THIS IS THE REWRITTEN VERSION OF "WHAT ARE THE ODDS"
Edited: June 2021
I added the prologue from my previous book here. Why? Just so it's not confusing for those who don't want to read the previous one.
=This was suggested by a friend of mine since she, too, got confused=
I just rewrite it- took a long time since I'm torn whether to change it completely or not.
In the end, I just rewrite it 'cause I'm too lazy to change everything :')
Also because I just love this scene too much.
Disclaimer: BNHA is not mine. The only things I own are my original characters and some plots in this story.
English is not my first language, and writing stories is just a hobby, so I apologize for any mistakes made in the story.
I hope you enjoy my story!
STORY SUMMARY
She died with regrets, ranging from the guilt of leaving to the death of the little girl tucked in her arms. Now, living in a world where superheroes and supervillains exist is so cliche but who is she to complain? After all, she got reincarnated in one of her favorite animes. It was kind of a bummer she didn't get to the Marvel Universe though.
PROLOGUE
"THAT'S MY NAME"
A woman, with dark brown hair, black eyes, and an apple figure bod, slouch deeper on the couch with a phone in hand, the manga of Boku no Hero Academia can be seen on the screen.
The woman, named Althea, let out a snort as she read the manga, her gaze set firmly on her phone, frowning slightly as some message notifications began popping up.
Althea absentmindedly swipes up and turns off incoming notifications, too much engrossed at what she is reading.
Well, how can you blame her? It's her summer vacation and the only thing she wants to do is eat, sleep, and read some manga.
Some rewards for those sleepless nights and long work shifts are only fitting after all.
Not to mention the peaceful morning granted upon her. Maybe God has finally heard her prayers-
"GODDAMN, IT ALL!"
-or maybe she still needs to pray more.
'I wonder what crawled up in her ass and died', Althea thought wearily as the door of her apartment opened with a loud 'bam', hitting the wall behind it.
A black-haired girl, looking about at her teens, entered the room and began stomping her way towards the brunette woman.
"Ugh! Can you believe this, Ate[1] ?!", the black-haired teen exclaimed in frustration while deciding to sit beside the brunette, "Why on earth is she so damn persistent?!"
"It's good to see you too, Marie", the brunette woman answered dryly while attempting- and failing- to continue reading.
Unfortunately, Althea's dry response was ignored by the raven-haired teen, now known as Marie, who continues ranting.
"She kept on telling me just accept it!", Marie bristled, "I can't believe she's easily throwing me away!"
"She's not throwing you away", Althea argued, mentally sighing as she decided to give the teen her full attention, placing her phone on the coffee table between them.
The brunette woman turns to look at her cousin, "She wants you to have a better future", she added, earning a scoff from the raven-haired teen.
"She's giving me a way to our relatives in Canada", Marie deadpanned at the brunette while crossing her arms, "In exchange for 500 thousand!"
"Dollars?", Althea asked perking up expectantly however the raven-haired girl shook her head sideways, "In pesos [2], sis", the teen answered making the brunette deflate disappointedly.
'Just 500 thousand pesos? Man what a downer', Althea thought solemnly.
Marie's eye twitches at the brunette's reaction, "Somehow I'm feeling offended", she muttered with gritted teeth, her eyes narrowing at the woman.
"Dumb bitch"
"Hey now!", Althea protested with an offended look, a hand dramatically placed on her chest, "I'm just expecting much higher currency, you know?! I mean they are foreigners", she defended.
"And I heard they're super rich too!"
Marie let out a groan as she falls back on the couch, glancing at the ceiling with a frustrated expression, "My brothers didn't even protest at mom's decision", she muttered under her breath.
"It's like they d-didn't even care about me!"
Althea let out a sigh as she pats the teen's shoulder in comfort, "You know that's not true", she responded with an exasperated look, "I mean, how can you forgot those countless gifts they gave you-"
"-Gifts?!", Marie snarled while sitting back up abruptly, "I don't give a fuck about some cheap top! What I wanted is their presence in my life! But no! All they fucking care about is money"
The teen let out a sigh, sniffling lightly making her rub her nose with her pointer finger.
"I wish you're my sister instead", she continues bitterly, looking back at her brunette cousin beside her, "I'm sure you wouldn't throw away for money"
"If you were my sister, I would go bankrupt", Althea responded while scrunching her nose at the thought, "With how much you spend your money every day... yeah, I'd rather pass"
"It's just food!", Marie defended while straightening her posture, a scowl forming on her face, "How can you go bankrupt by buying groceries?!"
Althea raised an eyebrow, giving her cousin a pointed look.
"Feeding you is like feeding a pack of wolves", the brunette pointed out dryly, making an arrow pierced through the black-haired teen, "Like- who are you, Jacob Black?"
Marie's scowl deepened, deciding to slouch back on the sofa, "Yeah as if, you leech-sucking bitch", she uttered grumpily.
Althea let out a sigh before standing up, heading towards the kitchen, "Look if you don't want her to... 'throw you away' why don't you prove that you can handle the mess?", she suggested.
"We both know the reason why auntie is considering that option", she pointed out while opening her fridge, crouching down slightly as she scans the fridge for something to drink.
Althea frowns at the sight of her almost empty fridge.
