Hello, and welcome to the next chapter!
Zero Absolu; Yup, they'd have a complex relationship.
InnocentxPsycho; Thanks! Maybe he could have some kind of talent~ To be honest, I hadn't heard of it until you wrote it, and I've checked some of it out, so far it's pretty interesting.
NinjaFang1331; Thanks!
ShadowUzumaki55; Thanks very much! They managed to escape yeah, at some costs. We'll have to see what Overhaul's up to and what he's got planned for the future. Yeah, the Boss cared deeply about Keita, and though he knew he could die, he did what he could to protect Keita. Himiko very well might be~ And Rappa coming in to save them, seems like he's got some redeemable stuff about him. And thanks!
ThunderFang72; Thanks very much! It is yeah, he's finally got a future to look forward too, and is going to take full advantage of that. He did yeah, he knows Sir Nighteye might not be the strongest, but to him, he is a true Hero. Kai does very much love Keita. And thanks! Yup, she will be this chapter~
Vendicor; Thanks very much! Yeah, it was quite difficult for the Hero's, but they eventually managed to get Keita and the others out of there. Sir Nighteye is their caretaker now, and yup, Keita's gonna take on that role in Eri's life. It was sad, but he cared for Keita quite a bit, and I thought it felt right for him to do that. Yeah, it's a tear jerking moment in the anime when that happens, so I'm glad you could enjoy the chapter!
Necrocito; Ooh yeah, he's still a bad guy, though he's got some human qualities due to his love for his little brother. I hope Mirio does as well, and more than likely there will be a time skip sometime. If he can do it since he has to see her, and technically she's invisible, so he wouldn't be able to see her, I wish there was a definitive answer on that in canon. Yeah, I'll think about doing that story.
Chrono trigger; Just shows how tough she truly is~ Rarely he does, but he does kick sometimes. Similar yeah. It would make more sense for him to go for either of them, guess he didn't want their brand of immortality. Yeah maybe~
Guest 1; When I do get around to that, I probably will yeah. Yeah, that seems pretty awesome to me!
Neonlight01; Surely has~ Thanks! I'm glad you're enjoying it this far! Kai does love Keita, but what he's done is very unforgivable. Keita made that decision and has now fled Overhaul, and his control. He's gonna be taking care of Eri now, and even Himiko as well. Keita's gonna grow quite strong yeah~ Thanks for the votes!
6U35T; He's free! It is yeah~ It very well would be quite fun to see their interactions. It was quite sad, but it opens up Keita's future and the others as well. Meet new and some old people, it's a nice bonding chapter while pushing the plot forward.
Guest 2; I like that idea for a fate story! Thanks for the suggestions!
winddemon199; Thanks very much!
Miraculous Psychic Hero 100; Thanks very much! I'm happy you're enjoying it this far! Yeah, he's quite a cold guy, but he does genuinely care and love Keita, even if he's willing to use him in his own experiments. I imagine Mirio's always been like that, and hopefully always will be, regardless of what happens to him! I do like Rappa also, and he'll be popping back up~ Keita and Gentle, I could see those two having a fun relationship, the same with La Brava. They could become friends, they'd understand one another quite well due to their circumstances. I do want to include them, it would be fun, I'd just have to figure out how. Thank you very much for the suggestions! Mitsuki will do that occasionally.
Guest 3; Thank you very much for the votes!
Silver crow; Glad you liked those moments! Haha, Rappa stepped in to give a final save. It seems that Kai's now recognizing and seeing Keita growing. Mirko showed up yeah, and managed to repel Kai's barrage of attacks, and even put him on the ropes. Yeah, she probably could win if she went all out. Yeah, it's Mirio before he's been fully trained, but he still came in and saved Keita. It is sad we didn't get to see All Might and Sir Nighteye working together, even in a flashback would have been cool. No worries~ Yup, Himiko dealt with them, and Rappa honoured Keita's final request. Kai did yeah, underneath it all, he really does care and love Keita. Yup, that's why he did was Overhauling Keita. I just thought it would be a very Mirko like thing to say. Thanks~ Hehe, they finally got away in the end. Haha, guess he's at least got some money behind him. Whatever he is in Eri's life, he'll be there for her from now on, titles wouldn't matter. He is yeah, Himiko's going to be moving in with them. Not really stamina or energy, it's more like his body feels the physical strain of it, like some others have physical limits. Yup, Katsuki and Keita will meet this chapter! He does have a few things, and we'll see where he takes that. Thanks! Kai, in this, seems to have some humanity to him. He'll be focused in on training. It made sense yeah. We'll see who Keita fights during that part of the story. He could use them yeah~ I could see Kai doing something like that. Kai will be watching. In time he'll see something like that. Those look like pretty cool Quirks! Maybe he could do yeah. Haha, that would be pretty funny~ Maybe he could be yeah~ He might meet Mt Lady sometime.
Andrew123456; Next week sometime. Thanks for the votes!
Lightwave; Yeah, no worries~ Thanks very much! Yeah, it seems that he did care quite a bit about Keita. Haha, it wasn't an easy feat, but Keita managed to pull it off. We did yeah, each of them will be quite important for Keita's development. He did yeah, seeing what his brother did, was the last straw, and he ended up getting out of their to protect the others. He is yeah, he's gonna be living his own life now. Thanks for the votes! If he was, he would have the ability to fight thanks to his Mother. and thanks for the harem suggestions. Being their younger brother, he would have a closer relationship with both. Yeah, he'd help Minato with the confidence issues. I don't know about him knowing who his Father is, but if he didn't, he'd learn it somehow, he might know that his Mother's in MBI though probably wouldn't know much about the Sekirei plan and all that.
Well, with those lovely reviews out of the way, it's time to start the chapter!
Training for the exams!
A few days after Sir Nighteye agreed to take in Keita, Himiko and Eri, Keita's mind flashed back to the several events of the previous days…no, rather, his mind kept drawing back to the events of the battle at the Shie Hassaikai.
With how he had lost the Boss, how Rappa and he departed from one another's lives, and also what his brother would be doing right about now.
While he tossed in bed, he saw the familiar face of Himiko casually looking towards him.
It had become a regular occurrence, even before the breakout, so seeing it now it was quite obvious that she'd just keep doing it, so he just let her do it regardless of if he said anything about it or not, which he wouldn't really bother saying anything negative about it.
Himiko raised her hand, placing it on Keita's face, and grinned cutely.
"Kei-chan, I had a dream last night that we were bathing together~"
"You walked into my bath last night while I was bathing, and sat down with me."
Himiko stuck out her tongue.
"Ooh yeah~" Himiko jumped up, placing her legs around his waist, almost straddling him in the way her body was positioned. "Tell me Kei-chan, now that we're living with Sir Nighteye, what is it that you're going to do?"
"He's agreed to help me prepare for the U.A exams."
"U.A huh..."
"Yup, I'm going to aim to become a Hero, so I thought that this would be the best way. You know, you could apply with me to U.A. with skills like yours, you'd get in quite easily. You're quite agile, and skilled with weapons. Even if you use a blunt knife, or another weapon that could disable people. I heard even some Hero's use guns and the likes, so why couldn't you become one as well?"
Himiko pursed her lips.
"Hmmmm, I dunno. Maybe I could, but I'm not sure I'd fit in."
"Hey, I might not fit in either. I don't see the reason why you wouldn't. Besides, I'd be there to make sure that you'd be okay."
"Hehe, thank you~ I remember everything that Kei-chan has done for me~ I wouldn't want to be a burden. And like I said...as if there would be a Hero that would suck blood, you know Kei-chan?"
"You could be called the Blood Sucking Hero, Vampire Cat or something~"
"Hehehehe! That sounds absolutely adorable! But...me as a Hero. I don't think I'd be able to be heroic like you Kei-chan."
Keita waved his head side to side.
"I don't know, you protected Eri-chan didn't you?"
Himiko shrugged.
"You weren't there, so I thought that I'd..."
"And, you also fought very well. You already could apply for U.A, even without your Transformation Quirk. There are plenty of Hero's out there you know? You don't have to be a Hero like All Might, I mean even Mirko-san is a different kind of Hero, so why can't you be a different kind of Hero as well?"
Himiko thought about what he said.
It did sound nice that they'd be able to be together.
It would bring joy to her.
But, she still wasn't sure if she'd be accepted by the world at large, and she also thought about her family…
"You know Kei-chan, my family were so oppressive, I couldn't express myself at all."
"I know...they might not have understood that these urges aren't something that can be suppressed. But they can be explored in different ways and means, and still be satisfying for you Himiko-chan, I know that they can be."
"Hehe, you just called me 'Himiko-chan'~ Does that mean you're becoming more used to the idea that we could be amazing together~?"
Keita didn't even realize it, it just seemed so natural to call her that.
"Hehe, I guess~ Well, think about it Himiko-chan. We could become Hero's together, and open an agency or something. It doesn't matter if your Quirk requires blood to make use of, you could do it with your allies, or even the Villains as long as you don't kill them."
