melwritesbadly

[melwritesbadly]

🥴🖤

Could you do hawks + a reader with a crow like quirk, like the reader and hawks brings each other shiny things every day, sleep in a nest like bed, and go on late night flight dates

birbs

y’all already KNOW he loves your wings

he used to be very self conscious about them but being with you has helped him come to love them

you guys help each other groom them 🥺

after work you guys go out to stretch your wings

he always initiates a race and lets you win bc he loves you

birb nests

you guys have a collection of pretty rocks that you gave each other

he finds himself cooing around you KEKDMFMDK

during spring time he gets a little more insistent that you sleep in the nest with him bc he wants to protect his mate >:(

assuming your wings are black, he likes to wear a feather of yours around his neck bc it blends in with his hero costume but also reminds him of you

would prob cry if you did the same

probably teases you about crow habits because he’s a loser

wrapping your wings around each other🥺😭

if he finds a fluffy blanket that would be good for the nest he buys it without a second thought

[melwritesbadly]

With Wings in All Black

After a tragic turn of events,  Kazama Kaori , AKA Hex,  has her  investigation swept out from under her by the #2 Pro Hero.  Reluctantly  she joins Hawks in the pursuit of justice. On top of trying  to solve the  biggest case of her career, Kaori is still a young woman  struggling to  find her place in the world. Life is turned upside down  as her  professional and personal lives start to blend.

Rating: T (subject to change)

Content Warnings: mild language, implied violence/death

________________________________________________________

                                                 Missing Person

Name: Sakata Naomi

Date(s) of birth used: April 17, XXXX          Place of Birth: Otsu, Shiga Prefecture

Hair: Brown (may have been dyed red)       Eyes: Brown

Height: 167.3 cm                                         Weight: 60.6 kg

Sex: Female                                                 Race: Japanese

Quirk: Painless

__________

Three for Communion 

After the welcome departure of June, the rest of the meeting was spent going over everything she had acquired investigating on her own with Duke, and Hawks. 

All those missing were convicted of some crime at one time or another. All were relatively young, Takei Kenji being the oldest. All under-educated with dead-end jobs linking them to large crime syndicates. Strangely, after their disappearances the area noticed a steep decrease in reported criminal activity.

“At first I thought it was Vigilantes,” spoke Hex physically piecing together the  evidence on the large table in the conference room “But then Kenji reappeared. According to his mother he was acting differently.”

“People change.” offered Duke “Maybe he cleaned up his act?”

“Maybe so.” Hex paused shifting through her notes “But then this name came up.” she pulled the paper she had written ‘The Bard’ on.

“Who’s he?” asked Hawks, plucking the tab of the can he was holding. This was the first he was hearing about this mysterious figure.

“No idea” Hex shrugged. “I was hoping to catch some audio of Kenji talking about him at the bar last night but well.. you know…”

“Poor bastard” commented Duke shaking his head.

“You’re the one who found him right? I haven't read the report yet. How... did he die?” her voice dropped off.

Hex didn’t have much experience with the dead. She had been to one funeral in her life but her Deda had passed naturally, slipping away in the night. He had looked peaceful in a strange sort of way.

Hex doubted Kenji was at similar peace.

“Not the prettiest picture. Looked like he had been dumped where I found him. Very much like a statement but I’m no detective.” Duke leaned back in his chair clasping his hands on the table  “Anyway, he was nearly in pieces, strangely enough, whoever did him in left the hands.” He held his own up in a macabre example.

“Damage from the quirk is similar to the injuries a U.A.teacher sustained from a member of the L.O.V. when they attacked their training center last year.” added Hawks.

Nasty, Hex reminded herself to mentally brace for the pictures once she did get the postmortem report. 

“So much for his quirk.” Hawks took the last gulp from his can then zoomed it towards the bin at the other end of the room with a feather. His tone equally normal and used to such violence.

Hex frowned, she never wanted this to be normal for her. But, those were thoughts for later. Now... new thoughts and possibilities ran through her mind.

“If the League is somehow involved...” brushing a hand through her hair tilting her head in thought.

Her seemingly random encounter with the number 2 Hero made a little more sense now. It would certainly help people feel at ease knowing that someone like Hawks was on the case but Hex doubted that word of Kenji’s death, or the other disappearances, would ever be publicly released. 

If she didn’t know any better, and she did, Hawk’s involvement had to be something else. She sighed.

 “And here I thought it was altruism that brought you to the case. If The League is involved of course the HPSC would have their best on cleanup duty instead of someone like me.”

“So jaded Hex.” Hawks chimed “A woman after my own heart. I know it’s not pretty but let’s make the most of it yeah?”

“Yeah yeah.” she shuffled through her notes once more looking for her quick looks at each missing person. 

“So why kill Takei?” asked Duke

“You said it yourself, it looked like they were making a statement. Maybe if we can cross reference those missing with known league activity?” she paused, eyes darting back and forth between the papers trying to find the connection.

“Turf war?” she muttered to herself tapping her finger to her lower lip.

“I’ll have Mr. Condor look over these. If there’s a connection he’ll find it. The police are pulling the phone records for that burner. Should have those by tomorrow.” Hex assumed Mr. Condor was another one of Hawks’s sidekicks.

“Then we can start knocking on doors and knocking heads!” added Duke punching his palm. Hex nodded, feeling useful and confident for the first time since she started looking into this matter.

---------

She parted with the Hero’s some time later and posed to meet Mayu for a promised dinner with her advance pay June, her new manager, provided her.

The two sat at their table picking at their food and sipping their drinks.

Kaori listened to Mayu go on about a woman who kept coming to her bar and asking her out. She simply nodded and continued to listen to her friend go on about her much simpler life compared to her own.

“It’s going to be so weird without you around.”

“I’m barely at the apartment anyway. Just a few days here and there. Just like a regular 9-5 In a weird sort of way I guess.” Kaori chuckled. “I’m a commuter now.”

“Only you’re a commuter who kicks bad guy butt!” Mayu punched the air, “Seriously though. I know I’ll miss you, but like... Are you ok with this?”

Kaori sighed

“Not ideal, but it’s a means to an end.” She paused “Better get used to the idea of Hero reporters skulking around the apartment though.”

Mayu rolled her eyes and drummed her hands on the table.

“It’s not going to be that bad, besides,” she flicked her hair “I’m always ready for the paparazzi!” 

Kaori laughed.

“Yeah you thrive off the attention. You’re like the neediest houseplant.”

“All the more reason for you to hurry up in Fukuoka and come home and drown me with your affection and company!”  Kaori playfully kicked her friends legs under the table.

“If you're going to be that lonely, invite a friend over.” shooting the bluenette a coy look.

“PB! How spicy of you to suggest” May shimmied her shoulders  but then dropped them “To be honest, I’m in a bit of a slump.” pouting, rolling a bit of napkin into a tight ball fiddling with it between her fingers.

“Well what about that girl you were talking about earlier? The one from the bar, you said she’s cute and you seem interested?”

