A month has passed since Bakugo had been put in the ground. A month of agony, humbling, rage-inducing fly of time. That damn girl came out of nowhere with her technical prowess. She must have a brawler hero as a guardian or relative because that was too calculated for a teenager to do even with years of martial arts training! She threw those punches like a robot and held nothing back.
Bakugo wasn't ready; he underestimated her and he paid the price! A price he'll only pay once and that goes for everyone! Bakugo will never hold back or undermine someone's abilities unless he wishes to be made an example of!
No one has reminded Bakugo of that day because they knew better than to harass him unless they wanted to leave the school in a body bag.
But that wasn't what stung the most; what pissed Bakugo off more than anything was Kayama was protecting Deku! Deku! Of all people, Kayama decided to throw her allegiance to?! Bakugo could care less whomever she affiliated herself with but going with Deku was a slap in the face to Bakugo! Anyone who sided with that wimp and helped in his stupid dreams was an enemy of Bakugo permanently. They could leave Deku behind but the sins of one are tainted forever on the soul!
What's the icing on the cake for this?! If they believe in Deku, that means they think that nerd is better than him! By saying Deku is a good choice is saying Bakugo is a bad choice, and that shall not go unpunished! No one is better than Bakugo and every person knows it other than Laura Kayama! Oh, but she'll learn and Laura will learn the way Bakugo likes to teach everyone who strikes his fury!
A beatdown worth a thousand words.
First, Bakugo just has to get her to follow him and he knows just how to do it.
Midoriya still couldn't adjust to this feeling. It was beautiful, yes, but also a horrible one. Long has Midoriya wished for peace with his classmates but not like this. They were scared of Midoriya; something Midoriya hated. The strongest rumor to spread since that day was that Midoriya hired Laura as some sort of bodyguard. They weren't really friends. It was all just a charade; a coverup for the real thing. Where Midoriya was getting the money from no one knew, but it was best to adapt to it rather than winding up like Bakugo.
Midoriya walked through the halls silently as his classmates walked around him and not into him. Some even went as far as to hug the walls to avoid making contact. Midoriya couldn't stand this and wanted to tell everyone to not fear him, but the woman behind him was the real reason behind the fear.
Laura, ever so menacingly, walked behind Midoriya like a stand ready to pounce on whomever whenever.
The fight that broke out between Kayama and Bakugo made rounds quickly. Those who were not present couldn't believe it at first, but with how quiet Bakugo was and how others reacted to Midoriya's presence did a 180, those who weren't believers were turned.
It also didn't help that over time Kayama's character made people fear her just as much as Bakugo if not more. Nothing got past her and those who attempted anything positive or negative with her found out real quick that Kayama wasn't interested in socializing. This only made the bodyguard rumor even more prevalent than before.
The news of the fight did make it to staff, but to no one's surprise, nothing occurred of it. Whether due to sheer laziness or the staff feeling happy that someone managed to 'humble' Bakugo no one for sure. However it didn't change that Bakugo hadn't said anything to either Midoriya or Laura, and Bakugo has been skulking around like a predator waiting to jump his prey at the right moment.
Midoriya shook his head and looked down in sadness. This was the opposite of what he stood for. Midoriya believed in fighting righteously to change people's perspectives on opposing ideals or people through actions and goodwill and not by force. This forced change hurt him every day and made the schooldays even worse; however, Midoriya was more afraid of telling Laura about it.
Laura was an unpredictable character, to say the least. Midoriya could barely get a personal story out of her since they started to hang out, and although it was nice to have a friend since elementary school, she was also the same person that made Midoriya some sort of ruler who could not be crossed lest anyone suffer the wrath of the lioness.
Oh, how Midoriya longed for the day to be over already so he can train with All Might at the beach. The training was brutal but necessary. Midoriya had to build muscle on him per the request of All Might and it made sense. Without personal strength how would Midoriya be able to overcome villains? It wasn't just muscle either but also flexibility, balance, various coordination techniques, stamina, mental fortitude, and more. Every day left him drained, but Midoriya had to do it to become a hero. If All Might believed in him then Midoriya had to ensure All Might's faith was correct!
Too deep into his mind, Midoriya bumped into someone. Looking up to apologize, Midoriya's face crumbled as he backed up into Laura. There stood Bakugo and his two friends. Although his friends were fidgeting in fear, Bakugo was not.
"Watch where you're going, you damn nerd!" Bakugo shouted, "Just because your girlfriend here makes everyone treat you like a king doesn't mean I will!"
Midoriya heavily blushed at the word 'girlfriend.' "K-K-K-Kayama isn't! We aren't! I-!"
Laura stood there unfazed. By all accounts that made sense. She was a girl and they were 'friends' Laura supposed. Midoriya wasn't the most annoying person on the planet he was incredibly smart. The smartest person she knows. Midoriya knew all subjects in school and knew how to help Laura with any questions she may have, but Midoriya's true passion lay in hero talk. The guy was an encyclopedia for anything hero related and right to a T. Midoriya could ramble on for ages and he does a lot.
