I opened my eyes only to be greeted by that same dark world I saw over a year ago.

This time, I was able to look and move around freely, but I still couldn't speak. The only thing that showed my discontent was the lowering of my eyes.

My eyes were looking for the same man I'd met the first time, yet he was nowhere to be found in the vast nothingness. When I turned back around, I was greeted by a...different man facing away from me.

"You're safe, that's good," he spoke.

I wasn't sure if he was talking to me or someone else in front of him. To test it out, I turned away and started to walk away.

"Where are you going?" he called out.

I stopped, looking back at the white-haired man with a tilted head, hoping he'd continue.

"Sorry that you can't speak right now. I just wanted to let you know that...do whatever it takes. Your sacrifice didn't go to waste, old friend."

I leaned my head to the left, confused again before shrugging and closing my eyes. I found myself back in the real world, passing through what looked like a playground.

"Eh...? Where was I going again?" I looked around me, carefully observing the objects around me. "Oh...I was going to meet big brother here to play catch with the softball."

I looked down at the ground, kicking some light dirt into the breeze and brushing against my ankles. We're supposed to be "normal" siblings today is what Mama told me, "play and laugh with him," she said.

I narrowed my eyes at the lingering thought that she only wanted to do this because my shut-in nature has increased since February, my 7th birthday. She wants me to act "normal" again, either Ami or the obedient little girl she could punch around like a bean bag.

Glaring up at the shadow nearly swallowing mine, my eyes softened at seeing my big brother stare down at me with bewilderment written all over his face.

"Whoa...I didn't know you could make that kind of scary face, Ami. Did I keep you waiting too long? I'm sorry, a classmate held me up with study help. Let's stay out a little longer than usual this time, yeah?"

I nodded, settling my focus on the softball in his hand in which he tossed and caught a few times before doing a few tricks with it. His cool and goofy behavior made me giggle...his attempts at making me feel better worked; unfortunately, not all the time.

"Thank you for witnessing my performance, little lady," he acted like a magician. "Now, distance."

We both took quick steps away from each other. With a steady hand, he tossed the softball to me, I took a step forward, easily catching it in my hand. Tossing the ball back to him, bouncing up in my spot, Hakim caught it with one hand, smiling cheekily.

"How...how did you do that?" I asked, a little surprised.

"Practice. There are going to be times where I can't rescue someone with both hands, so I'm going to have to improvise," he summarized.

"...I remember over a year ago, there was a question I wanted to ask you, but I got so caught up in the situation, I didn't want to remember anything that day. But now I remember...Hakim, you said you'd become a hero twice...what pressed you to say that the first time?"

His playful aura dissipated into thin air, and a frown replaced his smile, "You were in some trouble back then. First-hand encounter with a villain can be...you feel so many emotions, and adrenaline kicking is the first I felt when it came to your safety."

"...What did my Dad do to be so antagonized? What if this is all a mistake? Surely, someone asked him what his intentions were?"

"...There was no need in asking a villain what their intentions were when they obviously tried to kidnap a baby from her crib, like a thief in the night."

"..."

Hakim's head snapped from the softball to my somber smile, eyes widening as big as saucers either from how I gave him the run around to spill the truth about my father or from the extremely irritated look I'm giving him.

"Kidnap me, huh? Had I known that as an infant, I'd probably still go with him, especially if I hadn't heard his reason. He might be the only one who can help me understand myself better," I said all while keeping steady breathing.

"Kamilah...don't say nonsense. He was the bad guy. He would've been a bad influence on you! You gotta understand!"

"Of course, it's always "pinning the blame" game with heroes, only wanting to see things on the surface so you don't have to deal with the victims of injustice in the shadows."

He grits his teeth, "That sounds so unlike you. Someone had to tell you that! Who told you that?!"

"A dead person!" I yelled at him, holding back my sobs. "A dead person told me that. Do you know that the hero society can just be as corrupted as the villain one? Not everyone can be the good guy, not everyone gets their justice...not everyone can be saved; if you really intend on going out into the hero world, you must realize these things."

"..." He stared at me with angry confusion. Never once have I seen Hakim direct his anger at me, and it was...a little interesting.

"I'm not going to apologize for anything I've just said. I don't see any reason to when you couldn't even give me a proper answer for why he tried to kidnap me."

"..."

"I can't ask Uncle Tsu because he was in the hospital, recovering from a fight against a villain that put him in a comatose, right? How do I know that? I had to sneak into your parents' room to find all I could about our family... Our family appears to be such good people to Japan, but what I've seen, what I've heard, what I've..felt, all of it's a lie."

"...Who put all of this into your head? Was it that friend you claimed you had a falling-out with?" he questioned, appearing outraged at what I said.

"...Let's just say we shared the same problems. We separated because we knew it wasn't going to work out for the both of us in the end," I lied.

