Not everyone remembers their first crush. In the grand scheme of things, as emotions develop and life goes on, it can be easy to forget those feelings. They get pushed aside by new romances or emotions, and by the hectic nature of life.
Itsuka Kendou remembered her first crush clearly, as if it had just happened. It was one of her fondest memories of childhood, even if it hurt sometimes. Those memories are all she really had since the move, she supposed.
She held the old Matryoshka doll in her hand as she took the train to UA, having just recently entered after getting her acceptance letter in the mail. It felt like ages ago since that day, while the childhood memories seemed so vivid. Itsuka drifted backwards as she stared at the doll, paint faded and worn by the years.
"You'll never win Madame Manythings! I have the upper hand" a young girl smirked, short, boyish hair the color of flame blowing gently in the wind. One of her front teeth were missing and she had a scar under her eye from falling out of a tree, bitten slightly by a dust of freckles.
The girl stood her ground as she smirked defiantly at her opponent, a shorter girl with black hair styled into a ponytail and underwear on her head as an "Evil mask of villainy".
Itsuka, age 6, wasn't sure what amused her more: her own cheesy one-liner, or how ridiculous her best friend looked in her villain get-up, complete with a towel as her "cloak of malcontent". Momo always got really into things. She was energetic and driven, despite being shorter and a bit chubbier than her tomboyish friend.
That was one of the things the young Kendou girl admired about her friend. That and the fact that she was utterly adorable. She was also fairly well spoken for a six-year-old, already having a more expansive vocabulary than some of her classmates. She was still a small child though, as evidenced by her wardrobe choices here.
"Your arrogance is your greatest folly, hero. I shall make you eat those words. Now prepare for your banquet of death! Swarm her, my minions!"
The young pony-tailed girl produced a group of matryoshka dolls with her quirk, as well as a foam sword, with which she would non-lethally slay her sworn nemesis, the mighty Battlefist (it was the best 6-year-old Itsuka could come up with, but she felt pride in that name).
"You aren't the only one with friends, you fiend."
Itsuka whistled, summoning a Japanese Spitz with a red bandana around his neck. His white fur puffed out like a cloud as he jumped around excitedly.
"Ready, Sir Harley of Davidson?"
"Bork!"
Itsuka took her battle stance with Harley by her side, preparing to pick off the nesting doll minions one by one as a short child with a pony-tail moved as fast as she could towards her opponent, sword firmly in hand. Before she could strike a blow, however, the mighty beings responsible for Itsuka's powers intervened.
"Kids get cleaned up. It's dinner!"
"Aww man…" the orange-haired girl sighed. It was just getting exciting, she had thought. Still she couldn't deny being hungry.
Momo blushed and tore off her mask, which she realized would look awfully silly. Removing her battle regalia, the creative girl smiled at her best friend, eager to eat and fuel her quirk for more fun
"Coming, mom!"
"Yes! Coming, Mrs. Kendou!"
The Kendous loved Momo, as if she were one of their own. In time, their daughter realized that she loved her friend too, even if she couldn't quite put a finger on those emotions at the time. It wasn't too long, however, until it became far more evident.
Itsuka remembered her first crush quite vividly, every play date, every camping trip, and every sleepover. She remembered the day she decided to tell Momo how she felt, when they were ten, even if the big handed girl could admit to that being too soon, perhaps. Still, the time that she fell from a tree and Momo kissed the scratch under her eye was one of the formative moments of the young redhead's life.
Itsuka was not the only one to get into scrapes due to childhood curiosity, however.
"My hero." Momo had said once after Itsuka saved her from a fall once. She never stopped thinking that of the taller girl, even in the moments she was chastising her for recklessness.
The two grew to have each other's backs. They were inseparable. It led to many teasing jokes from the Kendous. The Yaoyorozus (mostly Momo's mother) were less inclined to crack such jokes, but they had certainly noticed.
Itsuka remembered every one of those days, every precious moment. Unfortunately, that included the day they parted ways.