“I don’t know.” she sighed “She’s said she’s just visiting- so nothing long term.” 

“When has that stopped you before, Yu?” Kaori smirked, gnawing on the little straw in her drink. Mayu grinned in return.

“It hasn’t, but…I just-with my quirk she just seems so… it’s all muddy with sharp angles.”

“You really shouldn’t be using your quirk on strangers without their consent.” shooting her friend a stern look.

Mayu scoffed and held her wrists out.

“Arrest me then Hero.” Kaori swatted them away.

“Just do go prying where you shouldn’t be. I don’t want you to get in trouble.” 

“Ah, I’ll be fine. If it gets that bad you’ll come save me right? Hero?” Mayu flicked the napkin ball at her best friend. 

“Always, you brat.” Kaori tutted and tried to hide her smile.

“That’s me!” Mayu chirped “Think of the headlines PB!” another giggle.

“Local Hero saves hopelessly horny romantic who doesn't know how to leave well enough alone. More on page 3” Kaori sips her drink.

“Ha! Sounds about right. Oh!” she excitedly bounces in her seat “Then, then- the local tabloid will get hold of it and cast us as lovers. Our passionate affair revealed for all to see.”

“You have too much time to think of stuff like that Yu.” Mayu shrugged  cupping her cheeks in her hands.

“Well someone has to. I could be like your media guru. We should make you a twitter!”

“Ah pass.”

“Get with the times Hexy baby, all the pro’s have a twitter. Endevor has a twitter- your mom has a twitter!”

“Wait, seriously?” Kaori bobs her head back “How do you know my mom has a twitter?”

“We’re mutuals” she makes a little heart with her hands “Who else can I talk about my PB with?” Kaori sighs feeling her good mood sour.

“You mean spy on me.”  Mayu puffed up her cheeks and threw another napkin ball at her.

“Not spy, just talk. She misses you. Maybe you should…” Mayu trailed off knowing how gloomy Kaori got thinking about her parents. She watched Kaori press down her feathers at her neck then pinch her nose, eyes fixated on the condensation on her glass.

“I should call them huh?” Kaori seemed far away,  Mayu knew to tread carefully. 

When she had first met Kaori she had felt so buried. She’s certain her family hates her. But how can they? How can anyone hate her when she always tries her hardest. Even if she’s hard on herself too.

Even with her quirk, Mayu doesn't know much about the situation. All she knows is that Kaori feels selfish and guilty about whatever happened.

“Well, I mean, yeah that’s a good idea!” Mayu encouraged “That way you can warm them to not reveal your adorable baby photos to the press!” 

“I bet my mom would totally do that.” Kaori snorts leaning her elbows on the table and messes through her hair. 

“You can tell them the good news too!” Noting her friends pessimistic, but open, demeanor.

“Well I wouldn’t call it good news Yu.”  Mayu waved her off.

“It is good news PB. You get to work with the number 2 Hero!”

“Hooray.” Kaori dryly cheered, not anywhere close to as excited as Mayu was on the subject.

“That’s the spirit PB.” Mayu laughed, used to Kaori’s glib humor but noted the strange far off look in her eyes. “Hmm? What’s up?”

Kaori blinked, regaining her focus.

“Just, thinking I guess. You’re right Yu.” Mayu beamed.

“I’m always right PB, ‘bout what?”

“My parents, I should call them. I’m sure dad already knows but…” she trailed off continuing to mess with her hair as Mayu looked at her expectantly “It’s nothing, it’s fine I’ll try to call them in the morning.” Kaori fumbled with her words not really sure how to articulate her feelings on the matter.

Mayu reached over and clasped her hands around Kaori’s.

“Personal growth, proud of you PB. Ooo, I’m so excited for you! You’re going to be the next big thing! I know it!” she let go of Kaori’s hands and clapped her fingers together, giddy,

“Pshh, yeah sure. ‘Introducing your new number 1 Hero, Hex!’” Kaori mocked in a dramatic announcer voice “No thank you.”

“Well maybe not number 1 or 2…or 3-” Kaori cut her off.

“Your confidence in me is humbling.” That caused Mayu to laugh.

“ All I want is your first piece of merchandise, OK? Remember I wear a ladies medium.”

“Oh jeesh, I don’t even want to think about stuff like that.” Kaori sighed “I bet the manager is already cooking up insane publicity stunts to make my life miserable.”

“It can’t be that bad?”  Kaori made a scrunched up face.

“Well, I didn’t make the best impression and came out swinging. She is determined to brand me.”

“Brand?” Mayu tilted her head. “like cattle? Weird...”

“Err, uh,  It’s Hero jargon. She wants to market me because I fit the aesthetic of the agency.”

“Ah, because bird.” Kaori nodded at Mayu’s simple but accurate reasoning “Oh that reminds me! I was looking up bird facts this morning.” Kaori rolled her eyes.

“Oh this’ll be good.” waving for her friend to continue.

“Did you know, “ Mayu started putting her most matter of fact face on “that crows and the red-tailed hawk are natural enemies.”

“Oh, I know.” Kaori responded in a knowing lilting tone. Recalling how her inner instincts itched at her brain last night to flee or call for backup at being alone and ambushed on the rooftop with a predator Hawks. But he was more man than bird and was decidedly not a threat to her. Annoying, yes. Intimidating, no. 

“But!” Mayu started up again an even more exciting bird fact bubbling forth “But, ok. So red tailed hawks eat crows, poor babies. But a red shouldered hawk will work with crows to take down larger birds like owls and other birds of prey!” Mayu grinned and fluttered her eyes giving Kaori a coy look causing the dark haired woman to shake her head.

“Fine, I’ll bite. Which one is Hawks?” knowing that is where her friend was going with this entire line of thought.

“No clue, you’ll have to ask him for science.” she shrugged with a grin and a wink.

“Biology.” Kaori pointed trying to hide the small smirk hiding at the corner of her lips.

“Biology is still science! But I guess it doesn't matter friend, foe.  Either way sounds fun, though I personally would prefer being devoured.” Mayu rolled her eyes blissfully and Kaori felt a small flush on her neck kicking her friend's shin causing Mayu to laugh.

“And which would you prefer, Miss. Chickadee?” referring to the text she had spied that morning.

Kaori groaned and pressed her fingers to her eyes.

“Death.” Mayu cackled.

---------------------------------------

A woman wearing an American Hero Association pin on her collar sits going over her notes of her time in Japan. This cyclitic system changes nothing. The flaws and cracks crumbling its foundation. Yet it persists…

She was sent here to learn, to find the best way to expand their influences over Hero society. 

Every mask she had come into contact with was so trusting. It was too easy to get them to talk, so easy she didn't even need to use her quirk to loosen their lips. 

It was boring. 

Boring, but still- Hakon needed her.

The front office buzzer signaled a visitor at the door. The hour was late but that didn’t matter. Her door was always open to any lost souls.

“Mr. Darma, please show our guest in.” 

