Chapter 14

It wasn't hard to spot her, as the girl sat at the bench. She had braided her hair this time, her focus on the book she was reading. Though every now and then she stopped to look around like she was waiting for someone. And perhaps she was. Not that he cared, he only cared about himself. It just so happened that she could be a valuable asset to his plan.

So after watching her for a couple of minutes and observing the redhead, Dabi finally decided it was time to put his plan into action. The groundwo had been laid during their previous meeting and now it was time to see if the foundation was strong enough to build on. With his hands lazily placed in his pockets, the lanky man sauntered towards the bench. He wanted to make it look like a coincidence, while in truth he had been waiting for her return.

'Well, well, well,' he began once he stopped to stand behind her, using his height to lean over the startled girl. 'Look who we've got here?'

Her head immediately shot up and she looked at him with wide eyes. Though when she noticed him, Ichika visibly relaxed again.

'Hello, Dabi.'

She actually seemed pleased to see him; perfect. She gave him a friendly smile as he moved around the bench

'Mind if I sit here?'

'No, of course not. Go ahead.'

She smiled at him, while scooting over to make more room for him. He noticed her book laying open in her lap and judging by the fact that she was wearing her school uniform he guessed she had come straight to the beach after she got out of school.

'It's been a while, hasn't it? I guess the last time was a couple of weeks ago.'

'I guess it has. Though I'm happy to see you again.'

He chuckled. Of course she was, he had done his best to pique her interest. Playing the part of the mysterious stranger, but approachable enough for her to feel comfortable. And it seemed like his plan had worked.

'Couldn't get that ugly mug of mine outta your head, hm?' He chuckled as she began to stammer that she didn't mean it like that. 'Relax princess, I was just kidding.'

'Princess?'

Her flustered expression changed into a humoured one as she quirked a brow at him. While Dabi just shrugged at this, before leaning back to drape his arms over the back of the bench lazily, he smirked internally. This poor girl was too trusting to strangers, acting like they were actually friends, while they were acquaintances at best. Damn, it seemed he was a better actor than he had given himself credit for.

'What can I say,' he began nonchalantly, closing his eyes as he leaned his head back as well. 'You are practically hero royalty, being Endeavor's prodigy and all. Your face has been all over the news of late. Rumour has it, that you are Endeavour's secret daughter.'

Dabi opened one eye to look at her as she scoffed. Oh yes, she had seen that article, that much was clear from the expression she gave him. It had been full of speculations, without any facts. Well, except for their similar quirks and red hair. Which wasn't much to go by. Most of Endeavor's didn't even share his red hair and the one dat did, had turned white over time.

'That article's trash,' she grumbled, while closing the book in her lap. 'Nothing but rumours and lies.'

'Oh, I agree. You can't be related to Endeavor, no way than man can have a kid as pretty as you.'

Her cheeks and ears flushed red, making the man smirk. Damn, she was making this too easy. The poor girl was just too easy to read that much he had learned during their previous encounters. The first time she was obviously a bit bothered by his appearance - and hey, he couldn't exactly blame her, he was no Adonis. Not since those burns scarred his once handsome face. But she had been nice enough to try and ignore it. Though he was sure it was the reason why she had been so nice and open towards him the second time. Out of guilt.

'It all depends on who you ask. Some might say he's quite handsome.'

Oh, great, so she was an Endeavor worshipper. He should have known.

'And I bet you think so too?'

It took all his willpower not to sneer at this. Nor to glare at Ichika. He didn't want to scare her off, he needed to gain her trust. She might not be necessary for his plan to play out, it would make his revenge all the more sweet. But when she answered, Dabi could not help but be surprised. His eyes widening as he looked at her.

'Yes,' she answered truthfully. 'I think Endeavor is a handsome man, but definitely not a hero I could crush on. He's just too ruthless. Even I wonder his methods sometimes.' Her eyes widened at the realisationof running her mouth and she quickly added; 'Forget what I just said!'