"You're moving?"
the orange-haired girl cried out, a mixture of shock and devastation in her voice. She almost felt betrayed in that moment but knew it couldn't have been her friend's fault. Her parents had gotten better paying jobs in another prefecture and would be moving into a new, larger house.
Itsuka knew Momo's family was rich, but it was still overwhelming at times. Still, this was too much. The weight of losing her best friend was too much, especially just as she was starting to realize her feelings.
Itsuka had a crush on her best friend. And it had stuck ever since that moment of realization.
They had both grown a bit in 4 years, physically and emotionally, with Itsuka now sporting longer hair and a pony-tail, like her friend. It was more to the side and in a different style, but they matched in a way, a fact that did not go unnoticed by either's parents, especially the Kendous. However, today was a day not of teasing, but of sorrow and devastation.
"I'm sorry, Itsuka… Mother and father both found better opportunities a few prefectures over. We are already wealthy, but this is a good opportunity for them both…" the black-haired girl, a bit taller now but still shorter than Itsuka, tried to sound strong and mature. However, it was evident she was trembling. She didn't want this.
"I just wish…"
Momo and Itsuka grabbed each other and just cried. It was the most devastating day of either's life, even more devastating than the day Itsuka's cat, Bruce, got out and was hit by a car. It only got worse the day of the move. Their parents had tried to console both, say there would be visits and that they could keep in touch. Both girls knew, however. They might very well never see each other again.
Itsuka stood there, having helped Momo pack, just so she could see this wonderful girl, the best friend she ever had. She wanted to see her off.
"My…My mom and dad wanted you to have this…It's a copy of the photo from our campout last summer."
Momo's family tended to do things far more luxuriously, going to exotic lands, like Italy or Hawaii. However, the Kendous always helped give her an appreciation for more down to earth things. They even went to a branch of the thrift store, Donki Oote one day, where the girls had bought some goofy clothes. Momo could have made them herself, but these moments could never be manufactured or replicated.
The girl clutched the photo, tears welling in her eyes as she placed it in a box and closed it up.
Wrapping her friend in a big hug, the rich girl wept openly, having nothing else to lose but her friend.
"Thank you…you…your family has always been wonderful. I shall miss them…and…"
Momo reached for one of the boxes, digging frantically, until she found what she was looking for. After placing everything back as it was, Momo presented it to her friend.
"I want you to remember me too…so you can have this. Take good care of her." Momo tried to dry her tears and smile, but it was barely convincing.
Itsuka was stunned. She couldn't believe what she was seeing. This was her friend's most cherished possession. Now it was being handed to her.
"Is that…"
"Her name is Ana…my mother might be upset, but I can make others. I still have most of what I created. She'll understand. I want you to have this ... the first doll I ever created."
"I…I don't know what…Momo, I can't…" Itsuka was humbled, honored, and on the verge of tears. She couldn't possibly accept something this valuable. Her friend had made up her mind.
"Please. I insist. I made it…and I want you to have it ... because…well…I…"
The two were interrupted by the movers. It was time to say goodbye. The two hugged once more.
"I have to go…goodbye Itsu…"
"No. Not goodbye. I'll see ya around… Mini Momo… ok?"
She never did, though. They had tried writing each other but sadly, life took them far away from one another and they had to move on with their lives.
X
Itsuka returned to the present, realizing that her stop was about to come up. Placing the keepsake in her bag, the UA student gathered her things and straightened her skirt, preparing to disembark. The walk from the station felt hollow after that, memories still buzzing around like hornets.
The girl knew she should be happy. She was in her dream school, aiming to be a hero like she had dreamed. She had made new friends at the entrance exam and was positive She would have a good tenure here. She was sure she would make. Still, her mind couldn't stop drifting back to the past. She brushed past someone and apologized on her way to 1B.
"Guess it's another day. Come on Kendou, get it together." the girl sighed and clenched her fist, getting her war face on. She would make the most of the day. All the new student could do is focus on the present and what lay ahead. There was no sense dwelling in the past.