Ben Darma did not have an AHA pin on his collar, instead he sported one with an indigo triangle on it. His hair was much shorter than it was 7 months ago. He filled out his clothes much healthier and he felt-

He felt...

He felt!

He felt

Content.

He had been so lost, so wayward. Now he had everything he needed. Ben wanted to give other people what they deserved, what they needed....

Ben Darma has never had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Bard. 

Soon. Ms. Alice promises. He was so close to ascending to the next level. Just a bit more dedication then his true potential could manifest.

“May I help you?” Ben had opened the door revealing a tired young woman.  She was anxiously tapping her foot as she finished off her cigarette. She was skinny, tired, but notably used.

By society, by others, by her own vices. She was perfect for Bard’s teachings.

“Err uh,” Naomi paused mid drag. Honestly she wasn’t expecting anyone to answer. She had felt foolish giving in a bit to her own despair tonight. Sick of bruising her knuckles in alleys, sick of dodging the police, her family.

The sweet lull of a new life,  a better life was too hopeful a promise to beat down into her subconscious tonight. 

“Are you lost, miss?” the tall, well dressed man asked her.

“No, uh- I’m looking for Kenji? Is he here? He said he would be.”

The man before her was a foreigner though he spoke naturally. Sharp features that Naomi found attractive though his eyes were...unsettling. The hair at the back of her head stood up as she met his dull drooping gaze. Kenji had similar eyes though his were not so dark.

“Did Mr. Takei happen to give you his card?” He asked, unblinking. Naomi took another nervous drag from her cigarette and fished the now slightly rumpled business card out of her back pocket. The man took it from her and  quickly pressed out the folds in the card. 

“Very good, would you like to come in miss?” the man finally moved out of the doorway and held a hand out gesturing her inside the dark office space.

Stomping out the butt of her cigarette Naomi stepped inside.

Kenji had called his organization a type of charity but this place didn’t look like any soup kitchen or halfway house she had ever seen. Her escort brought her through what looked like an office  towards a woman who was standing next to a desk. She was tall, lean with straw blond hair and the bluest eyes Naomi had ever seen. 

“Welcome, are you lost?” the willow of a woman asked Naomi and she squinted pressing her lips into an unsure line. The question set her hair on edge again.

“No, not lost. I told your friend here, I’m looking for Kenji. He said he’d be here?” Naomi nervously tugged out her pack of smokes smacking the pack against her palm. The man stood behind her hands folded neatly and the blond woman eyed the pack of oral vices with an annoyed crease in her brow.

“Stop that.” the blond ordered and Naomi did. 

How rude of her fidgeting like she was. She was a guest in this place, she would need to be taught better manners. She found herself thinking with a strange buzz at the back of her head.

“I’m sorry Kenji isn’t here at the moment but you are welcome to wait for him.” the AHA woman motioned towards a door at the back of the office. “There is food in the back as well as some medical supplies if you’d like to fix your hands.” Naori subconsciously brushed along the cracked skin and smatterings of dried blood(some hers, some not). 

Naomi didn’t like the way her brain was fizzing. Her instincts were telling her something that she wasn’t quiet listening to.

“Ah, no thanks. Just wanted to talk to Kenji. It’s late anyway- I’ll come back tomorrow.” Naomi turned and was met with her tall angular faced escort.

“It’s no bother, please, stay.” Her mind buzzed again. Naomi thought they had  invited her in despite the late hour. Such hospitality should be respected and pursued to its fullest. How thoughtful. 

“I-I suppose I could wait for a few minutes…” she turned away from the man and shuffled towards the woman who placed a hand on her lower back.

“Very good. Now, what’s your name, lost little girl?” the blond asked sweetly. “My name is Alice.”

Don’t be rude Naomi, Alice was being so polite and friendly it’s only natural to do the same.

“Naomi.”

“Well Naomi, Mr. Darma here will take you to get something to eat while you wait for Kenji, how does that sound?” Naomi opened her mouth as if to protest but Alice saw her eyes glaze over as her quirk worked and simply nodded.

“Mr. Darma, speaking of Kenji, he hasn’t checked in has he?” asked Alice as she went through the motions of unlocking the deceptively complex lock. Ben nodded.

“Correct ma'am, he is still working on the outreach mission you sent him on.”

Alice hummed ushering in both Ben and Naomi and closed the door behind them snapping the locks into place.

Alice supposed she should be concerned. After all, a lot of resources and effort went into making Mr. Takei presentable and useful for their needs. If she really needed to know where Kenji was she could always contact Hakon. But if she did that… her little passion project would be exposed and the punishment severe.

Such delicate deceptions took time.

She had to be confident that Mr. Takei’s mission would be successful, he would be back soon. Alice organized her notes and quickly cleaned her desk, done thinking about Kenji Takei for the evening.

Besides, she had a new project waiting to be shaped and molded.

Smoking was such a bad habit,

Alice smirked once again going through the motions of unlocking the door slipping into her workshop to find her new medium.

But such an easy one to break.

_______

End Notes: oooo, very spooky. Anyway, I still have some stuff going on. If you follow me on tiktok I kinda explain a tiny bit what’s going on. But I hope you enjoyed this chapter I am unsure when part 4 will be up. I’ll try and post something to kind of fill the gaps until then though. Thanks for sticking with me.

Other notes: Deda is a nickname for grandfather in Russian.

Masterlist

[melwritesbadly]

Masterlist

With Wings in All Black

Rating: T(subject to change)

Content warnings: Cannon typical violence, language, mildly suggestive themes.

A Murder of One

Two for Some Luck

2.5- Daddy Material

Three for Communion

Part 4... TBD

[melwritesbadly]

With Wings in All Black

Rating: T (subject to change)

2.5- Daddy Material

__________________________

End Notes: Mayu has Kaori’s name in her phone as Pretty Bird, I love her so much.

Anyway, I hope this is enough to sustain anyone interested in this series for now. Real talk, I have some stuff going on in my life right now so I can’t promise a time when the actual next part will be up. It’s about 80% done, but I’ve been struggling to get it done will all the other stuff going on so thank you for sticking with me and Kaori!

I’m also going to put together a master list for WWIAB so hopefully it’s more accessible.

[melwritesbadly]

With Wings in All Black

After a tragic turn of events,  Kazama Kaori , AKA Hex, has her  investigation swept out from under her by the #2 Pro Hero. Reluctantly  she joins Hawks in the pursuit of justice. On top of trying to solve the  biggest case of her career, Kaori is still a young woman struggling to  find her place in the world. Life is turned upside down as her  professional and personal lives start to blend.

Rating: T (subject to change)

Content Warnings: slight language, implied violence/death

________________________________________________________

‘Are you aware of the hour?’

                       ‘As if you were sleeping. ANYWAY, I’ve got another one for you!’

‘We’ve discussed your cryptic messages, another one what?’

                         ‘Why another little bird for the nest. I think you’ll like her.’

‘Somehow I doubt that.’

