Yey, new one! People seem to be interested in this, so I'll do some more. We'll see how well it goes eh?
Wonderland Tea Party: Hah, thank you! So glad you enjoyed it so much! I'll probably add some more flashbacks to Shinso's past and the humor will be there as well =P
Nathaniabp: Hah, ah, mate, sorry if it was a spoiler then xD ^^" I didn't plan on making this a fic, but people really liked it so, here I am.
This one is still kinda, building stuff, but I kinda liked it
Read, review and enjoy~
Chapter 2 Training
"Are you sure about this, Aizawa?" Thirteen asked as the teachers sat by the meeting table.
"Yes," came the simple answer, Shota standing, hands in his pockets.
"Are you sure you're not letting your emotions get in the way? This boy is family," Snipe gave him a side-long look.
Before Shota could retort with a witty comment, Hizashi laughed and got the attention of everyone present.
"You're asking if Shota is acting on emotions? Really? C'mon, we all know he's one of the true rational thinking people around!" Yamada smirked, leaning on his chair.
"What he said," Eraser didn't miss a beat as he kept his passive expression.
"I don't see why not," Yagi shrugged, looking at the others. "With proper training, the boy will become stronger."
"It is true your Quirks are similar in some ways… and you could teach him proper combat, much like yours," Nazu rubbed his chin in thought. "Very well, I approve. Anyone opposed?"
The silence in the room was the answer as Shota allowed himself a small, victorious grin. This wasn't as hard as he thought.
"Assuming he passes, where will he go? Both of us have full classes," Sekijiro asked, a frown forming on his face.
"Wouldn't it be natural he joins my class?" Aizawa raised an eyebrow, straightening his back slightly. "I am his teacher and I could use someone to keep the rest in check," he added casually, closing his eyes. He would finally be able to sleep some more.
He saw Yamada giving him a steady look and sighed, glancing away. Putting him in Class A would be best, but given what's happened to this class so far… it's risky. But they've talked about it and both agreed – it was all up to the kid in the end.
"Fair enough. The test is in six months – depending on how he does, he will either join or replace another student," Nezu closed a file as he looked at Eraserhead.
There was stillness for a second as all the teachers shared a look, before turning their attention to Aizawa, who only seemed to frown.
"Who'll make the decision on the replacement?"
"One of the lower graded students will be chosen, though we will include certain factors. However, do keep in mind this only happens if Shinso does not do well on the test," Nezu didn't seem the least bit worried, but then again, he never did.
"I see… When do we start?" Shota hid his annoyance and displeasure very well, and managed to keep his posture natural. He didn't like them making those kind of decisions – they are his students; he knows them best.
"Today – after class of course."
Shinso was leaning his cheek on his fist, staring at the clock in the classroom. A minute left. He glanced at the teacher, who was still rambling on and on about something – no one was really paying attention. The teach was nice and all, but he really knew how to chew someone's ear off. Hitoshi was hoping Uncle Mic was done for today so he could catch a ride with him instead of walking.
"And remember-," the bell rang and most of the students moved to collect their things. "To turn in your assignments! Have a good day!"
"Have a good day!" some of them called back and rushed out the door. Shinso was among the last, moving at his usual slow pace. But seems like today would be a choked door. What is it this time?
"Eraserhead? Why's he here?" Hitoshi heard Yukino whisper and opened his eyes slightly.
"He's just… waiting," Johan was looking from one classmate to the other.
"C'mon, let's go – he probably wants to see the teach," Hondo gently shoved some of the along, not looking at the hero. The crowd quickly left, still chattering among themselves and casting looks back at the man. Shinso actually stayed in the classroom until they were gone before stepping out and saw Aizawa looking directly at him. He was leaning on a wall, hands in his pockets and a bored expression on his face.
"Hey," the hero said casually, getting off the wall. "We need to talk."
"…Okay," Hitoshi was surprised but hid it well as he started following the man. "I'm not in trouble am I? I swear I didn't do it."
