Chapter 6: A Young Girls Duke's : Part 2
The Argent Voice: Echo, Hero Student, 1-A Seat #6
Earlier
I sighed, getting ready to open my briefcase.
As I fumbled with the latches, my heart raced with anxiety and annoyance. I knew what lay inside- I had spent hours arguing with Mita about the design. I would like to think that I was still as strong and disciplined as I was in my last life, but actually having to wear the uniform… I am forced to admit that I had lost the discipline needed to be happy about things I didn't want to do.
With a deep breath, I finally managed to open the briefcase and reveal the neatly folded uniform inside. I took a quick inventory: Padded shirt, Kevlar jacket, helmet, visor, boots, and pants.
My eyes lingered on it for a moment, taking in the vaguely familiar green jacket and trousers, the epaulets on the shoulder a dull silver and bare, my former rank only visible in my mind's eye.
The final design of my uniform was a mix of what I could leverage from Mita and what I had to concede… mostly concede.
It consisted of a jacket and pants made from a synthesized kevlar/wool blend fabric typical of modern hero outfits in a dark green color with a fitted waist and tailored cut. The jacket should have a high collar and four front pockets, with silver-tone buttons down the front.
The pants had several pockets and would be stuffed into the boots for ease of movement. I detailed their functionality in the margins; feminine clothing has far too many 'vanity pockets' for my liking.
I would wear black combat boots, a black leather belt, and a silver-tone buckle.
Underneath the jacket, for protection, I had a facsimile of my old flight suit, a padded shirt with long sleeves to support my wrists and elbows. It was secured with a red neck scarf, reflecting the Japanese uniform tradition of my current home.
The headgear was stylized to separate it from the typical army helmet, featuring a peaked cap with the brim turned up on one side, similar to my last life's officer's cap, but adorned with an imperial star and a red streak instead of the Reichsadler I was more familiar with.
I hesitated again, my hand hovering over the uniform, but I knew I had no choice. If I refuse to wear something I specifically requested, there would be more than a few heads turning. I had to put it on and face the day ahead, no matter how much I dreaded it.
With a final heavy sigh, I pulled out the jacket from the briefcase, gravity unfolding it, feeling the scratchy kevlar fabric beneath my fingers.
When I pulled the jacket from the briefcase, I was shocked to see it unfurl down to my knees. My eye started twitching when I noticed the sketch taped underneath where the jacket rested. The final design was sent in as requested.
The jacket... was a dress. That puffs out into a skirt, and the belt was designed to cover the jacket-dress.
I scowled at the indignity of it. I never liked feminine clothes despite the few times I was forced to wear the formal dress uniform of my last life or when the Princess decided to use me as a doll for war propaganda photos…
I never even got to keep those dresses anyway afterward.
As I forced myself into the jacket, I could feel the weight of the uniform settling on my shoulders: the importance of the duty and responsibility of a hero…
Pfft. The Kevlar could be lighter; it functions as it should.
I gave myself a once over, making sure all the parts were in the right place.
What would they do with the uniform when I get removed from the course?
Do I get to keep it? If I do, I should frame it. It reminds me of the complicated and troubled times I live in now, another bullet of Being X dodged.
Regardless, I followed after the crowd of my classmates outside, letting their chattering wash over me.
Now
All Might led us to a building that looked almost identical to the one that Bakugou destroyed last round.
When we arrived outside, All Might pulled a briefcase from… somewhere nearby and handed it to me.
He moves incredibly fast at times.
He handed Toru and me two blue earbuds and a building map along with the briefcase. We headed inside quickly, leaving the other team and All Might outside.
Toru- Invisifist followed behind me silently- her bright costume outshining the lights…
"Toru, hit the lights as we pass them- turn it all off." "Okay!"
It's nice to have subordinates that don't questi- "So why are we doing that?"
Never mind, "Our goal is to prevent the retrieval team from getting what's in this case, yes? So, the longer it takes them, the better. Anything we can do to slow them down, even briefly, is worth it."