And then a voice rang out from behind her
"Hiiiii~! Hey! You! The girl with the ponytail! Hey, Yaomomo! That's your nickname, now, ok?"
Itsuka's body felt like it had been hit by a stun ray from one of those old science fiction shows. Her eyes widened as she slowly turned around.
"It can't be. No. Focus. You have to get to class. This is your dream and you want to set an example, right? First impressions."
Itsuka tried to force to turn around and head to class. That's when she saw her. A strange, yet familiar form, speaking in a strange yet familiar voice.
""I see… Ok. Ashido was it? We should head to class. We don't want to be late."
The rest of the conversation was drowned out by the beating of Itsuka's heart. It couldn't be, could it? After all these years. Itsuka stared in astonishment as the tall and admittedly well-developed girl talked to another girl, shorter and with pink hair and skin. The alien looking student was something to behold for sure, even though bizarre looking people were rather common in this world. Her friend though, had the orange-haired girl stammering silently in disbelief.
"M-Momo?"
It was unbelievable. Well, it was sort of believable. If anyone would get into the top hero school in the country (possibly the world), it would be her. Her parents were influential, she was highly intelligent, and she had a good quirk. It was a potent combination.
And yet, it was a surprise. Their attempts at being pen pals had fallen through. School was definitely a distraction. Itsuka ended up tagging along with a bit of a bad crowd, trying to serve as a good influence. She succeeded a little but unfortunately, some bad habits were picked up.
"I wonder what she would think of me." Itsuka could feel every thought pummeling her like a speed bag.
"You ok in there? Earth to red. Hey!"
Itsuka snapped out of it and looked at the greenette standing before her, waving casually.
"Do you always gawk at pretty girls? If so, hey." the new girl winked while aiming her fingers like dual pistols.
The pony-tailed girl rolled her eyes at the flirtation and shook her head a bit. She supposed she should address her.
"That's… um...quite the first impression. Are you in Class A?"
"Nah. Class B. Recommended. Setsuna Tokage, at your servissss," the girl hissed for dramatic effect as she bowed before bouncing back up. "
"Nice to meet you. Do you know that girl or were you just enamored at first sight?"
It was all quite sudden. Itsuka wanted to sort out her whirling emotions in her own time and focus on her first day. Everything else would follow in time.
"It's a bit of a long story. We should get to class."
Setsuna shrugged and flashed another grin.
"Fair enough. After you."
The two entered the classroom. It was bustling with activity already, half the students having already shown up. A shorter girl with dark hair and striking eyes looked in the direction of Itsuka and Setsuna.
"Hey. You ok? You seem kind of isolated from everyone. If you're more comfortable in the back, that's fine, but you look lonely."
The girl looked up but back down almost immediately. There was a red tinge to her cheeks.
"Yui Kodai…"
Itsuka gave the girl a once over and smiled.
"I see. Nice to meet you Kodai. Do you like Matryoshka dolls? I got this one as a gift when I was a kid."
The quiet girl inspected the doll carefully, increasing the top to see the smaller dolls inside. It was lovingly crafted, not a blemish or imperfection in sight minus a small diver on the bottom. A name was written carefully near it: Momo
"Is your name Momo?"
"Nope. Itsuka Kendou. Momo... is an old friend of mine. She's the one who made Ana here. Her full name is Anastasia, like the Russian princess."
"Hmmm."
Yui wondered who this Momo was. To be able to craft the doll so well on her own must have been done using a quirk but She didn't want to prejudice. She would ask later. She had just met Itsuka after all. She had made a very good first impression but it took time for the ravenette to come out of her shell.
But with as warm and striking as this girl with the ponytail was, the timid girl felt it wouldn't be too long. It was a nice quiet moment, so naturally, it was broken up by a boy with a mop of blonde hair and a very loud mouth.