"Shut it!" Bakugo growled as Midoriya clamped up.
Laura stood next to Bakugo and glared at him, "What do you want?" Bakugo hasn't bugged them since that day, and now that he is here, that means he wants something.
Bakugo gave a glare back at Laura, "Just because you beat me doesn't mean you're better than me! I took you lightly; got ahead of myself because I was always on top here! I lost because I didn't take you seriously, and I want a rematch!"
The challenge was laid out! Bakugo wanted to fight Laura once more and prove he was the better of the two. Laura and Bakugo stared each other down with neither budging.
Midoriya, gaining the courage to speak, once more got in between the duo, "This isn't what heroes do! They don't fight with each other over petty squabbles!"
"What would you know about that, Deku?!" Bakugo stared down Midoriya as Midoriya shook in his boots, "What would you know what heroes do?! You know nothing! All that hero studying and note-writing is worth nothing if you can't win your battles! Something you wouldn't know since Dominatrix here owns you like a dog and fought me because you can't do it yourself!"
That stung Midoriya. It is true, Midoriya could never hope to defeat Bakugo in battle; however, he never asked Laura for help. Laura just did it because she knew it was the right thing to do even if she was brutal about it!
Laura's eyebrow twitched at the name. Laura had no idea what 'Dominatrix' meant but she didn't take kindly to name-calling. "The only reason why you pick on him is because Midoriya really can't win due to his quirkless status!" Laura barked back, "All big and tough but chooses to harass the only non-quirk person in the room! Just like any spineless coward would!"
Bakugo pressed his head against Laura's as the two bulls locked horns, "YOU KNOW NOTHING OF OUR HISTORY! DO YOU THINK YOU KNOW WHY I DO WHAT I DO?! YOU THINK IT HAS ANYTHING TO DO WITH HIM BEING QUIRKLESS?!"
Midoriya knew this was going to come to blows and had to force himself in the middle to pry Laura away from Bakugo. Midoriya managed to barely move the woman, but Laura wouldn't budge after about half a foot of distance.
"Today, after hours, behind the school!" Bakugo clashed his fists together as a mini explosion set off in his palms, "And bring that nerd with you! I want him to see you get killed by me!" With the time and place now out, Bakugo turned on his heel and stormed off leaving without a response. Bakugo had a wicked face on him. If they do show up, Bakugo will show Deku once more why he is going to be the next All Might! It doesn't matter who Deku has protecting him, they will all fall to the might of Bakugo!
Nemuri, dressed in a casual outfit of a black tank top, sunglasses, and sweatpants, walked through the isles of the store pushing a shopping cart with Eri laying sprawled out in the large basket. Eri was wearing the same white dress as before but with shorts underneath per Eri's request.
"Eri, didn't I tell you to sit up?" Nemuri asked as she looked at the prices of various loaves of bread.
Eri bemoaned the idea and turned her gaze to the ceiling, "I'm bored."
"I know, but I can't leave you alone at the house, and I can't let you stay at school with Laura either," Nemuri grabbed two loaves of bread and placed them in the kiddie seat, "And I do remember telling you to bring something with you so you won't get bored." Nemuri pushed the cart further down and kept checking out the other products being sold.
"There was nothing to bring, and I can't have building blocks in a cart," Eri retorted and glanced over to the isles that had cookies, "If I behave, can I have cookies?"
"I would get you some if you did it in general," Nemuri said as they skipped the cookies, "Don't you have some at the house?"
"But it's at the house," Eri replied, "And that's far away right now."
Nemuri signed but laughed under her breath. "This kid," Nemuri thought as she grabbed several cases of coffee K-cups. Normally she would grab two, but ever since Laura got a taste for it, Laura hasn't gone a single morning without a brew. Iced or hot, Laura will get her coffee filled for the morning. Speaking of coffee, Nemuri had an idea.
"If you behave, I'll get you that frap you like," Nemuri said as Eri sat up instantly.
"Choco cookie?!" Eri said excitedly with stars in her eyes.
Nemuri smiled and nodded, "Yes, the Choco cookie, but you have to behave, okay my little darling?"
Eri nodded her head and stood up in the cart as she was 'looking out' for other things they may need. Eri was pretty helpful in this category as Nemuri did hand her the list of items they needed. Eri's vision was solid as she was able to spot numerous things before Nemuri herself did.
Once they were done collecting the groceries, Nemuri pushed them toward the entertainment section. Eri, since the cart was full of items, was walking beside Nemuri.
"Toys!" Eri happily said as she examined everything around her, "Laura needs toys to play with! She never plays with anything!"
"What does she do in your room?" Nemuri asked as she never sees Laura doing much around the house.
Eri pondered for a bit before speaking, "Nothing. She either plays with me, grumpily does homework, or sleeps."
