Autumn…
He had made it home to the hues of dying trees, dressed in many colors; to the cold breezes that whistled outside. After months of working, Tenshi could take a well-deserved break.
Making his way through the terminal, he couldn't help but hear the TV with the sounds of helicopters and stares of all as they looked upon the destruction of the area.
"Breaking news; Villain Overhaul defeated by Pro Heroes Operation," the news anchor announced. "In a stunning victory, the Pro Heroes' operation managed to take down the notorious villain Overhaul, but his police transport was being attacked by the League of Villans. However, the villain wasn't set free, rather his hands have been removed by the League. The apparent cause we aren't sure, but we will provide more updates as we work on the story"
He could hardly be surprised that the villains were fighting each other, but he had rumors of Overhaul's operations in the black market. But then he saw the footage of the attack on the prison transport, and his interest grew even more. He had heard of the League of Villains before, but he had never imagined they could pull off such a daring attack. It was a bold move, and Tenshi couldn't help but feel a twinge of admiration for their audacity.
These past few months have been filled with lots of changes and surprises, and he couldn't wait to go back to doing fieldwork; the perk of owning your agency was the operations.
"I should start the first step by learning all about this League, but; I'll leave that to more experienced pro-heroes." Shrugging his shoulders, Tenshi grabbed his baggage and headed home; he had more pressing matters. But he made a mental note to keep a closer eye on the League of Villains in the future. They were a force to be reckoned with, and he needed to be prepared for whatever they might do next.
He hailed a taxi and gave the driver his address, a condo in Toky, settling back into the seat and letting out a deep sigh of relaxation. He couldn't wait to be back in his own home, surrounded by familiar comforts and the peace of his own space and peace in quiet.
The news replaying in his head, there was a boy with green hair and he was glowing; Tenshi couldn't place it. He felt like he should have known who the boy was, but it wasn't clicking at the moment.
"Excuse me, driver," Tenshi raised from the back of his seat, "Have you seen the news lately on this Overhaul guy?"
"Yeah. The pro-heroes handled it nicely." The driver responded without even acknowledging him.
That didn't answer the question Tenshi needed, "What about the boy in green? Fighting the villain who is he?" Hoping the driver would be well informed considering his occupation.
"Oh, him. I think he is a student from UA High; strangely, he was the one that was mainly fighting before the broadcast got cut short. I think his name was Midoriya or something like that; can't remember all that much nowadays. But, kids nowadays are so relentless and reckless it's dangerous to imagine what unchecked quirks can do." The driver said matter of factly.
"That's why he's at UA, then right?" Tenshi couldn't let him just speak down about the boy, but it's not like I have much care in how someone used their quirk; as long as no one got hurt.
"You're right about that much." Tenshi agrees with the driver, the older man now fully spilling off into a tangent about better times when they didn't have so many crazy kids with dangerous quirks for the rest of the ride.
"Thank you for the ride and you make it home safe tonight," He waved off to the older man, having paid the fare and a little extra for the conversation.
Now he stood in front of the large complex, it was a luxury and privilege that Tenshi had worked hard to attain. He couldn't help but feel a sense of pride as he looked up at the sleek, modern design of the condo building. It symbolized his success and a place where he could truly relax and unwind. Also, the benefits of having wealthy parents and being a successful pro-hero at only 20 years old.
Entering the building, Tenshi greeted the doorman with a friendly smile before making his way to the elevator. As he ascended to his floor, he couldn't help but let his mind wander back to the news he had heard earlier.
Midoriya, the boy with green hair. There was something about him that intrigued Tenshi, but he couldn't quite put his finger on it. He made a mental note to do some research later, to satisfy his curiosity.
Stepping out of the elevator, Tenshi walked down the hallway, the sound of his footsteps echoing softly. He took out his keycard and slid it into the lock, hearing a satisfying beep as the door unlocked. Pushing the door open, he stepped into his condo, greeted by the familiar scent and ambiance of his home.
The condo was spacious, with floor-to-ceiling windows that allowed natural light to flood in and offer stunning views of the city. Tenshi decorated it with modern furnishings and minimalist touches, creating a serene atmosphere.
He kicked off his shoes and walked over to the floor-to-ceiling windows, gazing out at the city below. The lights twinkled in the distance, and Tenshi felt a sense of calm wash over him. This was his sanctuary, his refuge from the chaos of the outside world.
