A/N: Two chapters were posted close together. So if you haven't read. "Who Are You?" Chapter 1. You may need to go back one. Happy Reading!
Word Count for Chapters 1 (Pt 1, 2, & 3 Who are you? - 43,285
A figure stood above a small raised headstone that only had the name of a young boy known as Haruki Kadokawa and his birth and death. Under it were the words "A loving son." As if that little bit of description could accurately portray who was buried in the ground, could paint a picture of who he happened to be. Gritting his teeth, the young man fisted his hands in the pair of black dress slacks he wore, as he bowed his head, his short red hair long enough to fall and cover his brown eyes as guilt swirled heavily in his chest and tightened his throat. Yasei Haruki had yet to be able to shed his guilt as though he should have been able to do more for his best friend. He should have seen the signs, should have reached out, or not missed his phone call.
"No matter how often I show up here, it doesn't lessen the pain," he muttered to the wind as his red eyes glared down at the stone nameplate. With a harsh exhale, he turned his gaze away as his eyes burned and his body tensed up, fighting back the emotion that wrapped around him. "If I had just answered the phone, if I hadn't been so cocky I would have been there, you wouldn't have had to be alone with them," he growled out the words, the anger better then the sadness that threatened to destroy him from the inside out. He had to be strong.
'Weak little boys cry, but not you Yasei, remember why Mommy loves you, '
As that scene flashed through his mind, remembering the only real-time his mother had given him attention, seemed to care about him. He had been six years old and had broken his arm after a mishap with his quirk. His mom had been called about the accident on the playground by his school and had shown up, only after his father couldn't be reached because he was out of the city on business. When all he'd wanted was a hug, for her to tell him it would be ok, what he got was her firm fingers curling along his upper arms and the fake smile that hid who she was from the world as she told him not to cry and to be strong. It wasn't what he wanted to hear; it wasn't what happened with other kids' parents. They hugged their children, worried over them, cried for them, loved them, and she couldn't be what he needed. It was just one of his many experiences of realizing that love didn't exist for everyone; it didn't exist inside her for him.
He threw back his head and laughed a harsh, loud sound that bordered on psychotic as if he couldn't believe how ridiculous his life had become, how naive he'd been as a child and as he got older, allowing himself to get close to the boy who merely shared the same name as him. Love didn't exist in this world. People only let you down; he'd known that he'd seen it, and yet Haruki had managed to get through all his defenses, had allowed him to see that he wasn't alone, that the world didn't suck as badly when they were together.
The best of friends who did everything together. If only he hadn't pushed so hard to be the hero in middle school, sticking up for others when it really was best if he just left them to their own devices, their own fate. Haru was always his sidekick whenever things got a little out of hand with the other kids they went to school with. It wasn't surprising that after a little bit of time, the other kids would become resentful of what he could do and took matters into their own hands one day after school when he'd been alone. He'd fought them all to the best of his abilities, but he'd not been able to handle the numbers that had fought against him. If he hadn't pushed his quirk past its limit as he had, he might have suffered a worse fate than multiple broken bones.
Yasei was hospitalized for several months; his body could not repair the damage left him scared and in physical therapy to regain his strength. It was in that time that Haruki had taken the brunt of the bullying; he never let him in on it. He hid how bad things were getting for him every time he visited him. The depression had eaten away at his friend, and thus in his darkest hour, he hadn't answered the phone, he'd missed the call, and his best friend had taken his own life.
This was something he had to live with for the rest of his life. When someone took their own life, it was the people left behind that had to pick up the pieces and look back at the what-ifs and their own regrets and anger and somehow keep moving forward. It was a nearly impossible task, and here he was struggling to do just that. Yasei wasn't sure on his best days that he could move past it. No amount of therapy sessions could get through to him. He just wasn't ready to let go of his own form of survivor's guilt.
He had used all his energy, though, to work his body for the last year and a half. He pushed himself at his physical therapy to be able to walk again, to be able to hold onto simple items, working his fine motor skills to be able to pick up a pen and write. There was so much he had to relearn to do. Once that was done, he pushed himself to get back into physical shape and began some training with a quirk instructor that had been at the hospital and had some volunteer work and had later decided to take him on as a student in that time frame as well. It was through Vlad that he was able to enroll in Ketsueutsu Academy. Yasei was able to catch up thanks to the positive reinforcement of Vlad King, his dad, the nurses, and the doctors who rooted for him. His mother's absence was noted, but he had pushed it to the back of his mind.
He still had yet to come to terms entirely with his mother's lack of love for him or his loss of Haruki, but he was making strides. It was why he longed to be a positive influence on the lives he met. To help someone not feel alone like Haru had been, so he could help them know that they were never alone that they had someone in their corner. It was why he shifted his grief into action, laughter, and joy for those around him. Yasei would be for others what he hadn't been able to be for Haruki.
The sound died off after he seemed to get himself under control once more. "I know it doesn't mean much now, but I'll make it up to you." He let those words hang there as he leaned back on his heels and stared up at the sky for a moment; maybe it was just him, but it looked like it was going to rain. As the sound of footsteps behind him, Yasei turned to look at the silver-haired man approaching him from the cemetery entrance, frowning. He said nothing as he allowed the man to approach him. "Teach, I don't have a session today. What are you doing here?" he questioned, not bothering to try and muster up even the smallest smile for him. He didn't have to play a role with him right now. The older male scuffed at him and held out his hand with an envelope held between two fingers. "You're going to be late; you can read it on the way," he told him as he jerked his fingers to the waiting car on the street above him. Frowning, Yasei took the envelope and turned it over in his hand as he inspected it; there was no mistaking the seal on the back. He decided not to say anything just yet, as he headed for the car. "I'll see you in a few, Haru," he said in passing as he waved over his shoulder. Vlad Knight said nothing about this exchange but cast the headstone a look before shifting his gaze to the flowers left on the grave, no doubt a gift from the one who was leaving. With a slight incline of his head, he turned to follow his charge up to his car.
Rounding to the driver's seat, Sekijiro Kan buckles his seatbelt and hits the gas, and begins the drive to their destination. "You can read that if you want, and you'll find something else in the back seat," he told him as he merged smoothly into traffic and got onto the speedway heading to another part of the city. Yasei glanced at him before turning his attention to the back seat and seeing a silver briefcase that looked awfully familiar to what he had at home. Instead, he didn't say anything about it and carefully opened the envelope and read what it said. "Why'd you pull any strings for me?" he questioned, shooting a glance at him. As the silence lingered a moment, he felt awkward with all that he had already done for him. "You didn't have to do that. You don't owe me anything." Came his overly casual reply as his gaze moved to look out the window.
"You've come further than others with all you've had to face. If I didn't think you could handle this, I wouldn't have put in a good word for you," he told him seriously. As his fingers curled tighter on the steering wheel, his jaw was tense, and it was clear from the tension along his shoulders, something was bothering him. It was also obviously not something he wanted to talk about. Sekijiro glanced at him before his red eyes traveled to the clock on the dash. He needed to hurry up, or he'd be late.
The "hmm" of regard was all that Yasei gave him as he let his thoughts wander and debate his options; what this test could give him if he did compete and what would happen if he didn't. He didn't seem to be losing much of anything if he at least gave it a shot. Besides Vlad didn't have to stick his neck out for him. If he cut and run now without at least giving it a go it would be a massive slap in the face and he was pretty sure Vlad's reputation was on the line. "I'll do it; it's the least I can do for all that you've done for me," he told him as he fingered the watch on his wrist. There was little else that was said on the ride over after his teacher rolled the car to a stop at the entrance of UA High. Yasei grabbed his things and made his way to the auditorium. Thankfully it wasn't all that confusing to get there and he picked a lovely spot that would get him a good read on his completion. He settled into an empty seat on the right side of the room; kicking his chair back as he waited just like everyone else for this exam to begin.
Fingers continued to fly over a portable laptop as red eyes traveled to the book laid out in front of him, his gaze easily reading the complicated text that too many wouldn't even relate to being words at all. His fingers easily clicked against the keyboard to give way to code that he was reading and efficiently transcribing to the program he was working on. It may seem boring to those who couldn't see the value of his work, but that wasn't the case from Goro Kiaki's perspective. Coding was a hobby, and making websites had turned from a hobby and something that he was good at to a way to make a little extra money on the side. It beat a part-time job during school; now, all he had to do was get his studies done early and work on getting the websites done that his clients were requesting. Some only wanted something as simple as a template for the characters they played on the web. He did those as well and could usually have those done in about an hour or so, with any of the requests they may want.
As those red eyes traveled to the larger computer screens looking at a few other code examples that were pulled up on the desktop screens, some held the simple HTML formats for the color schemes one of the clients was looking for. The other screen was open to several examples of how the pictures would look if he added some effects to do them. Some were the codes for hover over effects, others to make the images larger in a separate box, others were how the pictures would look if given certain cut-offs, like making the picture into an oval in the center of the page.
