#Eijiro Kirishima X Takara Yamada

[the-lupine-sojourner]

A Merman and a Teacher [Request 1] [Merman!Kirishima/Takara] [No Quirk AU]

Hello my friends! No this story isn’t dead lol. In honor of MerMay, I guess, here’s another chapter of this story! 

This was requested by @kitteylove​ who is super super sweet and patient. They requested this a while ago and I just now got around to finishing it. Sorry my friend! Anyway, I hope you like it! 

One thing I need to mention is this entire story is basically a spin-off of @thetrashywritingwitch​‘s AMAZING story, Tedium in Blue (here’s a link to the story on AO3). In their story, they kept the reader gender neutral, so while I used female pronouns accidentally in the first chapter when I mentioned the reader from Tedium in Blue, I will use they/them and Y/N as their name from now on. 

Alrighty! Here’s Chapter 1 Link and Chapter 2 Link! Now, let’s get on to the story! I kinda feel like this went everywhere, but I’m getting tired and I wanted to get this up before I go to bed, so...please accept this. I might go back and edit later. Idk.

Ok for real, hope you all enjoy! 

God Bless and Good Day! 

~The Lupine Sojourner

It had been several months since I’d started meeting with Kirishima, whose first name I had yet to find out. 

In that time, we’d grown very close, but Kirishima told me with his limited English that first names were very personal and intimate for merfolk. 

Their first name was rarely shared with anyone until such time as the merperson in question chose a mate or had grown to trust another person so completely that they felt safe revealing their first name. 

I had no right to ask him his first name, and still felt lucky he trusted me with his last name at all and kept risking discovery to see me every day (with a few breaks that he always told me about). 

He was getting so good with English, we could almost hold normal conversations, but it was still limited to smaller words and we had to stop to let Kirishima figure out how to say a word in English sometimes.

“You’re good at words.” I praise when we were starting to wrap up our little meeting for the day. 

“Kara stay please?” He asks in reply, looking suddenly sheepish.

 ‘Please’ and ‘thank you’ had been some of the first words I’d taught him after our first meeting, when I’d gotten dunked and Kirishima stole a kiss on the cheek. 

I raise a brow. “Um...why?” I ask. He’d gotten so good about my leaving, trusting me to always come back the next day, I wondered if he was regressing for some reason.

“Meet friend.” 

I frown. “What friend?” I ask. 

“Friend.” He repeats. 

I know he might not have the words to explain further so I try to help him. “Are they...like you?” 

Kirishima nods eagerly. “Meet at dark on wood!” He chirps. 

It takes a few moments for me to interpret what he’d said. “...You want me to meet your friend when sun down?” I ask. ‘Sun down’ or ‘dark’ was how Kirishima said night. Of course, living underwater, merfolk probably didn’t have the same concepts of night and day or even likely the passage of time. It was probably a miracle he was always here at roughly the same time. “What you mean ‘wood’?” 

“Big wood human use.” Kirishima says slowly, pointing down the beach. I look where he’s pointing and see the very edge of the pier. 

“That’s called a pier.” I explain. “That’s where you want me to meet your friend?” 

Kirishima nods. I nod back. 

Okay, so he wants me to meet some friend of his tonight at the pier. 

Wait...hold on...that was where I saw that human (I think, anyway. For all I know they could have been a pixie. Who’s to say pixies aren’t real if mermen are?) and that blonde merman! 

...Is the blonde merman Kirishima’s friend he wants me to meet?

There was something bugging me about this sudden desire of Kirishima’s to introduce me to his friend; why? Why now? I’d barely gotten him to admit there was a secret city of merfolk somewhere deep and far away in the sea. To repay his trust, I hadn’t asked any more questions about the city. 

I wondered if there was a different friend he wanted me to meet, other than the blonde merman. Some merperson from this hidden city. Doubt it. He’d mentioned that no one leaves, and certainly never reveals themselves to humans. 

That raises several questions about both my uncle’s encounter with a merman and the blonde merman meeting with that individual on the pier. 

I push my questions aside for now, the curiosity about the friend proving too much to ignore. “Sure. I’ll meet you and your friend at the pier when sun down.” I promise, grabbing my phone and my water bottle before settling my goggles over my eyes. “Will we swim?” I ask just before heading out so I know if I can shower or not.

“No swim. Sit on p-peeer. We come see you.” He replies, stumbling over the new word. 

I nod and let him swim closer as I got closer to the exit of our little alcove.

As is tradition, even after these few months, Kirishima offers his cheek and I give it a quick kiss. “See you later!” I call, another usual goodbye between us. I then dive and swim for the shore to get food, shower, and prepare myself to meet this friend of Kirishima’s. 

I felt...oddly nervous. I knew this friend likely meant a lot to Kirishima and I suppose I just wanted to make a good impression. But then again...why? Why was I so concerned? 

Maybe because Kirishima was trusting me with meeting his friend. Kirishima had been such a fascinating part of my life, I forget there’s so much I still don’t know about this merman. 

He loved spicy food (but only some spicy food) and meat, playing with the phonetics app, and scratches behind the ear (in place of kisses) when he managed to learn a new word. He was always happy, playful, and a bit coy with me. 

But I still didn’t know if he had siblings, how he got on with his parents, and really anything about his life. And merfolk culture, as well. 

I knew that there was a lot to it and most of it I couldn’t understand if I tried, but there was a part of me that wanted to learn. That wanted to grasp just who Kirishima is. 

Shaking myself, I finally stepped out of the shower, drying off and applying my few hair products quickly. 

Then I pad barefooted out to my fridge and grab a few eggs, frying them quickly. I had to eat fast. It was already sundown and I didn’t want to keep Kirishima and his friend waiting. 

Once I am done eating, I grab my phone and a light jacket. It got a little chilly at night.

Feeling my nerves returning as I walked closer to the pier, I find no obvious signs of merfolk about, so I go toward the end. 

That’s then I hear a splash I somehow know wasn’t just a wave or a fish. I search the water and, again, find no signs of merfolk. 

Sighing, I sit on the edge with my feet dangling toward the water, eyes and ears alert to any sign that the merfolk had arrived. 

There was nothing yet. 

Then, maybe a minute or two after I had sat down, I feel a sharp tug on my feet, nearly pulling me into the water. 

Letting out a cry of surprise, I manage to keep from falling into the water, sitting back down with my now wet feet tucked under me. 

I gaze down to see two ruby red eyes glaring at me from behind a rock, blonde hair swirling around the angry face I saw in the water. 

I knew it! The blonde merman was the friend Kirishima wanted me to meet! 

“He-hello.” I stammer, waving, unsure why I was feeling shy. 

The blonde merman continues to glare at me from the water, then I hear a familiar voice. 

“Kara came!” I look a little further out to sea to find Kirishima waving from the water, coming closer every second. Realizing he was about to come up to the pier, I hastily scoot aside to make room. He flops up to the pier, letting his tail flop in the water absently as his elbows took his weight and his chin went into his hands. “Bring friend.” He notes happily, gesturing vaguely to the angry blonde merman who thought he was hiding. 

I chuckle. “Yes, but he no like Kara.” I reply. Kirishima rolls his eyes. 

“He shy. That all. He meet other human here. You no other human.” 

I blink. So it was a human. No pixies, after all. Interesting. “Right.” I say slowly. “Um…” I lean back over to look at the blonde merman who’s still glaring at me. I slowly wave at him. “Hi there! I’m a- -hey!” I got a face full of seawater for my troubles. The merman spat a mouthful of seawater at my face! Wiping it on my jacket, I glare back at the blonde merman, waving a finger at him. “Don’t be rude! I was saying ‘hi’!” I bark. 

“I don’t like you!” The blonde merman snaps back. 

I was taken aback that he knew any English at all, and I nearly overbalanced in shock that it was actually him that had spoken. I knew there was no one else around and that Kirishima would never speak to me like that ever, but it was so insane to me that this merman knew English. 

Then his words truly processed and I glare at him. “Well, that’s just rude. I didn’t do anything to you.” I explain, crossing my arms. 

“Wants his friend.” Kirishima stage-whispers in my ear. I laugh, but then the blonde merman grabs Kirishima’s powerful tail, and hauls him down into the water. 

Squeaking in shock, I look over and see them wrestling beneath the surface, the blonde one seeming to barely be winning when Kirishima suddenly thrusts the blonde merman off of him, talking to his friend and gesturing angrily before coming back up and I have to move quickly aside again as he flops back up to the pier.

“You make Kirishima be stupid.” The blonde guy snaps at me, coming back closer to the pier and glaring at me again from the water. 

“No, Kara not make me stupid!” Kirishima protests angrily The friend beckons to Kirishima gruffly and Kirishima pats my leg as if to say ‘sorry about him. Be right back!’ before diving back down. 

The pair hold what looks like an argument before Kirishima seems to say something that shuts the friend up. Kirishima lets his words sink in a moment before coming back up. He was chittering, whistling, and hissing in his own language, which meant he was upset. He rarely got upset with me, but it had happened. Mainly when I tried to push him learning a more complex word before I stopped trying.

Kirishima was about to speak when the friend cuts over him, a webbed finger pointing at me. “Don’t tell humans about us or else.” He growls. 

I cross my arms and roll my eyes at him. 

While it was still shocking he knew so much English, I was also annoyed he was being so rude. He seemed different when I’d first seen him on the pier, but that was one incident. I didn’t have the full story on that scenario.

“If I wanted to do that, I would have done it when I first saw him.” I say, jerking my head toward Kirishima. Something told me telling this merman and Kirishima that I had first seen them talking to a human was not a good idea. 

“Be nice!” Kirishima barks at his friend, saying something else in merfolk language (merspeech?) to which Blondy scoffs. 

“Kirishima likes you. Don’t crush his heart.” Blondy growls. 

I ruffle Kirishima’s hair. Blondy must really like Kirishima if he’s being this overprotective “I don’t plan to. Hey...Kirishima told me this is personal to you, but...what’s your name, if I can ask?” I try to phrase it in a polite way, so he wouldn’t be madder at me than he already was. 

“...I don’t have to tell you.” Blondy growls. 

I chuckle. “True, you don’t. But, it’s either that, or I call you Blondy from now on.” I tease. 

“You do that, I scratch you. It’s Bakugo!” 

I nod, extending a hand. It worked like I thought it would. “Great! My name is Takara, but my nickname is Kara.” 

Bakugo reluctantly shakes my hand, appearing to realize he’d been duped into giving his last name. 

Then...I heard a surprised voice call out from further down the pier. “He-hello?” I turn and see the person from that night on the pier striding toward me. 

I stand. “...I suppose I need to explain, huh?” I begin, extending a hand again. “My name is Takara. I met a merman named Kirishima almost six months ago. I’ve been meeting him over in that alcove” I point out where I mean when the person makes no move to introduce themselves or shake my hand, “every day, and earlier today he asked me to come here later to meet a friend.”

The person is quiet for several seconds.

“...That dumbass.” The person growls, face-palming. 

Kirishima unhelpfully pops his head up a few feet further in the water, watching us. 

“Kirishima wants to say goodbye.” Bakugo says, rolling his eyes. 

I blink, my heart dropping into my chest. 

“What do you mean?” He hadn’t left in a long time. I found myself not wanting him to go anywhere despite knowing I couldn’t keep him here.

The human turns to me. “Bakugo is going back to the merfolk city. It’s a long story, but they’ll be gone at least a week, but maybe more. Kirishima is guiding him.”

I turn to Kirishima. “Why didn’t you tell me?!” I snap, irritated. He flinches back and I realize he might not understand all of what I was saying. I take a breath. “Kirishima, I would have understood if you need time away. No hiding things from me, okay?” 

Kirishima slowly comes over, nodding sheepishly. “Sorry, Kara. No hide no more.” He murmurs.

I sigh, unable to stay mad at him for long. “I hope you have fun, okay? See you in a week.” He comes even closer and I take a few steps into the water to meet him, wearing shorts and sandals so I’m not ruining my clothes. He hugs me tightly and I hug him back, inwardly sighing at the instant rebuttal to my thought about not ruining my clothes. Ah, well. “Let’s let them say goodbye, ok?” I guide him toward our alcove, the water lapping against the bottom of my shorts now. 

“I miss you all time.” Kirishima promises, blinking rapidly like he was about to cry. 

“I’ll miss you, too.” I reply. 

“Kara wait here?” He asks sheepishly. I tilt my head to the side. 

“Ok...why?”

“Close eyes and no open!” He cries, now excited. Sighing at his antics, I close my eyes. 

I hear him splash into the water and he’s gone, the sound of the waves and the distant conversation on the pier the only sound I heard. 

Then, I felt a hand grab mine. Knowing it was Kirishima by the webbed fingers, I let him plop something into my outstretched hands. It felt like maybe...a rock? Or a shell? 

“Kara open eyes.” Kirishima instructs and I do to see…

A oyster shell crafted into a necklace case. There was a necklace inside, with a very large pearl (one of the largest I’ve ever seen) as the pendant, with driftwood craftily carved around the pearl. The rest seemed to be some kind of cord, but from what I don’t know. It seemed like seaweed, but I wasn’t sure.

“Whoa...Kirishima...where did you get this?” I ask breathily, eyes locked on the gift, fingers brushing over it gingerly. 

“Search all round. Find good pearl for Kara, get help make gift.” Was this what he was up to when he was gone?

I find a very simple version of a lobster claw clasp on the end of the woven cord, so I clip the damp necklace on. It rested halfway between my collarbone and sternum, the pearl glistening in the moonlight. 

“I love it, Kirishima!” I praise, hugging him again. 

Cheekily, Kirishima puts his cheek close to my lips in his traditional request for a kiss. I laugh. “Ok, but just one, then you gotta get going, alright?” 

“...Alright.” He murmurs, not happy at leaving me for around a week. “Kara be waiting?” 

“Kara wait.” I assure him. I kiss his cheek. “Now go before your friend gets madder than he already is.” Kirishima chuckles and dives, speeding toward Bakugo and the pair take off after Bakugo gets a kiss, too, only...on the lips? Whoa.

I shake myself. That was none of my business. 

I could just leave and let the identity of the mysterious human on the pier remain a mystery...or I could go talk to them. 

Deciding that it was too late to start talking about how we both knew mermen, I decide to pull up a notes app and type out my contact info while walking back to the pier along the shore, waving to Kirishima when I spot him in the distance. 

I show them the note. “Here...in case you wanna talk.” I yawn as the other person takes their phone out and snaps a pic, yawning as well. 

“I’ll see if I can call you tomorrow. We’ve got time to kill til the boys get back.” They reply slowly, as if unsure if they should really be doing this. 

“Goodnight!” I call over my shoulder as I walk back to my apartment. 

=#=#=#=#=

I’d waited four days before coming again. I knew it would take closer to a week at the earliest, but I couldn’t help it. 

Most times, I waited til evening when the other person who knew about merfolk (Y/N, as I came to learn their name was) would be there so we could talk, but they were hesitant and still a bit wary of me, which I suppose was justifiable, considering that I was a sudden interjection into their life and routine. 

I started going to the alcove instead and waiting just outside the entrance, leaving Y/N to wait in private.

Time seemed to speed up somehow and, 8 days after the two mermen left for the merfolk city, I saw Kirishima’s long red tail zipping toward me as he raced to get back to me. I duck into the alcove and manage to get far enough back that Kirishima, while he does splash me, doesn’t land on top of me. He eagerly hugs me and I fall backwards into the shallow end of the pool in the alcove. Kirishima’s necklace dug into my chest, but I couldn’t care less as I scoot myself and Kirishima back so I could sit with his head in my lap. My legs were extended on either side of Kirishima’s lean muscular body. 

His hand takes mine and he seemed to relax, smiling at me broadly.

“Kara waiting!” Kirishima purrs, stroking my hand happily. 

I nod. “Yes, yes I was.” 

“Not on wood like thought.” Kirishima muses and I blink. 

“Oh I’m sorry!” I stammer. 

“It ok.” 

Before anything else could be said, I felt my foot being grabbed and, looking up, I see green eyes with a mop of green hair looking up at you from the water. 

It took several seconds for anything to happen, both of us too stunned to do or say anything. 

Kirishima then took the initiative, scooping me up, plopping me further up the shallow end and lightly shoving the new merman toward me, taking up what appeared to be a guard position at the exit, and I can’t help but still be flabbergasted. In a few more moments, my curious nature won out and I ease myself forward a little. 

“Hello.” I greet, slowly extending my hand. 

The new merman, this one green with hints of red in his tail, eyes wary but also curious like mine, swims a little nearer, hand reaching for mine. 

Once his fingers touched mine, he seemed to forget his fear, coming closer still and examining my hand eagerly, my fingers and arm thoroughly explored by his webbed hand. 

Evidently, the lack of webbing was as strange to this merman as it had been to Kirishima the day we met face to face. 

The merman then started to explore down my torso and before I could peel his hands off, Kirishima barked in merspeech and the merman scooted away a little, looking ready to bolt, eyes darting sheepishly around to look at anything but me and Kirishima, his cheeks flushed. 

I scoot back, draw my legs up, and extend one leg to him. The merman looks to Kirishima, who says something else in his language, nodding at me, and the green merman responds, sounding relieved and grateful, before gripping my foot again. 

If it weren’t for all the times Kirishima had grabbed my foot, I’d have laughed aloud and withdrawn. 

As it was, though I laughed, I held my foot still. The merman continued prodding and examining my foot before my ankle became a point of interest. After that, though he looked at my legs, he didn’t touch them like Kirishima had. 

In fact, he scooted away from me, his curiosity apparently sated for now.

I look at my friend, a strange feeling forming in my gut. “You tell him not to touch my leg?” I ask. 

Kirishima nods. “No touching you there.” He says with a bit of possessiveness in his voice and manner. It hadn’t been there before. 

“Why not?” I ask, frowning. Normally, Kirishima was the type to go with the flow, not enforce rules. 

Kirishima gets flustered, his face turning nearly as red as the green merman’s cheeks, but he swims closer to look me in the eyes. “Because merman no touch other’s mate.” He says sincerely. 

My eyes go wide, and my heart skips a beat. His...what?!

“R-really?” I ask timidly. 

“Yes. We mates in merfolk ways.” He explains. “That...that ok? Kara not mad?” 

It takes a long few minutes for me to answer. 

...I was someone’s mate?! What the hell happened at the merfolk city?! 

“N-no...ah...no, Kirishima. Um, Kara not mad. Just...surprised.” I murmur slowly, trying to figure out why I wasn’t more upset about this. 

I hadn’t been offered a choice, and yet...I wasn’t actually that upset at all. It seemed...fine, in a way. I knew I ought to be furious, but then again, I’ve never had a boyfriend and likely never would have. I’d simply never met the right guy, so...what if...what if maybe I could be happy meeting Kirishima everyday? I know we’d never be able to...well, make kids, but frankly I never liked the idea of intimacy. 

I could honestly say I’d be happy to call Kirishima my mate and continue meeting as we are now if it made him happy. 

I smile at Kirishima. Somehow, we’d make this weird relationship work. 

I had a feeling this would be a great adventure. 

The green merman now inched closer, not touching me but swimming to my other side.

In all the excitement about being declared Kirishima’s mate, I’d nearly forgoten about the other merman. 

He says something in merspeech, as if asking a question, hands fidgeting nervously. 

“He wants to give you his name.” Kirishima translates.

I blink. “Really?” I ask. 

I look at the merman curiously. He smiles at me, then nods at Kirishima as if to say ‘go ahead’. 

Kirishima points to the merman. “Midoriya.” He says. “That his family name.” 

I nod. “Can you tell him my name is Kara?” I ask. Kirishima does, I assume, then Midoriya extends a hand. Apparently, hand shaking was also used in merfolk culture. I shake Midoriya’s hand. 

Kirishima yawns suddenly. I smile empathetically at him. “You’re tired from your swim.” I say, stating it as a fact so he wouldn’t argue. “Go get sleep. We’ll meet here tomorrow.” I promise. 

“You will?” He asks. 

“I will.” I swear. “Always.”  

[the-lupine-sojourner]

A Merman and a Teacher [Merman!Kirishima/Takara] [No Quirk AU]

Okay so I am not sure where this story is going and would love suggestions! Anyway, I would like to thank @thetrashyartwitch for letting me use this story as inspiration for this. I try to make things a little different, and I hope you like it!! 

I’m also tagging @elite-guard-hardygal , @souskena , and @dailyojiromashirao . Hope you guys don’t mind! 

Okay! Here’s the Link to the First Chapter!!! Please send in any and all suggestions you guys have! Please! I really wanna know what you all have to say! 

God Bless and Good Day!

~The Lupine Sojourner

Over the next few weeks, I came by the alcove every day and discovered through several instances of the merman flicking water at me or tugging me toward him or dunking me that he had a naturally playful, pranking nature.

He had a habit of pulling that shit whenever I was talking too long, or threatened to leave, or simply whenever he felt like it. I felt a genius stroke of luck when I thought to download a free phonetics app for my phone. It was supposed to help children learn how to sound out words and my friend seemed to like it a lot. I used it to help him and he soon learned how to say my nickname (Kara) and a few short, usually three-letter, words. As long it wasn’t complicated or long, he could actually say it after a while of struggling with it.

Almost every time I praised him for sounding a word out properly, he would turn his cheek to me, and if I were to hesitate or refuse, he’d rarely slam his salty cheek against my lips regardless if he was feeling particularly needy.

I’d always scold him and he would sit there, a smug, unrepentant look on his face as he watched me get flustered as I tell him he can’t keep forcing me to kiss him. I knew he didn’t understand the precise words I was using, but he wasn’t entirely dumb; he knew I was always upset when he did it.

A few times, I’d bring food in a waterproof container, like a Thermos. Mainly, I brought cheap sushi or boardwalk food.

Like today. My companion greedily sucked down the food I brought him and begged for more. I refused, careful not to let the water get all over the food when he flicks water at me petulantly.

This was getting a bit out of hand, honestly. I move away and motion for him to stay. “You let me eat.” I explain. “Then Kara back.” I started using smaller, simpler words when around this merman. He was only beginning to understand human speech and mannerisms, but he caught on pretty quick, all things considered.