By the way her costume moved; I assumed she was nodding along.
We continued through the halls, Toru walking alongside me. At the same time, I looked at the map and directed Toru to all the light controls, turning everything off as we moved up.
By the time All Might declared we had one minute remaining, we were on the fifth floor. I turned to the center of attention and almost closed my eyes as even in the dark, with only the windows giving light, she was bright.
Honestly, I would prefer it if it didn't do that. Toru's outfit is a brightly colored and eye-catching outfit that makes her stand out like a sore thumb. She wears a color-changing, currently hot pink and gold bodysuit with glittering metallic accents. The suit is form-fitting and emphasizes her curves, giving her even more of an attention-grabbing appearance.
She was also wearing a pair of large boots with flashing sparkling lights to further enhance her visibility. Her arms are bare; however, she is wearing two large blue gloves with a large bracelet and thin wires connecting to her back from the bracelets- Which, from her earlier demonstration, controls all the lights…
"Toru… Can you turn off all the lights and everything?" Hopefully she could actually blend in with the walls or something.
I wasn't expecting a giggle in response to that.
"Oh… I can do soooo much more." She clicked a button, and I couldn't help the sharp grin that almost split my face.
She would make an excellent hero in the future if she thought of this already.
I told her what I came up with.
Shoto Todoroki, Hero Student, 1-A Seat #15
I stared ahead at the fake office building before me, my eight-limbed partner stretched next to me.
When All Might escorted us to the building and handed us the earbuds, he told us we would take the role of villains, which was disappointing. Still, he told us to instead think of it as us being heroes retrieving stolen property.
Next to me, my classmate interrupted my thoughts, "So what's the plan-" I interrupted whatever he said, "You stay back and let me freeze the room they are in. With them immobilized, we secure the briefcase." It's a simple, easy-to-follow plan that will prove to All Might my strength.
"What do you mean stay back? We need to work together."
No. "You will only slow me down. So just follow my lead." It's a simple enough exercise. I looked around for alternative entrances and decided to follow Midoriya's second-floor window plan.
"Right… I'm going to help you whether you like it or not." You are only going to get in my way, so…
And Villians are free to start!
"No you're not." As All Might's voice trailed off, I focused on my hand.
Shooting a wave of ice at the front door was blocked by ice. I formed an ice pillar beneath my feet, pushing me towards the second floor. The window was unlocked, so it was a simple enough effort to open it and climb inside.
Entering the building through the second story, I immediately went to work.
Judging by the dim lights, the enemy chose to spend time turning off the lights. By that behavior, I can assume they will try and surprise attack me.
Remembering their outfits, I can only expect Yamada to be successful. The bright lights and flashy material on Hagakure will be easy to spot even in these dim lights.
I move cautiously through the dimly lit space towards the door, my ears only picking up the faint sound of Soji's fist hitting my ice outside.
Readying my ice, I fling open the door to the hallway- clear. I poke my head out to the right- clear. I crouch and poke my head out to the left- clear.
His footsteps echo through the empty space as I check and clear every room on the floor before climbing the staircase.
It was on the fourth floor that I heard it. A soft rustling sound. I rush to a corner, my training kicking in, eyes scanning the area on the right side, chilling as I prepare my ice- my eyes darting from shadow to shadow each time I pop my head around the corner- never at the same height.
I see a door- not entirely closed the whole way- a trap.
I move forward slowly- and enter the room next to the open door.
Facing the room wall, I count down while steadying my breath.
This is it.
The moment I prove to All Might and my father that I don't need to rely on his fire-... That-
Why? Am I so... tired...
As my eyes begin to slowly hear her before I see her, the low, almost inaudible droning of a deep note. All from a short figure by the door crouched near the corner of the door frame. I forced out the wave of ice I was preparing for the wall towards the blurry figure.