Goro Kiaki was a young man with talent; there was no denying that. His eyes seemed to glow, and if one were near him, they would see that it wasn't just his eyes that were glowing but the skin around his forehead and under his buzz-cut black hair. It probably wasn't the most practical way to use his quirk, but the nanites in his body allowed him to advance or enforce certain parts of his body. If he used them correctly, he could actually enhance his own processing power in his brain and how much information his eyes could catch. This has been something he tried when he had been in a subject in school that had been harder for him to understand. It wasn't cheating per se and was just merely using your resources to one's advantage. He grinned slightly to himself as he finished the last line he'd been working on and closed the code. He flicked his wrists as he sat back for a moment and stretched his muscular arms up above his head before he ran his finger across his nose as he took a quick skim through the text. Ensuring all the code was appropriately closed before he saved it and began the test run of opening the webpage onto the internet to see how it looked in the private version that wasn't yet accessible to the public because he hadn't activated it yet.
"Not too bad, " he said to himself with pride deep in his voice. He clicked at his phone, checking the email from one of his clients before scanning how the page looked with what they wanted. The core of the page was fine; all he would need were some of the pictures they would wish to show along the top that would rotate in the form of a slide show as their clientele would linger on their site. He quickly sent off a quick email explaining that he was basically finished and just waiting on the pictures they would want to use.
His gaze traveled to the clock on one of the many screens, and he shot up from his desk. A low curse on his lips as he headed for the bathroom, stripping out of clothes quickly as he went for the door. He. was wondering how he'd let the time pass by so quickly. He only had a few minutes to get ready for dinner with his parents before his exam. As his fingers curled around the door to the bathroom, he opened it without a second thought, and the adjacent door that connected the two rooms was open, showing the room that housed a few other Isamu Academy students; the thing here was this was a co-ed dorm. His gaze landed on one of the girls in the open room, and his massive hand shot to cover his eyes, which did nothing to hide the rush of color to his cheeks.
"How many times have I told you to shut the door, Airi?!" he called out, his other hand blindly reaching for the door that was several steps away, as he baby stepped his way further into the bathroom, his fingers brushed along the counter as he kept his eyes squeezed shut as his bare feet traveled over the cold tile. The laughter that came from her wasn't lost to him and filled his ears as she brushed her fingers along his hand as he curled his fingers along the door to close it, attempting to do the same. He cracked open a single red eye to peek at the young woman who was dressed in a pair of black workout pants that came covered her knees and a black and white sports bra, her sleeveless white shirt hanging over her scarred shoulder. "Anyone could see you were getting dressed, you know," he warned as he closed his eyes again. Airi never elaborates how she got some of the scars or marks on her body, and she was always quick to brush it off; honestly, she was always in a good mood and so confident that no one questioned her.
"Don't be so shy," she teased as she brushed back strands of her Auburn hair and exposed her emerald eyes dancing with mischief as she regarded him. "Besides, you're one to talk," as her eyes took in his scarcely dressed form and she waved her hand at his form before turning back to her own room, not surprised when he turned around swiftly to give her his back; he was just too easy to get a rise out of as he stammered out a refute to her of "I-It's not what you think!" Hitarashi laughed at him and wiped at her eyes as she cast a glance at her own reflection in the shared bathroom mirror before continuing. "To be fair, I didn't expect you to be here still. I saw Toya leave a while ago and assumed you were gone too," she explained as she slipped on her shirt and began to pull her hair back into a messy low ponytail; she had nothing to be ashamed of after all. "You got caught up on your computer again, didn't you?" At his look, she gave a small laugh before she shouldered her duffle bag. "You better hurry up; the Exam starts in an hour; I'll see you there," were her parting words as she shut the jack and jill bathroom door that linked her room with his and his roommate.
Left in the dimly light room, he pressed his fist to his mouth and ignored his pounding heart; Airi was everything she always claimed to be, a tease, a button pusher, and one who excelled at making others uncomfortable. "Geez," he muttered to himself as he quickly locked the door to their side of the bathroom and started the water for the shower. He glanced at the clock and knew if he wasn't careful, he was going to be late for dinner with his parents, thankfully it was at a restaurant that was on the way to the UA Transfer Exam.
The cold shower was just as well; he spent as little time under the cold spray as he could, washing off quickly before drying off as he retreated to his room, picking up the clothes he'd discarded early and tossing them in the hamper before he picked up the loose black tank top with a red and gold phoenix on the front and a pair of black cargo shorts, he sank down into his computer chair as he got in his socks before shoving his feet into his red tennis shoes with black laces and grabbed his phone and his hero suit in its briefcase before he left his dorm room.
He'd been able to hit all the crosswalk signs and made it to the restaurant where he was meeting his parents without any further issues, and judging from the text he'd received from his mom, they were already here and seated. They'd even ordered already to ensure he wouldn't be late getting him his usual. Even as the restaurant was busy, it wasn't hard to find his parents sitting next to each other, his mom's smaller frame sitting next to his fathers as it always was, while his mother was currently reading at the table, his father was playing with his mother's hair and reading over her shoulder and talking quietly about how things were going at his job as a hardware engineer. For a moment, their love and easy regard for each other gave him pause; it was something he could only hope to have if he could ever get over his shyness around girls to date anyone.
He had plenty of friends who were girls, though, but he had never had any feelings for them or anyone besides friendship. Shaking his head to clear it, he moved between the walkway to head toward their table, sinking into the booth seat and easily greeting his parents. "Hey Mom, Dad, sorry I'm late, I got a little distracted, " he apologized with a small bashful smile on his lips as he curled his fingers together on the table between them.
Riko Kiaki set her book down and slid it in front of her husband as she smiled kindly at her son as she leaned her head slightly against Muto as he began to braid her long black hair merely out of boredom as they waited for their food, their drinks in front of them. "It's alright, sweetheart, you're here now, " she said gently with a wide smile as her smaller hand covered one of his own.
Muto chuckled to himself as he let his large fingers tap along the table now that he was done with braiding a few strands of her hair. His green eyes regarded his only son. "You got caught up on your computer, didn't you?" he teased as he paused in what he was doing, Muto was very much a man child in some ways, easily distracted when he wasn't doing something he found interesting, or easily sucked in for hours to days in a project he was interested in.
Slender fingers ran through his blonde hair. His wife was quick to jump to their son's defense. She was a talented medical professional and furiously protective of those she held dear, and always a strong advocate for her patients. "Be nice," she warned, but there was warmth in her voice.
The massive blonde curled one hand along her fingers and gave a gentle squeeze as he kissed his wife's cheek, lingering for a moment as he knew she was self-conscious about the small tusks at the edge of her lips that their son had inherited from her as well. He thought she was beautiful in every way. "You're no fun, Riko," he whined but gave his son a wink.
Their animated display may have been weird to others, but Goro was used to it, and as he got older, he realized just how special their bond of love really was. He smiled wider at his parents and began to answer his parents' questions about how his studies were going and what he knew so far about the upcoming test he would have in just under 40 minutes.
Thankfully their food arrived, and it was a fun-filled affair, laughter, and ease floating from the family, even as they all ate quickly. There was no denying the love between them. After they finished eating, Goro walked with his parents out of the restaurant. "Are you sure you don't want a ride?" His mother asked. "Thanks, but no. I'm just a few blocks; I'll let you know how it goes," he told her as he gave them both a hug and left on foot to travel the last bit to UA High.
Walking through the gate was like a dream come true, and for a moment, he was lost in awe before his phone went off, warning him of the time. He quickened his pace, following the signs that would help him find his way. He passed a few empty hallways but paid them no mind as he entered the auditorium and chose a seat by himself after he didn't see any sign of Airi. Frowning to himself, he leaned back in his seat as he pulled out a notebook and a pen, setting it out in front of him. As a few more attendees came in, he watched them looking to see if it was her or not. Goro knew he needed to focus though, he couldn't be worried about her, but he hoped she was alright; she was always early in their classes together. He set his phone in front of him and waited, but he knew it was pointless. She didn't have a phone now that he thought about it.
"Are you two sure of this?" Furea, a human with shoulder-length blue hair asked as she used her leg to push the chair she'd been sitting in under the table, so it wasn't sticking out for someone to run into. She helped gather up the extra condoments that littered the table, like the salt and pepper.
"Of course, mom!" Rin emphasized again for what was the third time since dinner had started, black and green tipped demon cat ears canted back in frustration. His ears were hidden by his black and naturally tipped green hair that was short and spiked, with bangs that fell down between his eyes, so it was parallel with his snout and was parted to the right. His bangs would have fallen into his eyes if it were as long as the rest of his bangs were cut short so as to not obscure his vision.