Tenshi turned around, a surprised look on his face, as Neijere walked into his apartment. Her vibrant personality filled the room, bringing a burst of energy with her.
"Neijere, what are you doing here?" he asked, a hint of a smile forming on his lips.
She grinned mischievously. "I couldn't resist visiting my favorite pro-hero. Plus, the UA dorms can get a bit suffocating sometimes, you know?"
Tenshi chuckled the girl's enthusiasm was contagious, and he realized that he had indeed given her a spare key to his place. Neijere had always been an unpredictable and lively presence in his life, and he couldn't help but appreciate her spontaneity.
"Well, I'm glad you're here. But it's going to be completely dark soon; you sure you're okay being out so late?"
"I'll be fine Tenshi. I just wanted to come see you, soon as you made it back." Her eyes landed on him, you've been growing your hair out too.
Rubbing his hair, "Yeah; you noticed?"
"It looks good on you," Neijere gave him a thumbs up with her signature smile.
"Care to enjoy the view with me then?", gesturing for her to join him by the windows.
Neijere walked over and stood beside him, her eyes sparkling with excitement. Together, they looked out at the city skyline, the Sun was setting, and its rays of light shimmered on the horizon.
"It's beautiful," Neijere whispered, her voice filled with awe.
Tenshi nodded in agreement. "It truly is. This view never fails to remind me of how far I've come and the responsibility I have as a pro-hero."
Neijere turned to him, her expression serious. "You've done amazing things, Tenshi. I've seen you in action, and you inspire me every day."
Tenshi's heart swelled with pride and gratitude. Having someone like Neijere, someone who understood the weight of his duty and supported him wholeheartedly, meant the world to him.
"Thank you, Neijere," he said sincerely, placing a hand on her shoulder. "Your support means everything to me."
She smiled, her eyes full of warmth. "I'll always be here for you, Tenshi. Through the ups and downs, the victories and challenges. We're in this together."
As they continued to gaze out at the city, Tenshi couldn't help but feel a sense of comfort and peace wash over him. In the company of a true friend, his sanctuary felt even more like home. And with Neijere by his side, he knew he could face whatever, despite the fact they were no longer dating, she was still a good friend.
Tenshi turned to Neijere, his curiosity still on the news of earlier. "Neijere, since you're a student at UA, I wanted to ask you about the recent Overhaul incident. What exactly happened?"
Neijere's face grew serious, her brows furrowing as she recalled the events. "It was a pretty intense situation. Overhaul could disassemble and reassemble anything he touched. He was involved in illegal quirk-enhancing drug trafficking and had amassed a dangerous following."
Tenshi listened intently, his eyes fixed on Neijere as she continued. He wanted to gather as much information as possible about this powerful villain.
We conducted a raid on the Yakuza hideout where Overhaul was operating," Neijere explained. "It was a joint operation to take him down and put an end to his criminal activities. The fight was intense, but we managed to defeat them with the help of all the heroes and students."
Tenshi's gaze intensified, his mind absorbing every detail. "And what about that boy with the green hair? I saw him on the news. Who is he?"
Neijere smiled, her eyes lighting up. "Ah, you're talking about Izuku, he's a student at UA and is very heroic; he has incredible potential and has proven himself to be a true hero. He played a major role in the battle against Overhaul, with his determination and willpower.."
Tenshi nodded, impressed by the young hero's abilities. "It sounds like quite the intense showdown. I'm glad you all were able to apprehend Overhaul and put an end to his criminal activities."
Neijere's expression turned somber. "Unfortunately, the battle took a toll on everyone involved. Some pro heroes were injured, and there were casualties among the students as well. But we're all doing our best to recover and support each other."
Tenshi's gaze softened, empathy shining in his eyes. "I'm sorry to hear that. It's a reminder of the risks and sacrifices that heroes face in their line of work."
Neijere nodded, her voice filled with determination. " But we won't let that discourage us. We'll continue to train and grow stronger, so we can protect those in need."
Tenshi placed a hand on Neijere's shoulder, offering his support. "You and your classmates are doing an incredible job. Stay safe, Neijere, and keep inspiring others with your heroism."
Neijere smiled gratefully, appreciating Tenshi's encouragement. "Thank you, Tenshi. Your words mean a lot."
"Do you miss us?" Tenshi asked quietly.
The smile disappeared from Neijere's face as she moved away from Tenshi's hand, "Don't."