I then look at my phone as I eat and notice that it was nearly four in the afternoon, and I’d promised my uncle I’d come visit today. I sigh heavily and swim toward the entrance, knowing the merman enough to dodge his grab at my ankle. He’s pouting, and I smile. “Me go, come back later.” He crosses his arms, looking away and sinking into the water like a child. I roll my eyes and laugh. “Bye.” I call. Instantly, the merman is in front of me, cheek turned to me. I sigh. It had become tradition that my departure is worthy of a kiss. So I give him one before waving as I swim away reluctantly.

=#=#=#=#=

“Why do you smell like the beach?” Uncle Yoshi asks. I shrug.

“I swam.” I reply vaguely, not noticing the dopey smile on my face. I hadn’t had time to shower and freshen up before visiting hours were over and my parents also wanted to visit him today.

“Oh? With anyone?” I blush.

“N-no.” I reply.

“Ah-ha! You deny it! It’s true!” Uncle Yoshi cackles, it soon dissolving into coughs. I sigh.

“Look, I- -”

“Who?” He presses once his coughing subsides. I shake my head. “C’mon, Mei.” He cooes. “Tell your uncle what’s going on.” He pleads. I bite my lip. ‘Oh, yeah. I’ve met and kinda befriended a merman, Uncle Yoshi. He’s cool, but kinda flirty. Oh, and I’m teaching him English so I can actually talk to him in proper sentences and have him understand.’ that would go over well.

“...I just swam with a friend.”

“Bullshit! You don’t blush and stammer about swimming with a ‘friend’, Mei.” He counters, smiling in victory. “So. Spill.” It was only two words, but I felt their weight settle on my shoulders. He had contracted cancer, so it wasn’t like he could run down the street yelling to the world that his niece had met and could sorta talk to a merman.

Also, he’s such a nice guy, he’d understand that it had to be a secret...right? I bite my lip. “It’s a long story…” I mumble.

“I have the time.”

“It has to remain secret, okay? I’m being serious, Uncle Yoshi. You’ll understand when I’m done.” My uncle raises a brow but nods.

“Alright. Whatever you say will not leave this room.” He always knew when I was being dead serious, like now. I swallow.

“Okay, so...about two weeks ago, I was walking down to the pier because I couldn’t sleep, and then I hear people on the pier messing around, so I look over and- -I’m being dead serious- -there were two mermen and a human woman all leaning or sitting on the pier. I didn’t believe it at first, but it’s real.” I pull up the video and picture of that night. “They left soon after this because a patrol showed up, and I came back after work the next day and eventually found the red-head merman again. I’ve been trying to help him learn English and introducing him to sushi and whatever else I can buy cheap on the boardwalk.” I explain, squirming as I waited for his reaction. Uncle Yoshi was silent a good minute or two, and it was an eternity before he spoke.

“You’re right to keep this a secret, Takara.” He murmurs, fiddling with a stray string on his blanket absently. “There are many dangerous things in the water.” I blink.

“What do you mean?”

“I mean, I’ve seen my own merman. Not as young as the ones you’ve seen, but I saw one; it saved my life once.” I tilt my head. “It was a long time ago. Made a dive to explore a shipwreck; nothing I hadn’t done a bunch before. Only this time, as I was leaving, I cut my leg on a part of the ship. Tried to get up to the surface quickly, but I was too slow. A great white, one of the biggest ones I’ve ever seen, came charging right at me. Before I could blink, it had my leg in it’s mouth, yanking me this way and that. I tried everything recommended for this scenario, but it was so big, nothing I did had an effect. Then out comes this- -this blur. Knocked the shark right off me, pulled me behind it in a heartbeat. Turns out, it was a very muscular merman with a series of scars and the tail of a whale shark.” Listening to the story, I was stunned. My Uncle had never quite been the most open person, but if you asked him a direct question, he’d answer honestly. It did make sense that he’d never told me about this encounter before, but holy crap! There was someone else beside that woman on the pier that’s seen a mermaid? There were more than two mermen?! I shouldn’t be surprised, but still... “Of course, once he’d sent the shark on it’s way with a few punches, he helped me to the surface, vanishing the next instant. No one would ever believe me, I thought, so I never told anyone. I lied and said the techniques I used somehow worked and I managed to make the shark go away.” He sighs and next thing I know, he’s smacked my shoulder. “You, on the other hand, are an idiot! What if I hadn’t met that merman, huh?!” I wince, rubbing my shoulder.

“Look, you’re the one who pressed me into answering!” I protest defiantly, pouting a little at him.

“And you decided to answer honestly?!”

“Well, pardon me for being raised not to lie!” I shoot back. My uncle then chuckles.

“Good girl. Stand by your decisions, unless you’re proven wrong, no matter what.” I grin back at him.

“I know.” It was something of a family motto, one repeated frequently. Uncle Yoshi put his hand on mine.

“Tell me more about this merman.” I grin and continue.

“He’s actually kinda smart! I have a phonetics app on my phone and he’s hooked on it!” I laugh. “He’s like a little kid, really, the way he acts, but he means well. He’s also a bit of a prankster, dunking or splashing me sometimes or tugging on my feet. He likes to play with my toes sometimes, and my hand.” On and on I went, unheeding of my uncle’s knowing smile or the fact that my grin had turned positively dopey the longer I spoke.

“You really like this merman, don’t you?” My uncle interrupts. I flush.

“I...he’s kind of my friend at this point, you know? He’s come a long way from where he started and I like watching him improve, even if he wants a cheek kiss for every ‘accomplishment’.” I roll my eyes, remembering the salty taste of his cheek, the pride in the merman’s ruby eyes, the way his skin glistened when it wasn’t in the water...

Promptly banishing that thought, I notice Uncle Yoshi laughing.

“So, he’s a flirt, huh?” I nod, blushing a little.

“A bit. I’m teaching him not to be too pushy, though.”

“That’s...good.” My uncle replies, brow raised and amusement in his eyes and voice.

“Either way, I don’t plan on stopping the visits.” I muse, knowing my uncle would probably suggest it. He was a bit more cautious since his diagnosis, after all. He sighs.

“And I wouldn’t ask you to. Just...be cautious. If anyone else were to find out...I doubt it would end well.” I nod.

“I know.” The silence lingers.

“You’re an amazing woman, Takara.” I look at him, surprised. Not necessarily at the words, just at the sudden urge to say them.

“Okay.” I reply, unsure how else to handle that.

“I mean it. Some people would have turned the merman in if they’d found him. He’s lucky it was you.” I smile at the compliments and the thought of how lucky I was to be one of three known people to have seen a merman.

“And I feel lucky to have seen and befriended him.” Then, before the conversation could continue, my parents arrive. This was usually how it went; we got individual visits, so the older people could speak freely without the younger kids and young adults in the family being weighed down by the conversation. I stand and hug him. “It was so great to see you, Uncle Yoshi.” I farewell, kissing his cheek. My parents wait for me to finish farewelling him before fully entering the room.

“Keep me updated, okay?” It was a purposely vague question from my uncle. I nod. “I know transfer students can be a hassle, but you’ll manage.” I smile gratefully at the frankly great cover story.

“I know. I’ll be back hopefully by next week.” He nods.

“Sounds good. Love you!”

“Love you!” With that, I wave and walk out of the hospital, feeling better now I’d finally let out the secret to someone I could trust.

And to cap it off, my uncle had met a merman, too! How wild was that?!

Sleep was hard, but eventually, I succumbed.

=#=#=#=#=

The next week crawled by, the kids being respectful and hardly causing any fuss, for once. It seemed they finally understood that school was going to happen whether they liked it or not.

Soon enough, I could leave and grab food and a change of clothes for after the beach and then it was off to see the merman (Dear God, I need to help him tell me his name! I can’t keep calling him ‘the merman’ forever…).

As usual, he was waiting at the entrance, practically dragging me into the alcove in his excitement. “Kara back!” He squeals, nuzzling my cheek with his scaly one. I scoot him away gently.

“Kara back.” I repeat patiently.

“Play phone now!” I laugh. Of course he’d immediately want my phone. Despite needing to take a break to let his eyes rest after staring at a different kind of light then he was probably used to in the ocean depths, he took to the app as easily as he swam around.

Actually speaking the words was more of a challenge, but he took to the challenge with an admirable gusto and determination.

I pull up the app, laughing, and hand the phone to him as we settle into our usual spot in the shallower section of the alcove, where I didn’t have to tread water and he didn’t have to get completely out of the water, laying propped on his elbows, engrossed in the app, which currently was helping him pronounce ‘name’. I found that a bizarre coincidence, considering that I’d wanted to ask his name for a while, having to wait for him to know more English before I brought it up. “Hey.” He reluctantly tears his eyes away and looks at me. “What’s your name?” He blinks several times before doing a series of clicks, groans, and whistles that I couldn’t translate. I give him a pointed ‘that doesn’t answer my question’ look and his face screws up in thought. He pulls my phone back up to his face and taps on it. Under his breath, he was doing that weird groan/click/whistling thing I assume is the language of mermen, but as usual I didn’t have any clue what he was saying.

He knew the app pretty much inside out and there was a keyboard that would sound out the letter you pushed. He presses several keys and I have to ask him to do it a few more times before I understood. “...Kirishima?” I ask. He beams at me and nods so fast, I swear he has whiplash. Before I can react, he hugs me and we end up underwater. If not for the many many times we’d ended up swimming when we didn’t mean to, I’d have been shocked and a little mad, but this was kinda routine at this point. Kirishima (I am so happy I know his name now!) knows my limits roughly and lets me up a few moments later, arms still around me as we go back to where he’d dropped my phone in his excitement. I thanked the Lord every day that I had thought to buy that waterproof case.

Regardless, I fish it out and reopen the app. “Here, you play more.” I urge, and he goes back to work. Kirishima was happily tapping away for awhile while I sometimes had to offer a bit of help on a word or sound that gave him trouble. Eventually, I had to leave, and he gave me one last hug before reluctantly giving my phone back and letting me leave.

He had really had improved a lot since we’d started meeting up, and I felt proud of him. In a way, he was different than my students at the school.

They were born into the language and just needed help learning English. But with Kirishima, he was from a totally different world, with its own set of languages and rules and customs, and yet he wanted to learn English so we could communicate. He was always so happy to overcome the challenge of a new word or learning a new phrase. I wonder if cheek kisses were a common reward in mer-culture (if that’s the right word), or if he’d simply seen that blonde merman get one for winning the arm-wrestling, and wanted some for himself. Either way, he was pretty funny that way, and I didn’t mind as long as he didn’t push it.

I then shake my head. It probably wasn’t a good idea to be reading so much into Kirishima, but I couldn’t help it! Frankly, I didn’t get out much, so this was the biggest thing in my life right now.

Maybe that’s all this is...Yeah. That’s the only reason...right?

[the-lupine-sojourner]

Takara’s Hero Academia Season 2 Episode 4 [Eijiro Kirishima/OC] [Female!Aizawa/Hizashi]

Okay, guys! Here we go! The rest of the obstacle course! I’m sorry about not being able to finish episode 2 last time, but hopefully, this will make up for it. 

Now, before we get to the story, I want to give a huge shoutout to @elite-guard-hardygal for this chapter because they’re letting me use their OCs, Hiyoko and Ryuji Teichida! They are AMAZING characters and I am so thrilled that Hardygal trusts me with them! ^.^ Hope you like this, my friend! 

I’m also tagging @souskena , @dailyojiromashirao , and @fandoms-fandoms-everywhere99 . I hope you all like this chapter, too! 

The last thing is the Masterlist for This Story. 

Anyway, let's get going! 

God Bless and Good Day! 

~The Lupine Sojourner

(I couldn’t find a better gif. Sorry!) 

I didn’t even know what had happened till I looked where Eijiro and the other guy were standing, only to see a pile of frozen robot parts.

“Eijiro!” I scream. Was he under there?! Had he been crushed!? “Eijiro, hang on!” I am running forward before I can think, not knowing what to do, but desperately hoping Eijiro was okay.

I ran to the collapsed robot, uncaring and unhearing of anything around me. Part of me knew that, with Eijiro’s Quirk, it was more than likely that he’d be okay, but...but what if he hadn’t activated it in time?! What if he was stabbed by a chunk of the robot?!

Thousands of possibilities ran through my head, but as I ran forward, I could feel the vibrations of two people bulldozing their way through the robot, climbing higher. I blink. Oh...shit. I completely forgot that other guy! Was he the one who pushed me out of the way? I felt both boys climbing, but one was faster, and soon enough rumbling and crunching metal was heard, as well as breaking ice. 

Suddenly, in a last-ditch effort, Eijiro’s voice was heard screaming above the murmuring crowd. “I’m aalliivvee!” He screams, thrusting up through the last layer of metal with his arms up and a pissed expression on his face. The neck of his PE uniform was tattered from using his Quirk to protect his head, and I clambered up the robot, relieved that he was okay.

“Kirishima from Class 1-A! What a hardcore debut for this rookie!” Dad announces happily just as I come to the top of the robot. Uncaring of the cameras and people watching, I hug him. “Hey, you okay?” He mumbles, embarrassed. I pull back, smiling at him.

“Yup. I was just shocked when the robot fell on you. I wanted to help you out, but couldn’t move the robot with my Earth Quirk, and there’s no water I can control, sorry.” He smirks, moving to more solid footing.

“No sweat. I saw it falling and activated my Quirk just in time. Thanks for wanting to help, though.” I nod. Dad gives a quick explanation of Eijiro’s Quirk, calling it an ‘ultimate shield or a devastating weapon’. I like that line a lot and smile at Eijiro.

“No problem. Anytime.” It had become a kind of promise to each other, ‘anytime’. We were assuring each other that we would always do our best to help each other, no matter what.

Eijiro then growls and glares down the path where Todoroki had vanished. “I can’t believe Todoroki pulled something like that. Geez, anyone but me would have been killed.” He then turns to me and I swear his cheeks are a little pink. “I thought you’d gotten crushed, too, actually, so I was trying to get out to find you as quick as I could.” I shake my head, focusing on making as much of the ice as I can melt as I had water to work with. He...he was that concerned about me? No! Focus!

“I was pushed out of the way by- -” I then start to feel the rumbling of the other person about to emerge and turn just as the silver-haired guy comes to the surface.

“Class 1-A really is full of jerks!” He growls as he smashes through the top of the robot. “I’ll smash that ice guy when I get my hands on him!” I sigh, noting that now his entire body was silver, glinting like he was a living statue or something.

“--him.” I finish, pointing him out. I walk over. “Hey!” I call. “Glad you’re okay...and thanks for pushing me out of the way.” He scoffs.

“That’s what a hero does, right? Heroes save people, no matter what they think of them.” I nod, not sure if I should take that as a compliment or not, then listen as Dad announces this guy’s name.

“Tetsutetsu from Class 1-B was also stuck underneath! What’re the odds?!” I look back at Tetsutetsu.

“Takara.” He nods, then Dad begins the brief explanation of Tetsutetsu’s Quirk; it makes him able to turn his skin into steel. It was pretty close to Eijiro’s Quirk, actually. In fact, Dad used the ‘ultimate shield or devastating weapon’ line again, which to Eijiro’s chagrin.

“Our Quirks are basically the same!” He groans. “How’m I supposed to stand out now?!” I almost stop moving. Huh...I wonder where that came from. Does he seriously think he’ll have trouble standing out? No way! He’ll do just fine, I’m sure!

“You damn copycat!” Tetsutetsu growls. I roll my eyes.

“Calm down, you two. Just be yourself, Eijiro! You’ll be great!” I reply, smiling at him and giving him a thumbs up. He doesn’t reply, still looking upset. Tetsutetsu then nudges me.

“You’re the girl that had the boot on, right? Glad you toughened up for this competition.” Tetsutetsu replies. I nod, continuing to jog over the top of the robot, picking up as much water as I could without using too much blood sugar.

“Yeah, me, too! Recovery Girl helped a lot, and training practically day and night got me back on track for the Festival.” I explain as I slide down the side.

“Good! So it’ll at least be a fair fight before I beat you!” I laugh.

“We’ll see how this goes, Tetsutetsu.” Landing on the ground, I continue running, searching ahead with vibrations to see what the next obstacle is, but then have to stop as several loud booms were heard and Dad announces that Katsuki is using explosions to rocket over the robots. “Clev-ah!” He praises, and something about the way Dad says it makes me laugh. We continue running, and I can’t really tell anything from the vibrations, but I keep trying periodically. The vibration trick took hardly any blood sugar, so as long as I don’t do it continuously, and use my other abilities well, I should be fine. Plus, I now had water, so I had a better chance.

“Class 1-A has learned not to hesitate.” Mom notes, “They’ve seen what the real world is like. They’ve felt the fear, and pain in some cases, of fighting villains. And yet, they fight on, trying to overcome that fear.” I smile at Mom’s praise. It was accurate, and I couldn’t help feeling a sense of pride and happiness as I ran, despite almost being singled out in an announcement again. It still wasn’t something I was used to, though I suppose after today, I’ll be a lot more recognizable, so I have to get used to the spotlight. “They’ve grown, all of them, and they know they have to act quickly if they want to stay alive.” In the distance, I hear more explosions and feel the powerful vibrations of robots falling. I feel a large gathering of students around the curve, and begin to slow down, wondering what they were stopping for.

“For those of you who thought the first obstacle was easy,” Dad snarks, “let’s see how you feel about the second one!” I come up around the bend with Tetsutetsu and Eijiro to see (and feel) a huge canyon with several platforms with thick wire ‘bridges’ left for us to get across.

“Geez, dad!” I groan. “You weren’t joking about this being harder than robots!” How was I supposed to get across?! There’s still no water to add to the amount I have on me, and I doubt just holding on to the wire and scooting across is a good idea. But I can’t see better options right now...so I look around and notice that the wire I’m standing in front of is at a small decline toward the platform at the end of the wire. I grin. Perfect. I grab Eijiro’s arm. “I’ve got an idea!” I whisper. If people heard, they might try to take advantage of my plan. It wouldn’t take a whole lot to power, and it was the only thing I could think of at the moment. I make the platform, being sure to have the pole running through it, and take a breath, hoping this wouldn’t end badly. I motion Eijiro on it. “C’mon, before anyone else sees and tries to hop on,” I whisper. He blinks.

“You sure?”

“Yeah, just hang on,” I reply, stepping on and Eijiro gets on. It’s harder than I thought to keep it up, but I grit my teeth and push off, getting a bit of speed and having to hang on to Eijiro’s waist. I blush but don’t say anything, focusing on the approaching platform. I had to disengage the platform at the right time or the landing would hurt. I leap off and release the platform, returning the water to floating by my side and panting.

“You okay?” Eijiro asks and there is definitely a blush to his cheeks. I nod, moving to the other side of the platform.

“Yeah, c’mon. The quicker we get across, the better.” He nods.

“Right.” I move to the next wire and bite my lip. I was extremely lucky; it was also had just enough decline to do the same trick, but I couldn’t do it too many more times. I still had a decent amount of stamina and blood sugar left, but I couldn’t keep pushing myself like this.

As I stand there catching my breath, I see a girl with short blonde hair practically crawling along the wire, her fingertips glowing as she moved, these solar-panel type things on her back. Intrigued, I watch as she leaps out, the light from her fingertips now also on her feet, seeming to provide her enough grip to climb the last little bit onto the platform.

“You know, watching these kiddoes reminds me of our Festival, honey.” Dad notes, an almost wistful tone to his voice. I shake myself. This wasn’t the time to stop and look at different Quirks. Shortly after the girl, a boy with hair similar to Hitoshi’s appears, with tired eyes and bough physique, climbs from the wire onto the platform. I can’t tell what his Quirk is, but he seems to know the girl, who doesn’t look like she wants to hang around and wait for him.

“In some ways, yes, but we did a points-based Scavenger Hunt as our first game in the Festival.” Mom replies, bringing me back to the task at hand as I move to the next wire.

“It also reminds me that, in the world of heroes, it can hard to get noticed without a flashy Quirk, eh Shota?” I can almost see Mom grit her teeth in irritation at the tease. Dad had nearly won against Mom, he’d told me. Then Mom was able to win by forcing herself to use her Quirk on him to suddenly shut him up and gain an advantage over him, tying him up quickly and winning their match. Dad described the moment as the moment he knew he wanted to hang around Mom a lot more. He said there was something so intriguing about her to him from then on.

All that to say, the difference in the flashiness of their Quirks was a tease Dad used against her sometimes.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Mom growls.

“Wasn’t talking about anything.” Dad is quick to backtrack. “Love you, Shota.”

“Uh-huh.” I smile and get the platform ready again.

“We’re doing that again?” Eijiro asks. I nod.

“Yeah. This wire’s also on a decline, so let’s go.” I urge. He hesitates, biting his lip before he nods and motions me on. Something’s off...but I can’t tell what...

“I’ll push off this time.” He mumbles. I nod and get on. Eijiro shoves off and I can’t help blushing as his arms slip around my waist for balance. I have to focus on keeping the platform stable, but his arms are so strong, it’s a little distracting. If I’d focused more on the way he held me, though, I’d have noticed that he seemed sad and upset, barely clinging to me, but I was too caught up in the fact that his arms were around my waist to actually process anything else, and we reach the next platform too quickly for me to get over the sensation and think straight. People were catching up, so we had to keep moving. This next wire had an incline, so we had to climb, not ride. I grit my teeth. I’d use the water to make footholds.

“Guess we can’t ride on this wire.” Eijiro groans, looking anywhere but me. I shake my head.

“Nope. I’ll make footholds, so stay close.” I reply and start moving. Eijiro frowns.

“No. You go ahead. I’ll climb up on my own.” I frown back at him.

“Eijiro, what- -”

“Just go!” He snaps. I bite my lip. I wanted to find out what was bugging him, but I guess there’s no time right now. “You gotta focus on yourself, okay?” I reluctantly turn around and begin climbing. I don’t make much progress. I have a lot whirling through my head right now. What was that about?! Did I piss him off somehow? Eijiro stays quiet, making sure he doesn’t use my footholds and I don’t keep them long enough for him to try. He took my help the wrong way and I now had to repair this rift in our friendship. I already missed our camaraderie. We’ve gotten so close since the entrance exam, and yet...I still didn’t actually know a lot about his life before UA, what’s driving him. I guess we’ve never gotten too personal in our talks.

