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Guest - future!Melissa will be back... eventually. It'll be a while though!

"We did it!" Ochako leaped into the air as she cheered.

"We did," Izuku smiled at his friend as they walked out of school for the final time that year. Sure they'd be back in three short weeks, but for now, they had a brief break. "And what a year it's been."

"Yeah!" Ochako smiled warmly at Izuku. "And next year's gonna be even better! But for now, let's go find Risa!"

Shouldering their bags, the two quickly crossed the city to meet up with their friend.

After changing out of her uniform and into something more comfortable, Melissa sat in front of her computer while she waited for Izuku and Ochako to get out of class. She had hoped to work a bit more on her story. Final exams had thrown her writing off and she needed to catch up!

But there was one small problem: She didn't know where Risa's journey would take her next.

Normally in this situation she'd rely on the information she discovered when she researched one of her (many) celebrity hero crushes. But as she sat there, she came to a startling realization. She hadn't actually had a celebrity crush for a while now.

Her brows furrowing, Melissa leaned back in her chair and thought back over the last several months. Sure her crushes waxed and waned quickly, but she expected them to - they were just teen infatuations after all. But they were usually a constant part of her life. Now, though, she was having a hard time remembering when her last one was.

It's been at least since Valentine's Day, Melissa thought to herself. She remembered that day distinctly because of the conversation she had at school. Nejire noticed the large bag of chocolates she brought to school and asked if any of them were for somebody special. The fact that her mind didn't turn toward a hero was more than enough evidence that she wasn't suffering from a celebrity crush at the time.

Melissa shook her head as she tried to forget the brief pang of jealousy she had when she saw Nejire and Yuyu exchanging chocolates soon after. Letting out a longing sigh, she told herself that someday she'd have someone special in her life. Eventually, she'd find someone who felt the same way about her. Then she'd have a reason to make homemade candies for the holiday!

It wasn't like she was alone now, either. She had all of her friends and loved spending time with them. It was a far cry from her days on I-Island, where she was alone far more often than she cared to admit. She claimed it gave her more time for her studies or for working on a project with her dad. But…

"I guess it's a side-effect of having friends now," Melissa said fondly as she returned her attention to her screen. "I'll just have to add research time to my future story arcs."

Pulling up her favorite hero wiki, Melissa began searching through the names of upcoming heroes in America. She let herself get lost in all the names and events until she heard a knock on the door. As she felt herself smiling, she closed the laptop and pushed away from her desk to answer it. She walked to the door and opened it to reveal Izuku and Ochako.

"Ready to go Risa?" Ochako asked.

"Yep!" Melissa replied happily as she dragged her shoes in front of her. "Let's go celebrate!"

Their first stop was a nearby market to pick up dinner for the three of them as well as something for Inko. Once the food was secured they continued back to Izuku's place to finish their preparations: Melissa retrieved Ochako's telescope and a blanket while Izuku and Ochako quickly changed into casual clothes. After that, they were finally off for real. In the parking lot the trio mounted their pogo sticks and took off toward their cliffside retreat.

"Ready to watch the stars?" Ochako asked as they climbed the hill.

"Once the sun goes down!" Melissa giggled as her eyes drifted upward toward the orange and purple sky.

"You know that won't stop Ochako," Izuku replied.

"Nope!" Ochako smiled brightly as she set down the telescope case and pointed at the moon. "You can already spot a few things if you know where to look."

"Well I don't know about you, but I'd rather stargaze on a full stomach," Melissa said as she opened her bag and pulled out a well-worn blanket.

"I guess you're right," Ochako admitted - with only a hint of disappointment - as she turned around and saw her friends spreading out the blanket.

She walked back to her friends and grabbed the bag of food before plopping down on the blanket. Once Izuku and Melissa had settled down alongside her she handed them their meals before she opened her own, a delicious (and affordable!) yakisoba from one of her favorite street carts. Closing her eyes, she momentarily savored the smell and warmth of food before digging in.