__________

Two for Some Luck

Hex decided to take the 20 minute walk back to her apartment rather than the much shorter flight. It was thankfully peaceful. No assaults, no muggings, just bustling city life despite the late hour.

She thought about her next steps and her current situation. Despite her perceived annoyance she was grateful for the help. She just hated that it cost Kenji’s life to get it, and that was not ok with her…

So why now, after weeks of posting to the Hero Network? And why him. When now, in all honesty, it seemed like a case for the police.

Pro Heroes usually didn’t investigate murders, at least not top charters like Hawks.

Heroes like Hawks were better suited for grandiose villains, not the everyday kind of monsters. That’s what the underground was for.

Because people like Kenji’s mother didn’t get happy endings, no heroic flourish at the end of it all. No triumph. Only grief.

Hex couldn’t protect her from that, just like she couldn’t protect Kenji, and she is no closer to helping all the other missing people either.

Some Hero she was…

The walk was not as calming as she hoped as her mind swirled with guilt and more questions she was not going to find the answers to, at least not that night. Instead she decided on a shower and hopefully a few hours of sleep before she went with the police to the Takei house…then to wherever Hawks decided to meet with her.

From the front of her building Hex could see the light on in her apartment.

Mayu must have got home early from the bar.

Soon her key was slipping into the lock and opening the door to her small shared apartment.

Kaori didn’t have much in the way of money when she left her father’s agency. Without an agency supporting you, hero work did not pay well, if at all. The odd jobs she took around the station were barely enough to cover her portion of the rent and her groceries but bless Mayu. Her roommate didn’t complain when her payments were late or if she had to pick up some extra costs. Her new job at the swankiest Hero club in the city paid big bucks and Mayu was a generous young woman.

“Kaori?” her roommate called from behind the closed bathroom door.

“Yeah, it’s me Yu.” her voice tired as she called back to the other woman.

“You’re early!” a muffled gasp “Bad night?”

“You have no idea…What are you doing in there?” Kaori kicked off her shoes and placed her black coat on the simple rack Mayu kept her various jackets and purses on.

“Oh you know, having another identity crisis”

“Are you dying your hair again?” Kaori asked sitting on the small but comfy couch Mayu had ‘acquired’ during her brief stay at University.

Stretching out along it Kaori pulled one of the colorful throw pillows over her face and briefly contemplated screaming into it.

She heard the door to the bathroom open followed by the barest hints of hair dye and floral shampoo that snuck under the decorative square.

Mayu lifted Kaori’s legs high enough to wiggle under them, setting them back down over her lap.

“What’s wrong pretty bird?” Mayu asked in her sweet voice then gasped “Wait don’t tell me-” she reached for one of Kaori’s hands and held it in her own.

[Glimmers of hope, new links on a chain, soft, red, light as a feather]

“You met someone!” Mayu gasped.

“You know I don’t like it when you use your quirk on me.” Kaori’s voice muffled through the pillow and wiggled her hand free from her friends.

“Sorry PB, you know I can’t help myself. Anyway back to the matter. You met someone!”

“It’s not like that. It’s work stuff” Kaori finally pulled the pillow from her face holding it to her chest instead.

Mayu’s head was wrapped in a ratty dye stained towel. Her round face and large blue eyes made her seem like one of those painted cherubs.

“What color this time?” trying to redirect the conversation away from herself.

“Baby blue to match my other baby blues” she clasped her hand and fluttered her lashes for effect. “And what do you mean work stuff?! Didn’t feel like work stuff.” she prodded, tickling her fingers along her friend’s shins.

“Yu” a sigh “I don’t want to talk about it right now. It’s probably going to be on every tabloid by the end of the week anyway…”

Kaori pulled herself up and stood up from the couch and made her way to her bedroom forgoing the shower tonight and resigned herself to wake earlier while Mayu was sleeping to avoid further questioning or quirk prodding.

“Tabloids, what? What?! PB!”

“Too tired, going to bed.” Kaori ignored her roommate who had jumped from her spot and charged at her rapidly closing door.

Mayu drummed her hand along her door and whined.

“You never go out with anyone and now you tell me the media is involved. What did you dooooo?” she whined dramatically, scratching along the door.

Kaori stripped her dark clothes and slid out of her flight suit and brushed out her hair.

“It’s nothing Yu, just… let me sleep, I’ll talk to you in the morning.”  she paused  “Don’t touch my stuff!” knowing her roommate could use her quirk on inanimate objects too.

“No fun” came one final whine from Mayu who then admitted defeat, for now.

______

The next morning Mayu waited until Kaori had finished her breakfast and headed to the  bathroom to shower. On the kitchen table was a box filled with various pictures, notes, maps and other handwritten details. Mayu held one in her hand not so much reading it but feeling what that paper represented activating her quirk.

She felt the hopelessness, the frustrated exhaustion. The perseverance. Strings and connections winding and wrapping leading nowhere and everywhere.

‘I will save them’

Mayu pursed her lips and placed the paper back in the box.

If Kaori had taken down her pinboard was she giving up? No, there was no way. In the 2 years she had known her if someone needed help Kaori would help them. Hex would help them.

[New links in the chain, hope, feathers] she recalled from last night. Hmm, the first part was easy to decipher. It had to represent whoever Kaori had met, someone new. The chain could maybe mean she was trapped, which would explain why she was so gloomy last night. Hmm, hope and feathers…

As Mayu thought through the abstraction of her quirk she noticed the unfinished cup of coffee and Kaori’s phone which just emitted several pings indicating she had just received messages.

Mayu knew she shouldn’t look but…

It’s not like she was snooping through her phone (it has a passcode and she could not for the life of her crack it)

She would just- check her lock screen for the time and…

Mayu hit the button on the side lighting up the screen. Kaori didn’t have a custom  background, just whatever came default with the phone but it did show a preview of the texts she had just received. The sender’s name caused her to make a confused but amused face.

The nosy young woman was not paying attention and did not hear the shower switch off as she scanned over the small blurb of text. Mayu gave a startled jolt as Kaori swung open the bathroom door and came out in a towel. Kaori was equally shocked to see Mayu up.

“What are you doing?” Kaori asked, eyeing her roommate suspiciously.

Mayu hastily grabbed the used mug and brought it to the kitchen under the guise of washing it.

“Oh nothing, couldn’t really sleep so I figured i’d clean up a bit.” She was a terrible liar and knew it.

“Yu…” the tone of her voice was enough to make Mayu fidget.

“Err, well” Mayu scratched her nose then twisted the ends of her hair. The now blue hair is a little frazzled but fluffy from letting it air dry.   Kaori stood arms crossed waiting for her to continue.

“You see…” she reeled “I was…cleaning up,” she gestured to her the mug in her hand “and well your phone went off and I just happened to see the screen when I was leaning over and…” She spun the mug between her hands, a small smile sneaking onto her lips “Who’s ‘Unsolicited dick pics’”?”

Kaori blinked confused.

“What?”

“That’s who texted you- well that’s their name in your phone!” Mayu giggled.

“My phone?”