Nemuri figured as much. When it came to Eri, Eri was all too curious to try out new things except anything related to stuffed animals. Whatever happened to the girls made them despite those toys even though it's a hit with girls of all ages. Heck, Nemuri has some in her room. They are hidden now.
Nemuri pulled over to the side and examined the products around her. It wasn't fair that Eri got to have things and Laura did not. Yet it didn't help that Laura hasn't said a word about anything she wants even though Nemuri has been adamant about Laura asking for at least one thing. Nothing seemed to interest her, and although Nemuri would have gone with a phone at least, but if Laura ignored it then it would be a waste of money.
Maybe it's less about getting Laura to be entertained by something and helping her develop hobbies. It's been a month and Laura hasn't shown much interest in anything. Maybe it's about time the two talked about Laura getting interests in life because this isn't healthy.
Amid her thinking, Nemuri's phone rang and Nemuri pulled it out. It was from Alder Junior. Answering it, Nemuri held the phone to her ear, "Hello?"
"Hello Miss Kayama, this is Principal-"
"Nemuri, look," Eri tugged on Nemuri's leg, "LEGO!" Eri pointed to the Lego section of the store. Eri has been wanting a set lately as the commercials on TV caught her eye. It also helps that they just appealed to kids in general.
Nemuri smiled and responded and nodded her head in acknowledgment as she went back to listening to the phone.
"We need you to come in as soon as you can."
Nemuri's face went stoic with concern, "Did something happen?"
"Yes, um…your daughter got into a fight with several of our students and had to be separated by staff and other students," The principal said with some concern in his tone.
Nemuri's mood dropped. Laura got into a fight? Was she okay? What happened?
"I'll be on my way," Nemuri said as she hung up the phone and looked down at Eri, "We need to go."
Eri looked back to the cart, "Don't forget the stuff."
"We have to, this is urgent," Nemuri signed loudly as she picked up Eri and carried her.
Eri had a look of worry on her face, "Is everything okay?"
Nemuri shook her head, "No. Something happened at the school."
Eri began to panic, "Is Laura okay?!"
Nemuri held Eri in a more comforting position as she nodded her head, "Yes, she's fine, but your sister…" Nemuri stayed quiet for a moment as the duo quickly left the store and made a beeline for the car, "She got into a fight."
The crowd let out a chorus of 'oooohs' as Laura was blasted in the face and fell to the ground. The older sister pounded the floor in frustration as she got back up on her feet without a scratch.
Bakugo was playing dirty. The want for a rematch wasn't a lie but everything else was. During lunch, before the duo went to the tree, Bakugo sneak attacked Laura when her Midoriya were engaged in a topic about Bakugo's strengths and weaknesses. Midoriya was opposed to the idea but Laura convinced him. Neither was able to react and Midoriya was being held back by Bakugo's goons.
"Kacchan!" Shouted a tearful Midoriya, "Stop it! That's enough!" Bakugo's smirk grew bigger as he was crouched and his palms burst with explosions. He gave no attention to his former friend and was only focused on crushing Kayama.
Laura glanced between Bakugo and Midoriya before snarling at her opponent, "Didn't want to face me head on so you ambushed me when I wasn't ready?! How cowardly!"
"Ever heard of stealth heroes?!" Bakugo retorted using his logic, "People like Edgeshot use this tactic and no one calls him cowardly, so what makes this any different?!"
Laura wasn't in the mood to debate and rushed Bakugo to no avail. Bakugo used his quirk to maneuver around Laura and blasted her back. The blast sent her forward and she fell onto her knees. Laura quickly rolled to her left and stood on one knee to avoid the incoming attack she predicted, but was caught in the face by another anyways. Laura swung at Bakugo with a sharp left hook but missed as Bakugo blasted her arm away and kicked her onto her back.
"I noticed you can heal from any injuries, that's a nifty quirk, I'll give you that much," Bakugo said as he towered over the coughing girl, "But that just makes the pain dragged out!" Bakugo aimed his hand at Laura and was about to let out another explosion, but was kicked out from under his feet as Laura tripped him up. Laura swiftly got onto her hands and feet and jumped at the fallen Bakugo before striking him in the face multiple times. Bakugo tried to blast her off but Laura reflected his hands at him to make him blast himself.
"Kayama!" Midoriya shouted as he struggled to get free, "Kayama! Stop it! KAYAMA!"
Bakugo let out a roar of fury as he grabbed Laura's hands and set out a furry of explosions. Laura screamed in agony as she was thrown off and rolled over to Midoriya.
"Look at her, Deku, she can't handle the Bakugo!" Laughed one of the goons.
"She's dead meat!" Howled the other.
The crowd was getting quieter as most, if not, all of them wanted Laura to win. Sure she was scary, but at least Laura didn't look to pick on any of them! Laura wanted Midoriya and herself to be left alone and there would be no problems! That was a great deal.
Laura looked at her arms and wrists and saw how badly damaged they were. The skin was burned to a crisp but quickly regenerated due to Laura's quirk of regeneration. Before Laura could stand up, both goons kicked Laura on the back of her head as hard as they could and she fell face-first onto the concrete with a hard thud.
