Walking down the street Kyouka Jirou was smiling, it was probably the first real smile she's had in a long time. Surrounded by three other girls she rolled her eyes saying something sarcastic, making the other three laugh as they walked down the street.
To her right walked a bubbly girl. Even though the girl was a bit on the shorter side, her curves easily made up for her lack in size. Bouncing from side to side the girl was dressed in the same school uniform only this one was adorned with bright and colorful buttons. If someone just looked at her for a second they wouldn't notice anything different with her but if they stared a little bit longer they would notice that her short light blue hair was constantly shifting like it was blowing in the wind, even indoors.
"Hehe and then I said "back off girl" and then popped her one right in the jaw." Doing a quick jab for good measure, she shadow boxed across open air with a big smile on her face. "You should have seen her face! Priceless, don't talk smack if you don't want to get smacked is what I always say."
The peppiest of the three Morishita Sango was the daughter of a middle class family. Child to a family of bakers Sango wasn't the brightest bulb out there but she made up for it with her cheery and can do attitude.
Tilting her head Jirou watched her as she skipped along, punching at the air as she giggled. She didn't always have the right idea but she was always nice about it, in many ways she was the living embodiment of "She's a little confused but she has the right spirit?"
When Jirou first met her she was a little intimated with how NICE the girl came off. There was no way that someone would be THAT nice to someone they just met...yet apparently thats just how she is.
According to Sango herself she had been judged a lot when she was younger for hitting puberty early. That and being a little on the dimmer side. It used to bother her how everyone just assumed she had things handed to her on a silver platter just because she was pretty. The most handsome boy at school asking her out? Pretty. She got a C- on a test that she studied hard for? Pretty. Found a twenty on the ground? Guess the angels are handing out twenties to pretty girls now.
She was telling Jirou that until she met The Claws she didn't know how to stand up for herself, she mostly just took whatever punishment the world gave her and smiled through it...that was something she could really relate to. The just taking stuff, not the smiling thing.
Glancing down at Sango's rather massive chest as she skipped along Jirou felt herself blush before looking away, her gaze shifting to her left.
Walking to her left was Tsuda Shika, a taller woman with tanned skin and bleached blond hair. She walked with a confident stride one hand at her side and the other holding a kendo bamboo sword. Her sleeves were rolled up to reveal thick arms littered with scars.
Letting out a hearty laugh Shika shook her head, her two blonde high pigtails swaying. "People like that are the worst. It's the passive aggressive shit that bothers me. Like why pretend to be nice to me just to talk shit behind my back? Just say you don't like me outright. At least then I know where we stand."
On the opposite side of things there was Shika. Big, strong, massive, she could probabky crush you between her thighs like you were nothing.
Not that she would want that or anything...
Shaking her head Jirou sighed, now was not the time for gay thoughts...
Shika came from a more poor background, being the daughter of a farmer family meant a lot of long nights tending the fields...which would explain the arms. According to her before she joined The Claws she was afraid to enjoy quote "girly things." She was not allowed to wear dresses or makeup when she was younger, always labeled as the big brute. Truthfully Shika was really good at math and enjoyed a good book...which you would not get by looking at her.
Watching her thick forearms fight against her tight uniform Jirou found herself blushing even harder, her head snapping straight ahead as she internally groaned.
I am feeling wayyyy to Bi to be dealing with a hot girl sandwich right now...
Walking ahead was the girl she met before, a year older then them and the leader of their little sukeban group, Mari Yoshimura. She was the founder of The Claws, a group of kick ass girls that were pissed off at society and took no shit from anyone.
Walking straight ahead of them she walked with the poise of a cat, slick, smooth, and regal. As she walked her hands were clasped behind her back, her right cat ear twitching before speaking in a low sultry voice. "Of course they aren't gong to say anything to your face Tsuda darling. The last person who did was beat up."
"Yeah well they shouldn't have called me a man. I hate it when they do that!"
Hoping up Sango opened her mouth to chime in to the conversation before getting interrupted by Jirou.
"Why...are you guys being so nice to me?"
The three turned back to look at Jirou, somewhere along the line she had stopped walking, her gaze fixed on the ground as she picked at her sleeve. A frown tugged at her lip as she took a second to continue.
"You all are so nice...and and cool. While I'm just..." She trailed off, the rest of the sentence disappearing into the ground.
