I hadn't received my costume because all of that's happened since Hosu and the fact that Izuku wanted it to be perfect so I had been wearing our workout uniform whenever participating in Class 1-B.
Hell, I hadn't even given Mr. Kan an answer to what my hero name would be. Even though I chose Kitsunebi, I hadn't told anyone other than Hakim.
But I guess today's that day because I received a present.
"What's that?"
Komori held it out for me to grab, "I'm not sure. But that Midoriya left it in my hands to give it to you once you woke up."
I curved a frown, took a sip of my iced mocha, and pat the top of my brown bonnet to get rid of an itch.
"Midoriya, huh..." I mumbled.
"Yeah. I was just doing some stretching outside and he practically popped out of nowhere! He seemed really nervous, but not because of me, just seemingly mentioning your name got him flustered." Komori smirked, "Are you and him-"
I put my hand out at a stop sign, "Aht. No. We're nothing like that. It's just that the last time we spoke, we...I wasn't on the best terms. Nothing too serious though."
She gasped, dramatically placing her unoccupied hand over her heart, "Are you two taking a break?"
Komori hysterically giggled when I snatched the gift from her and closed my door in her face.
Shaking the periwinkle gift-wrapped box, I could tell it was something light, but not heavy like a tech object.
Placing my cup down, I carefully unwrapped the box to be greeted with a card.
I wasn't sure if you wanted to see me or not after what happened the other day, but I wanted to give this to you through someone you're acquainted with rather than have the designers ship it to you. Anyway! I'm rambling! Please, call me as soon as you open it. I'm eager to hear your opinion. Or not! I don't know what you want to do... I've never seen you look so angry before. Just open it. Please?
Sincerely,
Deku
I smirked, "...adorable," I mumbled before frowning,"...Not you acknowledging that terrible nickname..." I mumbled before using my Quirk to split the tape on the box.
Moving the colored paper out of the way, my eyes widened at what I could make out in the box. I flicked my middle and index finger out in a "2" motion, making my curtains part.
I took the clothing out of the box, holding it up in the air with Psyka and slowly twirling it around to get all the angles. I also took out the boots and jacket to match.
I grinned, "I know I said not to make me look like an oversized cupcake, Izu...but damn, this material is going to show so much cake..."
I thought about it for a moment...
"But if the Yaoyorozu girl can get away with it, then so can I, damn it."
"Is that the present?"
"Yep..."
"Do you feel uncomfortable?"
"Not in the least."
"Nice thighs by the way..."
I gave her a lazy smirk, "Thanks. My designer understood the assignment."
"And that is?" Komori giggled.
"They need to breathe," I chuckled.
She grinned up at me, "So Midoriya knows th-"
Our quiet conversation was abruptly interrupted by Mr. Kan or Vlad King announcing himself and ourselves to Class 1-A.
Today, we were going to be using Gym Gamma to focus on "ultimate moves". I have a couple in mind, and if I use Null, they won't kill me right after I use it...but that doesn't mean I'm not going to feel the effects afterward.
As usual, Monoma was up to his usual antics with Class 1-A, mocking them and preying on their downfall...until Mister Aizawa cut that short that we wouldn't be competing against them today.
Sighing, I leaned my elbow on Monoma's shoulder, looking at his dejected expression.
"You poor thing... You'll be okay though. Suck it up, buttercup," I snapped him out of his hysterics. "Why are you so obsessed with them anyway?"
"Oh? You honestly don't know?" Kendo interjected.
"Nah."
"Well, it was before you transferred, but I think that obsession started at the Sports Festival with Baku-"
Kendo stopped short of her sentence, glancing in front of us and I caught a smug challenging expression from Monoma facing the same way...
But something told me whoever is in front of us is not paying them any attention.
"...Kendo."
"Yes?"
"Am I in danger?"
"...I don't know, I can't tell."
I sighed, moving my eyes up from hers to ruby vermillion ones. I sized him up, giving an unphased up and down.
"Can I help you, sir?"
"No, but you can help yourself to some clothes," he growled. "What the hell are you wearing?"
I made a faux pout, "A friend's design. There's nothing wrong with it. I love it."
"...Friend?" he questioned, looking between a smug Monoma and an unphased Kendo.
"No one in my class if that's what you're suggesting." I smirked, "The guy I'm talking about-"
"Guy?" he cut me off, eye twitching.
"Yeah...is there a problem with that?" I asked provocatively.
Before Katsuki could aggressively retaliate, Monoma surprisingly stepped in. He wrapped an arm around my shoulder, pulling me closer.
"Yeah, is there a problem with that? At least she has a supportive guy friend...and myself, of course."
'He didn't have to dig his own grave, but thanks for the save, I guess. But please move your arm...'
Katsuki was less than happy with Monoma budding back in whatever he had going on with me.
"Yeah, there is a problem. Get your hands off her, she clearly doesn't wanna be touched."
"Oh? And as many times as you tried to put your sweaty hands on her? I think Shimizu feels more comfortable with me by her side."
'Ayo! No, no...someone needs to get me out of this situation.' My head snapped to Kendo who quickly walked off, not wanting to be a part of this anymore. 'I thought she was 1-B's "Big Sister"! What the hell?!'
My head moved a little behind Komori, and thankfully, she pointed to a spectating Izuku and a girl I'd only heard about from him, Ochako Uraraka.
I made a fake gasp once we made eye contact and quickly swung myself from under Monoma's arm and between the two, jogging over to them.
"Izuku!"
His body tensed as he saw me running over, probably bracing himself for me trapping him in a hug, but I wasn't.
I just wanted to put some fear in his heart.
I stopped on the tips of wedged boots, briefly invading his facial space before leaning back on the ground at full height.
"I remember you told me to call you as soon as I looked at your present, but I didn't. Sorry about that...I was too busy admiring myself."
He beamed, "So you like it?"
"Like it? I don't think "like" is the word to describe how many times I took good picture angles of my ass."
"Milah-chan!" Izuku shouted in embarrassment as I teasingly stuck my tongue out at him.
"You should be used to my language by-" My eyes moved to the blushing girl beside him. I wiped the smugness off my face, smiling at the flustered girl. "Well, hello."
"H-Hello."
I looked her over, studying the seemingly shy girl's curves in her costume. 'So this is what he's working with...chubby girls for the win, huh, Izu?'
"It's nice to finally meet you! I heard a lot of things about you from Izuku," I chirped.
The boy became flustered, too, flailing his hands in front of the blushing girl. "A-All good things, I swear, Uraraka!"
"Yep, all good things...very good detailed things," I mumbled the last part with a snicker, making Izuku about to have a heart attack.
"Oh, well, I heard good things about you, too!" she beamed. "You're such a supportive friend, and I'm glad Izuku has someone else to look up to."
I placed a hand over my heart, "Look up to?" My eyes slid over to Izuku, "You think I'm a role model? Hah! I...guess that's good. I can show you what not to become."
Izuku's fluster disappeared instantly, mouth open to incur what I meant and possibly reprimand me.
"The way he talks about you...kinda makes me wonder...are you and him, like, uh...you know-"
"YES!" Komori shouted to which I responded by using Psyka on her and pushing her flailing self over to Kuroiro.
"Why does everyone keep assuming that?" I groaned to myself. "You see, Izuku is my little brother-"
She did a double take, looking between him and me.
"Not biologically. I claimed this broccoli boy as my little brother when I opened up to him, we were kids then." A devious smirk slid on my lips, "I thought you were his girlfriend...?" I played dumb.
"N-No, no, nothing like that! J-Just a classmate, a-...uh, friend! We met on day of the entrance exam!" she blubbered.
"Ohhh..." I pretended to understand.
I rolled my eyes, shamelessly smiling, 'I see potential here.' My eyes landed on a blushing and skeptical Izuku.
"What?"
"You're up to something..."
I showed more teeth in my smile, "You're right, I am."
His lips trembled as if he wanted to say something, "..."
"I always am."
I left him with that paranoid thought, hoping to give him paranoia so he could get off my back...
Because even I'm not sure what's about to happen in the next few days.
Taking advantage of the situation, I went to train away from someone else. Unlike before, I'll have to train my mind instead of my body because of these new powers I've yet to fully explore.