I find myself wanting to know more, wanting to understand him better. I wanna know how to tell him I didn’t mean to make him feel bad. Soon enough, we’re on the track again and still Eijiro doesn’t talk to me. I must have really offended him somehow. “Eijiro, wait!” I call as he pulls ahead. “Please, talk to me!” He slows a little, but neither of us stops completely.

“Takara, we have to focus.” He says, voice solemn and serious. I flinch.

“Look, I’m sorry. Since I was little, I’ve always been trying to help out any and everyone I can. I’m sorry if I offended you or something. It’s just an instinct I have. I really wasn’t trying to degrade you or anything.” He sighs.

“I shouldn’t have reacted like that. It’s just--” The blonde-haired girl with glowing fingertips races by.

“Argue later! Focus on this race, idiots!” Eijiro and I exchange glances and blink in surprise. However, she was right. We take off sprinting again, and in a few minutes, I can see the next obstacle ahead. 

“Whoa! A minefield!? Are you kidding me!?” I exclaim. Eijiro bites his lip. I turn to him, trying to repair whatever happened back in the canyon. Whatever happened, it was apparent that he didn’t want me to help him, so... “Eijiro, how about we just do our best with this on our own. I do have my vibration trick if I need it and you have your Hardening. Meet you on the other side, okay?” He blinks, then nods.

“Okay, sounds good, Takara.” I take off and Eijiro’s not far behind me. Together, we race across the field, dodging people and mines alike. I try the vibration trick and happen to do it right when someone steps on a mine. I reel backward at the intensity of the vibrations. “Whoa, you okay?!” Eijiro asks, steadying me.

“Yeah. Didn’t think that through. The vibrations when someone steps on a mine are unreal.” I grumble.

“If you’re good, let’s keep going.” I nod and begin running. I didn’t wanna push it, and I had to focus on getting through this course.

“Right!” All of a sudden, when we were about halfway through the field, there’s a huge explosion and out of it comes Izuku, flying on a piece of a robot, zooming across the field like a comet, face hardened in determination. “Whoa, Izuku!” I breathe in shock, slowing but not stopping. That kid is something else… “Damn…” I hardly hear Dad talking, honestly, but that’s mainly due to the ringing in my ears from that explosion, and partly because I was so thunderstruck that Izuku would do something like that.

I guess I shouldn’t be surprised, though. He’s a wicked talented strategist, able to concoct strategies with little to no apparent effort. Obviously, he’d stockpiled mines carefully, using the increased explosion to send him flying toward the finish line. I smirk proudly. He was amazing! Now if he can just get ahead and stay ahead of Todoroki, he’ll win the first round!

I then shake myself and move faster. I had to get going or I’d lose!

Reaching the other side, I notice Tetsutetsu coming in right behind Eijiro and all three of us sprint for the finish line, when all of a sudden Hanta came in front of me. I tried pushing harder, but he passed the line just ahead of me. I look beside me as I pass, and see Eijiro stepping over the line just before I did. I slow down to a walk, panting heavily. Oh, geez! It was a good thing I did those jogs, but holy shit that was hard!

“Takara Yamada of Class 1-A finishes followed closely by her classmate Eijiro Kirishima! Go, Takara, go!” I blush a little at Dad and try to catch my breath. I need food...I double over, still panting. “Takara?” Eijiro asks between his own pants. “Can we talk?” I blink, for some reason getting flustered.

“Y-yeah…” We walk to a more private corner. He shyly looks away, shuffling his feet. “Eijiro, I’m sorry.” I begin. I didn’t honestly know what I was apologizing for, but I knew I’d done something wrong, and I wanted to initiate this conversation with an apology. He finally looks at me. “No, don’t apologize. You didn’t know, but...it’s just...it’s hard enough for me to stand out as is, and...and you’re so selfless and awesome and you have such a flashy, amazing Quirk- -two of them, actually- -and...well, I don’t stand a chance in this competition if people keep holding my hand. I need to somehow make whatever tiny mark I can.” I blink, then go in for a tight hug. I feel myself tearing up. This poor boy!

“Eijiro, you’re amazing! Don’t you dare throw yourself down like that! I didn’t mean to make you feel bad. It’s an instinct I have, trying to help everyone I can. I promise that’s all it was. I just…” I bite my lip. I’d been about to say ‘love you so much’. What the hell?! I...I...he...he and I are just friends...right? “I just wanted to help.” I finish instead, praying my voice wasn’t as frazzled as my thoughts were.

The memories flash through my head of all the times I have been so thankful to have him by my side, especially in the USJ attack. He selflessly stayed with me, carrying me to safety and staying with me for a while at the hospital, and then during my recovery. It was...it was something no one else had done for me except Mom and Dad, and I guess at some point during all that time...I started developing a crush on him without even realizing...but he wouldn’t feel the same way, I don’t think, so I have to keep it to myself until I get to know him more and can either get over my crush or be assured he feels the same way.

Eijiro pulls me closer and tightens his arms around me almost protectively. “Takara, I...you’re amazing and I am so glad to have you as a friend. I didn’t mean to hurt you. I was just being stupid. Are...are we good?” I chuckle and nod, cheeks warm in a blush.

“Don’t call yourself stupid again and yeah, we’re good.” I tighten my arms automatically, blushing madly at his words and care. I then reluctantly let him go and motion toward the crowd. “Shall we?” He nods and I swear there’s a blush on his cheeks, too. Oba Nemuri cracks her whip and I force myself to keep my eyes off Eijiro, standing beside me. Despite my revelation, we were still only friends. I couldn’t lose my cool so easily.

To further distract myself, I look up and see Izuku’s name in the rankings as number 1! That’s awesome!

“The first game for the first years is finally over.” Oba announces, “And what a game it was! Now, let’s take a quick look at the standings, shall we?” As the hologram appears, I gulp and look at our rankings. I scan for my name, and sure enough, there it is, right on top of Eijiro! Turns out, we ranked ninth! We tied! Hanta was right above us, and Tetsutetsu was right below us. I smile. Okay, this was great! I did better than I thought! Awesome! “Only the top 42 will advance to the next round, but don’t be too let down if you didn’t make the cut. We’ve prepared other opportunities for you to shine.” Oba licks her lips. I frown. Was that really necessary? “Now, the real fun is about to begin; the chance to fully move into the limelight!” I gulp. Crud! What was next?! “Give it your best!” Another crack of the whip and the screen was again that spinning lottery-esque thing. I feel my stomach squirm into knots the longer this goes on. “Let’s see what we have in store for you next!” She cheers. I feel Eijiro brush my hand and see him smiling encouragingly at me. I smile back, trying to swallow my anxiety. The first game was so tough! How was I supposed to keep advancing when they throw- -no! I can only do my best! It doesn’t matter what the games are as long as I have fun and give it my all, right?! “Will your wildest fantasies come to life?” Oba presses as the spinning title continues. I flush. What?! “What could it be? The waiting is torture!” She’s practically whining now, and I am more uncomfortable. “Prepare yourselves...” Thank God! We’d finally find out what’s next! “for this!” The title stops spinning, and I cringe. Shit! A cavalry battle?! I’ve hardly ever played that game!

“I’m terrible at those…” Denki grumbles beside me.

“And I’ve only played in, like, two, maybe...and I was a lot younger. Shit!” Tsu tilts her head a little.

“Plus, it’s not an individual event. I wonder how they’ll split us up?”

“Allow me to explain.” Midnight continues, and the screen shows a picture of Dad, Toshin-Oji, 13, and Snipe (though he was hidden in the background mostly), all forming a cavalry battle team with Toshin-Oji as the rider up top. “The participants will form teams of two to four people each as they see fit. In theory, it’s basically the same as a regular playground game, but there is one difference.” I raise a brow. Oh, man… “Each player has been assigned a point value based on their results from the obstacle course.”

“So that means each team will have a different point value, based on which students are on it.” Ochaco muses. I nod.

“Uh-huh!” Mina concurs, then Oba gets irritated, cracking her whip.

“Maybe you should shut up and let me explain things to you!” She growls. Then calms pretty quickly. “Now then, the point values go up by increments of five, starting from the bottom. For example, 42nd place is worth five points, and 41st is worth ten. And, the point value assigned to the first place contestant is...ten million!” I blink. Holy shit! Izuku’s gonna have a hard time, even just picking a team! Everyone will be after him! Guess that’s what it means to be first in the world of pro heroes; everyone’s after you, jealous of your standing and hungry for fame and recognition. “That’s right…” Midnight continues, “it’s survival of the fittest with a chance for those at the bottom to overthrow the top! First years, these are the rules you’ll abide by! The game itself will last fifteen minutes, individual point values will be added together to reach your team total. Everyone will know how much you’re worth thanks to your headbands. Swipe as many headbands as you can to raise your team’s score.” The screen showed that the headbands were secured with velcro so they’d be easily taken. “Stolen headbands must be worn from the neck up, so the more you steal, the harder it will be to manage them. And another thing; even if your headband is stolen or your team falls down, you can keep playing till time’s up!”

“It’s anyone’s game, then.” Momo murmurs, holding her chin in thought.

“Yeah, and since there are forty-two contestants, there’ll be ten or twelve teams fighting on the field the entire time,” Rikido adds. I nod.

“Yeah, and you have to consider Quirks and how you work well with. It’s really a simulation of agency team-ups and the competition of being pros at the same time.” Denki groans.

“Why does this have to be so hard!?” He groans.

“So if you lose your headband at the beginning, you have more time to make up a plan.” Mina muses. Tsu, next to her, frowns.

“I don’t know, Mina. Maybe we should wait and see how the teams turn out before we start strategizing.” She replies.

“This is going to be rough.” Midnight warns, “You may use your Quirks as much as you like! But. There are still rules: make a team fall on purpose, I’ll slap you with a red card; you’ll be disqualified!” A timer shows up for fifteen minutes. “Now, you’ve got fifteen minutes to build your team! I recommend you get started!” I bite my lip. Eijiro and I each had 165 points since we tied. Unfortunately, hardly anyone beyond our class really knew us and how our Quirks work, so unless I can somehow convince people to team up with me, I’ll have to see who wants me on their team. I should be a horse because my Earth Quirk would make sure that my team wouldn’t be surprised. That and my Water Quirk could defend and attack, so maybe I won’t have trouble getting on or forming my own team.

Eijiro grabs my arm. “C’mon! Let’s go find a team!” I grin.

“Yeah!” He starts leading me to Todoroki, but Shoto’s already talking to Momo, Denki, and Tenya. “Aw, man. Trust Shoto have been already thought up who he wanted and recruited them before anyone else could.” I groan. Eijiro sighs.

“I know, right?! Man, that sucks. Do you wanna form our own team or try for someone else’s team?” I frown.

“Not sure...I’d like to be on the same team as you, but...on the other hand, you yourself said I gotta ‘focus on yourself’, right? Maybe we should just see how things turn out?” I was unsure around him now, what with his strange reaction during the obstacle race, and my revelation. I wasn’t sure how to handle that train of thought, so I set it aside for now. Eijiro’s hand stays on my arm, and he goes over toward Bakugo.

“Screw that! Let’s keep trying together, but if we can’t get on the same team, fine!” I blush. He was suddenly wanting to stay with me? He’d said we needed to focus more on ourselves, but now he was switching tactics? What was going through his head?! Regardless, it was sweet he was trying to make sure we could get on the same team. I suddenly realize where he’s leading us and almost scoff. Katsuki wouldn’t want me on his team. I’m ‘the teachers’ brat’ to him. But I guess it wouldn’t hurt to try...maybe?

Unfortunately, a lot of our class have the same idea. Now that Shoto’s picked his team, they wanted to team up with the next best option. I wonder if he’ll pick anyone…

“Wait, remind me your Quirks are again?! And your names!” Katsuki snaps, looking hella confused. I feel my eye twitch in irritation as we approach. Good God Katsuki is self-centered! He can’t remember anyone’s names or Quirks! Eijiro waves to get Katsuki’s attention.

“Bakugo! Takara and I were gonna try Todoroki, but he already picked a group! You should team up with us!” Katsuki just scoffs.

“Oh, great. Shitty Hair and the Teachers’ Brat.” He grumbles. My eye twitch returns.

“Loose Cannon.” I retort, sticking my tongue at him. Eijiro seems irritated, too, as Katsuki glares at me.

“My name is Kirishima! You know Takara...and my hair’s not that different from yours!” Eijiro barks, gesturing between their hair to prove his point. He then remembers that we were trying to team up with Katsuki. “C’mon, man. You wanna be the rider, right? Takara’s earth Quirk can make sure no one gets the drop on us, and you need a front rider who won’t be hurt by your blasts.” He Hardens his forearm and fist. “That’d be me.” He says, a tad unnecessarily. Katuski scoffs.

“I won’t team up with that damn brat; she’d not what I’m looking for, but I do need someone with guts.” I try not to take that personally and roll my eyes. I saw this coming. I subtly move back a little. Out of the corner of my eye, I see that blonde girl and that dark purple haired boy. They seem alone, wandering from group to group looking for stragglers. Perfect! I wanted to talk to them! They seem like a solid pair!

“Hey, Eijiro?” He turns.

“Yeah?” I hold out my hand.

“No hard feeling, no matter what, right?” He nods.

“Yeah. Sorry he’s being stubborn.” I shrug as we shake hands.

“No sweat. I see a few people I’m gonna try to recruit. See you in the final game!” I wave as I walk off. I may like him as more than a friend, but I can’t just let him consume my thoughts and distract me.

“You know, you’re really missing out with Takara, but...my Quirk was made for this!” I blush a little at the way Eijiro talked about me and force myself to keep walking. The duo I wanted to talk to were just ahead. I notice they’re talking to a girl that reminds me a lot of Asami if she were younger. Perfect! Four’s the limit!

“Pardon me, but can I join?” I ask, smiling at the three of them. “I don’t have a team yet and there’s only, like, ten minutes left.” The blonde girl turns to me.

“Oh, wait. You’re the girl that stopped to talk to that boy, right? If you’re gonna do that crap again, we don’t need you.” I feel a sting of hurt at that, but brush it off.

“That was...complicated, but he’s on a different team, so I won’t be distracted this time.”

“Hiyoko-nee, c’mon. She wants to join and we’d have four people.” The purple-haired boy adds, turning to me and extending a hand.

“I’m Ryuji Teichida, and this is my older sister, Hiyoko.” The wolf girl extends a hand.

“And I’m Chiharu Hamato.” Instantly, I grin. Hell yeah! Asami’s little sister!

“Asami’s sister?” I ask. Chiharu nods.

“Yup! She says hi, by the way.” I laugh.

“Thanks. So, how ‘bout it? We good to form a team?” Chiharu nods.

“Yeah! But...whose the rider?” Ryuji scratches the back of his neck.

“Well, Hiyoko is the lightest...and she can stun the people that get close with her Quirk. Maybe she should be the rider?” Hiyoko twitches in irritation.

“Seriously?!” She growls. “You don’t know their weights! They could be lighter than me, you ass!” Ryuji laughs, holding his hands up.

“Sorry, but I do know your weight, and it makes sense if you’re the rider. C’mon, sis. Don’t be mad.”

“Half sister and I’m just irritated. Whatever you all want to do is fine, though, I guess.” Ryuji nods.

“Okay. Thanks, sis. We’ll be a team with you as the rider.” He smiles at her and puts a hand on her shoulder. She grits her teeth and scowls at him, but somehow I doubt she’s as upset as she looks.

“Let’s get this over with,” Hiyoko grumbles.

I nod. “Let’s all do our best!” Chiharu nods.

“Yeah!

[the-lupine-sojourner]

Takara’s Hero Academia, Season 2 Episode 2 [Eijiro Kirishima/OC] [Female!Aizawa/Hizashi]

Okay, so here we finally are. I feel like it’s been forever since I updated this story. Sorry! 

Anyway, um, I do now have a Patreon, in case anyone wants to actually pay me to write or whatever. Seriously, though, don’t feel pressured to do anything with this. I am just seeing if anything will come out of this. 

Moving on, I’ll do the taglist. @elite-guard-hardygal @dailyojiromashirao @souskena and @fandoms-fandoms-everywhere99 . I apologize for not having this up last night!! I thought I’d be able to sit down and get it done but then I ended up getting sidetracked and then it was midnight and--whoops. I might post what I did instead later. It’s kinda cool! Hardygal knows what it is, lol. XD

Okay, so lemme add the link for this series’ Masterlist! 

Okay, now let’s get to the story! :)

God Bless and Good Day! 

~The Lupine Sojourner

By the time the final bell rang, I was exhausted.

I yawn and stand, gathering my things up before Eijiro grabs them and slips them into my backpack for me, and I blush a little. He was still distracting me! I thought I was going to try to pull myself together around him! Regardless, I smile.

“Thanks, but you really don’t have to keep doing this kind of thing for me…” I mumble, scratching the back of my neck. Eijiro shrugs.

“I want to.” He replies and my blush goes a few shades darker.

“O-oh…” I mumble. “Okay.” Then, Ochaco opens the door.

“Uhh...why the heck are you all here!?” I look up and see the doorway packed with students.

“Do you students have some business with our class?” Tenya asks. No one replies. I shift awkwardly, shrinking back a little into my seat. The spotlight wasn’t something I was used to. If I had to guess, they’re here to scout out the class that’s fought villains...greeeaaaattt.

“Why are you blocking the doorway?” The class pervert asks. “I won’t let you hold us hostage!” I roll my eyes. Like he could do anything about it. Katsuki, backpack over his shoulder, stalks toward the door.

“They’re scouting out the competition, idiots.” He growls. “We’re the class that survived a real villain attack. They wanna see us with their own eyes.” I gulp, standing. If he was leaving, I should, too. I needed to find Mom and Dad, anyway. Eijiro takes my backpack and walks toward the door with me. I smile gratefully at him. “At least know you know what a future pro looks like.” Katsuki continued. I roll my eyes, the smile dropping.

“Katsuki, enough. We’re all striving to be heroes. Technically, that makes us all potential future pros. Stop.” I call, but it doesn’t make a difference.

“Now move it, extras!” Katsuki snaps as the crowd goes quiet.

“Katsuki!” I bark, hobbling over.

“You can’t just go around calling people extras just because you don’t know them!” Tenya interjects, his arms waving wildly in his emotional state. I open my mouth to add my own lecture, but then a voice rings out and I freeze.

“So this is Class 1-A.” It was Hitoshi! “I heard you guys were impressive, but you just seem like an ass.” He was talking to Katsuki as he made his way through the crowd as I crutch over.

“Shinso!” He never liked me calling him ‘Hitoshi’ in public. He smiles briefly at me, nodding subtly, then turns back to Katsuki.

“You know this clown?” Katsuki growls. I glare at him.

“Yeah. We went to middle school together.” It was a reason I know his name, at least. I didn’t need to go further and embarrass Hitoshi.

“I was sad to come here and find a bunch of egomaniacs in her class.” He continues, sighing a little and rubbing the back of his neck.

“It’s just how Katsuki is,” I defend, “but seriously. Not all of us are like him.” Katsuki glares at me. Hitoshi closes his eyes.

“I wanted to be in the hero course.” He says to no one in particular...or maybe Katsuki. Or 1-A. I’m not sure. “But, like many others here, I was forced to choose a different track.” I suddenly realize why Shinso was here; part of it might be checking on me, but a larger portion must be him declaring what he intended to do. He wanted to win the Sports Festival or do well enough that he can be moved into the Hero Course, like Mom did when she was in high school. “Such is life.” His eyes narrow at Katsuki, who’s remaining surprisingly calm. “I didn’t cut it the first time around, but I have another chance.” I knew it! “If any of us do well in the Sports Festival, the teachers can decide to transfer us to the Hero Course, and they’ll have to transfer students out to make room.” Oh, no...this was a declaration of war. “‘Scouting the competition’?” Hitoshi asks rhetorically. “Maybe some of my peers are, but I’m here to let you know that if you don’t bring your very best, I’ll steal your spot right out from under you.” Hitoshi tilts his head a little. “Consider this a declaration of war.” I blink.

“Shinso…” I murmur, biting my lip. The rest of the class flinches in shock, but I look at Shinso dead in the eye. Hitoshi was serious, but only glaring at Katsuki, who was glaring back. Was he just acting tough to push himself?

“Hey, you!” Comes a new male voice, and someone else forces their way to the head of the crowd. He had incredibly thick blonde eyelash-looking things around his eyes, with silver hair and a fire in his eyes to match Katsuki’s. Oh, great. Another hothead. “I’m from Class B, right next door to you! We heard you fought some villains and- -oh, shit.” He stops short when he sees my boot and crutch. I sigh and gesture to the boot.

“Yeah, we fought villains.” I reply. “And I got the injuries to prove it.” He takes a step back, then scoffs.

“Well, looks like the rest of your class are brats who think they’re better than us!” He challenges. I roll my eyes and point to my backpack, in Eijiro’s hand.

“That’s my backpack, but it hasn’t been on my shoulders since I got here. Eijiro here was the one who got me out of the villain attack and he’s been helping me ever since. The rest of my class are great people, too. Bakugo’s just...headstrong and doesn’t listen to anything or anyone.” The guy turns to Katsuki.

“Oh, great! Talk all you want, loser! It’ll just be more embarrassing when you’re K.Oed!” Katsuki just scoffs and walks away.

“Don’t you ignore me!” The newcomer roars angrily. I move to get Katsuki, but Eijiro beats me to saying anything.

“Dude, where’re you going?! You gotta say something! It’s your fault everyone’s hating on us, Bakugo!” Katuski just glances over his shoulder.

“These people don’t matter.” He growls.

“Huh!?” Eijiro snaps.

“The only thing that’s important is that I beat them.”

“Katsuki, stop!” I snap. “Yeah, we have to beat them to win, but heroes also need to have good teamwork with others. You need to work on that if you want to be the top.”

“Says who?” Katsuki retorts, then walks away before I can say anything else. The silver-head pops up again.

“Hey! I’m coming for you!” He exclaims. Katsuki ignores him. I go to chase him down and talk sense into him, but then decide against it. Right now, Katsuki’s only focus was winning the Sports Festival. If I were to talk to him, he’d only see it as me trying to undermine his chances somehow.