Flat. Weird. Ugly. Stalker.
The three looked amongst each other not knowing what to say. Jirou could feel the bright yellow eyes of Yoshimura upon her, taking in her every flaw and every insecurity. The moment felt like forever as Jirou bared herself to them...it's been a long time since she has been honest to anyone. Showed someone how insecure she really was, letting people see the real her.
Jumping in place she felt long nails dance along her shoulder, looking up to see Yoshimura looking down at her.
There was no sign of teasing in her voice. "Because you're like how we used to be, hated."
"Judged" chirped Sango.
"Fucking pissed." growled Shika.
"I used to be feared by my class. Hated for how I came off to people." Caressing her cheek Yoshimura tilted her head up to face her, lowering a long claw like finger she wiped at a tear running down Jirou's cheek. She wasn't even aware that she was crying until now. "Eventually I realized that it didn't matter what they thought about me, only what I thought of me. So I made The Claws and promised myself I would never just sit back and take what they were saying about me lying down. They want to hate me? Fine. I'll show them something to be hated."
Hopping up next to her Sango smiled big at her. "We don't care what they say about you."
"B-but what about my quirk?" Looking from side to side she wasn't sure why she was fighting this so much, she should feel happy that a group of girls were accepting her. "Arent you worried I'll find out your secrets?"
Purring Yoshimura shook her head with a smirk. "Rule number 1 of The Claws is no secrets. If you want to know something just ask."
"Besides...there's no point in worrying about quirks." Said Shika next to her with a frown, gesturing to each of them with her thumb. "Sango can make a light breeze, Yoshimura can see in the dark and I can make my hair grow longer. You don't need a quirk to be a bad ass bitch."
"We like you for you Kyo." Sango said smiling.
These three were wayyy too close for her liking. Blushing deeply she was pulled in to a group hug, sandwiched between the three of them "K-kyo!?" she squeaked out, her face bright red. She had never had a nickname before...
The three laughed to her dismay, hiding her face in her hands.
Letting out another purr Yoshimura spoke near her ear making her jump. "Not that I don't hate bonding time as much as the next but what say we go have some fun!"
The three of them cheered as they pulled away from the hug, leaving Jirou a nervous blushing mess. Watching the three of them walk away she sighed, slapping both palms against her cheeks before chasing after them.
Hanging out with three super cool girls? I'm not going to survive the night.
Walking up the hill slowly Izuku took a bite of his cold ice pop, his head turning to stare at the sky line as he walked. The sun had barely started to set, the sky starting to turn from a nice blue to a beautiful mix of pinks and purples.
Shifting on his shoulders he could feel Yuki kicking her small feet to and fro as she ate at her own ice cream, letting out a happy little hum as she took a bite of some kind of fudge pop. Walking next to him and holding his hand was her twin brother Sora, his bright teal eyes turning to stare at some pumpkins as they walked past, the wooden stick of his ice cream popping out of the corner of his mouth as he stared with childlike wonder. The look couldn't help but make Izuku smile, he remembers that look all too well. Turning he looked at the same lit pumpkins sitting on the doorstep.
It was going to be Halloween soon...another month has gone by since he had met the Kendos. The saying really is true, time sure does fly by when you're having fun.
Walking a little farther ahead Itsuka turned to face him, popping her own frozen treat out of her mouth to speak. "You should have seen it Yuki, Midoriya was like "Midoriya punch!" Punching her fist forward like she was imitating him she let out a laugh. "Kazuki had no idea what hit him!"
Giggling Yuki sitting on his shoulders threw her tiny fist out imitating her older sister. "Yeah! Zuzu punch!"
Blushing as Itsuka was telling this story again he couldn't help but squirm under the praise the two sisters kept throwing at him. He didn't deserve all of the praise they gave him and a part of him hoped they would just let it go. At least then he wouldn't have to think about that day about a month ago...when he actually beat Kazuki. Ever since then the boy has been absent at the dojo, no one seeing hide nor hair of him. Itsuka didn't seem to care all that much, saying that he always creeped her out but Izuku could tell the other's at the dojo were a little bummed out. Showboaty and cocky at times sure but Kazuki at least inspired the rest of them to do better...but now there was a weird hole where he used to be that no one was able to fill. Everyone seemed to lack motivation now that the main competition was gone...