"I'll think about it Kei-chan. For now though..." Himiko leaned down, and gently nibbled on his earlobe, drawing out a small moan. "...how cute, hearing your sensual moans Kei-chan, it really does fill me with excitement~"
"Y-You're very forward huh~"
"You should know Kei-chan. It's something that makes me excited. It makes me tremble with renewed excitement~ So, how about we have some fun together~"
Keita watched as the young woman bent down towards him, and stuck out her tongue, going for his mouth...
But then the door burst open to reveal Eri.
Himiko sighed "Awww man..." as Eri rushed Keita, jumping onto the bed, and hugged onto him tightly.
"Good morning Eri-chan~"
"Good morning Kei-chan!"
Though Himiko wasn't exactly thrilled about being interrupted, since it was Eri...she was alright with it.
After that, Keita and Eri went for breakfast, while Himiko remained in the room to have a bit of a sleep, though they found a strange thing occurring in the kitchen when they finally got there.
Standing in the kitchen, was Sir Nighteye.
He was looking at the food intently before him, while Keita sat at the dining table with Eri sat beside him.
"Kei-chan, he's not moved in a few minutes..."
"I know, I think he's probably trying to work out what food would be best."
"But Kei-chan, shouldn't you cook? Since you're...a good cook."
"I'd cook if he asked."
Sir Nighteye turned towards Keita seriously, who gave a cheery smile.
"...You know how to cook?"
"Back at the Shie Hassaikai, I was the cook...I was the medic also...haha, I basically was anything that was required for that situation. Usually, I did the day to day tasks at the Shie Hassaikai, cleaning, washing clothes, and the floors, taking care of the Boss' health..." Keita trailed off, thinking back on the Boss, and how he truly would be feeling right now. "...I just did my part, that's all."
"Cooking...isn't one of my talents, I must admit. Though, I would attempt to do so."
Sir Nighteye went to turn back to the food, Keita waved "No need, I'll cook. Please sit down, and relax." and walked to the counter, and quickly began cooking.
Sir Nighteye was amazed by what he was seeing. Seeing the speed he cut through certain stuff, how he had things cooking at different heats, and yet still managed to make them look pretty perfect in his eyes.
Multitasking was definitely a skill that Keita seemed to have and was pretty good at it as well.
Once the food was prepared, he placed the plates down on the table, showcasing a light hearted smile on his face.
"There we go Eri-chan, you can have a good meal now~"
"Yes Kei-chan!"
"Also, we'll have to go and get you some new clothes Eri-chan, since we didn't have any to bring with us."
"Okay Kei-chan!"
Sir Nighteye could see the natural connection the pair had, and it was rather endearing to watch how Eri and Keita acted together, as if they were a family. Sir Nighteye could see that Keita seemed to act as a mixture of the girls Father and brother, it was a unique yet wonderful combination to see.
Taking a bite out of the meal Keita prepared...Sir Nighteye couldn't help but feel astonished by the rich tasting food.
"Simply outstanding Keita-san. You really are a good cook."
"Geez, don't~ I'll blush in embarrassment~"
He humbly said, stroking the back of his head.
"Still, this is pretty amazing, years of experience I can see." Keita chortled lightly. "Also, if you don't mind me asking. I'd like to...know more about what happened during your stay with the Shie Hassaikai Keita-san."
Keita saw Eri stiffen, so Keita placed a hand on her head.
"Don't worry Eri-chan, we're protected now."
"Yes...thank you Kei-chan."
Sir Nighteye lightly smiled at the pair, as they continued eating.
"Sir Nighteye-san, I'll answer any questions you may have to the best of my ability, though it seems that I was unaware of some stuff he was doing."
"I see, it would be a big help. We're currently searching for him. Though I doubt he'll make an appearance anytime soon, with the majority of his forces gone and locked away. Still, we have to remain vigilant in our actions."
Keita understood quite well, accepting what he said as reality, and just continued to eat.
Once the meal was finished, Keita set up Eri with some toys to keep her occupied while he spoke to Sir Nighteye about the experiences that he had, what he remembered that could be useful for the investigation, along with how much he knew about the abilities of the members that he could remember.
"...I see, that's quite informative, thank you Keita-san."
"Please don't thank me, I'm just doing what I can to make sure he's stopped."
"I see...that was your goal, correct?"
Keita placed a hand on his forehead, collecting his thoughts, before beginning with his question.
"You see, now that we're out of there...originally, I wanted to be the one who stopped big brother. Though thanks to you Sir, I'll be applying for U.A, and becoming a Hero, right alongside my angry kitten~"
Sir Nighteye gave a curious look.
"This angry kitten...who is she exactly?"
"A girl I met. Her name is Katsuki Bakugo-chan, but she's an angry kitten. She gets mad quickly, but she's talented, and smart, and she's just so cuddly that I can't get enough~" Sir Nighteye gave a bemused smile. "But yes...I'd like to go with her."
"Is this girl, your girlfriend by chance?"
Keita lightly blushed, and became slightly shy.
"I've never had a girlfriend before, so I don't know...m-maybe she could be if she really wanted to be my girlfriend...it would be great~ Speaking of, I'm actually going to go and see my angry kitten this afternoon. Is that alright?"
"You don't have to ask permission Keita-san for something like that."
Keita didn't even realize.
He was so used to asking for permission that it was something that had become second nature to him.
He rubbed the back of his head in a sheepish manner.
"Hehe, sorry. Forgot where I was then haha~"
Sir Nighteye tilted his neck curiously.
"Then, if you wish to do that, would you mind if I took Eri to get some clothes?"
"If that's alright with Eri-chan. Just make sure she's okay...ooh, money, I'll give-"
"No, don't worry. I'll take care of the expenses."
"Are you...sure? The Boss left me a good amount of money..."
Keita didn't feel right about asking someone else to buy things for Eri.
He wanted to do it himself, he wasn't used to people doing things for him.
"It's fine. Also, I'll have someone watch you from the shadows, just in case something was to happen. Don't worry, it will be like they aren't even there."
"Who is it?"
"It will be Mirio, and a few other Hero's I trust."
"Mirio Togata-san..."
"Is that a problem?"
"Nope, I really like Togata-san~"
"Splendid."
Keita smiled happily as Sir Nighteye allowed the corner of his mouth to raise.
It just seemed like Keita was beginning to settle into his new life.
Sitting within the classroom of her school, Katsuki's mind couldn't pay attention to the lesson that was being told to her. She kept thinking about what Keita was doing now. She hadn't seen him for a good while now.
She hadn't heard from him either for a good week or so.
She was getting worried about him…
No, she already was worried about him.
But now that she hadn't had contact at all, it was troubling to say the least.
She wouldn't admit that to anyone around her. Especially towards people that she didn't like, like Izuku.
When class ended, she released a small sigh, standing up from her seat, and went to move when she saw that Izuku was coming closer.
She really didn't want to deal with him.
"Hey Kacchan-"
"Get lost nerd, I'm busy."
Izuku cringed as he pulled back, seeing the scowl that could frighten most working its way onto her face.
"Kacchan, you're being really cold...especially lately."
"Really? I didn't realize."
Sarcastically, she brushed past Izuku, heading for the door.
"Kacchan, is it because...erm, is it anything to do with...Keita-san…?"
"Don't mention that name in my presence nerd!"
"Why can't he Kacchan? Is my name taboo now or something?"
Katsuki jumped at the voice.
She recognized it instantly, turning…
But he wasn't there.
The window from before was now opened, yet he wasn't there at all.
She walked towards it, peering out of it…
But she just saw normal students walking back to their homes or playing around.
She couldn't see him.
Confusion came over her, glaring towards Izuku.
"Did you mimic his voice or something then nerd to piss me off?!"
"N-No! I swear I didn't!"
Katsuki growled, and went to thrust her hand up, when it was grabbed by something to the right of her.
Her eyes shot towards that direction, seeing that it was in fact, Keita who had grabbed her hand.
Seeing him stood there, she couldn't believe it.
Seeing his same mannerisms, his face that held a smile that she quite liked. Seeing the way that he looked at her fondly, kindly, and how he would hold onto her hand as well.
"Keita...you're here..."
"Yeah, I'm here now, Kacchan. My angry kitten, you're being as wild as ever I see." His eyes turned to Izuku, and waved. "Hey Midoriya-kun. How have you been~? Still trying to be a Hero? I hope so, I hope you haven't given up~"
"O-Oh, I've been fine! And yes, I'm...well, I've been trying really hard, a-and I'll be applying for U.A come next year…"
"Is that so? Then, I wish you luck Midoriya-kun~ I heard it isn't easy, but try your hardest, okay? I'll cheer for you!"
"T-Thank you, Keita-san. You're really kind...Though, I'm surprised you're back. Kacchan said you moved away..."
Keita recalled that.
He remembered back to that battle, to seeing his elder brother once more…
Seeing him for the last time.
"...Yeah, but that fell through, and now I've moved back here. So I'll be staying here now."