"No, nothing like that," as Eraser led the way, they passed full halls, though not too many were even looking at them. Class A seemed to just finish their lesson however, as Shinso saw Midoriya waving at him. Hitoshi only gave him a quick glance, before turning his head away, ignoring the boy. It's not that hates him or anything, it's just… he's still a bit sore over his loss in the Sports Festival. And the boy's constant happy-go-lucky attitude doesn't sit well with him either, but it's not that bad… It's not like he's around him all the time.
They walked until they reached the teacher's office, which was thankfully empty. Most of them had lunch break, so the two had a few minutes to go over things.
"Take a seat," Shota said, motioning to the chair as he himself sat down opposite it. For a second there, Hitoshi saw something like worry flash in the man's eyes. Suddenly, there was a twisting feeling in his gut as he stiffly sat down.
"Tell me, do you still want to transfer to the Hero Course?" the question turned the boy's body numb as he couldn't move or react for a few seconds. He instantly knew that, this just might be it – he might actually join the group he's always wanted. But it seemed so unreal, he had to keep himself from hoping too much.
"Of course," Shinso's voice was tight and low, so he cleared his throat, biting his lip and gripping the material on his trousers. Keep it together! He never heard of saw either his father or his uncle working on this – they must have kept it a secret. He can't say he's mad, but it would have been nice to know there was a possibility.
"Well," Aizawa reached to his table and picked up a file. "Better get you ready then," he handed the file to the kid, who took it with shaking hands. There was a RECOMMENDED FOR TRANSFER written at the top of the file, with his name and picture under it.
"This won't be like the Sports Festival," Shota said, getting the boy to look up. "It's a special event, where students from other schools will be after the same thing as you – prove themselves able to join the Hero Course."
"I see," Shinso swallowed, a nervous smile playing on his lips. "So, it's going to be another competition?"
"In a way… It doesn't matter where you rank exactly, but how well you do. You'll be judged by the spectators – other heroes and teachers – and given how they judge you, you'll be qualified. So even if you don't beat the other students, you can still make it by showing your strengths."
"…" Hitoshi looked back down at the paper and saw the date. He felt chills up his spine and swallowed again, looking up. "Six months?" his voice came out a bit too high for his liking.
"Like I said, you don't have to win, you just need to show you're good enough. And for the next six months, that's what we'll be doing," Aizawa grinned and there was maybe a hint of excitement in his eyes. "Assuming of course, you accept."
"Are you kidding?" the kid laughed his nervous laugh, his mouth twitching. "When do we start?"
"First off, we need to train you physically," Aizawa started as the boy stretched on the training ground outside of school. Most kids have gone home, so they were free from prying eyes.
"Figured as much," Hitoshi grumbled, cracking some bones.
"I'll try and teach you the same style as I use – it'll be a good combination with your Quirk."
"…" there was a pause as the kid seemed to suddenly realize something.
"What?" Aizawa questioned, furrowing his brow.
"It's just-," he started, a small chuckle escaping him. "You were my hero when I was in the orphanage and then you became my dad and now you're my trainer… I just find it all kinda ironic is all."
"Heh, don't go fanboy on me now," Eraser got into ready position.
"Me? Never!" Shinso was the first to attack, only to have the punch dodged.
"Faster," Shota said as he kept evading, using his hands to diverge the attacks occasionally.
"You're – too – fast!" the kid grunted, frowning at how easily he was being deflected. He tried to land a kick in surprise, but the teacher used his elbow and side to catch it. The look of surprise seemed to amuse him, before he knocked the kid to the side where he almost lost balance.
"Nice, you're thinking while you fight – but that's not the goal here. Not yet."
"Just, focus on speed then?"
"For now. You're far behind on this kind of training, but we need to start somewhere. When you know the basics, we can do further and then we'll work on your Quirk."
"My Quirk?" he blinked in surprise. He didn't really think they'd have time to train that in these six months.
"Yeah… not sure how far we'll get, but I have a few ideas on how to work it," Aizawa nodded and readied himself again. "Come!"