"Looks like my story has begun. Hello there and Bonjour, everyone. I take it we'll be classmates. My name is Monoma. Neito Monoma. Enchanté~"
Itsuka flinched a bit but offered her hand. She had developed a bit of a people sense. It wasn't so strong as to be flawless, but he didn't seem threatening.
"Oh, you're one of those weird kids who pretends to be European to be fancy. Pleasure to make your acquaintance."
"I'M NOT...I'm not pretending. I happen to be Belgian and French on my mother's side." Neito huffed before taking a deep breath and dialing the charm up again.
"I see. Sorry. I prefer Italian. I like their cars and motor scooters. Also their desserts."
"Ah, I see you have fine taste too. I love Japan but I can't help but feel a connection with the Western world. The extravagance and majesty."
"I mean, my family doesn't see European or American vehicles too often but my dad is a mechanic, so I picked up a thing or two. We did some custom work for an old friend's family."
"I see. And what does your mother do? A model, I take it?" Monoma asked in his suavest, most sophisticated tone. It was not working.
Itsuka smiled and shook her head. He was nice, but very over the top.
"Heh. Smoothe, but you're not my type. Besides, I am here to be a hero, not to flirt."
"I'm here to flirt!" Setsuna chimed in.
"As for my mom, she is strong. I like to think I take after her. I hope do, anyway. My dad actually took her last name. She retired from it but she had an MMA run before I was born. Her and her brother. He kept going but she decided to settle down. She still teaches Martial Arts but she hung up her gloves years ago."
"Wait! Holy crap! Your mom was "Can-do" Kendou? My dad has a signed photo of her on the wall of his office. She was a beast!" Setsuna jumped out of her seat. Meanwhile, a boy with striking eyes and sharp teeth entered in equally over-the-top fashion.
"Holy crap! Hizatsu Kendou is a legend! I have all her matches recorded! Can't believe I'm in class with her kid! My name is Tetsutetsu! Tetsutetsu Tetsutetsu!" the steely boy grinned as he shook Itsuka's hand. He had a strong grip, as if he subconsciously wanted to initiate an arm wrestling match.
Itsuka blushed and rubbed the back of her hair as she continued the impromptu gesture. She withdrew her hand and sat at her desk.
"Nobody has called her "Can-Do" in a while, but I am sure she would be happy to know she still has fans. "
More students filled the room until a gruff looking man with gray hair and the face of a bulldog walked in. He walked in front of the desk and surveyed the class with a Stoney expression. Everyone collectively gulped.
"Alright, alright. Settle down, everyone. Let's get started. My name is Kan. Some of you probably know my hero name: Vlad King. I am going to have a brief role call so we can get to know each other. After that, we are going to do some training."
Role went by fairly quickly, with Itsuka taking note of her classmates. She wanted to get to know them and forge new bonds. It was part of the high school experience after all. And yet, her mind drifted back to Momo as she looked out the window.
She snapped back to attention when she heard her homeroom teacher's voice.
"Good. Now that introductions are finished. Let's see what you can all do. We're going to gym gamma."
I have had this idea in my head for years. Literal years. I even wrote a chunk of this for a femslash week back in 2018.
And now, after some tweaks, here we are. I hope this first chapter is a good start. I have more bits written but I need to flesh them out. Besides, while I didn't want to make chapters too short, I didn't want to over stuff them. I hope this was perfectly digestible while also having enough to keep you folks reading.
This and another thing (give or take some potential Zine entries) will be my main focuses on MHA fics.
They should still be good I hope. Nay. Trust!
I seeded some bits here for later, like Itsuka,s family, her childhood with Momo, and more. Considering seeding flashbacks throughout but haven't decided on that yet. Will leave it up to the readers to a degree. Sometimes you lot help me from being too indulge t and that can be nice. I do this for you but also for myself.
Anyway, Chapter 2 will come at some point. I have at least 3000 more words written, so I have a start.
I also have other projects though, as I am a masochist, so please be patient.
Sincerely yours, Mags.