A tiny hand squeezed his snapping him out of his thoughts. Looking down at Sora as they walked along the little boy was staring up at him with his big teal eyes, his short orange hair shifting. It took a second for the boy to speak.
"Mido...are, are you going to take me and Yuki trick or treating this year?"
Nodding he gave him a gentle smile. "Of course Sora I'd love to...but you know Kendo usually takes you."
"Y-yeah but but, she's not as...as cool."
An offended gasp could be heard ahead of them, looking up he saw Itsuka facing them with her hands on her hips, looking like she was just stabbed through the heart. Her ice pop slowly slid off of the stick as she stared. "Not as cool!? Need I remind you that Midoriya is a nerd! I can't believe this...my own little brother. Saying the boy with an All Might shrine is cooler then me."
Staring at her he couldn't help but feel a little offended. It was clearly bait but he couldn't help himself. "I-It's not a shrine!"
"It's a shrine. All you need are some candles, a lock of his hair and it'd be a shrine."
"I-it's a healthy level of fan merch!"
Giving him a teasing smirk she waved her ice pop around, some of it falling to the ground. "It's borderline stalking at this point. Honestly I'm starting to get worried."
Opening his mouth to defend his COMPLETLY NORMAL fan merch Sora tugged his hand, making him look down at him again.
"Are you guys gonna kiss now?" He said sweetly, staring up at them before putting a thumb into his mouth.
A pause
It took them a second before both of their eyes snapped open, faces turning bright red. Turning to the little boy both Izuku and Kendo started to talk at the same time, their voices going up an octave.
"W-what!? N-no I we, we're just..."
"M-me and the nerd? L-like that would.."
Letting out a heavy sigh Itsuka tried to will her racing heart down, rubbing at her beat red face she groaned before crouching down to his level. "W-why would you say that!? Who gave you that crazy idea?"
All he did was stare up at his sister confused, Sora tilting his head a little. "Mom and Auntie Inko told me to "not get in the way" if it happens. I was just making sure I wasn't getting in the way!"
Looking at her brother and back to Izuku the older Kendo sister frowned before letting out a sigh, raising a hand to pinch at the bridge of her nose. "Of course they said that...look just head inside. Not a word of this to anyone or else I'll tell mom you had ice cream before dinner."
Gasping at her Sora put his tiny hands to his mouth, quickly turning and scampering inside the house. The shrill voice of his screams could be heard disappearing farther inside. "Mommmmm, Itsuka just threatened me!"
The sounds of shouting faded, leaving Izuku, Itsuka and Yuki alone.
Staring at each other the best friends blushed before looking away. Yuki watching them with a frown, looking between them before her cheeks puffed out.
Just like that that the mood was ruined, Yuki leaning in and tugging at Izuku's fluffy green hair. "Nooooo, mine!"
That seemed to have snapped them out of their weird staring contest, both of them laughing before turning to head inside. Giving him a playful punch on the arm Itsuka walked inside first, her hand rubbing at her neck awkwardly as she turned the corner. Setting Yuki down he took his bright red shoes off, setting them into a pile of others before making a trek down the entrance hall. Yuki held onto his sleeve as he followed the sound of chaos he has grown used to by now.
Opening the sliding doors he jumped back a little as Arai ran past them with a smug look on his face followed by a very angry Aika in only a towel a few seconds later, she was screaming profanities the entire time after him.
Looking over the room he noticed the elder Dai was sitting in his normal rocking chair, watching some black and white movie. Toda and Matsuo were drinking alcohol and laughing while Hada, Ren and his mom were chatting as they made dinner. Hada seemed to be chatting with Itsuka over something, most likely scolding her.
Walking across the living room with Yuki they made their way over to the group of girls.
"Why is your brother saying you threatened him?" Asked Hada in a motherly tone, her eyebrow slightly raised.
"...Who knows with him. You and I both know Sora likes to make stuff up alot."
"Mhmm...sure."
Standing next to his mom they both watched the back and forth between mother and child for a few seconds in silence not really knowing what to say. Their dynamic was so different from their own...
Looking over at his mom she was smiling gently at the display, her hands absently rubbing at a towel as she watched.
