Here's the end, hope you all enjoy it!
Rody slid his spatula under the egg, which sizzled at his touch. "I can't believe out of all of us, including four adults, I'm one of only two that can cook!"
Eddie Soul raised his hand.
"Cook well. And the other wasn't allowed outside for thirty years!"
"We know," Kaina said, rolling her eyes. "You say that every other day!"
"Well it's true!" he said pointing. "You were a top Hero! Why can't you cook?!"
"Because my meals and meal plan was always planned for me by my handlers so I'd stay in top shape as a living weapon?"
"Fair enough!" he said, throwing up his hands. Pino was far less agitated, making Kaina snort. What a drama queen.
Using All Might's money, they'd gotten themselves a small house to stay in. A bit cramped for normal people, but fortunately, neither the Souls nor Kaina's family needed much space. Kaina glanced at the door where several suitcases were already packed.
"For what it's worth I'm only this good because they taught me to cook for some of the top brass at Humarise," Botan said. "I learned some top-notch meals there."
"Yeah…" Rody said smiling, obviously remembering that steak he'd eaten yesterday. "And we can finally afford it thanks to All Might's money…"
"That won't last forever," said Kaina. "I'm pretty sure we'll have to make due on our own eventually."
"Yeah, well I've been breaking my back, or having others threaten to break it, for six years to scrape by. I'm enjoying my vacation!"
Eddie Soul winced. He then said, "I went to the bank yesterday. Apparently, my account is still intact. But getting work takes time."
Rody was quiet for a moment. "Dad, you sure you don't want to just bum off All Might's money a little longer? I like having someone else watching my siblings." He looked away. "And hanging out with me."
"Don't worry Rody," Eddie said. "I'm still going to hang out with you plenty."
Rody shrugged while Pino happily chirping (until Rody shoved her in a cabinet).
Kaina couldn't exactly judge Rody (even if it was fun). After all, she'd been enjoying her vacation too. Eating real meals, going on walks, or just activating her quirk without armed security with submachine guns storming her room. Hell, she was enjoying just waring a t-shirt again!
Simo angrily meowed for his breakfast. Eddie got up and began preparing it.
"I still say we should've named him Robin," Beros said, looking up from her book. "Or Errol." She looked like a completely different woman outside her assassin costume, instead wearing a normal dark tanktop and sweats.
Kaina glared. "Don't start that again. I found her, I name her."
"A pity she couldn't be found by someone with better naming skills."
"You zip it," Kaina hissed. "Simo is a great name, and Simo Hayha is a way better role model than Robin Hood!"
Beros's eyes twitched. Slowly, she set down her book. "Take that back."
Kaina was undaunted. "Seven. Hundred. Kills. How many did Robin defeat?"
"Robin Hood was an icon who defied the government with only a small party of merry men! He was jolly and clever and utterly audacious! Your hero, cool as he was, wasn't even close!"
"Yeah! Robin Hood's awesome!" Rody said, before cowering from Kaina's glare.
"Robin may be famous, but Simo Haya's exploits were real! He was an unmatched marksman! A living legend! Then he retired to raise dogs." Kaina sighed. "Such a wondrous life..."
Beros said. "I still don't understand interaction much, but did you…have a crush on him?"
"NO!" Kaina said, thankful that none of her middle school diaries were here. "Did you have a crush on Robin Hood?"
"Errol Flynn," Botan whispered.
Beros's head snapped to her. "What was that?"
"I didn't say anything. Also, breakfast is ready."
Like Pavlovian dogs, Roro and Lala materialized in the kitchen. Lala nearly tripped on Kaina's chair, forcing her to catch her by the collar of her shirt.
"Thank you Aunt Kaina!" she said hugging Kaina. Which Kaina totally did not enjoy. Meanwhile Roro was sitting between Beros and Rody, getting a free hug from the former. Then Botan gave Beros a hug, which she positively drank in. She was clearly loving hugging her mother again.