"It's because of that damn bastard", Marie answered grumpily, her face scrunching showing her displeasure, "All he ever does is waste the money that mom work hard for"
"I honestly don't get the reason why auntie kept on letting uncle in your family", Althea confessed, grabbing the box of milk before closing the fridge, turning to look back at her cousin.
"Oh, I can't help it", Marie responded, mimicking her mother, earning a faint chuckle from the brunette, "I just kept on falling for his bastardly charms!"
The brunette let out a loud snort at the end, "Love does wonders, huh", she hummed, albeit a bit wistfully, before taking a drink from the milk carton.
Althea's eyebrows raised as she stares amusingly at her cousin, who let out a gag at what she said.
"It's bullshit", Marie snapped while rolling her eyes, "Love isn't going to pay for my tuition and my screaming stomach", she let out a 'tch'.
"If only I could get a good set of parents"
The brunette woman let out a sigh before placing the carton of milk on the counter and began walking closer to her cousin.
"You should be thankful for what you have, don't you think?", Althea responded, and once closer, playfully rub her cousin's head, messing up her hair much to the teen's annoyance.
"We both know you're only going to Canada because auntie thinks it's a great opportunity for you"
"We can afford it if she throws that bastard away instead", Marie uttered under her breath bitterly as the brunette woman walks towards where her phone and wallet are located.
"I know its frustrating especially for you-", Althea started as she shoves both her phone and wallet in her jeans pocket, "-but if the problem is money then why don't I help you find a job and prove that you don't need those 'Canadian bastards' ", she ended mimicking the teen earning a chuckle from the said teen.
Althea moved behind Marie, placing her hands on the teen's shoulders making Marie glance at her from behind.
"Life can be whatever you want it to be, kiddo", the brunette said with a soft smile, "It's your life so it's only natural that you get to choose your path, don't you agree?"
She messes with the teen's hair making her screech, earning a snicker from the brunette woman as she dodges the black-haired girl's attempts to hit her.
"I'll go out for a while, the groceries aren't going to buy themselves, you know?", Althea announced while heading towards the door.
She paused by the door, turning to glance at Marie briefly, sending her a grin.
"I'll cook some of your favorites as soon as I'm back, kiddo. So just sit tight and wait for me, alright my cute wittle cousin~"
Althea let out a laugh as her cousin merely held up her middle finger in response.
Althea entered the grocery store while humming by the beat of the song blasting from her earphones. She took a basket by the entrance and immediately head towards the frozen section.
'Since I have Marie with me... I'll cook some fried fish fillet and maybe adobo' [3]
She thought as she grabs some ready-made frozen fish fillet from the freezer and placed it in her basket. The brunette turns around, heading towards the condiments section when she stumbles upon something or someone on her way.
Althea could only blink in surprise at the little girl in front of her, who appeared out of nowhere and somehow bumped onto her. She began to panic slightly at the sight of the child's quivering lips.
An indication that she's going to cry at any moment now much to the brunette woman's horror.
"I-It's okay", The brunette stuttered out in panic while turning off the music through her phone and focused on trying to calm the child down.
Althea let out an awkward smile while also awkwardly pat the little girl's head, "D-Don't worry! It's okay! S-So-"
She was cut off by a woman's voice calling out, what she thinks is, the little girl's name.
"Emi!"
Althea took a step back, a bit startled, as the little girl was suddenly pulled away from her grasp by the woman, who looks quite similar to the little girl and is also glaring daggers at her.
"You should be ashamed of yourself!", the woman scolded, more like shriek much to the brunette's disbelief, "To think someone of your age is making young girls cry! How dare you-!"
The brunette could only stare at her dumbfounded as the woman continues to shout something about 'be a good model', or 'your parents should be ashamed in raising a child like you'
Which was quite... insensitive, perhaps, since Althea's parents are long gone.
The mother-and-daughter duo left after a few more seconds of scolding the brunette for her 'bad behavior', which left Althea in a dazed and confused state.
'I... wasn't I the victim here?'
She could only sigh and continue where she left off, muttering curses under her breath while making sure to turn the music back on.
It took the brunette half an hour to find everything- thanks to some bastard who attempted to take the last breading but oh no! No way is she getting out of this store without that mister.
So Althea took it from him forcibly, which startled the man and run along with her cart.
She mentally laughs as she remembers the guy's reaction, his face was hilarious!
PING!
Altea looks down at her phone at the sound of the notification, where a text message from Marie can be viewed.
From: Brat
I want some dumplings too.
Althea's eye twitches, internally cursing her oh-so-lovable cousin and at the feeling of her wallet-thinning further.
'The things I do for this girl!'
The brunette sighed, knowing her cousin will just spam her if she didn't reply, and began grumpily texting back but paused when someone decided to grab her shoulder, forcibly turning her around.
"Hey what's the-?!"
She stopped halfway as her eyes widen in shock at the gun pointed at her forehead by the guy in front of her, who's wearing a black mask.
Althea presses the pause button on her phone, stopping the music from playing through her earphones, and only then she heard them.
The cries of the people around her.
"Great to have your attention now, girlie", the man in front of her sneered at the brunette, the gun still pointed at her forehead making her gulp nervously.
"Now", he continues, pointing at his right,
"Go to your fucking position quietly or I'll put a bullet on your pretty head"
'Just. My. Fucking. Luck.'
It's just her luck that some wanted criminals decided to pick this grocery store as a place to rest and scavenge for supplies.