I sat on the ground in a criss-cross position, placing my hands on each knee, closed my eyes, and tuned out the background noise.
I waited...
And waited...
Waited some more...
Then...
"Been a while since you lost conscious."
I looked up at her from the ground, "I figured the longer I wait, the more energy I'd have to visit you again."
"I'm surprised you didn't visit me any time you trained with Midoriya." She smiled, "Why's that?"
"Well, for one, I don't feel too confident going against someone who inherited the Number One hero's Quirk and not only trained by him but myself as well. Also, he studies heroes like his life depends on it."
"Technically, it does."
"...I know that's the truth, but I don't need to hear that right now."
"What do you want to hear then?"
"That technique I pulled off at the Training Camp. How can I control that?"
"With the way you are now, you can do it again and you won't feel the pain, but you'll already be dead before you know it. So I recommend that you take that same technique and minimize it."
I blinked, "...Huh?"
She moved her right hand, forming a litter of...foxes built from sand. "You were right to choose Kitsunebi as your hero name because you're far from being a full-fledged kitsune."
"...Oh, I get it now. So I'm still at the infant level?"
"You're not at infant level at all. You have a lot of potential in both your body, Psyka, OFA, and Null. If you were at your max right now, you could kill everyone in your vicinity right now without surprising them."
"...I am not overpowered," I said with an offended face.
"Indeed you aren't...not yet at least. But to fight All-for-One, Endeavor, and your mother...you're going to have to be overpowered."
"You speak as if I'm going to fight them all at once."
"You're not, but Quirks have so much potential to spill when someone in dire straits is about to die...or their loved ones are about to die."
"How do you know that?"
She smiled, putting her hands on her hips and bending down to my level, "You're looking at one, sweety."
"...Mind telling me your story yet while my unconscious trains itself?"
"I told you before, my story is not important."
"...Is anything bad going to happen to Joon-Woo?"
"No."
"Then, what happened to Joon-Hee? If the past is repeating itself, then something is going to happen too Joon-Woo, right?"
She slowly leaned up, eyes widening as she did so, not saying one word.
"What can I do to prevent whatever's coming?"
"How do you know that?"
"I experienced something before Kimy and I took the trip to Iwaizumi to figure out who you are. I was in your body, sitting next to a man who looked similar to Joon-Woo, his name was Joon-Hee. I was-...you were pregnant. You tried convincing him to let you go, to stop loving you, but then Mister Yoichi walked in with some sna-"
Her eyes filled with rage, she gritted her teeth, and her fists clenched so hard that veins appeared on the back of her palms.
"Yoichi," she seethed. "He...he's the one who showed you that? He used OFA...to show you that..."
"Mister Yoichi is...someone important to you? I knew there was some connection between you, him, and that other man. Please...tell me what you did wrong so I don't repeat your mistake."
"Kamilah, please-"
"I refuse to sympathize with you. I will not get emotional this time. I need to know. We need to reopen that wound...so we can properly heal it..."
"..."
"...Mom," I called out to her.
Misuzu's posture immediately relaxed and she refocused her gaze on me. Her eyes became distant...as if she wasn't looking at me but at someone else.
"Kami...Mommy's sorry. She wasn't there for you. If I had been...you wouldn't have fallen in love with the wrong person. This curse...wouldn't have gone on for so long if I held onto life-"
"You were bleeding out. There's nothing you could've done...I was the reason you died."
I looked behind me to see the man with red eyes, the same one I met the day I nearly drowned...
The one who mentally saved me from giving up.
"You..." we both mumbled.
As soon as I blinked, the sandy oasis dissolved and I found myself in the position I left my body in, however...
A fox-shaped figure stood in front of me. It's a baby...a kit, and it was made from a mix of my cornflower blue and dark purple aura, making violet.
"What the..."
I leaned forward to touch its head with my right hand. As soon as I did, it split into two...then three and four...
"Whoa, whoa, whoa...am I doing this or...?" I looked at each of the now nine kits, sitting and staring at me as if waiting for me to command them. "What...just happened?" I mumbled confusedly.
They didn't react.
'They're...kinda cute...' I thought, cautiously reaching my hand out to touch the one that multiplied itself, and then I slowly sunk into gently petting the top of its head. 'It's like they're Megumi Fushiguro's shikigami...'
Shikigami...
Shikigami?
Shikigami!
I let out an audible gasp, immediately jumping to my feet and taking a few steps away from them. The nine kits remained still, still sitting and staring at my every movement.
"So that's how this works..." I pointed my right finger up, "Stand."
The nine kits stood on all fours.
"Sit."
They did as I said again.
"It's like having a pet. Ooo...do a flip!"
All nine did front flips at the same time.
"Awww, good..." I couldn't tell their genders so I assumed they were all female because...I'm the one giving commands? "Good girls!"
"What's this you've come up with, young Shimizu?"
I looked behind me to see an approaching Mister All-Might. Alarm bells went off in my head and I straightened my posture and cleared my throat.
"Uh...well, it's not my final work, but it's a work-in-progress ultimate move. You see, at the training camp, I pulled a stunt that would've killed me before I knew it, but...I honestly wasn't thinking, or feeling. I was just trying to make sure Ka‒Bakugo...was safe. This here is just a mini version of what I did then."
"I heard. You could've seriously injured yourself to a point of return. I'm not going to scold you because I'm sure you've heard enough, but I'm glad you're alive and well, Shimizu. I admire your ambition to save young Bakugo, too. I...I owe you and your family an apology for my failure-"
"You don't need to apologize, Mister All-Might. What I did were all decisions of my own making. If anything, I should apologize to all I have inconvenienced with my disappearance, but it was necessary."
"But-"
I smirked, "Also, I'm pretty sure...Midoriya informed you about how I'd feel about a pro hero, the number one no less, apologizing to me."
Mister All-Might nervously chuckled, "In fact, he did."
"Good. Then you know I'd feel offended," I said as I beckoned the kits to me, squatting to pet each one on the head.
"Yes. Young Shimizu, I have some concerns I've meant to voice to you since your arrival in U.A."
"Really? I hope it's nothing too bad..." I pouted, "If Midoriya said anything about me and my tendency to tackle everything on my own, then-"
"No, no. It's nothing of that matter. It's about...your at-home life."
I stopped petting the kit, "...What about it?"
"I'm aware of you and your brother's status with your aunt, Dr. Chinen."
"...Did she tell you?"
"No. The detective who questioned you after the incident in Hosu, Tsukauchi, informed me."
"..."
"He did question Dr. Chinen and your older brother, but neither of them spilled much about you, but they did answer questions about themselves."
"..."
"Because you are friends with young Midoriya and he's spoken so highly of you to me, I was genuinely curious about who you are, why the sudden change in wanting to become a hero. With Detective Tsukauchi investigating your family, telling me as much info he can legally gather and your involvement with Mi—Class 1-A...I wanted to ask you about your objective."
The nine kits fused into the same ferocious giant kitsune at the camp. Mister All-Might's aura wavered, but he stood his ground behind me as I rose to stand mine.
"Mister All-Might, with all due respect, sir...my objective is to become what my family wants me to become. I am a byproduct of my biological mother's creation...and to some, I'll give them exactly what they want, and to others, they must suffer the consequences."
"I don't understand, young Shimi-"
"While I'm here, I'm someone to honor; when I'm gone, I'm someone to mourn. Simple as that."
The kitsune used its nine tails to attack a nearby boulder on the training set, splitting it into nine different pieces with gravel falling over.
"Wow, if I was just evil for no reason, I could split someone into more than two pieces," I nonchalantly commented.
Feeling a warm liquid slide down my left cheek, I used my thumb to look at the red tear for a while...before licking it.
'Seems like I can adjust easier when I'm calm...'
Izuku and I agreed to train after classes...which took some convincing by me threatening to call Mrs. Midoriya and complain to her about her son still getting himself injured. We got some training in but decided to take a break afterward.
I had my eyes closed...but I could feel the broccoli boy's energy directed towards me as if wanting attention.
"What's wrong?"
I could hear the surprise in his voice, "Huh?"
"Your energy...I can feel it striking at me in waves. You wanna ask me something?"