Dabi chuckled at this, finding himself actually being humoured by the girl. So the fangirl was aware of his ruthless behaviour. It made him wonder what she would think of her precious hero if she knew of his past.

'Like I said, Endeavor is a handsome man and he has passed on those genes to his children.' Ichika continued, trying - and failing - to remind Dabi of the positive side of the number two hero as she rambled on. 'I mean, have you seen them? Damn, that man's got some good-looking children! Especially his oldest son.'

She chuckled nervously. It was obvious that she wanted to stop talking, but because Dabi made no indication for her to stop, she just continued her word vomit. Much to the man's amusement. Because at the mentioning of Endeavor's oldest son, his interest was piqued.

'Oh, so you don't have a crush on Endeavor, you've got a crush on his son.'

The sneer caused her rosy cheeks to once again flare up.

'It's not like that! I just thought he was handsome. Such a tragedy what happened to him though. No one deserves such a fate.'

It took him a moment to realise about whom she was talking about. He had been sure it was Natsuo, but this revelation changed everything. And in his favor.

'Oh yes.' Dabi remained as nonchalantly as he had been before. Though he moved to lift his head to look at her. His turquoise eyes almost glowing dangerously as he looked at her. 'I remember. He died a couple of years ago due to a wildfire, right?' She nodded. 'So you've got a thing for dead people.'

'I've seen pictures of him.' She was profusely ignoring his sneer. 'He was such a handsome boy. Especially his eyes. They were this beautiful shade of turquoise, kinda like yours actually.' She smiled at him, before trying to lighten the mood. 'If he was still alive today and asked me out on a date, I wouldn't hesitate to dump my boyfriend and say yes.'

She was obviously joking, though her remark caused the wires in his head to try and make new connections. Trying to find the perfect way for his plan to unfold and where he could fit Ichika in it. For the more this girl spoke, the more he was sure he actually needed her to bring down Endeavor.

'Anyway, I think I have done enough talking, while I actually came out here in the hopes of finding you.' Her face suddenly became serious as she looked at him with those concerned green eyes of hers. 'I've been thinking about you lately. I've noticed a lot of discrimination during my work. People aren't as kind to those who look, well, different due to their quirk.'

Ichika started fiddling with her fingers, trying to find the right words without insulting the man next to her.

'Not to jump to any conclusions or anything, but I know a burnmark when I see them. And I also know that to people it doesn't even know whether those are a side affect of your own quirk or caused by something else, people will only look at what they see on the outside.'

His eyes narrowed as he glared at her.

'That's a very polite way of saying I look like shit. But I guess you are right, I look like a villain.' Because, perhaps, I am one. Though he kept that part to himself. 'So way are you willingly associating with me then?'

'Because I can't stand injustice! I can't stand the fact that people take one look at you and decide there and then what you should or shouldn't be. All because of how you look or what kind of quirk you have. It just isn't right!'

While he shouldn't have been surprised by this, Dabi still found himself dumbfounded. To find a hero to actually see things as they were and not how they wanted it to be.

'I just, I guess I was just wondering if you were being treated kindly.' She rubbed the back of her head in embarrassment. 'So, ah, are you?'

'How others treat me, is none of your business.' She lowered her eyes. 'Though I guess I do enjoy spending time with someone as kindhearted as you.'

Not a lie, not a complete truth either. Dabi was perfectly fine on his own. But he would be lying to himself if he claimed he did not enjoy her company. It was more that he wasn't used to company, not since he left the hospital seven years ago. The truth was that Ichika was the first person in a long time to have shown him kindness, without wanting something in return. A pure heart, who put others before herself. She probably saw goodness in everyone, even the villains she had put behind bars, if the look of remorse was any indication.

And he wanted to corrupt her. Show her how every person on earth had the potential of becoming a villain. Yes, even little miss Phoenix herself. And maybe, just maybe, with a little push from yours truly, she would become just that.