From what the brunette heard, it seems like the police found their hideout and evacuated immediately. However, the police caught up and things started going south for them.
Now, she's never been the type to watch the news but she definitely knows they aren't supposed to be here.
But here we are, the terrorists found somewhere to lay low while also replenishing their storage.
A fucking grocery store.
Well, it is a big grocery store- Marie got lost here multiple times when she was younger and it's been a pain to find her.
Still, a goddamn grocery store.
Don't ask her why. Ask the goddamn author for such 'originality'.
Wha-! Now isn't that kinda offensive-
"Take away their phones!", the boss man, she thinks, ordered loudly while glancing around the store, "Make sure to take plenty of food supplies and essentials!"
Althea decided to just sit quietly and obediently do what they want, which is giving one of his goons her phone and wallet, leaving her with nothing but her earphones.
'At least they didn't take you away'
She could only weep mentally, hoping for the cops to come faster and save them already.
Which, she guessed, wouldn't be happening any time now.
Althea glances at the side where the sounds of crying are louder, to see the little girl from earlier crying loudly in her mother's arms, who is trying- and failing- to comfort her daughter.
"Shut it you damn brat!"
Althea wince as one of the goons shouted at the mother and daughter duo, who flinched and whimper in fear. She glances away as her stomach drops when the man began shouting at the two again.
'It's not as if I could do anything to help them'
She's no hero, cop, or even a soldier. She's just an ordinary citizen.
It's not like she's some protagonist in a manga that has some hidden superpowers, magic talking, or even some super badass best friend.
"THE COPS!"
One of the henchmen shouted suddenly as he peeks from the gap in-between the windows by the grocery store entrance.
"THE COPS ARE HERE!"
"WHAT?!"
Althea flinches slightly, her relief cutting short, at the loud response of the leader, who looks like he could erupt any moment now in anger.
The leader let out a couple of curses before he began giving orders, "MOVE QUICKLY! WE'RE GETTING OUT OF HERE!"
"DO NOT MOVE!"
A loud voice, probably a cop with a megaphone, filled the air making some of the henchmen flinch at the frequency.
"YOU ARE SURROUNDED! SURRENDER AND NO ONE WILL-!"
"SHUT THE HELL UP!"
The leader shouted, ignoring the continuous warning of the police outside, "JUST TRY TO ARREST US YOU FUCKERS!", he continues while deciding to grab the little girl from earlier, who screamed in fright, and points his gun on her head.
"JUST TRY TO FUCKING COME IN AND WE'LL FUCKING KILL EVERYONE IN THIS STORE!"
With that said, all henchmen point their guns at the hostages making some scream and weep. Still, Althea couldn't help but glance away at the sobbing mother, who's pleading to spare her daughter.
Althea shakily let out an exhale, trying to calm her nerves as she closed her eyes thinking of peaceful things. However, no matter how hard she tries, the pleading sounds of the mother kept on getting louder and louder.
and louder.
and lOuDeR.
LOUDER.
LOUDER-!
"YOU!"
Her eyes snap open, startled, making her glancing at the side to see what the fuck is happening in her surroundings.
She spotted a blonde-haired man, a fellow hostage, standing bravely- stupidly!- stealing everyone's attention.
The man raised his hands, "We can talk about this-", he said calmly with a neutral expression, "-I'm sure we can talk this through"
Althea stared at the man in disbelief, mentally stopping herself from facepalming at this idiotic man.
Who does these in real life?! ARE WE IN FUCKING NARUTO RIGHT NOW TO USE SOME TALK-NO-JUSTU?!
The leader simply let out a grin, tightening his grip on the girl and pushing his gun further onto the little girl's head, making the little girl whimpered.
"You trying to be a hero, champ?", the man responded mockingly, making a few henchmen chuckle, "You law-loving idiots just love to be the center of attention, huh?!", he spatted out as he seethes in rage.
"YOU DON'T KNOW THE THINGS WE'VE BEEN THROUGH! SO SHUT YOUR TRAP PRETTY BOY!"
His fingers linger on the trigger of his gun, making the brunette pale faintly. Althea glance around anxiously trying to find some loophole or anything that could help her in this situation.
'Why on earth is this happening in my last year in college?!', Althea cries mentally, mourning for her short-lived peaceful life, 'Why can't I just graduate in peace?!'
She paused as she saw something shining behind the leader's back.
Althea pursed her lips to try to hide her relief as she saw a cop by the entrance, who immediately placed his pointer finger on his lips when he saw her looking at him, motioning for the brunette to stay quiet.
'They're here. They're here.', those words kept on repeating in her head as relief washed over her, 'We're saved! I'm fucking saved!'
Althea mentally sobs at the glimmer of hope.
"Sit down", the leader orders, bringing back her attention to him, "I said sit the fuck down!", he continues to yell at the man, "SIT DOWN OR I'LL SHOOT!"
"NO!", the mother cried out loudly, a hand reaching out for her daughter. Two other hostages made sure to tighten their grip on her, knowing the consequences if she attempts to take even a single step in their direction.
"Please!", the mother sobs, "Not my baby! Please, not my baby!", she chanted continuously, not bothering to hide her desperation as she looks at the boss man tearfully.
Althea glances back at the blonde man briefly, taking note of his stoic expression and brave front.
