"She's here again."

"..."

"I think it's time we tell her, don't you?"

"..."

"Haven't you anything to say to her after all this time?"

"..."

"Right...I was stupid not to notice before. I'll do the talking...but can't you at least look at her?"

"..."

My gaze switched between the two men with curiosity and confusion. When the man in black didn't turn around, the others sighed so I took the initiative to step forward to let them know I was still there.

"He good?" I asked, surprising myself because I was never able to do that before every time I came here. "I can speak now? Yay! I don't know what I did, but...yay!

The man who was speaking all this time faced me, his face showing surprise as well before settling on a small smile with crinkled eyes.

"It's nice to see you again, friend."

I beamed, "It's nice to see you again, too! I'm relieved I can finally talk in here, and after so long of not seeing you both! I have a lot of questions, but I'm not gonna bombard you because I know I'll get my answers soon enough sooo..." I had to take a deep breath before I passed out.

He chuckled, "You're more lively this time around, that's good to see. Let's see...where to start...how about an introduction? My name is Yoichi Shigaraki and this is-"

The man not standing far away suddenly snapped his head toward Mister Yoichi who immediately shut his mouth and gave a closed-eyed smile.

"You don't want her to know your name?"

I waved my hand, "It's fine. I don't need to know it, I tend to unknowingly come up with nicknames so I'll eventually find one for him."

Mister Yoichi looked back at me with an apologetic smile, "Right... As I was saying, my name is Yoichi Shigaraki, I'm the first user of One-for-All."

"It's nice to finally get a name with a face and nice to meet you, Mister...Yoichi. My name is-"

"Kamilah Shimizu, and yes, I've known you for a long time," he finished my name.

"I...honestly should've known that. Anyway, what's One-for-All?"

He blinked, his expression blank now, "Your friend, Izuku Midoriya, hasn't told you?"

I tilted my head, "Hasn't told me wha-...oh...ohhh," I grinned as I wiggled a finger at him. "One-for-All is Izu's Quirk, isn't it? I knew for a fact that boy just didn't pull it out of his ass...so late Quirk development does exist, huh? Interesting... Wait, you said you were the first user? Are you, like...a soul? Don't tell me he goes around punching people and stealing their souls!"

"No, no, nothing like that. If Izuku Midoriya had the power to steal Quirks and souls...I'd be very worried about someone getting that kind of power."

"You speak as if there is someone out there who can do that," I noted suspiciously.

He nodded, "There is...but only Quirks."

"Should I be concerned about him stealing One-for-All from Izuku?"

Before he answered me, Mister Yoichi looked at the man still facing away from me and he just nodded his head.

"You should," Mister Yoichi answered somberly. "I want to go into detail about why he wants it, who he is, and why you're involved, but we have very little time to do so because you're not yet well adapted to controlling One-for-All yourself."

"Excuse me?"

"What I need you to focus on for now is yourself, Kamilah. You're in as much danger as Izuku Midoriya, and I need you to watch your and his back. I also need you to access your family records. Do you know?"

"Know what?"

"About your family's curse?"

"Curse...? Nah, no one ever-"

"As expected of the recent generation. We're running out of time so I'll make this quick. Your family, prior generations, want to keep this from the recent generation because they think the curse is going to go away if it's never spoken of. Silence is not the answer, not in this case. The Shimizugawa Curse began since the Shimizu-Tokugawa branched off from the Tokugawa shogunate. Ever since the first heir's sick child died an odd and mysterious death, the main branch cursed the Shimizu with 2 children of each generation will be born with a sickness and a yearn to die at a young age because life is something the first heir's child didn't have. The sickness got worse in the Shimizu family when Quirks came about."

"I was aware something is wrong with me, but I just didn't know what. So I am sick? If so, how do I get cured?"

"There's no known cure, Kamilah. However, our friend was on the verge of a breakthrough. She might've found something, but..." He shook his head, "As I said, research your family records. You might find answers in Iwaizumi because it's where she was born!"

Suddenly, it felt like this vast emptiness began to close in on me. I almost began to hyperventilate because of the rushing wind.

"A name?!"

"Misuzu Shimi-"

I blinked, and suddenly, I was staring ahead at a white wall with a stance against it.

"Oh, thank goodness..." I heard Auntie let out a breath as if she was holding it.

I looked in the direction her voice came from, spotting Hakim with worry on his face still.

"You're okay...that's good," he mumbled. "But not good enough to still be in here...because it's my fault I ran you off."

"It wasn't your fault, I was just being an emotional lil' sis over the smallest thing. I'm sorry if I made you look bad in front of Best Jeanist...I don't want to tarnish your reputation over something so petty."

His eyes widened, "You don't have to be sorry. Besides, Best Jeanist wished me luck with finding you and apologizing. But, don't think about that, you need to rest."

"Yes, hon, just get some rest for now. Are you hungry? Need me to get you anything, Ami?" Auntie asked as she brushed the back of her fingers on my cheek.

"I need answers. How long have I been out?" I asked, sitting up in my bed as I looked around the...hospital room to become familiar with it.

She nodded in understanding, about to initiate one of the procedures we did, "Three days now," she answered, sitting on the bed

"Where are we?"

"Hosu General Hospital."

"Where's Izuku and Shoto?"

"They're on this floor in a shared room." I was about to get out of bed, "They're okay! They're alright, baby..." she quickly added as Hakim laid me back against the pillow.

"Does...Ma and Rio know?"

She shook her head, "No. I wouldn't dare tell them, they'll just come back and I don't want you getting in trouble."

"Okay...am I physically alright?"

"Yes, you are, it's more of the mental health I'm concerned about."

"And why would you say that?"

"Izuku told us what happened and he said you overused your strength and was running on adrenaline. You said something kinda crazy, too..."

"What did I say?"

"He said, and I quote, "Nor do I need a Quirk to kill something either"," she repeated shakily. "What were you thinking to say something like that aloud?"

"Survival."

"I would ask you what happened to the smallest detail, but the Chief of Police will be coming to see if you're awake and cognitive enough to answer his and his detective's questions," Hakim informed. "I want to keep a calm mind and answer to the best of your ability to remember, okay?"

"I can do that, it's not like I hit my head and caught a concussion, I remember everything now," I said, leaning up with a smile.

"Any more questions you have before the interrogation begins?" Auntie asked with a warm smile.

"Yeah, um...who is Misuzu Shimizu?"