"Oh...uh...well, I suppose I can't hide it, huh? Heh heh...but yeah. I wanted to ask you about-"
"If it's about Shoto...go ahead and ask."
"...Right. Have you just...been stringing him along this whole time?"
"That's what deceit is, Izuku."
"Sorry, it's just that...Todoroki has been through a lot. I haven't asked him anything personal, I can just...tell. And so have you. It's not my business what you two have going between you, but I wanted to voice my thoughts to you. Maybe...it's best that you both stay away from each other."
I perked up at this, lifting an eyebrow, "Oh? Now what made you change your mind, huh?"
"Though Todoroki is willing to forgive you and stick around, I don't think it'd be healthy for him or you since you openly told him you...hate him. Maybe you should stay away from him for good. It doesn't seem like it's going to work out...Also, you don't seem to think so."
I let out an amused huff, "If I didn't know any better, Izu...I'd say you sound like a jealous and toxic friend."
He nervously blubbered, "N-Never!"
I opened my eyes and rolled on my stomach, resting my chin on my folded arms beneath me. I glanced up at him, hiding half of my face.
"I think it's only right that I ask you something. I answered you honestly so you answer me honestly."
His anxiousness instantly cleared and he focused his gaze on me, "What is it?"
"Since you think "Kacchan doesn't quite deserve me", who do you think deserves me?"
He blinked, "...You're still on that?"
"Yes, I am. You told me that a couple of days ago. Now I'm asking you who do you think deserves me? It's most likely I'm not gonna give myself up to them, but I'm curious to know."
"I...I didn't mean anything else by it. I-"
I leaned in close to him, making him flinch back, "Do you have a crush on me, Izuku?"
"What-"
"Let me put it in a way you can understand. Do you like me? More than friends? As in romantic interest?"
Izuku stared at me with a still-ajar mouth from whatever we were about to ask. His eyes...they had that look again, but this time, it was clearer. He didn't respond immediately which instantly gave him away.
"I'm kidding with you, silly!" I giggled, "I know you like the Uraraka girl." I leaned in close, placing my hand next to my mouth, "Pst, if you want any tips on how to pull a chubby girl, I got you." I leaned back, "Anyway, that's not the question I wanted to ask you. What I wanted to ask is-"
"H-Hold on, Kamilah..." He finally breathed, "I-I...I just need to...process what, uh...just happened."
"Sorry that I'm overloading your brain," I apologized with a smile.
"..."
"..."
Never before has the silence been so awkward between us.
'...I'm not one to rush, but I need him to process his thoughts a little faster. This is getting a lil'...lil' awkward and uncomfy,' I thought, laying on my back again.
My eyes caught a soaring red bird...it reminded me of Hawks' wings.
'I wonder if he's done any joint missions with Hakim...? He seemed to like us so...'
I gasped, sitting up at a pace I could've broken my back and startling Izuku, "HAWKS' AUTOGRAPH! I DIDN'T GIVE IT TO HIM! SHIT!"
"What?! What are you talking about?!" Izuku panicked.
I snapped my gaze to him, "Sorry, Izuku. I just...remembered something. I wanted to give an autograph to a childhood of mine-"
The events of what happened between me and Joon-Woo that embarrassing scene I caused before storming out on him and my family.
"But I..."
"You?"
"...I can't." My head drooped, "We...sorta got into it and I ended up running out on him. What I did was stupid...and I've come to regret it. I just didn't want the feelings he has for me to ruin his future-" I slapped my hand over my mouth, glancing at the viridian from my peripherals.
"What do you mean? You...have another friend, who has feelings for you?"
My eyebrows scrunched up at that, deciding to play innocent, "Huh? What do you mean by "another"?"
He waved a hand in dismissal, "I meant that as an additional question. Outside of me, Ka-...well, To-..." Izuku scrunched his eyebrows in confusion, "Am I your only friend?"
"Honestly...no. I have three others I've never mentioned to you, Rika, Joon-Woo, and Furora. Me and Hakim go way back with them in Iwaizumi...since we were all arm babies. Joon-Woo is the one who...I wanted to give Hawk's autograph to him. I was just so...caught up in talking to you at the park that evening...that I completely forgot about the autograph. I'm surprised you're not asking me about how I met the guy-"
"Later. I want to know more about the three friends you mentioned."
"Where to start...?" I mumbled to myself.
"From your earliest memories with them. I want to know everything about you that you're willing to share."
"Okay. Let me see..."
I guess this was time to fight back against Auntie's Redact Quirk... I need to ask her about how to regain my redacted memories when I see her again.
"Ami!"
"Joonie!"
"Pretty Ami!"
"Rikia"
We all had a tight group hug...then another weight joined in.
"Hey, Kimy!" Rika and Joon greeted Hakim.
"Hi, y'all!"
We all laughed together...we'd laugh at the simplest and silliest things.
"Are you two staying over today?" I asked excitedly, jumping up and down.
"Yep! Momma and Poppa already told us we could 'cause they asked your momma and poppa!" Joon summarized
"Yay! Isn't that great, Kimy?"
"It sure is! Hey, Uncle Rui made us some candy apples! He's the best at making them! Want some?"
"YEAH!" we all shouted and ran to me and Hakim's traditional Japanese home.
Hakim...had a better relationship with my dad. Because of Auntie's Redact Quirk...I don't remember this and neither does he.
I want this moment back...where no one thought of anybody as the bad guy.
We didn't have a single care in the world. We were just some kids...who would find themselves in their unfortunate circumstances.
"Kami."
Hearing my name, I turned around from my breakfast on the dining table, seeing my Dad standing behind me with a big smile.
"Yeah, Papa?"
"I'll be heading to work today. Aunt Lalli is on her way with Joon and Rika. Hakim is over at Aunt Koko's place. Will you be okay by yourself?"
I tilted my head, "Work? But you were supposed to not go today, right?"
He rests a hand on my head, "Yeah, I know. But Papa was, unfortunately, called in today. I know I promised to take you all out today to the carnival, but I can't, babycakes. Aunt Lalli will be in my place."
I pouted, "Awwww...I wanted you to go, too, Papa!"
"Me, too, sweetheart," he sympathized with me, hugging me close. "But guess what...?"
"What?"
"Aunt Koko can't come because she has to work as well, but Aunt Yui will be going, too, and she's bringing Furora!" he cheered, laying multiple kisses on top of my head which made me giggle.
"Really?!"
"Yep!"
"I'm...I'm...I'm so-"
"Happy?" he suggested with a tilt of his head.
"Yes! Happy!"
He picked me up, holding me close. "Good, I'm glad you're happy. I hope you continue to feel happy, Kami...at the carnival...and for the rest of your life."
I wish I could've processed what he meant by that, but I was just an unknowing kid.
"Be careful!" Rika shouted.
"I will!" Joon responded as he kept climbing up the steep and rocky cliff.
I stared up worriedly at how far Joon was climbing. I understood he recently got his Quirk and was excited to try it out, but I didn't want him to hurt himself.
"Rika..." I mumbled.
"Hmmm?"
"Does sinking his...claws in the rocks like that...not hurt?"
She hugged me close to her by my side, "No, it doesn't, you worrywart. He'll be okay. When he gets the hang of it, he can carry you on his back and climb up there."
"Oh, okay..."
"Hey, you two, watch this!"
We never took our eyes off him.
Joon slammed his claws into the sediment, then his feet, and began to slide down, shedding a bunch of rock on his way down
I, being the worried fool, ran up to where I thought Joon would land.
"Hey, hey, not too close, Ami!" Rika warned
I had gotten too close and a rock, about the size of a four-year-old's hand, struck me on my forehead. I closed my eyes and fell near where Joon landed, but I didn't pass out.
"AMI!" both Joon and Rika screamed.
I spouted my fair screams of pain, holding the spot it struck with both hands. Though the cut on my forehead was little, a lot of blood spilled out and I sobbed like a crybaby.
Seeing...or remembering the blood running down my forehead almost made me...relapse into another hyperventilative episode.
Joon pulled me up from my knees, removed my hands, and twisted my body around to rest against his front side so he could properly look at where the blood ran from my hairline. It started to stain my left ankle-length ponytail.