"What if neither of you gets in? What if only one of you gets into UA, what then?" their mother pressed, with concern lacing into her tone. Her quirk changed her phyisical appearance so drasticly and completely, that it did not allow for her to convey expressions like many other heroes could. She and her daughter shared the same quirk that give them the ability to not only partically shift parts of their bodies but to fully shift into a massive blue-feathered phoenix that rivaled the Dragoon Hero's dragon form and had to convey what she felt in tones and express herself by pouring every emotion she was feeling into her words and tone of voice to get her point across because her feathered face, gold beaked nose and mouth, and gold pupilless eyes didn't let someone tell what her intentions were. It was something she'd learned during her own start in heroics at the age of 14. This skill of hers helped her save more than one life and put people at ease, regardless of age and gender. It was a skill her daughter did not possess and a skill she had yet to learn.
"Well..." Ren faltered, a black-furred and green-clawed hand closing around one of the two remaining glasses sitting on the dining room table. "If that happens to one or both of us, then we'll just go back to Isamu High School. Cause we have a place to go back to if this doesn't work out." he didn't like the thought of not passing, but at the same time, it wasn't the end of the world if one or neither of them passed this transfer exam set up by UA they still had Isamu to fall back on if things didn't work out.
"I see. At least you have a backup plan, just in case things go south." That certainly had relieved Furea of some of her stress and worry of what would happen if one or both of them didn't make it into this new class UA had set up. Knowing that if one of them didn't make it, they'd both go back to Isamu was a relief. Not many siblings would be so willing to give up going to the prestigious UA just because their sibling didn't get in with them. That showed just how strong their bond was and how much the siblings relied on each other. Their goal was to be the best hero duo in all of Japan, if not the world after all. It wasn't surprising how well they worked in tandem together, especially since they'd been around each other since the day they'd been born. They might not have been related by blood because Ren was adopted and Reya was her -and Kanjo's- biological daughter, but they acted more like twins than siblings.
"Ren, have you finished clearing the table yet?" Kanjo called from the kitchen, where water was running, and pots and pans were being scrubbed viciously with a sponge.
Ren flinched at the call, his black and green striped and tipped demon cat tail fluffing up in shock. "C-coming!" the demon cat boy called, his tail curled around one of his light black pants legs. He turned away from his mother and snatched up the remaining glass on the table before he practically fled to the kitchen, ignoring his mother's amused laughter as the woman watched his retreating form.
Ren entered the kitchen; his solid green eyes with black slits landed on a man with yellow hair that had large streaks of pink and gold mixed in with hints of turquoise here and there. His hair was down to the nape of his neck in the back, while towards his face, it reached just below his ears, with his bangs being swept to the left. His eyes are covered by thin, gray framed glasses- reflect his hair, with the right eye being yellow with noticeable turquoise flecks and the left having center heterochromia with the iris being primarily pink with a ring of gold around the pupil. To anyone who didn't know what the man's quirk was, those colors wouldn't mean anything but to the other members of the Homura family; those colors were easy to read, especially when those emotions were meant for others rather than oneself. The yellow meant joy and happiness, the pink meant love, affection, and faith, the gold was for pride, and the hints of turquoise were for worry. Kanjo Homura's quirk wasn't an emotion, color-changing hair and eyes for nothing after all.
"Ah good, you brought the last of the glasses. Thank you, Ren. Can you dry the dishes?" Kanjo Homura asked. "I'll put them away after we finish washing and drying them." He added.
"Sure." The Nekomata nodded his head as he walked over to the kitchen sink and placed the glasses down on the counter to his father's left before moving to the man's right and grabbing the towel that was left there and starting to dry the dishes, pots, and pans that had been set in the right side of the sink as those were the dishes that had already been cleaned. "Uh… wasn't Reya in here with you?" Ren asked as he picked up a pan and started to dry it.
"She was, but I sent her to finish getting ready." Kanjo replied as he held a plate in one hand and scrubbed it with the sponge in his other hand.
Ren snickered, "So she gets to skimp on dish duty?"
"Yep, besides tonight is your turn to help with cleanup." Kanjo put a clean plate on the towel that was now almost devoid of dishes that needed to be dried. Rin had yet to put anything away. The man leaned toward his son's twitching ear. "So, got anyone in your class that you like?"
Ren's ear flicked as he fumbled with the plate he had just picked up. "N-no! T-there's noone!" If he had been human, his cheeks would have dusted in red, but his fur hid it. His green nose and whiskers were quivering as he took a breath through his nose and let it out through his mouth.
Kanjo laughed at his son's reaction. "I'm just teasing, Kiddo!"
Ren growled low in his throat. "Well, it wasn't funny!" He snapped, the fur along his shoulders and back bristling and making the straps of his green vest disappear underneath all the fur.
"I know." The man's hair shifted to more regretful indigo with gloomy blue mixed in, and his eyes shifted too, one being indigo and the other being a watery blue. "I'm just worried about you both, is all."
Ren sighed in losing frustration, struggling to keep his anger, but it was already fizzling out and was replaced with guilt for snapping at the man. The cat boy inwardly groaned; their dad certainly knew how to guilt-trip them. Not even their mother was immune to it. "I know you are, but really dad, we'll both get in, and if we don't, or if one of us doesn't, then we'll go back to Isamu. You don't need to worry; we have everything planned out. It's both of us in UA, or it's neither of us."
The mood changer's expression becomes serious, followed by his hair, which shifts to serious gold mixed with shocking turquoise, apologetic indigo, embarrassed magenta, happy yellow, and loving pink. His eyes do not settle on color this time and rapidly switch between the colors because there are too many to fit in his eyes; four emotions at once was the limit that his eyes could express, any more and they'd start shifting colors like they were doing now. The man was a living accurate mood ring. "That's great! I'm happy you both are in this together no matter the outcome."
Ren grinned, baring his fangs. "Of course! We're a team, after all. We've been a team since forever."
"REN! ARE YOU READY TO GO?" A voice called from the top of the stairs, her high-pitched voice echoing through the walls of the house as his sister was all too prepared to get going.
"YES!" Ren hollered back as he swiftly finished drying the glasses and put them away in the upper cabinet. His eyes were darting to the clock on the microwave as he did so. His eyes widened as he noticed the time. "Sorry, Dad. We gotta go if we're gonna get there on time!" the cat boy apologized as he rushed out of the kitchen, nearly missing his dad's call of "Do your best!" as he sprinted out of the kitchen and down the hallway. He was flying past his mother as he made a beeline for the stairs to the first floor of the house, past the indoor hot springs and large sparring room that made up their house's ground floor. The upper levels were the living areas for the family of four. The nekomata stopped in the small entryway where the four would leave their shoes to put them on in the morning before they left for work and school. The entryway would also be where guests would leave their shoes before coming into the house.
Ren was completely unaware that his mother had followed him as he focused on jamming his feet into his shoes and hastily tying the laces so they were snug but not uncomfortable. He had to hurry or else his sister would leave without him!
"Good luck Ren. I already put both yours and Reya's hero costumes in your bags for you." Furea informed her son, watching him from the entryway.
"Have you talked to Reya yet?" Ren asked as he reached over and grabbed his bag.
"Yes, I've already spoken to her while you and your dad were doing the dishes," Furea informed him, knowing that he was worried that they hadn't gotten to talk to her and wish her good luck as they had with him.
"COME ON, REN!" Came the shriek -and he meant literal shriek like the one a bird made- from the roof this time, still perfectly able to be heard thanks to all the open windows in the Homura household. Ren grumbled under his breath before he raised his voice to shout back at his sister. "KEEP YOUR FEATHERS ON, I'M COMING!"
On the flat roof of their home stood Hareyakana Homura, or as she was more commonly referred to as Reya. Her solid gold eyes were closed, and she ruffled her blue feathers. "What's taking him so long?!" she quietly raged before a sigh left her gold beak. "We have to leave soon, or we'll be late!" She shook her large blue crowned head, the feathers along her head ruffling up in agitation. Her talons tapped impatiently on the roof's ledge before her gold feet made them curl around the edge of the roof's ledge. This lets her get lean over the edge more while also keeping her grounded. Her blue coverts and lighter blue flight feathers of her tail spread out to help her balance. She could just see the front door from this angle.
"FINALLY!" She whisper-yelled as the door opened, and she wasted no time unlatching her talons from the roof's edge and dropping from the roof. She watched as the ground got closer and closer, feeling the air rip past her feathers before she gave a hard flap of her wings to slow her fall. She flapped twice more before she landed on the stone walkway not as a giant bird but as a human girl with neck length blue hair and golden eyes just as her brother turned around only to jump back and hiss at her sudden appearance. "What have I told you about doing that!?" he snapped at her.
Reya merely looked at him, her lips curving into a grin. "Not to," she answered with a shrug of her shoulders. Her dark blue sleeveless shirt shifted with the motion. The wind ruffled her black shorts, it was great that she didn't have to worry about destroying her clothes or costume when she shifted forms. "Finally ready?" she was more interested in getting a move on than she was listening to her brother spit and hiss at her, giving in to his more feral instincts.