"You are? You're not going away?"
Keita placed his hand on Katsuki's face, which held a mixture of annoyance, but also a small blush on her cheeks, though she'd not admit to the blush.
"No, I'm not going anywhere my angry kitten. I get to stay here with you now~"
Katsuki quietly turned away, a small smile was working itself onto her face.
But before it fully could, she dispelled that and remained in a scowling position.
"...Well, that's fine. I didn't care either way."
Keita smiled cheerily, leaning forward, and poked her cheek gently.
"Don't be mean angry kitten. I missed you a lot~"
Hearing those words, Katsuki couldn't keep up the facade of what she felt, glancing back at him, seeing his cheery smile, and how his demeanour radiated said kindness, it struck a cord within her, and made her feel content.
"...Well, maybe I did miss you. But that's only because a damn nerd is here! Seriously, I was stuck with these losers! Especially that damn Deku! All he does is cause me grief!"
Izuku was shocked that Katsuki seemed to actually miss Keita.
He didn't think that Katsuki would...but, she did, it made him wonder more and more about how Keita and Katsuki interacted with one another.
Keita lightly tapped Katsuki's head, drawing an annoyed look from her.
"Don't be mean to Midoriya-kun, Kacchan."
"Grr...whatever. Come, we're going now." Katsuki took Keita's hand and began dragging him down, seeing that Izuku was following him. "Don't follow me! This is my time with Keita, do not ruin it!"
"Ehehehe...I-I was just going to go home though...and that's the exit..."
Katsuki rolled her eyes, dragging Keita away.
"Goodbye Midoriya-kun! Lets catch up soon!"
"O-Okay!"
Izuku waved as did Keita, then he disappeared around the corner with Katsuki.
They ended up sitting in the place they had been a good while ago. With her hand not leaving his own, it was clear that she wasn't going to let go anytime soon. He could see that she did look happy, even if she was trying to hide it.
"So, how come you're back? Your family change their minds?"
Keita shook his head.
"...No, my family... Something happened, I can't really go into detail, I'm not allowed to since it's an ongoing investigation...but, lets just say that my family...weren't the best kind of people...and eventually, I was taken away from them..."
"Oh...I see, I'm sorry about that. I thought something dodgy was going on."
Keita slowly nodded.
"Yes...something dodgy was."
Katsuki could see the sadness in Keita's eyes.
"I'm sorry about your family. You must have cared about them."
That statement, Keita honestly wasn't sure how to respond to it.
If he should be happy, or sad, or a mixture of them.
"I did...once. But now...I don't know what I feel. I should be angry...I should be sad...but, I don't know if I can right now. All I know is that they….they're bad people, and I couldn't stay with them...you know the Hero Sir Nighteye-san?"
"Heard the name before."
"I'm staying with him now, I'm allowed to tell you that much. Even right now, I'm being watched by a few Hero's from a distance." Keita pointed them out to Katsuki who had no idea. "Until things settle down at least. After that...I guess I'll continue staying with him, but I don't know. Either way, I'm thankful for what happened, that he and the others came to save us~"
"Still...it's great that you're back. I...did miss you. Just didn't want to say it in front of that damn nerd."
Keita chortled.
"I had a feeling. You gotta keep your rep, right?" Keita stood up, and put on a big smile. "By the way Kacchan, I'm going to be applying for U.A, so I expect you to be great competition, okay~? To get to be the strongest, you have to train hard, and have competition, right?"
Katsuki smirked.
She was glad that Keita was still Keita no matter what he had been through.
"Yeah, damn straight! I'll blow you out of the water at the exam!"
"Wanna make a bet then?"
"Bet?"
Keita nodded, pointing towards himself.
"If I win...hmm, how about we decide when we get there?"
"That's fine with me. I already know what I want anyway."
Keita became intrigued, moving closer.
"And what's that Kacchan? What thoughts do you have~?"
Katsuki blushed at the slightly suggestive tone that he used.
"I'll save them to myself. But, since you're back, we could train together. Have a fight maybe."
"We could do a lot of things now...we could go to an amusement park. Remember?"
"Yeah...I remember. We'll do lots of things. I'm...happy that you're back."
"Me too, Kacchan."
Keita hugged Katsuki who looked on awkwardly.
But in the end, she accepted it, and held back onto him, enjoying the moment between them. Wishing that it wouldn't ever go away, that they'd be able to truly enjoy many more times together.
A few days later, Keita was going around with Eri to visit the people that come and help save them from Kai among others. He had just finished speaking to Best Jeanist, and now he was on his way to go and see Ryukyu and thank her for the assistance.
Sir Nighteye was following behind them to make sure that nothing happened to them.
Keita hummed as Eri held onto his hand, walking through the streets happily.
"Kei-chan, my legs are getting tired..."
"We have been walking for a while now." Keita bent down, and offered his hands. "Want to ride on my shoulders?"
"Okay!"
Eri hoped onto his shoulders, with Keita's assistance, and then continued on as he held onto her legs so she didn't fall. Keita could feel that Eri was using her fingers to run themselves through Keita's hair, which felt rather weirdly nice.
"Then we should go and see Ryukyu-san now~"
Eri nodded, and Keita took off down the street.
When getting towards the Ryukyu office, he went to knock on the door, when it suddenly flung open. A young woman stepped out, and immediately, Keita's head ended up being pushed into her chest.
"Eh, what's this?" The girl squealed, looking down at the young boy. "It seems a young boys been captured by me~" The girl pushed Keita's head from her chest, seeing his red face, and then she squealed once more. "Ooh my God! It's a cute boy~"
"A-Ah...erm...t-thank you..."
"No worries~"
"So, I'm-"
"What's your name sweetheart~?"
Hearing her energetic voice, it brought happiness to him, so he smiled gently, and replied.
"My name is Keita and I'm-"
"Are you looking for someone?" Keita opened his mouth to answer when the girl twirled around. "Is it Ryukyu-chan by chance? Or is it me?"
"Well-"
"But it couldn't be me since I don't know you, so it has to be Ryukyu-chan~ Or, are you lost?"
"No, I'm-"
"Eep!" The girl cried out happily, seeing Eri. "How cute, a young boy with a young girl~ It's so adorable. You wouldn't happen to be lost? I'm a student of U.A, so maybe I could help you out~?"
"E-Erm..."
Keita tried to speak, as Ryukyu stepped into the light from her office.
"Nejire, who are you talking too?"
"I dunno~" The newly named Nejire happily spoke, swaying side to side. "This boy is here, and he's super cute~ And he's got an equally cute girl with him, but I don't know her either~"
Eri poked Keita's head.
"Kei-chan...why is this girl not letting you talk?"
"I think she's just hyperactive, it's cute, don't you think Eri-chan~?"
"Yes, very cute."
Keita smiled as Ryukyu walked out, and saw Keita and Eri.
"Oh my, Keita-san and Eri-san also. I am surprised. What are you doing here?"
"Ryukyu-san, I came to say thank you for what you did the other day. With helping me and Eri-chan and other things~ Himiko-chan would have come, but she said she wanted to go shopping and sends her regards."
Nejire places a hand over her mouth, releasing a small gasp.
"Wow, Ryukyu-chan~ You helped this cute boy~?"
"In a manner of speaking." Ryukyu turned back to Keita. "You didn't have to come all this way to thank me."
"I thought it would be nice if we did come and thank you directly~"
Ryukyu showed a humbling smile.
"That's kind of you. Would you like to come in for some tea?"
"Ooh tea, what do you say Eri-chan?"
"Yes Kei-chan!"
Ryukyu smiled, and allowed them entrance. Nejire's eyes overlooked Keita's form, from the top of his head, to the tips of his toes, smiling to herself.
He sat down in a pleasant looking room with different types of Dragon paintings around the room.
Nejire's finger poked Keita's cheek several times, something that he hardly noticed.
"So, how do you know Ryukyu-chan huh? You said that you needed to thank her~?"
"Nejire, please don't keep asking questions we can't answer."
Nejire shrugged, bouncing up and showed the peace sign to Keita.
"Still, I was curious that's all~"
"Curiosity killed the cat, Nejire."
Nejire stuck out her tongue as Ryukyu saw Keita drinking tea happily.
"Actually, since we can't say, then I'll say that Ryukyu-san did something really kind for me, and put her life at risk. Plus, she turns into a Dragon, that's just so amazing~ I'm kind of jealous that I can't turn into a Dragon~"
Ryukyu lightly blushed when Keita said that.
"O-Oh. I've never really heard someone be jealous of my Quirk before."
"But, they should be! Being a Dragon is amazing!"
"Yes, Ryukyu-chan is nice!"
Eri added, Ryukyu bashfully placed a hand on her face.
"Ooh my, honestly."
"I know, I also am jealous of her Quirk. All I can do is shoot out my energy~"
Nejire added, but Keita cocked his head.
"Why though? That sounds cool~"
Nejire smiled, jumping up, and floated in the air with her Quirk at her feet.