“I hate that that was such a manly exit…” Eijiro grumbles, clenching his fist. I bite my lip.

“Yeah, but...there’s no way he’ll win the Festival if he pisses everyone off.” I reply.

“Meh. He’ll be fine.” Sero counters.

“Besides, he wasn’t wrong.” Fumikage points out. “We have to beat them.” Kaminari groans.

“Yeah, sure, but this sucks!”

“So let’s prove them wrong.” I call, coming back further into the class room. “Don’t be what everyone thinks we are. We’ll prove them wrong.” Denki groans.

“But he made us everyone’s enemy!”

“Yeah, and all these dumb idiots will be gunning for us in the Festical now.” Mineta adds. I shrug, not looking at that little creep.

“Look, just keep training hard and don’t be an asshole and we’ll prove them wrong.” I retort, looking at Kaminari. He laughs.

“Kinda blunt, Yamada, but I like your style!” I chuckle and wave him away.

“Call me Takara, and thanks.” Eijiro then calls me and puts my backpack beside my desk for me. I notice he’s glaring at Kaminari, so I try to distract him by smiling at him. “Thanks.” The students outside slowly go away, talking about this and that, and I have to restrain myself from giving some big speech about how great my class is because the truth is...I don’t really know them yet. I don’t know enough to definitively stand up and say what I want to say. I then look up as Shinso walks over, giving me a small smile.

“Hey.” I smile back.

“Hey.”

“I’m glad to see you’re better. You had me scared for a moment.” Anyone who didn’t know Shinso might think he’s just saying that. His voice didn’t give much emotion away, but I understood. He meant every word.

“That was some speech.” I note, sighing.

“I meant that, too.” He says, leaning against the desk in front of me and crossing his arms. Most everyone’s left and I wanted to talk to Shinso, anyway, so I stay.

“Don’t lie; you just wanted to see me.” I tease, smiling.

“And what gave you that idea? I just wanted to send my message to 1-A.” He retorts. I roll my eyes, then sigh and pick at my skirt.

“...I’m worried, Shinso.” I confess softly.

“About what?” He asks, brow raised.

“About the Festival, and...and if I’ll be healed enough to prepare myself to fight. I just...my ribs don’t hurt that bad, but my leg still needs work. And I still need to train. A lot. I just...Mom and Dad will be watching. The world will be watching. I want to make a good impression.” Eijiro apparently takes that as a kind of cue, wrapping an arm around my shoulder.

“You’ll make a great one!” He assures me, daring to squeeze me close enough to mush our cheeks together. I blush and laugh.

“If you say so.” I reply, squeezing him in return. He straightens up, lets go, and puts a hand on my shoulder.

“But seriously; don’t sweat it. You’ll be great!” I grin and put my hand over his in a moment of boldness. 

“If you say so.” I retort. Eijiro understood the deeper meaning; I support you, but think you’re downplaying yourself too much.. It was somethign we’d done for each other a lot as we approached this school year and the challenge of learning how to be a pro hero. Shinso pushes off the desk.

“Well, it was nice chatting, but I should be going.” He says. I stand, too, and hug him.

“Thanks for coming.” I murmur, drawing away.

“Your friend’s right, Takara; trust yourself. Besides, your parents adore you. No matter what you do in the Festival, their love won’t change.” I nod.

“Yeah, yeah. I just can’t help worrying about this whole thing.” Hitoshi shakes his head, chuckling.

“Don’t.” With that, he shrugs and waves as he walks away. I watch him leave and then pick up my backpack, slinging it over one shoulder, insisting on carrying it this time, despite Eijiro tugging on it.

“I got it. I’m not going far. Just to the teacher’s lounge to find Mom and Dad.” Eijiro pouts.

“Takara, you shouldn’t overdo it.” He mumbles. I smile, adjusting the backpack a little.

“I’m not.” He suddenly leans forward gives me a hug. I wonder where this is coming from, but find that I really like this. His hug is strong, but not overwhelming, steady and warm. I feel so safe and secure, I lose myself for a second and bury my face in his neck. He smells like cologne and men’s bodywash. One of those two things had teatree oil in it, something that made him smell amazing!

I then feel Eijiro stiffen and come back to reality and I blush almost blood red as I release him. Our eyes were so wide, they might have popped if they were balloons. “S-so-sorry!” I stammer, grabbing my crutch and running as quick as I can out of the classroom without using the crutch. Eijiro hadn’t moved, so I had a headstart, managing to get away before he- -”Ow!”

“Oof!” I blink, my leg flaring a bit as I realize I’ve run into somebody. Instantly, I stand and apologize. The person I hit laughs.

“Hey, don’t worry about it. It happens sometimes.” It’s a female, third year if I had to guess. Her Quirk makes her look wolf-like, her fur a mottled grey, black and earthen brown. It was so pretty! Her eyes were sapphire blue on the outside and emerald green on the inside and her tail flicks back and forth mindlessly and I have to remember to talk. It was rude to just stare.

“But still. I’m, um, Takara. Takara Yamada.” Her eyes light up.

“Oh! My dad works with your parents!” I raise a brow.

“Really?” She nods.

“Yeah! Oh, sorry! I’m Asami. Asami Hamato.” I grin.

“Like Hamato-Sensei that teaches the second years’ literature?” Asami laughs.

“Yeah. He might quit after this semester, though. He wants to start a self-defense dojo for people with less, um, combative Quirks.”

“Wow, that’s amazing!” She nods happily.

“Thanks.” She hands me back my crutch. “Here you go.” I take it. She pauses. “Wait...you’re in 1-A, right?” I nod.

“Yeah.” She gestures to my boot.

“This from that USJ incident?” I nod.

“Yeah...turns out your leg breaks when a superhuman grabs it to slam you into your mother.” I tried to sound light, like it was a joke now...but my voice wavered. Asami winces.

“Yikes. I’m glad you’re doing better, then.” I was grateful she didn’t press me for more details as I squirm.

“Thanks. I should probably let you go. It was great meeting you.” Asami smiles.

“Yeah, it was great meeting you, too. Maybe I’ll see you around, okay?” I nod, starting to walk off.

“Yeah.” We wave at each other and I continue on my way. Luckily, Eijiro hadn’t pursued me. I blushed again just thinking about that moment…

What was I thinking?! I’d just...it’d felt so good having his strong arms around me, his warmth making me feel safe and at ease, even if it was just for a moment. And then I went and ruined the mood by sniffing him! Ergh!

Finally, I reach the teacher’s lounge. “Hey, champ!” Dad calls. “I was just gonna come looking for yah!” I walk further into the room.

“Hey. I was just talking a bit with the others before I came up here.” he smiles.

“Okay.” I decided to focus on Asami, not that. I’d never hear the end of it if I told Dad I sniffed someone (especially Eijiro) out of nowhere.

“I met a third year on my way here.” Dad tilts his head.

“Oh? Who are they? I might know her.”

“Asami Hamato.” Dad grins.

“Oh, yeah! Her dad works here; Hamato Yoshi. He’s a nice guy. Kinda quiet, doesn’t say much, and doesn’t hang around the school a lot.” I shrug.

“Asami also said he wants to start a self-defense dojo for people that don’t have very combative Quirks.” Dad’s eyes go wide.

“That’s great!” I grin.

“I know, right?” Dad then grabs his stuff.

“Alright. Shota’s resting on the couch, but it’s time to go, so I’ll get her.” I nod.

=#=#=#=#=

The next few days went quick, and after school, I’d pop in for a little healing. Never anything extreme, but enough that in those few days, I was healed enough that Recovery Girl gave me the okay to start getting back into exercise and training, warning me to take it a little slow at first.

At that particular session (when I was cleared for training), All Might happens by the door. “I didn’t know you still needed healing…” He mumbles, walking slowly into the room. He looked guilty, but I don’t know why.

“Well, I didn’t want to drain my stamina too much because of school and stuff, but, um, yeah...I should be all healed soon, though, right Recovery Girl?” She chuckles.

“Yes, I believe so, now hold still so I can use my Quirk.” I do and find the healing sensation something I’ve gotten used to at this point. I watch Toshin-Oji go into his real form and sigh heavily as he sits on a cot.

“Takara, I...I wanted to say I’m sorry.” I blink as Recovery Girl moves away.

“Wait, what?” I ask, genuinely confused. “What for?”

“I couldn’t be at the USJ because I wasted my time as All Might that morning being heroic. I was stupid and now you, Shota, and Izuku paid the price.” I blink, remembering that Izuku’s legs seemed broken when he leapt out to protect All Might at the USJ. I wince.

“Is Izuku okay?” I ask automatically.

“He’s fine.” Recovery Girl assures me. “Besides broken legs, he only had minor injuries and two broken fingers.” I breathe out.

“That’s good.”

“How’s Shota?” All Might asks, bringing us more or less back to what he’d said. I sigh.

“She’s...coping. It’s not easy for her to adjust to needing to wear casts on both of her arms, but she’s happy she’s not blind.”

“She could have been blinded?!” He asks sharply in shock. I pale. Wrong thing to say!

“...Her orbital floors were pretty badly damaged, but Recovery Girl managed to heal them. She’s fine...or, at least, better then she used to be.” I chuckle awkwardly, and All Might smiles in relief, exhaling.

“That’s great news. Frankly, I was worried about you two, even after I heard you were stable. When I saw you on the ground, caught under Nomu’s foot...I didn’t know what had happened, just that it pissed me off so much I saw red and next thing I knew, I had you in my arms.” I blink. He’d been feeling this way since the incident?

“Toshin-Oji, you really can’t blame yourself- -no, seriously- -the only ones to blame are the villains.” I reply, holding up a hand when he tried to interrupt. “Even during the fight, I knew as long as I could hold out until I got to Recovery Girl, I’d be okay. I knew my injuries were bad, but I always had that notion in the back of my head.” I realize what I’m saying and turn to Recovery Girl. “I mean, not that I assumed you’d help me or anything! I just knew there was a possibility that I’d be healed pretty quickly!” She holds up her hand.

“I knew what you meant, dear. And, unlike another student, I haven’t had to heal you much, so of course I’d help you out. You and your mother were hurt pretty bad. I knew I could help, and I did, so let’s all agree to put this behind us, okay?” I smile.

“Yeah...okay. Toshin-Oji?” He turns his head to look me in the eye. “I love you.” He blinks.

“I love you, too.” He says and I swoop over to hug him. “You truly are a treasure.” He murmurs, squeezing me just a little harder and kissing my temple. I tear up a little in happiness and bury my face in his chest.

“Hey, Tik--...am I interrupting?” Dad asks, trailing off when he saw what was going on. I pull away and smile at Dad.

“Nah, we were just clearing some things up.” I reply, winking at Toshin-Oji. Dad seems to read the subtext and nods.

“I see. Well, Shota’s ready to go, so let’s not keep her waiting, okay?” I nod.

“Okay.” I turn back to the office. “Bye, guys!” I call, waving as I walk out of the room, thankfully not needing my boot. “Thank you, Recovery Girl!” I add.

“Don’t overdo it, dear! Start slow!” She calls back and I nod in acknowledgement.

“Hey, Tik-Tak, there’s actually something I wanted to talk to you about.” Dad says as we walk, and I nod, wondering what he could possibly want to talk to me about.

“Okay.” I prompt. He wraps an arm around my shoulders.

“Shota and I have been talking, and we think it’d be best to move into the faculty facility here on campus. That way, Shota doesn’t have to be driven to work everyday and we all have a bit more independence. Would you want to do that?” I nod.

“Yeah, Mom mentioned you two were toying with the idea, and I told her I could have my stuff packed in, like, two hours. Honestly, I think it’s a good idea!” He ruffles my hair.

“Thanks, Takara. Frankly, I’m using the whole move as a way to help Shota.” He sighs, slumped and looking away. “She’s taking this hard. Villains got the drop on us and she’s still trying to cope.” I blink.

“I...I’d imagine so.” I mumble. “Honestly, I haven’t been sleeping too well, myself. I keep waking up to nothing, feeling on edge for some reason, wondering what woke me, but I’m able to go back to sleep. Sometimes, I swear there’s someone in a room, but when I do the vibration thing, no one’s there.” Dad looks at me somberly, hand on my shoulder.

“That’s completely normal, Musume. Even Shota’s been having nightmares. She keeps waking up, clutching her face and staring around the room with her Quirk active, like she’s looking for enemies. It’s hard to get her to calm down.” I sigh. Figures Mom has her own demons to deal with.

“Maybe we can have movie night? Watch some corny comedy or something?” Dad chuckles.

“Maybe. Or we can ask Toshinori for show suggestions to watch as a family.” I nod eagerly.

“Yeah!” I’m already whipping out my phone and typing up a text as Dad laughs.

“We’ll look up recipes for popcorn and make a night of it. What’dya say?” I grin at him, sending the text.

“I say ‘hell yeah’!” I reply, high-fiving dad. This was a great idea!

Within five minutes, I get a text back.

Toshin-Oji <3:

Well, if you’re looking for something that makes for a good distraction, I’d recommend some of the older movies by an American film studio called Walt Disney. They have an interesting 2-D style in their early works and I find the stories charming. As for shows, I’m not sure...maybe look around and see if something appeals to you all.

I smile. That was an interesting idea, for sure.

=#=#=#=#=

The next day, we were at the fake city from the entrance exam, training. It was a lot of fun, even if I couldn’t really work myself the way I wanted to without making my leg cramp and spasm even after healing the broken bone. It was slowly coming back to normal, though, as I practiced simple kicks and stuff after a really short run to build that muscle back. My ribs forced me to take breaks, as well, if I pushed it too hard, but they were coming along great, too. My phone buzzes as I finish a pretend fight, so I check who the text is from.

Eijiro Kirishima:

Hey, come look at the tall building’s roof!

Confused, I decide to go ahead and walk over. I knew Eijiro was in the same area as me, so I knew which tall building he meant. However, it was so tall, I couldn’t see clearly what I was supposed to see up there. All I saw was a small blurry thing that might be Eijiro.

Me:

Ok, I’m here. What do you want me to see? I can’t really see anything…

Just a few seconds after I sent that, I hear a faint yell and then look up to see- - “Eijiro!” I scream, backing up toward the building make sure I wouldn’t be hit. I knew what he was doing; practicing falling long distances and using his Quirk to survive them. It was just training, but...still. If he didn’t activate his Quirk in time...thankfully, he lands and comes back up almost instantly, thrusting dramatically through the cracked pavement.

“Yyyeeaaahhh!” He roars, grinning wildly at me as he walks over, dusting himself off. His grin then turns into a smirk. “Impressed?” He asks, one hand on his hip, the other on the wall. I snort, blushing a little as he leans in just a little.

“You’re insane. You could have died...but to answer your question...yeah, it was kinda impressive.” I reply with slightly pink cheeks, chuckling and walking away, when Eijiro puts his other hand on the other side of my head. I turn to look at him. His face is intense with some unreadable emotion as he stares at me.

“So...did I smell good?” He asks, leaning in. I blush and lean back against the wall. Where was this coming from!?

“Um...what?” I ask stupidly, my racing mind unable to process what he might be talking about.

“What happened after the final bell yesterday...that hug…” My blush darkens. Oh shit! I’d almost forgotten! I lick my lips.

“I- -I’m so sorry about that!” I squeak, unsure how to take this reaction. Was he mad? Disgusted? He was so hard to read right now… “I, ah, I mean…yeah...you did smell good.” Why was that hard to say? It was a fact, nothing more...right? He then smiles, laughing (I swear he’s blushing, too, though) as he leans back, keeping one hand on the wall. I blush darker and want to sink into the ground.

“Takara, relax! I was just teasing!” He chirps. “But, good to know!” I exhale, then smack his arm.

“You jerk! I thought you were mad at me or something!” That, and I thought maybe...that was leading somewhere- -stoppit! This is not the time for those kind of thoughts! He’s just a friend! Stop!

“Aww, Takara, I could never be mad at you for long!” He replies, patting my arm and moving away.

“Good to know, jerk.” I grumble, the tone undermined by my smirk, then I sigh and nudge him. “You know, you’re a good man, Eijiro.” I mumble, cheeks red again “You didn’t have to help me, but you did, and I want you to know it means a lot to me.” He’s definitely blushing as he walks beside me. I wanted to make sure he knew how much all his help meant to me.

“Takara, I’d do it again. Anytime.” I feel an instinct to hug him but refrain and settle for smiling at him as we walk back toward where the others were training.

“And I’d do it for you.” I reply, just letting myself enjoy this moment. It was two friends affirming their bond...and that’s it…

So why am I blushing?!

(I promise I don’t mean to keep forcing KiriKara down your throat but most of these moments write themselves. Hope y’all don’t mind! (: Can’t wait to show you all the Sports Festival!)

[the-lupine-sojourner]

Happy Christmas my wonderful friend. Thank you so much for being there for me throughout this past year, it has meant more to me than I can say 😄 Also, just because your writing is tons’a fun to read, can I get a little something for line 20...? 😖 Sorry, I have nothing for you in return (at least yet), but you can choose whatever pairing you want. Have another Happy Christmas and another thank you 😸 (ps cant wait for the next takara chapter 😛)

OHMIGOSH GUYS!!!! MY BESTIE GOING AFTER FOR MY HEART RIGHT HERE!!!! I am so happy you like my dorky writing and (TvT) *happy tears* I am so happy to hear that I helped you in some way. I know you’re about to do a big thing, and I wish you a pile of good luck with your endeavor!!

Thank you for always bearing with my outpouring of theories and ideas for Takara’s Hero Academia and I can’t wait to show you the next chapter!!

In the meantime, @elite-guard-hardygal chose #20 from This List of Prompts and it is the prompt ‘You’ll be fine. I promise’. I ended up choosing a fluffy setting and Fantasy!AU KiriKara for your request because I love KiriKara and I have tossed around this idea for a long time, so here we go!

Merry Christmas a thousand times over to you, my lovely bestie! *blows kisses*

Okay, now onto the story!

God Bless and Merry Christmas!

~The Lupine Sojourner

[P.S: The first conversation is heavily inspired by the song ‘That Would Be Enough’ from Hamilton and the italicized words are actual lyrics. Lin-Manuel Miranda owns all rights to Hamilton and I want to hug the man for blessing the world with his masterpiece. Anyway, onto the story!]

“How long have you known?” Eijiro asks softly, hands on my stomach. I smile a little sheepishly.

“A month or so.”

“You should have told me.” He protests, looking alarmed. I chuckle.

“I gave a note to Izuku as soon as I knew.” I counter. The alarm grows.

“You should have told me!” I suddenly feel bad, lifting his chin to kiss him.

“My love, you were right in the middle of a quest.”

“That doesn’t matter!” He protests.

“Yes, it does. I knew you wouldn’t want to leave. Besides, you always return. The note was just to make sure you didn’t do anything too reckless.” Eijiro huffs and looks away, standing.

“Takara, this is serious! These quests are always dangerous! I could have died and you would- -I would have left you alone with our child and have never even known you were expecting!” I stand.

“Eijiro, please. I didn’t tell you because distracting you was not the solution to ensure you come home. I know you always fight to make sure you survive, so, at the time, I didn’t think adding pressure to your shoulders was a good idea.” He sighs, takes a breath, then chuckles and turns back around.

“Takara…you constantly amaze me.” He murmurs, sighing heavily and wrapping his arms around me from behind. I lean back into his chest.

“Eijiro, if I’m being completely honest, this pregnancy scares me.” I confess, tears suddenly in my eyes. “I mean, I love our life and I already love our child, but…I just…” The tears spill over and I can’t help succumbing to the sobs in my throat.

“Takara, look at me, please.” I do, wiping my eyes. “You’ll be fine. I promise.” I let out a sigh and bite my lip.

“I know. I just…it’s a new life I’m making.” I reply, shaking my head in awe, rubbing my stomach, despite there not being a noticeable bump there.

Eijiro puts his hand over mine and I look at his eyes, teary with joy. “I know it’s unexpected, and I know it’s scary, but we can do this. Together.”

I take a breath and lean my forehead against his. “Together.” We sat there for a while, basking in the knowledge of my pregnancy and our love.

Since I had met him passing through town, we had formed a connection stronger than either of us realized until he’d had to leave to help his friend on a quest. In these times, quests weren’t uncommon, but Eijiro seemed to want to help in every single quest, but he always came back to me, safe and relatively uninjured, thanks to his dragon form.

I suppose the old saying ‘absence makes the heart grow fonder’ was true.

We were married after his third quest and I remained in the house Eijiro and I had built, directly into a cave so he could add whatever reward he hadn’t been able to say no to to a pile. It wasn’t a lot, as he hardly ever accepted rewards, but what we had was enough. Of course, being half-dragon, he sometimes wished he had a hoard enough to full the cave, but I always laughed and talked him down. He was never a greedy person, and it was one of the many things I loved about him.

=#=#=#=#=

“How about Senshi, if it’s a boy?” Eijiro asks as we lay on our flat roof porch, stargazing. I chuckle. ‘Warrior’ was a good name. We’d been thinking of names over the last two months, and Eijiro only left on necessity while I remained with child.

“I like it! What about Sakura if it’s a girl?” Eijiro laughs.

“Of course!” I then feel the child shift and move around. I gasp and grab Eijiro’s hand. He always wanted to feel the baby move. He got this adoring look in his eyes and was very excited. “Wow! They’re moving more now!” I groan.

“Yeah. I noticed.” I mock-grumble, chuckling a little. “It’s getting more frequent, Eiji.” I note, biting my lip. “We’re getting closer to the due date. I’m getting worried! What if something happens?!” It wasn’t frequent, but occasionally, I couldn’t help but worry. With Eijiro being half-dragon, it was unknown if our child was going to be fully human or if he or she would take after their father, and how our combined genetics would affect our child.

Eijiro was always there to reassure me, however, no matter how many times this happened. He gently grabs my hand.

“We’ve talked about this. Your mother will be right there when you’re delivering and for the first fortnight. Your father will be here, too. It’ll be okay.” I take a deep breath.

“Okay. Okay, yeah. Yeah, you’re right. It’ll be okay.” It didn’t really ease my worry, but I had to stop dragging the mood down. I sigh contentedly, cuddling up to him.. “I love you, Eijiro.”