'He's... he's not moving'
"I will count to three", the leader said, albeit sounding a bit nervous, probably due to the lack of response from the blonde man, "If you don't sit down, I'll shoot her in the fucking head"
Althea bit on her lower lip, glancing between the leader and the blonde man as she anxiously waits for what will happen.
"One"
The brunette set her gaze on the little girl in the leader's arms, who's shaking like a leaf, glancing desperately at her mother.
"Two"
'He... he isn't sitting down!", Althea thought as warning bells began to ring in her mind, glancing at the blonde man, who is still keeping up his unfazed front.
"Thr-!"
"FIRE!"
It was so stupid.
Oh god, she's so stupid.
Is it just her, or does it felt like the world went slow-mo as soon as her gaze met the little girl's.
To be honest, she's not brave, heroic, or stupid enough to think she could do anything in this situation.
Yet at the sounds of gunshots, her body just acted on its own.
Althea is 100% positive she doesn't have some kind of hero complex. She's not that good-hearted to help everyone when she could barely help herself.
But this? She wholeheartedly blames watching the Avengers too much for this. Especially Captain America. Oh yeah, she definitely blames him for this.
Or could it be Naruto? He's the one with this talk-no-jutsu nonsense. Maybe he's the one to blame?
Take aside her musings, deep inside she knows if there's anyone to blame- it's herself.
I mean, her body decided to take action on something her mind completely disagrees on, probably.
Althea bolted and immediately throw herself towards the little girl, startling the leader enough to take her from him. She tucks the little girl into her arms as they both fall on the floor, hastily moving over a nearby shelf to take cover.
The sound continuous exchange of bullets filled the area. She drew a few shaky breaths to calm herself before gathering the courage to look at the little girl in her arms.
"A-Are you okay?", Althea whispers, pulling her away slightly to take a peek only for her breath to hitch.
Blood.
There's a lot of blood.
"No", She whispers, the sense of panic sinking in as she checks the little girl's pulse on her neck, sighing in relief as soon as she felt a heartbeat. "We can still save you", she muttered, feeling tired as the adrenaline rush began to fade.
Althea tries to move her head to the side to glance around but she could only wince in pain.
"Is it... is it over?", she mutters as she tries to gather to strength to sit up only to fall back onto the ground, "Why can't I...?", she voiced out loud, confused as she stares at the ceiling.
Black spots began to appear in her vision much to her horror.
Why can't I...?
It... hurts? Why...?
Why do I-?
"-miss?"
Althea squinted her eyes, trying her best to see through the black spots that are slowly taking over her vision. She could see the faint outline of a person, with a tint of something yellow.
"Are you... miss?"
I couldn't-!
"The girl-!", The brunette barely chokes out, the numbness spreading fast through her body making her too tired to her liking, "Take care... of the little girl... please", she whispered, feeling too sleepy.
Althea could see the person scream yet she couldn't hear a single thing.
The last thing she could remember seeing is the person's face.
The person turns out to be the blonde-haired man from before.
The damn idiotic man who simply stood up.
Acting like some kind of hero.
It didn't take too long for the brunette woman to completely lost her consciousness.
Her phone rang a minute too late.
Althea stares at the door in front of her absentmindedly, wondering how to fuck she got here.
She didn't think much of the time passed but she does wonder how she woke up standing instead of, you know, laying down or maybe sitting upright?
Like, wow, did she slept while standing? Now isn't that a first-
"Why don't you try going in, miss?".
The brunette woman turns to her right, where the source of the voice can be found.
A tall dark-haired man wearing a long white robe stood beside her with a smile plastered on his face.
"So?", the man asked again with his warm smile, "Why don't you try going in, Althea?".
Althea blinked, albeit a bit startled, stared at the man for a couple of moments before responding, "How... how do you know my name?".
The man let out a hum, averting his gaze onward, his hands clasped in front, "I know everyone", he answered vaguely.
'Like that isn't weird?', the brunette woman eyed the handsome man warily, 'Am I dreaming? If so why the hell is there a gorgeous man beside me, one whom I never met before?!'
"Again, I highly suggest going inside. After all -", He glances back at Althea, giving her a closed-eye smile.
"Won't you like to know why you're here?".
Althea stared at the man for a few moments before bringing her attention to the door in front of them.
"Alright", she responded after a while, taking two steps closer before finding the courage to open the door.
Once opened, the brunette woman spotted an office lady worker-ish inside of what she thinks is an office. The office lady smiled upon meeting her gaze.
"Glad to see you finally came in, Ms. Althea", the woman sitting behind a desk greeted her before turning her attention to the man behind her.
"Thank you for the assistance, Sir Gabriel", she thanked him with a nod, which he returned with a smile and graceful bow.
The man, called Gabriel, gave one last smile to Althea before closing the door behind her.
"Miss Althea Salvador, yes?", the woman behind the desk asked with a smile which Althea responded with a stiff nod.
"Please take a seat and let's continue", the woman continued, gesturing to take a seat at a vacant chair on her right. Althea moved, glancing briefly at the office, before taking a sit.
"You may call me Miss Lady", the woman introduced with a smile, "Now, let's see", she mused as she opens the white portfolio resting on her desk.
"Althea Salvador, age 21", she read out loud, earning a curious look from the brunette woman, "Status: Single, oh my, an honor student too. It's a pleasure dear", she gave her a warm smile, which Althea returned with a strained one.