"I can fly though, that's pretty good~"
"Flying, two flying Hero's, I wish I could fly, that would be great~"
Upon hearing that, Ryukyu smiled softly.
"I could fly you anytime you wish."
Keita thrust his hands together.
"Wait, seriously?!"
"Yes, it wouldn't be a bother."
"Thank you very much-"
"Eri-chan!" Nejiire grinned, picking her up, and held her out. "Your outfits adorable! I'm so jealous~"
"Kei-chan picked it out for me."
Eri replied honestly, Nejire continued to grin.
"So, is he like your big brother?"
"Kei-chan is...he's Kei-chan,"
"Kei-chan is Kei-chan, makes sense." Nejire ran a hand through her own hair, then looked at Eri's. "Eri-chan, I can help you with hairstyles, do you want to try different ones?"
"O-Oh erm..." Her eyes went to Keita. "Kei-chan...is that okay?"
"Sure, she's quite nice isn't she Eri-chan?"
Eri nodded, so Nejire took Eri into the kitchen and placed her in front of a mirror, leaving Keita and Ryukyu alone.
"Since we're alone now...how are you feeling Keita-san?"
"Erm...to be honest, adjusting to the outside world is kind of difficult, I didn't have many interactions with people apart from my brother and the Boss...and Rapps-san at the end, positive interactions I should say, I had plenty of negative ones."
"Ooh my...I'm so sorry."
"I'm okay, please don't be sorry. But because of that...I'm not sure how to interact with ordinary people."
Ryukyu could understand that.
She stood up, walking towards Keita, and sat down beside him.
"It's understandable, but I wouldn't worry."
"Oh?"
"Yes, because you're so sweet, I'm sure you'll adjust, and if you have any questions, or things you're unsure of, then you can ask me. I'll try my best to help you."
"You've already done enough...risking your life for me. I couldn't ask for any more."
Ryukyu smiled softly.
"You're so sweet, but I really don't mind. I want to in fact. But I have a feeling that you'd get on quite well on your own, you're a smart young man."
Keita lightly blushed at her sweet kind words.
"T-Thanks...it's weird hearing compliments from people other than the Boss and my brother...still getting used to it."
"Hehe, I also am quite humble also. It seems that we have that in common."
"Hehe, yes, seems so~"
Ryukyu and Keita smiled at the other, while continuing to talk for a good while, getting to know one another better than before, and began striking up a friendship between the two of them.
About two months into the training for the U.A exam, Keita was currently jogging early in the morning. Sir Nighteye was beside him, as they both jogged quickly.
Eri was back at the house with Himiko who seemed happy enough to watch over her this early in the morning. However, something with Eri seemed to be...off. Keita wasn't sure what it was, but as time passed, her horn kept growing and she seemed to be becoming more...uncomfortable, he wasn't sure what it was.
Though there were times that she was perfectly alright.
"This light jog is quite fun."
Keita smiled out, Sir Nighteye gave a bemused look.
"If this is light, then we could pick up the pace? Have I been a bit too lenient?"
Keita chortled at Sir Nighteye's serious face, lightly poking his cheek to the surprise of the man himself.
"You're always so serious. Remember to relax once in a while~"
"Relax...I suppose that I could."
Somehow, Sir Nighteye just felt at ease with Keita around.
He wasn't as...strict as he usually was, and the more fun side of him was beginning to show itself more and more. Of course he still had a stern expression, but the more joyous times that he had with Keita, he was enjoying them very much.
As they ran around, Sir Nighteye noticed something.
Rather, he noticed someone on the beach.
Keita also noticed, seeing that it was Izuku who was practising at the early hours. Also, he was with a man that Keita didn't know. Seeing his blonde hair, and general demeanour...he felt as if he had seen this person before.
"Ooh my, it seems that he's also taking training seriously."
"So, you know that boy?"
Keita nodded.
"We met during the sludge Villain incident, I didn't think he'd be here now though." Keita's eyes went to the man with blonde hair. "Who's that guy? His hair reminds me of something..." Sir Nighteye's sweat began to drench his brow. "Hmmmm, maybe it will come to me later." Keita stuck out his hand, waving to Izuku. "Midoriya-kun! Hello!"
Izuku gasped, turning to see Keita stood there.
"K-Keita-san! W-What are you doing here?"
"Training my body for U.A entrance exams, are you doing the same?" Izuku nodded as All Might's eyes went towards Keita. "So, is he a Hero or something? I've never seen a Hero like him before though."
All Might began to panic, while Izuku chuckled awkwardly.
"H-He's a...erm...he's a..."
"Personal trainer! That's all!"
All Might called, Keita furrowing his brows.
"...That voice, it surely is familiar, the hair, the voice, the eyes..." Keita caused all three of them to become worried, Izuku winced with pain in his arms, distracting Keita from thinking about All Might. "Midoriya-kun, are you in pain by chance?"
"N-No pain, no gain as they say."
Keita walked forward, breezing past All Might and made it to Izuku.
"Even then, you shouldn't be in pain. Would you like me to fix that for you?"
"Well...y-you can?"
"If you let me touch your arms, then it shouldn't be an issue. All I have to do is put your bodies muscles back to a normal state. It shouldn't take long."
"Yes...if that's alright…?"
He looked at All Might who consented, so Keita began doing that while All Might walked over to Sir Nighteye.
"I didn't know you were here." Sir Nighteye cut him off, seeing All Might's question already building up. "I was just as surprised as you were. Though, it seems that you're going ahead with training this...individual."
"I am. But, you're also training Young Keita! I'm happy Sir Nighteye!"
"Yes...he has much potential."
All Might's eyes went towards Keita, and Izuku, seeing the pair laughing together, it seemed that they got on rather well.
"How has he been? Ever since the incident?"
"...He's told me about how he feels regarding his brother. He's said that he's also determined to make sure that Kai Chisaki doesn't do what he did to him, to anyone else. However, it seems that he's taken on taking care of Eri quite seriously, they're quite the pair."
"Yes, he's probably feeling many things about his brother right now. Still, I am glad to see that he's intending to become a Hero. And he also is friends with Young Midoriya as well! That will be a huge plus!"
"I'm sure it would be. And if he wont gain One For All, then he and Mirio will still have the advantage of being trained to the best of their abilities."
All Might nodded strongly.
"I am sure you'll make them both into great Hero's!"
"Yes...I'll do my best." His eyes went to Keita, who had just finished fixing Izuku's arms. "Keita-san, when you're ready."
"Oh, okay!" Keita waved to Izuku. "Good luck Midoriya-kun! When you need me, just call me!"
"A-Ah, okay! Also, please call me Izuku!"
"Izu...Izuku-kun! Likewise, call me Keita-kun if you want~"
With that, Keita bowed, and ran off together with Sir Nighteye.
Keita though once far enough, spoke to Sir Nighteye.
"Do you not like Izuku-kun?"
Sir Nighteye stiffened.
"W...Whatever do you mean?"
Keita gave a curious stare.
"I saw the way you looked at him, it seemed as if you were very...cold about his presence, not the looks like you give me."
"...It's complicated. I don't hate him, but I'm not fond of him either. I simply don't know him that well. But, I'm surprised you picked that up, I tried to hide that the best that I could."
"When you grow up in the Shie Hassaikai, you tend to get a good feel of people pretty quickly, and also...when someone is feeling a certain way about someone else. I also felt it with you and All Might. Though, I'm not sure why. I heard you and he were comrades, friends, Hero and Sidekick, right?"
"We were all those things."
"Then why did you feel distant from one another?"
Sir Nighteye paused, seeing a bench, so he directed Keita over there.
Sitting down, Keita looked on as Sir Nighteye exhaled.
"...You see, Keita-san. I care about All Might, immensely. He's my idol, my dream was to work beside him. But...something happened, and while I can't go into too much detail, we had a disagreement, and decided to go our separate ways. I think about it often, if there could have been anything I could have done, if I could do anything now. But, we have conflicting ideas on what should happen with the future. His vision of the future is different to my own."
Keita hummed as he listened to Sir Nighteye's words.
"...To be honest, I want to say that while I don't know what situation went down...All Might and you, should try and work things out. If my time with my brother has taught me anything...then it's to not take things for granted. Because one day, it will be gone. Like the Boss...I miss him so much, I wish I could have told him everything that I wanted to. How he helped me survive for as long as I did. How I truly appreciated him and helping me be the person I am now. I wont get that chance most likely...but, maybe you could Sir."
Sir Nighteye was blown away with the maturity that Keita had, it was a wonderful experience to see.
"Keita-san..."
"So, please consider meeting back up with All Might and working it out. I promise...it will be worth it. Even if you don't agree on everything, don't let a fight between you break down the relationship that you have. You and he don't have to agree on everything, you can still be friends, and have disagreements. Whatever it is, I'm sure that it must be hard to put aside due to how you both went your separate ways. But time is the one constant in someone's life. Time always moves us forward, things change around us. The seasons, the weather, the world. Everything changes. So, cherish the time you have with those you care for, that's what I do now, and I hope you do with All Might as well."