As the food was served they all dug in. Kaina savored having real food again. As she dug in, enjoying every scrumptious bite, she noticed something…odd about the way Roro was holding his knife. And slicing with it. And twirling it?!
She threw a look at Beros, who was doing the same with hers.
"Beros," she said.
Beros looked up. "Yes?"
"Did you teach Roro how to kill people with a knife?"
"Of course! He's ten, that's about the age you learn that, right?"
Everyone looked to Botan. She winced. "I think that is what they taught the quirked kids."
Rody got in her face, face filled with wrath. "You taught him how to use a knife?! How could you?!"
"Was that your job?" she said.
"No! I mean how could you teach him and not me?!"
"I thought you already knew?" she said, "How did you survive on the streets without that?"
"Why do you think I got so good at running away?!"
"In case the person you stabbed's friends came after you?"
"Huh never thought of-no matter! I wanna learn too!"
"Ok!" she said.
Kaina said, "I can help. In exchange I want to race you again."
She'd been trying to beat Rody at parkour ever since they'd moved in with the Souls. Rody always won. Kaina almost beat him, but both Rody and Beros (little snitch) caught her using Air Walk.
"Deal."
Lala tugged on her father's sleeve. "Can I learn how to stab people too?"
Eddie Soul adopted an awkward smile, "When you're older."
About an hour after breakfast, Beros tapped Rody's shoulder.
"Later," he said, playing his flight simulator.
"If we wait, we may miss that thing."
Rody instantly put down his controller, causing his plane to have a fiery crash that likely killed hundreds. "Oh heck yeah! I almost forgot!"
He hugged Beros, an easy way to earn her affection. "Thanks for the reminder!"
She bounced on her heels. "Of course!"
They went out to the garage of the small house they'd moved into. Beros put on her helmet and climbed atop her motorbike. Rody got on the seat behind her. Beros placed a helmet on his head, which he tightened before grabbing her waist. "Let's go big sis!"
"Ok. Hold on."
Beros revved up her bike and rode it onto the streets. She weaved through traffic, using her skills from multiple high speed chases. She also wore her hood, partly because she liked it, and partly because people would be less likely to look twice at her, supposing she was a Pro Hero. Sure, Rody complained about it getting in his face, but he could manage (plus his indignation was funny). Beros also brought her quiver, because she always brought her quiver.
They stopped a block away from a certain tavern and walked the rest. They then sat and waited.
"Hey you," some lowlife said to Rody. "How much for the bird? My boss would like that for his collection."
"Not for sale," Rody said without looking.
"That so?" the man pulled out a piece of support gear.
"Excuse me," Beros said raising her hand. "But do you have a problem with my new little brother?"
"Yeah we-"
Beros pulled out her bow and knocked three arrows.
The man looked terrified. "Never mind." He turned and ran, tail between his legs. Beros ruffled Rody's hair. "There you go."
"I love having siblings who are awesome fighters."
A few minutes later, some cops stepped inside. Rody leaned in, practically bouncing in his seat. "Showtime," he said.
There were several crashes, glasses shattering, and more than a few curses thrown out. Then, a certain pudgy man was hauled out in cuffs, angrily spitting every insult he could think of. Rody held out his hand. Beros high fived it.
"Best. Older sister. Ever."
"Could you tell Kaina you said that?"
"Over my dead body. Literally knowing her."
Beros was disappointed. But he wasn't wrong.
Kaina's phone rang. "It's me."
"Good news," All Might's said. "They've fully processed your pardons. It'll be like you never were imprisoned to begin with. They also created a new cover story where you were the innocent victim of a corrupt member of the HPSC."
"Member?"
"Yes. Part of our little peace pact is they pretend I didn't go rogue, and we pretend all of them weren't guilty long enough for them to retire, flee the country, and arrange a quiet life somewhere far away. Then we pardon them afterwards."
Kaina scowled. "I'd prefer to see them behind bars, but I suppose keeping you at work is more important. People need a real hero to look up to."