Ren shook his head roughly, forcing his fur to lie flat and answer with words rather than instincts. "Yeah…" he muttered more to himself than her as he ran a clawed paw through his hair and over his sensitive ears. "Let's go." He repeated louder as he gripped the strap of his bag tighter with a hand and stepped down the stairs, knowing that Reya would fall into step with him.
The phoenix shifter followed after him but only after she looked back at the house, taking in the three-story house and its unusual flat roof that serves as a landing pad and take-off spot for the pro rescue hero, Firecrest. She stopped and turned back to the house upon seeing her mother watching from the front window that had a small balcony connected to it. All the windows of their house had balconies to allow for easy take-off into the air or for one to exit the house in case of emergency. She saw her father waving from one of the balconies on the second level. She lifted her hand to wave back at them before she turned and ran after Ren, who had gotten too far ahead.
As she caught up to her brother, he didn't even acknowledge that she'd fallen behind, which was surprising for him; he was always so observant, especially when it came to her. So this treatment caused her to wring her hands together. "You sure you're alright?" She asked after letting the silence stretch on from the end of the driveway and to the end of the street.
Ren's ear twitched and turned in her direction even if he never turned his head or eyes toward her and instead kept focused on the concrete path beneath his feet.
"Are you worried about the exam?" Reya questioned as she kept pace with him, keeping half a step behind him to make sure she could grab him if he started straying from the path or was going to run into anyone or anything.
"Yeah..." the heaviness in her brother's voice threw her for a loop. Hadn't he been happy and excited and confident a few minutes ago? What had changed? Her worry grew. "Why?" she asked.
"Because… What happens if we lose? Sure we'll go back to Isamu, but will they see us as traitors? Will we become enemies to our classmates? And what happens if we get into UA?" Reya listened in silence at his concerns. The worry became practically overtaken by annoyance. She reached out with a hand and grabbed the back of his shirt and yanked on it, digging her heels in to keep him still, even as he flailed for balance, while also keeping her balance by putting all of her weight on her grounded feel. "I think you're overthinking this too much, Ren. We will handle things as they come, and we'll do it together, just like we've always done."
As her brother looked at her, green eyes dark, shadowed by his hair, she knew he didn't believe her, but she also knew his dark mood would be gone by the time they reached the school; it was how things always were when he fell into his dark moods and thought too much about the negative things that could happen. "Yeah, you're right. Sorry." Reya released her grip on his shirt and stepped around him, purpousfully bumping him with her shoulder as she passed. "It's fine. Come on, people are starting to stare, and we don't want to be late." At least now, he'd pay attention to where he was going and cover up his feelings more. Ren could hide things from her in ways she never could. She couldn't bottle up her feelings and thoughts like he could, even if she wasn't as easy to read as he was when she took on her phoenix form. Maybe that's why many thought him to be the older sibling and her the younger sibling?
Ren hadn't exactly had birth records given that her parents had found him in a basket with a note saying "to a good home." They had thought he was just a kitten or puppy that had been abandoned due to it having a quirk, as animals can inherit quirks or gain them after they reach a certain age just like humans do. It turned out that he had been a humanoid cat with two tails and eventually classified as a Nekomata, which was another word for a two-tailed demon cat. Her parents had decided to adopt Ren an hour after they had found him. Their father had fallen for him first, and their mother had followed shortly after. The rest was history, as they say, and Ren and Reya had become inseparable ever since, acting and behaving more like identical twins who had twin telepathy rather than close siblings.
It is also thanks to that that they were as skilled in their teamwork as they were. As well as being so attuned to one another that they didn't need words to be exchanged to know what the other was going to do. It's why they could work together so seamlessly even in chaotic situations and why their teachers at Isamu High School had picked up on that and nurtured that innate talent of theirs even if it hindered their ability to work separately and independently from each other.
Walking to UA wasn't exactly a short walk; in fact, it was very long because it's not like their house was close to the famous school, it was closer to Isamu, and that was within walking distance. UA wasn't even close and had required the siblings to take a bus to Musutafu and then walk from the bus stop to UA High School. "This would have been quicker if I could have flown," Reya muttered in barely constrained annoyance.
Ren snickered at her even though he agreed with her. "It would have been, but then you would have gotten in trouble or worse fined." He pointed out.
"Yeah. I know. It's a stupid rule that shouldn't apply to those with wings, or who can make wings." The girl countered.
"Oh well, we're here now. That's what matters. Let's find where we're supposed to go and get this over with."
At least Ren's foul mood was gone, or maybe it was just hidden; it was hard to tell with him. Finding the auditorium hadn't taken long when they'd stopped a passing teacher to ask and had gotten directions.
Entering the large space had been jarring, to say the least; there were many examinees there already. Reya's eyes darted to and fro as she took in the competition. She felt more than saw Ren's hands clap her on the shoulders. "Calm down, little sister." His words were soft, meant only for her ears. "We've got this." He added with more conviction poured in his words as he promptly steered the younger of the two toward two of the only seats left available that were side by side; getting the seats next to their friend and classmate from Isamu was just an added bonus.
"Hey Goro, good to see you here too!" Ever the friendlier of the two, Ren was quick to greet their mutual friend and classmate, someone Reya hadn't even noticed they were seated next to. Gold eyes blinked before they shifted from the other students to her brother before turning to look past him at Goro. "Hi Goro." The answer was laced with distraction as her eyes wandered to the other exam takers. Her appearance alone screamed who she was related to, the pro rescue hero, Firecrest. That was bound to paint a target on her back, and she could only hope that Rin didn't get the same target painted on his back.
Ren didn't miss the way Goro seemed to glance at the door and the clock as it continued to tick closer and closer to their time. "Who are you looking for?" he questioned, leaning toward his taller friend. "It's Airi; she should have been here already. She left before me. " Goro replied, keeping his voice low so only Reya would hear their conversation too.
Eyes narrowing, Ren glanced at the clock as well. He didn't like the feeling that settled in his stomach at this news. Airi kept her home life private, but he had always suspected something might be off. They were an odd group of friends, as Ren's popularity kept some of the other kids from picking on her when she'd first gotten in through their scholarship program.
Reya scoffed at the two of them. "I'm sure she's fine, " she said, butting in as she pulled up the hood of her jacket. It wasn't exactly a secret that something had happened between the two, something the boys weren't pirvy to.
Ren and Goro shared a look that said they weren't so sure, but they both settled in their seats and watched the clock tick closer and closer to the cut-off time.
Masaki Chinen turned his attention to his cousin who was still ordering his coffee, his hands folded over his own cup, it wasn't cold outside, but the heat of the coffee warmed his hands anyway. He flexed his fingers, enjoying the warmth as watched his cousin flirt with the young girl behind the counter, asking her what her favorite drink was and little things like that despite his age, his cousin was a hit with the ladies, something he found to be far too troublesome. He rolled his eyes at the display and let his gaze travel to the window and linger on the people walking about, some with shopping bags, others with groups of friends. For a moment, he wondered what it would be like to be that comfortable with others, to not feel like one had to hide his family's dirty laundry even years later.
A few minutes later, Yuji came over carrying a large frozen coffee drink that couldn't even be called coffee, and it most definitely was not a man's drink. As he set it down in front of him, Masa wrinkled his nose at it and really got a good look at the caramel concoction. "Dude, what is that?" he questioned as he watched the caramel-covered whipped cream begin to drip down the cup. Yuji only laughed as he licked the trail of sweetness before it could be wasted on the tabletop. "It's heaven, and you don't know what you're missing." He promised with a grin as he took a sip of the sweetness.
He'd become addicted to these things after he realized how much of a lifesaver they were on his long busy days at work. The cold helped soothe his throat and helped to limit some of the taste associated with the use of his quirk. The life lessons one learns when they interview and really get into the big bad world of Adulting.
"I know I've been busy cuz, but you can't tell me you haven't been busy at Ketsubutsu. So how have you been?" he questioned as he set his drink down and casually picked up his straw and began to pull the caramel covered whipped cream up through the opening to eat it as he waited for Masa to tell him how he was handing his new school and why he'd been called out here. He figured it wasn't just to play a little catch-up; there must be more to it.
Masaki watched his cousin with a mix of disgust and awe that he would do that without caring what anyone here thought. He envied him for that and wished he could be more like that. He glanced at him with his warm chocolate brown eyes and shrugged at his question. "I'm busy too; the school work kinda sucks, though. I've got an English paper to finish by Friday." he took a sip of his black coffee that was free of any cream or sugar. The lady had given him a strange look at his order, but he was used to it and had shrugged it away as he took a seat and waited for his coffee to be ready.
"Have you made any friends?" Yuji asked as he leaned back in his chair and lifted his caramel heart attack with his long, nimble fingers as he sipped his drink like a normal person, having put the straw back now that he'd eaten the whipped cream. His gaze was severe despite his easy smile on his lips. He knew how hard it could be for Masa to make friends. It hadn't been that hard when he'd been younger but after things with his father's scandalous life crashed into their perfect little family.