The office lady silently read the rest of the file, making the woman fidget nervously, before returning her gaze to Althea, "And may I ask... what was the last thing you remember before coming here?".
Althea lowers her head and focuses her gaze on her clasped hands, "I... remember going out", she replied hesitantly.
Miss Lady let out a hum, focusing her attention on the woman in front of her, "Yes, and then?", she asked again, motioning for Althea to continue.
"I...", she paused, licking her lips before continuing, "I-uh decided to go to the grocery".
"I'll go out for a while, the groceries aren't going to buy themselves, you know?", Althea said while heading towards the door.
She paused by the door, turning to glance at her cousin, Marie, briefly and send her a grin,
"I'll cook some of your favorites as soon as I'm back, kiddo. So just sit tight and wait for me, alright my cute wittle cousin~"
"I think... there was a robbery?".
"Take away their phones!", a man, whose face is covered with a black bonnet, commanded loudly, "Make sure to take plenty of food supplies and essentials!"
"And there was... a lot of crying, I think".
A little girl crying loudly in her mother's arms, who is trying- and failing- to comfort her daughter.
Althea frown slightly, "I think the police came...?".
"DO NOT MOVE!"
A loud voice, probably a cop with a megaphone, filled the air making the henchmen freeze slightly at the order.
"YOU ARE SURROUNDED! SURRENDER AND NO ONE WILL-!"
"I...", she trailed off as her eyes glossed over, finally remembering her last moments.
"Are you... miss?"
I couldn't-!
"The girl-!", The brunette barely chokes out, the numbness spreading fast through her body making her too tired to her liking, "Take care... of the little girl... please", she whispered, feeling too sleepy.
Althea could see the person scream yet she couldn't hear a single thing.
The last thing she could remember seeing is the person's face.
The person turns out to be the blonde-haired man from before.
The damn idiotic man who simply stood up.
Acting like some kind of hero.
"I... died", Althea concluded, eyes widening in shock, turning to look at the woman behind the desk, who nodded solemnly. "You are", she agreed, tapping twice on the white portfolio before continuing.
"You died of blood loss and are currently in my office waiting for your judgment"
"Am I going to hell?", she blurted out making Miss Lady look at her in surprise, with a hint of amusement, "And how did you come with that conclusion, dear?", she queried.
"I...", Althea trailed off, scratching her cheek sheepishly and settling her gaze on the desk, "..did a lot of nasty things".
"You do have a hobby of cheating on your exams", Miss Lady teased playfully making Althea flush in embarrassment, "I... Those exams was hard", she defended weakly, pouting slightly.
Miss Lady let out an amused chuckle, "Oh, I do believe they are", she agreed cheerily, "Well, there are others too... which we wouldn't mention", she added quickly making Althea sending her a grateful look.
"Right, so let's proceed to-", "-Actually-", Althea cut her off, "-I'd like... to ask if Marie is doing okay?", she asked, biting her lip as she thought of her next question.
"And... if the little girl is okay?".
Miss Lady stared at her, surprised, for a few moments before sighing. "We don't have the authority to disclose to our client about details regarding non-kin", she confessed making Althea deflate lightly.
"But-", she continues, making Althea perk up, "-I could inform you bits and pieces so don't worry!", she exclaimed while giving her client a thumbs up, who sign in relief.
"Your cousin, Marie-", Miss Lady started, "-took your death hard but she managed. She did go to Canada though and I think it was kind of sweet of her to continue your dream".
"My dream?", Althea repeated in confusion, "You mean... a lawyer?", she asked which Miss Lady nodded in reply.
Althea let out a laugh in disbelief, "That brat... who knew she was sentimental, huh", she mused fondly.
"The little girl, on the other hand...", the office worker trailed off making her client look at her, feeling a sense of dread.
"She... well, she died along with you".
Silence filled the office as Althea stared at her, her eyes widen and her lip parted slightly in shock, "D-Didn't I... saved her?", she asked, "I felt a pulse! I know I did-!"
"-she did had a pulse", Miss Lady interjected, "but the ambulance came too late and she died on the way which-", she looks at her pointedly, "-is the same as you".
"Then... she's here?", Althea asked, paling at the thought, "She's somewhere here?".
"Each office has a great distance from one another", Miss Lady informed her, "So even if she's in the next office, you cannot see nor hear her".
"It is designed to avoid situations such as fights between the departed."
Althea deflated, the reality of having no communication medium with the little girl hit hard, the guilt swarms within her as if it's choking to death.
Miss Lady cleared her throat after a few awkward moments of silence, "Going back", she said while flipping onto the next page of the white portfolio, "We've wasted a couple of minutes so I'll get straight to the point".
She clasped her hands together as she turns to look at Althea with a serious expression, "You did not meet the requirements needed to enter both the paradise and the underworld".
She continues, "Most clients are given a list of choices, those in between, that will decide them after all, however,-", she grabbed the white portfolio and slide it towards the dead woman, who accepted it and began reading its contents.
"Given the amount of 'good' and 'faith' points you accumulated, it is highly suggested that you pick the route of reincarnation".
"Reincarnation", the dead woman repeated as she stared at the encircled phrase 'To be Reincarnated' on the portfolio. She looks back at the office worker, who didn't leave her gaze.