Hakim's eyebrows furrowed, "Misuzu who? I've never heard of someone in this fam-"

"How do you know that name..." Auntie demanded, tone dropping a little as her eyes filled with...fear.

I glowered at her, "How do you know that name? Care to tell us who she is, Auntie? I'd like to be enlightened-"

A knock interrupted me, my eyes moved to the door and I could sense two calm energies behind it.

Putting on a welcoming smile, I happily chirped, "Come in!"

In came a...very tall dog man...or a man with a dog head and a less tall man behind him. They turned to us as Hakim and Auntie did the same, straightening their posture.

The man with the dog head nodded, "Dr. Chinen, psychic hero Hatif, it's a pleasure to meet you, woof."

'Woof?'

"Miss Shimizu," he addressed me next.

I perked up, "Hello."

"I am Chief of the Police Force, Kenji Tsurugamae."

"I'm Detective Tsukauchi. It's nice to meet you, Miss Shimizu," Mister Tsukauchi introduced with a smile.

"..." I looked between the two, "...I'm in trouble, aren't I?"

"No, well...not really-"

I cut the detective off, " No need to sugarcoat it, I get it. If I can fight like a grown person and use my Quirk like a hero, I can handle being in trouble. All I ask is that you leave my brother out of this. I'm in this predicament because of my own petty actions."

"That's all and well, and I respect your acceptance of responsibility, Miss Shimizu, but Hatif does have responsibility over the student studying under him; therefore, he must be involved."

I didn't say anything in response as I simply stared at him.

"We have to ask you some questions concerning your arrival in Hosu City," Detective Tsukauchi spoke. "Hatif has already given us his part of the story and so did your friends, Midoriya and Todoroki. What Midoriya told us was...interesting. Killing, Miss Shimizu?"

"Detective..." I chuckled, "When one is mentally ill, has been diagnosed with multiple health problems, prescribed a bunch of medicines, and is panicking in a stressful situation they've never been in before...you expect them to not say or do anything crazy to motivate them to survive?"

Detective Tsukauchi didn't reply to that and neither did Chief Tsurugamae.

"Besides, that thing was trying to kill me. I had no other choice but to fight it. It was me or it, and I chose me." I smiled, "We'll get to that in a moment, I assume. Please, proceed with your investigation."

I flipped through the pages rapidly, trying to find something, anything, a lead of some kind.

I frowned, 'It's like they erased them both from history.'

Aunt Yuiko wouldn't talk about this Misuzu Shimizu, no matter how much I pestered her...so I didn't bother asking about Dad because I knew she'd figure out I was trying to trick her.

'Final exams are coming up...and summer break...then that training camp. Perhaps I can convince Hakim to let me go to Iwa under Rika's supervision...?'

I haven't thought about going back to Iwaizumi on my own much...the only times I'd go are for our hometown's traditional festivals and visiting family, but...

Since Jameela fell out with my grandparents when I was 12, we stopped visiting them and just went to our temporary vacation townhouse up there when visiting for festivals...the same one I teleported myself to when Hakim and I got into it in Hosu.

'Not only will I be going with Rika, Aunt Xitlalli said me and Hakim are always welcomed to stay in her home, we're practically her niece and nephew to her.'

I smiled, "I wouldn't mind seeing her again. It's been some time..."

I began on the next textbook of hero history, searching for anything on Misuzu Shimizu and my dad. Surely, I'll find some kind of lead if I just keep-

"Niece and nephew..." I mumbled...then a smiling Aunt Xitlalli faced away from me while cooking something appeared in my head.

You both look like your Papi, ya know? Especially, you, Ami. Your hair was as long as his the last time I saw him... If I hadn't been swept off my feet in high school...I would've been your mom...I was blind, but now I can see...that I may have chosen wrong.

My heartbeat skipped at that abrupt random memory. I stood up from my chair, grabbed my bag and phone, and rushed out of the library.

I pressed the green button to call Rika.

"Come on...pick up, Ri...pick, pick up, plea-"

["Hey, Ami! How are you? How's school? Are you making new friends? Are you doing wel-"]

"Listen, Rika! Fuck all that right now! I need you to give me your mom's number!"

["Eonna? Why? What's wro-"]

"Just do it. It's urgent."

As soon as I put her on speaker, I got my phone ready to add the number.

"Thanks, Ri."

["Uh...you're welcome? Why did you need her number?"]

"...can I trust you?"

["You know you can, Ami."]

"That's...relieving to hear, Ri. It's about Zurui, my dad."

["Your dad? What's up? Did he get out of Tartarus?"]

"No, but I'm going to get him out. Aunt Lli is one of the ways how...I think. From what I've heard, our families have been close friends way before you and I...so she might know something about someone I'm researching about, and my dad."

["Okay, that makes sense. I remember little of him, but I could tell he made you very happy, Ami. I don't think...he was a bad man, just misunderstood."]

"Exactly! That's what I want my family to understand, but if I even voice it...all of a sudden, I'm the bad guy!"

["Let them know, Ami. Joon was right. He knew there was more to your change in behavior since the last time we saw you. You're not expressing yourself. You need to let them know how you fe-"]

"Milah-chan?!" I heard a familiar voice shout.

"Hold on, girl..." I looked ahead of me to see a curious and nervous Izuku, "Hi, Izu Bear! I'm sorry I couldn't see you at the hospital, I was recuperating."

"No, it's fine. I'm just glad to see you're back, and so soon. Are you sure you're okay? I know your Quirk can-"

"I'm good, swear," I said with a giddy smile.

["Girl...no you not..."] Rika groaned. ["You're not, and that's okay. Aye!"]

Izuku jumped at Rika raising her voice, "M-Me?"

["Yeah, you! Are you the one and only cinnamon roll I keep hearing her talk about?"]

Izuku's cheeks reddened, "I..I-I guess so."

["...well, that's great because I need you to do something for me since I'm not there to do it myself."]

"Uh...that...depends on her-"

["Hug this emotional plump couch potato, please. I feel that she really needs one."]

"P..Plump...c-couch potato?" he questioned, nervously looking between me and the floor.

"Izuku, babe, you don't need to hug me. I feel fine, the girl on this phone doesn't know what's she talking about."

["I'm sure it's not every day he gets to hug you from what you tell me, Miss "I tease him by stuffing my boobs in-"]

"Oh-kay! We don't need anymore commentary from you, Ri. Face time you later, and I'll drop by! Don't tell Joon, I wanna surprise him! Bye!"