"A few, " the fifteen-year-old told him as his gaze skirted to the window; it was a lie. He hadn't made any friends; he'd found them to be too much of a liability. They only wanted to get close to him for information about his old man. His hands tightened on the ceramic mug as he watched the other people mingle outside, so carefree and so happy, he was jealous of them.
Masa's transfer exam would start in about an hour. He was going to tell Yuji today; he'd meant to do it before, but he'd been so busy with his internship, and it didn't feel like something he should leave on a voicemail. He hadn't even told his mom; he didn't want to bring up his dreams of being a hero around her. She still didn't trust that profession, not after her unfaithful husband, and how he'd been getting drunk during his patrols and then the sexual harassment charges and his attempts to bribe his way out. It painted them both in a negative light, as they were a part of it! They had nothing to do with it! Nothing, and it was still something they had to deal with too. His grip on the cup only tightened as his anger rose.
Yuji knew what that word really meant, though. He brushed back his hair and tucked it behind his ear. Regarding his cousin as he knew exactly where his mind was going. "Oh!" he said as he hit his balled-up fist against his other hand as he had an epiphany about something. His voice was also loud enough to draw the attention of several others who were sitting around them. It had the desired effect of getting the black-haired boy's attention. "So I got a phone call the other day…" he told him, his hands folding on the table as he let those words hang between them.
Masaki had the grace to look sheepish as it was clear from his expression that he had some idea of what the call might have been about. "Sorry about that! I was going to tell you sooner- it's just we were both busy." He was rushing to explain himself and cover his mistake, as though he were worried he'd be angry. Yuji just waved his hand at him and motioned for him to keep going, but the wide grin let him know he wasn't mad about it.
"They needed a Guardian to be called in case of an emergency, with the transfer exam. You were the best choice." he told him as he ran his finger across the bridge of his nose. 'The only choice.' he thought to himself. "Mom is not thrilled about this career path; she wants me to do something else. And he's not an option, " he growled out the last part. His hands fisted on the table. He was still so angry with his old man, and he had every right to be, but there was no way of reconciliation.
Yuji nodded and crossed his arms. He could completely understand the reason behind it. "So explain this exam to me exactly. I was surprised to get a call from UA of all places, " he commented as he leaned back in his chair with one leg holding himself up.
"I'm not sure how they picked people, but in the letter, they mentioned we had been recommended to compete in their transfer program with other schools as they were looking to add another class in with their current Hero Course. We'd talked about this before, and you were right before when you said I can't let my sperm donor dictate my path forward. UA is the better choice to advance and be a better hero than he ever will be."
Yuji, at his words, looked like he'd swallowed a lemon. That's what he got for ranting and raving with the kid when the drama had started years ago. He had honestly forgotten he'd said that about his own Uncle. But he couldn't say he felt bad about it, but it was definitely not something his mom could ever hear. "Don't ever let your mom hear you say that, " he pleaded, sitting forward as he glanced around to see who had been paying attention to them.
"I wouldn't; you know that." Masaki promised his coffee long forgotten now and probably cold, Lukewarm at best, and he wasn't about to finish it.
"I'm so proud of you, Masa-chan." His grin widening as he teased him a little bit, he was one of the few who could get away with this, and it had the desired effect as his little cousin cracked a small smile at him.
"Shut up." The black-haired teen told him as he glanced at the clock on the wall. "The exam starts at 4:30. Do you think you could drop me off since you're off work?" He hated to ask, but he knew he couldn't afford to be late.
Yuji grabbed his drink as he stood up, his keys in his pocket. "Yeah, let's head out." He told him, flashing a wide grin to the ladies behind the counter and a wave before he made his way to the exit and left Masa to get up and scramble after him.
With a low grumble under his breath, Masa grabbed his coffee cup and placed it In their basket above their trash cans as he hurried after Yuji, who was already heading to the parking lot and laughing at his expense on the way. "Masa, you keep acting like that, and you're never going to meet anyone." There was no mistaking just what sort of young women Yuji was talking about.
Masa shot him a look, and Yuji flipped him the bird from over the hood of his car as he got inside. "Get your mind out of the gutter! That's not what I meant!" he called from the open driver's side door as he hit the door to unlock the other side allowing Masaki to get into the passenger seat. Laughter filled the car as the two settled in, and Yuji began to head in the direction of UA High.
"I never got to ask you about your job. Do you like it?" He questioned as he watched Yuji as they drove, before letting his gaze stray to the other cars they passed and the people around them. He'd learned to be vigilant. His fingers brushed against his hair, and he signed as he began to undo his long hair and put it back up in the bun he'd had it in before.
Yuji frowned and took a while to answer. "I'm doing good work there, and I'm learning a lot. I have learned a lot." he clarified with a sigh, his fingers tapping on the wheel as they came to a red light. "I just want to do the other side of things. Creating these prosthetics for those hurt in accidents or our injured heroes is really rewarding, but I want to broaden my skills. I made your support gear in my spare time, but I can do more in that area if I had more time. I'm challenged where I am with Inazuma Industries, and the pay is great, but I'm wanting to branch out and get more experience with making support gear for those on the front lines," he explained and glanced at Masa, hoping that he made enough sense in what he was wanting to do.
As he mentioned the gear he made for him, Masa glanced down at his own bag that held his hero costume inside. "Just because you're good at something doesn't mean you should stay in it if you're not happy with it or want to do something else. Mom's always going on about that sort of thing. Honestly-" he paused, trying to think of the right words to move him further in the direction he wanted to go. "It's a decision that only you can make, and you don't need to be influenced into feeling you have to stay anywhere. If you want to go in another direction, do it. Don't let anyone stand in your way or try to tell you it's a bad idea. You'll have my support like always," Masaki promised as he gave him an encouraging look as they drove down another few blocks.
"When did you get so smart?" Yuji questioned as he ran his fingers through his hair as he watched the cars around them. "I was born this way," he countered with a laugh as he quoted one of his movie lines. The drive devolved into conversations on the movies the two had watched and wanted to make sure the other saw so they could discuss them later.
Masa shifted his attention to the school as they got closer. He felt he was ready for this, but it was just a matter of showing not only himself, but whoever would be watching that he deserved to be here. "Don't be nervous," Yuji encouraged as he parked the car in front of the gated entrance. "I know it's easier said than done. You never know, maybe my next job will be at Ketsubutsu." He joked with him. Stepping from the car, the tall boy laughed as he ducked his head into the window, listening as Yuji gushed for a moment about Emi Fukukado. "Nah, dude, she's way out of your league." he teased before his gaze traveled to the clock on the center console, and he knew his time was up. He couldn't put it off any longer.
"I'll let you know how it goes," he told him as Yuji gave a nod of his head and wished him good luck before Masa forced himself to turn away and head deeper into the school. If he did well, this school might just be his new home. All he had to do was stay focused, trust his instincts and his own training, and he could do this. He was sure that he could make it. His fingers curled along the strap of his bag as he got closer and closer to the auditorium. He didn't need to be nervous, but it was to be expected; anyone would be nervous. There was a lot riding on this opportunity that was presented to them.
He hesitated at the doorway of the auditorium before he steeled himself and walked in. His gaze took in the room and those of his competition. The room was pretty full already, and no one really stood out to him. He frowned as he saw someone sleeping in the back row, surprised that someone could sleep, but then again, no one was really talking much at the moment, so maybe it wasn't a bad idea; still, he couldn't say it was something that he'd feel comfortable doing.
He saw most of the people he searched for a seat looked ready to take down everyone in the room. No one was talking, and many were keeping to themselves. A few seemed to know each other, though, and it seemed some of the schools were bunching up together. He was glad that he kept to himself, though, as he saw this. He sank into his seat closer to the front row than he wanted to be, but he wanted to be alone more than anything, so he took one of those seats. He set his bag by his feet and wiped his hands on his gray jeans, annoyed he was letting his nerves get the better of him. Focus Masa thought to himself as he drew his gaze to the front of the room, wanting to keep a low profile until the exam started. The last thing he needed was a target on his back as he drummed his fingers on the table in front of him, trying to keep himself distracted as he waited just like everyone else for things to get started.
Airi Hitarashi felt her good mood diminish as she got closer and closer to home. The homes gradually fell into disrepair, and she walked swiftly across the sidewalk, keeping her head held high and briefly met the gaze of those she passed. In this area, the civilian population usually housed those on government assistance or working hard to get out into a safer neighborhood, those who didn't care where they stayed. She didn't want to be one of those people. She wanted to get out of this area as fast as possible if only that were possible, but she knew it would never really happen.