"Oh, Ami! I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to hurt you! I should've paid more attention! It's my fault!" Joon blamed himself, holding a hand over the blood while the other held my hand.
He didn't have to apologize when it was my fault for getting too close to where he slid down.
Rika slid in front of me, holding my other hand and wiping my tears away.
"Shhh, it'll be alright, Ami. I'll go get Uncle Rui and Aunt Jame. Okay? Be a big girl for me, okay? And if not for me, for Joon?" I no longer felt her touch so I assumed she stood and ran, "I'll be right back!"
By that time, my sobs had softened to whimpers and quick inhales of air. Speaking of air, the
"She'll be back in no time, Ami. You know out of all of us, Rika is the fastest...that I think has something to do with her Quirk, but never mind that! What can I do to ease the pain? A lullaby?"
I shook my head no and hiccuped, "Mm...mm-mm..."
"No? Hmmmm...oh. Oh! I know! I'll kiss it better! How about that?"
Meekly, I nodded for him to do it, "Mhm..."
"Wait, the blood..." I sniffled.
Joon gently pressed his lips to the steadily leaking broken skin.
We didn't have any idea at the time that the simple attempt to ease my pain and make me feel better would trigger something in Joon that could follow him for the rest of his life.
"It's...d-irty. Don't get it in your mouth," I mumbled.
The gentle touch was replaced with slow licks, then rapid ones, next was a long trail down my cheek to my jaw.
"J-Joon?"
He suckled on my jaw, nipping at it as he let out some growls.
"H-Hey, you're scaring me. Th-that hurts‒ow. Joon-Woo, I said‒ow!"
"Ami," he sang, sounding enchanted.
He lifted my chin to look up into...black eyes. Those weren't the soft gold I remember. They looked scary, dark, and...devil-like. Rows of razor-sharp teeth filled his mouth as he smiled at me...if you could even call that a smile and he was panting like he'd run a marathon.
As if I were prey, he kept his eyes on each jittery movement while still holding his bloodcurdling stare with me.
"Oh, Ami...you taste so sweet, I could just eat you up."
"J-Joon...wh-what's wrong? Are you okay?"
"I will be once I eat you."
"KAMILAH, GET AWAY FROM HIM!" I heard Aunt Xitlalli's voice ring through whatever spell Joon had me under.
"Huh?" I looked in the direction of her voice, seeing her and Dad run towards us. "H-Help Joonie. Forget about me. I think he's not feeling well."
Assuming when they got too close, Joon wrapped his arms around me and pulled me back, growling at the two stressed adults, dripping saliva on the grass as he hunched over me.
"MINE."
"Joon! Stop! Aunt Lalli and Papa are tryna help!" I struggled to get him to move from over me, but he wouldn't budge.
"Joon-Woo, listen to me, I'll feed you a nice raw juicy steak, but you need to let Ami go first," she tried to reason with him.
"You sure that's gonna work?" Dad asked her with suspicion.
Joon whimpered, "But Mama! Ami smells so good! She'd be tastier than some regular ol' steak! Plus...she's so plump so she'll last longer," he pouted and affectionately rubbed his cheek against the top of my head.
"...Ayo, Xitalit, get your son before I do," Dad remarked with an attitude.
"That isn't how he meant it, Rui," she snapped at him. "Listen, son. I understand that Ami has some extra meat on her bones, but you don't want to really eat her, do you?"
"I...don't? Why not?"
"Just look at her face. She's beyond afraid. Wouldn't you like to see those innocent eyes look up at you like that every day? It'd be no fun if you...consumed her," Aunt Lalli chose her words carefully.
Joon-Woo finally leaned up off me, doing as his mother told him, and thoroughly searched my indeed frightened features.
"Hmmm...she does...look tastier with fear." He gave me an "endearing" smile and playfully jumped at me, "Boo."
I flinched, shivering at his sick attempt to scare me. He laughed at my reaction, hugging me closer to him in the process.
"I think you're right, Mama! I won't eat her this time, but when I do scare her enough one day...no promises!"
We all relaxed...but I suppose it was too soon to do so.
"But just so no one gets to you first, I call dibs first! I found you first so you're mine until there's nothing left but your carcass in my hands," he declared.
It happened all too fast.
I didn't notice when Joon-Woo lifted my hair. I didn't hear the teeth sink in the back of my neck. I didn't feel the newly warm stream of blood soaking my white haori. I didn't taste anything because my mouth went dry. I didn't see Dad and Aunt Lalli rush to me.
After remembering three of many core memories, I didn't notice I had closed my eyes while I told Izuku everything I could remember. I raised my hair from my nape so he could see the bite marks Joon left on me all those years ago...
"Since then...I've been imprinted on by Joon-Woo. I figured his...love for me was just his imprint on me, but the confession he made to me was...it was too genuine. Rika almost imprinted on me, too, to try and get rid of Joon's, but her mom recommended she didn't despite having more control over her Quirk."
I removed my hand from the back of my neck, no longer letting Izuku look at the bite marks.
"So he's...possessive and gets jealous easily?"
"He...can be, sometimes. I don't honestly know now since I've barely spent any time around him after summer break ended. Joon isn't a bad guy, he means well...although, people would judge otherwise because of how "villainous" his Quirk is."
"Forget about the people, I'm sure-"
"Yeah, fuck the people."
"That...isn't what I said," Izuku sluggishly interjected. "Ahem, I'm sure he uses it for the better. I met someone who had a similar problem with their Quirk. I haven't seen them in a while..."
"That being?"
"Hitoshi Shinsou, I competed against him at the Sports Festival."
"...Oh, yeah. The sleepy-looking boy."
Izuku chuckles at my reference to this Hitoshi Shinsou. "Yeah, him. Uh, so, what do you plan on doing about your friend?"
"I honestly don't know, Izu. Joon is a wild card when it comes to me; one moment, he's my sweet kicked little puppy, then he's a ferocious hellhound in the next."
"I see...a mix of me and Kacchan..." he mumbled.
"What?"
"Huh? Oh, nothing..."
"Hm..."
I stared at him for a few seconds before a smirk emerged on my lips and my eyes squinted into half-crescents. I waved a finger at him...
"Naughty boy."
Izuku blushed, "What?!"
"Referring to yourself as a "sweet kicked little puppy"? What are you, a simp? What next? You gonna call me "mommy"? I don't think Mrs. Midoriya would be-"
Izuku waved his hands about, "Okay, okay! I get it!"
I chuckled, "Oh, don't sweat it, Izuku." I sat up, "It's not like I haven't been called "mommy" before. Being an mo-...a person who enjoys posting pics on her social media makes me see the true depraved lengths the male species goes to," I teased him again before jumping to my feet.
Maybe, one day, I'll tell him I used to illegally model for bread to bail my "villainous" dad out of the infamous Tartarus prison. We're gonna sit back and laugh about this.
Izuku got up as well, becoming a flustering mess to which I only grinned at his nervous state.
"Now...let's continue our training." I licked my bottom lip, zeroing in on his emerald-green orbs. "I wonder...how should I punish you?"
["I'm sorry, but the number-"]
I stared at the background of me and my dad. It was a picture we took after he got himself cleaned up once he left Tartarus.
"What could you and Auntie possibly be doing?" I sighed under my breath so Komori wouldn't hear me.
She chatted with Kuroiro across from her. I took the seat next to the window because I wanted some time to myself to think before I went against all these schools that might be out for me because of my family title.
That's right, Class 1B and Class 1A are on their way to Takoba National Stadium, where the Provisional License Exam will take place.
I laid back on the bus seat, staring at the clear blue sky.
Ever since that...situation with Todoroki, I've been avoiding him like the plague. Every time Izuku and I would train together, I'd avoid the conversation by constantly attacking him.
Right now, I'm supposed to be playing "school". But...I'm a little unsure how to do so. I've always got something to do or think about other than school...yet I'm at a standstill right now.
I sighed under my breath again, "Boring..."
Soon, some puffy white cloud covered the vast blue, immediately giving me an idea.
'That's what I need right now,' I thought as I slid my phone and earbuds out of my button. I scrolled through my playlists until I found one that would pass the time.
Eventually, I just ended up clicking shuffle on all my music since I didn't know what I wanted to listen to at the moment.