Who could possibly be named that Kaori thought. Then stopped when the obvious answer hit her, face falling with an un-amused expression. She shook her head and picked up her phone and flicked it on going to her message app to see the full message.

She replied,

Hawks’s response was immediate and Kaori shook her head setting her phone down.

Mayu was watching her expectantly.

“Well?”

“Well what?” Kaori crossed to her bedroom and closed the door enough for some privacy but enough to continue the conversation.

“Who’s dick pic guy?!” Mayu asked, leaning against the wall next to Kaori’s door. She heard Kaori click her tongue.

“He’s not ‘dick pic guy’. Just some smartass who thinks he’s cute.”

“Ah, so he’s cute now.”Mayu teased “Who is he! You said you’d tell me in the morning!”

From inside her room Kaori sighed adjusting her bodysuit making sure the fabric wasn’t bunched before slipping on the rest of her clothes.

“If I tell you, you can’t make a big deal because it is NOT a big deal and this is strictly for work. Pro Hero business”  A dressed Kaori- rather Hex stepped out and pointed a finger at Mayu.

“Super secret and super dangerous!”

Mayu blinked but nodded.

“I’m serious. It’s no big deal” now it was Mayu’s turn to roll her eyes.

“You keep saying that but It’s making me think it is a big deal. Now spill!”

Kaori breathed in and touched her fingers to each other in front of her face at the brim of her nose.

“Hawks” Mayu’s mouth dropped.

“What.”

“I’m not saying it again.”

“No I heard you, just- what, as in, WHAT? Isn’t he mega hot and like the number 2 hero.”

“Yup, that’s the one” Kaori grimaced, speaking through her teeth.

“So you finally agree that he’s hot?” cheeked Mayu recalling a tipsy conversation they had when the popularity ratings were last posted.

“Just because I’m a bird and he’s a bird doesn’t mean I automatically find him attractive.”

“Attractive you say” Yu tried to fish further casting her a lewd look raising her eyebrows suggestively.

“Stop.” Kaori moaned, annoyed reaching up to smooth over the feathers at the back of her neck. They tended to tense and puff up when flustered, or in this case, annoyed.

“He’s not my type- too flashy” This caused Mayu to scoff.

“So says miss ‘I’m black as night spooky-spooky bird lady!”

“I’m not flashy and I certainly don’t like the attention!” Kaori waved her hands to maybe try and physically dismiss the subject. “This is why I didn’t want to tell you. I’m late already, I need to go.” brushing past Mayu and started to pull on her gear.

“We will continue this conversation later young lady” Mayu mock scolded,wagging a finger at her, Kaori shook her head

“Yes mom… I’ll see you later Yu”

______

Hex met with two officers just outside of Takei’s apartment complex. They did not speak to her but offered her a curt nod before gesturing to her to go on ahead of them.

She had never done something like this. To tell someone that their loved one… had died. It wasn’t something Hero’s did. Hero’s swooped in, stopped the bad guys and swooped back out. In and out of people’s lives, never lingering, never personal…

She hesitated, knuckling inches above the door, letting out a tense breath but finally rapt her fist against the worn door.

A soft ‘just a moment’ was heard beyond.

It seemed like an eternity but finally the door swung open and Kenji’s tired mother was revealed.

“Oh Hex.” she said softly, almost surprised to see her at her doorstep. Mrs. Takei’s eyes drifted to the officers who stood formally behind the Pro Hero. She gave a sad, knowing nod.

“Please… come in.”

They had waited for Mrs. Takei to make herself a cup of tea and settle into a seated position before speaking.

“Mrs. Takei��” Hex paused trying to find the right words “Your son- Kenji” She looked down unable to meet the woman’s gaze.

“Kenji’s body was found last night.” Hex said softly. A sad sigh came from the older woman.

“I see…” was all the woman could muster, Hex saw a slight sad shine at the corner of her eyes.

Hex stood and bowed her head low.

“I promised you I would find your son and bring him back to you. I not only failed you. I failed him. I beg for your forgiveness.” the officers bowed as well.

“Oh, no, please.” Mrs. Takei sniffed “Kenji, my son, he died the moment he went missing, I could feel it in my heart. At least now…” she paused again to compose herself. “Now I can lay him to rest properly.”

“I’m so sorry you are going through this Mrs. Takei. If there is anything I can do?” Hex offered a soft and sympathetic look in her eyes.

“You’ve done more than anyone Hex, I’ll be ok.” She sipped her tea.

“I can do more, for Kenji, for the others. Us Hero’s are not giving up-I’m not giving up.” Hex leaned forward and took Mrs. Takei’s hands and spoke sincerely, meeting her eyes “I will get justice for Kenji and for you.” It was a sad but welcome comfort to the woman.

“I know you will Hex, thank you.” Mrs. Takei squeezed the younger woman’s hands and finally let a few tears slip out.

“These officers will help you as best they can with any questions you might have and you can call me anytime you like ok?”

Mrs. Takei nodded sniffing once more then released Hex’s hands and brushed away her tears.

“Before I leave, I wanted to ask you…” Pulling out her phone Hex opened the picture she snapped the previous night of the business card “Does this mean anything to you?” The older woman examined the picture but shook her head no.

Worth a shot.

______

After excusing herself and leaving the apartment Hex made a quick stop back at her apartment to gather her evidence, she loaded it into a knapsack snapping it to one of her buckles and took flight to the hotel just in time for lunch.

Here we go…

Taking a deep breath is Hex strode into the hotel lobby. A quick stop at the concierge pointed the way to one of the conference rooms on the upper floors. The elevator ride was spent admiring how ritzy the place was and how she would put forth her evidence without sounding like a conspiracy theorist.

The conference room had frosted glass preventing her from seeing anything but shadows.

Should she knock? No- Jeesh why was she so nervous?  She felt the feathers on her neck creep up. She shook her shoulders working out the jitter and opened the door.

An impressive spread of food was laid out on the long table. She felt all attention on her as 3 sets of eyes took immediate notice of her intrusion.

Duke Amazing had a mouth full of some sort of sandwich and lifted his bread in salut and continued to chew, a few crumbs in his mustache.

“Hey! It’s the star of the show!” Hawks called out.

He was kicked back in one of the executive chairs, legs propped up on the table and a can of some sort of energy drink in his hand. His other hand gestured to the projector screen at the front of the room showing videos of… well her.

The other person in the room sat next to Hawks upright and smartly dressed in fitting business attire. Her eyes meeting hers seemingly stared at something Hex could not see. Just at a glance she was certain this woman never smiled.

Hawks noted his manager’s dead eye stare and casually elbowed her causing the woman’s focus to drop and lose whatever it was she was looking at.

“This is June, the agency manager.” Hawks gestured to her then to the table “Take a seat, grab some grub, I think we’re getting to the good part.” he swiveled in his chair a bit, rocking himself side to side as he turned his attention back to the screen.

Hex placed her pack on the table and took a seat opposite to Duke.

“This data is old.” She commented idly picking through the food to find something she liked.