As the apartment complex came into view, she took a moment to pause as her emerald green eyes took in the discolored bricks and the sorry state. Airi's frown deepened as she was filled with guilt, knowing that she had left her younger siblings here with her mom, who had promised to get her act together. She checked in once every two weeks; she hadn't been able to get any other time away. Her scholarship from Isamu Academy required her grades not to drop below a B, and she worked to get money for the rent and food. She was a phone call away, but it would require a message being left at the school office.
For a moment, her hands balled up into fists at everything she had to her shoulders; if anything happened to her mom, she wasn't sure what she would do. Her dreams would be put on hold, but she was also not old enough to take her siblings. They would probably wind up in the system. It was hard because she remembered a time when her mother was sober, had never drank or been anything but an attentive mother, but all that changed when her father died, killed doing God knows what during his detective work for the police force. Her mom didn't handle it well, they moved, and things spiraled down from there.
Noriko Hitarashi began to deal with grief and depression with drugs, alcohol, and men. She'd had two other children from men who didn't stick around, which wasn't surprising. Her other saving grace was that she stopped almost everything for nine months until her children were born.
The fifteen-year-old took the stairs and breathed a sigh of relief as currently, the stairwell was clear and as she hit the hallway, she knocked at the door of her neighbor Ms. Mia Alverez as she was kind enough to watch her younger brother Naoki who was only nine years old and her sister Meiko who was only six.
Frowning, she heard voices behind the door and the sound of smaller children being ushered into one of the back bedrooms. A moment later, Mia, an older woman, opened the door and revealed her round face and graying hair that was tied back in a bun and her hard dark grey eyes. The guarded look melted as she saw her, but her sad look told her everything she needed to know. Her mother had relapsed again, and it was why her younger siblings were with her. "I'm sorry, Airi," the young woman said sadly.
Airi felt the anger she bottled up so tightly rise to the surface, but she didn't dare let her mask slip. She kept her smile on her face and lifted her duffle from her shoulder. "Don't worry, Ms. Alvarez. I'll handle it. Oh, but first-" she paused, reaching into the front pocket of her bag. "I want you to have this, it's not much, but it's the least I can do to thank you for taking care of my family...for making sure they're safe." She held out the money in a small battered wallet.
"That isn't necessary, Mija. My children chip in to help if I need it," she assured, her hands raised to refuse. At the look on the younger girl's face, she knew that she couldn't refuse exactly. To her, everything was a transaction. With a soft sigh, she brushed back a hand over her hair and knew she couldn't say no. "I could use the money to get them both some new clothes," she said after agreeing, knowing that the kids needed clothes that were clean, didn't smell, and actually fit them. The older woman carefully took her wallet but truly had no intentions of keeping the money. This wasn't the first time that she had wondered if she should call Child Protective Services. "I would appreciate that," Airi said softly around the lump forming in her throat at her kindness to kids who weren't her responsibility. "I'll keep your bag for you till you come back." She offered, holding out her hand. "Thanks." the brunette haired girl told her with a wide smile as she passed it over to her.
Airi turned away to head down the hallway to their apartment. "I'll be back in a few minutes," she said as she left. She twisted the knob as the door to their apartment was unlocked and walked into the cramped quarters. The smell alone was awful and caused her to gag. An old memory of a spotless house flashed through her mind, and she slammed her fist along the hallway entrance that would lead her to the living room, with the kitchen on the right and the bedrooms behind the living room with a hall bathroom there as well. It was always so upsetting to see that things could be normal if her mother just tried harder and wasn't full of her own self-pity.
It wasn't hard to find her mother in the master bedroom with a needle still sticking out of her arm, her head resting back in her high, as she escaped the real world. Her responsibilities to take care of her kids, to take care of them! She was going to destroy everything! Everything she'd worked so hard for was going to be lost, all because she was too weak to face reality!
With a cry of anguished rage, Airi crossed the room in seconds, her fists balled up in her mom's shirt as she shook her larger frame. "What the fuck is wrong with you! You had one job!" She cried, her green eyes staring into the eyes so much like her own but were glossed over. "I paid the rent this month. I gave you money for food for Mei and Nao!" she exclaimed with her hand pressing against her chest. "I did all that; I'm doing that for you!" Airi couldn't stop herself from continuing her heartfelt speech. "You promised you would stay clean!"
Noriko pushed her eldest daughter's hands away; even with drugs in her system, her mother was clearly coherent enough to hear her. "Don't be such a little bitch; I take care of them just fine!" her lips pressed down into a thin line as her teeth ground together, as her emotions began to seep through her cracked out state. "You don't get to come in here and tell me how to do my job!" she snarled out as her fingers moved to carefully remove the needle from her arm as though it were no big deal. As she discarded the open needle on the dresser, it was easy to see everything that was thrown across it, trash, tissues, and other used needles, most open as though she was just too lazy to cap them and keep them out of reach of her kids. Airi's disgust and anger was written all over her face. "Yeah, you're doing just fine." came the fifteen-year-olds sarcastic remark.
Airi stepped back, glaring at her mother as though trying to reconcile with herself and how far the person standing in front of her had fallen. Her hand pressed against her chest before it balled up into a fist. She had been so close to getting out of here! Leaving this shit hole behind, and her mother couldn't even keep her act together long enough for her to graduate high school so she could take her siblings somewhere, anywhere else that was safer! She just needed three years! Just three freaking years! Less if she could just survive till her eighteenth birthday! If she kept her grades as high as possible and didn't get into any trouble, surely she could get her school to make an exception, the courts would side with her, and she could get custody of her siblings. They wouldn't have to struggle like this! They didn't have to be put through this! They could be safe; they could be a family together.
"Your job?!" she shot back with a scuff of sound, her nails biting into her palms. "You're not using the money I've been giving you every month for rent, food, or clothes for them!" she cried out angrily. "You're just a junkie! You're so worthless, mom! You can't even take care of yourself! Just look at you!" With a wave of her hand, she gestured to her appearance and how it had been several days since the older dark-haired woman had taken a shower or any form of self-care.
Airi tried to tamper down the anger because on its heels was the crippling feeling of failure and despair. She tried to wrack her brain with how she could possibly find a solution to this screwed-up situation that was her life! Somehow she could keep her siblings together; somehow, she could make this all go away. It was just another burden added to her slim shoulders. Some days it was so hard to be who everyone at school saw her as. If her mask slipped, they would see the ugly person underneath, and no one needed that. The lie was better; it was all anyone truly needed to see or cared to know.
The slap wasn't surprising, and it hurt, but she'd suffered worse. "You don't know what I've been through!" came her mother's words, as another blow hit her across the eye, this time with a closed fist and then another as Airi took them all. "How much it hurts every day to be here," she continued as the blows kept coming. 'Excuses, it's always excuses, reasons to justify her actions...I was hoping for something else...so stupid.' She knew not to move, not to flinch, and most importantly, she knew to keep quiet. If she let her mother let it all out, she wouldn't have the energy to go after her siblings.
The slow clap that came from the doorway that led to the hallway had Airi easily ducking the next strike and pivoting on her feet to face the man in the doorway. Her green eyes were sizing him up and stepping away again to put some distance between her and her mother. Her heart was pounding in her chest as he was blocking her only route of escape. This had been supposed to be a quick visit, and now things were escalating in ways she wasn't sure she had time to deal with. She also knew that she couldn't do anything to him. She was a student; anything she did could have her scholarship pulled at Isuma Academy...the test being held at UA was a chance for her to go further than anyone had thought she would. She could lose everything if she wasn't careful.
"Who are you?!" she demanded, ignoring the way her vision out of her right eye was fuzzy and only half-open. Airi forced herself to put on her best face, to smile, to be in control of this situation even as it was so clearly something that she was not. If she could just have a little time. She could possibly keep him from moving, from being able to get close to her.
"Is that really important right now? I didn't want to get in the way of the family drama, but I was curious what all the noise was about; besides, your mom here owes me money," he told her with a grin that bordered on boyish, but there was no mistaking the look in his eyes. He was dangerous.
Airi felt sweat begin to drip between her shoulder blades as she let her gaze get a good look at him, trying to convert what he looked like to memory. He was tall, standing at least six feet, and had long black hair with gold twin tail bangs that was braided back behind his back and his skin tone was pitch black, and his eyes were gold, but he wasn't Japanese; no, he was something else, and his quirk was clearly a sort of physical mutation. Was he really just a drug dealer? It didn't seem like it. "Who are you in bed with?!" she accused, her anger flaring up again as her hands curled at her sides as she glared at her mother.
She was surprised to see that her mother had shut completely up at this point and seemed to be trying to process just who she was seeing in front of her as her dark brown hair covered one of her wide frightful eyes. She knew who he was, though, there was no mistaking that.
"Just your worst Nightmare, Sweetheart," he told her ominously.
Airi tried to remember when she had been more afraid in her life; this fear at just the sight of this man wasn't something she could even remotely begin to explain. It felt like she was staring at her own death. Swallowing, she shifted back on her heels and then forward on the balls of her feet. If she could deescalate this situation, she might be able to make it out without a fight. All she needed to do was choose her words carefully; she could do this.