(The way she phrased it is as if she meant that they both planned on committing suicide after doing what they had to do.)

Hakim's eyes widened, "What are you...what are you saying? Are you out of your mind?! You planned on killing yourself that day?!"

"No...that's not it," I mumbled, looking down at the dirt. "I've come close to death 1, 2, 3 times too much...I'm starting to think I should just accept her. I'll live out the rest of what little I have left in this pitiful existence..."

(To Kamilah, "Death" is in the form of a woman.)

Hearing quick footsteps, I looked up from the ground to see Hakim right in front of me. He stretched his arms out, wrapping them around me, pulling me close, and resting his chin on top of my head.

I noticed he was shaking and swift breaths and sniffles left him. It was only a matter of time before I felt the tears touch my scalp.

"Why...why can't I protect you? No matter how hard I train, how dedicated I am to be educated to learn how to protect you...I just can't protect you. I was only able to the first time...because Mom had the situation handled, but...but any time after that..." He sucked in a deep breath, "At the lake, since we moved here to Musutafu, on your birthday...I can't do a thing."

I lifted my head to look up at him with a somber smile, using both hands to wipe the tears streaming down his no longer angry face.

"Why are you crying? There's no need to cry for me. I haven't even cried for myself in over a year, so don't you start."

"Kamilah...what happened to you?"

I kept rubbing his cheeks, "...I don't know. I was hoping you could tell me with that bit of info on my father."

His eyelids lowered as he shook his head, "I'm sorry..."

"Don't be, big brother," I told him as I rest my hands by my side. "Be better."

"Let's go home?" he asked, letting me go, but he entwined our hands. "We just need a bath, dinner, and a good night's sleep to rest on all of this."

I nodded with a "happy" smile, "Yes!"

He turned around, walking with me right behind him. There was a tranquil quietness between us. The breeze of the incoming summer blew threw our hands, pushing up my white sundress a little so I kept the unoccupied hand in the middle.

A certain actress I saw on T.V. one day did the same thing. She had blond hair and bright red lipstick. Because it was black and white, then multicolored, I think it was using the old commercial to advertise something modern.

'I liked her hair. Toya said he'd remind me to get my hair styled like that because he'd be scared if he burned it...when we grew up toge-'

...Together. Oh...right. There won't be a "together", there never will be.

I tried to smile again, 'Well, it's up to me to remind myself to carry a short haircut when I'm older.'

Glancing up at the sky, I admired the colors I both recognized and unrecognized slowly swirling around, like adding food coloring to the cake mix. Oh, how bittersweet life can present itself to you, taunt you.

"Hey, sis..."

My gaze moved down to Hakim, whose back was still turned to me, continuing his walk.

"Hmm?"

"...You're not hiding anything from me, are you? Anything you need to tell me?"

"Other than the fact that someone helped me open my eyes to the real world, no. I have nothing to hide," I lied. "I understand you want to protect me, big brother, but there are people out there who are more in need than I am. I can take care of myself; as you can see, I'm still alive and kicking."

"In Iwaizumi...did you really start a fight with those boys?"

"Yes. I noticed my Quirk made its first appearance, strong but brief, but I wanted to test it out anyway...so I boldly and stupidly chose those boys to pick a fight with. Serves me right for getting cocky," I lied again.

'Though I appreciate you both for beating them good for me, I didn't want you nor Joon to take responsibility for a "villain's child" insted. You both have a representation to keep, your careers shouldn't be sullied with something so miniscule.'

"Your behavior has gotten distant since we moved, but it's like you've completely changed since...being hospitalized. Are you recovering okay?" he poked and prodded again.

"I am fine big brother. There's nothing to worry about," I lied once more.

'No...no, I'm not fine, not at all. But to get you off my case and focus on yourself , I have no choice but to lie to you. Maybe, just maybe...I'll tell you one day, that's if I can even remember if I'm not thrown in an asylum...'

Or at death's door.

"What of your friend?"

"Like I said before, we separated because we had a disagreement."

'Did we...or didn't we...? I've been pondering on that for a long time. In the end, I still didn't know Toya's intentions by burning down the woods. I was too worried about his well being to ask him what he intended on doing. He looked like he had an idea, too.' I shook my head, 'Even thinking about it...hurts...'

"Have you...made any new friends since then?" he asked carefully.

"None," I chirped a lie. "I'm still coping with that loss of friendship so...please, give me time?"

'Shoto Todoroki is not my friend. He's my target. It took so much in me to not kill him where he stood last week. It was a public place, and I wouldn't have gotten far. I need to get closer to the point we'd be in a room together alone, when he really trusts me. Two birds with one stone, it's perfect. Then...Toya's soul can rest.'

He looked back at me, trying to pull off a convincing smile, "Yeah, time."

Truth is...time doesn't heal anything or anyone. Time just teaches you how to live with your mistakes.