“Well,” the manager clicked a remote rewinding a certain part of the video and letting it play again “You’re about as underground as someone can go. The name Hex doesn’t even register on any hero chart. A nobody” she played the next bit in slow motion.

Every beat of her black wings taking up a frame. The familiar motions slowly rolling through her shoulders and hips as the Hex on screen slowly spun and let loose several pointed feathers as projectiles into the villain on screen sending them back and into a wall subdued. June rewound it and played it in real time, the motion as fast as a blink.

“However…” fast forwarding again and video Hex zoomed along the screen, and two other figures joined her. June paused it. Hex frowned as she started at the on screen version of herself.

“Aello,” the picture zoomed in on the blond in the middle. She fluttered in the air, quirk similar to Hex’s but her wings were white and blue.

“ Ocypete” June zoomed in on the other fair haired winged woman on screen. Her wings were green with sparse flecks of black.

“Finally, Celaeno.” June zoomed one final time, this time on Hex. Her jet black wings a stark contrast to the white and green of her partners. Her dark hair is also in conflict with their uniform blond-ness.

Hex did not speak and only stared at her past self posed perfectly behind her flashier partners. Their costumes matched in every way but color. Blue, green, and black. The black of her suit  and her headgear were the only thing she had retained from this past persona.

The only thing worth keeping

Hex though as she eyed her past smile and eyes, perfect for the camera. Remembering how she had felt presenting herself that way.

“The Harpy Sisters- affiliated with King Crow Agency. Currently holding the number 112th slot on the boards despite missing a member.” She let the footage roll again switching to ground combat.

“Celaeno’s such a pretty name.” June mused more to herself then resumed speaking to the room “Still you’re very on brand for this agency.”

Take your brand and stuff it. Is what Hax wanted to say but felt that was a bit unprofessional. But still wanted to make sure the manager understood her stance on the matter.

“I told Hawks last night I don’t do agencies” Hex shoved a bunch of chips into her mouth making a point to crunch loudly.

“Well, as much as it is his agency. I handle all the logistics. And I’m telling you,” she paused folding her hand neatly on the table “We don’t ‘do’ Freelancers and since you don’t ‘do’ agencies  we can’t ‘do’ a team up.” using the same tone to match Hex’s.

“And why not?” Hex questioned trying her best to not let her tone get too uneven “You said yourself I’m nobody. You have nothing to gain by trying to brand me- no one cares. No one cared that I left King Crow, and no one cares now.”

June tutted and had a constrained grimace on her face.

“True no one gives a damn about you Hex. But people care about Hawks. And it’s my job to protect his image so people continue to care about him. I know things are different working underground but topside? This is his world.” She gestures to hawks who simply shrugs “He’s the number 2 hero. Society chose him to be their hero- whoever is represented by his agency is a reflection on him. If we have ‘nobodies’ skulking around his agency it could make a bad impression”

Hex stood abruptly and walked towards the other end of the table.

“June, look now what you’ve done. Scared the poor girl off.” Commented Duke finally brushing his face free of crumbs.

Instead of leaving, Hex grabbed her bag and stomped to where June and Hawks were sitting. Locking eyes with the woman, Hex undid the fastening and dumped the contents out on the desk before her creating a mess.

“This is what I think of your stupid charts and pretty pictures of Hero’s.” quickly rifling through the paper and pulling out the pictures.

“ Taichi Mizo, missing 6 weeks. Ochiro Honda, missing 4 weeks, Ben Darma missing 7 months.”

Hex listed about a dozen people holding a picture to correspond to the names.

“I have been begging for help for weeks on the HN. For one of your ‘top charters’ to notice. To do something about this. But no.” she tossed the pictures on the pile “You were too busy posing for pictures, and worrying about what others think about Hero’s rather than being an actual Hero. Then you get caught with your pants around your ankles. Go “Woops, my bad.”

“I think you’ve made your point”

“Have I?” Hex huffed “Someone died because the only person who cared was me and I was too much of a nobody to help. Then you come at me and tell me how to do things when I’m the only person who’s done anything to try and fix this problem!” The room was awkwardly silent. Hex felt puffed up but resisted the urge to press down her neck and stood firm eyes never leaving June’s.

Duke stood silently and tip-toed out the room, an extra sandwich and bag of chips in his hand closing the door with a soft click.

“Well, that was intense!” Hawks tried to break the tension taking a loud sip from his can. Hex sighed in frustration and began collecting her papers.

So much for being cool.

“Listen, Hex. It’s bullshit, it’s all bullshit.” Hawks started fiddling with the tab of the can “The glitter, the glory. You’re right, we’re caught pants down, dick out-”

“Language” chided June causing Hawks to gesture towards her.

“See what I mean I can’t even tell it how it is without getting my wrists slapped.” June swatts his hand away “Anyway. I asked you to help. I want you to help. Because you care. I admit I have to drink the kool-aid every now and then but that’s the price we pay as Hero’s. The trick is not to chug.” He sips at his own drink “A sip here, a sip there and even bullshit is bearable if it means I can be the Hero I want to be. Now you said last night you needed resources. If it’s one thing this kool-aid man has is resources.” Hex tutted and  finally smoothed down her neck.

“So It comes down to ends and means huh?”

“Seems so Chickadee”

She placed her hand on her hips and looked up and let out a deep breath.

“Fine then. Limited term contract- my previous conditions still stand. Full access and availability to this case.”

“Very good, a 12 month term with the agency.”

“6 months and I retain and manage my own promotional material” It was June’s turn to tutt.

“Unacceptable, the agency manages any and all images associated with the Hero’s under its employ. 9 months with lodgings.”

“I like my apartment, commuting isn’t so bad. 6 months and I can Veto any publicity I deem unnecessary.”

“8 months and you get 1 veto.”

“8 months and I get 2 vetoes” Hex stood firm and crossed her arms.

“8 months, you get 1 veto, and you get to retain your costume and persona. Even though Celaeno would be better branding for the agency.”

June pulled out a pen and pulled out a folder that was buried under the mess of papers Hex had dumped out.

“8 months, 1 Veto, Hex stays and you,” she pointed at Hawks, “no longer call me Chickadee.” It was his turn to tut resuming his twisting in his chair.

“Ah, there is no way I could sign off on a ‘no Chickadee’ clause in your contract Chickadee. Then I’d have to think of a new nickname for you and frankly that’d be too much work.”

“Worth a shot.” She nodded “Ok, deal”

“Fantastic, welcome aboard Hex.”

June quickly filled out the form then handed it along with a sort of stamp to Hawks. He didn’t bother looking over the contract and simply put his stamp to where it needed to be signed then  used a feather to move the contract over to Hex letting it hover until she grabbed it. Once she did he made the feather do a lap around her prompting her swat it away like a fly. Pleased with her annoyance he recalled it and it zoomed back into place among his other vibrant plumage.

She read through its entirety making sure the agreed upon terms were fairly stated. Those stale management courses she took finally came in handy it seemed.