As they ate, the three began planning how they wanted to spread their spring break. Sure they still had training and Melissa was going back to I-Island for a week, but that still gave them plenty of time together! It didn't take long to fill their free time with a dozen different plans: shopping, games, and even a proposed trip to Nabari!

By the time they were done eating the sun had finally set and the stars were coming out. Melissa volunteered to clean up from their picnic while Izuku and Ochako set up the telescope. After collecting the trash and folding the blanket, her gaze drifted up the hill to where her two friends were finishing up. As she saw the pair hovering closely together, Melissa felt a warmth filling her, wrapping her in a warm blanket.

Yeah, spending time with friends like these is definitely better than bouncing between celebrity crushes.

"Sorry Mom, but I've got to go!" Ochako apologized to her phone as she reached the parking lot of Melissa's apartment complex. "I'll see you later tonight, okay?"

"Bye, dear!" Miu said on the other end of the line. "Don't get into any trouble!"

"We won't! Bye, Mom!" Ochako replied before she hung up. Smiling at the image of her parents on the phone, she quickly locked it and stuck it into her bag before she made her way to Melissa's apartment.

The American girl was meeting up with Nejire out in Shiozuka to do some shopping for next year, and they invited her to join them. While she wasn't likely to buy anything for herself, the prospect of hanging out with the older girls was reason enough to go and she readily agreed. Reaching the apartment she saw Melissa was already waiting for her and the two left for the train station.

When they exited the train they found Nejire already waiting for them, her phone displaying a map of the nearby shopping district with a dozen different stores highlighted. As the girl started speaking Ochako glanced at Melissa and saw her friend giving her an apologetic smile. Responding with a shaky smile of her own, she mouthed the words 'It's okay!' to her friend before she turned her attention back to the almost fairy-like girl.

After all, if she was Melissa's friend, how bad could she be?

Despite Nejire's energetic nature - something Ochako didn't fully see back during the Culture Festival - the day was a lot of fun! She got to learn more about the violet-haired girl and she heard some new embarrassing stories about Melissa she couldn't wait to tell Izuku.

On top of that, the shopping actually turned out to be more fruitful than she expected! There were plenty of sales on winter clothing, so she picked up an outfit and several cute accessories that she couldn't wait to wear next year.

However, as the sun was setting and they were getting ready to head back to the train station the warmth of happiness seeped away, being replaced with something that set her on edge.

It almost felt like they were being watched.

"You feel it too, don't you?" Nejire suddenly asked the others.

"Yep!" Melissa said far too brightly, but one glance at her told Ochako that her thoughts didn't match her voice.

"What's going on?" Ochako asked quietly, her stomach twisting in anticipation of the answer.

"Someone's been following us for a few blocks," Melissa explained quietly.

"Oh," Ochako exclaimed.

She was right! Maybe she should have spoken up sooner? She really had to practice to get better just like the older girls were-

"So what's the plan?" Melissa asked as she pulled Ochako out of her thoughts.

"How about we turn the tables on them?" Nejire smiled brightly as she seemingly floated in front of them. "After all, we could lose them, but then what would stop them from going after someone who doesn't have the training we do?"

"Aren't you worried about quirk laws?" Ochako asked as she looked around nervously.

"I don't think we need our quirks to stop them," Melissa said smugly.

"Nope!" Nejire agreed with a far-too-bright smile.

Hearing the confidence in the other girls' voices bolstered Ochako's own. As they slowed down she remembered her training under Gunhead, most of which didn't involve her quirk either. Feeling better, she bobbed her head vigorously. "Okay, I'm in!"

The three continued for another block until Melissa spotted a wide alleyway. She touched Nejire's shoulder and the other high schooler understood the signal immediately. Stopping, she assessed the alleyway before bobbing her head in confirmation. Ochako, meanwhile, watched the other two girls in awe as they worked. Was this level of coordination something she'd learn at UA too? Deciding to ask them later, she quickly followed them, not wanting to be left behind.