It's kind of funny. Ever since that dinner at the Kendo home all those months ago the Kendo family invited his mother into their home with open arms. His mother tried to fight it at first but as Izuku has learned over his time with them, saying no to a Kendo was impossible. Soon his mother Inko was joining them for every dinner...sometimes he even just finds her hanging out with the Kendo family the same way that he and Itsuka spent time together.
He remembers once reading the phrase "Introverts don't make friends. They just get adopted by extroverts." Perhaps this is what that meant...
Watching her a little longer he smiled. His mother raised a hand to her mouth to hide her giggle at something one of them said, her eyes closing as she smiled more genuinely. Her cheeks were lightly painted red from smiling so hard. His mother was so much happier now...
Wrapping an arm around her he pulled her in for a side hug. She jumped a little in surprise in his grip but didn't pull away, simply looked up at him confused. She seemed to be trying to read him for a second before smiling, nestling into his shoulder. Leaning down he kissed the top of her head, the chaos of the Kendo family falling away around them.
This was nice.
Sitting on the ground Izuku let out a groan, a hand lowering to rub at his stomach as he stared up at the ceiling. A part of him wanted to get up and try to burn all of these extra calories but another part of him wanted to just lay there and die. He had eaten way too much food...the ceiling fan slowly spun in place, almost mocking him in it's motion.
Turning his head he watched as Kendo sat on her bed, her head in between two pages of some motorcycle magazine as she read it quietly to herself. How she was perfectly fine after that massive meal that their mothers made was beyond him. Yet another mystery about Itsuka Kendo that he will probably never find out the answer to.
Sitting up he felt a sleeping Yuki shift against his chest, letting out a small whimper. Lowering a hand he gently tussled her hair, making her smile a little in her sleep.
"She's like your kid or something." Turning he noticed that Kendo was no longer reading her magazine, it sitting next to her as she watched them.
Letting out a small laugh he shook his head before looking down at Yuki again. "D-don't even joke about something like that. If my mom hears that I'll never hear the end of it. Y-you know how much she wants more kids."
"God my mom's the same, always pestering about when I'm going to get married and start a family of my own."
"I-I personally can't see it. Any reality where you aren't kicking butt isn't a r-reality I want to be in."
Letting out a small huff she blew a stray hair out of her face. "You mean any reality where WE aren't kicking butt right?"
That made him pause, his raised hand flinching in the air. We? How could a simple word mean so much? It was amazing how much confidence she had in him sometimes, but...
"Give up already Deku, you're as weak as they come. Not in a million years could you beat me!"
"In what world do you think you will EVER be my equal!?"
Staring at the ground he let out a dry chuckle, devoid of all humor. "Y-yeah of c-course. O-once you get into UA and I into m-medical school we're going to...to kick major b-butt."
They went back into silence again only this one had a weird tension in the air that you could probably cut with a knife. Kendo was staring at him for a good minute not knowing what to say. He silently chastised himself for ruining their good mood and being a downer again.
Why couldn't he just be happy with what he has? What good is it reaching for impossible dreams?
He could feel Kendo's teal eyes on him, looking him over slowly. He had no idea what she was thinking but the small tug at her lip into a frown told him it probably wasn't anything good. She looked like she was trying to say something, her mouth opening before closing again in thought.
In a snap the silence was broken by the sound of his mothers voice calling out to him, making both of them jerk a little at the sound.
"Izuku! Can you come down here for a second?"
Sitting up he quickly looked away from her, unable to stand the look she was giving him. It was probably best to just leave the room for now. Gently picking Yuki up he sat her down on a pillow, her tiny hand refusing to let him go for a second but eventually giving in. Putting on the best smile he could he stood up before leaving the room. Kendo reached for him, her hand hovering in the air before slowly lowering with a sigh. Leaving her to the quiet of the room.
Heading out of the room Izuku paused at the closed door. Leaning against the door he groaned, a hand rubbing at his face in annoyance before letting out a tired sigh. Putting on the best smile he could he made a left down the hall, walking down a few flights of stairs. Making sure not to step on Kojo, an old man of a bloodhound that belonged to the Kendos who was sleeping on a step of the stairs, he made his way into the living room.
Peeking into the room everyone seemed to be knocked out or have gone to bed already. Everyone except his Mom, Itsuka's mom and aunt. They were sitting at a round table giggling and laughing amongst each other when he arrived. His mom turning to smile with a goofy look on her face from her spot at the table.