“I love you, too, Takara.”

=#=#=#=#=

The next day, I was humming to myself as I made breakfast while Eijiro went to go get more water for the day.

Upon hearing footsteps coming into the house, I grin. “Hey, you’re just in time!” I call, coming toward the entrance room. “Eijiro, the baby- -” I stop short. The man in the doorway was not my husband. It was a blonde man with a fur-trimmed cape and multiple necklaces. He was from the WIldling tribe, in the woods. A alleged ruffian tribe with little concept of laws and order. I back up a bit, swallowing and putting my hand on the handle of the dagger Eijiro made me wear on my belt. “You’re not Eijiro.” I mumble stupidly. The man scoffs.

“Obviously. Who the hell are you?!” I frown.

“I’m Takara, Eijiro’s wife, asshole. Who are you?!” I shoot back. This guy was incredibly rude, barging into my house like he owns it.

“Eijiro’s married?!” I am taken aback.

“You know Eijiro?!”

“I’m the leader of our group! Hell yeah I know him! He’s one of our strongest fighters!” The man counters. My eyes go wide and my hand leaves the dagger. Eijiro had mentioned his leader a few times.

“Wait…you wouldn’t be Katsuki Bakugo the Untamable Dragon King, would you?” I ask, paling a little. This guy was volatile already and I’d just gotten snippy with him. Shit!

“Who else would I be?!” Katsuki snaps, crossing his arms, then suddenly he smirks, scoffing. “You know, it’s about time I metcha. Eijiro won’t shut up about you and yer brat.” I glare at him.

“Watch your mouth about my child, Katsuki.” I growl, protective hand on my stomach and the other back on my dagger handle. He laughs.

“Alright, alright. Look, I have a deer outside for you two lovebirds. I already have more than enough meat, so I figured you two could use it.” I smile.

“Thanks. Well, Eiji’s out getting water, so you can wait for him.” Katsuki grumbles, but sits in a chair moodily, propping his chin on his hand. We wait in silence.

“How’d you two meet, anyway?” I chuckle, sitting across from Bakugo.

“Well, I was going to get a few things for dinner and he bumped into me. He apologized and decided to stay with me while I shopped and we got to talking. He was very sweet and respectful and I found him very likable. I guess you could say the rest was history.” I chuckle, absently rubbing my swollen stomach, then suddenly I feel an increase of heat in my stomach and groan, squeezing my eyes shut against the discomfort.

“Hey, lady! You okay?!” Katsuki calls, and I open my eyes to find him torn between irritated and confused and concerned. I wince and shift into a more comfortable position as the feeling subsides.

“I’m okay. I just…I think the kid already knows how to breathe fire.” I grumble, rubbing my stomach again. I hear a gasp and some heavy something hit the floor. I turn my head and see Eijiro standing there, eyes wide and shocked, the water jug forgotten at his feet.

“Are you serious?!” He squeals happily, running over and kissing me soundly. I chuckle into the kiss and reply eagerly.

“I think so.” I say when we finally break apart. Eijiro scoops me up and gives me a few small twirls before plopping down with me in his lap.

“Oh, that’s so amazing!” I grin, wrapping my arms around his neck.

“No, it’s nauseating. Please stop.” Katsuki groans before I can speak. I roll my eyes.

“Don’t be jealous cus you’re single, Your Highness.” I poke my tongue at him and he’s instantly on his feet.

“What did you say?!” Eijiro moves before I realize and suddenly, Eijiro and Katsuki are glaring at each other.

“Watch yourself around my Mate, Katsuki.” He growls. I stand.

“Eijiro, honey, please. Let him be.” I plead gently, hand on his forearm. “Let’s go get the deer prepared for dinner.” I suggest and Eijiro huffs, but wraps his arm protectively around me as we move to go outside. I roll my eyes.

He was the best man I’d ever met, but sometimes he became a little too possessive and protective. However, I wouldn’t have it any other way. I love him and can’t wait to meet our child.

If anyone wants me to do more of this, I’d be happy to! Just send in an idea and I’d be super duper happy to write it up for you!

[the-lupine-sojourner]

Takara Yamada’s Hero Academia Episode 6 [Eijiro Kirishima/OC] [Female!Aizawa/Hizashi]

Hey! So...I guess I went from the last bit of five into six? I am so confused, but I guess that’s just cus it’s 1:00 in the morning and I’m tired. Anyway, here’s the next episode for you all. 

Edit: Nevermind! Hardygal helped me figure it out. Now I’ve had some sleep, it was obvious (just some mislabeling), but anyway...

I went back and added a sketch I posted that’s supposed to be the actual design Takara submitted for her Kitsune outfit, if y’all want to look at it before/during/after you read my description. Look for the linked word shortly before the description.

Now for Takara’s Masterlist

I’m gonna tag the usual people: @dailyojiromashirao and @elite-guard-hardygal, but anyone can join, too. 

Also, I would love to read Asks with your predictions of what’s to come! Please send em in and I’ll tell you ‘Hot’ or ‘Cold’. Deal? XD

But in all seriousness, please send theories and predictions. I’d really like to hear them! 

Now, onto the episode! Hope you all like it! 

God Bless and Good day!

~The Lupine Sojourner

“No matter what your intentions are, you would be nothing more than a liability in battle.” Mom growls in a terrified Izuku’s face. “I’m sorry, Midoryia, but with your power, there’s no way someone like you can become a hero.” That does it. Student or no student, I had to do something.

“Mom, enough!” I bark, and it takes several seconds before I realize what I’d called her. Shit.

Guess the cat’s out of the bag now…

Unsurprisingly, everyone was shocked. I sigh, then give Mom an apologetic look. Mom glances at me before turning back to Izuku. “You have the same reckless passion as another overzealous hero I know; one who saved a thousand people by himself and became a legend. But, even with that drive, you’re useless if you can only throw a single punch before breaking down.” She continues. I guess Teacher!Mom really is different.

“Mom!” I snap. “You said yourself; it’s not the Quirk that defines you, it’s how you use it.” I point out. Mom tsks and releases him.

“I’ve returned your impractical Quirk. Take your throw.” She says. “And, Takara, I’d appreciate it if you didn’t act as my daughter in class from here on, alright?” I nod.

“I know. It just slipped out.” I murmur meekly. “Sorry.” She pats my shoulder.

“Try not to let it slip out again and we’re good.” She says, resuming her place observing the others, putting in eye drops as she waits for Izuku to throw the ball. I drag my feet back to the others as Izuku retrieves the ball. Mom hadn’t counted his first throw to prove a point. Now, it would factor into his placement on this overall test. He needs a good score!

“You didn’t tell me both your parents were teachers.” Eijiro mutters. I deflate, wanting to sink into the ground and disappear.

“You didn’t ask.” I mumble. It was a classic excuse, but it was accurate. He hadn’t outright asked, and I didn’t want his impression (and the impressions of my classmates) framed by my parents. I wanted to make my own impression and let them decide who I really was.

“Oh. Sorry.” He says, apparently seeing my discomfort. “I think it’s cool, Takara. Really.” I smile.

“Thanks.” Izuku then takes a step back, holding the ball ready. I turn my head and watch as he launches it, a strange glow in his arm. I swallow. What was he doing?

“Smmaaaash!” Izuku roars, and the ball goes flying, just like with Katsuki.

705.3 meters the robot recited. I blink. Holy shit! He used just his finger to power the ball so he could still compete! “It’s just like your daughter said, Mrs. Aizawa; it’s how you use your Quirk, not what the Quirk is.” He says. “And, well...I’m still standing!” I laugh, unable to resist clapping. It seems everyone is thoroughly distracted from my slip-up and I’m fine with that.

“He threw it over 700 meters?!” The blonde-black streak boy exclaims.

“Dude, why are you surprised? You heard he took out the 0-pointer all by himself, right?” I point out. He blinks.

“Oh, yeah! Guess you’re right.” He admits, grinning.

“Nice!” Ochaco cheers. “He’s finally showing us his true power!”

“But his finger appears to be broken.” Tenya counters. “Just like in the exam. His Quirk is very odd.” I shrug. I knew what the deal was, but couldn’t say it aloud.

“Well, most Quirks have a drawback, right? This is just his drawback.” I muse instead.

“I suppose.” He replies thoughtfully, holding his chin. He then turns to me. “By the way, I can see why you didn’t tell anyone Mrs. Yamada and her husband were your parents. It can change people’s perceptions of you.” I wasn’t sure why he chose to say that now of all times, but I smile, happy he understood and wasn’t upset.

“Yeah...sorry. I just never really said anything unless directly asked. I didn’t mean to call her ‘mom’.” I reply. Before Tenya can respond, Katsuki tears forward, roaring angrily.

“Hey! Deku, you bastard! Tell me how you did that or you’re dead!” I sprint forward, stopping at Mom’s outstretched hand. Izuku can only scream in terror as Mom’s capture weapon lurches forward, snapping around Katsuki’s chest and forehead. “What the- -why the hell is your damn scarf...so strong?!” He growls, struggling to get away and reach Izuku.

“Because it’s a capture weapon made out of carbon fiber and a special metal alloy.” Mom replies easily, keeping Katsuki still, glaring at him. “Stand down!” She barks, furious. “It’d be wise to avoid making me use my Quirk so much;” She continues, “it gives me serious dry eye!” When Katsuki appears to obey, Mom releases him, sighing as her hair flops back down over her eyes. “You’re wasting my time now. Whoever’s next can step up.” Izuku walks timidly past Katsuki, who simply stands there, shaking (with what, I can’t tell. Rage? Confusion?), and rejoins us.

“Is your finger okay?” Ochaco asks when Izuku arrives.

“Sure.” He replies. “Fine.” Mom snaps at us and we continue the throwing test. Soon enough, it’s on to sit-ups. As many as we could do in 5 minutes.

Eijiro asked if I’d be his partner and I agreed. It seemed to take forever, but I ended up with a good score. 213, thanks to using the water as a springboard. Then, it was Eijiro’s turn. He got about 170 in, and seemed deflated, so I grin.

“Awesome job!” He sighs.

“But you got almost 50 more situps in then I did.” I shrug.

“Eijiro, you still did really good! This is a test not a lot of Quirks will help with. Mine only got me a little extra spring. That’s all. Your score is really impressive!” I assure him. He nods.

“If you say so.” It was a common response of his when he felt I did a lot better than him at something and I tried to tell him he did amazing, too. I wondered just what made him so certain he wasn’t that great, but I was determined to prove him wrong.

“I do say so, so you better believe it!” I reply before Mom calls out that we’re moving on to the Seated Toe Touch test.

There wasn’t much my Quirk could do to help, so I got a fairly average score. In fact, hardly anyone’s Quirks were suited for simply stretching over and trying to touch your toes.

Once we were all done, Mom led us to the large recreational area where we’d done the ball throw. The next test was the Long Distance Run, Mom announced. I smirk confidently.

Naturally, Tenya would most likely get first, but I could get a good placing, I just know it! It was a mile race, and I ended up in fifth place! Eijiro wasn’t far behind me, coming in seventh, a blonde-haired boy with a tail between us. I bent over, panting, before the boy came over. “Nice race!” He says, smiling. I straighten and shake his hand.

“Thanks.”

“I’m Ojiro Mashairo.” He introduces.

“I’m guessing you already know my name, huh?” I mumble, scratching the back of my neck. He nods.

“Yeah, and I get why you didn’t want to tell us just yet.” I smile.

“Thanks. I probably should have just told you my last name at first, then let you all figure it out, but I decided I wanted to have my first impression be as Takara, not Present Mic and Eraserhead’s kid.” I explain. Ojiro nods.

“I get that.” I grin, then Mom calls us together.

“Alright, time to give you your results. I’ve ranked you all from best to worst. You should probably have a good idea of your standing already. I’ll just pull up the whole list; it’s not worth going over each individual score.” And so she does; I find my name in the 9th slot, between Eijiro and Mina, and grimace. Not as good as I wanted, but not bad, either, I guess. Mom glances at me, a tiny smirk on her face and I feel better. She thought I did good. That was enough. I then continue reading the list and- -shit! Izuku’s in last place! I look over and he’s shaking, devastated. I bite my lip. There wasn’t anything I could do. He’d be sent home. He’d be expelled. He looked down, gripping his wrist like it would keep him together and prevent him from breaking down. Just as I begin pivoting to walk over, the scores are retracted and Mom chuckles. “And I was lying; no one’s going home.” My heart skips a beat. Wait, what?! “That was just a rational deception to make sure you gave it your all in the tests.” She explains. She’d never done that with me! It was totally new!

“I’m surprised the rest of you didn’t figure that out.” A girl with long black hair muses. “I’m sorry; guess I probably should have said something.” We all look at her in various degrees of ‘duh’.

“How would we have figured that out?” I grumble under my breath. The straight-black-haired boy turns to Eijiro.

“That was pretty nerve-wracking, huh?” He muses.

“Nah. I’ll always down for a challenge!” Eijiro replies, eyes glinting and fist clenched in determination.

“That’s it for today.” Mom says. “Pick up a syllabus in the classroom, read it over before tomorrow. Midoriya,” She hands him a note. “take this and have the old lady look you over. Things‘ll be more difficult once your actual training begins.” She warns, then puts a hand on my shoulder. “Make sure you’re prepared. Come on, Takara. We have to find Hizashi.” I nod, waving goodbye and following Mom. “It was interesting that you didn’t tell people who you are right off the bat.” She muses. I gulp. Would she be upset? Today, Mom had acted so different than she normally did, I can’t tell how she’d react anymore.

“We-well, I wanted to make the first impression of myself as Takara, not as Present Mic and Eraserhead’s daughter.” I mumble, fiddling with my fingers nervously.

“Huh.” She replies vaguely, expression unreadable. “So it’s a mix, then, of both of us.” She muses, but before I can respond to that, I spot Toshin-Oji standing there like he’d been looking in on us for a while.

“Aizawa, that was a rotten move.” He grumbles. So he had been watching. Why? To see what Izuku would do?

“All Might.” Mom replies casually. “So, you were watching. No talk shows today?”

“Mom, he doesn’t do that many talk shows.” I point out.

“That’s beside the point.” Toshin-Oji replies, eyes never leaving Mom. “A ‘rational deception’? That’s cute, but you’re not exactly known for being light-hearted.” I raise a brow. Why was he so mad? Because Izuku could have been expelled? “I read your file; last year, you expelled an entire class of freshman students. You have no problem kicking students out; anyone you deem unworthy.” I blink several times. Guess there was a reason Mom didn’t take work home. She was so different at UA versus at home, I almost don’t recognize her. “You were planning to send last place home.” I swallow. Mom wouldn’t really do that...would she? “So, that must mean you see the same potential in young Midoriya that I do!” Mom raises a brow, then turns to All Might.

“What’s this about?” She asks. “It almost sounds like you’ve been in his corner the whole time. And Takara, as well, though I suppose that’s because she was with him during the sludge villain attack.” Toshin-Oji flinches, but doesn’t reply.

“Mom, please.” I mumble.

“Regardless, isn’t it a little early for you to be playing favorites?” Mom asks coyly, like I hadn’t said anything. She then starts walking again. “Midoriya doesn’t have zero potential, I admit.” She adds. “If that were the case, I would have sent him home after class without hesitation.” I swallow. Would she really? She sighs. “It’s cruel to let a kid keep dreaming of something that will never come true.” I frown, but wave goodbye to Toshin-Oji and jog back to Mom.

“Mom, Izuku’s gonna become a hero. He won’t give up.” She smiles.

“I don’t expect him to, Takara. But I won’t make it easier for him, either. I’ll treat him like I would any other student. Everyone was under the same pressure in those tests and they all showed their potential today. I didn’t see any reasons for expulsion.” I nod and smile. This was closer to the Mom I knew at home. We walk to the teacher’s lounge and find Dad sleeping on a table. I chuckle and run my fingers up his ribs.

“Dad, there’s a spider!” I exclaim. He leaps up, screaming and patting himself down, but then notices that I’m laughing and calms.

“That’s not funny, TIk-Tik. Hey, Shota.” He says, yawning and kissing Mom. “Running the orientation was no easy task.” He muses, rubbing his eyes. Mom chuckles.

“I bet. Nor was managing 21 kids. How about we grab coffee on the way home?” Dad instantly perks up.

“That sounds awesome!” He says. I find myself craving coffee, too. I’d used my Quirk a lot. It took its toll. But maybe I just need food. After all, there wasn’t much time for lunch while the tests were underway, for me at least. I yawn and Mom frowns.

“We need to get you food, too. You’re ready to pass out.” She muses, smiling at me and offering support. I nod, rubbing my eyes and leaning on her.

The true downside of my Quirk, we’d discovered, was that it took blood sugar to activate my mental control of water and earth, and since earth was stubborn and hard, it cost a lot more. “You know, your classmates are pretty cool, from what I saw.” Dad points out, yawning and leading the way to the cafeteria, labeled Lunch Rush (like the hero? Cool!). “If you want to invite them over sometime, I wouldn’t say no.” I pause, mulling it over. I didn’t know them yet. But maybe after getting to know them, I would.

“I’ll keep it in mind.” I reply, side-hugging Dad as we walk to the cafeteria.  

=#=#=#=#=

“Alright, alright, alright!” Dad exclaims, seeing everyone seated and ready for the English lesson. “Before we get started, listeners, I have a special shout-out to give.” I pale, freezing in terror. He wouldn’t...

Would he? “Most of you know my amazing daughter already from yesterday’s performance for the Quirk Assessment Test, but I wanna formally introduce her! Tik-Tak, c’mon up here!” I am so red and flustered, I can only shake my head, slumping onto the desk as several chuckles ring the room. I hide my face in my arms. “Ah, well, she’s shy.” Dad acknowledges a moment later, and I swear his voice has a twinge of regret before he seems to revert to his normal self. “So, let’s move along to the rockin’ lesson I have for you all!”

Thankfully, the other teachers didn’t seem intent on embarrassing me in front of my class, and before I know it, it was finally time for Hero Basic Training. “I hear Hizashi felt the need for a ‘shout out’ in his class.” Toshin-Oji muses, in his thin form. I’d arrived early, sulking at Mom’s desk until he spoke.

“Yeah. He even called me Tik-Tak!” I grumble.

“He loves you and probably couldn’t contain himself.” I sigh, deflating.

“I know, but...I just don’t like being put on the spot like that. Everyone laughed at me!”

“Not everyone’s nickname is a candy.” Toshin-Oji retorts wryly. I swat at his arm.

“Not helping!” I protest. Eijiro then walks in.

“Hey, what’s wrong?” He asks, setting his bag down and walking over. I sigh.

“Just Dad’s ‘shout out’ in English.” Eijiro smiles.

“Well, I think it was pretty typical of a dad to brag about their kid.” I sigh.

“I guess you’re right.” I turn to Toshin-Oji. “Do you have to get back to work, Toshin-Oji?” I ask as Katsuki sulks in, glaring at us as he claims the desk he’s used since yesterday. Like anyone was stupid enough to confuse his desk for theirs. 

Toshin-Oji smiles gratefully for my excuse for his exit to change and become All Might (Dad told me Mom was letting my uncle sub for her class today as something came up at her agency). “Ah, yes. Thank you. I’ll see you later, Takara.” He says, waving from the door. I wave back as he leaves and more of my classmates arrive.

“Afternoon, Yamada.” Tenya says, seating himself and waiting for class to start. I nod, smiling.

“Hey, what’s with the last name?” I tease. “Told yah to call me Takara.”

“Ah, yes. Sorry.” I shrug.

“S’all good.” Soon enough, we’re all seated and waiting for All Might. He arrives moments later.

“I am...here! Coming through the door like a hero!” He exclaims, in a kinda weird pose, grinning and in general being overdramatic. He strides to the podium as we all chatter excitedly.

“So he is a teacher!” Eijiro exclaims. “This year is gonna be totally awesome!” 

I grin. “Right?!” A girl with dark green hair behind Eijiro looks at his costume.

“Is that his silver age costume?” She asks. I tilt my head.

“I think so.” I reply.

“I’m getting goosebumps! It’s so retro!” The boy with a tail (Oshio? Maybe?) murmurs.

“Welcome to the most important class at UA High; think of it as Hero-ing 101!” All Might begins. “Here, you will learn the basics of being a pro, and what it means to fight in the name of good!” He strikes a pose and reveals a card that says ‘Battle’. “Let’s get to it! Today’s lesson will pull no punches!” I flinch. Were they serious? Were we really gonna fight each other?

“Fight training!” Katsuki exclaims, an unusual amount of glee in his voice.

“Real combat?” Izuku mumbles nervously, and I find that a much more realistic and appropriate reaction.

“No way...” I whimper.

“And one of the keys of being a hero iiisss...looking good!” Toshin-Oji calls like we hadn’t said anything and points to the back wall. There were rectangular slots that opened up and out came racks of numbered cases. “These were designed for you based on your Quirk Registration Forms and the request you sent in before school started.” All Might explains. Everyone cheers excitedly. I wondered how they’d react to my choice of a fox-themed outfit. For some reason, that was all I could think of when I sat down to design a hero outfit. I’d even thought of my hero name to go with the outfit; The Elemental Heroine, Kitsune! It was what I wanted, and Mom and Dad were fine with it, so I submitted the Kitsune design and didn’t regret it. I move and grab the case with the number of my desk and follow All Might’s instruction to ‘get suited up’ in the changing room.

I open it and pull out the black bodysuit first. I go to a curtained room and get changed into it. It was almost skin-tight, but not quite, like I asked. I was surprised at how breathable and light the fabric was, but it also felt sturdy and reliable. I then pull out the orange half-sleeved overcoat. It covered from my chest to my hips, dropping behind me in a kind of tail, with a Mandarin neckline and zipper down my chest. I clipped my slate grey belt (with spaces for water or snacks to boost my blood sugar on the go) on and it fits perfectly. I then put my boots on. They were a sunset orange, like the overcoat, almost knee-high, and came with knee pads tucked into them to save space. The soles of the boots weren’t overly thick and heavy, with small spikes to provide traction. With the boots on, all that was left was my headgear and gloves. The headgear was tied at the back of my head, and was also sunset orange, with orange fox ears coming off the sides of my head, fading to black at the tips. The gloves’ fingers were black, and the rest was the orange of the rest of my suit. I tried a few poses, and it felt great!