About a third of the way down the alley the space opened up, creating a small lot between the buildings that would give the three of them plenty of room to maneuver. Following the older girls' lead, Ochako stepped into the shadows, partially concealing herself from the view of the entrance.

The three collectively held their breaths and waited in anticipation. Fortunately, they didn't have to wait long. Only a few seconds passed before they saw someone at the entrance to the alleyway. A thin, pale girl who was dressed in a seifuku. She had ash-blonde hair tied up in a pair of messy buns, and her golden eyes seemed to almost glow in the faint light of the alleyway as they searched for their prey.

But they weren't the only thing reflecting light. It may be due to her training, but Ochako spotted it first - the distinct silhouette of a box cutter in her hands, the metallic blade standing out in the lamplight.

"Let me handle this," Ochako said confidently.

Melissa was about to protest, but one glance at Ochako was all she needed to soothe her worries before she nodded in acknowledgment. Nejire silently agreed, and Ochako quietly thanked them with a smile.

"There you are!" The voice called out as she spotted them. "You three are so cute! I just… want to get closer to you…"

The girl looked surprisingly innocent and welcoming as she took several unsteady steps into the alleyway, but Ochako knew how deceptive looks could be. Tensing up, she waited patiently. Sure enough, after a few more steps and reassuring words, the girl struck. Moving with surprising speed, she raised the knife and charged.

Ochako thanked Gunhead for every bruise she had ever taken as her training took over and she grabbed the other girl's wrist. With a fluidity borne of practice, she tripped the other girl and dropped her to the ground. Twisting her assailant's wrist, Ochako watched as the box cutter clattered to the ground only to kick it away.

"This isn't fair!" The other girl cried.

"You were the one following us!" Melissa pointed out as she stepped out, placing herself between the girl and the box cutter.

"What were you trying to do?" Nejire asked as she knelt next to the girl.

"I just wanted some of your cute blood!" The girl whimpered from her position under Ochako. "It smells so good and makes me feel better."

Ochako blinked as she looked at the girl under her, her brain already assessing the situation. The girl in question both felt lighter and weaker than she expected. She wasn't even putting up much effort in struggling - the other students at Gunhead's dojo are harder to keep pinned, and they were doing it reflexively.

Then there were her comments about blood. Sure she didn't remember everything Izuku said about heroes when he got going, but she remembered that one day when he was gushing over Cementoss. She was weirded out about the idea that he eats rocks instead of food! But that led to a whole conversation about diets and Ochako being thankful that she didn't have anything like that thanks to Zero Gravity.

Could this girl…?

"We should call the police," Nejire said, her phone already in her hands.

"Wait!" Ochako shouted as her head shot up.

Everyone froze and looked at her, and Ochako felt her face heating up. She glanced back and forth between the high schoolers and then back down to the girl who was giving her the side eye. Taking her knee off of the girl's back, Ochako slowly released her. "You- blood makes you feel better?"

"Ocha- what are you doing?" Melissa asked cautiously.

The blonde girl slowly sat up, her eyes darting between the three girls as she looked for an escape. "Why do you care?"

"Do you- does your quirk need blood?" Ochako asked again.

"Did my parents send you?" The girl accused, her eyes narrowing at Ochako. "So they can prove I'm a monster before they lock me up again?"

Ochako heard Melissa gasp and Nejire made a startled noise, but she stayed focused on the girl in front of her. The glimpse of fangs in her mouth was enough to cement her theory - the girl was attacking people for blood. Normally she would leave matters to the police, but the way the girl was talking - something didn't add up.

And then there were her eyes: she didn't trust anyone or anything. But more importantly, they told Ochako she was scared and hurting.

So she acted without thinking.

Rolling her sleeve up, she exposed her wrist before shoving it into the other girl's arm. "Here."