She was clearly enjoying alcohol with her friends, she didn't look wasted per say but definitely tipsy.
"Ah there he is! Izuku can you do me a favor and fetch me the gift I brought for the Kendos? I meant to go get it earlier but got lost in the chaos of making dinner."
Smiling softly he gave a small nod, turning to head for the front door. "Sure thing mom, I'll be right back."
Sliding the big double door open a low rusted scrapping filled the night air, his arm flexing under the strain. Stumbling out into the cool night he sighed, the only light coming from inside the house. Heading down the rocky path way his feet crunched under the grass lining the two sides as he made his way over to his mom's parked car. Walking next to it he slide his fingers along the old metal of the clunky thing that his mother bought after they moved. The poor thing was most likely ready for another touch up by Itsuka and her uncle...Frowning at the thought of Itsuka again he sighed, his breath barely visible in the night air.
Izuku was so busy standing there in thought he hardly noticed the sound of rapid footsteps before it was too late. Jumping back a metal bat collided against the side of his mom's car, a solid clang echoing through the silent air.
A man stood with a mask over his face, baseball bat in both of his hands as it hit right where he was just standing. Slowly, the masked man turned towards him, his furious eyes peeking out from behind the plastic Halloween mask. Looking over to where Izuku dodged, the man turned towards him, baseball bat posed to strike.
Oh. This was bad.
Ducking under a wide swing of the bat he raised his arms just in time to block a second strike. A stinging sensation ran up his arm from where metal hit forearm. Taking a step back Izuku kept trying to put distance between him and the assailant to no prevail, the man advancing every time Izuku took steps back. The sharp pain of metal hit his back, his knees buckling for a second before gritting through it. Ducking another wide swing he grabbed onto the mans arm, twisting his wrist until he lost grip of the bat, slamming an elbow into the mans side.
Tossing the weapon behind him he panted slightly injured, successfully unarming the man. Bat or not the man did not seem to care. Rushing forward the masked man lunged out with a fist taking Izuku off guard, blocking it the man continued his rage filed assault. Throwing out a wild haymaker, Izuku took his arm, pivoting his waist and tossed the man onto the ground with a loud thud. Clattering to the ground the man's mask fell off.
Izuku was so ready to continue the advance but he paused when he got a good look at the man. He stared at the man on the ground, the man furiously flailing around before getting back onto his feet.
"Kazuki?"
Sure enough Okawa Kazuki stood before him, a little worn for ware but overall ok. He looked tired, heavy bags lining under his eyes.
Swallowing he attempted to speak. "Kazuki w-what, why are you.."
"Don't give me that pathetic nerd act you always pull. I've already figured you out. This is all of your fault!" Pointing a finger at him he spat onto the ground, some blood trickled from the side of Kazuki's mouth as he laid a hand at his side from where he was elbowed. "Everything was perfect until you came along. Now everyone hates me!"
Taking a step towards him Izuku took a step back.
"I-I don't know what..." Izuku muttered
Doing an imitation of him Kazuki growled walking closer. "I, I...cut the bullshit! Do you have ANY idea how hard I've worked to get where I am!? How many tournaments I had to win!"
Raising his hands up Izuku Midoriya shook his head. "I didn't...I just wanted to get s-stronger!"
That seemed to have made Kazuki pause, owlishly looking at him he blinked a few times. The confusion on his face quickly turning to anger. "I'll show you strength."
Lunging forward he did a high kick which Izuku ducked under, spinning he went to do a second kick, Izuku lunging forward and doing a double palm to his chest. Skidding back Kazuki slide against the ground before growling, a hand rubbing at his stomach.
"Not bad, you've gotten even better since last we fought. I have a feeling I'd have a hard time fighting you in a dojo." Placing a hand down along a concrete wall next to him Izuku watched as the concrete crept up his arm, slowly spreading to cover his entire body. Standing up he slammed his concrete fist together with a wicked grin. "But this is the real world and in the real world I can do this."
Jumping back he barely dodged a double fist slam by Kazuki, the ground cracking under the force of the blow. Rolling back Izuku had to flinch from the force, looking at Kazuki and then back to where he was just standing.
So that's his quirk. He can absorb materials and cover himself in a type of armor. I wonder what the limits to it are? Can he do it to water? Fire? That could be really useful with...