She was as satisfied as she was going to be given the situation and put a pen to the paper.

“Bottoms up Kool-aid man” she said and signed her hero credentials

“Cheers” chimed Hawks cracking open another can.

______

End Notes: I hope you guys are liking this so far. Sorry if it seems a little slow right now.  Chapter 3 is almost done, and four has some agency fun. Also the text parts might seem a little weird since I’m on android and there is no good social dummy app to make fake texts. Anyway, I’m planning to do little fun half parts in between the larger chapters to give myself some time to work on the next parts so looks for that next week.

Thank you!

[melwritesbadly]

With Wings in All Black

After a tragic turn of events,  Kazama Kaori , AKA Hex, has her investigation swept out from under her by the #2 Pro Hero. Reluctantly she joins Hawks in the pursuit of justice. On top of trying to solve the biggest case of her career, Kaori is still a young woman struggling to find her place in the world. Life is turned upside down as her professional and personal lives start to blend.

Rating: T (subject to change)

Content Warnings: slight language, implied violence/death

________________________________________________________

Assistance Requested: Information and surveillance details urgently needed regarding reported missing persons. Suspected Vigilante involvement, or other syndicates. Please respond for additional details.

Status of current investigation: Ongoing

__________ 

A Murder of One                        

Hex adjusted the dial on the receiver on her headgear tuning in to the frequency of the microphone planted in the bar below her. She hoped the ungodly amount of paperwork she traded for the device was worth it.  The other detectives at the station simply shrugged at her evidence- or rather, her lack-thereof.

Still it didn’t change the facts.

Fact 1- Low level criminals are disappearing.

Fact 2- People are disappearing

Fact 3- No one cared- but her.

Fact 4- Takei Kenji, one of the missing, had recently been seen in the area and was seemingly ‘not himself’ as described by the anonymous tip that was forwarded to her.

Takei Kenji, age 27. Minor invulnerability quirk. Last known occupation: ‘Nightwatchman’ for a warehouse commonly used for clandestine meetings for the local riff-raff. Reported missing by his mother 3 weeks ago.

After speaking with Mrs. Takei, she pieced together Kenji’s new schedule. After tailing him a few days he truly seemed like a new man, reformed. 

His dress was proper and pristine, clean shaven and hair combed and presentable. It was a stark contrast to the photo used on the missing person flier taped to her pinboard (along with all the other missing persons). With no discernible pattern, at least not to her, about the next victim(?) or the whereabouts of any of the others, Kenji was her best, and only lead.

Tonight, she could expect him to show at one of his usual haunts.  The bar below her. Not to her personal taste, the clientele of the more stabby nature. 

Earlier that week she managed to convince the bartender to spill a few snippets of the conversations between Kenji and the other patrons.

“The Bard this, The Bard that.” griped the bartender as he dumped the trash into the alley dumpster. “It’s pissing off my regulars and they’re pissy enough as it is.” 

He should have been here an hour ago though. Hex sucked on her lower lip, displeased as she scanned the road leading to and from the bar entrance. She’d give it another half hour then try and regroup on his trail in the morning.

“Cheers to another late night.” she muttered to herself listening in to the chatter and ambiance of the dive bar. 

________

Her 30 minutes go by and she huffs before finally switching the receiver off.  She’d go by tomorrow to get the mic back.  Just as she was about to stand from her perch Hex heard the unmistakable beat of wings above her, large ones, judging by the sound. 

It reminded her of her father. Probably one of the last people she wanted to see right now. Especially since her only lead ditched her for the night.

This night sucks.

 Hex thinks to herself, finally looking up intending to see the dark wings of King Crow finally come to drag her home but instead, she sees red.

This has to be the reason Kenji never showed. The thought bounces around her head angrily as none other than the number 2 Hero in Japan descended from the nightly heavens and landed on her rooftop.

This night really sucks.

“Yo!” Hawks held up a hand in greeting neatly folding his very noticeable wings against his back, shoving the other hand into his pocket.

“Will you get down!” Hex harshly whispers, gesturing him to stoop down and out of sight.

“Jeesh, hi, hello how are you? I’m fine, thanks for asking.” he jokes casually but still squats down feet planted on the ground resting his arms on his knees. Hex shakes her head and resumes her post looking up and down the street despite her previous resignation.

“You’re Hex right?” he starts “I’m-” She cuts him off not taking her eyes off the street.

“Obviously I know who you are. Everyone knows who you are. Especially every lowlife in the area who’ve probably fled after seeing your chicken legs flailing in the wind.”

“Ooo, ah, that’s my physical appearance. That hurts you know.” Feigning  being wounded, Hawks placed a hand over his heart but still kept the jovial tone. A smart smirk inching up his cheek continuing. 

“But you’re not after ‘every lowlife’, though right? Just the one. Takei Kenji?'' 

She turned to him and tilted her head, large round eyes finally meeting his sharper, more angled ones. 

“How did you...?” she trailed off, honestly surprised. It wasn’t common knowledge on how her ‘investigation’ was going. Uncommon because, well quite frankly… no one cared. Especially other Heroes. 

“Sorry Chickadee but I got some bad news.” Hawks stood back up and crossed his arms leaning against a nearby cooling unit.

Hex rolled her eyes

“Don’t call me that. What happened?” She looked up at him.

“Well, one of my guys found your guy in… not great shape.” 

Hex cursed running a hand through the back of her head, then sighed.

“How bad?” prepping for his answer.

“Morgue bad”

“Dammit!” cursing again, pinching her brow reeling from the implications.

“Your buddies at the station said you'd might want to know as a professional courtesy” brow pinched once more, Hex felt the annoying start of a headache between them.

“Courtesy? For what...” a thought flashing through her mind and she stood eyes going wide “Don’t you dare close my case!” jabbing a finger in his direction.

 He turned his head to face her more, still calm, still leaning, still observing.

“Close it? Oh no, wouldn’t think of it Chickadee. I’m taking over the investigation.”

Hex gaped. Momentarily at a loss for words. The frustrations starting to come to a point at the back of her neck, feeling an uncomfortable bristle forming.

“What no, you can’t! Do you know how much work” gesturing wildly with her hands “How much time! The favors I had to do, the resources I scrounged for-”

“Which are no longer a problem.” He blocked one ear with a finger and shot her what would have been an award winning smile “No need to shout Hex. Obviously I want to keep you,”  He paused, throwing a wink her way  “Keep you on the investigation that is.”

Hex scoffed,her head bobbing back as she shot him an incredulous look.

“I don’t do agencies, and I’m no one's sidekick.” she threw another annoyed jab of her finger in his direction.

“Ooo touchy. Freelance then. Sound good Chickadee?” Hawks held up his hand to maybe physically shield him from her ire.

“Stop calling me that and maybe I’ll let you help”

He smiled-no smirked again pushing off of the cooling unit he was leaning on stepping towards her shrugging his shoulders.

“That doesn't sound like a mutually beneficial arrangement to me.” Hex rolled her eyes and crossed her arms haughtily with a huff.

