could be cold and awkward, but Todoroki had so much potential. He would be a great hero, so much better than stinking Endeavor.
"Besides, Endeavor wasn't the one to take down Stain. We were and yet the media gave him credit for it, his pride must be hurt. I want to go see that expression as fast as possible," Todoroki evilly explained, smiling maliciously.
Amaya laughed at that while Midoriya looked between the two in concern.
And then Todoroki was gone.
Aizawa had already texted her that he'd be coming to check up on her later, even though she could no longer intern, he still had Shinso.
She had texted back asking if Shinso could come as well but she was just left on read.
Amaya sighed and laid back down, feeling bored. The doctors had told her and Midoriya they'd both have to stay for at least two more days.
Two whole days of resting.
That sounded horrible, but as she looked over at her freckled-faced companion, she smiled to herself.
At least she wasn't alone.
"Hey Midoriya, do you mind if I come sit next to you on your bed?"
"What the hell are you thinking? Why are we going to sit with that dweeb? What's with all this touch?!"
"Because I'm feeling a bit clingy and bored and you are not my first choice as a conversation partner."
"Fucking rude."
Amaya rolled her eyes and looked back at the boy who was blushing bright red, muttering who knows what but also nodding. Amaya would take it, and made her way over, coming to sit next to him on the bed.
For once she thanked her small stature because she knew she wasn't making Midoriya too uncomfortable and they were barely touching. Though with their legs occasionally bumping, her heart sped up a bit and a pretty pink blush to appear on her own face.
"D-did you want to watch something on my phone? I only really have All Might videos and compilations of his best fights saved b-but we can watch something else if you'd like!" Midoriya frantically offered, Amaya couldn't help but giggle at his nervous state.
"I don't mind watching that stuff. It's entertaining and you can learn some things about his fighting style. Maybe I'll see something I could use for myself," Amaya prattled on, relaxing against the hospital pillow.
"Yes exactly! There is so much you can learn from analyzing his fights! Actually, I've made various notes on his fighting style and you can see that in this specific fight…" Midoriya trailed off, listing multiple little details Amaya didn't notice at all.
She smiled as she continued to hear him ramble, enjoying his light and soothing voice. While she would probably never look so thoroughly at battle videos like this, she couldn't help but admire Midoriya's analytical skills.
Plus watching him ramble about his favorite hero was pretty cute.
"And then in this video you can notice that—oh no, I've been talking this whole time! I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to do that but it's just when it comes to All Might if no one stops me it usually takes me a while before I see I've annoyed someone or lost them as I was talking," Midoriya apologized, covering his mouth with his hand as if that would stop him from speaking.
Amaya frowned, moving his hand down from his mouth, "Midoriya you are not annoying, and you didn't lose me. I'll admit this isn't exactly what I do in my free time, but I enjoy hearing you speak. Especially because you're so passionate about all this. If I was annoyed, you would know. I hope you never change even if some people try to put you down."
Midoriya froze, staring at Amaya in wonder, his cheeks slowly warming up again. She was still holding onto his hand.
Amaya felt herself flush pulling away slowly but held eye contact. She meant everything she said, and she wanted to convey that to him.
Midoriya smiled wobbly, "T-thank you."
Amaya giggled, looking away shyly.
"Please continue explaining your analysis and theories. I really do enjoy hearing them," Amaya pleaded.
Midoriya looked at her with sparkles in his eyes, "Really?"
Amaya nodded, playing with her fingers.
"This is the first time I've ever hung out with a friend. I didn't have any friends growing up but being able to attend U. A. has changed that. You're one of my first friends and I really enjoy your company. I don't know if there is a proper way to 'hang out' but I like what we have done so far, so please go on," Amaya explained, face burning brighter at her confession.
Midoriya smiled kindly, relaxing in the petite teen's presence before resuming.
Amaya grinned to herself, making herself more comfortable as she listened to Midoriya's gentle voice.
She didn't know when but at some point, she had dozed off, head swaying side to side before it fell on Midoriya's shoulder.
Midoriya stiffened at the contact, blushing bright scarlet at having such a cute girl fall asleep on him. He froze in his place so as to not wake the girl and slowly glanced to the side to take in Amaya's features.
Her adorable cat ears were pressed flat on her head and neither had noticed but her tail had wrapped itself around Midoriya's arm, almost causing him to pass out.
She was letting out the most precious snores, and he had never seen her look so relaxed before.
As he glanced down, he couldn't help but frown at the shock collar that blaringingly adorned her neck. It looked out of place and he wanted nothing more than to take it off. Amaya didn't deserve to have that on. Why hadn't they taken it off already? She hasn't given the government or the people any reason to keep it on!
Sure, she could look mildly scary with her blank face, but she had one of the brightest smiles Midoriya has ever seen. She always put others before herself and had the heart of a real hero. Her family's mess wasn't her own. He hoped society would see that soon.
He couldn't believe he was once scared of her. Looking back at his past self he was ashamed. He had judged her like everyone else. But she showed him and everyone else that they were wrong.
She was so sweet too! She actually liked his theories and thought he was fun to be around. He couldn't believe he was the first one to be able to hang out with her. He felt bad that someone like him was her first experience when there were definitely other, cooler people she could've hung out with.
Amaya is a kind, fearless, good-hearted girl with a warm aura. She's also breathtakingly beautiful. She deserved so much more.
Still, he wouldn't trade this moment for anything even if he didn't think he deserved it.
Midoriya quickly looked away, feeling like a creep for staring so much. However, he wasn't wrong.
To him, she was gorgeous.
That was the last thing in his mind before he fell asleep too.