I ended the call with her, sighing at her faltering antics.

"Who...was that?" Izuku asked confusedly.

I looked at him, "My day 1 girl, she can be a trip, but she's the calmer of the two."

"Two?"

"Don't worry about it. You'll never meet the other one. I won't let you because he likes..." I glanced him up and down, "...ones like you."

Izuku recoiled, "What?"

"I mean, I see why he does because I like guys like you, too, Izuku, but no one will ever replace my sole innocent cinnamon roll," I said with a closed-eyed smile.

"..."

"..."

"..."

"..."

"...Are you okay?"

"When have I ever been okay, Izuku? Let's be honest."

"Well, you never let me know in the first place. Even though I know you're okay, you always keep to yourself about it, and I don't like that. It makes me feel...incompetent, like I can't do anything for you."

I placed my right hand over my mouth, looking away from him.

'Ah, shit. See what you did, Ami? You made him feel like shit, and you damn well know Izu has your best interest. It wouldn't hurt if I...told him a small worry to satisfy him, right?'

I glanced back to the dejected boy who still kept his eyes on me. I removed my hand and took in a deep breath.

I fully looked back at him, "Damn, Zu...stop making that face, it's gonna get me in my feelings..."

He frowned, "Kamilah."

I was taken aback by his new serious tone and his using my full name. He's never done that before...

Have I finally pushed Izuku's patience to its limits?

Any other time, I'd try to see if I can push him over the edge to just get upset and angry...but obviously, now isn't the time.

I lifted my phone to see the date on my lock screen...which was a picture of me, Izuku, and Mrs. Midoriya celebrating his entrance into U.A High.

"I don't gotta go today..." I looked back up at him, "Come on, let's go."

"The park where we used to play?"

I nodded, turning around to smooth my skirt against the back of my thighs before sitting on a swing.

"Why here?"

"Why not? Plus...I feel like I've been living a lie since I...got acquainted with you."

Izuku's attention snapped back to me once he sat on the swing next to me.

"What do you mean? That's...not a bad thing, is it?"

"No...no, not at all. Maybe I said that wrong. I mean...I've adapted a new part of myself since meeting you...or regained a part of myself I lost."

"Milah-chan...tell me what's wrong."

"...where to start," I bitterly chuckled.

"...wherever you started with Kacchan."

"..."

"Please, Milah-chan...I won't do anything to reprimand you for whatever you've done. We can make it right..."

"...you can't make falling in love with the wrong person right," I felt that other side of me speaking.

This isn't what I wanted to talk about, not with him...but something's compelling me.

"Fall in lo..ve..." Izuku was quiet for a few seconds, "...so this whole time, you were struggling with love?"

"Something like that. I don't expect you to give me too much advice about something like "love". I simply don't understand the concept...or rather, I misunderstand it because I fell for it so young. It'll be...my downfall, I know it."

"..."

"See? I told you...you can't help me with something like this."

"..."

"But that's not what I truly wanted to talk about with you. Bad things happened to me in Iwa...here in Musutafu before I met you and Katsu. People unintentionally and intentionally hurt me...emotionally, mentally, physically. I won't go into detail because it'll reopen some scars..."

"..."

"But I'm messed up all because of love. Love for my dad, my childhood friends, my brother, my uncle, my childhood sweetheart, you-"

"I..I understand."

I finally looked up from my lap and at a somberly Izuku...yet his eyes had a sparkle in them I'd never seen before.

"You do?"

"You don't seem like the type on the outside, but you'd do anything for your loved ones to make them happy...and hold back your happiness, act like everything is okay, that you're okay. I understand."

"...I couldn't put it in better words. I take back what I said. Of course, you'd understand...the concept of holding back your happiness for others, it's similar to a hero putting their life on the line for a defenseless person."

"Exactly. However, in this case, I think it's a little different."

"What do you mean?"

"I...may have overheard Kacchan talking about running into you during his work study."

"O...kay? What's that gotta do with right now?"

Izuku shyly glanced at me, "You and your brother had a disagreement...?"

"...Izuku, what are you getting at?"

"Kacchan said that you always try to make your brother seem like the better sibling, the stronger, clever, and smarter one while you...make yourself out to be the "background character". He didn't like that, by the way," he chuckled the last part nervously.

"Oh...now I understand. See what I mean? Didn't I say "my brother" earlier? I want him to be happy, I want him to have it all...I don't deserve such things."

"Why do you think that?"

"Everywhere I go...bad things happen to me or around me so I try to keep them from harming the people I love."

"Oh... Sorry, circling back to the thought of "a little different"...I don't think you should set your happiness aside all the time to satisfy others, Milah-chan. You can become unfunctional or overwhelmed like that."

"I sense foreshaodowing," I simply responded.

"What?"

"I don't know...just had a feeling something similar will happen in the future, and I just want you to remember this moment to take your own advice if I'm not there to remind you."

"That's something else I don't like."

"Hm?"

Izuku leaned over a little to grab my hand wrapped around the chain of the swing, "I don't like how you think and say negative things about yourself. Not so much about your appearance, but about your personality."

"But they're true," I whispered.

"I wish...you can see who I see."

"You only see an act."

"Do I?"

"Yes."

"How do you know?"

"Because I'm putting on the performance."

"What will I see if you stop performing?"

"Shattered pieces of Mi-...!" My eyes snapped to Izuku, who had an unreadable expression.

"Mi?"

'Misuzu Shimizu.'

"I...I meant, me, who I used to be."

"...Is that a bad thing?"

"Depends."

'On whether you're talking about Ami or Misuzu Shimizu?'

"You said, you feel like you've regained a part of yourself you lost since meeting me...is that the you who you used to be?"

"...I think so."

"I think I'm beginning to understand your personality, Milah-chan...and it's not as negative as you think. Want to know why?"

I nodded, "Why?"

"You told me you were diagnosed with bipolar disorder later on in our friendship so if you have any mood swings, I know why because you didn't want to hurt my feelings on accident. Now I'm not a doctor, but I think you should confirm with Dr. Chinen about you possibly having dissociatuve identity disorder."

"Izuku..."

"What is it?"

"You're clever, but no better than Katsuki."

"H-Huh?! Wh-What are you talking about?!"

"Where did you learn that?"

"L-Learn what?"