"High praise coming from you."
"I call it like I see it."
"Aizawa's wondering how Simo is. He hopes to either visit you, or for you to bring Simo to him."
"Of course he is. Tell him I'll be visiting in less than a week. Simo's coming."
"Excellent. Young Midoriya's still training for UA. He'd love to see you both. Oh and they're offering to give both of you Hero licenses."
"Seriously?!" Kaina said.
"Apparently, they'd prefer you have legal authority to use your quirk so you don't give them any headaches. Also, I uh might've wanted to give you the opportunity."
Kaina shook her head. "I can't believe you…"
"What? You'd make a wonderful Hero! Also, you can't tell me you wouldn't jump in guns blazing to defend a cute, innocent child from vile villains like All for One."
"Touche. Also, I uh," Kaina glanced at a very particular letter. "I might've already applied for Otheonian licenses for us both?"
"Ha! The Hero instinct is too strong to ignore! I knew it!"
Kaina glowered. "I'm just in it for a steady paycheck."
"Whatever you say," he said. Kaina really wanted to punch him right now. "By the way, I haven't heard from All for One. Evidently, he is still in Japan, but hiding."
That brought Kaina's mood up. "Good. If you find him, I want in. If only to see the look on his face when you punch it again."
"Oh yes. You understand my pain like few others do."
"I've never met someone who likes the sound of his own voice that much. Flect Turn came close, but even he was less of an ass than All for One!"
"He's the most insufferable person I've ever met, and I met the current president of the HPSC!"
"And I shot the former president! Sure, they were two faced hypocrites, but I'd rather talk with them than him!
The two spent another five minutes roasting All for One. Apparently, All Might being on his tale had really spooked him. Or someone else.
"Mom? I'm going off to school!"
"Huh?" Mom looked up from her phone. "Have a great day sweetie! I'll make katsudon for your return!"
"Ok!" Izuku said. "Is anything wrong? You've been looking at your phone a lot?"
"Oh nothing!" she said. "Just some issues with your father!"
"Oh," he said, his face falling. "Do you need any help?"
"Nope!" she said cheerfully.
Izuku went out the door just as her phone buzzed.
"Hello? Atsuhiro! Have you found him?" she said, her fingers curling around her frying pan. "Great! Why do I need to find him? Oh…I just want to talk." And show off her "skills" with the frying pan. And demonstrate her quirk. On several organs.
Next week
Beros and the others got off the escalator in Japan. Rody talked about the book he was writing about his experiences, and wanting Midoriya's input (Beros had already given hers), Eddie Soul about relaxing somewhere, the little ones on meeting All Might. Oh and Kaina wanted to rub her pardon in the HPSC's faces.
"Hello there," an emaciated man said.
"'Sup All Might?" Rody said.
"All Might?" Beros said.
"Yeah, that's his true foooorrr-you didn't know that did you?" Rody said, looking embarrassed.
"Not even I knew that," said Kaina.
Now All Might looked embarrassed. "I uh, hid it from you when I thought you might be working for All for One…"
Kaina shrugged. "Fair."
"So, you're All Might," Beros said. She opened her mouth to comment on his condition, but then realized how rude it would be. Instantly her mind poured over everything she'd learned of basic social interaction in the last year and chose the best alternative.
"You lost weight."
All Might guffawed, Kaina facepalmed, while Botan and Eddie Soul winced.
"Smooth," Rody said.
Beros swatted him.
"Was that a joke?" he heard All Might whisper.
"No, she was trying to be polite," Kaina whispered. "Beros couldn't use sarcasm with a training manual."
Beros swatted her too.
Within an hour of their arrival, Shota arrived at the apartment All Might had provided Lady nagant. He opened the door to find her, Beros, and Hawks having a totally normal conversation.
"She was the worst! At least the other ones can pretend to be polite! She just gives you a death glare and talks with the charisma of a Terminator!" Nagant said.