All went black as my eyes finally shut, but then the sound of a curse was heard, and like a switch being flipped, my energy returned, and I staggered for a moment.
What was that-
On instinct more than anything else, I spun around as I felt an attack- a fist- brush past me narrowly, missing its mark. I quickly regained my balance and threw out a wave of frost.
I felt it before I saw it- A white frosted fist cracked against my cheek, forcing me back- and as I recognized it, another jab cracked my nose.
I barely raise my leg in time to stop the follow-up kick.
And what follows after is a series of random- untrained- punches and kicks from the faintly frost-visible Hagakure.
Her assault doesn't slow- preventing me from sending ice her way. However, the faint sheen of snow keeps her visible despite her suit attempting to camouflage with the surroundings.
Invisifist, utilizing her stealth and surprise attack, kept pressing her advantage trying desperately to get another solid hit in.
Sloppy.
Remembering my training, I dodged around her untrained strikes, pushing her off balance and trying to create an opening to freeze her.
All I manage to do during the exchange is turn back on her uniform, which has all the flashing lights and sparkles to keep my attention.
Just when I realized I forgot the third person in the room. I felt everything slow down as my heart quickened- a loud rhythm echoed in the small space.
With the sudden burst of energy, I barely avoid a kick as Invisifist and Echo rush out of the room into the shadows once more, leaving me momentarily disoriented.
I ran to follow Yamada's sounds, which should be easy to find. When she stopped singing, only the empty hallway and the open room next door greeted me.
I take a moment to creep up to the doorway but stay out of reach. I listen, but all I hear is a snort of amusement for my efforts.
I scan everything, my senses on high alert, trying to pinpoint their location.
As I listened intently, the faintest sound of Toru's giggling reached his ears. "You can't hide from me." I called out towards the room.
"Who says I'm hiding?" The mocking tone of the Invisible girl replied.
I narrow his focus based on where the sound is. She should be right behind the door. Making up my mind, I kick open the door and freeze. Everything.
The feeling of victory washed over me as the form of the girl became visible in a block of ice.
I kept my cold arm on her, slowly thickening the ice and ignoring her complaints. Looking around as I froze her, I asked, "Where is the briefcase?"
I was startled as a new voice replied behind me, "Right-" when pain erupted in my head, and my face met the floor. "HERE!"
Before I could register what happened, another blow hit my head.
And another.
And-
Darkness.
The Center of Attention: Invisifist, Hero Student, 1-A Seat #16
Minutes earlier
The plan that Tanya-Echo- came up with was simple and hopefully would secure our victory. We would place the briefcase in the corner of the room, and I would sit on it with my hands over my ears.
As soon as someone walks in, Tanya will "put them to sleep" (With her voice somehow.), and then I will come up behind them and knock them out if it fails…
Which it did.
I had spotted Todoroki quickly enough when he began descending the hallway. My makeshift chair allowed me to see outside the room down the hallway, and when he moved into the room next to us, we adjusted the plan.
I signaled for Echo to make her move and I gave up the briefcase to her so I could creep into the room behind the boy as he hyped himself up.
A moment later, I felt a wave of calm come over me. I plugged my ears- I almost felt a Yawn coming on- but when Todoroki shot a wave of ice at Echo, I lunged at him.
I'm stunned momentarily as he dodges, but I strike at him again. My fist hurts slightly from the crack I gave his nose, so I gave him a kick-
I barely duck as he swipes his hand, shards of ice sparkling across my arms.
I glance at the doorway to see Echo clawing her arm stuck to the door frame in ice.
Todoroki seems to look around and- I swing at him.
Pay. Attention. To me.
I click my wrists and turn everything back on. The next few moments- minutes? Are a blur as bursts of adrenaline and strength keep me going- swinging haymakers and random jabs toward the boy.
Frustratingly enough, he kept redirecting my attack and shooting snow around him- the frost clinging to my now flashing outfit; I never let him point his palm in my direction, always moving and swinging towards him.