Hearing his words, they sounded so mature, and full of compassion.
It was wonderful, and yet…
It also made Sir Nighteye reflect on his own thoughts.
What he saw in his vision, it was true that he did have a fight with All Might, and they split.
But, it was also true that they shouldn't be apart either.
"Keita-san, you're quite mature. Perhaps, more mature than I'm being when it comes to All Might. While I...don't agree with his way of thinking, I do want to be beside All Might again."
"Then please speak to him, and get your feelings out. I wish I had that chance, I might never get that. But you still can Sir Nighteye-san."
Sir Nighteye gave a humble expression, his eyes drifting back to the place that All Might was.
"Yes...maybe you're right, Keita-san. Thank you."
Keita shook his head.
"No worries~ Though, you can just call me Keita, you know~? No need to be formal now~"
Sir Nighteye held back a smile.
It was quite pleasant to speak to someone like this, especially someone so young who despite being young, had plenty of experiences in his life already that forced him to grow up, but he kept that innocence that Sir Nighteye thought was quite wonderful, yet he still understood many things, maybe more than Sir Nighteye had given him credit for.
"Keita...then, would you like to go and sit with Izuku Midoriya for a little while?"
Keita jumped up, and saluted Sir Nighteye to his bemusement.
"Sure, lets do it Sir~"
Sir Nighteye couldn't hold back the smile creeping onto his face.
It certainly was quite infectious.
Walking back over, Keita and Izuku met again, and talked, while Sir Nighteye and All Might talked quietly, remembering the past, and also, deep inside his heart, Sir Nighteye could feel some tense feelings dissipate.
While he didn't agree about giving Izuku the Quirk, maybe Keita was right, that he shouldn't allow that to keep him separate from his idol, from his friend.
Months into the training for the U.A Entrance Exam, Keita was becoming more worried for Eri, something just didn't seem right, but he wasn't sure what it was. When he asked, she usually just kept quiet, and said that she was fine, but looking at the size of her horn and how it seemed to be increasing, Sir Nighteye said he'd look into it, and see if there was anything wrong with her.
Right now however, Keita was currently training together with Katsuki.
"Die!"
"Hehe, you always shout that~"
Keita raised a wall of earth, blocking off a high explosive shot from Keita. Katsuki looked stunned for a few moments when she saw that the explosion had only managed to crack the stone while before it could shatter it.
It seemed that Keita was getting used to using his Quirk, and thanks to Sir Nighteye, he was making use of the full power of his Quirk. Rather than simply moving the ground, he was beginning to learn how to make it more durable, stronger, among other things of that nature.
He even had a new way to use his Quirk as well.
"Have this!"
Keita grabbed a piece of the earth, using his Quirk to separate it from the ground, and then launched it towards Katsuki as a high speed projectile, using the ground as if it was a catapult, a makeshift one that could be brought back down and then shot forward at high speeds.
Though it was a stone, the way Keita managed to throw it with surprising strength, and how it had changed shape into a more damaging shot, she didn't have a choice but to use her explosions to destroy it before it could reach her body.
"Shit Keita, that's pretty fast."
"Hehe, I thought that if I can move the earth, why couldn't I move it to catapult objects at high speeds? Imagine if I did that to you Kacchan~? Shoot you toward the opponent, then you'd get in close and explode them~"
Katsuki slowly nodded, rotating her shoulder.
"It's a good idea. But, lets stop for now. We've been going for like...three hours."
Katsuki finished off, glancing at the time on her phone.
"Good idea~ I'm parched~"
Keita walked over to his gym bag he brought, and pulled out a water bottle.
Katsuki watched as he drunk water, sweat glistening his face, her eyes slowly going down his body, before shaking her head, and took a drink of her own.
Then she looked at her phone, and saw she got a message from her Mother.
[Katsuki, you should bring your boyfriend to meet us. You aren't embarrassed, are you?]
Katsuki scowled.
She had gotten many of these from her Mother.
Since she had to explained where she was, though she didn't use the word 'boyfriend' her Mother took that to mean she
"...By the way, Keita. Want to come over to my house?"
Keita turned towards her curiously.
"Your house huh? I'd love too~"
Katsuki was happy, but also not happy at the same time.
"...Great. I must warn you, my Mother will be there."
"And that's a bad thing?"
Katsuki sighed deeply, knowing how her Mother could be.
"Lets just say that she can be annoying. So, what do you say?"
"Sure, I don't mind at all Kacchan. She can't be that bad, right?"
"...Just wait for it."
Keita curiously wondered what Katsuki was truly thinking.
"Oooh~" An older woman that looked very much like Katsuki cooed as soon as Keita entered the home of the Bakugo family, placing a hand on her chest. "So, you're the mystery man that's captured our Katsuki's heart~"
"Mystery man…?"
Keita murmured to Katsuki who scowled.
"Mom, shut up."
Katsuki's Mother exclaimed "Oh hush you~" and lightly tapped Katsuki's head to her annoyance.
"I'm so happy to finally meet Katsuki's boyfriend~"
"He's not my boyfriend you hag!"
"Don't call your own Mother a hag Katsuki!"
"I'll call you what I want, hag!"
"You'll be grounded if you call me that again!"
Keita gave intrigued eyes, glancing towards the male in the room, who looked on with slight fear in his eyes.
"Nice to meet you, Father of Kacchan~ My name is Keita Chisaki, please call me Keita~"
"Y-Yes...nice to meet you...my name is Masaru Bakugo...please, call me Masaru-"
"And my name is Mitsuki! Can I call you Keita-kun? You can call me Mitsuki." Mitsuki spoke over her husband, leaning in closer to Keita who simply nodded. "My, you are quite cute~ I can see what Katsuki sees in you. Though I have to ask, my daughters wild antics...I know she can come off as very aggressive..."
"I am right here Mother! Shut up!"
"Katsuki!" Katsuki antagonistically growled at her Mother who did the same thing. "I'm just making sure that this boy is ready to handle you!"
"Ooh, I can handle Kacchan quite well~ Whenever she's angry, I usually just hug her, and she calms down~ Though she's also quite cute with her angry kitten ways~"
Mitsuki nodded strongly.
"That's good Keita-kun. The secret to Katsuki is to make sure that she has a counterbalance. She's very passionate, but she needs someone to be there for her in case she gets too wild. You know what I mean?"
Katsuki wasn't thrilled about this, and just glared on at her Mother.
"I think I get it. But I think that passion of Kacchan's is very endearing~"
"Awww, yes it is~" Katsuki watched as Mitsuki placed a hand on Keita's back. "Come on, don't be shy now. We're about to have dinner."
"Ooh dinner, could I help with anything? I love to cook!"
"Ooh, is that so? Then if you'd like, come and help me cook~"
"You're being too nice old woman. What's going on?"
Mitsuki scowled at her daughter, leaning closer to whisper.
"I'm making sure you don't scare this boy off. He's cute, and he's willingly here."
"Grrr..."
Growling at the older woman, Mitsuki dragged Keita off to the kitchen who was in his element. Almost immediately, he walked over to the food that was cooking, and began taste testing and mixing herbs, among other things, after asking permission to do so.
Mitsuki watched as he quickly messed around with the food, it seemed as if he knew what he was doing.
"You know Katsuki, if he's as good in the kitchen as he is in other areas of the house, then he'd be quite the catch~ I wouldn't let go of this boy Katsuki~"
Mitsuki giggled to her daughter.
"That's my plan, isn't it?"
Mitsuki looked mildly surprised.
"My, so you do like this boy then?"
"If I do or don't, it's not your business Mother!"
"It is my business when your potential boyfriend is in my kitchen!"
Mitsuki and Katsuki scowled at one another, as Masaru looked on from the side, unable to come between his wife and child.
Keita turned to Mitsuki after about ten minutes.
"Here, taste this Mitsuki-san."
Mitsuki walked over to the food, and took a sip of the flavoured juice.
When she did...her face erupted with delight.
"Ooh my God, this tastes amazing Keita-kun. How did you bring out these flavours?"
"Well, it was just some stuff I found in your cupboard. I'd happily give you the details."
"Ooh, you're too kind~" Mitsuki walked back to her daughter, grabbing her shoulder with a sly smile. "Never let this boy go Katsuki. He can cook, he's polite, and also cute. It's a great combination~ It almost reminds me of my husband."
"Difference is though, Keita isn't a coward like Dad."
Masaru cried a little bit, while Mitsuki sighed.
"But I love your Father anyway. So, remember Katsuki, keep with this boy."
"As I said, that's my plan."
Mitsuki looked dreamily at her daughter then towards Keita.
She was quite happy right now.
Soon, dinner rolled on by, and the Bakugo family, plus Keita began to eat the food. Masaru saw that Katsuki was sat next to Keita, and just stared at him while he spoke with Mitsuki on many different topics.