After putting on my shoes, I got up from the floorboard and stepped on my tippy toes to reach the doorknob.

"Where are you going, Kamilah?"

My heels dropped to the floor. I took in a deep breath before answering.

"I'm going to the neighborhood park."

"The park?" Mama questioned. "Did you finish all of your homework?"

"Yes, Mama."

"Did you train?"

"Yes, Mama."

"Did you-"

"Go on ahead, Ami," I heard Uncle Rio's voice round the corner from the living area. "Don't worry, honey. I gave her permission to go and play at the park."

"By herself? She needs Hakim to go with her, Norio. There's no telling what'll happen if she's left alone out there."

"You make it sound like she's a problem child. Come on, Jameela, she hasn't gone anywhere else since...ya know. Let her get some air for a while without us breathing down her back?"

"But-"

"Other kids and parents will be there. She'll be fine if anything happens," he gave one last word of encouragement.

Her stare is harsh. I can feel it. She wanted me back here as soon as it was time for Uncle Rio to leave for his evening shift. Hakim has to go to cram school after regular school hours so that'd leave me to be with her long enough for her to inflict her...abuse.

"Alright. Come right back as soon as the street lights turn on, okay? I don't want you staying out too late," she spoke in her motherly tone.

I nodded, "Okay," was the only thing I said before making my way out the door.

I stood in front of the door for a while, waiting as Hakim said to...then it happened. He was right. They do argue about me.

Deciding I don't want to hear anything infuriating right now, I made a hop, skip, and sprint out of the yard onto the sidewalk.

While walking, I glanced back at my house...seeing that the structure is bigger than I thought it was, nearly towering over the normal-looking houses in our neighborhood.

'It must be hero money. Though I live in a priviledged house and life style, I never felt like I have...not with what's going on all behind the scenes, I never ask for much, and I keep myself humble.'

Looking around the park, I found a swing set and went right to it. I turned around, grabbed the chains from behind, and hopped onto the seat. I started slow with a few kicks forward.

'This has to stop. This abuse has to stop. I need to find a way to expose her without getting Hakim and Uncle Rio involved. Auntie...I haven't seen her since my birthday...Mama must've banned her from coming to our house, a restraining order or something like that most likely. I need to get her address somehow. Wait...she's a doctor, a successful and well-known doctor. Maybe if I go to the hospital I was treated in, they'll have her information!'

A small giggle escaped me at the creative thought, and that giggle turned into light laughter. The breeze cutting through my curly hair and brushing against my body made me feel...giddy, a little freeing. It's been a while since I felt this light.

'Summer is here. It's the time of year that most people are free to do a lot, the time of year to make the most memories with someone other than around the holiday months October to January.'

However, my big brother and I made a strong bond 2 months ago ever since I accidentally revealed some of my true feelings. Though we spend more time together, talking about the ups and downs of our lives, I make sure not to reveal any more than I already had. The last thing I want is for Mama to make Hakim a victim of her violence and untreated mental illnesses.

The distant thought of someone telling me their mother was similar to mine made my laughter flicker back down to a minimal giggle, yet the thought of that same person pushing me forth made my laughter stop abruptly.

No matter how much I tried, I couldn't get him out of my head. Toya left a strong impression on me. If someone does that, then leaves never to be seen again...wouldn't that mean whatever choices a person makes in their life could turn out for the worse as time goes on and changes?

If that's the truth...then should I not hold grudges like Toya said I should? He said he'll make a grand plan to expose anyone and everyone that wrongs us. Would he say that 10 years from now if he were alive? Humans are capable of forgiveness, but...there are just some things in this world that can't be easily forgiven, especially if you're a child. As a child, they won't automatically understand why a person did this or that and the third.

I realized my feet had stopped and I was slowly swaying back and forth, 'Am I...am I the same? Do I not understand Mama correctly?'

"Toya...I wish you were here to give me answers, but this one is obvious. No mama should treat her child like this..."

"DEKU!"

The sudden shout breaking the quiet coerced me to look up from my shoes and towards a group of kids. It looks like 3 boys are cornering another boy.

'Oh, bullies...' I thought with a shrug of my shoulders, letting my head back down, and letting my curly hair fall over my face.

"Trying to play hero again?"

"How many times do we have to tell you?"

"Without a Quirk, you can't do anything!" they all taunted.

I lifted an eyebrow, 'Without a Quirk? Quirk...less? I know that there are people out there who don't have a Quirk, but...I never thought I'd ever see one.' I sighed, 'I wish I was Quirkless...'

"Y-You...you don't know that for sure!"

"And you're saying you do, Deku? Spare me that whiney nonsense! Everyone develops their Quirk between 4 and 5 years old! You're already 6," the one who called him "Deku" snickered the last part.

"So?! There might be kids out there who get there Quirks late! Even if it's like this forever...I'll never give up!"