Bakugo stood up and rolled his neck as he began to stalk Laura.
Laura, groggy from the potential concussion she got, looked up. The ringing in her ears was mixed with laughter and pleading. Laura struggled to get on her hands and feet and felt another kick but this time on her bum. She fell on her face again and felt a shoe slam onto her head. Laura shouted in pain and seethed as she grabbed at Bakugo's ankle.
The goons were laughing as Midoriya looked down miserably. There was nothing he could do but watch as Laura was getting beaten senselessly.
"You kicked her on the butt!" The goon on the left laughed, "I seriously thought you wouldn't!"
"It was a big target!" Laughed the other, "Oh man, Midoriya is one lucky guy! Or was one!"
Midoriya glared at the goons and gritted his teeth, "Just let us go! You made your point!" Both goons just laughed even harder as Bakugo pressed his foot harder onto Laura's head and blasted her back once more. This was Bakugo at his worst.
"That's enough!" Midoriya shouted at Bakugo, "Enough!" Midoriya growled as the goons slowly stopped laughing. Midoriya's sudden muscle mass began to show with his arms tensing up. "STOP HURTING HER KACCHAN!" Midoriya screamed as he threw off both goons and charged Bakugo.
Bakugo, surprised at Midoriya's charge but aware, simply tackled Midoriya onto the floor and decked him square in the face. "YOU WANNA FIGHT YOU STUPID NERD?! THEN LET'S FIGHT!" Bakugo sneered as he grabbed Midoriya by the face and blasted it. Midoriya howled in pain as he grasped at Bakugo's hand to pry it off. Bakugo was surprised when Midoriya was managing to move his hand, but Bakugo only grew more enticed.
"Oh? So you can fight?" Bakugo mocked as he jabbed his other fist into Midoriya's kidney making Midoriya gasp and clutch his side, "It doesn't matter though because you'll never be able to beat me!"
Laura turned her head over to where the loud noises were coming from. The ringing was slowly going away as her injuries were beginning to heal. Laura watched as Bakugo stood up and dragged Midoriya up with him. Bakugo grabbed Midoriya by the shirt with both of his hands and lifted him in the air. Laura saw the scared look on Midoriya's face; how terrified her friend was. It was very similar too…
Laura's mind began to wander as everything began to change around her. Suddenly, she was back in that room.
Tired, in pain, and weakened, Laura's memories flooded her vision as she saw Eri being held up by a man in a green coat with a purple fur collar. The dark lightning covered his face but Laura knew well enough what was under it. Despite her memory not filling it in, she knew what she was seeing. Eri was shaking and crying as the man had Eri up with his left hand. In a quick motion, Eri was brought up to his face in anger before looking at Laura.
"You did to her," The man whispered, "You made me punish her. If you two just behave these punishments won't happen. But you never learn, so now Eri has to be disciplined for both of you."
"Stop…" Laura pleaded weakly, "Don't…hurt…"
The man said nothing as he lifted his other hand. Laura's eyes widened and tears began to flood her eyes. His hand was gloveless. That meant only one thing.
"Please…" Laura spattered out, "She didn't do…anything…"
"She pays for your crimes," The man said as he turned to Eri as Eri frantically struggled with all her might.
"LAURA! LAURA!" Eri cried out, "HELP ME!"
"Stop it…"
"Stop it."
"STOP IT!"
"STOP IT!"
Bakugo and Midoriya quickly turned to Laura as she was now standing on her feet, crouched, and with her arms over her chest. Laura's arms swung open, and with a thunderous roar of fury that echoed across the courtyard, two metal claws began to unsheathed under Laura's hands with a metallic screech.
SNIKT!
Bakugo dropped Midoriya as he took several steps back from the now-rejuvenated Laura. Laura sprinted at Bakugo like a wild animal as everyone, except Midoriya, ran away in terror with screams filling the air. Bakugo aimed a blast at Laura, and Laura took the entire explosion head-on but did not stop moving.
Bakugo dodged Laura's claws and gained distance with his quirk but Laura was on him quickly. Laura kept swinging at Bakugo before jumping into the air and going for a judo kick. Bakugo blasted himself backward when another claw pierced from her shoe, almost touching his neck.
Bakugo kept blasting himself backward as he began to think up a way to put Laura down.
"Kayama!" Midoriya shouted as he got back onto his feet after recovering from the shock. Midoriya didn't know Laura had those claws in her body! Was this another quirk?! Kayama was duel-quirked?! That didn't matter now! Midoriya ran after Laura as Laura slashed and clawed in Bakugo's direction with more loud growls and cries.
"NO MORE PAIN!" Laura boomed as Bakugo was now backed up against a wall before swiftly dodging the blades. Bakugo was left speechless as Laura's claws sliced through the concrete wall like paper!
"Are you trying to kill me?!" Bakugo yelled out as he kept running.