Though when the subject of family came up…
"You know, I should meet your parents sometime, it would be nice to get to know my daughters boyfriends family~"
"I don't have any parents."
Keita replied in a matter of fact way, but Mitsuki looked as if she had said something devastating.
"Oh...I'm sorry dear."
Keita placed his hands up, and waved them side to side.
"Oh no, please don't worry. I've not had them for many years now, you didn't know. Besides, I'm alright without them, I have...other people around me now. And Kacchan is one of them~ I call her my angry kitten though. She might have a fiery nature, but deep inside, she's got the heart of a kitten, playful and wanting to learn and grow more~"
"Hehe, yes that does sound actually like Katsuki quite a bit."
"Even you Mom?! Seriously!"
Katsuki huffed, and turned towards Keita who continued to smile towards her.
"Seriously, I did yes~" Mitsuki smiled, as she took another bite out of the food. "Damn, this is delicious. Do you want to come every night and make food? I'll pay you~"
"Is it that good? I thought it was alright at best."
Keita replied honestly, only to see Mitsuki looking bewildered.
"That's not true at all. It's amazing Keita-kun~ Where did you learn to cook?"
"I learned from television and cook books mostly."
Mitsuki nodded with an "I see." then recalled something Katsuki told her.
"Katsuki mentioned, you're also going to U.A?"
"That's the dream!" Keita took Katsuki's hand, and raised it into the air to Mitsuki's bemusement and Masaru's fear that Katsuki would explode. But to his surprise, she looked relatively calm, albeit slightly annoyed. "Kacchan and I are going to have a bet to see who can get more points~ Apparently, we're going to be doing something to earn points by fighting something. Though there are conflicting information and Sir Nighteye-san is hiding it from me~ He said it should be a surprise, as Hero's are often thrown into surprising situations. Though, I forgive him since he's probably right. I do like challenges and surprises, as life wouldn't be fun if you weren't surprised once in a while. A good surprise mind you."
Mitsuki's bottom lip trembled, and gently hugged Keita.
"You are so precious~ Please tell me you're dating my daughter!"
"Mom shut up now! Don't rush us into anything!"
"I'm securing your future Katsuki!"
"I can secure it myself! I don't need your assistance!"
The pair glare at one another once more, while Keita glances at Masaru, seeing him cowering away.
"Are you okay Masaru-san?"
"Y-Yeah...I'm fine."
Keita cocked his head as the women huffed, turning away from one another.
The meal continued on for a good while after.
Mitsuki though noticed after a few minutes, Katsuki slid a hand under the table, as did Keita.
Taking a chance to look, she saw the pair holding one another's hands and held slight redness on their cheeks, only affirming in her mind that they were together, or at least in a good stage of becoming a couple.
Once finishing dinner, Mitsuki turned to her daughter.
"Katsuki, go and wash up."
"Keita's here, you do it."
"Don't disobey your Mother."
Katsuki stared harshly at her Mother, but sighed, and just did it, so Mitsuki wouldn't bother her.
Once she was far away enough for Mitsuki to have a private conversation with Keita, she did so.
"Keita-kun, can I say that Katsuki really has taken a shine to you."
"Aah yes, she really has."
Masaru added, Keita tilted his head.
"Kacchan and I get along quite well. I quite like her~"
"Yes...but, I've seen that when she's with you...she seems really happy, even when you're not here, she seems more happy than she was before she met you. As you can see, she's got a bit of a temper sometimes, but she's calm with you and will listen to you. I can't imagine where she got it from honestly."
Keita glances towards Masaru, sharing a knowing look with him.
"No, can't imagine."
Mitsuki gave a delightful smile.
"So, will you be there for Katsuki? I know I'm asking a bit from you...but, I know Katsuki will become a great Hero, what I said before about counterbalance, it will turn her from a great Hero into an amazing Hero."
"I understand, you're worried about Kacchan, I promise I'll be there for Kacchan like she has been with me~"
Mitsuki's bottom lip trembled once more, and she hugged him. Keita's face though was buried in the crook of her neck.
"You're just so sweet, I'm so happy~"
Katsuki, not having heard the conversation, but could see where Keita's head was. From the way she saw it, it seemed as if his head was planted within her Mother's chest.
"GET OFF HIM!"
An explosion erupted within the sink, causing all the water to fly out, and douse all of them.
"KATSUKI! YOU BETTER NOT HAVE DESTROYED MY PLATES!"
"EVEN IF I HAVE, DON'T HUG HIM INTO YOUR CHEST AGAIN!"
"HE WASN'T! HE WAS AT MY NECK IF YOU MUST KNOW!"
"GOOD! KEEP IT THAT WAY!"
Keita and Masaru looked down at their drenched clothing, then towards one another, before beginning to laugh, seeing how Mother like daughter they truly were, though for the pair, it seemed they wouldn't change them for the world, seemingly loving their fiery natures.
When returning back home, Keita saw that Eri was being cradled by Himiko on the couch, and she had a red face, almost as if she had a fever, while Sir Nighteye was checking her over.
"Eri-chan!"
"Kei-chan, I don't know what's wrong with her. She suddenly just collapsed as we were playing. I was about to call you when you came in."
"Okay...thanks Himiko-chan." He bent down to the little girl, placing a hand on her forehead.. "Eri-chan, it's alright, I'm here now."
"Kei-chan...I don't...I don't feel well Kei-chan..."
"It's okay, we'll take care of you." Keita turned to Sir Nighteye who overlooked her. "What's happening with her? This isn't a simple fever. I know she's been acting different lately...but, this is something else."
Sir Nighteye placed a hand to his chin.
"I'm not sure, but seeing her horn, I'd have to guess that it is something to do with her Quirk. I've been researching it of course, but since it's a Quirk I've not seen in action, I can't really say much beyond it's clearly getting stronger as time goes by."
"Her Quirk..."
Keita saw the expression on her face.
She looked to be in pain.
He wondered how long she had kept this to herself.
"That's right, perhaps it's growing to a point that she can't control. We should try and stop it somehow. Erasure should do the trick, I'll have to..." Sir Nighteye watched as Keita placed a hand on top of her head. "Keita, what are you doing?"
"I'm helping her. If I can. I studied big brothers Kai's notes quite a bit, and if this is Eri-chan's Quirk...there might be a way for me to bring her back to normal...I just need to be careful..."
Keita used his Quirk on Eri, as gently as he could.
He didn't harm her a single bit.
Eri's laboured breathing began to slowly stop.
She was breathing a bit easier after Keita worked his Quirk on her for over a minute of work.
Once he was done, Sir Nighteye saw the length of her horn going down slowly.
"How did you..."
"My brother, he theorized that her body could be brought back to normal with his Quirk. I can't replicate his Quirk like that, but I can do something similar to the effect that it would restore Eri-chan here, and it seems to have worked." He looked at his hand, and felt the repercussions of using his Quirk. "Still, that was quite difficult." He peered into the girls eyes as she peered at him. "How are you feeling Eri-chan?"
"I feel...I feel better Kei-chan, but, I'm tired too..."
"Come on, lets get you to bed."
Eri consented, Keita brought her to her room, placed her down onto the bed, and tucked her in, as Sir Nighteye went on the phone.
Keita bent down towards Eri, and held onto her hand.
"Eri-chan, how long haven't you been feeling well?"
"I-It's...been getting bad for a few days..."
"Eri-chan, why didn't you say anything? You know you can tell me anything."
"I...I didn't want to worry Kei-chan..."
Keita clutched her small hand as gently as he could, giving it light strokes with his fingers.
"You don't have to worry about worrying me. I don't want you to end up like this Eri-chan, you can tell me anything. Even if you're in pain, I'll make it go away. I'll do anything to see you smile." Eri's small lips curled upwards, as Keita poked her nose. "Yup, that smile right there~"
"Hehe Kei-chan, you're silly~"
"Haha, I don't mind being silly~ As long as you're safe, that's all I care about~"
He spoke in kindness, but he saw that Eri's face became a little sadder than usual.
"Kei-chan...I'm sorry I didn't tell you..."
"Now, don't feel sorry. It's in the past now. I'm just glad you're feeling better."
Eri's small hand held onto Keita's thumb.
"Kei-chan...thank you."
"Now you rest Eri-chan, I'll be right here if you need me."
Eri gave a thankful smile, continuing to hold onto his hand, as she drifted off to sleep.
As she fell asleep, Himiko walked into the room, silently sitting down beside Keita, and held onto his hand.
"Kei-chan, this isn't my fault, is it? I didn't push her too hard with playing, did I?"
"No, it's nothing anyone did. It's just her Quirk that went against her, that's all. Her Quirk seems to be the type that gathers power, and has an adverse affect on her body. Maybe she needs to find ways to release it carefully, though I'm not sure how she'd do that yet."
"I guess...still, I'm sorry that it happened Kei-chan."
Keita could see that it had bothered her more than he thought it would. It showed that she had grown an attachment to the young girl, something that Keita thought was very sweet and endearing to have.
"Don't worry about that now, she's going to be alright."