Jumping back from another strike Izuku ducked under a wild haymaker. Shaking his head forcefully.
Ah! This isn't the time for this!?
Finding a clear opening Izuku rushed in, raising a fist. With all of his strength he drove his fist forward, striking right in-between Kazuki's ribs. Pain shot through his arm, a sharp crack filling the air. Kazuki cocked back a fist, striking him hard in the stomach, knocking him back against the ground.
Letting out a laugh Kazuki smiled down at him, walking closer as he spoke. "Pathetic. Is that really the best you could do in a real fight?"
The entire time he was talking Izuku was staring at his hand, his fingers red and bent in a way that he was pretty sure they weren't supposed to bend. Flexing his hand he flinched under the pain.
I just broke my fingers trying to hit him...
Kazuki's shoes slammed down against his injured hand, crunching under the heel of his foot. He ignored Izuku's pained screams as he raised his foot and stepped on his hand over and over.
"Not so tough now that you don't have Itsuka or the old man protecting you aren't you? THIS is what the real world is like." Taking his foot off of Izuku's hand he reached down, pulling Izuku onto his feet by his hair before driving a concrete fist into his stomach making him fall to his knees again. The world warped around Izuku, pain rocking his body.
Getting hit with a concrete fist hurt a whole lot more then a normal one...
"I WAS SUPPOSED TO BE THE ONE THAT PULLS THIS NO NAMED DOJO OUT OF OBSCURITY! NOT YOU!"
Kazuki looked him over all while Izuku was staring down at the ground in pain. Taking hold of Izuku's chin he forced him to look up at him, turning his head from side to side.
"I don't get what the Kendo's see in you. Just a scrawny little punk that got lucky a few too many times." Humming in thought he smirked. "Maybe you're like a little stray that they found. A pathetic lil pup that they can nurse back to health and pat themselves on the back after. A charity case perhaps."
Blinking a few times Izuku felt tears start to appear in his eyes. Closing his eyes he tried to will them down to no prevail, red hot shame running down his face. It was all true wasn't it? He always wondered why he was so lucky to meet the Kendos. Why they allowed him into their home and watched over him the way they did. It all made sense now.
They felt bad for him.
"HEY!" An equally furious shout rocked the air.
Turning they both stared. Standing in the doorway of the Kendo home a woman stood in shining light. The light shinning from behind making her look like a guardian angel, glowing with an angelic shine. "Drop. The nerd."
Itsuka Kendo had now entered the fray and she looked pissed.
Sitting in a low dimmed room Kyouka Jirou sat between two girls much taller then her. Mood lighting shifting along the floor illumined by a cheesy disco ball hanging from the ceiling. The rhythm of an up beat song blared from the speakers as Sango danced around on stage like she was some wannabe pop idol. Doing a little twirl she spun, raising a microphone to her lips to belt out the last few lines.
Her singing honestly wasn't the best Jirou had ever heard. She didn't hit every note just right and her voice wasn't the strongest out there but she made up for it in confidence. Sango thought she sounded amazing and she was having fun which meant they were having fun too.
Shika sat to her right, her big frame pressed against Jirou's side, smiling as she clapped at the end of the song. Letting out a throaty chuckle she got up to take the mic from her friend, leaving Jirou alone with Yoshimura again. Yoshimura sat with her legs crossed, her sharp eyes taking everything in before smiling back at her.
"You're thinking too loud again Kyo."
She couldn't help but flinch a little being called out. Looking over she watched Sango and Shika chatting amongst each other, they looked like they were having fun...
"Sorry...I'm just a little surprised. When you guys were talking about something "fun" I just assumed..." She muttered, her voice losing steam.
"That we were going to drag you into a gang fight or something?"
"A-ah, kinda..."
She laughed, gently patting her knee. "While yes, we do sometimes get into gang scuffles now and again we mostly stick to ourselves. The Claws don't care much for 'power' only strength enough to be ourselves. Nothing more."
"Oh...sorry for assuming."
"It's alright. Most people assume the worst of us." Looking at her friends Yoshimura gave a genuine smile. "We stick out for our own Kyo, if you decide to join us that means you as well. We can talk about this more later but it looks like it's your time to sing."
Blinking a few times Jirou almost jumped out of her skin when Sango and Shika jumped her, thrusting the microphone into her hands before nudging her onto the little stage they had.