Laura replied with another yell and kept chasing Bakugo although her efforts were cut short as Midoriya had finally caught up to her and grabbed her by the waist.
"Kayama!" Midoriya shouted as he lifted her off the ground, "Kacchan! Get to safety!"
"Don't tell me what to do, Deku!" Bakugo barked as he did the opposite. Bakugo, instead, charged at Laura as she was distracted and set off one good blast that would have had a direct hit on Laura if Midoriya had not seen it coming. Midoriya knew what Bakugo was going to do and didn't want Laura to get hurt anymore. Instead, Midoriya tossed Laura aside as Midoriya took the blow instead. Midoriya wailed in pain as his clothes were immediately singed and so was a portion of his face.
Laura instantly looked over to Midoriya as he was clutching his face while Bakugo stood in place.
"YOU IDIOT!" Bakugo quickly shouted, "THIS IS WHY YOU'LL NEVER BE A HERO! THAT WAS MEANT FOR HER!"
Laura's eyes glared at Bakugo as they pierced his eyes. That blast was meant for her but Midoriya took it. Again, without a second thought, Midoriya took another blow for her!
How much punishment will others take for her?!
"I'm going to kill you!" Laura screeched and was about to charge Bakugo once more before a clatter of footsteps running at them came from a distance.
"That's enough!" The principal shouted with several staff members and security tailing him, "All of you stop this instance!" He spoke with a furious tone. Laura and Bakugo stopped moving as Laura sheathed her claws before running over to Midoriya.
"Kayama, get away from him!" The principal ordered but was met with an icy stare instead that made his heart jump.
Laura knelt beside Midoriya as he cried under his hands from the pain, "Midoriya!" Laura placed her hands over his, "Let me see! I can help you!" Laura pleaded in a panic as she tried to get Midoriya to cooperate. Midoriya ignored her however as several staff members shooed Laura away as they helped Midoriya up and rushed him over to the nurse's office.
Laura was about to go with them but was stopped by the security guard. "Stay where you are!" The guard shouted as Laura did so unwillingly.
"About time you showed up!" Bakugo spat before pointing at the damaged wall, "She was trying to kill me!"
Laura balked at Bakugo's sudden snitch, "You attacked Midoriya and me!" Laura fired back.
"QUIET!" The principal ordered once more as both students begrudgingly did so, "TO MY OFFICE! NOW!"
Nemuri sat with Laura and Eri just outside the principal's office. She could hear the loud muffled yells of a female voice accompanied by a younger yet just as strong voice. Nemuri was not happy; she was angry too. Nemuri could pick up a few words, and from what she could tell, Laura had tried to kill the kid! What was wrong with her?!
Nemuri averted her eyes up at Laura. Laura and Eri sitting together with Laura playing with Eri's hands as if nothing had just happened. Nemuri clicked her tongue in anger as Eri and Laura noticed it. Eri sunk a bit into Laura as Laura gave the glare right back.
The brief staredown was broken as the door opened up as three figures walked back. A meek-looking man; a strong, prideful woman, and Bakugo walked past the Kayama's as Bakugo gave a smug smirk to Laura. Laura glared at Bakugo as the mother harshly tugged Bakugo's arm. Bakugo scoffed and walked with his parents.
"You can come in, Kayama's." The principal said with a loud sigh. Nemuri waited for Eri and Laura to enter first as she followed behind them. Nemuri shut the door behind her and sat down on a chair to the left as Laura sat on the right with Eri resting on Laura's lap.
The principal wasted little time getting down to business, "I'm sorry to bug you, Miss Kayama, I know you must be busy but this matter must be settled immediately." Nemuri could only nod her head as Laura let out a scoff of her own. Both adults looked at the teen as Laura rolled her eyes and looked down to Eri who was gripping onto Laura's shirt slightly due to how tense it suddenly got.
The two adults went back to facing one another as the principal continued, "The family that just left were the Bakugos. Now, the boy you saw has been at Alder Junior School since he started 7th grade, his first year here, and has been a gifted student here. An intelligent, independent, young man with a bright future."
Laura chuckled under her breath at the crap she smelled.
"Quiet, Laura," Nemuri snapped as Laura glared at Nemuri only to receive it in return. The principal knew from the situation with Laura that she was a 'troubled child' and that Kayama had adopted the duo not too long ago.
"Miss Kayama," The principal started again with Nemuri's attention going back to him, "Your daughter and Bakugo got into a fight; one that resulted in not only property damage but also left another student with injuries."
Nemuri gasped as Laura picked up on how the principal was spinning this. He was trying to deflect all the blame on her!
"Bakugo attacked us first!" Laura shouted.
"Laura!" Nemuri raised her voice but Laura ignored her.
"He and his friends sneak attacked us!" Laura explained in her defense, "He was beating me up and blasting me with his quirk!"
"Blasting?" Nemuri asked herself as she recalled the rumor she once read.
"And you tried to kill him with your claws!" The principal fired back.