"How much does she owe you?" she questioned, keeping her voice level, and she was pleased to see that it wasn't shaking.
"More than you have in your piggy bank, little girl...but perhaps we can work something out if you're useful enough," he told her as he crossed his arms over his chest, and his smile widened, exposing his teeth. "Meet me at the Takoba Municipal Park at midnight in one week," he told her as he held up a single finger to emphasize what he meant. "If you decide not to show up-," He paused a moment. "Well, you may find your pretty little family missing a few pieces." He added with a cold smile. As those words hung in the air between them, he walked out of the room, and even as Airi moved to try and ensure he did leave, as she passed the door frame, he was gone as though he'd never been there at all.
"I have an exam to get too; I just can't deal with this right now!" she whispered, her bravado dropping as she wanted to do nothing more than to cry at how her life just kept crashing and burning in ways she was struggling to wrap her head around. How was she going to do this?! You just do it; you can't back out now. She thought as she pressed her fingers to her injured eye, the pain bringing with it some form of escape from her emotions that she literally did not have time to deal with right now. If she wasn't careful, she was going to be late for the exam; she needed this opportunity. This chance for her siblings...she was the only one who could pull them out of here. She had to do this; she'd do whatever she had to do.
With a deep breath, she turned around, glancing only briefly at her mother's still shaking form, knowing that she needed to take other steps to keep her from bothering them, at least for right now. It wasn't hard to let her anger dip a little closer to the surface. She walked toward her, her fingers curling in her hair and forcing her mommy dearest to look her in the eyes. "I'm going to clean up your mess, but you will leave Naoki and Meiko alone!" As her mother tried to pull away, her other hand curled along her upper arm, her grip stronger than it would have been usually if she wasn't cheating a little. "Even you can understand what that means, right, Mom?" She let the question hang there between them as she waited for a response.
"I get it!" Noriko spat out, trying to jerk back and get some space. Her eyes hard as she felt the bones in her arm creak as the pressure on her arm increased. "I suggest you sign the papers that will be coming regarding Naoki and Meiko." Airi's grin widened into an emotionless smile. "If not, well, I will throw you to the wolves." she threatened. Airi had made a decision to take a stand. This was the only way. "Remember what I said." Were her parting words as she released her mother. Causing the older woman to fall back, barely managing to catch herself. That wasn't her problem, though, as she turned and left.
As she walked back over to the neighbor's apartment, she was in a daze, struggling to keep her wits about her as her head was pounding as the adrenaline began to fear off and leave her exhausted. Airi knocked only twice on the door before Ms. Alverez was ushering her inside, her hands already cupping her face and then covering her injured eye as she clicked her tongue as one of her son's daughter shut the door behind them. "Oh, Mija," she cooed softly as her healing powers helped to accelerate her body's natural healing powers, but she also expanded her energy to heal her eye of the damage, but the bruising would remain.
"It's not that bad," Airi told her quietly, her gaze landing on her siblings lingering in the hallway to the kitchen, watching their big sister on the barstool, with wide eyes full of tears as Mia stepped back to let her gaze linger on the clock. "You have an exam coming up, " she said with a heavy frown, as her gaze darted back to the young woman, calculating in her head just how long it would take her to get to that part of the city; it wasn't enough time. "You won't make it in time. " Came her next words filled with despair.
"I know, but I'll figure something out. I always do," she told her, faking a confidence she didn't feel, as she always did. But if she was honest, she was not sure how she was even remotely going to get to where she needed to go in time for her exam. There was almost no feasible way she could do it without drawing massive attention to herself, and it wasn't something she had really practiced for a flight that long. In her current state, there was no way it was going to happen.
"Naoki, Meiko come here," she called over to them as she stood up and was immediately swarmed as the two curled their arms around her, and she could feel their shaking forms. As she gazed down at Naoki's blonde shaggy hair, her fingers thread through it as he raised matching green eyes to look at her, his eyes filled with tears as several traveled down his youthful face. "Don't make us go back Onee-chan, please...I try, but it's so hard to protect Mei from Mom…" he pleaded, his arms wrapped around her middle tightly.
Mei had her arms around her leg, her face buried into her hip as her black hair was long and covered her family's signature green eyes. Great sobs racked her small frame, and Airi closed her eyes tightly as her other hand gently traveled through her hair. "Don't leave, " she cried. This was why she would do whatever was necessary to keep them safe; her demons would catch up with her if she didn't fulfill her end of the deal with the devil. She would make this work.
As the small family took comfort in each other with Airi, the acting mother figure, Ms. Alverez was reaching out to her eldest son, who held a quirk very similar to his father. "Hibiki-" she started as he answered her phone call and, with a glance over her shoulder at the three comforting each other, a soft smile on her lips. They really have been through too much. She knew she had to try and do something, as she walked out of the kitchen to give them some privacy and began to explain a little of the current dilemma that was unfolding in her home.
As her son was silent on the other end, she wondered if he was still on the phone. "Did you hang up on me?" she questioned, exasperation in her voice. As the area around her front door seemed to shimmer before a tear right in the middle appeared before a pair of hands reached out from the void space and pried the area open before a man in his mid-thirties stepped through the darkness, his hero suit was black and his cap while black on the top seemed to be filled with a dark navy scene on the back of glowing stars, it was rather breathtaking to look at. He paused in front of his mother and rested a hand on her shoulder, a smile stretching along his lips as all you could see was the area from his mouth and his chin; the rest was covered by his hero mask. He was known as the Pro-Hero: Interstellar or just Hibiki Alverez to any who may know his mother and his civilian identity.
Frowning, he leaned against the kitchen doorway listening to the soft words of comfort the young girl offered her little brother and sister. "You did your best that's what matters, and no, you won't be going back, Nao...I'll figure something out, I promise," her words were so full of conviction that it was easy to calm their fears. His dark eyes regarded the bruise around her eye, and he wondered the full story that his mother had been reluctant to share with him. "I'll take care of them, Mija, don't worry," his mother said gently from the kitchen entrance, her fingers resting on his upper arm. Clearly letting him know they would talk later.
"I have to go for a little while. " At those words, Mei's fingers curled into her shirt tighter as she shook her head against her leg. "Y-You can't go!" she cried out in desperation. "Mom will come back, and she'll take us away." her green eyes wide as tears ran down her cheeks. She didn't want her to leave again. "D-Don't go." she whispered as she used her small hands to wipe at her eyes, trying to stop her tears.
Where Mei had become dejected and filled with despair over the thought of her leaving, it wasn't shared with everyone. "Mei, that won't happen!" Airi's didn't mean to sound harsh, but her patience was wearing thin. She was just tired, so tired of it all, and she still wasn't done. With a soft sigh, her fingers trailed through her baby sister's hair once more. "I promise, sweetheart." she said softly in assurance as her lips lifted in an easygoing smile. "Everything will be just fine." she promised as she lifted her into her arms and used her other hand to wipe her tears away with her thumb.
Her exam was soon, and she really needed to get going. If she wasn't so pressed for time, she would have handled this all so much better; she would have had more time to really address everything she needed too. The fifteen-year-old would have been more understanding. There was still so much she needed to worry about; this was just another issue she had to fix. Her hands fisted at her side; her stress had begun to boil over. Someone could only wear a mask for so long before it cracked, and their true colors began to seep through.
It was Naoki who had taken on the anger she wished to display but held back out of her own self-preservation to not be the person she hated the most. She would never be like her mother. It was a trait from their mother, a curse from being exposed to it for so long. It was so easy to see how it worked, and it got results, people left you alone, or they listened to you. It was freeing to release it sometimes, but right now, it was dangerous.
Naoki's hands were fisted at his side, and his body was shaking slightly. None of that concerned her as much as knowing if he was going to lose it or not. It was something that had happened only a handful of times. It was from stress, from all that they had to endure growing up. It was all so overwhelming; it was so exhausting. She didn't have to wait long; he had something he wanted her to know.
"Leave then! Get out! It's clear you don't want to be here! So go! Do us all a favor and hit the door! You're no better than Mom!" he yelled out, his body coiled so tightly like a spring about to shoot forward. Instead of throwing any punches, he headed out of the room at a run, and the sound of the spare bedroom door slamming shut echoed back to them.
Airi closed her eyes tightly and then tipped her head back and silently counted in her head as her one free hand dug her nails into the skin of her palm. "Well, that could have gone better," came her rather poor attempt at a joke as she forced a short laugh. No one else laughed, and instead, the silence was akin to pity. Somehow it was almost suffocating in its intensity.
"He didn't-" Mei started to say, her fingers tightening on her sister's arm. She couldn't believe the turn things had taken...but after Airi went off to High School, things had gotten harder for them, and so much had been resting on Naoki's shoulders in her absence.