I'll touch that fire for you
I do that three-four times again, I testify for you
I told that lie, I'd kill that bitch
I do what all of them around you scared to do, I'm not
Long as you juggin' out here for me, I got it
Mobbin', schemin', lootin', hide your bodies
Long as you dreamin' 'bout me, ain't no problem
I don't got nobody, just with you right now
Tell the truth, I look better under you
I found myself bumping to the beat of Snooze by SZA, desperately wanting to sing the lyrics aloud, but I refrained.
"Kami, you okay?"
"Yep!" I chirped to my Dad.
"Zurui, what did I tell you about calling her that?"
"What? She likes it. I don't see anything wrong with it. It means "perfect" in Arabic, and "god" in Japanese."
"Yeah, I know that, but...I don't want her being picked on my the kids in the neighborhood, ya know? You told me they made fun of you because of the meaning of your name."
Papa waved Mama off, "Ah, that was so long ago, Jame. Besides, I already know Kamilah would hold her own against any bully. Isn't that right, Kami?!" Papa said excitedly.
I nodded happily, "You bet, Papa! As long as you, Mama, and Kimy are around...and Joonie, and Riri, and Rora...I can do anything!"
"That's my girl!" He picked me up in his arms and hugged me. "You're gonna be one hell of a brave girl when you grow up!"
"Yay!"
"Zurui, language! She's only four!"
"When I was four, I was beating kids asses. She'll be fine with a little cuss words here and there," he said with lips quirked up.
"You'll be fine with cuss words here and there. If she picks up on any of that, she'll be seen as a bad child with a potty mouth at school. I don't want her to appear like that in front of other kids, especially the teachers!"
He let out a long puff of air, "Gosh, you worry too much, Jameela. What's up with you being so worried about her image? What? You expect her to act like a "proper adult with manners"? She's just a child. Children don't know any better."
"You know why I'm worried about her image, Zurui," Mama said in a scary voice and with a scary face.
Papa set me down, looking at her with a frown, "Is this about when you first showed up in Japan?"
"No. It's about when you left the path of light."
"..." Papa turned around, getting on his knees and smiling down at me. "Kami, do you want to go play at Rika and Joon's house?"
"I would love to! But...them, Aunt Lalli, and Mr. Fujisaki are out on a vacation," I mumbled with trembling lips.
"That's right...I forgot about that." Papa looks like he got an idea by how his eyes brightened, "How about Aunt Chiho's house? You can go water flowers with Furora!"
I crossed my arms, puffing my cheeks, "What if those meanie twins are there?"
He let out a tiny laugh, "You're my daughter. You know what to do. And if you're stumped, you know Furora has your back!"
I nodded, feeling confident.
Papa gave me his phone in case I had an emergency on my way there. He also followed me to the door and watched me until I disappeared beyond the hill that nearly covered our home.
As soon as I didn't see Papa anymore, I couldn't smile anymore.
I don't know why, but I felt...a little sad and scared. I squeezed the phone in my hands, trying to hold back tears.
"Is..." I held back a cry, "Is something...wrong with..."
"M...me..."
I felt a light shake on my shoulder, making me open my eyes and look in the direction the hand was.
Komori was speaking...but I couldn't hear anything. Suddenly hearing Recirpocate by Summer Walker made me remember I put in my AirPods. I took one out to hear her out.
"I've been trying to wake you up for a while. I said, "We're here"." She stared at me curiously, "Are you...okay?"
I gave her a reassuring smile, "Yeah, just wanted to get some rest. I was up a little late because I was nervous," I told a small lie.
She lifted my shoulder bag, "Do you need to rest a little longer? I can tell Mr. Kan that-"
"No. I'll be fine," I said as I stood up, grabbing my bag. "Let's go."
"...okay..."
I stepped off the last step of the bus, looking around at the massive stadium just beyond the walls, and the lots full of students from different schools.
'Damn...this is a lot of people...' I thought as I glanced around, somewhat nervous.
"Wow...there are so many students!" Komori exclaimed in befuddlement.
"Yeah..." I agreed, zoning out to block out the chatter.
I followed close to Komori and Kuroira, trying not to stray too far as I looked around the place. Though we're outside, it's a bit...suffocating...
'So...this is where Hakim and Uncle Rio came to get their hero licenses...' A smile slipped on my lips, 'Even Dad got one...I wonder if it's hidden in the house somewhere...or if Jameela left it at the old house...? Maybe she got rid of it during the move down here...'
I frowned at that thought. Possibly...She would've had it at the time she kicked Dad out.
"Ami?"
I looked away from the backs of Kuroira and Komori and in the direction of the voice. I didn't recognize the person standing a little ways before me. She was standing with some people who wore Ketsubutsu uniforms.
I gave the girl a once-over, taking in her appearance. She's at least 5 foot 10, she has black neck-length box braids, honey-brown eyes, and a caramel skin tone, and she's also wearing a Ketsubutsu uniform.
I lifted a brow to express my confusion.
"Do I...know you?"
She gave the same expression before it turned into a look of epiphany before giggling to herself.
"Oh, right. Of course you don't recognize me. I look so different than the last time we met." Her city accent abruptly changed, "Long time, no see, cous'!"
It sounded a lot more from the north-
My eyes slowly widened, recognizing the voice and that familiar smile.
"Rora?"
She nodded furiously. As soon as I squealed, she did the same thing and we ran up to each other with open arms. I caught her and we leaned side to side.
"It's so good to see you!" I squealed.
"You, too! You're lookin' good!"
"Oh, please. I'm still the chubby little fox I was back then. But you're lookin' great. Your hairstyle is pretty. I barely recognized you."
"Thank you. I just wanted to switch it up, and represent people like us. And don't downplay yourself like that, you're still adorable ..." She took a step back, holding my hands. "I was worried about you."
I lifted my brow again, "Worried about me? What for?"
She gaped at me, "You serious? You were kidnapped not even a few weeks ago! And not by anybody ordinary, but the League! Of course, I'd be worried about you! All of our fam was!"
I frowned, "Our family? Worried about me?"
"Yeah." Her face softened when she saw my sarcastic unbelievable expression. "They really were, Kamilah. My mom almost passed out."
"Oh, poor Aunt Koko. Tell her I'm sorry and that I'm well." I thought about Toya, "Actually...better than ever. It was...quite an experience."
"I will tell her. By the way, Aunt Jameela and Uncle Norio visited."
"Visited?"
She nodded, "Speaking of "visited", recently, Aunt Yuiko came up to Iwaizumi with a strange-looking man. She said he was part of a case she was working on. Is that the reason she's not here? Know anything about that?"
"...no," I lied with a smile. "Now that you've said that...do you know anything else?"
"Well...they were looking for Mister Fujisaki, I guess to convince him to take the case since he's a lawyer and all. Oh, Uncle Norio came alone, but your mom came by a few days later. She looked scared..."
"Scared?"
Furora nodded.
"Jameela An-Nur Shimizu? Scared? Hmmm...interesting." A maniacal smile stretched on my lips, "Good...I'm glad she's scared."
Rora perked up at my sudden expression, "Wait...has she not seen you since she's gotten back?!"
With how loud she raised her voice, she gained us some unwanted stares; some of those unwanted stares came from 1B, 1A, and her classmates.
I swung my arm around her and shushed her, "Shhh! Be quiet! I have to keep that on the low," I hissed at her.
"Why? Aunt Jameela is worried about you...I know our family doesn't care for her much, but...she's a mom, Kamilah. Your mom. Doesn't she have the right to know where you are? And what about Hakim?"
I sighed, "Listen...this situation...the situation I'm in is big. There's a lot to explain..."
She stared at me with a lowered gaze, then sighed, "...Girl, whatcha got yo'self into now? You in some deep shit or somethin'?"
I nodded, releasing her. "I just...need you to act like you don't know anything, or that we didn't even have this conversation at all."
She smirked, "How am I supposed to act like Ion know nothing when you haven't told me any nitty-gritty details anyway?"
"Hey."
We both looked in the direction of an approaching voice. He wasn't familiar to me at all, but Rora surely recognized him.
"Hey, Yo!" she said with a wave. "I want you to meet someone."