"Hah! Nothing can get through that thick broccoli head of yours, huh?!"

"You think life is kind to Quirkless nerds like you?! How pathetic!"

"I don't know how many times it's going to take beating some sense into you, Deku. You're just gonna keep getting hurt in the end, so why not give up already?"

"I told you, "I'll never give up" because...because you never give up, Kacchan! You're amazing! I wanna be just like you!"

"Ugh! I've heard you say that so many times it's annoying! I can't stand listening to you or even looking at you anymore! Time to quiet you-"

What am I doing?

I simply wanted to visit the park, and have a little fun with the structures here...if I could find any joy they bring, then go back to the house fully prepared for more "discipline".

Am I doing this...or is something else compelling me to? Or is there some compassion left in my heart? I care for very few people now because of Toya's advice, I keep close to the ones I know I can trust. So far...that was him, me, and Hakim to a degree.

Rika-chan and Joon-Woo...I hadn't known they came to visit on my birthday, I was too much in shock to acknowledge them or anyone else. I hadn't spoken for a whole month, and I barely functioned...similar to how the incident went in the aftermath, but this time, there were more heavy emotions in my heart.

Going back on my thoughts earlier...I guess I'll make a decision for the better this time rather than stick to advice that could end me up in a negative situation.

I finally opened my eyes, seeing a brief image of two tall men standing on each side of me, but they disappeared as soon as I blinked.

Glancing to my right, I saw a young boy with green curly hair, forest green eyes, and dressed in an All-Might t-shirt with dark green shorts. I...I like his red high tops.

Glancing to my left, I saw the three other boys. I didn't bother memorizing the two other faces behind the young spiky blond boy with steaming red eyes, dressed in a black t-shirt with a gray skull on it, and brown shorts. I wondered if his boots made his feet hot in this humidity.

I hadn't realized my right arm was up in front of him so I let it down slowly. With my other hand, I moved all of my curly hair over my head and let it rest on my left shoulder.

I moved my gaze back to the viridian boy, "Are you okay?"

He didn't say anything right away. He just stood there, staring at me in...shock, or awe? It's like he's staring at something astonishing. Strange. All I did was prevent him from getting harmed.

"Y-Yes!"

"Hm," I responded with a hum after giving him a once-over for any injuries in case he was lying. My gaze snapped back to the blond boy and his friends. "Bullying is wrong. Please, leave him alone."

"..."

"..."

"..."

Turning my back on them, I attempted a smile at the young star-struck boy, still gazing at me in amazement and...a goofy smile on his face. I find it kinda cute.

"You should go home, too."

"I-I...I...You speak Japanese?"

I blinked, sure a blank expression replaced my smile, "...Of course I do."

"Hey, girly! Get out of the way or you're gonna end up like him!" one of the boys threatened angrily.

"Yeah! You think you're tough?!" the other one exclaimed.

"..." I slowly turned around, staring at the boys with false malice, "I don't know, and I don't want to find out...so please, leave."

"That's it! Take her off her high horse!" the other one shouted, quickly rushing at me with the flap of his wings.

"Hey!" the blond boy yelled, reaching out to the boy with the wings.

Before he had the chance to touch me, I twisted my body quick enough and leaped for the still-amazed boy, making sure to place his head in the crook of my neck so he wouldn't get sick.

When I blinked again, we were near the swing set, I glared at the boy who tried to attack us before looking down at the boy in my arms, I took a step back to see if he is okay.

"You're not sick, are you?"

He shook his head, "H-How did you do that?! That was so cool! What's your Quirk?! It must be teleport, right?! Oh, wait! I didn't ask your name first! I'm sorry! What's your name? Oh, that's impolite, I should introduce myself first. I'm Izuku Midoriya, thank you...for earlier!"

'...so much energy,' I thought to myself.

"You're welcome," I replied.

"Hey, Deku, dark girl..."

My eyes narrowed at that label, I looked up to see the blond boy approaching us alone, his two companions not by his side.

"That's not my name...and that's not his name either," I told him.

"What's your name then?" he asked, expression remaining neutral.

'I highly doubt they'd be able to pronounce it, but for entertainment purposes, I'd like to see them try.'

"My name is Kamilah Shimizu."

The cry of cicadas and the gentle breeze of the summer wind are the only sound that rung out around us. On the inside, I was smiling because the two had proven my guess correctly.

"It's okay if you don't-"

"Milah-chan," the one who introduced himself as "Izuku Midoriya" spoke.

I looked at him, a bit stomped that he found a way around saying my name, "..."

"Is it okay if I call you that? Or would you like something else, like "Kami-chan"?" he offered a choice.

You really are a goddess, aren't you, Kami?

I shook my head back and forth instantly, "No, "Milah" is fine."

The flicker of light above us made me look up. A street light just turned on...oh. Looking at the sky's darker colors mix with orange, pink, and blue, the realization that I needed to get home slowly swallowed me.