"Claws?!" Nemuri's focus changed, "What claws?!"
"You don't know?" The principal asked in surprise, "Your daughter has several claws in her body. Two in each hand on one on each foot."
Nemuri looked at Laura flabbergasted, "And you didn't tell me?!"
Laura looked back to Nemuri with anger, "It's none of your business!"
"And you tried to kill him with those?!" Nemuri snapped back.
Eri sank further into Laura and covered her face in Laura's chest. For the sake of Eri, Laura backed off but kept her fury on her face.
The principal then passed a picture toward Nemuri and her heart skipped a beat. It showed a wall with two thin slices that severed a portion of it clean. Piles of small debris lay scattered across the floor. It was lucky that nothing of importance was hit.
"This was the damaged property I was talking about," The principal said, "Her claws are sharp enough to cut through concrete. Imagine what that could do to another human being."
Laura looked down and did her best to keep her cool. She wanted to put everyone on blast but Eri was the primary concern. She didn't want Eri to be hurt by her actions.
The principal rested his hands on the table, "Miss Kayama, I understand that the government placed Laura here and entrusted us with her education as well as allowing her to adjust to social life. Her grades are fine, but her character is not. She's snappy at teachers, unruly in the classroom, doesn't care to follow basic school protocols, intimidates other students, and rejects anyone who tries to come close to her. I understand she needs time to adapt, but this, the fight, and the destruction of private property are unacceptable. At Alder Junior, we pride ourselves on the safety of all our students above all else, just like the pro heroes all of our students idolize."
Oh, Laura wanted to punch the principal so badly. He knew how to twist Nemuri's arm.
"If it were just the fight or the property damage, I would have Laura suspended, but given that Laura lacks self-control over her dangerous quirk, I am going to have to expel her." The principal stated as Nemuri's eyes widened.
"Expel her?!" Nemuri did not want that to happen, "Can't we just settle for the suspension?!"
The principal shook his head, "I am sorry but no. As long as Laura is a danger to others, we cannot have her here, especially if she carries a lethal mindset."
Nemuri was scrambling to think of something! Anything! It would look terrible on her if Laura was already expelled from school! They might take the girls away because Nemuri failed to act as a responsible mother!
"W-wait if I paid for all the damages?!" Nemuri threw out, "The wall, I'll pay for it upfront! Just send me the bill!"
The principal was surprised but did give it a thought. The school didn't have the money to fix the wall just yet. They would need to go through a lengthy process to get the loan for approval. That took way too much paperwork and time. Then again, if Nemuri was willing to fork over the cash, who is he to say no? Maybe he could even stash some away for himself if he adds in additional, unnecessary charges.
"Alright," The principal said, "Laura will not be expelled, but will face a two-week suspension if you agree to pay for the damages."
Nemuri's heart dropped. Who knows how much money this was going to take from her bank account? Nemuri wasn't in a bad place financially, but she wasn't in a comfortable spot to be handing money over either!
With a defeated expression, Nemuri agreed to the terms, "You have a deal. Forward the charges to my email."
Laura felt a pang of guilt in her heart. Laura didn't like the idea of Nemuri needing to pay for her troubles. However, that guilt was quickly washed away as Laura recalled Nemuri not being on her side.
Nemuri and the principal shook hands on the deal as Nemuri got up from her seat. With the kids in tow, the Kayamas left in silence.
The car ride home was just as silent as Laura watched the world outside the window whilst Eri sat in the back doing the same. Nemuri was thinking in her head about how to approach Laura about this. None of this was easy on Nemuri. Nemuri understood if Laura lashed out, but why did she try to kill someone?! Why did she hide her second quirk from her?!
Ugh, why was Laura just so difficult to deal with?!
Nemuri pulled up into the driveway as the three girls exited the car and walked towards the door. Nemuri, locking her car and then opening the front door, walked in first as the two sisters followed in.
"Eri, can you go to your room? I need to talk to Laura. Alone." Nemuri said in a quiet voice as Eri glanced over to Laura. Even after a month of living with Nemuri, Eri still wanted permission from Laura before doing many things.
Laura motioned for Eri to leave and Eri did so with a nervous stutter in her steps. Nemuri paced back and forth as Laura watched her waiting.
"Why did you try to kill that student?" Nemuri asked first.
Laura's anger quickly flooded her voice as she replied, "He attacked us! He and his jerk friends jumped us from behind!"
"Who is 'us'?!" Nemuri asked.
"Midoriya and I!" Laura shouted back.
Nemuri blinked in shock. Another secret?! "You go to the same school as Izuku Midoriya?"
Laura nodded her head, "Yes! And Bakugo attacked us! He's been bullying Midoriya for a long time from what Midoriya has told me!"
Nemuri can get behind Laura trying to protect Midoriya. Bullying is wrong, but the way Laura went about it was unacceptable!
"Why didn't you tell the staff or security that Bakugo was picking on you two?!" Nemuri questioned as she walked into the living room.