“Wow!” I hear Mina exclaim from behind me. “That looks great on you, girl, but...I thought your Quirk was water?” I grin.

“Water and earth, actually. Earth’s just a lot harder to control, so I use it to track vibrations. Also, I really like foxes and wolves, so I crafted an outfit to match.” I explain. Ochaco grins. She has a black bodysuit, too, but it looks tighter than mine. She has a cute pink and white belt and a simple white design over her chest. There were bracelets over her wrists and her boots had a rounded, almost balloon-look to them, going all the way to her knee with a bit of heel. It was a simple costume and she had a visor to protect her face. All in all, a great outfit.

“That looks so cool, Yamada!” She says, then scratches the back of her neck. “I didn’t mean to ask for something skin-tight. I normally wear looser stuff…”

“I do, too!” I reply, trying to help her feel better. “Call me Takara, by the way, and, with everything else, it looks great. I like your suit, too!” I then look over and am a little shocked at the girl with long black-hair’s costume. It was red, looking kinda like Oba Nemuri’s...but… “Wow...um...that’s an interesting costume…” I mumble, blushing a little. She showed a lot of skin.

“My Quirk is Creation, and the creations come out of my skin, so I had to have something that works with that.” I nod.

“Yeah.” I reply. “Makes sense. Sorry.” She smiles.

“My name is Momo Yaoyorozu. I know it’s a bit revealing, but I have to dress like this, with my Quirk. I apologize if it makes you uncomfortable.” I smile.

“Oh, no! I just...it took my a little by surprise, is all. I didn’t know what your Quirk was.” I explain as we walk out.

“Okay.” She says and we drop the conversation.

I then see the boys and- -holy- -whoa! Eijiro! His hero outfit, like Momo’s, catered to his Quirk, but...did he have to just not wear any shirt?! “N-nice outfit, Eijiro…” I mumble, blushing scarlet. He was jacked! He had a defined six-pack and those arms were too jacked. He had a jawguard on that looked almost like a muzzle, with cog-wheel looking things over his shoulders and a half-skirt tucked into his belt, which had a stylized ‘R’ on the buckle. His pants were baggy dark grey cargo pants and he wore a pair of red mid-shin high boots.

“Thanks! You look...you look amazing, too!” He replies, chuckling.

I move automatically with everyone else, but I can’t stop glancing over at Kiri. He’d been wearing a sweatshirt and sweatpants at the entrance exam and the uniform after that, so I was completely caught off guard. How was he so ripped?! Finally, we arrive at Training Ground Beta and head down the tunnel. “They say that ‘clothes make the pros’, young ladies and gentlemen, and behold, you are the proof! Take this to heart; from now on, you’re all Heroes in Training!” Toshin-Oji all but squeals when we arrive. “It’s getting me all ramped up! You look so cool!” He calms a little, clearing his throat, “Now, shall we get started, you bunch of newbies?” Izuku, having taken a little while longer to get dressed, finally arrived.

At first, I thought his costume was modeled after a rabbit, then I remembered his favorite hero and shake with the effort to contain laughter. It was super obvious! “Nice costume, Izuku!” I greet.

“Yeah! Not too flashy, Deku! I like it!” Ochaco chimes in, and Izuku is startled when he takes in his friend’s costume, cheeks flaring under his face mask. “I should have been more specific about what I wanted; this bodysuit is skin-tight. Not really my style…”

“Now that you’re ready,” Toshin-Oji calls as he takes all of our costumes in. “it’s time for combat training!” Tenya (or I think it’s Tenya; no one else’s calves are that thick) immediately raises a hand.

“Sir, this is the city from the entrance exam. Does this mean we’ll be conducting urban battles again?”

“Not quite!” Toshin-Oji replies. “I’m gonna move you two steps ahead! Most of the villain attacks you see on the news happen outside. However, statistically, run-ins with the more dastardly villains happen indoors. Think about it; back room deals, home invasions, secret underground lairs. Truly intelligent criminals remain in the shadows. For this training exercise, I’ll be splitting you into teams of two; good guys and bad guys, fighting two-on-two teams!”

“Isn’t this a little advanced?” That girl with dark green hair asks, tilting her head. She wears a green bodysuit with dulled yellow goggles.

“The best training is what you get on the battlefield.” Toshin-Oji points out. “But remember; you can’t just punch a robot this time; you’re dealing with actual people now.” Questions flew thick a fast, things like ‘how will you split us up?’, ‘how bad can we hurt the other team?’ (from Bakugo, unsurprisingly), and a lot of others.

“I wasn’t finished speaking!” Toshin-Oji exclaims. He then clears his throat and draws out a small notebook. “The situation is this; the villains have hidden a nuclear weapon somewhere in the building. The heroes must either retrieve the weapon or capture the villains to win. But, time is limited! Teams will be decided by drawing lots!”

“Isn’t there a better way?” Tenya asks.

“Think about it.” Izuku counters. “Heroes have to team up with heroes from other agencies on the spot, so maybe that’s the reason we’re seeing that here.”

Tenya nods. “Ah, I see. Life is a random series of events.” He replies. “Excuse my rudeness!”

“No sweat!” Toshin-Oji cheers, “Let’s draw!” In everyone’s rush to draw, I’m left a bit behind, and can’t get through til almost everyone has drawn. When I reach my hand in, however, I find there’s only one ball left and I wander around, trying to find the other person with a ‘K’ on their ball. Toshin-Oji flinches when I can’t find anyone. “Ah, young Yamada! I should have considered that the class is unevenly numbered. Hmm...it wouldn’t be right to leave you solo...hmm...Well, I’m sorry, but for now, just watch and we’ll see how we can get you into a battle. Sound okay?” I nod awkwardly.

“Yeah.” All Might gives me an apologetic look before he clears his throat and moved to two boxes labelled ‘Heroes’ and ‘Villains’.

“I declare that the first two teams to fight will be…” He draws a ball from each and holds them up. ‘D’ and ‘A’. “These guys!” I gulp.

‘D’ was Katsuki and Tenya. ‘A’ was Ochaco and Izuku.

Katsuki hated Izuku. This was so not going to end well.

[the-lupine-sojourner]

Takara Yamada’s Hero Academia, Season 1 Episode 5 [Eijiro Kirishima/OC] [Female!Aizawa/Hizashi]

Hi, guys! Got past the entrance exam, so it’s on to the first day! This is a longer chapter, and even then I managed to not get in all the episode, so that’ll be next time. Sorry! 

A link to a Masterlist for this story is right Here. Hope you all enjoy!

Anyway, taglist! @dailyojiromashirao and @elite-guard-hardygal, as usual. These tags are lonely, though! Who wants to keep ‘em company? :) 

Anyway, they are really sweet and I hope they like this! And I hope you all like it, as well!

God Bless and Good Day!

~The Lupine Sojourner

Eijiro Kirishima:

Sorry again. We’d had this planned since the test.

Me:

No, no, it’s fine! Don’t worry about it. We can try for dinner on the first day, right?

Eijiro Kirishima:

You’re sure your parents won’t mind?

Me:

Of course not! They really want to meet you!

Eijiro Kirishima:

If you say so, yeah, we can try.

I frown. Why would he be weird about my parents wanting to meet him? Either way, it was the day we’d found out if we were going to UA or not. Eijiro had called me and neither of us had opened the letter, so I did with him on speakerphone opening his letter as well.

Turns out, there were ‘Rescue Points’, and All Might (on a projector) explained that there was a panel of judges who decides who gets how many rescue points. Katsuki got 0 rescue points, but 77 villain points. 

Kiri and I got 35 each, tying us for second place for the test! Izuku, I note happily, is in 7th place with 60 rescue points!

I’d invited Eijiro for dinner to celebrate, but he’d said his family had already made plans for their own celebration, resulting in our current conversation.

Me:

Sounds good! I hope we’re in the same class!

Eijiro Kirishima:

Yeah! That’d be so cool!

There. The Kirishima I met on the bus was back. I never know where he goes or why he disappears, but I was glad he was back.

“So, what’s the verdict?” Dad asks from my doorway, smirking. I roll my eyes. He always got like this when he saw I was talking to Eijiro or Shinso.

“Unfortunately, he and Shinso can’t make it.” I explain. “Both their families already had their own celebrations planned.” I explain. Dad clicks his tongue, waving his finger at me.

“Not helping the ‘imaginary friend’ theory.” He teases. I laugh.

“Dad, I’ve shown you the texts. I’m not making it up.” I assure him.

“Yeah, yeah. Either way, dinner’s ready. Orange chicken with extra chicken and rice balls.” I grin excitedly. My favorite!

“Yay! Coming!”

=#=#=#=#=

Soon enough, April came. And, with it, the first day of school.

By the time I get up, Mom’s already gone to prepare, and Dad was eating breakfast. I yawn, rubbing my eyes and grabbing a bowl for cereal. “Morning, Tik-Tak!” He cheers.

“Morning, dad.” I reply, pouring the milk on top. “Is there coffee?” Dad chuckles.

“Yes.” I yawn again and grab a mug, adding creamer and sugar before sitting back down and eating.

“You ready for your first day of high school?” He asks. I blink, halting mid-gulp of coffee. Oh, yeah. That was today.

“...I guess.” I mumble, my stomach suddenly squirming in nervousness.

“Relax. You’re gonna do great! Besides, your mom’s teaching your homeroom class. It’ll be fine.” I grin.

“Really?”

“Yeah, but in UA, she’s your teacher first, okay?” I sober a little. Of course. It was great having my mom as a teacher (and probably Dad, too), but she was professional enough not to give me preferential treatment. It’d be interesting, for sure.

“I know.” I reply, then grin. “It’ll be great!” With that, I finish my bowl and go to my room to change into my uniform (opting to wear the stockings, as I wasn’t quite comfortable in just the skirt yet), pulling my hair into a messy bun, as well. I came out and heard a camera snap a picture, spotting Dad holding his phone. I blush. “Dad!” I bark. “What was that?!”

“My baby’s going to UA! I had to take a picture!” I sigh. Of course.

“Okay...shouldn’t we be leaving soon?” He nods, grabbing his wallet and keyring.

“Yup! Let’s get going!”

The car ride was too long and too short all at once. Soon enough, we’ve arrived. I gulp, shaking in my shoes. I was so nervous! Dad had a gentle arm around my shoulders and led me to the class I was in; 1-A.

We find Eijiro wandering, looking confused. True to his word, he got the firetruck red and spiked style. It looked...really good on him. “Hey, Eijiro!” I call, determined that it was a friendly compliment, nothing more. He whirls.

“Hey, Takara!” He calls back. I’d scolded him enough times for him to start calling me by my first name. Dad’s eyes light up and I know I’m in trouble.

“Ah, I see. Nice one, kiddo!” Dad whispers, nudging my side with his elbow. I blush scarlet and swat at his shoulder.

“Dad!” I hiss. “I told you! Quit it!” Dad then clears his throat.

“Nice to finally meet you. I’m Takara’s father, if you didn’t know.” Eijiro smiles and shakes his hand.

“Her last name gave it away, Mr. Yamada.” Dad chuckles. 

“I see. Where’re yah headed, kid?” Eijiro looks around.

“I’m looking for classroom 1-A, but I can’t find it.” Dad grins.

“Never fear! I’ll lead you! You know, Takara’s in your class.”

“That’s awesome!” Eijiro cheers. I blush as we walk together in silence (Dad constantly watching Eiji and I) and arrive at the massive door soon enough. “We try to make sure everyone can use it.” Dad explains when we gape at the door. “Well, gotta get your teacher! Be back soon!” With that, he takes off. I blink.

“That was a fast departure.” I muse. I then clear my throat and face the door. “Well, shall we?” He opens the door and walks in. I’m right behind him, managing not to tremble as I look at the handful of students that had arrived a little early. One had pink skin and pale pink hair with small horn-things. Her eyes are black with golden pupils and she instantly leaps into a hug with Eijiro.

“Hiiii!” She cheers. “This is so crazy! We’re in the same class!” I am then finding myself clearing my throat, trying not to let a sudden irritation come out in my voice. What was wrong with me?

“Hi there.” I murmur. “I’m Takara.” She grins at me and squeals as she hugs me, too.

“So you’re the one Eiji’s been on about! Nice to meetcha! Name’s Mina Ashido.” I hug her back.

“Nice to meet you, too.” I then gulp as the door slams and a growl is heard. I turn to see Katsuki glaring at everyone as he sits at the far left desk in the second row. He was the only other one I know so far, so I walk over. “Oh, great.” I muse sarcastically. “I get the hothead in my class.” Fighting fire with fire might be a good way to handle this guy. He glares at me.

“What did you say, reject?” I cross my arms. Really? ‘Extra’?

“I said I got a hothead in my class.” He stands, and I try not to flinch. “Katsuki, right?”

“How’d you know that, you damn stalker?” I narrow my eyes.

“Well, I was there in the sludge villain incident. Surprised the guy could wrap that mess around that inflated head of yours.” It felt wrong insulting the kid, but it might get through to him. He scoffs, glaring at me reprovingly.

“Well, you were so attention-hungry, you and Deku jumped right in after me.” I chuckle. Maybe this guy wasn’t so bad under all the bravado and anger...but who was ‘Deku’? Izuku? “But don’t think I owe you anything. I would’ve been fine without you rejects!” Eijiro finally steps in.

“Okay, you two! Geez!” He sighs. “Look- -”

“Hey, don’t but in, Shitty Hair!” Katsuki interrupts. Eijiro growls and I put a hand on his shoulder.

“Katsuki, enough!” I bark, then deflate a little. “Look, I’m not an ‘extra’ or a ‘reject’, okay? My name is Takara. And this is my friend, Eijiro Kirishima.” No one seemed to recognize my name. Good.

“Whatever. Now, get outta my face, you damn nerds.” Katsuki growls. By now, a few more kids have joined the class, and another was just walking in. He was tall, wit- -wait...he’s the stick-in-his-butt from the entrance exam! Great!

He settles into a desk in the right back area before noticing Katsuki’s position, feet propped on his desk. Before anyone can react, the kid’s over at Katsuki’s desk. “Take your feet off that desk now!” He orders. And he’s still got that stick up his butt. Joy.

Katsuki glares at the guy, smirking defiantly.

“Huh?” He asks.

“It’s the first day and you’re already disrespecting this academy by scuffing school property, you cretin!” The guy protests. I face-palm, leaning against the desk a row back and on Kiri’s left side.

“Your old school leave a stick up yer ass, or were you born with it?” Katsuki snaps.

The kid straightens, deciding on a different tactic, putting a hand on his chest.

“Let’s start over. I’m Tenya Iida from Somei Private Academy.” Katsuki scoffs.

“Somei, huh? So you must think you’re better than me!”

“No!” I bark. “Katsuki, stop!”

“I’m gonna have fun tearing you a new one!” Katsuki continues as if I hadn’t said a word. I groan. There was just no getting through to him! Guess I was wrong about him not being so bad…

Tenya gasps. “You would threaten me, your own classmate?” He squeaks.

“Something tells me he’d threaten everyone at once if he could.” I mumble, earning a chuckle from Kirishima, and a glance from Tenya, who turns back to Katsuki.

“Are you sure you’re in the right place?” He asks. I frown. That was too close to what people say about Shinso.

“Okay, enough!” I bark, coming forward. “Both of you, knock it off!” I then sigh heavily and turn to Tenya. I’m sure he didn’t mean that Katsuki should quit and be a villain, right? So, I extend my hand. “The name’s Takara, from Nabu Middle School.” He shakes it, seeming to calm a little now that someone sane was talking to him.  

“Tenya Iida.” I nod, smiling.

“Yup. I heard.” Tenya then notices something behind him and the room falls quiet. I turn and spot Izuku standing there. How long, I had no idea. But he looked extremely nervous.

“It’s him.” Tenya murmurs.

I wave. “Hey!” I greet.

“You know him?” Tenya asks. I nod and make my way over as Izuku pales with everyone’s eyes on him.

“Hi!” He squeaks. I point out the desk beside mine.

“Go ahead and take that desk.” I say. He nods, but Tenya walks past me before I can lead Izuku over to the desk.

“Good morning!” Tenya calls. “I’m Tenya Iida from- -”

“Yeah, I know.” Izuku interrupts nervously. I refrain from chuckling.

“Oh.” Tenya says, halting.

“I’m Izuku Midoriya.” Izuku introduces. “It’s super nice to meet you.” His voice wavers in nervousness.

“Midoriya,” Tenya continues, “you realized there was something more to the practical exam, didn’t you?” He asks. Izuku blinks, wondering where this was going. “You must be very perceptive and I completely misjudged you.” At least Tenya’s willing to acknowledge his faults and try to make it right. “I admit, as a student, you are far superior to me.” I almost chuckle at the way Tenya subtly shakes, as if it almost pains him to admit it. Izuku pales and I can tell he’d had no idea about the rescue points until the letter, like the rest of us. Behind Izuku, Ochaco appears.

“Hey, I recognize that messed up hair!” She cheers. “Falling Boy!” Izuku jumps, blushing and hiding his face in his hands. In trying to restrain my laughter at Izuku, I can’t hear much of what she’s saying except that she called Izuku’s punch amazing.

“Oh, hey, hi! So, uh, I sh-should probably thank you for going in and talking to them.” He says. I frown. How’d he know? I was there, but Izuku shouldn’t have known.

“Huh? How’d you know about that?” She asks. “I, er, texted him.” I call to save Izuku explaining. He seemed nervous about it, so I decided to help him out.

“Right!” Izuku replies.

“Oh. What do you think we’re doing today besides orientation?” Ochaco says excitedly. “I wonder what our teachers are like! I can’t wait to meet everyone!” Behind everyone, I spot Dad slinking away after plopping Mom’s sleeping bag down with her inside. I roll my eyes and smile at her.

“If you’re just here to make friends, you can pack up your stuff now.” Mom says. That makes everyone shut up. No one had noticed her. Izuku, Tenya, and Ochaco look at her and I help her sit up. “Welcome to UA’s hero course.” She says, unzipping the bag enough to suck down a bagged energy drink. That seems to shock the group in front of her all over again. I nearly start laughing, but hold it in. mom stands, smiling subtly my way and unzipping the bag. “It took 8 seconds for you all to shut up; that’s not gonna work.” She says. “Time is precious. Rational students would understand.” I smile at her as she scans the class, which was full by now. “Hello, I’m Shota Yamada, your teacher.” Everyone does a double take. Mom yawns and takes out a set of clothes in the UA colors, with an A across the chest and a U beneath it. I raise a brow. “Right, let’s get to it. Put these on and head outside.” My confusion increases. Was Mom not going to let us attend orientation? No one was going forward, so I walk over and take the clothes from her hands. “Thought those would fit you.” She whispers, subtly squeezing my hand. I make my way down the hall to the locker rooms I’d spotted for what I assume is this very purpose. I wonder what Mom’s having us do.

=#=#=#=#=

“A Quirk assessment test?” Everyone asks. Mom nods, her back to us.

“But...orientation.” Ochaco says. “We’re gonna miss it.” Mom shrugs, not turning around.

“If you really want to make the big leagues, you can’t waste time on pointless ceremonies.” Everyone gasps. I just nod. I was used to her apathetic nature. Mom turns and smirks. “Here at UA, we’re not tethered to traditions. That means I get to run my class however I see fit.” I honestly am not sure why everyone is shocked. Mom doesn’t appear like the person that wastes time, does she? “You’ve been taking standardized tests most of your lives. But you’ve never been able to use your Quirks in physical exams before.” She continues, holding up her teaching phone to display the common tests we’d taken. “The country’s still trying to pretend we’re all created equal by not letting those with the most power excel. It’s not rational. One day the Ministry of Education will learn.” I was a little surprised that Mom was almost mad about this. She sighs and turns to Katsuki.

“Bakugo, you managed to get the most points on the entrance exam. What was your longest throw in softball during Junior High?” Katsuki frowns.

“...67 meters, I think.” He replies. Mom nods.

“Right.” She smirks. “Try doing it with your Quirk. Anything goes, just stay in the circle.” Mom tosses him a ball as Katsuki walks into position. Katsuki stretches his shoulder and backs up a little.

“You asked for it.” He growls, then steps forward and launches the ball, screaming ‘Die!’ as he uses his Quirk (explosions). The ball soars away before landing a long way away.

“All of you need to know your maximum capabilities.” Mom continues, then holds up her phone as the ball rolls a little. “It’s the most rational way of determining your potential as a pro hero.” 705.2 meters, her phone says. Everyone gasps.

“Wow…” I breathe.

“705 meters? Are you kidding?” A boy with blonde hair (with a zig-zag black streak in his bangs) asks, raising a brow. I shrug.

“Well, his explosion Quirk would greatly enhance the ball’s momentum.” I point out.

“Ooh! I wanna go!” Mina cheers. “That looks fun!”

“Now that’s what I’m talking about!” A boy with flat black hair cries. “Using our Quirks as much as we want!” Mom chuckles, and I sense a touch of dark humor. Mom was having fun being creepy...and I’m not sure I’m completely immune.

“So, you think this is fun, huh?” She asks. “You have three years here to become a hero. You think it’s all fun and playtime?” I gulp. Teacher!Mom is actually kinda intimidating. “Idiots. Today, you’ll compete in 8 physical tests to gauge your potential. Whoever comes in last has none and will be expelled immediately.” I take a step back. Mom and Dad rarely brought work home with them. At least, not in front of me. If they discussed teaching and hero work, it was when I was not around. This was a whole new side of my mother I’d never seen. Not even when we worked on developing my control of my Quirk. “Like I said, I get to decide how this class runs. Understand?” I gulp and nod. Shit. what kind of tests are these gonna be? “If that’s a problem, you can head home right now.” I bite my lip. Even as her daughter, I didn’t have any right to protest this teaching method. Who was I to say how Mom should do things? I don’t know what it takes to train heroes. Maybe this was the best way.

“You can’t send one of us home!” Ochaco exclaims. I nearly face-palm. “I mean, we just got here! Even if it wasn’t the first day, that isn’t fair!” Mom merely stares at her.