'For what it's worth, I don't agree with what others say.' Dabi was pulled from his thoughts by the sound of a zipper closing. Ichika had put her book in her back, before standing up. So now she was staning in front of him, her back swung over one shoulder. 'I believe everyone should have a chance at kindness. So, how about we go grab something to eat? My treat.'

She smiled at him, though he could see she was anxious to see his reaction. It was a bold move afterall. But instead of declining her offer, Dabi just sighed and stood up as well. He was actually quite hungry.

'Fine,' was his stoic reply while brushing off his clothes. 'But just so you know, I don't like fish.'

'What a coincidence, neither do I.'

And with that she grabbed him by the arm and started walking. Failing to notice the predatory look the man next to her was giving. Oh, she was making this too easy indeed. She was falling right into his trap and he didn't even need to do anything. She had set the trap for him and still fell for it. All he needed to do, was to play along a little and feed her his poison little by little.

You better watch your back, Endeavor. Soon your golden girl will see you for who you truly are and turn her back on you. Soon I will have my vengeance.

Time passed by quickly for Ichika. With her schedule busier than last year, it seemed time had passed by even faster. Especially with her frequent visit to the beach after school. She enjoyed her regular meeting with Dabi, especially after the attack on USJ. She had blamed herself for not being there when her brother was attacked and Dabi had been nice enough sit there and listen.

By now it was already May and the famous U.A. Sports Festival was about to start. Though this time Ichika would not compete. Instead, she was sitting next to Endeavor in her hero outfit, eager for the festival to start. Afterall, Izuku would be competing along with all first years and she would be there, rooting for her brother. While the man next to her was eager to see his son in action.

Apparently Endeavor had heard about Ichika having been training class 1-A, most likely from Shoto Todoroki himself. For it sure wasn't Ichika who had told her mentor about her frequent task to assist his rival during classes. So she could only guess it had been Shoto during one of their arguments.

She looked over at Endeavor from the corner of her eye. His arms were firmly crossed over his chest as his piercing gaze was aimed at the field below. Oh yes, she was aware of the drama Endeavor faced at home. Though she had no clue why, but she knew all three of the Todoroki children had some kind of dislike towards the father. She could only guess what the reason could be, with one of her guesses being about what had happened to the hero's eldest son, Touya. Though all she knew was what she had read about the accident, Endeavor never spoke a word about it.

Another guess was that the man perhaps didn't know how to be a father. Endeavor was an amazing hero, but perhaps behind that mask, Enji Todoroki had become estranged from his family? Which she actually doubted, because she had witnessed first hand that the man had a kind heart. He just didn't lower that high wall of his that often.

'What're you looking at, kid?'

Ichika suppressed the urge to roll her eyes. Again with the 'kid'. But then she smirked as she leaned back in her chair, crossing a leg over the other and her arms crossed over her chest. Meeting his stoic gaze with her own mischievous eyes.

'I'm just curious,' she began innocently. 'How disappointed would you be if Shoto lost the festival?'

'Why you little brat!'

And just like that, the flames of his costume blaze up as he glared at her. His eyes glowing in the light as his mask burned brightly, before he took a deep breath to calm himself down again. Muttering something incoherent underneath his breath.

Ichika remained calm, a smirk plastered on her lips as she watched the flame hero in amusement. It was just so easy to get a rise out of him. Eventhough it was an honest question as well. Sure, Shoto was strong, but he had some serious competition. During All Might's classes, Ichika had enough opportunity to observe each and every student of class 1-A and the first name to pop up in her head as a potential winner, was Katsuki Bakugo.

She had known the temperamental boy for years and was aware of his strong quirk. And over the years he had learned to control it and even learned some impressive moves. Then there was the fact that the boy was a genius. Along with his competitive streak and quite brutal personality, he was a force to be reckoned with.

Then there was Tenya Iida, another strong opponent. Though she doubted he was anywhere near Shoto or Katsuki, he could be, in time.

And the last competitor she had high hopes for, was her own brother. Ichika didn't know much about his quirk yet and it had a major drawback, Izuku had trained hard to try and control it. If he was to control the physical damage the usage of the quirk caused him, he could end up ranking in the top three.