“And how does calling me stereotyped nickname benefit you, birdbrain.” 

Hawks chuckled. He didn’t expect it to be so easy to ruffle her feathers.

This was going to be fun.

“Isn’t that how these buddy cop movies play out? One hard-ass with a secret heart of gold and their handsome, comic relief partner put aside their differences to crack the case and learn the meaning of cooperation and friendship. Roll credits”

Hex tilted her head and shot him an unamused expression, opening her mouth to speak.

“I am not a hardass-” she stopped herself holding her palm up to stop the little banter she was getting pulled into. “Can you circle back, Takei Kenji?”

“Can we circle back to this team up? After all this is my case now?” 

Hex scrunched up her nose, not pouting, she told herself, and re-crossed her arms.

“Sounds like something a hardass would say.” she snarked and he grinned again, throwing his arms up bringing them down behind his head.

“You caught me. Hawks, the hardass with a heart of gold. Guess that makes you my handsome, no wait, beautiful partner then. So how's about it Chickadee?”

“Uhg” Hex clicked her tongue and rolled her eyes again. Squaring her shoulders she placed her hands on her hips

“I want a contract. Full access and authority over any and all future developments and details about my case.” Hawks nodded but shot her a finger gun.

“Our case.”

“Whatever!” she sighed looking up at the night sky hands still on her hips. 

“The agency manager can draft up whatever you’d like tomorrow. Let’s go see what Kenji had in his pockets shall we?”

Hex nodded reaching up to her headgear. She flicked the visor portion that was pushing her hair back over her eyes. The experimental mirrored tint softening the city night lights. She switched the setting on her earpiece making sure the seal around the was snug. Hawks floated a foot above the ground looking a little bored as he waited.

 Show off

Hex activated her own quirk, the bundle of jet black feathers at the base of her hair sending a shiver down her spine causing other inky feathers to erupt from her skin. The ebony plumes forming patterned rows along her arms covering them completely. 

Letting them creep upwards to the sides of her neck but stopped them before then could go any further on her body. Just enough for her to achieve flight. She did a small jump maintaining the upward moment with a strong flap of her feather covered arms and started for the station.

Harpy Hero: Hex

Quirk: Harpy- Half human, half bird! She’s able to do most things a bird can do and then some! Most notably, she can grow enough feathers to achieve flight.

______

There is no traffic in the sky and the previously chatty #2 Hero was silent during their flight. Hex was thankful, it gave her some time, however brief, to think.

This new development was...tragic. Someone would have to tell Mrs.Takei in the morning.

It should be me...

It’s just, Kenji was small time.  So why would he turn up dead?

And more importantly...

Hex cast a look in her periphery at the Fierce Wing Hero.

How did this fall into the lap of the number 2 Hero?

______

Hawks landed first. Not bothering to tame his windswept hair but did look up to observe Hex’s descent. She wasn’t quite as fast as him, well, then again, no one was. But she was graceful and skilled as she navigated the air currents. 

Fanning her wings wide Hex slowed her movements getting ready to land. A few more well practiced flutters and she also touched back down. Before she can remove her headgear she dispels her feathers. Casting them off with a quick flick of her arms. She hardened them into slivers then ground them to sand with another flick to minimize the mess and general rudeness of not picking up after your quirk.

She adjusted her headgear and hair and blatantly ignored the cheeky claps and nods of approval from the man besides her. She strode past him and up into the station. The night reception paid her no mind but did double take when they saw Hawks’s crimson wings engulfing their foyer.

Just outside the morgue waited a man with an impressive and well manicured mustache. He wore a white button down shirt with the sleeves rolled up, suspenders and the first few buttons open.

“This her boss?” he asked in an accent indicating that he was from Australia. 

“Hex,” she offered “And you are?”

“Duke Amazing. Pleasure.” he greeted offering his hand. She was not expecting such a strong handshake.

“Given the circumstances…” she trailed off.  “You found Takei?”

“Well, what’s left that is…” Duke gestured to the door he was waiting in front of  “They’ve finished up for now. Just waiting on the bossman for the paperwork and whatnot.” He made another gesture in the direction of a door a little ways down the corridor.

“They’ve got his belongings in there”

“Perfect, cross the t’s and dot the i’s for me Duke?” before his sidekick could answer Hawks was already starting down the corridor. Hex followed close behind. 

Duke shook his head crossing his arms.

“June’s gunna pitch a fit again Hawks”

“Op, can’t hear you, the doors closing!” gently shoving Hex in the room and hastily closed the door behind them.

“Uhg paperwork” He bemoaned and leaned against the door

“Paperwork” Hex commiserated but was already looking over the items laid out on the small table.

There wasn’t much but everything was bagged, labeled and detailed on a piece of paper next to the items.

There was a small wallet, no money, a personal ID card. An older model cell phone, unusable. Most likely damaged in whatever altercation Kenji found himself in.

“Probably a burner” Hawks shrugged “Still, I'll get someone to pull the numbers.”  He made no move to examine the items himself but instead watched Hex very carefully as she examined each one. 

She cupped her chin as she looked at the final piece of evidence, brow furrowed.

“I’ve seen this before...” she commented, turning over the small business card over front to back several times examining it. 

While it was the same shape and card stock as a business card it held no information. No address, phone number, or even a business name. All that was printed was an indigo triangle.

“What is it?” He was curious because he had no idea what the shape meant either.

“I…” she started, brows still furrowed. “I have no idea, but I know I've seen this...” 

She placed the bagged card back on the table and leaned over it rubbing her hand to the back of her neck smoothing down her feathers there. The memory of where she’d seen this particular shape eluding her.

“Maybe at his apartment?” she muttered to herself, then sighed

“I’ll have to go back over my notes.” Hex leaned up from the table and unzipped her jacket pulling out her phone and snapped a quick picture on the item.

“How about we meet back up tomorrow then. Let me give you my number.” Hawks held out his palm asking for her phone. She was just about to hand it over but thought better and pulled it back causing him to catch air.

“No social calls, no memes at 3 in the morning, no unsolicited pictures.” her tone stern

“What if they’re tasteful?” he made a grabby motion with his hands and gave his brows a waggle.

“They’re never tasteful.” she quipped back but finally relented and handed over her phone.

Hawks flipped it over in his hands and quickly typed in his information jokingly setting the name for his number “Unsolicited dick pics” with an appropriate emoji next to it. He sent himself a quick text with her phone then clicked hers off and handed it back to her.

He was extremely pleased when she didn’t double check his contact info and simply zipped the phone back into her pocket. His little joke would be a fun surprise for the morning then.

“Send me where you want to meet tomorrow” She pressed her fingers to the back of her neck again “I’m heading out. Looong night” 

Hawks moved away from the door and let her pass, parting for the night.

“Well that led to a whole lotta nothing” He mused to himself finally taking his turn to look over the offending card stock.

“It’s never an easy mess to clean up is it?” He tossed the card back on the table.

_________________________________