"We did and they did nothing!" Laura followed. This integration was getting on her nerves.
"You could've told me!" Nemuri fired back looking back at Laura.
Laura placed her hands on her hips, "And what were you going to do?! Go to the school and complain?! Newsflash! I already did that!"
Nemuri was now getting irate by Laura's attitude, "I could have, missy!" Nemuri's other persona began to slowly come forth just without the 'Rated R' stuff.
Laura, now really enraged, fired back, "And I am sure they would have listened to Midnight the Pro Hero!"
"You don't know that! You don't know if they could have!" Nemuri grabbed at her hair and let out a frustrated growl, "Why don't you trust me to help you handle these things?! I'm doing all of this to help you and Eri!"
"I DIDN'T ASK FOR YOUR HELP!" Laura screamed back, "YOU JUST TOOK US BY FORCE! WE WERE FORCED HERE AND WE'RE SUPPOSED TO BE GRATEFUL FOR THAT?!"
"I HAVE GIVEN YOU A ROOF, A BED, FOOD, CLEAN WATER, SHOWERS, CLOTHES, TV, TOYS, AND SO MUCH MORE!" Nemuri counted everything on her hands, "I AM TRYING LAURA! WHY CAN'T YOU JUST TRUST ME?!"
"BECAUSE THE LAST MOM WE HAD GAVE US AWAY!" Laura clamped up instantly as Nemuri stared in shock. That was a bombshell.
"Laura…" Nemuri softly said as Laura immediately ran away towards her room, "Laura! Wait!"
"LEAVE ME ALONE!" Laura shouted back with a quiver in her voice as she ran through the door and slammed it in Nemuri's face.
Nemuri gripped the door handle and was about to burst in but stopped when she thought it was a bad idea. Immediately, Nemuri overheard Eri trying to comfort Laura.
"Laura! Laura, it's okay! It's okay! Sister, it's okay! Please don't cry! It's okay! I'm right here! Laura! We're safe now! We're safe Laura…"
Silence befell the household as Nemuri stood by the door listening in. She could hear the faint cries and sobs coming from the eldest sister as Eri's voice could be heard whispering inaudible words. Nemuri wanted to go in and comfort Laura, but she was afraid she would only make things worse.
"What did I do wrong that set off Laura?" Nemuri thought to herself. Nemuri thought back to the beginning when she arrived at the school to when they got home. Nemuri played the events over and over and realized she made a rookie mistake.
She forgot to ask Laura her side of the story.
Nemuri kicked herself. She was so focused on trying to keep her reputation that she negated Laura's personal feelings on the matter. Nemuri made Laura feel she was alone in this issue; Nemuri believed everything she was told and did not bother to do her due diligence and ask questions.
Aizawa would scold her for this error. His Purple Highness, her old mentor, would have very choice words for her as he was always aware there were two stories to be told when involving a conflict.
Nemuri failed. Instead of thinking of herself first, Nemuri should have thought of Laura first. She should have asked Laura what her side was and why everything happened the way it did. Laura even shouted at her about what started the whole thing but Nemuri was so hung up on the 'killing another student' question that she ignored Laura's pleas.
Laura wasn't difficult to deal with, it was Nemuri's ego that was difficult.
Nemuri took a deep breath and opened the door. On the bed, Laura lay with her head in her arms and pillow with Eri resting her chin on top of hers. As soon as Nemuri fully opened the door, Eri perked up and scowled.
"Don't hurt my sister!" Eri got up from the bed and looked ready to defend Laura, "I won't let you!"
Laura, sensing Eri got off, jumped behind her and had a scowl of her own, "What?! Come to berate me more?!" Laura said with noticeable stains on her cheeks and red eyes. She wiped her tears away and her expression hardened further.
Nemuri hung her head down. Gods, all that progress was gone. Nemuri messed up big time and now neither trusted her anymore. Any trust she built, no matter how small, was gone. But that doesn't matter, Nemuri had to make things right.
"I'm sorry…" Nemuri spoke gently and looked up at Laura, "I'm so sorry, Laura. I…I failed you."
Laura tilted her head but kept her expression the same, "I don't care."
"You don't have to, and I don't mind if you never do, but…" Nemuri took a deep breath and entered the room fully, "I need you to know that I am sorry. I messed up. I yelled at you when you didn't deserve it, and you were trying to tell me things that I didn't listen to." Nemuri closed the door behind them, "I get it. I do. I know you didn't ask for my help, and I know this is forced. But it's like I told you a month ago, I don't want you two to be passed around like tools or treated harshly elsewhere. And God forbid you get separated." That made both girls shiver as Eri went for a hug as Laura lifted Eri. The idea of being separated scared the two to their cores. "And that's part of the reason why I adopted you both. I don't know your past, and I won't pretend that I do. I won't say everything will be okay, that you can move on. The most I can do is support you both."