Then I hear a crack of ice and see from the corner of my eye that Echo has disappeared from the doorway. A bright "Let's go!" Beckoned me to follow after her.
With that, I sent a kick toward Todoroki and rushed out of the room. Echo pointed to our original hiding spot as she ran down the hallway, and I dove inside the room.
This is so much fun.
That stray thought almost made me giggle, but I held it in.
Letting loose and fighting- who would have thought I would enjoy that so much.
"You can't hide from me."
I couldn't help but giggle, "Who said I was hiding!"
I'm the distraction!
Then everything became cold.
The beam of cold air caused me to stagger back, but instead of falling back, something caught me-
I shivered and realized- I was stuck in a block of ice.
Thankfully, my upper body was unrestricted and past the block of ice. However, Todoroki kept his visible beam of cold air, adding thickness to the ice walls as I struggled.
"Where is the briefcase?"
I looked up at him, and past him, I saw the small form of Tanya raising the briefcase over her head.
A burst of adrenaline, and I could almost feel the thud of the briefcase smashing into the back of Todoroki's head.
"Right- HERE."
After the boy fell to the group, Tanya brutally bashed him with the briefcase a second and a third time.
Um. "Tanya?" She looked up at me, "yes?"
"Didn't you say we shouldn't kick someone when they were down?"
She blinked at me owlishly before blushing, and I just started laughing despite the situation.
She tried to get me to stop, but I couldn't hear what she said. She moved off Todoroki's body and started trying to break the ice off my form. As she was trying to free me, Shoji ran in, surprising me. The giant boy standing at the doorway, dwarfed Tanya, who turned towards him. Before I knew what was going on she was already thrown against the wall as Shoji grabbed the briefcase from her hands and ran.
I called out to her, but all she did was groan something about her head.
"Well. Shit."
A few seconds later, All Might's voice rang in our ears.
The Villain Team wins!
The Argent Voice: Echo, Hero Student, 1-A Seat #6
I rubbed my side as I followed after the shivering and wet Toru.
All Might provided us both with a towel after we exited, and a stretcher-bearing robot escorted the knocked-out Todoroki to Recovery Girl.
Thankfully, no one said anything about my use of the briefcase- but seriously, they should have expected it when pitting untrained kids in a battle royal against each other.
Other than the light teasing Toru gave, I don't think I will hear any more about it anyway.
Shoji apologized at the exit, but I just waved it off. Getting taken down that easily, while it hurt my pride, only helps in showing the teachers I'm not suited for this line of work anyway.
Pathetic, I've let myself grow complacent. I forgot the taste of fear, the rush of adrenaline in chaos.
As we returned to the room, everyone was arguing, and like before, All Might flexed, trying to grab everyone's attention.
"How can the hero team keep losing!" Kaminari whined as he crossed his arms.
"Todoroki had a superior quirk in this instance."
"Yea but Tanya and Toru were able to take him down in the end! They should have won."
"They forgot their enemy. As did the rest of you. This assignment is not two against one. The hero team's downfall is they forgot that Todoroki had assistance. Or they forgot the possibility of backup." All Might interrupted the discussion, and the class finally noticed our presence, "Young Shoji, what do you feel could have been improved?"
Shoji crossed his multiple arms, "I think I did fine, for being abandoned. Just like with the last team Todoroki wrote me off and decided to one vs. two and left me at spawn. That made me have to try to sneak in on my own and hope for the best. While we still won, if this was an active situation I could have been ganked by the two if they were camping at the checkpoint."
"Whoa, gamer, bro," Denki whispered to Kirishima, who nodded.
"The fact that your teammate abandoned you because of his 'Superior' quirk ultimately led to his downfall," All Might nodded. "All quirks can be powerful students. Throughout my life, I have seen many quirks do amazing things. I remember a quirk that allowed someone to turn on lights simply by touching them. Sounds like a 'weak' quirk, doesn't it? However, when that individual attached a light to a glove, they became LazerPoint. With that glove, they committed several bank, museum, and store robberies with minimal casualties and damages, other than some blindings and dismemberments."