Tenshi immediately realized his mistake. He had touched a nerve, and Neijere's reaction was proof of that. They had left on bad terms, and he couldn't blame her for being angry with him.
"I'm sorry, Neijere," he whispered, his voice filled with regret. "I didn't mean to bring up any painful memories. I just... I miss what we had, and I thought maybe you did too."
Neijere turned away from him, her shoulders tense. "We can't go back to how things were, Tenshi. Too much has happened, and I've changed. I can't pretend like everything is okay when it's not."
Tenshi felt a lump forming in his throat, the weight of his past mistakes heavy upon him. "I understand," he said softly. "I never meant to hurt you, Neijere. I wish I could undo the pain I've caused."
Neijere sighed and turned to face him, her expression softening. "It's not that I don't miss you," she admitted. "I do. But things have been complicated, and I needed some time to figure things out."
Tenshi nodded, understanding. "I get that. And I'm sorry for not being there for you when you needed me."
Neijere's voice trembled slightly as she spoke, her back still facing him. "Words alone won't fix what's broken, Tenshi. It takes time and genuine effort to rebuild trust and repair a friendship. I don't know if I'm ready for that yet."
Tenshi nodded in agreement. "I just want you to know that I'm here for you, no matter what."
Neijere gave him a small smile. "It's okay. We all have our battles to fight, and sometimes we just need to take a step back and reevaluate things."
Tenshi nodded, a mix of sadness and acceptance washing over him. "I respect your decision, Neijere. If and when you're ready, I'll be here. But until then, I'll give you the space you need."
Neijere turned around, tears shimmering in her eyes. "Thank you for understanding, Tenshi. I hope one day we can find a way to heal."
Tenshi nodded in agreement. "I just want you to know that I'm here for you, no matter what."
Neijere's smile grew wider, and she reached out to take Tenshi's hand. "I know. And I appreciate that more than you know."
Tenshi returned the smile and squeezed her hand gently. It was good to know that they were on the same page and that their friendship was still intact despite the time apart.
"Hey, do you want to order some takeout and catch up?" Tenshi asked, his tone lightening.
Neijere's eyes sparkled with amusement. "Sure. Just don't let me talk your ear off about my classes."
Tenshi chuckled. "I wouldn't dream of it."
As they sat on the couch, waiting for the takeout to arrive, Tenshi and Neijere exchanged stories and updates about their lives. They talked about their respective missions, the challenges they had faced, and the new friends they had made along the way.
Tenshi couldn't help but admire Neijere's determination and resilience. Despite the hardships she had faced, she managed to find her path and excel in her studies at UA. He realized how much he had missed her presence and the way she always brought a sense of joy and lightheartedness to their group.
Neijere, on the other hand, listened attentively as Tenshi shared his experiences as a pro-hero and the missions he had undertaken. She marveled at his bravery and dedication, proud of the person he had become.
As the evening wore on, the tension between them began to dissipate, replaced by a comfortable familiarity. The laughter flowed freely, and the awkwardness of their previous falling out seemed like a distant memory.
At one point, Tenshi couldn't resist teasing Neijere about a particularly embarrassing moment during their training days. She playfully swatted his arm, retaliating with her own embarrassing story, and they found themselves in a friendly competition of who could recall the most humorous mishaps.
By the time the takeout arrived, their conversation had shifted to lighter topics, filled with laughter and nostalgia. They enjoyed their meal together, savoring not only the food but also the renewed connection they were rebuilding.
As the night drew to a close, Tenshi walked Neijere to the door. They stood there for a moment, a comfortable silence enveloping them.
"I'm really glad we had this chance to catch up," Tenshi said sincerely, breaking the silence. "I've missed you, Neijere."
Neijere smiled warmly. "I've missed you too, Tenshi. And I'm sorry for the way things ended before you left."
Tenshi shook his head. "No, it's in the past. What matters now is that we're here, reconnecting and rebuilding our friendship."
Neijere nodded, her eyes shining with gratitude. "Thank you for giving me another chance."
Tenshi reached out and gently squeezed her hand. "Always, Neijere. Friends forgive, and friends understand. We're in this together."
With a final smile, they bid each other goodnight, knowing that their bond was stronger than ever. As Tenshi closed the door, he felt a sense of contentment and hope. The awkwardness had been danced around and surpassed, and he knew that their friendship would continue to grow and flourish in the days to come.