"Yes", the office worker affirmed with a nod, "Keep in mind that all this maturity that adults have does not simply exist yet. After all, a child is still a child"
"Which means, you may choose to act like a mature child but you are still a child. There will be some... childish moments as you call them"
Althea pursed her lips in thought, letting that information sink for a few moments before asking, "Can I know where?", she glanced briefly at the portfolio before looking back at the woman in front, "Am I allowed to have any clue?".
"All I know is you will be reincarnated in World 9332", Miss Lady answered, "Unfortunately, you cannot reincarnate in your previous one but do not fret, I heard this world is... fun to live in".
"After all, it is a world where superheroes exist".
"Marvel?!", Althea exclaimed in surprise, startling Miss Lady, "Is it marvel?!", she asked, her eyes brimming with hope.
"Uh-", the office worker hesitated for a moment before responding, "I am unaware what... 'Marvel' is but oh!", she perks up, "Does 'Marvel' have quirks perhaps?".
The dead woman's jaw dropped, eyes widening further as she processes the information, "Y-You mean-?! BNHA?!", she shrieked in joy.
"Quirks! Of course, it's BNHA! I can't believe I would have the honor to-!", "-Yes", Miss Lady cuts in as she looks at her client in disdain, who continues her ramblings totally ignoring the office worker.
"-isn't it dangerous to put me there though? What about the timeline? Wouldn't I cause some ripples if I do something not included in the series-".
"This is the fifth time today", the office lady muttered under her breath as she ignores the continuous rambling, proceeding to take out a black portfolio.
"Oh goodness, a black one, huh?", she mused.
"My my, it looks so ominous, isn't it?".
"Uh- Miss Lady?".
Miss Lady glance at her client, who finally finished her ramblings, cheeks warm in embarrassment as she gave her a sheepish smile, "Uh... what's next?".
The office worker let out a chuckle, amused at her embarrassment, "Now-", she answered, pulling out a stamp from her drawer and looking directly at her client, giving her a warm smile.
"It's time to say goodbye, dearie".
Althea blinked, "What do you mean?", the office worker just proceeds to stamp the page on the white portfolio, making it glow.
Her eyes widen at the glowing portfolio, "Oh, what does it do-?".
And the next second, Althea Salvador is gone.
"Oh?", Miss Lady paused as she stared at the checked box of 'Memories' on the client's file. She scratches her cheek in dazed, wondering why she didn't notice that certain detail.
"Oh my, was that supposed to be checked?"
The soon-to-be reincarnated woman opened her eyes, white filled her vision as she glances at her surroundings.
"It's bright", she noted, frowning at the sight, "Hello?", she called out hoping for someone to hear her.
"Is there... anyone there?"
After a few moments of silence, the woman deflated, "Is this some sort of punishment before reincarnation?" she asked out loud.
"This sucks"
She huffed and decided to walk around, hoping to see anything other than white. As time pass by, she grew frustrated as she couldn't spot anything else.
White in her left.
White in her right.
White in her front.
White in her back.
"What is this?!", she exclaimed, closing her eyes as she pinched her nose bridge in frustration, "What kind of sicko would do this-?!"
"Akasuki"
Her eyes widen as she turns around in alarm, "Whose there?!", she called out, her eyes looking around frantically, "Who-?!"
"That is your name"
At the corner of her eye, she spotted a red corridor appearing out of nowhere.
"Look how beautiful, she is"
She turns and runs towards the red corridor with gritted teeth where the voice has gotten louder and louder.
"We love you so much"
She reached out desperately as the light began to evade her vision, tears burning her eyes and her lower lip began to tremble.
"The brightness in our life"
Althea, she is no more.
By the age of 4, a toddler sat at a balcony humming faintly while swinging her legs by the beat.
Her short wavy vermillion hair tied into a low pigtail, her cerulean blue watching the scenery ahead as she continues waiting.
"Oh, Akachan!"
The girl perks up as she heard her name, spotting the silhouette of a slim man in his mid-30's, who just arrived home.
Sadao Genji dressed in a blue suit matched with his shoes with neatly combed soft black hair and cerulean blue eyes.
"Papa!", she called out happily, not bothering to went down as her father grabbed her after walking a few steps closer, tucking her comfortably in his arms.
"What are you doing outside?", Sadao asked with a frown, "How did you even open the door?".
The girl let out a huff, " 'm smart", she told him with a serious nod, "So smart!".
Sadao let out a chuckle, looking at her in amusement and fondly, "That you are, my little smarty pants", he cooed while opening the front door.
"I'm home!"
A slender woman, it is not Slenderwoman- she doesn't exist in this story, appeared from the kitchen, her crimson hair tied in a messy bun, emerald eyes widening at the sight of the toddler in her husband's arms.
"Akachan!", Kaori Genji, the redhead woman, began scolding her daughter, "What did I tell you about going outside?"
"Not too", the girl answered with a pout, "But I wanna!", she whined making Sadao chuckle.
"You can't blame her for missing her papa, Kai", he teased playfully before kissing his wife on the cheek.
"Put her down and help me with dinner", Kaori ordered with flush cheeks, turning around to head back into the kitchen.
Sadao snickers as he put his daughter down on the nearest sofa, "Stay here okay, Aka-chan?", he said cheerily, "If you stay here, papa will give you a lot of ice cream!", which brought a happy cheer from the toddler.