"Midoriya," I used his name for the first time, "You should get home." I looked at the blond who hasn't said anything for a while, he was staring, observing...analyzing me almost. "You, too. It's getting late. Children as young as us shouldn't be out this late without supervision."

With that being said, I turned my back on both of them, ready to walk back home.

"You're a girl, you're weaker than me so if something happens to you, who are you going to rely on?" the blond boy asked.

"...Then, I guess I'll just depend on myself," I gave a final reply before making my departure.

'I can only depend on but so many people in my life and only to a certain extent. So if I need a hero, I just need to look in the mirror. No one's gonna save me now, so I better save myself.'

For some reason, I felt like I reconnected with people I've known for a very long time, like Rika and Joon, yet it's different...I'd never met those two boys before...

Though I felt like I have a long time ago.

"Be there in a second!"

No one was expecting guests, at least not that she knew of. Perhaps it was Uncle Rio who forgot his lunch again? Or maybe Hakim who came home earlier than usual most of the time more recently? A neighbor-

"G-Good afternoon! Are you M-Mrs. Shimizu?" a stuttering boy asked, his gaze focused on the ground.

"I...I am. Who's asking?"

"Oh, she didn't tell you about m-me? I-I should've known... A-Anyway, my name's Izuku Midoriya. I-I was wonder-ing if Milah-chan could...come play t-today?"

"Milah-chan...? You mean my daughter, Kamilah?"

"Y-Yes, ma'am!"

"She didn't tell me she made a new fri-"

"Midoriya-kun?" the voice of a familiar girl questioned behind the older woman.

When the boy looked up from the concrete to meet the gaze of blue wisp-like orbs, a smile broke onto his face, completely overshadowing his anxiety earlier.

"Hey, Milah-chan!"

"..." I decided to go along with the situation and play it off. I smiled, "I wasn't expecting you to show up this early."

He blinked, "Huh-"

"I've barely gotten the sleep out my eyes. Could you wait outside while I get ready? I'll explain the game we'll play today then, okay?"

He blinked again, confusion evident on his face, "O...Okay." He finally looked up at the woman, about to conclude his conversation with her, "It was nice meeting y-..." but the words died on his tongue.

His eyes nearly popped out of his head at recognizing who he was speaking to the whole time, and a bunch of happy feelings clouded his face.

"PSYCHIC HERO: KASSANDRA?!" he screamed, a bright light suddenly blinding me.

'Too...much energy...'

"Oh, my...you like heroes?" Mama asked him with an amused smile.

Midoriya-kun only shook his head up and down with a very strained excited expression on his face, making Mama laugh a little...and it earned a quiet giggle out of me.

Moving towards the door, I turned the overexcited boy away and sat him down on the porch's first step. "Stay here, calm down, and don't hurt yourself, please."

I went back inside, quickly trotting past Mama, but she stopped me halfway up the stairs with words after closing the door.

"Met him yesterday at the park?"

"...Yeah."

"He seems to like you a lot," she commented. "I would hate for you to ruin this blossoming friendship, Kamilah."

"..."

"You got lucky today, little girl. You should thank that boy," she said as she moved to the kitchen. "Oh, and the next time you try to trick me into thinking you've known someone for a while, not tell me about it, and they show up to my doorstep, it'll be more painful for you," she threatened. "Little fox..." I heard her mumble.

I only nodded before heading back upstairs to get dressed, not giving much thought to her threat since I'm more concerned about Midoriya-kun.

I got dressed in a baby blue shirt with blue jean overalls, and matching blue jeans with black and white converse; I tied my curly hair into a neat high bun with a white scrunchie.

Opening the door to leave, I didn't bother telling Mama I was leaving so I closed the door, turning to Midoriya who sat in the same spot I left him, no longer shaking his head back and forth.

I approached him, "Midoriya-kun...how did you find my hou...home?"

"A-About that...I kinda f-followed you the day we met, which was...three weeks ago."

My eyebrows raised at hearing him confess so easily, "Oh? Why did you follow me?"

"B-Because Kacchan made me worry about you! I was afraid s-something was gonna really happen t-to you, walking home a-alone. I just...never had the guts to knock on your door..."

'That "Kacchan" boy again, huh...'

"And what if something did happen to me?" I questioned, feeling...annoyed for some reason.

"Huh?"

"I didn't stutter, Midoriya-kun. What could you have done if some stranger tried to kidnap me? You're Quirkless, you're a kid just like I am, and there were no people on my way home you could've went to? What could you have done?"

"I...I..." For a split second, he seemed confused, "Why would I save someone who I know can save herself? I know that sounds selfish, but...it's true! You're really strong, Milah-chan, I can tell! Still, even if I am Quirkless and a kid, that wouldn't have stopped me from trying to help you in any way I can! If someone's in need, no matter how strong they are, I'll do my very best to help them! They don't always have to take all of the burden by themselves..."