I raised a brow at Rora's suggestion, feeling unsure about...getting to know anyone here. There's no point...We're all sworn rivals by our schools.
My eyes caught sight of a worried Komori, a plain-faced Kuroira, a questionable Monoma...and though I couldn't see him, I heard a fuming Katsuki.
The guy who...looked eerily similar to Izuku moved his eyes to me, studying me, then tilted his head.
"I came over because it looked like she was about to put you in a chokehold. You good, Chinen?"
She nodded, "Yeah, yeah, we're all good here. It's just some...good news my cousin told me," she showed off her teeth.
"Cousin?" he questioned as his eyes returned to me. "You...attend U.A.?"
I nodded, then bowed my head since I caught on to Rora saying "Yo", It's most likely his first name so they're close.
"Yes. My name is Kamilah Shimizu. A pleasure to me-"
I suddenly felt my hands being grabbed which made me look up to the guy shaking my hands up and down with an excited look.
"You're Kamilah Shimizu?! The Shimizu?!"
I frantically nodded, feeling overwhelmed. "Y-Yes? Please let go of-"
"I heard you came out of nowhere! No one knew about the Shimizu family hiding a girl protoge! And I heard about you getting kidnapped by the League! You and that hothead over there went about that surprisingly well! I also heard you're also famous for taking on that robber with the gun head-on! It's amazing how you got the bullets out! You're quite the bold one, huh?!"
My eyes went back and forth between him and Rora, "I...I guess?"
"I noticed...your brother didn't look too happy about that either," he chuckled. "But Hawks gave high praise of your actions despite you being a first year, and hero in training!"
I blinked, "...Hawks?"
"Yeah! Wait...you hadn't heard about that?"
I shook my head, "No...I'm sorry, so much has been happening in my life that I hadn't the time to process anything. Um...Rora?" I questioned, looking at her for help.
"Oh, right! This is Yo Shindo. He's...a bit of a fanatic about U.A.'s first years. He didn't have any idea about you being my cousin until just now..."
I nodded, "I appreciate your admiration, Shindo-senpai, but-..."
I then returned my gaze to...Shindo's. Recognizing a particular emotion behind them, I squeezed his hands back and put on a fox-like smile.
"You really shouldn't lie to a girl like that," I said as I opened my eyes with a glower.
Suddenly feeling myself being jerked away and past the stunned Ketsubutsu student, I was ready to yell at who I thought I had in mind until I saw the back of a head with ginger hair.
"Taking away one of our best to hassle her. What a guy..." Kendo sighed.
I giggled, "Thanks for the save, Kendo."
"No problem," she said with a smile, then let go of my arm. "Don't stray too far again, Shimizu."
I walked with her back to our class, "I didn't stray. I just saw a familiar face here."
"That girl?"
"Yeah...she's family. Speaking of family..." I looked around for two twins but didn't see them anywhere.
"What's up?"
"...nah, it's nothing," I mumbled with a smirk.
'So much for trying to be better than the "fox failure".'
As I was talking to Kendo, I kept feeling eyes on me.
It was starting to get irritating until I snapped mine at the pair ogling me.
There was a guy...a tall guy. He's wearing a Shiketsu uniform and he's staring at me like a hawk.
I nudged Kendo and she stopped talking and then looked at me as I nodded off to the guy staring at me.
"Who's that?" I mumbled.
"From what I heard, that Inasa Yoarashi. He was supposed to attend U.A., and he was highly recommended, but he withdrew his application."
"Okay...but why though?"
She shrugged, "I don't know. Change of heart maybe?"
"No, not that. Why is he staring at me like that?"
"I have no idea..." Kendo chuckled, lightly bumping my arm with her elbow, "Maybe he likes what he sees?"
I deadpanned, "I don't know what there is to like," I mumbled.
"Body positivity, Shimizu," she told me.
"Oh, trust me, I know I look good," I chuckled. "It's...what's on the inside
"Personality positivity then," she reassured.
I shrugged, returning the intense eye contact the Yoarashi guy was giving me moving my head to look him up and down. I read his intense staring as an admiring one and, feeling a little bold, I gave him a wink with a swift smirk.
As I expected, he became flustered and moved his eyes from the prize. I snickered to myself, walking behind Kendo as we headed in the direction of what I assumed was a changing room.
'I'm really just fresh meat out here, huh...and I've got no one to blame except my own family.' I sighed, 'Of course I do. Because of their status, I got all ops around me.' I grit my teeth, 'So I don't have a choice but to drag my classmates into whatever mess some emotional asshole wants with me.'
Before entering the changing room, my eyes scanned over the crowd of 1-A and 1-B, locking in on a certain dual-colored boy.
I'm aware that the License Exam is coming up. This means we're going to be fighting tooth and nail against other schools. I'm willing to work with either of you... There's your closure.
I was hoping it didn't have to come to that...I didn't have any intention of working with Izuku or Todoroki, especially Todoroki.
"Allaena..." I growled.
"Hm? Did you say something?" Kendo asked.
"Ah, nothing, nothing. I was just wondering if we had to work with 1-A."
"Well, it's school vs. school...so I don't see why not?" She smiled, "Is there someone you wanted to pair with in 1-A? I'm completely fine with it, but Monoma might throw a tantrum after all is said and done," she joked.
"No, not necessarily. I didn't really want to work with anybody because I feel like I'd have to play a parent taking care of a child-"
The realization hit me so hard that I felt pain in my abdomen.
'...I didn't see nor sense Jameela here...and she's been looking for me. Mrs. Midoriya and Mrs. Bakugo might...! Fuck!'
A wave of panic washed over me as I fished my phone out of my inner blazer's pocket and tapped crazily on my phone.
"What's wrong?"
I put a hand up to Kendo's face, "Hello?"
["Oh! Hi, Kamilah! I wasn't expecting you to call! Wait, aren't you supposed to be at that license event right now? Is Izuku there with you? Are you both-"]
A sigh of relief left me, cutting off the worried woman, "...Thank goodness."
["Um...Kamilah? What's the matter, sweetie? Are you alright?"]
"I'm...I'm fine, Mrs. Midoriya. So is Izuku. I just...needed to hear your voice. It's...comforting, ya know?" I tried to cover the real reason why I called her with another truth.
["Oh...okay. Is there anything else you need, honey?"]
"Yeah...um, I just wanted to know when was the last time you saw Mr. and Mrs. Bakugo? I was wondering if they were both alright. I haven't talked to either of them since...well, prior to entering U.A. You're aware of how they can get, especially Mrs. Bakugo..."
["If you must know, Mitsuki and Masaru are fine, and are just as relieved to know you're safe."]
"Glad to hear. Say, just one more thing, Mrs. Midoriya..."
["Hm?"]
"Did...my parents visit you any time recently?"
["Actually, they have. Um, during that time you were "missing", Jameela and Norio visited but they weren't together so it was on separate occasions. I didn't tell either of them where you were, that you visited me, or anything. I trusted that you knew what you were doing. You are one of my son's inspirations and friend after all,"] she giggled. ["But...I have a feeling they'll be there at the license exam."]
"..."
["Kamilah?"]
"Did...did she say...anything bad to you?"
["Uh...no? Why do you ask?"]
I stepped outside the changing room, making my way back to the entrance, and thoroughly looked around.
As soon as I picked up on a familiar unstable aura, my eyes moved around to the outside, immediately making eye contact with tense blue eyes. No pair of golden eyes were beside hers.
["Kamilah? Hello? Kamilah, is everything okay?"]
"Shimizu, are you okay?" Kendo asked worriedly, having followed me.
"I'll...call you...back..."
["W-Wait, Kamilah! What-"]
I ended the call.
"Shimizu, what's wrong-"
I cut Komori off, who just caught up, by walking up to the woman whose eyes followed my every move. She's wearing her hero costume...so she came here to represent and have high expectations.
When I reached her, I lifted my eyebrows, a silent sign inquiring her to speak.
"..."
"Hi...mom."
"..."
"Where have ya been?"
"..."
"You're...not gonna to tell me?"
She inhaled slowly, "...Kamilah, don't you think that is something I should be asking you?"
"Well, you know that I've been in Japan, haven't you? You're the one who I haven't seen since coming back from America." I smiled, "Speaking of, how was your trip, mom?"