“Oh? And you think natural disasters are?” Mom counters cooly. “Or power-hungry villains? Hmm? Or catastrophic accidents that wipe out whole cities?” Mom had a point. A scary point, but a point. “No.” She continues, “The world is full of unfairness. It’s a hero’s job to try and combat that unfairness. If you wanna be a pro, you’re gonna have to push yourself to the brink.” She was right. We had to handle a lot as a hero. Therefore, our schooling should be an accurate portrayal of what a hero did everyday. “For the next three years, UA will throw one hardship after another at you, so go beyond, Plus Ultra style.” She finishes, smirking with a hand on her hip. “Show me it’s no mistake your here.” It felt like Mom was talking to me directly, urging me to prove my worth, even though she was willing (Dad, too) to get me in through a recommendation. I’d told them I was flattered, but that I didn’t think my Quirk was strong enough to compare to the other recommended students. I’d heard stories and watched Sports Festivals. I didn’t stand a chance that route.

“That’s what I’m talking about…” Eijiro whispers, eyes glinting in determination.

“Now then, let the games begin!” Mom calls.

=#=#=#=#=

Turns out, I did better than expected at a lot of the tests. 

The 50 meter dash was hard, but basically propelling myself forward with water from a nearby hose, I was able to beat the boy with six arms I was up against. Eijiro high-fives me and the boy gives me a thumbs up. Mom smiles subtly at me as she calls the next group over.

The others had varying levels of success. Eijiro was behind his opponent by a milisecond. It was some boy with a bird head. Once everyone was done, we moved on to a training room indoors.

Next test was grip strength. The water from the hose didn’t help much. I got roughly 150% of my weight. I’d hoped for a better score, but that was that. Eijiro’s Hardening didn’t really help him, either.

“Wow! You hit 540 kg?!” The boy with straight black hair asks my previous opponent, with six arms. “You’re such a beast!”

“Yeah, like a muscly octopus!” A boy with strange purple hair adds. The six-armed one seems grateful, but doesn’t say anything.

Next was the standing long jump. Again, the water helped, and I managed to beat that purple-haired boy in front of me, who turned as we waited in line, eyeing me up and down creepily before smirking and giving me a thumbs up. I glared at him. “I’ll report you to M-Mrs. Yamada if you do that again.” I growled. He’d shut up and kept his eyes to himself after that. For some reason, I still didn’t want my classmates to know their homeroom teacher was my mom. 

We continued to the next test; repeated side jumps.

Katsuki and that purple-haired creep actually got the best scores. Explosions that rocked the ground and a mound of purple balls (That apparently made up the creep’s hair. Gross!) on either side of the marked area made those scores possible. “Impressed yet?” The purple guy asks, winking. I scoff.

“Not in the slightest.” I then watch Eijiro, who went right before me this time. He got a pretty decent score, and then it was my turn. I grin and use the water to make walls to push off of. I got a pretty good score, even if I was tired afterwards. Next was the rest of the class doing the ball throw.

Ochaco got the best score, literally sending the ball to space. Mom holds up the phone, her ‘throw’ reading as an infinity symbol. “That’s insane!” The blonde-black streak boy exclaims. “How is that even possible?!”

“Her Quirk makes things float. It kept floating.” I explain simply, then it was Izuku’s turn. I swallow. So far, he wasn’t doing too well. He stood in the circle staring at the ball for a moment, then his face hardens in determination and he launches the ball. Mom steps forward, eyes glowing red. I gasp. What was she doing? The ball only goes 46 meters.

“Hey, what gives?” Izuku asks, staring at his hands. “I was trying to use it just now…” Izuku can then only flinch in shock before Mom’s in his line of sight.

“I erased your Quirk.” She calls, and Izuku gasps upon seeing her eyes. Mom then grits her teeth. “The judges for this exam were not rational enough.” She continues, her capture weapon floating around her head as well as her hair. “Someone like you should never be allowed to enroll at this school.” I flinch. That was harsh. Really harsh. However, as Mom’s student, I had no place to protest, really.

“Wait..you did what to my- -gah!” Things click and Izuku reels. “Those goggles...Yamada...I know you!” He continues. “You’re Present Mic’s wife! You can look at someone and cancel out their powers. You’re the Erasure Hero; Eraserhead!” Mom merely keeps glaring at him as the others murmur around me.

“I’ve never heard of her.” Eijiro muses.

“I have. She’s prefers to work under the radar.” I explain simply, then watch as Mom continues talking.

“You don’t have control over your Quirk. Were you planning to break your bones again, counting on someone else to save your useless body?” Izuku shakes his head.

“N-no! That’s not what I was trying to do- -ah!” Mom’s capture weapon snaps around his shoulders and drags him forward.

“No matter what your intentions are, you would be nothing more than a liability in battle.” Mom growls in a terrified Izuku’s face. “I’m sorry, Midoryia, but with your power, there’s no way someone like you can become a hero.” That does it. Student or no student, I had to do something.

“Mom, enough!” I bark, and it takes several seconds before I realize what I’d called her. Shit.

Guess the cat’s out of the bag now...

[the-lupine-sojourner]

This might seem out of nowhere, but I was recently listening to For the Dancing and the Dreaming from HTTYD 2, and thought, “This would be great for a KiriKara AU thing.” Soooo, if at any point you’re still taking requests...? ^-^’

Sorry this is so late, galfriend!! I meant to get this done by your birthday, but that didn’t work out, so I guess this is a belated gift or something. Anyway, hope you like it!! I kinda like how it turned out, actually!

I did kinda use some elements from your story for me, which was amazing, and I did twist it just a bit so I’m not copying.

This was kinda what I needed to get back into writing MHA and Takara, so I think tonight I’ll work on the chapter I’ve been off and on working on for a while (feel free to remind/kick me later about it, kay? (: ) 

One last note to everyone: If you haven’t heard For the Dancing and the Dreaming, PLEASE treat yourself right now!! I ADORE that song so much and this request was so perfect for my babies! ;v; *wipes happy tears* Okay okay enough stalling. Let’s get to the story! 

God Bless and Good Day! 

~The Lupine Sojourner

 “Mom?” The question makes me pause my folding. I set the shirt aside and turn my head to the doorway, walking over to my little son, Senshi.

“Yes, son? What is it?” I ask. He fiddles with his fingers, a habit he picked up when he was nervous. I smile warmly at him and sit before him, something that usually helped him calm enough to speak whatever was on his mind. He settles in my lap as usual and plays with my hair.

“Well, how did you and daddy marry?” He asks. I blink, chuckling in slight shock that my five year old son would ask that question.

“What do you mean?” I ask. “You’ve been to a wedding, you know how it goes.” He nods, now moving to pick at my shirt.

“I know, mommy, but...what happened before that? Why did you and daddy marry?” I smile.

“Well...you see, your daddy is a very strong man, and he would go on adventures in the wild with his friends while I helped Grandma and Grandpa in their tavern. He would visit me a lot and we grew to be best friends.”

“And then you married?” Senshi asks, enraptured as always by my stories. I laugh.

“No, son. Now, don’t interrupt me, please. Remember your manners.” He blushes in embarrassment and squirms a bit.

“Yes, ma’am.”

“Thank you.” I reply, nuzzling him to show I wasn’t mad. “Now, your daddy and I never got tired of seeing each other when we could, and then came the day a bunch of bandits decided to raid the town Grandpa and Grandma live in. I lived there then and Eijiro happened to be coming to see me. He saw what was happening, and that made him madder than I’d ever seen him. He transformed into his dragon form and raced to my side just as my magic was almost gone. He protected me, even when all the bandits wanted to hurt him. Eventually, we won and went to a healer. Eijiro got a lot of injuries making sure I was safe, so I stayed with him while he got better.”

The memory was so fresh in my head as I talked, it was like it was happening again.

=#=#=#=#=

The chirp of the birds did nothing to ease my squirming stomach.

Before me lay Eijiro, the brave man I’d barely begun to court, and he looked almost dead on that bed.

He’d risked everything to shield me from the bandits. They’d picked a day when Mom and Dad were out on summons to a special celebration of King Toshinori’s 50th year as king, and Mom as both part of King Toshinori’s security and Dad’s escort.

I guess Eijiro’s group had been on their way to the village, because I heard a rallying cry and suddenly Eijiro stopped trembling with every attack. I heard more voices driving the bandits away and ensuring they were taken care of.

Now, Eijiro was alive and slowly recovering. That was all I could ask for. I stroke his hair gently, humming to myself a song Mom taught me. It was a proposal song, but I loved the simple melody and found myself humming it often, wondering when it would be sung to me for real.

I don’t know how long I sat there, but eventually, I fall asleep.

I wake to the feeling of a strong hand gently stroking my hair. Slowly, I turn my head to look and Eijiro is smiling tiredly at me. I smile back, my heart filled to overflowing with joy that Eijiro was awake. I yawn into my hand, but before I can greet him, Eijiro begins to talk.

“How’d you know I wanted to sing that song to you?” He asks raspily. I blink.

“Huh?”

“There was a moment where I woke up, and I swear I heard an angel singing. Thought I died. I listened closer and knew it was you, and then everything began to hurt, so I knew I was alive. Then I fell back asleep. I wanted to talk to you…” I blush. He’d never mentioned wanting to sing the song to me...no way! He was gonna- -! “about...about marrying...but maybe it’s--mmph!” I cut him off with an elated kiss, careful not to jostle him too much. Pulling away, I kiss all over his face in more happiness than I’d possibly ever felt in my life. “...can I take that as my queue to start singing?” Eijiro asks, slightly out of breath from the kiss and smirking at me. I laugh, cheeks heating in embarrassment.

“Oh...um...sure.” Eijiro nods even as he yawns.

"Well, I'm thinking I wanna do it when I can actually move and dance with you, sorry." I laugh and stroke his hair.

"I think that's best, Eijiro. You...you don't know how scared I was." I whimper. I move to grab his bandaged hands. "Eiji...you almost died." I tear up. "Baka, why'd you do that!?" Eijiro's hand gripped mine.

"I told you, you're my treasure. I'd defend you til I die." I blink back tears, but it doesn't really work.

"But...but I...you can't just die on me, okay?!" I sniffle, wiping my eyes. "I don't know what I'd do if I lost you! Promise me you won't pull a stunt like that again, okay?!"

“...Kara, we both know I can’t promise that.” Eijiro points out calmly. “I can, however, promise I will do my utmost to always return to you and stay alive, deal?” I swallow.

“...Deal.”

=#=#=#=#=

“Now, you should be able to get around roughly the same as before, just try to take it easy, alright?” The healer in charge of Eijiro instructs, to which Eijiro nods.

“Of course. Thank you for helping me.”

“Any time, young man. Just don’t waste this second chance, son.” Eijiro smiles.

“I promise you, I won’t.” The healer smiles knowingly. He’d seen the woman who stayed with his charge, and it was amazing how strong their bond already was. Those two were made for each other, he could tell, and he happened to have overheard their conversation about the proposal song and dance. He hoped things would go better for them. The young didn’t deserve such scars and memories. They deserved their happiness.

He watched Eijiro leave with a large grin on his face and chuckled as he readied the cot for his next patient.

Eijiro raced toward the tavern, knowing Takara would be busy, but hoping she’d have a moment to let him propose. The ring in his pocket, a rather simple affair fashioned as a band swirling around emeralds and rubies he’d collected himself, seemed incredibly heavy, as if it were as eager as Eijiro to see it on his love’s finger. Feeling the wounds pulling and twinging a little, he slowed and caught his breath, relieved when the feeling subsided.

Finally arriving, Eijiro nudged his way inside, he saw not too many people inside. Good. His throat was dry no matter how excited he was to finally sing the song that had been itching in his throat for a long time. Fewer people meant less audience, which helped to calm his nerves.

It takes Takara a few minutes to see him, hovering by the door awkwardly. Her father, Hizashi Yamada, spots him, too, and smiles at him before making his way to his daughter and relieving her of her tray so she could talk to Eijiro.

“Fancy seeing you here.” Takara muses with a touch of wryness to her voice. She knew he wouldn’t keep her waiting for long.

“I was just passing by, so here I am.” Eijiro replies. Takara laughs.

“Well, alright then. Have a seat. I’ll bring your usual meal and ale to you in a sec.” He moves his hand to gently grab Takara’s upper arm as she turns to leave. He pulls her in for a kiss. She accepts it readily and grins at him, patting his arm. “I’m so happy to see you recovered, Eiji.” She murmurs softly. He smiles and leans his forehead briefly against hers.

“I’m happy to be out of the healer’s cot.” He replies, then rubs up her upper arm. “Get going before your parents start missing you.” He teases. Takara takes her leave with a final smile and a wave. He gathers his courage and fingers the ring. He knew what she would say and he’d talked to Mr. Yamada and gotten the parents’ blessing to wed their daughter. The only thing holding him back was the small audience, and so with one last deep breath, heart hammering in his ears, he steps into the center, where a small area was usually kept clear for those who felt like dancing.

Loud and clear, he began to whistle the tune, hoping she’d hear and come forward. Sure enough, he saw her stop what she was doing, drop off the few flagons and baskets of small loaves on her tray, set the tray down, and came to meet him in the center area. She started whistling, too, joining him effortlessly. “I’ll sail and swim on savage seas,” he began singing. Takara stayed silent, swaying to the tune as she hummed. He found it remarkably easier to focus on singing now that Takara was before him. As long as he kept focused on the love of his life, he didn’t even see the few patrons that had started to watch the performance. “with ne’er a fear of drowning…and gladly ride the waves of life, if you will marry me…” Takara was grinning as if the thing she wanted most in the world was right before her and she swayed a bit closer as her part neared. “No scorching sun, no freezing cold, will stop me on my journey,” he declared boldly, meaning every word he’d sang thus far. “if you will promise me your heart…” He swallowed, mentally reciting the steps Mr. Yamada had coached him on for the approaching dance. Slowly, his arm began to drift up as Takara did the same.

“And love me for eternity.” Takara’s clear voice rang out in tandem with Eijiro’s as their arms met. She takes a breath, beginning to circle Eijiro, who kept his eyes locked on Takara’s as they moved in sync. “My dearest one, my darling dear, your mighty words astound me, but I’ve no need for mighty words when I feel your arms around me.” The pair circled each other, each smiling like the sun. They chuckled, and Eijiro took the lead again.

“But I would bring you rings of gold, and I would even sing you poetry!” He sang out, adding a bit of a skip to his steps, now that he’d adjusted to the song and dance. Takara joined him, laughing.

“Oh, would yeh?” She replies coyly.

“And I would keep you from all harm, if you would marry me!” Eijiro sang, hoping the sincerity of his words wasn’t lost on his love. It wasn’t. Takara pretended to turn a tiny bit snobby as she danced alongside Eijiro.

“I have no use for rings of gold, I care not for your poetry!” She declares, swirling at Eijiro’s direction, easily fitting under his arm and leaning into his chest as if she was made to fit there. She felt safe as Eijiro’s strong arms circled her and they swayed in the embrace before she twirled out again. “I only want your hand to hold, I only want you near me!” Though the pair sang the line together, it was Takara’s turn to hope her sincerity was made clear to Eijiro. He understood perfectly. “To love and kiss, to sweetly hold, for the dancing and the dreaming!” They sang out together. “Through all life’s sorrows and delights, I’ll keep your love inside me! I’ll swim and sail on savage seas with ne’er a fear of drowning, and gladly sail the waves of life if you will marry me!” Eijiro had gotten a little carried away, swinging Takara up in his arms, but she didn’t mind; she braced against his shoulders and kept singing as she was swung around a few times before being gently put back on the ground, elated that this was finally happening and she’d truly get to marry this boy, this love of hers. Eijiro then drew her in for a kiss, keeping a hold on her left hand as he did. When they broke apart, he slipped the ring onto her finger as Takara gasps.

“Oh, Eijiro! This- -how did you- -I…”

“Turns out, we saved the jeweler when we stopped the bandits, so...he made this for me as a thank you. I couldn’t talk him out of it.” Takara laughs. Eijiro, despite being half-dragon, hardly ever accepted monetary rewards for his good deeds, preferring to let the satisfaction be his reward. She kisses him again.

“It’s perfect.” She murmurs, cupping his face and kissing his forehead as the audience began to clap and cheer, a few whistles thrown in as well. Takara and Eijiro blush, joining hands and facing the crowd.

Shota and Hizashi came forward and hugged the two, Eijiro and Hizashi shaking hands and Hizashi clapped Eijiro on the back heartily to welcome him into the family and assure him that his blessing still stood. Eijiro’s arm didn’t leave Takara’s wasit after that as the patrons came to congratulate the pair. By the time it was all done, Takara reluctantly eyed her tray. Eijiro groans, but then gets an idea. He notices Hizashi and walks over.

“Can I help Takara?” He asks. Hizashi nods, smiling. Normally, he figured boys would ask to borrow Takara for a few quiet moments outside, but this young man was offering to ensure that Takara’s duties and responsibilities were completed before they departed. He nods.

“Of course. There should be an extra apron in the back. Grab it and get to work, lad!” He replies. Eijiro grins and nods, offering a salute before returning. He follows Takara when she returns to the back and ties the apron on, grinning at her.

“I love you, Takara Yamada.” He murmurs, hugging her. She hugs him back.

“I love you, too, Eijiro.” She replies. She gives him a quick kiss then draws away. “Now, let’s get these guests taken care of, okay?” He grins, letting her tug him toward the barrels of ale, wine, and mead.

“Lead the way, milady!”

[the-lupine-sojourner]

Sorry if this ain’t much of a distraction, but… I’m alone in different country now, my family has gone back to our other country, and I… It would be nice to get an “emergency ask.” Maybe a hug from Izuku cause he’s my boi and a hug from Eijiro cause he’s honestly really similar to you, in my opinion... Take your time, y’know? But thanks as well

Awww!! That completely sucks!! I haven’t really been alone in your situation, like where my family is off in an entirely different country, but being lonely SUCKS!! 

On another note, I want to write as much as I can now because I have a 4-hour shift at work soon and I really don’t want to make you wait til later tonight to read this.

Also, don’t worry about it not being a ‘good distraction’, because pretty much anything helps at this point. 😊

Okay so, um…I might be a tad selfish and make the Eijiro thing with Takara and Izuku with you. I’m so so sorry! I know you wanted a hug from both boys and I will still do that, but I just would really like a hug from my Boi myself right now, so…

I feel really bad, but I’ll still give you an Eijiro hug because those are the BOMB!! 😂🤣

Last thing is that I’ll make this an X Reader thing cus I’m pretty sure you don’t want me to use your name. 

God Bless and Good Day!

~The Lupine Sojourner

“Hey, Y/N...are you okay?” The question wasn’t surprising, even if you literally just walked into the classroom. Of course Izuku would notice that something was off. That boy was far too observant sometimes. Eijiro was beside Izuku, having been talking with both the green-haired boy and Takara, whom he was two weeks into a relationship with. As such, he had his arm around Takara’s waist. You couldn’t help feeling a tad jealous but you quickly stomped it down. You weren’t looking for a romantic relationship anyway. It was fine, even if it still made that green beast rear up inside you every now and again. 

“Well...” Not many people were here yet, and those that weren’t part of the trio closest to the door were engrossed in their own conversations, so it was okay. “You see, my family was visiting from across Japan, but they had to go home yesterday, and I’m alone again. I’m staying with family friends, but it’s not the same, you know?” Instantly, Izuku is hugging you in a moment of boldness. 

“Y/N, I’m so sorry.” He murmurs. “I know a bit of what that’s like. My dad’s constantly gone for work stuff and I don’t get to see him that much. It hurts sometimes...” You blink back sudden tears. It was harder than you thought, being alone again. Their brief visit was too short. You wanted them to stay longer. Eijiro walks over as you squeeze Izuku back, relishing the warmth and strength of his arms and the feel of his toned chest against you. 

“Thanks, Izuku,” you mumble, burying your face in his chest on instinct. You look up, however, when you feel Eijiro’s hand on your shoulder. 

“If you need anything, just let me or Takara know, okay?” You nod, smiling gratefully at them. You felt a little better knowing your friends were there for you, but couldn’t help still feeling a little lonely. 

“Yeah. Whatever you need, or if you just need to talk, that’s alright by me, too.” Takara adds, coming back to her boyfriend’s side. You let go of Izuku and go to hug your friends. 

“You’re both so sweet!” You cry as their arms wrap around you. It didn’t feel quite the same as an Izuku hug, but it was close enough. You appreciated the fact that you had such dependable friends whenever you needed them. 

Eijiro walked into the dorms to find Takara on the couch, wrapped in a blanket and looking miserable. He walks over, concerned. “Babe, you okay?” He asks. She sighs and turns her head to look at Eijiro. 

“No...my body hates me.” She groans. Eijiro’s face flushes. He knew exactly what was happening. 

“O-oh...anything I can do?” She shakes her head. 

“No. I already took pain medicine and stuff. I just want to lay here and do nothing all day.” Luckily, it was a Saturday and Eijiro saw little problem in squeezing down beside his girlfriend, burrowing into the blanket with her as she squirms to make room, laughing. “Eiji, what are you doing?” She asks. He bops her nose. 

“I’m helping my girlfriend through her rough day.” He says cheerily. She hugs him, laying back down and getting comfortable as Eijiro grabs the remote to turn the TV on. “Now...what do you wanna watch?” 

So so sorry again to turn this selfish at the end but I just really wanted to write that scene. I’m sorry! Anyway, I really hope this helps you somehow! It kinda helped me to write it, but I gotta go get ready for work, so...I love you!! 

[the-lupine-sojourner]

Takara’s Hero Academia Season 2 Episode 3 (but actually still 2) [Eijiro/OC] [Aizawa/Hizashi]

Okay, so I apologize for just now getting to the end of episode 2 and the start of the Sports Festival! And I didn’t do the sneak peek. So so so sorry!! 

I’ll do the sneak peek on Patreon and all that next time. Ugh I feel so bad about this! But I don’t wanna make this chapter any later, so here we go. 

Anyway! The Masterlist for This Series! 

And the taglist: @elite-guard-hardygal , @dailyojiromashirao , @souskena , and @fandoms-fandoms-everywhere99 . I’m sorry, guys!! I feel weird about posting this for some reason, but hope you all like it! 