Stumbling onto the stage she threw her hands out, whimpering a little as she turned to face them. "Alright alright I'm going! You don't have to push me on stage!"
Turning to face them she couldn't help but feel her anxieties sky rocket...the cat calls and whistles that the others were giving her were not helping in the slightest! Fidgeting in place she turned towards the old karaoke machine, scrolling through it with her thumb for a minute before pausing on a song. Blinking she stared at the neon light of the monitor, her eyes going over the name of the song multiple times.
I can't believe they actually have this song...
She thought of her family. An old memory of her walking downstairs in the middle of the night, gently rubbing a tiny hand against her tired eyes as she followed the sound to the kitchen before peeking inside. She thought of the sight of her mom and dad singing quietly to this song as they danced together, slowly swaying side to side in a gentle soothing rhythm.
She had almost forgotten of that memory...
Pressing some buttons on the monitor she turned towards them, towards their expecting eyes. Swallowing all of her self doubt and all of her fears she closed her eyes, took a deep breath and she started to sing.
Standing across each other Itsuka and Kazuki stared each other down, neither of them wanting to make the first move.
"Why are you here Itsuka?" Growled Kazuki.
Gesturing with her thumb towards Midoriya slumped against the wall she responded just as evenly "Midoriya was taking too long. Thought I should check on him."
"That's just like you to baby him."
"I'm glad I did else you would have just beat on him. Do you enjoy beating up people smaller then you Kazuki?" Looking over at Midoriya she frowned before looking back at him, cracking her knuckles.
"You mean showing him his place?"
"I know what I said."
Kazuki was the first to move, dashing forward and opening with a few punches. Kendo blocked them, each blow leaving a stinging pain in her arms. Ducking over a kick, her fist went cocked to her side before jamming forward. Her fist growing mid punch to knock Kazuki back, the concrete over his stomach cracking. Before he could respond Kendo went on the offensive, her hand growing massive before completing wrapping around Kazuki's frame.
"You just be a good psycho and sit tight until my parents call the cops."
Sharp pain pierced her hand, concrete spikes hitting her big hand in all directions. Letting out a yelp she let him go, Kazuki's concrete armor shifting before turning back to normal. Rushing forward Kazuki's arm sharpened into a blade before thrusting at her face.
Dodging to the left the blade sliced open Kendo's cheek her large hand raising into the air and slamming down against the ground to make a shockwave.
They were back to square one, staring at each other again. Kazuki held his hurt side while drops of blood trickled from Kendo's cheek and hand.
Sitting up from his spot on the ground Izuku absently place his broken hand against the wall, squinted against the pain. Looking forward he was unable to look away from the fight.
"Someday I'll find my way home."
Kazuki ran forward slashing at Kendo's arm a few times. She retaliated by knocking him aside with a big hand backhand, his body ragdolling against the ground before turning into a roll. Forcing himself to his feet and running at her again.
"The trees and the wind will lead the way."
Izuku slowly stood to his feet, his teeth gritting in pain.
Kazuki ducked under a big punch, spinning he tried to cut at her leg only to be knocked away again.
"All of these years on my own...they flew right by so what can you say?"
Pulling two big hands back Kendo slammed them together, creating a shockwave that slammed into Kazuki, chunks of his concrete armor getting knocked away.
"There's no need to be sad. You're on a path and you know where it heads."
Jumping into the air Kendo tried to pin Kazuki down only for him to dodge out of the way, his blade arm stabbing into her enlarged hand.
"There's no need for despair. Just walk on and you'll find your way there."
Letting out a pained yell Kendo instinctively pulled her hand back, leaving an opening for Kazuki to rush in. His blade arm poised to stab at her stomach.
"Someday I'll find my way home."
Eyes widening Izuku rushed in, the pain in his body forgotten, adrenaline pumping through his body. Rushing forward he went to go intercept, his body getting in between Kendo and the blade.
"Someday I'll find my way home."
Pushing all of his body into it he thrust his shoulder, football tackling Kazuki to the side. His smaller frame unable to completely move him but succeeding in knocking him off balance.
Reeling a hand back Kendo's fist grew as big as it could, the shadow slightly overcasting over them.
"Someday I'll find my way home..."