I scoffed, "Don't play coy. No wonder you were excited about learning from Dr. Chinen. You were hoping to apply whatever she taught to get me to open up to you about my problems. So not okay..."

Izuku's grip on my hand gave a squeeze, "I'm sorry that I did that, but I needed to know if you're alright. I don't want to lose a...a friend."

"Still not okay...but I forgive you because I know you just want to help, Izuku, and you just made me confirm something about myself, about the DID. I will go to Dr. Chinen for some answers.

'To hell with that idea, she didn't answer me about Misuzu in the first place so what makes me think she's going to accept "yeah, that Misuzu Shimizu lady is somehow a part of the DID I just discovered with the help of Izu using one of your strategies". She'd put me in a straitjacket for sure.'

"Milah-chan?"

I came back down from the clouds to emerald green eyes being straight in my face. I kicked my feet forward to swing away from Izuku's adorable face.

"I like your adorkable face, but I need space right now, Izuku."

"O-Okay, totally understandable! But, uh...since we don't live too far from each other, and I don't want your motorcycle to run out of fuel because of me, do you want me to walk you home?"

I glanced at the fidgeting viridian, 'If I say no, he's just going to stalk me until I get home like he did when we were kids.'

"Sure."

'Let's see...when in the face of panic, emotions tend to take over the mind rather than reason. If it's a hero in training, they're most likely going to follow their emotions, like Classes 1-A and 1-B. If it's a pro-hero, they'll find quick, yet difficult solutions. Though it may appear they've done a good job according to the public, the hero would think otherwise, triggering the Pavlov theory, meaning in this situation, battering themselves for not doing a "perfect" job. Wow, they really do be hung up on this kind of little shit. As long as people are alive and breathing, I'd be satisfied enough. Then again, there are those who are psychologically and emotionally scathed, which requires more attention. Yep, not my kind of hero work...'

My music turned down as a notification rang out, taking my eyes off my work in my psychology binder and looking at the text message.

Sho: Come sit with us.

I looked up and around the area, not taking long for me to spot the bicolored boy staring right back at me. I made a straight face at him before responding with a text-to-speech message.

"Nah, I'm good. I need to focus," I spoke then pressed "sent".

Refocusing back on my work, I began a new note. 'If I did become a hero...it would be like Mr. Aizawa, low-key and niche, nothing too flashy. I can't with that...' I smiled, 'Maybe I should invest in his advice...'

Another text message took my attention away once again.

Sho: You're sitting at an empty table, you look lonely.

I gasped, doing text-to-speech again, "I am not lonely!...on some nights. I just want to be alone right now to study."

"Come 'ere," a gruff voice mumbled in my ear, and along with it came a tug on my waist.

My feet moved before I comprehended, but the blond kept me from stumbling and falling on my ass.

"What the-! Katsuki, what are you doing? Let me go!"

He looked back at me, "Shut up!"

"Excuse you! Whatever it is you want, I don't got it!"

"I don't want whatever you got, I want you."

"Wha-..." I felt my cheeks fill with warmth. "Don't just...say shit you don't mean, Katsu..." I mumbled as I fluttered my eyes to the floor.

"I don't say things I don't mean, you know for yourself," he grumbled, now gently pulling me along.

"Yo, Bakugo! I was hoping you-...you weren't skipping out on us today..." the redhead spoke slowly once spotting me, "And I see you brought a friend..."

"She's not my friend," Katsuki quickly snapped at him.

When he sat down next to the redhead, he made sure I sat right next to him, surprising everyone—including me—at the table.

"Well, maybe not a friend...but a lady friend," the pink-haired girl mused.

Katsuki simply...glared at her.

"I'm not his lady friend. We're just..." I looked at Katsu and he looked at me.

"Stuck with each other," we both voiced nonchalantly.

"Or stuck to each other," the raven-haired boy snickered.

"You wanna sizzle on the pan, Soy Sauce?" Katsuki growled.

"It's just jokes, Katsu. Don't take it to heart," I tried to reason with him.

"Who said I took it to heart, Fox?" he grumbled under his breath before unwrapping his bento. "From now on, she's a part of the squad."

"Squad?" I questioned.

"Even though she's in 1-B? I don't think that Monoma is gonna take that lightly, Bakugo."

"I dare him to do something about it," he huffed before taking a bite.

A small smile slipped on my face, followed by a giggle, making everyone turn to me.

"It's nothing... Rest assured, I'll tell Monoma everything is o-...! Wait a damn minute." I glared at Katsuki, "How dare you just pull me away from my group and coax me into joining yours?!"

"I didn't coax you into anything. I dragged your big ass here," he responded.

"Bakugo! That was mean! Apologize!" the pink-haired girl shouted. "You should never insult a girl's weight!"

"Oh, no, it's okay," I told her monotonously.

Her gaze flickered to me, "What?"

"I know I'm big...and I'm kinda used to it, I've heard more shit talking behind my back so...yeah."

Katsuki put down his chopsticks, glaring directly at me, "And you didn't say anything?"

"I didn't have to say anything...I let my Quirk do the talking," my smile was followed by another giggle. "Anyway, since you dragged me here...introduce me to your..." I looked between him and them, "...your acquaintances."

"No need for you to do the talking, Bakugo. I got this," the yellow-haired boy spoke to him. "Hi, I'm Denki Kaminari. It's sweet to meet you," he suavely mused.

I tilted my head, "Why "sweet"?"

"It's cause it's been a while since I gazed at a chocolate muffin."

I blinked owlishly at first before a tight-lipped grin spread on my face. I held back the chuckles as my body shook.

I let out an amused sigh, "Nice to meet you, too...Pikachu."

"Wow, she's the first..." the raven-haired boy told the redhead.

"Hey, don't get so buddy buddy," Katsuki warned us both.

My eyes snapped to him, "You brought me over here so I'll do what the hell I want."

"Daaaamn..." Kaminari and the pink-haired girl dragged.

I took in a deep breath to cool off before I popped off...and popped him in the lips.

"Um...it's good to meet a close friend of Bakugo's-"

I looked at the redhead, expressionless, "We're not friends."

"Ah, r-right...um, I'm Eijiro Kirishima. Even though we're in separate classes, I'm sure we'll get along."

I smiled, "I've got a good feeling we will. You're giving me positive vibes like how my little brother does."

"Little brother?" he questioned confusedly.

"Izuku."