"I heard UA's robots have more personality then her!" said Hawks.
Beros said, "My handler would give me speeches about Humarise doctrine that I'm pretty sure were wrong half the time! I was so confused and I thought the problem was me!"
They all noticed Aizawa around the same time. He was staring at Simo, who sat in Kaina's lap.
"Why did Hawks come here?"
"Wanted to roast the HPSC with someone who knew them," Nagant said.
"Kaina slammed the door in his face until he mentioned that," Beros said. "Apparently she'd heard of him."
Earlier
"You must be Keigo. The little shit my handlers constantly complained about."
"Is that a bad thing from them?"
"Touche. You may enter," Kaina said.
"Hawks," Beros said. "A pleasure. I used to think up ways to kill you."
"Really? What'd you settle on?"
"Ambush. Possibly sending several arrows for your feathers while I tried to hit your head from behind. Or just lure you into the range of a decently sized bomb."
"Not bad," he said, "Though I have some countermeasures against that. The HPSC sucks at raising kids, but they're great at training fighters."
"Don't worry, Humarise sucked at raising kids too."
Aizawa nodded, then said, "I'm ignoring all of you." He sat down to pet Simo.
"Nice to see you too," Nagant said.
"Shut up."
"Anyway, when I was eight I was forced to work until everything hurt, then sometimes keep working so I could power through pain!" Hawks said. "At least they'd give me a cookie afterward. At least until I was around thirteen."
"I wasn't even recruited until I was a teenager…" Nagant said.
"They gave you a cookie?" Beros said. "They just gave me a pat on the back and told me my pain was a glory for Humarise!"
"My handlers lectured me on and on about how my actions would be for peace," Nagant said.
"Mine told me they were for the salvation of humanity!"
"I broke into a heavily secured building when I was eighteen and nearly got my wings fried!"
"Espionage? Those were the nice missions. Mine involved flat out assassinations!" Beros said. "My first assassination at seventeen was a ploy to get me killed!"
"I didn't even do assassinations thanks to your sister offing the old boss!"
Nagant pumped her fist with her offhand, while the other kept petting Simo.
"My colleagues are taking you out for drinks for making the HPSC so miserable," said Aizawa to Nagant. "And saving the world, but mostly making the HPSC miserable."
"You say that like it's not a request."
"It's not…" he said with a thousand-yard stare. He kept petting the cat while Hawks and Beros debated whose caretakers were worse at raising kids.
Beros won.
Kaina woke up the next morning and yawned. She walked to the balcony and took in the early morning light. The sea sure was gorgeous from here.
Kaina then got dressed, and took a walk in the brisk early morning air. She kept her head down, ignoring the gratuitous ads and massive posters dotting the town. She wandered into a residential area, passing a small park.
There were one or two families there, a few kids were even there alone. Kaina watched with a little smile. She had to admit it, seeing them all cheerfully declaring themselves to be their favorite Heroes reminded Kaina why she once loved them like that.
Kaina then noticed a small child crying nearby. No friends to help. No parents here right now. Probably lived near here.
Kaina walked up next to the child and knelt down. "Hey, you ok?"
The child looked up. "My ball." She pointed up in the tree. It's stuck.
Kaina said, "Allow me." She leaped up, using Air Walk, grabbed it, and set it down at the girl's feet. "Not anymore."
"Are you a Hero?"
"That…it's complicated."
She had a license, but didn't have a name yet. The Lady Nagant name was in limbo for various legal reasons. She was toying with Baba Yaga thanks to a comment from All Might.
"Some Russian Humarise cultist was yelling it over and over," said All Might.
"Russian Boogeyman. I've had worse."
"It fits," Beros said. "They say Baba Yaga will go out and murder any of those who harms cute animals, along with any who gets in his way. To the point where he'll slaughter dozens just because they killed-"
"Baba Yaga's female," Kaina said.
"Really?" Beros said. "That's not what the other assassins told me…"
"You're Lady Nagant, right?" the girl said. "She's my favorite, but they said she killed someone. But now they say she's innocent."