"He did, but it's whatever." With a sigh, the older girl carefully detached her little sister's grip as she set her down on her own two feet. "I'll talk to him once he's cooled off." Frowning, she uncurled her fist and ran her fingers through her hair. I can't blame him for feeling like that. She thought to herself; she'd been suffering from those same feelings herself if she allowed herself to acknowledge them. She'd fix this too later, but first, she had to get to her exam. It was her only chance of turning their lives around to possibly giving them a chance at something better. It was a hope she had to hold on to.
Her gaze traveled to the two adults lingering in the room. "You and Nao will be staying with Ms. Alvarez for a little while." Her hand gently patted her sister on the head as she crouched down to her level. "It's just until I finish school, and I'll be back for visits like usual." Her gaze traveled briefly to the older woman, who nodded her head to let her know she agreed. "And you'll be good for her, won't you?" Mei's tiny fingers curled into the t-shirt that was honestly too big for her smaller frame, but it was clearly one of Naoki's shirts; she was oftentimes wearing hand me downs, as her mother couldn't be bothered to buy them anything else to wear.
"Yes, onee-chan." came Meiko's soft reply as she let her tiny hand curl around one of Mia's grandchildren Sophia who was just two years older than her at eight with blonde curly hair and light blue eyes which were striking on her darker features. "Let's go play in my room Mei-chan," she told her as she shot a glance at her dad and her grandma before she gently directed her to the other room. She'd been watching for a while with her dad and had only come forward after Naoki had left the room.
Meiko broke away to come running back into the kitchen a few seconds later. Her arms around her sister's middle. "Be careful, and we love you...even Nao." she told her before releasing her to bound back over to Sophia as the eight-year-old chatted excitedly about what they could play with. Mei nodding along but was more subdued; she wasn't used to having toys to play with.
For a moment, there was silence as the three people left in the room regarded each other, but we're all listening to the sound of the additional bedroom's door closing before anything was said. Airi tried not to let her exhaustion show and keep up the front that she needed to. Her night was just getting started. She crossed her arms over her chest and waited for the adults to tell her what was up.
"You're taking part in the UA Transfer Exam, aren't you?" Hibiki questioned his eyes, giving her a once over, noticing the faded bruises in other parts of her body as well. It could be from home, but it was likely from her school training. At her answer of 'Yes, sir.' His grin widened, and he motioned for her to follow him out of the kitchen. "We need to get going, or you're going to be late."
After a moment's hesitation, she followed after him. Airi had yet to meet Hibiki Alverez, and while she'd heard of him in passing, she'd never tried to get more information about him. Then again, she had more going on than most kids her age usually dealt with. As Mia brought up the rear, she tried to ignore her reaction of having anyone behind her and tried to remain as relaxed as she could.
As they paused by the closed front door, she frowned, not sure what to expect. "You know you have-" she started to say, unable to hold back the sarcasm as Interstellar had paused in front of the door and had grown very still as he used his mind to picture where he needed to go. He could use his powers in other ways, but this was always one is the easiest to do. Her eyes widened as his hand punched out toward the door but never made contact and, in fact, seemed to have disappeared altogether. He then pulled his hand out and pulled apart the space between the door to open an image of UA's front gate. "Better hurry if you want to make it on time." Came his words as he grabbed her duffle bag and walked through the portal.
Airi, for a moment, was stunned into silence as she watched his form appear on the other side and shoot her a glance over his shoulder, but he walked ahead, figuring she would catch up eventually. The portal would only stay open for a few more seconds since he wasn't keeping it open.
"Go, hurry before it closes!" Ms. Alverez told her as she pressed a piece of paper into her hand. A scribbled note with her telephone number on it. "Call after your exam, and good luck." Her free hand cupping her cheek before stepping back to gently push her toward the portal. "Go, " she repeated as she stepped back.
With a jerky nod, Airi turned and fled into the portal. Her body felt as if it was floating before gravity pulled her down from the other side. She stumbled before managing to right herself as she twisted her head up to look around for where Hibiki had gone. With a gulp of air, she ran after him, where she could just see his cape disappearing around one of the corners. You could have waited, She thought with a sneer.
"So," he started as he drew the word out. "What happened with your mom?" Hibiki questioned once she caught up with him and began to walk beside him. "I can take my bag." She told him instead, as she held out her hand, ignoring his question. "Uh-uh, not till you tell me what happened." he countered smoothly as he led the way down another hallway. "She's busy, and if you're implying to my face I lost a fight at school, " she answered with a low growl. Reacting in anger was a way to get people to leave her alone; it also was easier to lie when angry
Frowning as he debated his options for a moment and wondered why he was getting involved again in something that at first wasn't any of his business but was rapidly becoming something he was going to have to deal with eventually. He passed over her bag as they walked down the hallway; at this time of night, there wasn't anyone else here not so close to the cut off time as she placed a piece of paper into the zipper on her bag. He watched her settle the weight over her shoulder and glance at the double doors they were getting closer to.
He paused outside the closed doors. "Thanks for the lift, " she told him as her fingers curled around the door. "Listen, " he told her, his hand resting on her shoulder, and he felt her body jerk under his touch. "If you ever need anything, give me a call." He told her as he held out his business card to her as he drew back.
Airi frowned at him as one green eye nearly glowing out of the darkness around her right eye. She did reach out to take the card. Her mind flashing back to what awaited her in a week's time. Her fingers curled around the card, and her eyes had momentarily been filled with fear. As she blinked, her gaze righted him back into focus. "I'll keep that in mind, thanks." She flashed him a bright smile before she turned and entered the doorway, effectively running from one problem into another.
He shook his head and turned to leave. He paused briefly to look at the man who was watching from one of the doorways that were partially closed. He shrugged at Snipe and left. Hibiki was not about to get in the middle of any U.A drama, even if he was already involved, thanks to his mom not minding her own business. He had his own problems to deal with, and he certainly didn't need to be tacking on a kid's too. 'Don't be like that; you know you're going to have a long talk with your Mom when you get back.' With a low groan he made his way back to the Gate where he planned to make his escape.
She closed the door softly behind her and turned to regard the rest of the occupants' stares. She really wasn't sure why she had to be the last one here or why so many were giving her the stink eye like it mattered that she was almost late. As much as she wanted to curl her lip and tell them all to fuck off, she instead kept her smile on her face and as her green eyes caught sight of the three people clustered together. She knew exactly where she was not going, as she saw Goro's large frame trembled as though he were able to get up and come over; Reya's gaze said something else altogether, her hand on his shoulder held him in place. Ren was tense beside them, but the look of pity mixed with anger on his face caused her to look away from them. Friends or not, she really didn't need to be distracted right now. She had way too much riding on this exam, maybe more than others.
The brunette went to the other side of the auditorium and chose the seat next to the guy in the suit, he looked like he wouldn't give her any problems at all, and better yet, he wouldn't ask her any questions as his gaze slid to her own as she sat down next to him. She merely ignored him and laid her arms down on the desk, and turned her head toward him. She had no intention of talking to him, but she didn't want to deal with her friends either. Like everyone else, with a soft sigh, she waited for the exam to begin, and she closed her eyes.
As a finger poked against her cheek under the bruise, her lips curled back in a silent snarl. Her eyes flew open to regard the man in front of her. His gaze was far too close as he'd stopped leaning back in his chair and had rested his head down in a pose mimicking her own. "Can I help you?" She whispered to him, keeping her voice low and at an octave others wouldn't be able to hear. The anger in her tone was bleeding through, and the sarcasm was obvious. She was really done with people today.
"You can," he answered, his grin widening to expose his sharp teeth. "What's a pretty girl like you doing with a black eye?" he wondered, his brown eyes staring into her own. "None of your business, " she muttered darkly. He chuckled lowly and her gaze narrowed. "How about your name?" he asked instead as he held out his hand across the small space they shared. "The names Yasei." After a moment of debate, she reached her own hand out to shake his hand. "Airi, " she told him as the two didn't entirely ignore each other but waited for the exam to get started as they whispered amongst themselves.
A/N:
Thanks for reading the last chapter; I did edit the fight scene to make it longer in Prologue II; I realized it wasn't the complete version I had originally made.
I really wanted to touch on the lives and personalities of our 1Z characters.
I know this chapter probably wasn't what everyone was expecting but I hope you enjoyed these chapters.
Some Review questions for those who are paying attention to the story.
Question 1: I was thinking of doing a short story with our Orphans and 1Z cast for Halloween. Our Orphans will infiltrate the UA Halloween party where the other Schools have been invited to attend as well and will mingle with the classes to gather intel and have some fun. Any ideas for the costumes you would like to see anyone in or crazy shenanigans or interactions between anyone you would like to see?
Random questions. How do you like the story so far? Anything you would like to see added or expanded on so far? I know it's still a little early to probably be asking, are their characters you like that stand out to you personal? If so why do you like them?