He blinked his eyes into side saucers, "Midoriya?" Assuming he was looking across from where I am and the broccoli boy is, he did a double take. "You're...related?"

"Oh, how I wish. Would you believe me if I said I'm his "long lost sister from another mother"?"

"Quit it. You're giving them the wrong idea. They're not related at all... thankfully," Katsuki mumbled the last part. "She just likes saying that shit to confuse people."

"Oh...you and Midoriya must be close," he nervously and carefully regarded.

"Mhm."

The pink girl leaned over the table, smirking, "How close are we ta-"

"I will send your ass flying across this lunchroom," Katsuki beat me to...clearing? the misunderstanding.

She poured, crossing her arms as she sat back in her chair. "Mina Ashido, hon."

"It's nice to meet you as well. And Izuku and I aren't like that. I'm just...protective of him."

"Is he the reason why you transferred here?" the raven-haired boy asked. "Oh, Hanta Sero by the by, nice to meet you."

Thinking back to my cinnamon roll hugging my torso and begging me to attend U.A. with streaming tears...

I shrugged, "Partly."

The other reason is Shiroya convincing me it'll be good, to get close to Shoto even more...

My eyes stared at the said boy, sitting at the same table as my cinnamon roll, 'It's almost as if whatever hatred I have left is disappearing...What do you do when you've faked a friendship this far in?'

My eyes settled on my chopsticks, twirling them around between my fingers like a pen.

'How do I rekindle hatred? Technically, Shoto did nothing physically wrong but exist, and it wasn't his choice...like me, I didn't choose to exist, did I? But I've caused or nearly caused everyone in my life some kind of pain.'

I looked up from my utensils at the faces around this table, suddenly feeling...sick and regretful. I should've just left.

'Will I cause these nice kids unneeded pain, too?'

Quietly, I began to wrap up my lunch as they continued with their laughter and bickering.

'It's happening again. I'm not...feeling too much like myself again...'

I stood up without a word and was about to walk away when I felt a hand grab my unoccupied one.

"Where are you going? You haven't finished eating, Fox. You'll fall on your ass if you don't."

"I... I need to-"

Right on time. Hakim's ringtone rung from my phone, Down By Law by The Rampage.

"I just remembered I needed to talk to my big brother about..." 'Shit, about what?' "About hero stuff. He promised to call me during lunch so I really need to take this call."

When he didn't loosen his grip, I used my Quirk to slide my phone out of my blazer's pocket and pressed it to my ear.

"Hello?"

["Ami, be ready, I'm picking you up."]

I blinked, "Eh?"

["We need call mom and my dad."]

I sighed, "I swear, Kimy, if this is about you telling them I'm at U.A., so help me, I'm running your fade when I-" I glanced at the now quiet table staring at me with surprise.

["This isn't about that. To be honest with you, I'm glad they're gone. Gives me time to do some research."]

"Ahem...um, what research?"

["That woman, the one Auntie didn't want to talk about back in Hosu, I've got some of her records. I didn't tell Auntie so she wouldn't suspect anything."]

"Misuzu..." I whispered. "Well, you most definitely will have her suspect something if you just randomly come get me."

["Already covered. I texted her that you weren't feeling well and you wanted me to come get you."]

I smiled, "I thought I was the fox in the family."

["Actually, you and I both are."]

"I beg your pardon?"

["More on that later. I'll meet you at the office in 10-15 minutes."]

"What about Saki?" I whined.

["I'll put her in the back of my truck."]

My eyes widened, "You got a truck?!"

The call ended.

"Rude..." I mumbled before returning my gaze to my captive hand. "Um, could you please let go of my hand? I'm losing blood flow."

Katsuki finally let go, especially after hearing the group behind him chuckle and giggle.

"How do I put this in the best way possible?" I asked myself, tilting my head and staring up at the ceiling. "...Oh! Right! Family emergency, everyone. It was nice talking to you all. Bye!"

With that, I sprinted off towards the cafeteria exit doors, excitement and worry pumping through my blood.

"Nice truck. Brand and name?" I asked, looking at the interior of the vehicle.

"She's a Titan, I named her Mikasa."

I smirked, "Nice choice." I opened the file on my lap, "So...who, what, where, why, and how?"

"Our grandparents, what remains of Misuzu Shimizu, in Iwa at their home, because this woman seems detrimental to this whole family, and...all it took was Rika talking about you visiting Aunt Li with her in Iwa in passing."

"Damn, if I knew it was this easy, I would've asked you in the first place...but I didn't want to get you involved in any of this."

"I'm already involved, Kamilah. We both are. And Aunt Yuiko might be, too."

"What are you talking about? Explain."

"I don't know how, but I already got a feeling you know about our family's curse since you know about Misuzu. She was a fox, a cursed child just like us."

"Us?"

"I checked in on our cousins...and they're doing alright, nothing crazy, completely good backgrounds. I was hoping it'd be one of them...or just me, but...it's you, too. There's nothing wrong with you, I want make that clear though."

"Hakim, you're wrong, something is wrong with me...I just didn't want to say anything since I thought it'd take you away from your hero work. And clearly, I'm the cursed fox. I've had so many bad things happen to and around me."

"You think I don't have my fair share of experiences, Kamilah? I do, just like you, I never told you because I wanted to be someone you can lean on for comfort."

"What...what's happened to you...if you don't mind me asking?"

"I'll only tell you if you tell me yours."

"..."

"Are you ready to reopen those wounds, Kamilah? You didn't with Auntie...so whatever's happened, I know it's messed you up really bad."

"..."

"Talk to me whenever you're ready, okay?"

I nodded, "...okay."

This...this is how you rekindle hatred.

"There's not much..." I mumbled.

"I told you, it's what remains of her. It seems that she was a very secretive person. Makes me wonder what kinda left she led..."

I briefly contemplated telling Hakim about Mister Yoichi and the other man, but I quickly remembered they were linked to Izuku. I don't know what damage that'll cause to him so I set on keeping quiet.

Again, I looked over the woman who looked nearly identical to me just with straight shoulder-length hair and medium almond skin color...

Name: Misuzu Shimizu

Age: 26

Birthdate: February 1, 1XXX

Sex: Female

Height: 175 cm

Weight: 99.7 kg

Blood Type: O

Quirk: Transference

Career: Psychotherapist

Ethnicity: Japanese

Eye color: Blue

Hair color: Purple

Mother: Yuzuki Shimizu / Father: Yuuya Shimizu

And so on, about the schools she attended, grades, status, etc.