Bringing the massive fist down it cleanly hit Kazuki right across the face, his body rolling and tumbling backwards before colliding with the wall behind him with a loud thud, the rest of his concrete armor shattering off of his unconscious body.
It was quiet again, the only sound being Izuku and Kendo's ragged and tired panting. Kazuki did not move, his body slumped against the wall, drool dripping out of his mouth.
But only for a second before the sounds of sirens could be heard. Itsuka's mom and Inko had called the cops as soon as they heard the commotion.
Looks like they just now have arrived.
Kendo looked towards him, her body bruised and injured. Blood flowed down her cheek as she looked over at Izuku's just as injured body. He was holding his reddened and broken hand. Opening her mouth she closed it before opening it again, red and blue lights starting to appear in view in the horizon.
"Come with me to UA." She rasped out, her throat raw and ragged.
"W-what!?" Looking back at her he did a double take in an attempt to make sure he heard her right.
"The UA entrance exam is in two years. Come with me." Hobbling closer she reached a hand out, it slowly closing into a fist. "We may not be amazing now but together...you and I can become the best heroes this world had ever seen."
Giving him a shakey smile she reached the fist towards him. "What do you say? Rivals?"
He stared at her, speechless. His mouth was dry, his hand broken and pain coursed through his body every time he shifted his weight. But looking at her right now, illuminated in a blinking red and blue light that was quickly getting closer.
He thought of All Might, the feeling he got when he first saw the video of him pulling a man out of a wreckage.
He swallowed, returned the smile and reached forward. Taping his fist against hers.
"Yeah...Rivals."
Smiling at each other they paused before both proceeing to scream for tapping their injured fist together.
The karaoke room was quiet after she finished singing. Opening her eyes she turned towards The Claws, she was so into the song that she only now realized that no one said anything after she started singing.
All three of them sat there in silence, their eyes wide like saucers.
Oh god they hated it. Did she do something wrong? Why is no one saying anything!?
Raising a hand she coughed into her hand, all three of them snapping out of whatever trance they were in.
"Um...are you guys o..."
Sango ran forward and knocked her to the ground with a big hug, tears leaking from her face. "T-that was beautiful Kyo!"
"W-what?" She muttered, her face bright red she watched in horror as Shika ran towards her, wrapping a thick arm over her shoulder.
"Damn girl, talk about leaving the best for last. Why didn't you say you could sing sooner?"
"I er, thats."
Yoshimura slowly walked over, a claw hand swiping a single tear from her eye. "Yes, that was quite beautiful Kyo. I am impressed."
She sputtered like a broken car, her face turning redder. "Y-you guys actually liked it?"
"Liked it? We loved it!" Cheered Sango.
"I feel like I should have paid for a show like that? Feels weird to get it for free." Smirked Shika.
"I agree. You are very talented Kyo."
Her face was bright red, blinking a few times she could feel tears start to form. Only these tears were tears of joy. Giggling she sniffled before it turned into full laughter. Her heart felt so full right now, it almost felt wrong to feel THIS good.
Breaking from the group she wiped at her flowing tears with her forearm, unable to stop herself from smiling. Turning away she giggled again. Was this what it was like to have friends?
"This is amazing. I feel...I feel like I finally found my people. Just, just wait until i tell Midoriya! You guys could meet and..."
Turning Jirou paused, a cold shiver running up her spine at the sight. All of The Claws were staring at her.
"Midoriya? You mean the muttering kid?" Tilting her head Sango frowned.
"You're friends with the creepy note keeper? I thought he just sat with you at lunch that one time?" Shika's thick arms crossed.
"I well, I wouldn't exactly say friends..."
Looping around Yoshimura looked her over before speaking. "I think you misunderstand Kyo. This invitation to The Claws is for you and you only. Besides...you don't need him anymore when you have us."
Her heartrate quickened. Her hands felt clammy. Looking over the three of them her mouth opened slightly.
What?
Notes:
Someone stop me, I keep making OCs. I don't know why I'm doing this, someone stop me before the story goes off the rails!
All joking aside that should be most of the original characters. If you're still around and haven't angrily given up on the story yet thanks!
Midoriya and Kendo's main dynamic has been established. We got a fun fight in there and Jirou is suffering from some of that tasty high school drama. You know, the kind that at the moment felt like the most important thing in the world but now you just look back at and laugh.
and we're one chapter away from leaving the intro arch!