All Might looked over the class while talking,
"Your quirk is just a tool. Using items to hone your ability or using things to help you get by does not make you weak, nor does the lack of support gear make you strong. Your homeroom teacher uses tools, Midnight uses tools, Present Mic, Snipe, the list is endless. Do not ever put down a fellow hero or villain for the tools they use; that will be your own downfall." All Might said to the student before turning to look at Toru.
"Hagakure, where do you think your team went wrong?"
The suit moved in exaggerated motion as she waved her arms. "We focused too much on the enemy before us instead of branching our focus. As soon as Echo had Todoroki down, We should have worked to break me free, making sure I watched her back so we wouldn't be surprised." Toru said, signaling to the scene.
"Well said. You must remain aware of your surroundings while staying focused on the dangers at hand. You were faced with an enemy but lost sight of the knowledge you already had. Despite knowing that the team had two opponents, you forgot about Young Shoji. Nevertheless, you did an excellent job neutralizing the target that you did have. Your invisibility conceals your incredible strength well, my dear. I would capitalize on that." With a nod, he turned to me, "Young Yamada, do you have anything else to add?"
"I should have been more prepared for the second opponent. I was distracted, trying to break Toru free, and I failed to recognize the sound of Shoji getting closer due to my lack of awareness. It was a mistake that cost my partner the win." I kept my face and tone impassive, but I just felt annoyed. How the heck did I lose that fight? If it was a real scenario, I could have died there.
All these years of peaceful school life, gone in an instant.
Only bright side is at least it shows I'm trying in failure.
"It's not necessary to feel disparaged." All Might, apparently having seen what I am feeling, "Although your quirk suited the situation, you and Young Hakagure were both outmatched in strength. I think the two of you would make excellent underground heroes. Despite the odds being against you, you used your quirks effectively." Despite the words of encouragement, I could see Toru beside me tightening her fist, "Keep in mind that you and your classmates are still learning. It does not matter whether you have a Hero family member or previous training... at U.A., you are still learning from the ground up. The bad habits you formed will also have to be fought off."
With a smile, All Might addressed the rest of the class, "We are all here to enjoy what we do. Laugh, smile, and crack a joke. It is the best kind of hero that makes the people around them feel safe and distracts them from the horrors around them. Heroes of today were shaped by classic hero stories from the early years of quirks. There will be more information about those heroes in history."
"Now with that said, next teams! You're up!"
I sighed, walked over to a chair, and sat down…
I won't let all my hard work go to waste, not by my own weakness.
The rest of the matches boiled down to slugfests showcasing who in the class had the potential to improve. The two animal mutants of the course, Tokoyami and Asui, fought against Kirishima and Sero. Asui proved how versatile "Frog" is and quickly climbed the building walls.
Tokoyami's Dark Shadow easily won the two matches, however.
The next match was Kaminari and Jiro against Yaoyorozu and Mineta.
During this match, Kaminari proved just how scattered the brain really is. However, he spent most of the entire round chatting with Kyoka despite her disinterest when, after the scantily clad Creati used a cannon to breach into the room the two were staying in, he discharged his electricity enough to short-circuit himself.
Even Mineta had a better showing in the match, using his ball hair effectively to immobilize Kyoka's earphone jacks.
Note to self: Do not touch his balls.
The day's final match was Ashido and Aoyama against Sato and Koda.
Koda spent the whole match following the lead of Sato in the running from Ashido's Acid and Aoyama's laser attacks. The game lasted the longest of the entire class. Still, eventually, Ashido used her acid as a form of lubricant and slid faster than the two tired boys could run, catching up to them quickly.
At some point during the matches, Midoriya returned with his hand in plaster, a slight tired look over his face that disappeared when he spotted All Might.