Keita assured her, wanting to relieve her of her worries.
"Still...Kei-chan, you said that I could be a Hero...but, I couldn't do anything to help Eri-chan..."
Keita faced Himiko, placing a hand on top of her head, and gently petted it.
"No, please don't say that Himiko-chan. Nothing that happened with Eri-chan is your fault. You were there for her, sometimes that's all that's needed."
"Kei-chan...thank you Kei-chan."
Himiko groaned, allowing her head to rest on his shoulder, watching over Eri with worry on her face. Keita thought that it was rather good that Himiko showed more concern for people as time passed, showing that she was building true connections with people.
Once Sir Nighteye was finished, he walked over to Keita who overlooked the girl, sitting by her bedside as she slept.
"I've called for a doctor to come and check over her. But, it seems that you managed to do the trick."
"I hope so. Though because she's young...she'll not be able to control it properly, right?"
"Due to her young age, she's having difficulty in controlling it yes. I'd say we should help train her...but, she's still too young to truly begin doing that, at least safely."
Keita's eyes went towards the small girl, and placed a hand on his chest.
"No matter what, I'll make sure that she's safe. The Boss...left her under my care, after all."
"Yes...we'll make sure that she's safe. Though for the time being, it does seem that she's slowly coming down with her fever. Lets try to make sure it doesn't go up like that again."
Keita nodded, his eyes never leaving Eri's body.
He watched her, making sure that she was truly okay.
Thankfully, the doctor came, did some tests once taking her to hospital, and found that she had a small fever, but thanks to Keita, she had returned back to normal, and was recovering.
Even though she was, Keita hoped nothing like that would happen to her, wanting her to have the best life.
As the months flew by, thankfully Eri hadn't had another episode like she did the last time. Though Keita could see that her horn kept growing, but it was dealt with so she wouldn't go out of control with her Quirk, though for right now, they thought it was best to monitor Eri, and make sure she didn't feel unwell because of her Quirk.
During that time, Keita was getting stronger, and was training to become a stronger person for the exams. By training with Sir Nighteye, he had many bases covered, learning more about his Quirk, and right now, Keita was currently training together with Mirio under the watchful eye of Sir Nighteye.
Eri and Himiko sat off to the side, watching the pair doing sit ups, pull ups, and other physical training to make them stronger. Keita thought that Himiko might have made a decision about U.A, but she seemed to be staying unusually quiet. He wouldn't force her to make a decision, he allowed her the time that she needed to make that decision.
The area they were in was a wide open field. There were no people for as far as the eye could see, which was for the best. Keita could use his Quirk more freely in the open, and also, Mirio could use his own and if...something happened to his clothes, then he wouldn't embarrass others, besides those around, but they mostly didn't care about it.
"Say Mirio-san. May I ask you something?"
"Of course! What is it?"
"School, what is it like exactly?"
Mirio cocked his eyebrows up.
"You've never been?"
Keita shook his head several times.
"No, I can't remember going to school. Is it good? I know that everyone goes to learn different things, subjects needed for the real world, and a Hero school does the heroic training as well. Right now, Sir Nighteye does my home schooling, he said it would be better until reaching U.A, to prepare for life when that comes about, which I totally get. I don't think I'd be ready back then to sit in with a bunch of others~ But, what about interacting between people? Is there some kind of special way to do it?"
"Haha, not really. Just be you, I'm sure people would like you~"
Keita cocked his head curiously.
"Just be me huh? I guess that's all I can do~"
Mirio chortled.
"I'm sure you'll do great! Now, race me Keita-kun!"
"Aah yes! But if your clothes come off, please make sure Eri-chan can't see you~ It would be frightening for her~"
"Hehehe, I didn't mean to do it that time! I am sorry about that!"
Keita waved his hand.
"It's fine, Eri-chan thankfully didn't see anything that could scar her~"
Mirio chortled, as they began having a race with Keita himself, bonding more and more.
As Keita and Mirio spoke and trained together, Sir Nighteye walked over to Himiko, sitting down beside her.
"Tell me, what are you going to do now?"
"Hmmm? Isn't it a bit late to ask me that?"
"Every time I ask, you dodge the question."
Himiko rocked back and forth, watching Keita and Mirio train together.
"That's because I don't have an answer for you."
"Then, tell me something else." Himiko nodded for him to continue. "I researched about you, before I mean. Himiko Toga, the girl that was living a relatively normal life before leaving your parents home. May I ask, why did you leave?"
"They were oppressive towards me. I wasn't able to be who I was, it was crushing me. Kei-chan understands me completely, he doesn't shy away from anything I am. He accepts me for who I am, and wants to help me express myself. He also wants me to live together with you guys, so I can have a good life."
"I see. So in a sense, he put you on this path. If you hadn't of met him, what do you think you'd be doing now?"
"I probably would be a Villain at this point."
She replied honestly, surprising Sir Nighteye at how casual she said it.
"Then it's a good thing you met him."
"Of course~ One day, Kei-chan and I are going to...ehehehe! Don't worry about that Sir Nighteye~"
Himiko giggled like a school girl, unable to contain her happiness.
"...Then I wont. But I do think that you'd have a future at being a Hero."
"There's no Hero's that sucks blood from other people."
"Maybe, maybe not. But, that's just your Quirk, it isn't something you chose for yourself. Besides, your Quirk would make a great Hero's Quirk. Being able to transform into anyone you want once getting their blood, you'd be able to even use allies blood to scare Villains, or distract them as part of a team. And Keita has told me that you have amazing athletic capabilities. But, I'd understand if you don't want to be a Hero."
"...You haven't told my parents where I am, have you? Not that they'd care anyway."
"The police explained about you back when we first rescued you, but they remained..."
"They didn't want to know, I get it. Well, that doesn't matter, I have Kei-chan now~"
Though she said it, Sir Nighteye could see that she looked distant.
"Indeed...you do have Keita. I'll also be here, if you ever want to talk."
"That's fine, I'll talk to Kei-chan about it."
"I see. Then, think about what I said at least. Hero's don't have to be the strongest, to be Hero's. Just look at me, I'm not the strongest either."
"Hehe, if I became a Hero, I'd want to be with Kei-chan and his team~ He's the one that treats me...like I am. He doesn't...shy away from anything about me. It's, so delightful to meet someone so open minded, you know? Someone that doesn't judge others and tries to help people that might even be considered bad. But, even Kei-chan knows there's limits...aah, Kei-chan being a Hero...would be amazingly cute~ I'd be beside him and we'd be happy together~"
Himiko's words made Sir Nighteye wonder what she was going to do next.
Whatever it was, he hoped that she'd have the right mind for it.
Sometime later, as Keita and Mirio trained together, the ground suddenly began to shake as a figure shot into the training area.
Keita's eyes shot for the figure, and saw standing there, Mirko with her hands on her hips.
"Mirko-san! It's been ages!"
"Bunny girls back!"
Eri cheered after Keita, Himiko showed a wild expression.
"Hehehe, it seems that bunny rabbit has appeared again~ How sweet~"
Mirko briefly glanced at Himiko, seeing her waving, giving the girl an odd stare, before turning back to Keita and Mirio.
"So, you boys are training, are you?"
"That's right Mirko-san!"
Mirio exclaimed while Keita showed a kind smile.
"What are you doing here Mirko-san? Come for a challenge maybe~?"
"You're funny boy. But you're right, I came for a challenge. Well, that and to see... see if anything has happened."
Understanding what she was alluding too, Keita shook his head.
"Besides training, it's been pretty quiet around here."
"Good, then show me what you've got. Both of you."
Keita and Mirio looked at one another.
But Mirko didn't stop and raised her voice.
"Did I stutter? Come on, lets see what you've got!"
Mirko said wildly, so Keita stepped forward.
"Okay Mirko-san!"
"That's the spirit boy! I knew you had it in you! Then, come at me!"
Keita immediately placed his hand on the ground, causing it to erupt into three pillars. Mirko smirked, lunging forward, shattering the first with her foot, but the second threatened to tie her down, so in a single bounce, she leapt into the air.
But Keita's pillars followed her, then Mirio smiled.
"Alright then Keita-kun! I'll use your pillars as an exit point!"
Mirio slid into Keita's pillar by using his Quirk.
While Mirko dealt with the second one coming for her, the third one snaked around to her back to catch her off guard.
"Have that Mirko-san!"
Mirko spun around, and delivered a devastating kick towards the pillar before her, she noticed that it was tougher than it would be as normal rock, indicating that Keita had indeed been training with his Quirk, and had begun making stuff stronger than before.
"Interesting! Still, it wont be enough for me!"
Mirko smirked out, knowing that she was being attacked from behind.
She turned though, and saw Mirio being ejected out of the pillar, his fist swinging for her upper body.
His speed was dazzling, but she managed to raise her leg to block it.
Only for his fist to go through her, flipping through her body with his Quirk, and saw another pillar to slide into, thick enough for his entire body.