"...Good answer," I said with a genuine smile, glancing down at him. "How can you tell I'm strong?"

"You made Kacchan be quiet and you made him send away his friends! I've never seen him act like that before, you must have made a big impression on him...or something like that," he explained.

"Oh...I assume he's normally boisterous in personality. Is it a bad impression I gave him?" I wondered as I walked down the steps, I heard small footsteps follow behind me.

"Uhh, don't get upset, but that may be. He doesn't like anyone showing any kind of superiority over him or his Quirk."

"And he takes that out on you because you're Quirkless?"

"...Yeah."

"It seems like you don't let that get to you. I'm glad you don't. Children nowadays...shouldn't grow up with false hope or no hope at all," I felt like I wasn't myself when I said that. "Anyway, keep your head up, never bow your head down to someone who can't acknowledge your hope and potential."

"...Do you think I can become a hero, Milah-chan?" he asked, his voice cracking a little at the end.

I frowned, it sounded like he was about to cry. Has no one told this poor child a positive answer? And he gets bullied for wanting to achieve his dream? And the justice system wonders...how villains come to be. It can originate from trauma.

'Hm...my studies are paying off. I should look more into that subject...'

I refuse to let Midoriya-kun end up like me, Toya...or even Shoto.

Stopping in my steps and twirling around to reveal a bright grin, eyes crinkled from how much I'm smiling...I think the light almost reached them.

"Yes! Anyone can be! Who cares who says "you can't"!" I pointed my right pointer finger at him, "You only "can't" if you don't put forth the effort!"

The dam fell and the water began to spill from Midoriya-kun's eyes. He balled his small fists, placing them over his eyes and trying to wipe all the tears that kept leaking from his bottom lids.

He wasn't crying from sadness, but rather happiness...at finally being able to hear the words no one has yet to tell him. That thought made me...unbelievably angry, and I just want to pounce on anyone who tries to hurt him.

I blinked multiple times, taking a deep breath, 'Goodness...I haven't felt this angry since...' I shook my head, pushing the memory of blue flames to the back of my mind.

"Y-You're no-t ly-lyi-ng t-to ma-ke m-me fee...feel bett-er, are y-you?" he asked.

"We just met not long ago. I don't know you well enough; therefore, I have no reason to lie to you."

"Well, well. Look who's back, Deku and his little girlfriend, Peach Girl," a familiar and annoying voice approached us.

I closed my eyes, keeping my face neutral because I didn't want to show a scary expression again and startle Midoriya-kun.

"You made Deku cry?" "Kacchan" asked, sounding very unhappy about it. "No one makes Deku cry except for me."

"He's not crying out of sadness. He's crying out of happiness." I turned away from them, opening my eyes, "This world is so cruel...this is what I fought for? Inferiority? Supremacy?" I lowly mumbled...out of line again.

"Happiness? Hah! What's there to be happy about when you don't have that one thing you need to have to achieve your dream?!" "Kacchan" taunted.

I turned around, keeping a neutral expression, "Last time I recall, this boy has courage, bravery, and a strong sense of justice. What else could you possibly need to become a hero? Before Quirks and even now, people don't need a Quirk to be a lawyer to solve a case, police to stop crime, a doctor to help someone, etcetera. The list goes on and on..." I looked back at Midoriya-kun who was wiping his final tears away, "Who knows...maybe Quirkless people have a more special power than all of us already possessing one."

*Silence*

I didn't say that...I know I didn't say that.

Realizing I was zoning out, I took a quick breath and sighed aloud, patting Midoriya-kun on the head with a closed-eyed smile.

"If I could give you my Quirk...I'd gladly do so, Midoriya-kun. It's unfortunate how we both want something we can't have."

"Enough of that talk. You make me sick, both of you," "Kacchan" spat.

"I can't say the same since I don't know you that well, but...if we sicken you that much, leave us alone," I offered him a choice.

"Milah-chan!" Midoriya-kun cried.

"What if I don't want to?"

"Kacchan, don't fight her!" he pleaded.

"Then...I'll do nothing so long as you don't try to bully Midoriya-kun."

"It's not even about that nerd anymore. You've gotten me curious, I wanna see if you can hold your own in a fight since you talk big! And you've gotten me more mad than him! I didn't think it was possible, but I guess there can be more annoying people out there other than Deku, mysterious little Fox."

"Fox...Fox...?" I muttered to myself, a familiar rage consuming me.

'I guess it's true. I really am one...I might as well be playing the part.'

I took a step back, "I don't know what you're trying to prove here, but come at me with all you got. Oh, you might want to know-"

"Shut up!" he yelled as he jumped at me, right fist crackling with...explosions?