"Ocha-"

"Uraraka!"

"W-WHAT?!" The blonde exclaimed, her eyes going wide.

"I don't even know your name," Ochako admitted. "But I have a good idea what's going on. I- I can't offer you much blood, but maybe a little bit will make you feel better."

"Why?" The girl asked incredulously as tears threatened to spill out of her eyes. "Why are you doing this?"

"Because," Ochako gave her a warm smile. "It's what heroes do."

"I was told heroes were bad people…"

"Whoever told you that is wrong," Ochako said adamantly. "Heroes are good people. They try to help others, and make the world a better place for everyone!"

Staring in disbelief the girl reached out and gently touched Ochako's arm, waiting for the trap to snap shut. When Ochako didn't respond she tugged the wrist closer, her index finger tracing over Ochako's veins as if she didn't believe they were real. Ochako watched as the girl opened her mouth and braced herself for pain when the girl bit down.

Except it didn't hurt.

Ochako felt a brief moment of relief, quietly thanking Izuku and trying to remember everything she could about the experience because she knew he'd have so many questions later.

The girl took several mouthfuls of blood, greedily swallowing as much as she could. Ochako tried to tough it out and hold on for as long as possible, but she raised her hand when she started to feel lightheaded. "Stop!"

The girl froze and jerked her head back. Not taking her eyes off Ochako, she swallowed the contents in her mouth before she slowly lowered her head and licked the wound, much like a cat. Ochako was about to protest when she saw that the blood had stopped flowing, likely in response to the lick. The girl then released Ochako's hand and wrapped her arms around herself.

"S-sorry!" The girl cried as she curled around herself. "I'm sorry! It tasted so good and made me feel better and…"

"I-it's okay!" Ochako insisted. "I just can't give you anymore!"

"Do you feel better?" Melissa asked carefully.

"Yes," The girl sniffled. "But- but I hurt the cute girl who wanted to help me!"

"I- you didn't hurt me!" Ochako insisted.

"I bit you and took your blood! That makes me a monster… my parents were right…"

While Ochako tried to assure the girl that she was ok, Melissa looked at Nejire and gestured to the other side of the alleyway with her head. Nodding in acknowledgment, Nejire stood up and the two girls stepped a few meters away to get some privacy.

"We can't call the police," Melissa said.

"You're right, but we can't leave her alone," Nejire insisted. "We've gotta tell someone."

"Of course," Melissa agreed. "You have Kan-sensei's number, don't you?"

Nejire's face lit up. "Of course! Why didn't I think of that?"

"It just came to me," Melissa admitted. "Hopefully he can figure something out?"

"Yeah!" Nejire agreed as she pulled out her phone and began dialing.

The hero picked up right away. Nejire and Melissa spent the next several minutes taking turns explaining the situation while keeping an eye on Ochako. Once the hero was done asking questions he instructed them to find someplace public to wait and send him the location. Promising to be there soon, he hung up, leaving the girls to deal with the situation at hand.

The two returned to see Ochako still kneeling on the ground, talking to the girl. When she saw them return, she looked up. "How'd it go?"

"Help is on the way," Melissa promised.

"No!" The girl shouted. "No- don't- they'll take me back-"

"Himiko," Ochako said calmly. "These are my friends. They won't do anything to hurt you."

"Nope!" Nejire said brightly. "We found someone who can help you! I'm sure once he hears your story he'll keep you safe!"

"Promise?" The girl - Himiko - asked Ochako.

Ochako looked up at Melissa and waited for her to nod her head before she gave a reassuring look to Himiko. "Yeah, I do."

Despite Himiko's reluctance, they managed to guide her to a nearby cafe where they sat outside. There, Melissa bought the girl a meal along with a massive plate of mochi to help Ochako with the blood loss. The time seemed to drag on forever, but soon enough the four saw the heroes Vlad King and Midnight approaching them.