Mirko who was in the middle of returning to the ground, saw more and more pillars raising around her, almost like a cage.
"So, that's your plan, is it? So he pops out of the pillars, and then attacks from any angle at any moment. I must say that it's pretty smart."
"Yup! And Mirio-san didn't even have to get naked!"
Sir Nighteye closed his eyes and held back a chortle, Himiko giggled and Eri cocked her head cutely.
"Yeah, I don't know what that's about, but I'm glad he isn't getting naked either. Though if it was you..."
"Huh?"
Mirko just showed her smile, seeing Mirio shooting out of the pillar, forcing her to duck, so he slid into another one, shooting out of it seconds later, forcing Mirko to block with her leg, but he went through her once more, spinning and watched as he came at her again and again.
Each time, the rabbit Hero managed to fend off Mirio's attack, until the last one where Mirio changed tactics, and shot through the ground, and came back up slamming his fist into her crossed arms, propelling her upwards.
As she was, Keita's pillars came shooting down towards her.
Mirko twirled around, and combated them head on.
Swinging her leg as fast as she could, she attacked the earth pillars, and the pairs attacks created a shock wave in the air. It was so strong that the trees around the area began shaking from the impact of their attacks.
Mirko's strength though broke through Keita's pillars, allowing her to use them as a stepping stone.
Or so she thought.
The moment she went to jump from it, she saw that from the pillar, another section of it came shooting out for her upper body.
"You have gotten better kid! That speed of yours has increased!"
"It's all thanks to Sir Nighteye-sans training!"
Mirko chortled, leaping over the pillar, and came down at Keita with high speed. Landing on the ground, a shock wave erupted forward, breaking a good chunk of the ground around them, then she came at Keita with her leg swinging.
"Don't worry, I wont put too much into this! Wouldn't want to hurt that adorable face of yours!"
Mirko offered, but Keita continued to smile, something that confused her.
To her surprise though, as her leg came at him, his body bent backwards, narrowly avoiding the kick, his fingers touching the ground, forcing it to erupt into a bind to capture Mirko.
Mirko brought up her leg, shattering it with a single kick, only to see the ground below her single foot on the ground began sinking in, threatening to swallow her foot as if she was standing on quicksand or something akin to that.
Slamming her foot down, she used that to bounce upwards, only to see that Mirio came down at her from the ceiling, seeing that while Keita was dealing with her, he also created a lump of the earth for Mirio to eject out of.
Sir Nighteye smiled at the sight of them working together so well.
"Amazing, their Quirks combined together, their excellent teamwork and trust built up is paying off. Even All Might would be taken off guard by a combination like that. Though, they still have a good way to go, eventually I'm sure that they'd work together to be able to accomplish many tasks."
Mirko on the other hand looked surprised as Mirio got in close, thrusting a number of fists for her body. Mirko who was in mid air, raised her leg to block each strike that she could, forcing Mirio to permeate through her, and wait for an opportunity to strike.
That opportunity came as she neared the ground, slamming his right fist against her leg, the colliding attacks combined with Keita's earth moving in front of her, catching her up in an attack, sent the young woman flying backwards.
However, she flipped, landing on the ground in a perfect bounce.
"Good, you're getting better!" Mirko hopped over, landing beside Keita, placing a hand on his shoulder. "Both of you are getting stronger, maybe I'll teach you a few of my skills, how about it?"
Keita thanked her for the praise, and was quite happy to see Mirko again.
"Thank you very much Mirko-san!"
Mirko smirked, and spent sometime together with Keita and the others.
Usually, she liked moving on quickly.
But, she kept finding reasons to come back to this place.
The place that Keita was in.
She wasn't fully aware why...no, maybe she did know, and if that was the reason...she was content with that.
The night before the entrance exam, Keita laid in his bed, thinking about what tomorrow would bring. The months seemed to fly on by, and now that he had the ending of his first goal insight, getting into U.A, he was happy.
It was the first time in a long time he could say that.
Being happy, he thought it would be a dream until he finally escaped.
While laying back in his bed, Himiko came into the room, dressing in nothing but a revealing nightgown.
Though he had gotten used to her doing it, he couldn't help but blush at the sight before him.
"Kei-chan, tomorrows the big day, isn't it?"
"Yeah, I'll be going to U.A. I'm sorry that you didn't want to come with me in the end. I thought you'd be a great Hero."
"Really Kei-chan?"
Himiko hopped onto the bed, getting on top of Keita, and allowed her hips to fall down onto his own. His blush intensified seeing how cute Himiko truly was as she straddled him like she was, her fingers soothingly went over his exposed torso.
"I thought you would have been. You could have been a Hero that inspired others that didn't think they could be a Hero, or to show people that they could be their true selves in positive ways."
Himiko giggled lightly.
"I actually put in an application a few months ago."
"Y-You did? You never said."
Himiko nodded, continuing with an unsure face.
"But, I don't know what to do Kei-chan. Tell me. You've been guiding me Kei-chan, helping me make decisions."
"This is a decision I can't help you with."
Himiko bit her lower lip, slight anxiety passing through her eyes.
"...But..."
"It's your life, Himiko-chan. I can't decide what's best or isn't best for you. If you decided to become a Hero, then I'd support you, and if you didn't, I'd also support you. I can't tell you what's the best for you. But I do remember when Eri-chan was in trouble, that you kept her safe. And fought off the Yakuza. She told me about it."
"...I guess I did."
"That sounds pretty heroic to me Himiko-chan."
Himiko lightly laughed.
She began thinking about the ups and downs.
What she could gain and what she could lose.
Ultimately though, she remembered the situation they were in a few months ago, with Kai Chisaki keeping them captive. Keita, who had been there for years, still wanted to help people. Even when the world seemed to be unable to hear his voice for help.
Then he took a huge risk to protect Eri, and her.
He almost sacrificed himself for them to allow them enough time to escape.
In her eyes, that was what a Hero should be.
"...Seeing you with Eri-chan Kei-chan, it makes me feel a certain kind of way. A way where I feel...good inside. And when seeing Kei-chan doing so much for others, I don't know if I could be like that. I just wanna live my own kind of life~"
"Yes, that's what you should be able to do Himiko-chan. Live your own kind of life, and whatever that is, I'll support you."
Those words caused warmth to spread in her chest.
She wasn't sure if she could become a Hero.
She wasn't even sure if she should try.
But, seeing the confidence that he had in her, the way that he'd support her.
It made her believe that she could do anything.
"Kei-chan...if I did want to become one, would you help me?"
"Yes, I'd help you."
"Even if I'm inconvenient sometimes?"
"Hehe, yes, even if you're inconvenient, but I don't think you'd be Himiko-chan."
Himiko giggled, leaning down, and kissed Keita on the cheek, causing a small blush to spread healthily on his face.
"There, been wanting to do that for a while now. Though, I'd prefer on the lips. I will capture those lips for myself. The day we get into U.A Kei-chan, how about it? Or, maybe the day we become Hero's...nah, that's too long~ I'm not waiting like three years for a kiss~ And even if it doesn't work out, I could always just transfer to another course or something. It doesn't mean I have to be one...it just means that I can at least see if it suits me."
Keita couldn't help but smile.
It seemed that Himiko had made a decision.
He was glad that she had made it for herself.
"Yes, give it a try, and if it isn't for you...so what? It's not for everyone, and there are plenty of ways to live in this world. Being a Hero is just one of them."
"Hehehe! You're right Kei-chan! I'll believe in Kei-chan! Then I guess it's decided huh~? Tomorrow, lets whip those guys in the Entrance Exam!"
"Right, lets do our best Himiko-chan."
Himiko collapsed into his arms, embraced him as tightly as she could, and drifted off to sleep, her mind being at ease now that she came to that decision.
She wasn't sure if it was for her.
But she wouldn't know unless she tried, so that's what she was going to do.
With Keita by her side, she believed she could do anything she put her mind too.
End chapter!
So, this chapter was Keita's life after Kai Chisaki, how he begins interacting with more people while also worrying about Eri, and her growing power, though fortunately, he managed to put a stop on her by using his Quirk. He also met up with Ryukyu, and also met Nejire for the first time! Seems he and Ryukyu began to bond, and Nejire will also more in the future.
He and Katsuki met back up, and have spent a good deal of time together, even meeting her parents. Mirko showed up to have a spar with Keita, and Mirio, she's been showing up sporadically in Keita's life. Sir Nighteye and Keita both spoke to Himiko, wondering if she wanted to become a Hero, and by the end of it, she did seem to want to become one, her own blend of Heroism. Keita and Sir Nighteye also have been bonding, even Keita telling Sir Nighteye about his regrets at not being able to see the Boss anymore, and how he shouldn't lose what time he does have with All Might, wanting them to patch things up.
Well, until next time where we'll do the entrance exam, and see some new and returning characters, thanks for reading!
Keita; Katsuki (fem), Mirko, Momo, Himiko, Shoto (fem), Itsuka, Camie, Tsuyu, Nejire, Ryukyu, Pony, Ibara,