Nemuri eyed both girls as she stood her distance. The sisters seemed to have softened their stances but remained firm in their independence from Nemuri. Nonetheless, Nemuri continued, "I will admit I am doing this for my reasons. Selfish reasons…" Nemuri wasn't proud to admit it, but if she wanted any chance of rebuilding the bridge she needed to be honest, "I…I also adopted you both to prove to myself that I am more than what people see me as. Some exhibitionist who could never be capable of raising kids."
Eri didn't know what that word meant, but Laura did and she knew 'Midnight.'
"And I'm…" Nemuri took a deep breath, "I'm lonely…" That sounded so pathetic, "Because you see, some odd years ago, I did want to have a family. I did want to get a husband and have kids. I wanted to have a family, but I couldn't because of my hero persona. All the people I was attracting wanted Midnight, not Nemuri. And those who did like Nemuri were immediately turned off when they found out I was Midnight." Nemuri shook her head, "I don't regret my choices. I don't regret my hero persona. I love it. I had to accept that before I realized that I may never get the family I wanted."
Laura and Eri's demeanor changed slowly. Seeing Nemuri pour her heart out left them in a state of limbo. Just earlier the sisters were furious at her, but now, they started to feel bad. Not pity, but empathy.
"And when I saw you two, I thought you had a home. A mom, a dad, a house. I thought you were lost children needing to be rescued. But once I realized you weren't, I was left with an option to either take you in or not, and I'll admit I turned it down at first," Nemuri quickly followed it up as both girls seemed genuinely hurt by that, "But I changed my mind when I realized what I had before me! A chance to have the family I wanted! Sure, you're not my blood, and you may hate me for the rest of your lives but damn it I want to give you two the best I can give you because this isn't about me and my wants! It's about you two and your needs!" Nemuri firmly stated with a heavy chest, "I am so sorry for being a horrible guardian to you, Laura. I am so sorry that I didn't listen to you, that I made you feel alone, that I made you feel unwanted! I was so caught up trying to make myself believe that I was being the best parent I could be when I wasn't even close to being a parent to you!"
Nemuri shut her eyes tightly and looked to the floor, "I understand if you can never trust me; if you never want to share personal things with me, if you never want to put me on that pedestal, but I will do my best to support you. To protect you. To make you feel wanted and loved because I know you need it and you deserve it. For everything you went through, for everything you do for your baby sister, I want you to know it hasn't gone unnoticed and you deserve all the care you will get. Even if you don't want to reciprocate it…"
Nemuri and the sisters stood in the room in silence. The truth was out. Nemuri's real reason; her selfish yet selfless reasons. On one hand, it was about showing off to the world that she is capable, an egotistical reason. The other hand though was to fill a hole that seemed destined to be empty forever.
Laura and Eri looked at each and read each other's thoughts. Although no quirk combined their thoughts, just like real siblings, they could tell what the other was thinking. After a few moments, they nodded their heads as Laura parted her lips to speak.
"Fine," Laura said as Nemuri looked up to meet her gaze, "We understand. Yes, we are grateful for everything you have given us. We are happy that we weren't separated, or as you put it, tossed around like tools or put in a worse home. We are extremely grateful. And…" Laura scowled at the ground, "I will admit I am not the easiest person, but that's because I have trouble trusting any adult. All the adults I have ever known are just evil; bad people who use my sister and me to their advantage." Laura met Nemuri's gaze, "I don't trust you. I don't know how long it will take, or if I ever will, but…after hearing what you had to say, and for the benefit of Eri mostly, I will accept your apology."
Nemuri seemed relieved, or as relieved as one who was told there may never be a chance she could connect with someone, would be. Laura; however, was not done, "However I want you to know that I have my secrets. I have plenty. I keep them that way because I am not comfortable talking about them. You have no right to know just because you feed us. If, and only if, I am ever okay telling you things, I will let you know. Other than that, it's a 'find out' kind of deal." Nemuri didn't like it but she had to accept it. Laura was right; Nemuri had no right to know Laura's or even Eri's privacy.
Laura placed Eri on the bed and all three girls sat down on it.
"Whatever you want, Laura. I just want a second chance," Nemuri explained.
"It's your only one," Laura remarked as Eri smiled at both of them.
Eri gave both older girls individual hugs as Eri knew a group hug was out of Laura's comfort zone.
"I am happy the fighting is over!" Eri exclaimed.
Nemuri smiled and rubbed Eri's head, "You were about ready to fight me on your sister's behalf. You're a brave little girl."
Laura rolled her eyes but let out a small chuckle, "I've told her not to do that plenty of times."
"That's because she loves you and hates to see you get hurt," Nemuri said, "Just like you hate to see her get hurt."
"People that hurt Eri tend to never do it again," Laura said ominously. Whatever that meant Nemuri didn't want to know.
With a smile and renewed energy, Nemuri asked the question she had said a long time ago, "So, what happened Laura?"
Laura began to fill Nemuri in on the details and Nemuri's smile quickly faded into a neutral expression before going into pure rage.
"YOUR PRINCIPAL IS SO DEAD!"