All in all, the "Villains" won every match.
"Great effort, everyone!" All Might announced, standing amidst the students with an approving smile. His blue eyes sparkled with pride, and his blond hair danced in the afternoon breeze. "Remember, heroes aren't made in a day. It's a journey of perseverance and grit."
His words were met with assenting nods and murmurs from the students, their faces etched with respect and admiration for the number one hero.
"But before you all head off," All Might added, turning his attention towards his son, who was resting on a chair, "Midoriya, Yamada, I believe you two have a unique task to undertake; make sure to head straight there after changing!"
Right. I looked over to Izuku who nodded towards me.
"We remember, All Might," Izuku confirmed for us.
"I hope you two see this as a chance to learn," All Might advised, his tone firm but supportive. "Heroism isn't just about combating evil. It's about aiding others, collaborating effectively, and absorbing lessons from your errors."
I nodded, already accepting the inevitable, "We understand, All Might."
With that, All Might gave a final nod and said to everyone in his booming voice, "Strive to be the best heroes you can be, just as you would in our training sessions. Remember, Plus Ultra!"
And disappeared through an open window.
The class followed out and made our way to our separate changing rooms.
The rush inside the locker room was much calmer than the last time we showered after exercise. Everyone in various stages of exhaustion dragged themselves into the showers to wash off the sweat- Yaoyorozu once again created soap and towels for everyone with her quirk… I will begin to have a collection of these too-soft towels before long…
I was lucky enough to not share my shower again, however. Within a few short minutes, I was waiting outside for Midoriya, and with a wave goodbye to Kyoka and Toru, we set off towards the lunchroom.
Midoriya kept silent, fidgeting with his cast and standing arm's length away as we walked. I didn't bother to break him out of his mindset. Instead, I was trying to unlock my phone and message Mita…
I stare down at the dang new-age smartphone, the sleek device that still looks alien despite me knowing its use. I miss the rugged charm of a simple radio. Press the buttons on the side and the vivid, high-definition display. Icons and notifications start popping up…
In my day, we had one knob to turn on the radio…
Sliding my finger across the screen once. Then twice. Unlocked the phone. Clicking the red box with a small four in its corner shifts to the messaging app, showing a list of various texts.
Clicking the top one labeled Bestest Caretaker 3, shifted the screen again to,
We are going to talk when you get home, Young Lady.
Getting in trouble
With a boy, no less!
I'm so proud 3
… How do you delete these things?
I shoved the phone in my pocket and decided to just ignore the phone for now.
When we finally made it to Lunch Rush, we were told that before working on the wall for our detention, we would attend a meeting between all the class presidents from each course and year.
Lunch Rush directed us to the meeting room, filled with the low hum of chatter as the various students gathered. Midoriya nervously adjusted his tie beside me, his hand wrapped in plaster from today's exercise. I'll have to calm him down...
"Midoriya. Take a moment to breathe. You are representing our entire class to everyone, don't let anyone down."
Remembering that, he stopped fighting and seemed to calm down, tightening his fists.
Well. Good enough, anyway.
I led the way into the room, finding our open seats near the front. A few moments later, the upper-class president entered, her bright blue hair contrasting heavily against the formal setting of the room. Though odd hair colors aside, she seemed like the typical popular high schooler I vaguely remember from my first life. "Thank you all for coming," she began, her cheerful voice echoing through the room. "Today, we are here to discuss our roles and plans for the upcoming sports festival, as well as to introduce ourselves to the new presidents of our underclassmen."
There was a murmur of agreement from the room. I saw a wave of anxiety wash over my partner, but a nudge in the side helped him push it down.
That distracted him from whatever thoughts he was having. Whatever stops his shaking.
The upperclassman continued, "As we all know, the top scorer of the hero course entrance exam usually gives the opening speech. However, this year's top scorer... has a personality that might be a bit too... crass for such an occasion." A collective chuckle went around the room. It took me a moment to remember who they were talking about before the image of Bakugo entered my mind.