Kaina said nothing.
"Can I shake your hand?" the kid said.
Kaina felt nervous. She slowly looked down at her hand. But in the early sunlight…it was clean.
"Sure."
She took the kid's hand, then helped the girl to her feet. The girl picked up her ball and said, "Thank you!"
"Your welcome. You should run back to your friends," she said.
The girl did just that, but not before turning around and waving one last time. Kaina did the same. She then went back, hugging her mother as she came in. Beros was out. So, Kaina went out to the balcony to wait for her, looking out at the ocean.
Beros's shoes pressed into the sand, passing old cups, scrap metal, and shards of glass. She looked at the massive trash piles nearby, wondering how they possibly got that high.
"Beros?" a familiar voice said.
She turned around and smiled. "Hello Midoriya."
Midoriya was standing next to one of the piles, a large wheel in his hand.
"You're less skinny," she said.
"Thanks!" he said, flexing his free arm, showing off the added muscle. "I've been training really hard!"
"That's good," she said. "You'd make a great Hero!"
"Thanks," he said, looking embarrassed. "I heard you became a Hero too! I even wrote an entry in my notebook!"
"I'm honored," she said. She used her first name as her Hero name since it was all she'd ever been called.
"I wanted to thank you," Midoriya said. "For turning against them and stopping the bombs. It must've been difficult, especially for someone like you."
She nodded. "It was. I guess I should thank you too. I don't think I'd have done it all without my conversations with you."
"Thank you!" Midoriya said. Literal fountains of tears erupted from his eyes.
"Midoriya! Are you ok? Did you sprout another quirk?!"
"No! My family just cries a lot!"
"…Are you sure it's not a quirk?"
"Yes."
"Alright." She looked at the rising sun. After a moment, she said, "You should return to your training, discipline is important for a young Hero. Thank you for speaking with me."
"Your welcome!" Midoriya said. "I'm glad I got to."
As Beros walked away, she turned back around. She awkwardly scratched her neck and said, "May I um…"
He sighed and gave her one last hug before she left. As Beros walked away, she thought to herself how both of them were finally free. When Beros arrived back at the apartment, she found Kaina on the sofa of the balcony.
"The Souls are out," Kaina said, "Going to an amusement park."
"They deserve it. Maybe we should go to an amusement park."
Kaina smiled. "Maybe tomorrow…"
"That would be nice." Beros sat beside her, taking off her hood and cloak. She stretched it over herself like a blanket.
Then Kaina stole some of it.
"Get your own!"
"Can't you share?"
Beros groaned. "Fine."
The two sat there watching the view. Beros felt herself leaning against her sister. This…was actually nice. As much as a pain Kaina could be…Beros was really glad she'd found her. As Beros drifted off, the last thing she noted was her sister leaning on her too.
Botan came out to find her daughters sleeping on the couch outside, both in each other's arms. She smiled at the sight. Her family was finally together. Then her gaze shifted to the spot between them. She was a small woman, and it looked just the right size for…
Toshinori entered the apartment to check in on the family. He walked to the balcony, and saw the family all resting together, with Beros' cape stretched over all of them. Even in sleep, they all looked so happy together.
Toshinori quietly exited the apartment.
Best to leave the family to their rest. After everything they'd been through in the last few months alone, they'd more than earned their time together.
OMAKE:
Eri Rescue Arc:
Kaina: I'm here to rescue the unicorn.
Toshi: I thought you weren't working for AFO anymore?!
Kaina: I'm not.
Toshi: Oh. You're going to help us save the child and prevent AFO from reclaiming her.
Kaina: Right, whatever. Whichever lets me keep the kid.
Aizawa: Not so fast!
A bit long and a tad self-indulgent yes, but hey, it's a fanfic. It was a fun ride writing and posting this.
Hope you enjoyed, comments and kudos bring happiness.
Thanks for reading!