Content for the evening, Tenshi cleaned up the space, his phone ringing, "A hero never rests," picking up his phone. Whoever it was, they better have had a good reason to be calling so late.
Tenshi's heart skipped a beat as he saw the name "Oshita Yori" flashing on his phone screen. Memories of their past friendship and the events that led to their estrangement flooded his mind. He took a deep breath, steeling himself for the conversation ahead, and answered the call.
"Hello, Yori," Tenshi greeted, his voice steady but tinged with a hint of uncertainty.
There was a moment of silence on the other end before Yori's voice came through, filled with a mix of exhaustion and concern. "Tenshi, it's been a while. I hope you're doing well."
Tenshi nodded, even though Yori couldn't see it. "I'm doing alright. How about you? Is everything okay?"
Yori sighed heavily. "Not exactly. It's about my daughter, Eri. She was injured during the incident with Overhaul, and she's currently unconscious. The hospital called me tonight, asking for me to come and see her. I won't. So they need someone to take temporary guardianship of her, and I am wondering if you could do this for me..."
Tenshi's heart sank at the news. Yori had a troubled past and had often found herself caught up in dangerous situations. He knew Eri's father, who was also his former friend, had been erased by the girl's quirk and was given to her grandfather to be raised. He assumed something must have happened to him as well if she was calling him all these years later.
"Why are you calling me, Yori?" Tenshi asked cautiously, trying to keep his emotions in check.
Yori's voice wavered slightly. "I... I don't have the means to take care of Eri; with what happened to her father. I can't, I can't take care of her, she's a monster. She killed Wei… I've been struggling, and I can't provide her with the stability and support she needs. The hospital recommended reaching out to you."
Tenshi's mind raced as he processed Yori's words. Taking in Eri meant taking on a significant responsibility, one he hadn't anticipated. But he couldn't ignore the plea in Yori's voice and the underlying concern for Eri's well-being.
"I understand, Yori," Tenshi replied, his voice softening with empathy. "I'll do what I can to help. Eri's and I want to ensure she's safe and cared for."
Yori audibly sighed with relief. "Thank you, Tenshi. I know it's a lot to ask, but I trust you. Eri needs someone who can provide stability and guide her towards a better future."
Tenshi nodded, his resolve strengthening. "I'll make the necessary arrangements and head to the hospital. We'll figure things out from there."
As the call ended, Tenshi's mind was filled with a mix of emotions. He knew that taking on the role of Eri's guardian wouldn't be easy, but he was determined to do everything in his power to support her. With a deep breath, he gathered his belongings and left his condo, heading towards the hospital where Eri lay unconscious, ready to take on the responsibility that fate had thrust upon him.
Once Tenshi arrived at the hospital, his steps were heavy with both anticipation and trepidation. The corridors were quiet, illuminated by the soft glow of overhead lights. As he approached Eri's room, he couldn't help but feel a knot forming in his stomach. The weight of the responsibility he was about to undertake settled heavily upon him.
Pushing open the door, Tenshi entered the room to find Eri lying in the hospital bed, her small form seemingly engulfed by the sterile surroundings. Tubes and monitors surrounded her, evidence of the medical care she was receiving.
Taking a deep breath, Tenshi approached the bed, his eyes lingering on Eri's face. Despite the circumstances, there was a peacefulness to her features, a vulnerability that tugged at his heart. He reached out and gently brushed a strand of hair away from her forehead.
"Eri," he whispered, his voice filled with a mixture of concern and determination. "I'm here now. I'll take care of you."
Tenshi pulled up a chair and settled down beside her, his gaze never leaving her unconscious form. Memories of their time together resurfaced, the moments they had shared before their paths diverged. He remembered the pain and suffering Eri had endured and the strength she had shown in the face of it all.
He had never known the girl and now fate had allowed him to meet her. It was a chance to provide her with the stability, support, and guidance she so desperately needed; even if it was only temporary.
With a renewed sense of purpose, Tenshi made a silent promise to Eri. He would be there for her, just as he should have been all those years ago. He would protect her, nurture her, and help her heal from the scars of her past.
As he sat there, watching over Eri, a glimmer of hope flickered within Tenshi's heart. Despite the challenges that lay ahead, he was determined to be the pillar of strength that Eri needed. Together, they would forge a new path, one filled with love, understanding, and the unwavering belief that a better future awaited them both.
An: An idea I had and finally wrote. Will devolve into darker themes, but will continue from here.