She returned the gesture, "Oh, it was quite wonderful. The American citizens were interesting people. Each interaction was unique-"
"That's good-"
"So unique that one of them agreed to marry you!" she cheered, clapping her hands together.
The faux smile slid straight off my face.
"...What?"
"Oh, I suppose you couldn't hear me. I said, "An American agreed to marry you!" I told him all about you, I even showed him a picture. He's really interested in you, so much that he'll be making a visit soon to meet you!"
"..."
"Once you graduate U.A. and make a career for yourself, you'll both be wedded. We haven't discussed the details, but based on how skilled you are as of now, I give it five years. Yeah, Hakim will carry on the family name should he ever take his eyes off work and on a woman, but I know it's you who'll make the most for my future grandchild because the young man I met also happen to be a well-known American hero!"
"..."
She looked down at me, smiling malevolently, "So enjoy your tryst with that Todoroki boy until then."
I was...livid. I couldn't think correctly after hearing that. Before I could think, the vile words left my lips.
"Todoroki...? That's who you're worried about? Hah...Todoroki isn't the one who's gonna fuck me, bitch."
Her demeanor turned dark, "What did you just-"
"Hey, Mom," Hakim casually greeted, approaching her with a smile. He swung his arm over her shoulders and gave her a side hug, "I know you wanna speak to mom right now, Ami. But ya gotta pass first, remember?"
Somewhat shocked by his abrupt appearance because he didn't tell me if he'd be coming or not, I managed a stiff nod...and a smile as if what I said wasn't spoken into the air.
I beamed up at him, "Right!"
With that exclamation, I jogged back to a confused Kendo and a curious Komori, I gave them a coverup for speaking to Jameela.
'...Where could Uncle Rio be?' I worriedly thought.
After getting changed into our costumes and the host had explained the preliminary test we'd be taking, the rules and requirements, we were given a free range of what to do and where to go.
Once the...box around us fell, I took the liberty of wishing Kendo and Komori good luck before I started to do some stretches...
'So basically, dodgeball. Easy enough.' I smirked, 'It's a little boring in the country so I've probably played everything they're gonna throw at us...even rescue with not only Izuku, but Hakim, too.'
I glanced around the stadium, continuing the stretches on my arms. I kept an emotionless expression as I saw familiar faces...some made me want to frown and others made me want to smile like an idiot.
I felt a combination of both when I realized the whole Shimizu family was here, watching and monitoring.
Great-grandfather, Grandpa, Grandma, Aunt-Ma, Aunt-Pa, Uncle Isamu, Aunt Chiho, Uncle Amari, Aunt Koko, Aunt Yuiko, Uncle Norio, Hakim, and Jameela. Even Mr. Fujisaki, Aunt Li, Rika...and Joon were here.
When he noticed I was staring at him, he grinned, showing his devil-like canines.
"KICK ASS, AMI!"
His shout earned a scolding from Aunt Lalli and a glare from Mr. Fujisaki.
This made my cheeks warm up, I slowly turned away out of embarrassment and it didn't help that students were staring between him and me so I covered my face.
"I know it's a lot of pressure, I know you have people here who don't support you...but just know that I'm with you every step of the way."
Looking up behind me in the stands, I saw a tall figure covered in a white cloak, leaning against the rail with a smile.
My mouth dropped open, but I knew I couldn't say anything. I closed my trembling lips, trying to blink away the tears, and nodding.
Somehow...some way...he was here. Dad is here. He's here to support me.
The heartwarming moment was interrupted.
"Well, well, look who's here, Miya."
I stiffened at hearing that voice...that face I finally got rid of once I met my boys.
Turning to my right, I saw the prideful Mika and the "humble" Miya. Boy and girl twin cousins of mine who attend Shiketsu and Seiai.
I decided to be civil, "Oh, hi, Mika, Miya."
"It's interesting seeing you here, little fox. I thought you didn't want to become a hero," Mika said with a smile.
"I...kinda changed my mind. I saw that it does have its perks and advantages."
"Oh, really? You think it'll be that easy?" Mika retorted with a grin.
"I don't "think", I "know" it will. I'm that confident in myself now, nothing like the shy girl you met so long ago."
"I'm glad you've opened up, Milah," Miya said with an unpretentious smile. "How's Joon-"
"Never mind all of that, Miya. I'm interested in what she's getting herself into at U.A.," he waved her off nonchalantly with a smirk. "What's this I hear about you getting kidnapped, huh?"
I smiled, "It's not as if I intended for that to happen. I was just trying to save my friend."
"Friend? You mean that aggressive brute, Katsuki Bakugo? You do know having someone like him as a friend is a bad rep for our family name, right?"
"Katsuki is not a bad influence. He..." I felt my cheeks heat up, "It takes a special kinda someone to understand him."
"Oh? So you're saying you're special?"
"Mika, don't do thi-"
Mika cut his twin off, "I mean, in technicalities, you are special, Ami. Developing your Quirk a year earlier than expected? Yeah, pretty special. But you know what's also special?"
"Stop, Mika," Miya eagerly exclaimed.
"It's special how your family had to move after you injured those children. Uncle Norio and Aunt Jameela had to pay those kids' hospital bills and moved away to keep their reputation. Not to mention, Hakim lost friends, and Joon and Rika became outcasts. No wonder why those two moved down here to Musutafu, too."
"...what?"
"Oh? You didn't know? No one told you?" He laughed, "I wouldn't tell you either if I was friends with you! You're a monster, Ami. You always have been and always will be."
"..."
"You think you can just start a clean slate at U.A. and forget all the misfortune you've brought to the Shimizu family? No. That's not how this works. The moment you were born, you were an omen. I feel bad for Aunt Jameela and Uncle Rio...especially him, you aren't even his kid."
"..."
"No one will always be your friend. No one will always take your side. No one will ever date you. No one will ever marry you, God forbid. Because you're just little ol' Fox Failure."
"..."
"If you even think for one second that aggressive brute has the hots for you, you're out of his league anyway. You're no good for him. As vicious as he acts, he can't handle a monster like you. Just let him off easy and he'll get the point to take a hike-"
"Don't talk about Katsu like that," I mumbled.
"Hmm? Whatcha say? The first thing you say in a while is that? Why so concerned for him? You like him or something?"
"What if I do?" I took a step closer to him. "What are you going to do about it?" I took another step, "Stop me?"
Mika frowned, "I'll tell Aunt Jameela and Uncle Norio you bullied me."
"What are you? Five? Get off your aunt's tit and your uncle's dick."
"Excuse you?! How dare you talk so vilely about your own kin like that?! That's your mother and-"
"I don't give a shit anymore. That's not my mother. Look, I've tried being nice, but you obviously wanna press a bitch's buttons today so the energy you're puttin' out is what you're gonna get from me."
Miya's jaw dropped, shocked by my change in demeanor while Mika stared at me with surprise.
"Like I said earlier...I changed my mind...on a lot of things. And letting you two bully me is a thing of the past. Say and do what you want, but as time goes on, I'm slowly losing fucks to give."
"Shit..."
My head snapped back to an approaching costume-clad Katsuki, making me wonder how long he was watching...or listening in.
"Who pissed in your cereal this morning, chubs?"
'Chubs? What the hell... He's never called me that before. What's with the new nickname?'
"Let's just say...eayila," I carelessly responded.
"What did you just say, you disgrace?" Mika tried to provoke.
"Mika, give it up, please? It's obvious Ami-chan isn't affected by what you're saying. You...We've held this grudge against her for years. Stop letting Mom drill all these bad things about Ami-chan in your head. It's time to give it up."
My eyebrows shot up, placing my hands on my hips and leaning forward with interest.
"What? Not enabling him anymore by staying quiet or meekly trying to stop your twin brother. How honorable, cousin. Your mother ought to be proud of you...or should I say your father?"
"Don't you dare speak of him! You have no right! Especially...with yours being thrown behind bars," Miya spat.
An amused smile slowly stretched on my lips at the irony, "Yes. "Thrown behind bars." Where he can't hurt anyone. Forever."
I'm sure my pupils were blown wide at this point, with how passionate and hotty I felt.
"But who's to say I won't..."