"Transference...Transference of what though?" I thought aloud.

"Who knows... It doesn't say anything about her having any severe health conditions..." Hakim noted.

"You know...those who turn to the psychological field most likely have had some kind of trauma themselves...Auntie told me that."

Hakim looked down from the ceiling, "You think she's one of the cursed foxes?"

I narrowed my eyes in worry, "I think the average family member would be more angry than scared and shocked if you said "Misuzu Shimizu" aloud..."

"You're right. Based on her reaction at the hospital, she looked terrified...but more so for someone else than herself."

"Dad..." I mumbled. "Did Grandma or Grandpa say anything?"

He shook his head, "It's not that they don't want to get involved...they're scared something bad will happen to us. By the way, they said...hi and that they love you."

"...It'd bring a tear to my eye if I wasn't so concerned about Auntie and my Dad." I looked up from the files, "Hakim, you gotta do something about my Dad."

"I'm trying, I really am, Kamilah. It'll just take time. Maybe after summer is over, I'll have something."

"Also...what is it about this Misuzu Shimizu woman that everyone is so scared to speak her name aloud? What can she do? I know we live in a world of magical superpowers that just got pulled out of nowhere, but you can't bring back the dead! She's dead! What does she want from us?! Can't she just let whatever the hell happened go and live in peace?!"

"Be careful about how you speak of the dead, Kamilah. That shit can come back to bite you in the ass."

"I don't give a shit anymore! I'm tired of all the secrets! Why is everyone so scared of her?! What can she do?! Is she the reason why I'm so messed up now?! I-!"

When I stood up, I felt my legs immediately give out and I thought I was going to fall back on the couch.

An abrupt light blinded me for a moment.

'Wait, was that the sun?! What the hell?! How'd I get outside?' I thought as I blocked the light with my...my...

My hand?

Did I get brighter...? Or do I just not get enough sunlight? Damn, I'm pale for a black girl...

"Hey, you okay?"

I looked up, confused at the different voice from my brother's. What made him want to invite one of his friends over to his place ri-...

"...Joon?"

He blinked, "Um...yeah, that's me...? What's up? No, I mean, what's wrong with you?"

"Huh? What do you mean? Where did you come from? Wait, did you use your Quirk? Did Hakim invite you over or something?"

The boy who lifted me from his face and turned me around...revealed to me this wasn't the boy I know...no, not a boy at all, a man.

"Um, does being pregnant also make you ask weird questions?"

"Excuse me?"

"Well, you did kinda bump your head a little before I caught you so that might be why. Come on, sweetheart, sit down..."

I was guided into a nice-looking home from what seemed to be an outside patio. Carefully escorted to a lavish-looking couch, I was placed gently onto it.

He sat next to me, cuddling me...it seemed similar to Joon-Woo's, too. I decided not to speak too much, or risk having something go wrong in this situation.

"You smell good as ever..." the man who responded to "Joon" hummed as he breathed my scent in by my neck.

"..."

"I wonder if it's the baby, too. I heard babies smell like Heaven..."

'I'm pregnant? Or whoever this person's body I'm in is pregnant...?' I looked around the living area to find a mirror.

To my absolute surprise, there was a mirror engraved in the ceiling above us...and I finally saw whose body I was in.

An audible gasp left me and "Joon" immediately looked in the direction I was looking in.

He smiled, "Oh, that. We look cozy together, don't we?" His smile slowly diminished, "Too bad...it won't stay like this forever..."

"Stay like...this? What?"

He sighed, "That bump was harder than I thought...and soon the one in your stomach will be...and the swollen one if your husband ever finds out about us."

"...oh..."

I refrained from making a shocked expression, remaining calm as much as I could.

Looking down at him, I cautiously put my left hand on his cheek, hoping what I'm about to say matches the situation.

"Then...we should stop seeing each other, Joon."

"You know I can't."

"Why not?"

"My Quirk, honey."

'If his Quirk operates anything like Joon-Woo's, then... This better not be some kind of reflection of the future...'

"Quirk be damned. This is wrong. I love you, Joon. I do with all my heart, but you need to let me go. I love my husband, I love my unborn child...and I would love to start my new chapter with them. Our chapter, it's been written a long time ago. Please...turn to the next page, Joon-Hee."

Again, I'm not speaking like myself.

The strong and tall man with shining gold eyes looked heartbroken, on the verge of tears with just a few words...

"But I'm still in love with you..."

'Ah, damn...this hurts and I don't even know your full history.'

"Joon-Hee...I love you...but I am no longer in love with you. I want you to promise me something..."

"Anything."

"...Don't look back. It'll hurt."

As soon as we heard footsteps enter the seemingly wide home, "Joon-Hee" sat on the sofa parallel to "me".

"I got the prescriptions from the pharmacy. I also picked up sofamiliarmea of your favorite snacks, Suzu," I heard a familiar voice call from around a corner.

Imagine my surprise when I saw the same man from my "dreams" step from behind the wall with a smile.

"Yoichi?!"

When I blinked, I found myself in front...or beneath a worried pair of golden amber eyes staring down at me.

"Milah?! Hey, speak to me! Tell me you're okay!"

I frantically nodded, sitting up in his hold, "Y-Yeah, yeah, I'm okay. What just happened?"

"You gave me another scare...just like that night. I would say "Don't ever do that again", but I know you don't have any control over it."

"Over what? What happened?"

"There's something...that happened to you the morning Zurui was kicked out. I thought he was the cause of it because I didn't see what happened at first, but when Aunt Li came over and broke your door down..."

"Yeah?"

Hakim began to tear up...it was the first time I'd ever seen him on the verge of crying. It made me feel...guilty.

"I saw you covered in blood...and Joon-Woo was crying over you. We thought you were dead...but what led me to thinking it was Zurui's fault is because he helped you, he fixed you...I don't know what he did, but he brought you to a tree and begged for your life back. It's a faint memory, but it was like he was begging and crying for someone not there to help you. It was like seeing something out of one of those slice of life animes," he sniffled with a bittersweet smile, "the sun rose...and so did your eyes."

"..."

"When mom came home that morning...she screamed, cried, and begged for him to leave. It was weird how he didn't...protest or try to convince her otherwise...so I naively blamed him. I'm sorry. I'm so sorry; please, forgive me..."