Right. Points to Aizawa for letting the upperclassman know.
"We need a replacement. Someone who is not just a top scorer but also embodies the essence of what it means to be a hero... and after today we have the perfect student for the job!"
She started to raise her voice and fist in the air during her little speech. She must be acing her public speaking class.
Wait, why is she pointing to-
All eyes in the room turned towards us... I turned towards Midoriya. I didn't need my quirk active to see how all the attention was making his heart pound in his chest, but despite that, he seemed to keep an impassive face.
Seeing as he wasn't going to say anything, probably for fear of showing his nerves, I gave him an encouraging smile, "Midoriya," he looked at me; I could see how his eyes were dilating, "you handled the lunch alarm incident brilliantly. You are a strong leader and a capable hero. You should give the opening speech.
Midoriya took a deep breath, standing and looking around the room at the other expectant students. "I...I accept," he said, his voice clear and steady, somehow, "I will do my best to represent us all as heroes in the opening speech."
With his piece said, the room gave quiet applause. The upperclassman beamed at him, clapping her hands together. "That's settled then!" she exclaimed. "With Midoriya as our speaker, I'm sure this year's sports festival will succeed!"
As the meeting continued, Midoriya stayed silent, no doubt contemplating what speech he would have to give in a few weeks.
Nothing much else of note happened during the meeting as it really was just a meet and greet. The upperclassman introduced herself as Nejiro Hado, and our fellow hero student representatives in 1-B introduced themselves to us. Itsuka Kendo, and Yui Kodai. I tried to recall the other courses' names. Still, I only really bothered memorizing the presidents in general education as they would be my leaders later. Kuwabara Kazuma, and Yusuke Urameshi
After the short meeting, we left for Lunch Rush's cafeteria.
When we entered the room, it was filled with students, at least ten others from various departments, all sitting at tables waiting, a mixture of guilt and annoyance on their faces.
Lunch Rush, despite his friendly demeanor earlier, was now standing in a pose that screamed "serious" at the front of the room, arms crossed.
Midoriya, seeing the teacher, mirrored the other students' faces and sat at one of the long tables, head bowed down in remorse. I took a seat beside him, waiting.
When Lunch Rush noticed us, he nodded and called out to the room.
"Alright, listen up, you lot! You're here because you caused chaos in the lunchroom. Today, you'll be serving detention by fixing the mess you made. You'll be repainting the wall that was destroyed."
Lunch Rush points to the freshly rebuilt wall, courtesy of Cementoss. The damaged area is now just a blank gray canvas, ready for a fresh coat of paint.
"You'll work in pairs. Each pair will be provided with paint and brushes. Don't even think about slacking off or using your quirks, or I'll have you peeling potatoes for the rest of the year!"
Speaking softer, Lunch Rush gestured to a bowl beside him, "Your partner assignments will be chosen randomly. No complaints."
He walks around the room, having each student pick a slip. Midoriya looked around nervously at the other students as they unfolded their papers and called out names.
I picked up his mutterings next to me, "Please, let it be someone who won't make things worse."
I just looked down at my paper, "IZUKU MIDORIYA."
Well, "Looks like luck is on your side, Midoriya."
Izuku's eyes widened in surprise.
Lunch Rush claps his hands, bringing attention back to him.
"Alright, you've got one hour. Get to work. If it's not done, you all will come back tomorrow."
The pairs quickly disperse, grabbing paint cans and brushes. We spread to an empty part of the wall, staring at it momentarily.
Not wanting to waste time, I grab a brush and look at him, "Let's just get this done. Think of it like training. A Hero should always come and make things right after a disaster."
Midoriya takes a deep breath. With a determined nod, he grabs a brush.
"You're right. Let's do our best and make it right."