I took another step back, swinging my body to the left while leaning back on the heels of my feet. In that moment of vulnerability, I grabbed his fist with my right hand, pulling him past me and he face-planted to the ground.

There was a moment of silence before the blond got back on his feet, annoyed energy radiating off of him. He turned around, glaring at me and taking quite the intimidating posture as bigger explosions went off in his hands.

"Oh, you've done it now, Peach Girl!" one of the boys snickered.

"Kacchan is gonna make ya break," the other one taunted.

I calmly stared at the feral child, "...You can't break something that's already broken so I'd like to see you try-"

"Milah-chan! Your hand, it's hurt! You have to stop!" Midoriya-kun cut through to me...as a voice of reason.

Lifting my right hand into my view, I'm met with a bruised hand of red and purple colors, covered in dripping red stuff. I couldn't see the torn tissue, but I knew as soon as this was fixed, a scar would probably be left behind.

My fingers are trembling, but I didn't feel any pain. I don't know if it's because I've felt worse, if I'm used to it, or if it's my Quirk, but I just know it didn't hurt as much as it looks like it should.

Flicking each finger twice to see if they worked fine, I assumed that I need stitches.

"It's okay, Midoriya-kun. My hand can still move. It'll take more than a firecracker to hurt me," I spoke, then glanced up at the boy standing in front of me.

It was astonishing to see how quickly his mood changed from uncontrolled anger to wide eyes filled with...surprise and worry? I'm not sure if those are the correct words to describe his expression.

The explosions fell to small sparks, then there were none. His gaze moved from my eyes to my hand. "Hey...you're hurt. Aren't you gonna cry?"

I shrugged my shoulders, "I have very few tears left to cry. I don't see the point. Let's continue."

"No, Milah-chan! This could lead to something much more worse! We need to get you to a hospital! You're losing a lot of blood!" Midoriya-kun panicked, approaching me with urgency.

I flicked some of the blood off my hand to the ground, a splat sound following after. Midoriya gently grabbed my wrist and wrapped a handkerchief around it. I noticed it was All-Might-themed, making me smile at the boy on the inside.

"Stubborn, stupid girl!" the blond boy shouted, stomping his foot each time. I didn't see the stomping was getting closer because of my attention on the worrying viridian.

He was pushed out of the way by the blond boy, who grabbed my uninjured hand with his right and pulled me close to him. He...gently grasped and looked at my injured hand before gazing back at me with harsh red orbs.

"Come on," he simply told me before squatting down and wrapping his left arm behind the back of my knees, jumping a little from the ground to hoist me from the ground and into his arms.

I gasped, "Wha...What are you doing?"

He looked down at me, face void of any prior emotion, "Taking you to the hospital, dummy."

The change in his behavior put me in a state of shock. His sudden caring actions made me question why the switch up. Why does he want to help me when he's the one who intentionally caused the injury? Why does he care? He barely knows me...not even my name if he ever remembered it when I told him.

The nurse had left the room once the doctor entered, she wasn't comfortable leaving us alone because there were no parents or guardians to watch us.

When we went to the receptionist, her reaction was...undeniably funny, especially when the blond boy said we came here alone. She got us immediate help because of that and the fact that blood was spilling on the floor, bleeding through the handkerchief.

Midoriya-kun fidgeted in his seat, fiddling with his now thoroughly washed All-Might-themed handkerchief as he kept glancing between it and myself. The blond sat in a chair next to him, arms crossed, frowning, and he kept his eyes on me.

"I heard you're an interesting case, Miss...Shimizu," the doctor began. "A quick recap on your situation, you were playing on the playground and your friend's Quirk accidentally activated, hurting your hand?"

I nodded despite not agreeing with the word "friend", "Yes, Doctor."

He read over his clipboard before looking up at me, "Lucky for you, we were able to successfully stitch your hand and you won't have any future problems with it. I do recommend taking your prescribed medication when you're in utmost pain though," he mumbled the last sentence.

My eyes glanced up at the middle-aged man, lifting an eyebrow. "Prescribed...medicine?" I whispered.

A smile graced his face, "You probably don't remember me, but it was a...tough time for you. I have your medical records on file, and I know of your "usual" Doctor, such a successful and helpful young woman she is. Tell me, Miss Shimizu, has your recovery been going well?"

"Mm, yes, Doctor. Thank you for your concern," I said with a fake smile, feeling giddy at knowing this piece of info.

"I assume you want me to call her to pick you and your friends up?" he offered.

"...Yes, Doctor. Before you go, could I see your clipboard? I forgot to memorize her address like she told me to, hehe," I giggled with a closed-eyed smile.

The middle-aged doctor nodded, "Of course," he said, lending it to me. "I'll be right back. You and your friends hang tight," he said as he exited the room.

I took immediate advantage.