"Hakim...you were just a kid. You didn't know any better. I would've thought the same had it been you." I looked down at my body, "There's no blood this time so I'm fine."

Hakim shook his head, wiping the warm liquid from beneath my left eye.

It was indeed blood.

Now that he pointed it out, I could taste iron in my mouth and I felt blood seeping from between my lips.

"Oh...this isn't good then. Have you had any episodes like this before?"

Hakim wiped my face with his hand, "No, nothing you're experiencing. It's...scary to think you might be on a time limit for real."

"Even knowing that now, I still yearn for death...but it does make it scary because my body can self-destruct at any given moment if these episodes are back."

"You don't feel any pain, do you?" he asked.

"No...it's an comforting and uncomforting thought. I won't be able to tell when I'm really gonna die."

"I'm not letting that happen," Hakim grunted. "As much as it hurt, I'm glad I reflected on that memory. Zurui took you underneath a tree and begged someone to help you..."

"So I do need to go to Iwaizumi?"

He nodded, "Maybe we can find more clues there."

"Yeah, but...what about school and your work?"

"I haven't missed a day since beginning as a pro hero. I can take some time off, and we'll just use this episode as an excuse to get you out of school for a week. Even though the severity is more than an excuse."

"Should I take my medicine?" I asked as he helped me back on my feet.

Hakim stared at me for a while, "...I don't think so. Aunt Yuiko talked to me about throwing your medication away in Hosu. Besides...mom's the one who forced her to make you take that shit anyways."

My eyes widened, "Y-You know about that?! H-How?! I did my best to keep it a secret from you, and I'm sure Auntie did, too!"

"My Quirk, Dream Walk, remember?" he asked with a small smile.

"What else do you know?" I asked, eager to know.

"Mom insulted you...hurt your feelings, made you go overboard with your training and studies, tried to force you to be the better child..."

'Oh...that's good. He doesn't know the other cruel things she's tried to do. I'd prefer to keep it that way. If I told him right now, there's no telling what Hakim would do. I've never seen him lose his shit all the way...'

"I got a question, Kimy."

"Yeah, Ami?"

"Have you yearned for death?"

"...Only when you and Dad ain't around."

I KEEP MY IDEALS-

I swiped the dismiss button before the tune could finish.

Sighing and snuggling back into my pillow and comforter, I let my mind drift before I let myself go back to that wonderful dream.

'I was so close to having those tentacles...Damn it! The sooner I get back to sleep, the sooner those tentacles surround me.'

The light breeze sliding into my room soothed me into a lull of sleep...

Until I heard a knock on my door.

"Kamilah, wake up. You got a visitor."

"Tell them to go away," I slurred.

"If I do that, there would be a fight and I could be charged for injuring a minor. Plus, I need you to deal with him before we leave for tomorrow."

My eyes fluttered open and I groaned, knowing the exact person who decided to drop by for a lovely visit.

Honestly, what would he want so early in the morning?

Glancing at my phone, I leaned over and pressed the power button, seeing the time was 11:00 AM.

'Guess not,' I thought with a shrug.

"Kamilah?"

"I'm getting up. Tell him I'll be down in a few..."

After trying to look like a normal functioning human being in society with some black-stringed blue sweats and a blue hoodie, I made my way downstairs, trying my best not to stumble.

I need my morning coffee, no cream or sugar today.

Usually, that's a Monday to Thursday thing because I'm capable of waking up on my own on Fridays, but Saturdays and Sundays are a no.

As soon as I rounded the corner to the living room, I heard his gruff voice.

"You got bedhead."

"Yeah, no shit, Sherlock." I yawned, "Whatcha want?"

"..." He didn't say anything, he just stared at my exhausted form.

Rubbing the sleep from my eyes, I looked back at him, literally feeling the bags under my eyes.

"You feeling okay?" he asked.

"Yeah. I just got a lot on my plate right now. If that's all, can I go back to sleep? I was having a good dream-"

"Let's go out today," he cut me off.

My closed eyes fluttered open, staring at him again.

"But Katsu, I'm sleepy. I've been overwhelmed since transferring... Why do you want to go out today? Can't it wait tomorrow?"

He stood up, "No. Go get yourself together, we're going out. You got 30 minutes. If you ain't out of your room by that time, I'm blowing down your door," he said while walking to the front door.

Groaning at his threat, I threw myself on my feet and shuffled back upstairs to the bathroom to clean myself up and do my hair, then went to my bedroom.

'Unbelievable.'

I decided to replace my sweat with black jeggings, put on a lavender tank top underneath my hoodie, and put on a pair of leather Converse.

I braided my current waist-length hair into two cornrow braids. I've experimented enough with the style to have it done in 15-20 minutes. I don't normally do extra, not because I don't know how or that it takes too long, it's just bothersome. I either straighten my hair, curl it at the top, or put it in a bun/side bun/bun with bangs.

In our second year of middle school, I was going to cut my hair short...but Katsuki threatened that he'd 'burn me bald' if I did. I figured he liked my long hair, but I never told him about it. I don't know how, when, where, or why.

Grabbing my wallet and putting it in my hoodie's pocket, I made my way downstairs.

Rounding the corner once more to the living room and walking down the hallway to where he leaned against the door, I placed my hands on my hips.

"I'm here 10 minutes early, your royal highness," I mocked.

He clicked his tongue against his teeth, leaning off the door after seeing how I dressed.

"You're being a royal pain in the ass," he countered, gently grasping one of my braids.

For some reason, not only did Katsuki like my hair long, but he liked it when I did my hair differently.

He might like me, okay? If that's so...he's down with the swirl...I'm not gonna let him live that down. An opportunity to publicly embarrass him will come soon...

I smirked, "Oh-dear-me, please, I beg your forgiveness...King Explosion Murderer."

"How the hell did you-"

"Izuku told me."

"Damn nerd," he huffed, letting my hair fall, turning around and opening the door, surprisingly letting me step out first.

"I think it's cute," I said with puffy cheeks.

"Don't call it cute!" he shouted as I locked the door.

I shrugged, "Whatever you say. Anyway," I turned around, "where are we heading?"

He looked at me, "Where do you want to go?"

I blinked once, then twice, my lips poked out as surprise crossed my face.

"Um...I didn't have anything planned, so..."

'If I say Ikebukuro district, Otome Road, he's going to become easily aggravated. Huh...Is he treating me today? Seems like it...Try something normal, Milah.'

"How about...a book store?"