"It's okay Himiko," Ochako assured the other girl as she saw her tensing up. "They promised to help you!"

The two heroes stopped and quietly observed the situation from a distance until the three students managed to reassure the girl in question. Only once Nejire flashed them a smile and thumbs up did they finally approach.

"Is this Himiko Toga?" Vlad King asked.

"Yep!" Nejire said.

Vlad examined the girl and understood what they were talking about. He had Midnight look up the girl on their way in and they were both surprised to learn that she had assaulted a student and was desperate enough to try drinking blood from him out of a straw. But as he looked her over, he noticed that she looked far worse than she should be given how long she was on the streets. She was dangerously thin, with pale skin and massive bags under her eyes.

Looking at the table he saw an empty water glass in front of Himiko. Carefully turning to her, he pointed to the glass. "May I?"

"Sure," Himiko said cautiously, seemingly shrinking away as he reached out and took it.

Picking it up, he placed it under one of his gauntlets and released some blood into the cup, filling it with the crimson substance before he offered it to the girl. "For you."

"For… me?" The girl stared at the glass wide-eyed.

"Yes. They told me about how you need blood, and while little Uraraka here tried her best, it appears you need much more." He tried to reassure the girl. "Fortunately, my quirk means I have plenty to spare."

The girl quickly drank it and asked for more, which Vlad happily provided. Afterward, the two heroes sat down at the table and began talking to the girl. She told them her story and was shocked by their lack of disgust. Eventually, after multiple promises that they wouldn't take her back to her parents, she agreed to go with the heroes.

"Is she going to be okay?" Ochako asked as the heroes prepared to leave with Himiko.

"I believe so," Vlad assured her. "From everything we've heard, it's her parents at fault, and they will bear the brunt of the consequences."

"I'm glad," Ochako said.

"Thank you, Ochako-chan," Himiko said as she gave the girl a shaky smile. "For reaching out to me."

"I'm glad I was able to help." Ochako gave the girl a warm smile. "Maybe you can give heroes another chance?"

"...maybe," Himiko said as she looked up at Vlad and felt none of the things her parents warned her about.

After one final reassurance that the three students were fine and didn't need any help, the heroes took Himiko and left, leaving the three alone again.

"I'm sorry the night ended that way," Nejire apologized once they were alone.

"N-no, it's okay!" Ochako quickly replied. "I… had a lot of fun today."

"Even when you got your blood sucked?" Melissa teased.

Ochako felt her face heating up as she looked in the direction of where the heroes left. "Helping her - it felt good."

"I know what you mean," Melissa stared fondly at her friend.

"Yeah!" Nejire added. "Making people happy at my internship and helping them out reminded me of why we do all of this."

"Yeah!" Ochako quickly turned and pumped her fist in the air, only to feel her world spinning.

"Ocha-!" Melissa rushed to her friend's side and caught her so she didn't fall out of the chair.

"Sorry," Ochako apologized profusely. "I guess I'm gonna need to take it easy for a bit, huh?"

Melissa just shook her head. "What am I going to do with you two? I think it's time we get you home - I bet your parents are gonna be so worried when they hear what happened."

"Eep!" Ochako squeaked out as she buried her face in Melissa's shoulder. "Yeah… I guess we should get going huh?" She giggled nervously.

With Nejire's help, the girls returned to the train station and said their goodbyes before separating. Fortunately, the pair didn't have to wait long, and soon the train bound for Mustafu arrived. Melissa helped Ochako onto the train and they found a pair of empty seats. Securing their bags they sat down only for Melissa to immediately notice Ochako's eyes were sagging.

"It's okay if you want to nap on the way back," Melissa assured her friend.

"Are you sure?" Ochako asked with a bit of guilt in her voice.

"Mhm!" Melissa smiled and patted her shoulder. "I know I'm not the best pillow but…"

Ochako's blush spread as she removed her glasses. Melissa quickly took them and wrapped her arm around the younger girl as Ochako tried to get comfortable against her side. It didn't take long for her to get settled, and moments later Melissa heard her friend's soft snores.