So yeah, while she had said what she said to tease Endeavor, there had been some truth to it. There really was a chance that Shoto wouldn't come in first.

Ichika pulled out her phone. Five more minutes before the festival would start. Before she put away her phone again, she send a quick message to Mirio and her friends and of course Izuku. Wishing them good luck. Then she turned her attention towards the field below. Any minute the first years would walk out and make their debut. Some as future heroes, others as future professional support item designers. All given an equal opportunity to shine.

Ping!

Checking her phone, Ichika smiled at the message Mirio had send. Just as she started to type another message, Present Mic's voice boomed through the arena. Excited cheers erupted from the stands, spectators, family, friends and heroes were all cheering for the annual festival to start off.

'It's the U.A.'s sports festival,' the voice hero announced cheerfully. 'The one time each year our fledgling heroes compete in a ruthless grand battle!'

The crowd cheered and applauded as each class appeared, starting with class 1-A. Then the hero introduced the referee, Midnight. The r-rated hero got some wolf's whistles, from both the crowd and competitors. Though she quickly cracked her whip to quiet them down. Next to her, Endeavor grumbled something about her not being suited for the job. Not that Ichika cared. She was too busy silently cheering for her little brother. Though her silent cheer for her brother erupted into a loud one once Katsuki Bakugo was called to the stage. Apparently he was chosen as the student representative.

'Make no mistake about it,' he spoke out loud, yet strangely collected. Ichika had rarely seen him this calm, so she edged closer to the edge of her seat to get a better look. 'I'm gonna take first place!'

And just like that, the Kacchan she knew was back. Still collected, but shouting all the same. Expressing how superior he was compared to the others, which of course rubbed the other competitors the wrong way. And some spectators as well.

'Huh, what a cocky little brat,' Endeavor grumbled, his glare fixated on Bakugo, though his body language told her he was talking to her. 'He's probably not that bright either, to openly claim his victory already. Not that it matters, he won't stand a chance against my Shoto. Not with the training he has received from you.'

'Don't be too sure about that, sir,' Ichika said. This time she was serious, her brows knitted together as she watched the ashy blonde walked off stage. 'I heard Shoto is set on using only his ice, which is a disadvantage. And I happen to know Bakugo since we were young. The kid's got a strong quirk and not as dumb as he looks. He's actually quite a smart kid, just really bad tempered.'

His eyes shifted over to Ichika, observing her body language. But there was no trace of a jest as her eyes were still focused on the boy, a serious expression on her face.

'So you're saying Shoto's weak?'

She turned her head to look at him.

'No, I'm saying I know class 1-A. I've seen them in action during training and based on that, I can make an unbiased opinion. Unlike you.'

Endeavor remained as stoic as ever, though she did not miss the twitch of the corner of his lips. Though he quickly covered that by scoffing. Stating that he was here to see how strong his son had gotten, not for get to show off her deductive skills.

'It's in this stage that many are send home crying.' Her attention was dwrn back to the stage, where Midnight was about to explain what the first task would be. 'And the faithful first event this year is this; the obstacle course!'

And thus the first event of the sports festival was about to start. With an exited Midoriya in the stands, cheering for the nervous younger Midoriya in the field. It would be a matter of seconds, before the gates would open up an the buzzer would indicate the start of the course. Though unbeknownst to Izuku, it would also be the start of the scouting. Pro heroes used this festival to zoom in on students they were interested in as future sidekicks. And as the buzzer sounded, Ichika could only hope for the best.

A/N

Whoops, while this is a MirioxOC fanfic, it might seem more like a DabixOC one. But I promise you, there is a reason for it. Mostly because the main theme isn't romance.

Anyway, I hope you enjoyed this chapter. Now that the story has caught up with season 2, Ichika's story will drastically change. Though it might not be for the better... What her future holds only I know. But if you want to find out, then don't forget to add AftA to your favourites, follow it and/or leave a review