"Easy, chubs. I know you wanna go feral after the disrespect she's put on your old man's name, but save that for the combat against other schools."
I glanced over at him, leaning up as my face relaxed, "I don't need you two to ever cross my path out there...I don't need my hands getting dirty so early in my career."
Neither of them had anything to say. Miya pulled on Mika's arm to get him moving which he did after glaring at me for the last time and huffing at me.
"..."
"...What was that about?" he finally asked me.
"Some old beef that wasn't squashed. Don't worry 'bout it."
"I got a right to worry about it."
I placed my right hand on my hip, leaning on that foot's weight, "Oh, yeah? This was way before you came into my life. What makes you think so?"
Katsuki grinned, "I'll tell you when I pass."
I took a step closer to him, giving him a playful look up and down, "You've been training for this moment for a long time. I expect you to pass, Katsu."
He huffed, "Solo or team?"
"Everything I do here will be solo if I can help it."
"You sure?"
I smirked, "Everything I've done and will do...are all on my own, Katsuki. I thought you would've known your childhood...displacement...does everything on her own."
"That's what you think you are to me, huh? A displacement?"
I quirked a brow, "That's all I've ever been to you, haven't I?"
"Oh, trust me..." He leaned in close to me, returning my smirk, "I'll put you in your place."
I'm unsure why what he said made me feel...dizzy. But I didn't mind it. It was a good kind of dizzy, it's as if my body became sluggish. Relaxed? I got weak in the knees, too...and I couldn't stop smiling...
But I liked it...a lot.
"Kamilah."
The sudden change in Dad's voice made me stiffen and my face pinched into an ashamed one.
"Yeah?"
"...When this is over, we need to talk about your love life."
Both Katsuki and my eyes widened; as Katsuki snapped his eyes back up to the stands, I whipped around to see him walking toward an approaching Aunt Yui with his hands in the cloak's pockets, chuckling.
"Who the hell is that guy?"
"He...he's a family member." I turned around, waving my hand to dismiss what just occurred, "Never mind him. I-"
"Hey, Bakugo. Did you-" A certain redhead stopped short of his sentence, eyes moving from Katsuki to me, "Oh. Hey, Shimizu..."
I waved my hand once, "'Sup, Kirishima."
His gaze returned to a disgruntled Katsuki, "I'm assuming she's the one you wanted to "drag into the group of idiots"?" he asked him with a satirizing tone.
"Yeah. You got a problem with it?" he challenged.
"No, I don't. It's just-"
"No, no, no! Of course not, Bakugo! You should've told us you wanted Shimizu to join us!" Kaminari strolled past and up to me. "Sorry if he didn't make it clear enough for you, but Bakugo wants you to join us. Personally, I think you..." he looked me up and down, "...will make a good asset."
I blinked once, then twice, 'Did he just check me out?'
"...I...I guess," I strained, crossing my arms. "But I'm letting you all know right now...a person or two has it out for me, right now. So when they approach, I don't want anyone helping me handle it." I glared at the seething blond behind Kaminari, "Including you, Katsuki."
He turned his glare into a scowl at me, "Don't tell me what to do."
Tempted to speak my mind, I bit my bottom lip to restrain my sly tongue. I resolved to give an intense fox-like grin.
"Oh, Katsuki, you're so funny..." I seethed from tight lips.
"So Shimizu...what are you good at?" Kirishima asked, trying to change the subject to resolve the tension in the air.
"Hmm?"
"We wanna know so we can plan a new strategy," he summarized. "So we want to know what are you-"
"Everything," Katsuki answered, passing me by.
"Huh?" I exclaimed confusedly.
"You're good at everything, and I know it. If you weren't, I wouldn't have bothered to have you hanging around me for so long," he retorted.
I smirked, "Aww...isn't that sweet, Kacchan-"
Katsuki snapped his head back at me, "Ah?"
"I mean...Katsu," I teased. "I feel...a little honored that you think so highly of me." I put my hands back on my hips, smirking, "Why don't you be honest a lil' more every now and then, eh?"
"Shut up."
Smitten, I giggled to myself, 'In his own Tasmanian Devil way...he's kinda adorable.' I shook my head from the thought, 'Focus, Kamilah. He's openly praising you right now...and in front of his-...? Friends?'
"Are you...all not sticking to the rest of your class?" I asked Kirishima.
"Bakugo thought it best he works better without any..."dead weight" holding him back."
"..."
"Um..."
"..."
"Shimizu-"
"That so..." I mumbled.
'I thought of doing the same, but...' I glanced at a focused Katsuki, 'I probably shouldn't disappoint him.'
"Yeah. So what's your Quirk, Shimizu?" Kaminari asked.
"...Psyka."
Both the redhead and yellow blond looked at me with confused expressions.
"I can move and manipulate objects however-"
"And people," Katsuki cut in.
I glared at him, "...objects and people however I want. However, moving people requires a lot more of energy. Speaking of energy..." I put my hand out, forming the boa rod, "I can conjure it to create a weapon."
Kaminari raised an eyebrow, "Why a stick?"
I made a closed-eyed smile, "My father used to fight with a boa. I...wanted to honor him." I opened my eyes, "But I'll try to refrai from using my Quirk a lot. I'm more of a hand-to-hand combat girl."
"And why's that?" Kaminari questioned.
A smile spread across my face, "I have to prove to a dear friend...that you can kick ass—I mean...become a hero without a Quirk," I quickly corrected myself.
Katsuki scoffed while Kirishima smiled and nodded in understanding.
"That's very man-...womanly of you, Shimizu."
I giggled, "Thank you."
"Quit the idle chatter, Shitty Hair. You in or not, Fox?" Katsuki questioned, getting close enough to try and look down on me despite us being the same height.
I glanced at my family...and all of their eyes were on me. I looked Katsuki in the eyes, smirking.
"Sure, let's give my fam a show." I grabbed him by his vest to pull him closer, "But remember, this is temporary." I looked past him and at the other two boys, "Here's a warning. I suggest none of you look the female twin in the eyes. She'll fuck up your perception of everything you see."
Letting Katsuki go, I stepped around him, a whining and curious Kaminari, and a surprised Kirishima, making my way to the action.
'It's clear that most of them don't like him...' I bared my teeth as I smiled, 'Not me about to act a fool out here.'
As soon as the alarm for the game begins. We decided to immediately get a move on since we are...newbies.
A/N:
"While I'm here, I'm someone to honor; when I'm gone, I'm someone to mourn" is a lyric from "I Wish You Roses" by Kali Uchis.
"Eayila" translates to "family" in Arabic.
Furora Shimizu: h, t, t, p, s : / / i. pin img . "com" / originals / 60 / 94 / 3c / 6094 3c77 c40fd 547f 1349 9735 5866 e68 . jpg
Mika Shimizu|Costume: h, t, t, p, s : / / i. pin img . "com" / 736x / a0 / d5 / f2 / a0d5 f27f bd9d 2d7e 5a00 8114 99b1 f77f . jpg | h, t, t, p, s: / / i . pin img. "com" / 736x / 84 / 70 / 6b / 8470 6b68 00a2 2940 2dda 15cf bbf0 3736 . jpg
Miya Shizu|Costume: h, t, t, p, s : / / i . pin img . "com" / 736x / 52 / c2 / 5b / 52c2 5b4a fc9e 218f 72a1 20fa 44a7 6bc9 . jpg | h, t, t, p, s : / / i. pin img . "com" / originals/bd / e1 / 2c / bde1 2c93 6615 7c31 56ed da03 2bb9 2381. png
Again, this is going to probably be re-edited because I had so much content to give in this one. I will also be giving more content to characters other than Kamilah. What I mean by that is that Kamilah will be stepping out of the spotlight for a while after the next chapter, if not, then in the middle of the next chapter. I want more in-depth details on my newly introduced characters.
There are a lot of songs that help me make this story advance. That's one of the ways I start a story, by listening to music, I'm a music lover. For example, You Right by Doja Cat featuring The Weeknd perfectly describes Kamilah's feelings for Toya and Katsuki. Say So by Doja Cat also describes the situation between Kamilah and Izuku. I've given enough info on that, I'll continue to make progress on those...situation-ships in the story.