After Melissa carefully adjusted herself, she looked down at her friend and once again felt a familiar warmth spreading through her.

Ochako's grown so much in the past year. Seeing her tonight, she was so smart and brave and-

Melissa gasped. She was thankful for her training as it was the only thing that prevented her from crushing her friend's glasses in her hand as she was struck with a revelation.

-and amazing and heroic and pretty.

Oh no.

Melissa's eyes went wide as she looked down at her sleeping friend.

Her crushing on heroes hasn't changed. It had just shifted - and now she was crushing on someone much much closer to her than any random hero ever was.

After an impromptu conference call with Ochako and Melissa, Izuku crawled into bed.

He had to admit he was more than a little worried about Ochako, but Melissa assured him that she had plenty of liquids and sugars in Shiozuka. That was hours ago and now she was at home and under the supervision of her parents! And while he'd see her most of tomorrow - they agreed to spend the day playing video games where he and Melissa could ensure she took it easy, he still was worried.

Despite that, once he finally closed his eyes sleep quickly claimed him.

Izuku heard the sound of the ocean breeze as his eyes snapped open. He was outside somewhere, even if the sky overhead was a vast kaleidoscope of colors. His smile grew wide as he realized what was going on - this was just like how Melissa described it!

He was in the vestige realm!

Except it wasn't quite the same experience as Melissa's. Once his eyes adjusted he saw he was in a tropical forest, which meant he was probably also on an island. He didn't start in the same place as she did - he wondered why, but that would be a question for the vestiges once he found them!

As he looked around, he saw two exits to the clearing - one on each side. Choosing one, Izuku took off at a casual jog, hoping to find the building where the vestiges lived.

It only felt like a few minutes, but he saw a squat gray building in the distance. Speeding up, Izuku quickly approached - only to gasp when the details became clear. It was a squat cement building, but it looked like the roof had been destroyed in a bomb attack. There was no entrance that he could see, so he began to slowly circle around the building.

When he reached the other side, the sight didn't get any better. One of the four walls was just missing, as if it too was destroyed by a bomb. Worse, there wasn't anyone inside - just 8 empty chairs arranged in a semicircle.

"Hello!" Izuku called out. "Is anyone there!?"

Silence

Feeling a chill run through him, Izuku began looking around frantically. If he was here that meant that a vestige was trying to contact him, right? So where were they?

As he looked around, he saw a nearby hill and got an idea. Taking off at a run, he raced up the hill in the hopes of getting a better lay of the land - and maybe spotting the missing vestige. Moments later he reached the top and began looking around. While he didn't see anyone, he did see something. In the distance, a light - almost like the light of a lighthouse.

Was that the building he was supposed to reach? Did he find something else, some forgotten memory that had been abandoned?

Shoving those questions aside, Izuku took off down the hill, rushing through the forest toward the lighthouse-

-and almost running off a cliff in his excitement.

"Woah!" Izuku exclaimed as he stumbled backward away from the cliff.

Regaining his balance, he walked - carefully this time! - to the end of the cliff and looked over the edge, only to be greeted by the ocean.

"What's going on?" Izuku asked as he looked out toward the lighthouse again. It stood in the distance, but from his current position, it felt even further away now than when he was on the hill.

"Hello!" Izuku called out, desperate for any response.

None came.

Izuku didn't know how long he stayed there before he began exploring the rest of the island. Everywhere he went it was the same - no signs of life, just the faint sound of the breeze and ocean, and the occasional flash of light from the lighthouse.

Eventually, Izuku found his eyes closing as he felt himself being pulled back to reality. As they closed, he asked one final question.

"If nobody came for me, then why am I here?"

Are there any heroes you want to see Risa learn from while she's in America? Leave a comment below! :) ~SupportGrrl47