Hizashi was just rounding the corner when he saw Hitoshi get knocked on the ground with Shota's usual leg swipe. The dust rose and the kid coughed, looking ready to jump into a river and sleep in it.
"C'mon Shota, go easy on him!" Yamada called and got both of their attention. He was carrying a plate of drinks and towels as he neared, and Aizawa helped the boy stand.
"Why are you here? Don't you have a podcast or something to do?" Eraser asked, eyebrow raised.
"I do, in about an hour. I thought I'd come check on you two before I go," Mic shrugged and offered the drinks to the boy who nearly inhaled it.
"Water has never tasted so sweet…" Hitoshi whispered, gripping the glass for dear life.
"…What did you do?" the blonde turned to his friend, fear in his eyes.
"Training. He just… seems a bit slow," Aizawa scratched the back of his neck.
"…You realize you're a really fast fighter, right?" Hizashi deadpanned, unbelieving.
"I told him that!" Shinso accused, covered in dirt and trembling from the strain of his muscles. "I can't even feel my arms of legs anymore…"
"How long have you been out here?" Yamada actually sounded concerned. He didn't know when Shota went to pick up the kid, he just saw them training outside when he looked through the window.
"Hmm… Three hours I think?"
The silence on the field seemed to last a solid minute, before Hitoshi just collapsed face first into the ground, panting and likely glaring daggers at someone. Maybe wishing he'd stayed in bed this morning.
"I told you it would take a lot of work," Aizawa sighed and used his scarf to pick the kid up and set him on his feet, before throwing his arm around his shoulder to support the boy's weight.
"You could at least pretend to be guilty…" Mic grumbled as he threw the kid's other hand over his shoulder, the other balancing the plate of drinks.
"This… wasn't so hard…" Shinso managed to say weakly, hardly able to move his feet as the two carried him.
"Good, we're doing more tomorrow," Eraser didn't' miss a beat and Hitoshi hung his head. "But… I will try and work more on technique, not just you trying to hit me."
"…Baby steps eh?"
"Baby steps."
"Well, I'll be cheering you two on from the comfort of my room!"
"Thanks…"
Shinso fell asleep in the backseat as they drove home. Aizawa had to carry him out while Hizashi prepared a quick meal for the three of them. If nothing else, at least Hitoshi would get some proper rest.
"He has the drive," Shota said as he took a seat by the table. "I really wish we had more time…"
"You could wait for the next Sports Festival," Yamada offered, setting the bowls of soup in front of the man.
"No, that'd take too long. This event is good enough and it's made so every kind of Quirk can shine. He won't be at a disadvantage."
"…Shota," at the change in tone, Eraser looked up and saw his friend giving him a concerned look. "Are you sure you're not trying to push your own feelings onto this? Trying to fix your own past weakness?"
"I-!" Aizawa looked hurt, before looking away. "I didn't think of it… but you might be right… Damn!" he frowned and clenched his fists.
"You can't force him into this event if he's not ready. You just might break him."
"…"
"I know you want the best for him, we both do, but you need to keep in mind he's not you."
"You're right, I'm sorry… I just- I don't want his dreams to end halfway…"
"Shota…" Hizashi started, trying to touch his friend on the shoulder.
"…I should probably get some sleep… Long day tomorrow," Shota stood up, his hair falling over his face and covering any emotions.
Yamada watched him leave, unable to say anything as the still hot soup slowly cooled down. He worried about him a lot sometimes, but he trusted him. It's just that Aizawa tries in his own way to help others, but it might not work.
"You don't have to do this alone…"
Cut! First day of training! Yey! There'll be some more, since I'm kinda enjoying this too much, so this fic will include a few more things before we actually get to the main thing? Aka the prompt from By your side
Reminder that you can scream about this on my tumblr (shadow-is-upon-us) as well, so come!
Thanks for reading, hope you enjoyed! Please do review - I love to hear what you all think about it!
Till next time~