"Honestly, you spoil her too much Sao", Kaori scolded her husband as soon as he stepped into the kitchen, "What would happen if she turns out to be a spoiled brat like you?"
Sadao lets out a dramatic gasp, clutching his chest as he looks at his wife, offended, "I am not a spoiled brat! How could you!", he cried out making his wife scoffed.
"You seem spoiled to me"
"How cruel, Kai!"
A pair of cerulean eyes watched the two adults playfully argue in the kitchen, a smile appeared on her face as she watched the scene fondly.
She averted her gaze, settling on a mirror nearby, eyes locked on her reflection as she takes yet another round of checking her appearance.
Her vermillion shade red hair and cerulean eyes are not natural from where she is from yet here she is something that deems as 'abnormal' from her previous world.
Ah, right- previous. It isn't her world now.
'Akasuki Genji'
She lightly pinched her cheek, the feeling of her skin and the linger of pain is proof enough for her to believe this isn't a dream.
Her lips parted and she whispers,
"That's my name"
"In all honestly, if I didn't know I was going to be reincarnated in BNHA I would have thought I was in Naruto", Akasuki let out an embarrassed chuckle, rubbing her neck sheepishly, "It's just... my name, you know?".
ENDING BONUS
A Parents' Love
Third Person's POV
Kaori and Sadao Genji both married out of love.
Sadao Genji, a man who came from a prestigious family who owns the famous G-Generations, a support company that produces top-quality support items for the heroes.
Kaori Fujitani, a woman from a family of doctors, runs a hospital named Fujitani Hospital.
Their love story is special in their own way, two people who met in a pure coincidence and fallen deeply in love as time passes by.
As proof of their love, the "G-Generations" was renamed as "Fuji-Gen Corporation", a company that produces top-quality items for heroes and the medical field.
As their love story comes to an end, a new story has begun.
"I apologize, Genji-san"
The doctor pursed her lips, giving the couple a solemn look, "Your child... it's a stillborn" [3]
Kaori could only let out a mournful sob as Sadao wraps his arms around his wife, the tears were in his eyes but he recomposed himself to look brave for his wife.
"I apologize but-", the doctor continues with a frown, "-in your record, with the multiple miscarriages... your chance of being pregnant again is very slim", she stated.
"I highly suggest considering adopting"
At the age of 32, Kaori Genji has experienced one stillborn and two miscarriages.
Not one of their children survived.
While it may be the fault of the author- uh-!- the couple could only grieve their dead children and hope yet again for a child.
Well, that's the optimistic thing to do, isn't it right?
"... Sao?"
Sadao turns to his wife, who's laying on the hospital bed looking at him, looking a bit lifeless, "Do you... think I'm beautiful, still?", Kaori asked in a hollow tone.
"I cannot give you a child"
"My love", Sadao said as he completely faces his wife, one hand grabbing her clasped hands and one on her cheek making sure to look into her eyes, his eyes brimming with emotion.
"You, my dear-", he answered, lovingly stroking her cheek with a warm smile, "- are the most beautiful person in the whole world"
"I would take over a world for you"
Kaori's mouth twitched before letting out a small snort, "As if. You're too cowardly", she teased, brightening faintly.
Sadao dramatically gasps and clutch his chest, "Oh great sorrow!", he exclaimed, dramatically falling onto his knees near the hospital bed, "My fair maiden, how shall I prove thy love!"
Kaori smiled warmly as she continues to watch her husband make a fool of himself. She glances at her stomach briefly, her eyes saddening at the sight.
"... I named him Kiseki", she said softly, catching the attention of her husband, as she sadly caresses her flat stomach, "Because I thought he's going to be our little miracle"
She continues as tears stung her eyes, "I imagined him having my hair... and your eyes-!", her voice cracks in the end as tears flow freely from her eyes, "Your beautiful cerulean blue eyes"
"I would rather have them your beautiful eyes", Sadao replied softly, placing his hand on top of hers, letting out a small smile, "Your emerald eyes shine more beautifully than mine, my love"
Kaori let out a sob making Sadao wrap his arms around her, tucking her in his arms as she began sobbing, "He would've been so perfect, Sao!", she cried out, "They all would've been!"
"They are", Sadao replied earnestly, closing his eyes as he holds back his tears, recomposing himself for his wife,
"They are all perfect, Kai"
With no other choice but to move on, the couple slowly continues their life with unhealed scars that continue growing.
Especially for the mother whose health continues to diminish as years of hardship pass by.
"You should get ready now, Kai", Sadao said while entering their room, dressed in formal attire, while Kaori sat by the window in her nightgown, starring blankly at the scenery.
"We have another meeting later at 3-"
"- I'm not going"
Sadao paused, processing the statement fully before turning to look at his wife cautiously, "... why not?", he asked hesitantly, thinking of multiple reasons why his wife is solemnly looking out the window.
"Is there... something I forgot?"
"... It's Chia's death day tomorrow" [4], she said melancholily as she kept her gaze outside, "She's supposed to be turning 8 years old this year"
Sadao walk toward his wife and place his hands on her shoulder, squeezing it lightly, "Then let's move the meeting to next week", he said earnestly, placing a kiss on top of her head,
"I'll buy the brightest candles I could find"
And they continue to live with a heavy heart, the memory of their children engraved in their minds.