My whole aura beamed as I studied the many humanistic, psychological, and sociological books.

"So many to choose from! Oo, that one focuses on society's "rights", this one is on human culture, and that one's about criminals' "backward" thinking!"

As I searched more into the genre, I felt a presence next to me. I looked to my left, seeing Katsuki with a somewhat irritated expression.

Oh, no...Did I bore him already?

"Stop that. You're reminding me of Deku, the last person I want to think about."

I blinked, and then a sheepish smile broke, "Hehe...sorry? I just got excited. Which one do you think I should pick?"

"I'll pay for all three."

"You don't have to. I brought money of my own," I said, pulling out my wallet.

Looking back up at the... space, I looked around for Katsuki...who somehow ended up at the check-out counter with the books I wanted.

Before I could process the situation, he was already walking back over to me, then held the bag in my face.

"Take it."

"But I could've-"

"Take it or I'll make them explode into little pieces."

Taking the bag out of his hand quickly, I huffed at his behavior and actions.

'That wouldn't be inconveniencing me, but it will for the clerk who has to clean it up.'

Katsu has calmed down over the years since we met. But he's unusually quiet and obedient today. What's the occasion?

Let go or you'll suffocate, Kamilah

I felt my cheeks flush with heat, and my body suddenly got warmer.

'Play your cards right...or to the best of your abilities, Milah. Don't let him see through you...'

"Hey! What the hell are you thinking about so hard over there?!" I heard Katsu yell.

Lifting my gaze from the chocolate chip waffle topped with whipped cream and chocolate icing, I smiled at Katsuki.

"Nothing. Just...figuring out how to approach my classmates."

His eyes narrowed, "They aren't causing you any problems, are they?"

I shook my head, "No. I think I am though. I haven't been talking to anyone really. The class rep., Kendo, checks in with me from time to time, Komori and Monoma keep me company...other than them, nothing else."

"Hah! Don't bother. I came to U.A. to become number 1, I didn't come to make friends."

"...so I heard at the Sports Festival," I chuckled, the smile reaching my eyes. "That was really...something."

He grinned, "So you were watching me?"

I huffed, "Not just you, but my baby brother, too. I'm so proud of him..." I looked back down at my waffle, "And Shoto..."

I could barely hear the growl emitting from Katsu.

"But...even if he didn't use his left side, you won fair and square, Katsu. You're smarter and more strategic than you let on. I like that about you."

I decided to finish my breakfast dessert with my black coffee, I'm glad I did because the silence between us felt heavy.

It's at times like these that make me wonder what Katsuki is thinking. That's another thing about him I kinda like, he looks like the type to just think straightforwardly, but secretly, he's thinking about a lot though he doesn't show it.

"Kamilah."

I stopped sipping my coffee, gazing up at him as he faced the window, and tilted my head, "Hm?"

"Are you going on that Training Camp trip?".

"Ah, about that, I'm unsure..."

He grunted, "Why?"

"Like I said, a family emergency, I don't know how long it'll last. If that's why you're taking me out and treating me, now you know."

Katsuki glared at me but surprisingly didn't say anything else on the matter.

We somehow ended up at the park after we left the cafe. Well, it was my suggestion, but he's tagged along with me so far so I guess it isn't so bad.

It wasn't the one we met at though; this one had more room. The sun was setting at this time, illuminating the soft oranges and pinks, mixing the whispy blues and deep purples...

We eventually sat on a bench to rest a while and just...

Just...

What are we doing? We're just sitting here, not saying anything! 'Ugh, awkward!'

"So-"

Vrmmm

"H-Hold on a minute..."

I looked at the Caller ID and internally panicked. It's a face-time call. Why now?

"Yeah, what's up?

["Where are you?"]

"I'm at the park with Katsuki, not in our neighborhood."

["...Is he treating you nice?"]

I made a dramatic gasp, "How dare you, older brother! Katsuki has been nothing but kind to me!"

He deadpanned, ["Yeah, calling you a "chunky cookie" is kind."]

"To be completely honest, I think it's a cute nickname."

I caught Katsuki grinning from the corner of my eye, somewhat comforted by his smug expression.

["I-..."] Hakim sighed on the other end of the line, ["Just come home."]

"Okay, okay, I will. See you then," I told him before ending the FT call.

I let out a sigh myself, 'Normally, Katsu's the one to end these "small gatherings" when the sun is about to set, but it's a ways of time from it setting and I haven't gone home before him. Wait...doesn't that mean I enjoy his company?'

I shivered at the possibility.

"The hell? It's a long ways from fall. Why are you shivering?"

"Just had a disturbing thought."

"What?"

"...Us," I decided to be honest.

"What?"

I shook my head, "Exactly." I stood up, turning towards him, "It's been surprisingly nice being with you today. Thank you for treating me."

Katsuki blinked, "..."

I smiled, "I know, that sounded weird coming out of my mouth. Anyways, I-..."

When I blinked again, there was someone entirely different sitting in front of me, staring at me with a blank expression. As soon as the brown-redheaded man appeared, he was gone in another blink of an eye.

"...Katsuki?"

"Hm? What? And why are you staring at me like that?"

I looked down to the ground, gaze flickering back and forth between his shoes and mine.

"I...It's nothing. I'm going now."

"I'm walking you ho-"

"No! No...I, sorry, I just need to get big bro's apartment. I just caught a bad feeling. I appreciate your wanting to walk me home..." I smirked to pass it as sarcasm, "But I'm a "chunky cookie", I can handle myself."

The only thing he could do was smack his tongue against his teeth before I found myself halfway down the block from Hakim's apartment.

I placed my right hand over my mouth, letting out the rough coughs I kept in so as not to make him panic and force me to walk with him. The coughs are so rough, that my eyes begin to water...

But the water is too thick to be called water, and it was confirmed when I tasted iron in my mouth. I opened my eyes to see red liquid splattered on my palm.

"Yeah, it was time to go..."

A/N:

Not me not updating since 12/22, I feel a little terrible about that, but I just got back to attending college after a year break because I was burnt out after high school and the first 2 semesters. I try to write when I have spare time on off days between school and work. It's slow, but it sure is progress. Trust me, I write a little bit at least once a day, even if it's on my phone notes to put into my stories later. Speaking of stories, I will be working on them again, I just have to find where I left off and write/rewrite the ideas I had for them. I've lost some written content from previous cellphones, one of the few reasons why I got a Grammarly account.