Name: Shimizu, Kamilah

Age: 7

Birthdate: February 2, 2XXX

Sex: Female

Blood Type: O

Diagnosed Condition(s): ADHD, Anxiety Disorder, Bipolar Disorder, Clinical Depression, Congenital Insensitivity to Pain with Anhidrosis (CIPA), Dementia, PTSD.

Treatment-

I flipped the page over the silver part, not needing to read any basic information I already know about myself. My eyes carefully read everything, not wanting to miss a single thing no one else would tell me about.

Relatives

Mother: An-Nur/Shimizu, Jameela. Birthdate: July 7, 1XXX. Spouse: Shimizu, Norio. Address: 777 Bushida Blvd., Shizuoka Pref., Musutafu City, Japan. Emergency Contact: (XX) X-XXXX-XXXX.

Legal Guardian(s)

Uncle: Shimizu, Norio. Birthdate: March 5th, 1XXX. Spouse: Shimizu, Jameela. Address: 777 Bushida Blvd., Shizuoka Pref., Musutafu City, Japan. Emergency Contact: (XX) X-XXXX-XXXX.

Aunt: Chinen, Yuiko. Birthday: September 29, 1XXX. Spouse: None. Address: 747 Ando Rd., Shizuoka Pref., Musutafu City, Japan. Emergency Contact: (XX) X-XXXX-XXXX

Brother (at age 20): Shimizu, Hakim. Birthdate: November 7, 2XXX.

My heartbeat sped up immensely, I was so engulfed in the next part that I hadn't realized the heart monitor's beeps got faster as well.

Father: Shimizu, Zurui. Birthdate: December 18, 1XXX.

My grip on the clipboard tightened as I bit my bottom lip, not feeling the single tear slipping down my right cheek and onto my jeans.

"Zurui..." I whispered my father's name for the first time.

'So that's your name...' I felt the ends of my lips twitch up a little.

"Milah-chan? Are you...alright?" Midoriya-kun called out to me.

"...I'm okay," I lied.

Hearing the door open again, I placed the clipboard down on a cart where a laptop attached to it next to me.

"Kamilah?" Aunt Yuiko called out, worry and relief clouding her eyes.

"Dr. Chinen," I addressed her in morse code.

She blinked owlishly, then looked at the two boys in the room, "Oh...are these new friends of yours?"

"Something like that," I responded to her nonchalantly.

"Does your Mother know you're here, Kamilah?" she asked, approaching me with concern.

"I told the Doctor to contact you instead. She has work today, so does Uncle Rio, and Hakim is still at school. But she does know I went to the neighborhood park."

She sighed, "Good, but what's not good is when she comes home to find out you've been hurt. Kamilah, you know how she is about you."

"She needs to let me grow up. She let's Hakim do whatever he wants," I snapped.

Aunt Yuiko huffed, "Young lady, you're only 7 years old. You may have a higher vocabulary and better education than most kids around your age, but that doesn't mean you need to be treated older. Also, Hakim is 3 years older than you and has a lot more on his plate than you think."

I frowned, "I just really hope...he's doing what he wants..." I took a brief glance at the two boys, "...voluntarily," I chose the word carefully.

She sighed again, "You do know there's nothing I can do about that, right?" she asked, sounding ashamed.

A smile easily replaced my frown, "And you do know you don't have to, right?" I rhetorically asked. "Whatever worries you, Dr. Chinen, rest assured, no matter how long it takes, it will be dealt with by me."

Auntie stared at me with mixed emotions: confusion, worry...fear? There's no need for her to be afraid of me. She's not going to be the one to suffer in the long run...

"Anyway," I beamed a little, "I'm sure you were informed by the Doctor of what happened. It was an accident, really. There was no intention to hurt me, right...?"

"Right, she just got in the way of me trying to get to this nerd," the blond responded, nodding off to Midoriya-kun, then he hopped down from the chair.

He made his way past Auntie and to the door, questionably staring at him. Unexpectedly, he stopped, glancing at her, then at me before returning his gaze forward.

"Katsuki Bakugo, and we're not friends" he spoke, leaving out the half-shut door.

"I figured as much."

"...Oh, wow," Auntie mumbled.

"I-I'm sorry about him, Milah-chan...Dr. Chinen," Midoriya-kun apologized, bowing his head.

"Oh, no need to apologize, Midoriya-kun. I'm the one who should be apologizing for the way things turned out, and for making you worry. None of this is your fault," I said to him softly, my expression softening at his meek voice.

"It is!" he insisted, jumping down from the chair. "If I were stronger, if I had a Quirk...I wouldn't have let Kacchan hurt you. You didn't need to lend a hand to me at all...it's better if you do so nothing has to happen like this again."

Before I could finish my thought and speak it aloud, Midoriya-kun rushed to the door, turning around to bow again and sprint out the door.

"Well, isn't he kind and adorable?" Auntie giggled.

'...I hope he doesn't get lost,' I thought casually, unfazed by anything he just said.