Although, it wasn't long until they were gifted by another chance.
"Congratulations, Genji-san!"
The couple looked at their family doctor in shock, the news still sinking in their minds.
"You're pregnant!"
Joy filled the couple, who started to cry in happiness. With the miracle bestowed upon the two, they can only thank the gods for another chance and made sure to take great measures for their baby to be safe.
And when I say great measures...
I meant great measures.
"S-Sao, I think something's wrong!", Kaori said sounding clearly distressed as she rubs her stomach nervously, "I-Is my stomach supposed to be this small?! I-I think we should go to the doctor!"
"I-It is a bit worrying", Sadao replied nervously, rubbing his hands together while starring at her stomach pointedly, "Maybe... there is something wrong", he paled at the thought.
"LET'S TO THE HOSPITAL!"
And it continues.
"K-Kai!", Sadao exclaimed at his wife, albeit panicky, "D-Don't move around too much! I-!", he ended with a shout as he moves towards his wife with arms open wide.
"Here, I'll carry you!"
"What?! No!", Kaori replied loudly, flushing faintly as she pushed her husband away, "You'll drop me, Sao! Stop it!"
"B-But the baby-!"
"-is completely fine!"
And more.
"Just rest for next months, alright?
Kaori huffed at her husband, who is assisting her to walk towards the bathroom. "You're overreacting too much, Sao", Kaori scolded him, who just smiled brightly in return.
"I already filed your maternity leave in the company", Sadao continues, ignorant at the look of disbelief from his wife, "Everything will be alright so don't worry-"
"-Maternity leave?!", Kaori exclaimed, fuming in anger, "I work here at our home!", she argues.
"Stress is bad for the baby", Sadao counter back, pouting at his wife, "Work is stressful so I made sure to completely get rid of it!"
"You don't even complete those paper works on time!"
"I-I'll do it! I will! I promise!"
And more.
"Sadao"
Kaori said coldly while looking at her husband with narrowed eyes, "I said I want champorado" [5]
She held up the chocolate bar in her hands angrily, "Why on earth would you give me a chocolate bar, huh?!"
"Th-The baby, Kai!", Sadao answered nervously, "C-Calm down! Think for the baby-!"
"-HOW CAN I CALM DOWN IF YOU KEPT ON-!"
"-I-I'M SORRY!"
Until the day of labor.
"I-It's okay, dear", Sadao said in an attempt to comfort his wife while holding her hand, "The baby is okay, Kai. The baby will be okay", he cooed.
"The baby's okay", Kaori repeated as she groans and sweats from the continuous contractions, "The baby's okay", she chanted.
Sadao nodded quickly, squeezing her hand tightly, "The baby's okay. No need to worry", he cooed lovingly, "Everything's going to be okay, Kai"
And the moment has arrived.
Although there are... a few complications.
"She isn't... breathing", the doctor muttered looking horrified at the bundle in her arms, glancing at her watch,
She walks towards the other side of the room, which Sadao followed her with his gaze, a sense of panic filling him.
"Quick! Set aside-!"
"On it! I-!"
"-Ready the-!"
"What is...", Kaori trailed off, feeling a bit dazed, as she looks around trying to locate her baby, tuning out the sounds of screaming and pacing in the room, "Sao?", she called out wearily, spotting her husband nibbling his lip in worry.
"Wh-What's happening-?"
"Maam, we're doing our best please-"
"-My baby-! Where is-!"
"-Kai everything's alright-"
"-Calm down ma'am-"
"-Maam, I apologize but I think-"
"No!", Kaori cried out, her weak arms trying to reach out for her baby, "My baby! Please, no! She can't be-!"
Then, the room quietened at the sound of crying.
Cries of one healthy little girl.
Their daughter was born on May 18 XXXX, at exactly 3 a.m.
"She's so beautiful, Sao", Kaori muttered fondly as she looked at their daughter, who is sleeping in her husband's arms, lovingly, "She got my hair", she mused.
"She looks like you", Sadao added with a warm smile, gazing lovingly at their newborn daughter, "A replica of you, Chi"
Chiyo reached out and softly caresses their daughter's cheek with her pointer finger, "I can't believe she's here", she whispers, tearing up at the sight of their daughter, their alive daughter.
"Our beautiful Akasuki"
[1] Ate. It is about an older female relative or respected friend (especially one's own sister or kapatid), and means "Sister".
[2] Pesos. It is the unit of money used in Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Guinea-Bissau, Mexico, the Philippines, and Uruguay. (It's what google told me)
[3] Adobo. Philippine adobo is a popular Filipino dish and cooking process in Philippine cuisine that involves meat, seafood, or vegetables marinated in vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, bay leaves, and black peppercorns, which is browned in oil, and simmered in the marinade.
[3] Stillborn, or stillbirth, is the death or loss of a baby before or during the delivery.
[4] Aoi is the name of their first child who died through miscarriage.
[5]Champorado, or tsampurado, is a sweer chocolate rice porridge in Philippine cuisine.
The list of their children:
First = Chia, meaning "a thousand loves" [Deceased; Miscarriage]
Second = Nozomi, meaning "wish" or "hope" or "heart of hope". [Deceased; Miscarriage]
Third = Kiseki, meaning "miracle". [Deceased; Stillborn]
Fourth = Akasuki, meaning "bright helper". [Alive]