Together, we dipped our brushes into the paint and began to work side by side. As the hour ticked away, I felt a sense of camaraderie forming between us, our brushstrokes blending into a masterpiece of fresh color…
Kyoka Jiro, Hero Student, 1-A Seat #12
The sun was setting, casting long shadows across the streets as I walked down the street with Toru. Today had been long, exhausting, boring classes that ate up most of the day, followed by the excitement at lunch and hero training.
If every day is this tiring, what fresh hell did I sign up for when I decided to be a hero?
The usual hustle and bustle of the city matched my exhaustion, noises echoing with the sounds of life and toil.
Toru today was unusually quiet, her invisible form swaying slightly as she limped along, "Man, today's training was brutal," she complained, placing a hand on her side where I could only imagine a harsh bruise was forming, "I can hardly move. Who knew getting flash frozen would make me so stiff." She tried to put a jovial tone at the end, but it sounded more tired than anything.
I sighed, a frown tugging at my lips as I fiddled with my earphone jacks, "You're telling me," My mind drifted back to the match. I had lost, all because Kaminari had spent more time trying to flirt than focusing on defending the briefcase, "Kaminari was so frustrating today. He was more interested in chatting me up than doing the exercise."
Toru gave a light-hearted chuckle. "Poor Kyoka, being the target of Kaminari's affections," she teased, trying to lighten the mood, but I just grumbled under my breath. It's not like it's just me anyway. The lightning boy also tried to flirt with all the girls after class. Ochako even turned him down without realizing he was asking her out!
... I couldn't help but chuckle and pointed that interaction out to Toru.
The conversation drifted to other classmates, from Bakugo's usual explosive temper to Midoriya's ever-present determination and tenacity. I remembered something from yesterday after bringing up a few of my classmates. A worry that was nagging at the back of my mind.
"Hey, Toru… Have you noticed anything off about Tanya?" I asked.
Toru seemed taken aback by the sudden change in topic. "Tanya? It sucks she has to stay after school painting a wall... and I mean, she's always been pretty shy, but once you get her talking about something she doesn't really stop, why?"
I bit her lip, trying to figure out how to word my worries, "I don't know, it's just… yesterday after the whole spray thing she had a terrible reaction to it. More worse than everyone else. And even an hour after it was all said and done she seemed to relapse and… I'm just worried, you know?"
Toru was silent for a moment before responding. "I see what you mean, but maybe she was just really really embarrassed? She did barf in front of everyone, I'm sorta glad no one brought it up today either."
"No, it's more than that. It was like… like she was scared of something. Or someone."
Toru sighed, a note of concern in her voice. "I'll keep an eye on her too, Kyoka. But keep in mind it was Aizawa giving the class. Mr pole up his ass himself."
I nodded, conceding the point. Maybe I am just overreacting...
We continued our walk to the train station in thoughtful silence, my mind drifting back to Tanya. Being concerned for her overshadowed my own personal troubles. After all, I'm training to be a hero, and caring for others is significant. Sticking my earphone jack in her business, even if she doesn't want me to, is what a hero does, after all.
AN: Mark on FFnet : Not much to say here, Sorry this took so long the hurricane delayed me. I appreciate every review, even the negative ones I seem to be gaining- Though I would like if the negative reviewers would actually respond so I can work on what makes them annoyed XD
If you want to give us some coffee. : You know the site/TheMarkofArtemis : No pressure, I won't be giving any sneak peaks or only coffee buyer stories. its just there for some updates and contact with us.
Edit: 9/9 - Reworded a few lines at the end of the fight scene, and Tanya's mind set after. She didn't "Forget" Shoji entirely- She was distracted and didn't think he was as close as he was. Guest whatever made a point so I fixed it- despite thinking Tanya somehow has magical powers and guns here... and isn't one of the physically weakest students without her quirk getting thrown comically against a wall by the largest... Edit 2 9/9 - Was tempted to change up the scene some more, -which I did slightly- but never mind. if Guest wants to write a story they can do it themselves. fixed some cut lines and formatting errors from the transfer.