Before I get to the story, I jsut awnna say I included a paraphrased quote from my favorite book; Red wall. The actual quote is ‘Even the strongest and bravest must sometimes weep.’ Also, I could resist slipping Asami in again. Hope y’all don’t mind!

God Bless and Good Day! 

~The Lupine Sojourner

“Takara, you ready to go?” Dad calls.

“Yeah, I’ve just finished packing the last box!” I call back. It was a week until the Sports Festival, and we were moving today. We all didn’t have a lot of stuff, so it was a simple one-day thing in theory. So far so good, though.

I hoist the box up and walk out to the living room. This box had the miscellaneous things I wanted to keep, like the old ratty fox stuffed animal that I could never get rid of for sentimental reasons, or pictures of Mom, Dad, and I, or posters and other decorations.

I plop it down. “Man, I didn’t realize how many different decorations I had in my room.” I laugh. Mom smiles. Dad had convinced her to go to Recovery Girl as often as I had and her arms looked better every day. The casts had been taken off and she was doing exercises to get them reacquainted with the things she normally did and how strong she had been. We even worked out together, going for a morning jog followed by yoga and a core workout routine.

In short, we were slowly getting to the point we’d been at before the attack. Mom and I were getting better mentally, too, but that was a long road for a number of reasons, one being the level of shit we went through, two being the severity of our injuries and the fact that the villains had caught us entirely by surprise. We loaded the last few boxes, refused to ‘say bye house’ like Dad prompted, and drove toward UA and our small condo on campus.

Once we got there, all of us grabbed boxes and I followed Mom and Dad’s lead, falling a little behind as I’d been a tad ambitious, trying to carry both my first backpack of clothes and box of decorations.

In fact, when I went to grab the door I was just a second too late to grab before it closed, I end up overbalancing, slamming my face and nose into the glass, before collapsing awkwardly to the ground, the box going flying and the contents spilling out. “Shoot!” I curse, groaning as I pick myself up. I then feel a twinge in my ankle. Apparently, I’d rolled it a little and it didn’t appreciate that.

I sigh heavily and begin picking up the box and putting the stuff back in, feeling oddly emotional about the shattered glass in a few of the framed pictures. Tears even well in my eyes and I resist the urge to start crying. All I wanted was a normal day with my family, unpacking and starting over in our new home.

Turns out, that wasn’t exactly easy. I wipe my eyes and sigh heavily before I make myself start gathering the spilled objects, minding the broken glass. I really don’t know why I’m crying, but the tears come back and this time I couldn’t stop them.

“Hey, are you okay?” I flinch and look up from plopping another glass-less frame in the box. I look up and blink in shock.

“O-oh! Asami-senpai! I’m sorry. I didn’t see you there.” I squeak. She was trying to hand me a poster she rolled up. I gulp back a lump in my throat and take it, trying to subtly wipe my eyes.

“You know, after an incident like that, it’s okay to cry.” She says softly, hand over mine reassuringly. I shrink into myself in embarrassment.

“You saw that?” I whimper. She nods.

“And I meant what I said. Really, it’s scary fighting villains and having it be life or death. I remember my first fight.” Her eyes are serious, not looking at anything in particular as she spoke, obviously reminiscing about that day.

“Oh...from your work-study?” I ask softly. Being the daughter of two UA teachers who are also pro heroes, I knew all about work studies. She nods.

“It was a group of muggers trying to start a gang. They’d cornered civilians in a back alley and I was working with the Ryuku agency for my work study. We intervened and put them behind bars. I almost got impaled by one of the villains’ air weapon Quirk.” I raise a brow.

“Air weapon?” I ask. Asami nods.

“Hardened air limited to the breath in his lungs and weapons like spears or swords. Annoying, but the situation whacked me. I spent the rest of the day looking over my shoulder and paranoid at anything and everything. I had to have a long talk with dad to finally start to get over it. It’s hard to cope with an experience like this.” I bite my lip and nod.

“I want to be strong, but…”

“Even the strongest and bravest sometimes cry. It’s not a sign of weakness. It shows you feel and you’re human. It’s a perfectly reasonable reaction.” I smile at her, sniffling and wiping my eyes.

“Thank you.” I murmur. She picks up the box as we stand and she hands it to me.

“No problem. Oh, and you can call me ‘Ami’, Okay?” I nod, smiling.

“Okay!”

=#=#=#=#=

“What on earth are you doing?” A hear a voice ask. I turn my head from my Downward Dog position while trying to turn a glass of water into ice (sorta like Shoto, but...not exactly) after a run to see Oba Nemuri standing there, watching me curiously, a touch of amusement in her voice.

Fortunately, she was wearing her teaching clothes. As a teacher, there were certain standards to be upheld so she couldn’t be too outlandish. She had a light purple button-up (with as many buttons as she could get away with undone), a dark grey blazer on top, with a miniskirt I’m fairly certain was not up to the standard dress code. She also had thigh-high leather boots on.

I sigh and move to stand properly. While she is my aunt, it’s always slightly awkward being around her. I do love her, but she’s so...uh, unreserved, and I’d rather not be corrupted just yet.

“Hey, Oba.” I greet. “I’m practicing for the Festival.” She grins.

“Oh, how adorable!” She squeals, wriggling in delight. I blush. Why was she like this? “I must say, that Quirk of yours is really something else!” I manage a grin. She looks at the glass. It felt cool to the touch, but it wasn’t ice by a long shot. And it was draining my blood sugar faster than I’d like to keep trying. “Are you trying to make that water into ice or something? Too cute, darling!” I nod. This was just who Oba Nemuri was. It wouldn’t be fair to judge someone simply because of who they are, right? I only had about an hour with Oba Nemuri. She suggested I make my fighting style all about a whip after I showed her the different things I could do. I turned her down and she demonstrated a few kicks, at least, before she checked the time. “Well, darling, it looks like duty calls.” She sighs, with a touch more drama than needed, really. “My class starts in a quarter hour and I have to freshen up a bit. Mind if I pop into the bathroom real fast?” She asks, almost flirtatiously, winking at me as she grabs a small purse. I hold in a groan and point out where it was.

“Go ahead, Oba,” I reply. She giggles and thanks me before heading into it and closing the door. I move to the kitchen and grab a container of leftover tonkatsu to heat up for a kind-of brunch. She was too much sometimes.

By the time I’ve sat down with the food, Oba Nemuri is back. She draws me in for a hug from behind, kissing my cheek.

“Sorry to run off like this, Nīsu.” She apologizes. “Your parents wanted me to check in on you real quick. Do tell your parents this is a housewarming gift for your mother, would you?” I nod. The present she put in front of me was suspiciously small and in a Victoria’s Secrets bag. I flush, imagining what kind of present Oba had given my mom.

“I’ll make sure she gets it.” I murmur, hoping I didn’t sound as embarrassed as I felt, and Oba Nemuri gives me one last cheek-kiss and leaves. I wave at her, mouth too full to speak, and that’s that.

=#=#=#=#=

Turns out, training almost constantly made time fly by. Mashirao and I had started sparring and it turns out he’s a great teacher. He praised when earned, and sometimes mixed a bit of critique into his praises so I’d learn even from victories (of which there were few), and he was always going all-out on me. He knew that I could take it, and it also helped strengthen my leg and ribs, so we all won.

“Thanks, Mashirao.” I murmur as we walk back to the locker rooms to shower and head home.

“No problem. It’s a great way for me to exercise, too, so we all win. Plus, it’s always more fun to teach when the student is a natural at the subject.” I laugh.

“Thanks, but we know that’s not true,” I reply, scratching the back of my neck. He is quick to shake his head.

“No, I meant it. You’re getting really good, Takara!”

“Thanks,” I reply, then check my phone and see the date. “Oh, crap! The Festival is tomorrow!” I squeak. He blinks.

“I lost track of time. That’s crazy!”

“I know!” He holds up a hand.

“Well, let’s both do our best, okay?” I high-five him.

“Okay!”

=#=#=#=#=

“Nervous?” Dad asks. I gulp.

“What gave it away?” I reply, voice wavering a little. Dad laughs.

“Sweetheart, it’s fine to be nervous.” I nod.

“I know.” The car pulls into the teacher parking lot and we check in, Mom holding Dad’s hand. I notice she’s been doing that a lot since she got her hands out of the casts. I probably would, too, in her situation. It’d only been about a week, but even being unable to use your hands that long...I can’t even imagine. Now, her arms were wrapped in stiff bandages as her arms were slowly regaining strength and the last of the healing in the bones was finishing with a little help from Recovery Girl. Due to the extent to which the bones were broken, it was difficult for Recovery Girl to heal a whole lot per session. There was a lot that needed to happen in Mom’s arms, and it was taking a long time to restore what Nomu broke.

I see my classmates gathering, so I adjust my backpack and walk over. As usual, Eijiro is first to notice me, walking over as I turn to wave Mom and Dad goodbye so they could get ready to commentate on the Festival. How dad managed to convince Mom to do it, I have no idea, but I’m glad. It will get her mind off...other things.

“Hey, Takara.” Eijiro greets. I smile and accept his side-hug. We’d gotten a bit more comfortable around each other and usually gave each other hugs as a greeting. He still smelled amazing, and I always had to restrain myself from continuously sniffing him. “You nervous?” I take a breath and nod a little.

“Yeah...you?”

“Just a little. I’ve always loved watching the Festival growing up and now I’m actually in one, you know?”

“Mmhmm.” I hum in reply, feeling my stomach squirm in anxiety as we walk to the 1-A general waiting room. There, we found PE outfits waiting, and Mina groans when we’re all changed.

“Aww, man!” She whines. “I was totally hoping I could wear my costume.” I shrug, but Mashirao beats me to speaking.

“At least everyone’s in uniforms, so it’s fair, right?” Rikido is shaking in his seat, anxiety clearly written on his face.

“I wonder what they have in store for us in the first round.” He mumbles. I shrug.

“Well, as long as we do our best, it doesn’t really matter, right?” He nods.

“Right,” Fumikagi interjects. “No matter what they’ve prepared, we must persevere.” I nod.

“Yeah!” Tenya then comes suddenly into the room, startling me.

“Everyone, get your game faces on!” He calls. “We’re entering the arena soon!” I feel my stomach flip in nervous anticipation. Everyone murmurs and reacts. I grab my heart, willing it to calm down (not that it listens to me).

“Midoriya,” Shoto calls, walking over to my friend. Izuku turns to him.

“Hey, Todoroki.” He replies. “What’s up?”

“From an objective standpoint, I think it’s fairly clear I’m stronger than you.” I blink. Izuku nods meekly.

“Yeah…” He replies. I step forward to defend Izuku but then halt as Shoto continues.

“However, you’ve got All Might in your corner helping you out. I’m not here to pry about what’s going on between you two, but know that I will beat you.” I pale.

“Shoto, where is this coming from?” I ask, frowning.

“I’ve never pretended to be something I’m not. This shouldn’t be a surprise, really. I’m just stating facts to make things clear before this competition begins.” Shoto replies, not even looking at me.

“What’s with all these declarations of war lately?” Denki asks lightly, attempting to defuse the situation as Eijiro walks over, putting a hand on Shoto’s shoulder.

“Yeah, what’s the big deal? Why’re you picking a fight all of a sudden, right before we get started?” He asks. Shoto just walks away.

“We’re not here to be each other’s friends.” He calls over his shoulder. “Don’t forget; this isn’t a team effort.” I bite my lip.

“Shoto, c’mon. Pros can’t go around declaring war on each other. They have to team up at some point- -”

“Yeah, hang on,” Izuku interjects. “I don’t know what’s going through your head, or why you think you need to tell me that you’ll beat me, and yeah...of course you’re better than me. In fact, you probably have way more potential than anyone in the Hero Course. It’s why you got in so easily.” I step toward Izuku.

“Stop that!” I bark. “Recommendations aren’t an invitation to UA! You have to fight the pool of people with recommendations. In some ways, it’s harder than the entrance exam! That’s why I didn’t choose that path. I could have been recommended by my mom and dad and gotten into the recommendations entrance exam. But I knew there would be so many people that were a lot better than me. I knew I didn’t stand a chance.” I realize I kinda admitted to the facts Izuku is stating and bite my lip.

“Midoriya, Takara, maybe you’re being a little hard on yourself. And us.” He murmurs.

“No, he’s right, you guys.” Izuku counters. “The other courses, Takara’s friend, they’re all coming after us with everything they got. We’re all gonna have to fight to stand out.” Izuku looks at Shoto. “I’ll be aiming for the top, too.” I nod, stepping forward.

“I agree.” I turn to look at Shoto. “I know you’re focusing on beating Izuku, Shoto,” I continue, “but don’t think we’re all gonna stand back and let this Festival slide. We’re all going to do our best and we’ll show the world what we can go.” He tsks, not stopping or looking back.

“I don’t care what you do.” The announcement to get ready came after a few moments of awkward silence and we move toward the exit into the open area at the middle of the stadium.

“Hey!” Dad cheers and I can hear him all the way back here. “Make some noise, avid sports fans!!” I gulp. It was almost time. “Get those cameras prepped! We’re gonna need hordes! Today, we’ll be bringing you some of the greatest performances in Sports Festival history, guaranteed!” I feel like that’s hyping this festival up just a little too much, but obviously, I don’t know what will happen, so… “I only have one question before we start this show; are you ready?!” The crowd’s cheering is infectious, and we can hear it loud and clear as we begin walking. “Lemme hear yah scream as our students make their way onto the main stage!” I can also hear fireworks and lively music playing. “This is the time where the students leave everything on the field as they fight for the chance to achieve worldwide fame and celebrity!” I can’t help rolling my eyes. Most of us want to make a difference in the world in one way or another. Honestly, I doubt anyone (Mineta aside) is truly just wanting to be a hero for the recognition and fame, even Bakugo. Bakugo’s motivations aren’t precisely clear, but I do know he wants to be the top. I also wonder if there’s not more to it than that, though. “This first group are no strangers to the spotlight! You know them for withstanding a villain attack! These dazzling students, including my little kiddo, line up the stage with solid gold skills; the Hero Course students of Class 1-A!” That was our cue and we walk out into the sunlight and view of the cameras as the crowd applauds heartily. I feel thousands of eyes of me and my friends as we walk toward the middle of the area. Eijiro, standing close by, grabs my hand subtly. I squeeze it gratefully.

“Yer dad sure did talk us up a lot.” Eijiro muses.

“Yeah...it’s making me nervous and worried I won’t do well.” I reply. “Especially since he all but said my name.” I add in a moan. Eijiro smiles at me.

“Yeah, he’s your dad. It’s kinda natural for him to brag about you when he gets a chance.” He then turns to Katsuki. “Anyway, how you feelin’, man?” He asks. Katsuki smirks.

“I’m not worried. Makes me wanna win this thing even more.” I chuckle.

“In a way, yeah, but still.”

“Oh, get over it, brat! Too late to back out now!” Katuski snaps. “Besides, knowing you, you’ll scrape by and be fine, you lucky little shithead.” I roll my eyes. Close enough to a compliment, I suppose.

“...Thanks, Katsuki.” I mumble.

“I wasn’t doing it to help you.” Katuski spits. “Just wanted to shut you up.” I sigh.

“Okay.”

“They haven’t been giving nearly as much screen-time, but this next group is still chock full of talent!” Dad proclaims and we watch another group march determinately out of another hall. “Welcome, Hero Course Class 1-B!” The crowd doesn’t let out the cheering and I spot the silver-haired guy who yelled at 1-A a while back. He looks super determined and ready for anything. I smirk, feeling a little of that energy rub off on me. It doesn’t do any good to fret and worry myself to nothing over something I can’t predict, so I just had to grit my teeth and get through it. More students pour out of the halls and Dad continues the introductions. “Next up, General Studies Classes C, D, and E!” I grin and look over, happening to see Hitoshi in the midst of his class. “Support Classes F, G, and H! And finally, Business Courses I, J, and K! Give it up for all of UA’s first-year contestants!” Once we get to the center, where a podium is set up, everyone’s shocked to see Midnight standing there, waving a short whip. I blink. Oba Nemuri is the Chief Umpire!?

“Now, the introductory speech!” She calls.

“Uh...someone should talk to Ms. Midnight about what she’s wearing.” Eijiro mumbles. I nod, looking anywhere but at Oba Nemuri.

“I mean, I know that’s her normal hero outfit, but...could she have worn something else just this once?” I grumble. She’d always been like this and I always found it an incredibly odd experience hanging out with her.

“Seriously, that costume should come with a warning,” Denki adds.

“Is that really appropriate apparel for a high school game?” Fumikage concludes. I, for some reason, didn’t like the blush on Eijiro’s cheeks. Which was stupid. I didn’t know why it bugged me, so I look away, happening to see Mineta’s gleeful expression. I smack him and glare him down. He pouts but doesn’t leer at my aunt-figure anymore.

“Silence, everyone!” Oba exclaims, whipping to grab everyone’s attention. “And for the Student Pledge, we have…” I gulp, praying she wouldn’t pick me. “Katsuki Bakugo!” Shocked murmurs ring the crowd, but no one’s more shocked than 1-A. We knew him and we knew this would not end well. At all. Izuku leans to Hanta.

“He’s the First Year Rep?”

“I guess the hothead did finish first in the entrance tests.” Hanta replies.

“Only for the Hero Course Exams.” A girl from Shinso’s class (I think) grumbles. Izuku winces.

“Oh. Right.” He amends.

“That girl obviously hates us.” Hanta mumbles under his breath.

“And we’ve got Bakugo to thank for them not liking our class,” Denki adds. I bite my lip as Bakugo walks up the podium. Even the crowd waits in bated breath for what Katsuki would say.

“I just wanna say…” Katsuki begins. I frown. Please be normal, please be normal…. “I’m gonna win.” I pale. Shit! Katsuki, no!

The crow boos and threatens and is in general not happy with Katsuki as he walks back down.

“Why would you be so disrespectful!?” Tenya exclaims, arms waving wildly around. “You’re representing us all!” Katsuki just turns and gives us a thumbs down.

“Not my fault the rest of you are just stepping stones to my victory.” He grumbles. From Class 1-B, I see that silver-hair guy grit his teeth and stalk forward a little, glaring at Katsuki.

“I’m gonna crush this overconfident jerk!” He screams, raising a clenched fist. “I can’t wait to knock him down a size!” I sigh heavily. I wonder what’s going through Katsuki’s head right now. He claims he wasn’t nervous and even publicly vowed to win, but there seems to be something about him that says he’s just making a show, pushing himself...but still. What a way to start the Festival…

“Without further ado, it’s time for us to get started!” Oba Nemuri calls as the screens shift from ‘introductory speech’ to ‘first game’.

“This is pretty nerve-wracking,” I whisper to Eijiro. He nods.

“Yeah...and now we have everyone gunning for us, thanks to Blasty over there.” I sigh, then nod and refocus on what Oba’s saying.

“This is where you begin feeling the pain!” She calls. “The first fateful game of the Festival!” As she swipes her whip, a hologram appears and displays a lottery style spinning title. It continues spinning...as does my stomach. What on earth would we have to do? It finally halts and I pale.

An obstacle race!? What?!

“Ta-da!” Oba cheers. I gulp. Oh boy… “All eleven classes will participate in this treacherous contest!” She explains, the hologram visualizing it with graphics. “The track is 4 kilometers around the outside of the stadium. I don’t want to restrain anyone...at least, not in this game, so as long as you don’t leave the course, you’re free to do whatever your heart desires!” I squirm a little, flushing. She looks a little too happy to be talking like that. She then sobers just a little. “Now then, take your places, contestants!” As the crowd cheers, we walk over to the start line. I gulp. This was it.

It was time to make my mark and hopefully start my path to being a pro-hero. I didn’t know what awaited me out there, but all I could do was put my best foot forward and try my best, right? No matter what happens, I’ll be okay if I just do what I can.

Above the crowding students, three green lights are lit, the first one turning off as the countdown begins. Beside me, Eijiro smiles at me and gives me a thumbs up as the next light turns off. I grin back at him and take a deep breath.

The final light turns off as Oba cries ‘begin!’ I tear forward, instinctively grabbing Eijiro’s hand, but we were quickly separated and jostled and shoved by the pressing students.

“How about some killer commentary, honey?” Dad’s voice somehow reaches over the multiple voices and I almost laugh.

“How did I let you talk me into this?” Mom replies under her breath, but there was almost a hint of amusement in her voice.

“What should we be focusing on in the early stages of the race?” Dad asks.

“The doorway.” Mom replies shortly. I chuckle despite being smushed between two students.

Just up ahead, as I’m coming up on the end of the entryway, I see ice and feel the air cooling rapidly as Shoto freezes the ground and up the walls. Gritting my teeth, I jut out a tiny platform, just big enough for my foot, and launch myself up and as far out as I can, creating another small platform when I need it. This was not in my plans, but there was nothing to do about it. I can’t turn this into water, so I had to find another way across. Shit! This will really limit what I can do for the other obstacles!

Luckily, Eijiro was right behind me, using the small platforms I’d made to get further along the ice.

“Nice trick, Todoroki!” Momo calls sarcastically, and he looks back to see the number of people that had dodged. Katsuki was using his blasts to keep airborne.

“I won’t let you get away so easily, you icy-hot bastard!” Katsuki roars, blasting his way closer as I make another platform. Even releasing the platforms once Eijiro jumped off them resulted in more blood sugar gone than I wanted. Who knew what was in store, but I had no real other choices. I just had to be smart about using my Quirk from here on out.

I couldn’t afford to be careless or I’d- -Shot!! Those vibrations feel like...no way!

They have the robots from the practical exam in this race?! I skid to a stop on the edge of the edge, feeling for water. Shit! Nothing! “What is it?” Eijiro asks, just as Mineta goes flying ahead of us, slammed by a huge metal arm. The robot comes into view, with other robots, seconds later.

“That!” I point. Eijiro hardens his forearms.

“Beat ‘em once, right? This’ll be a piece of cake!” I grin, feeling more confident now I thought about it that way.

“You’re ri- -Shoto, what the hell?!” Shoto is at the head, closest to the robots, ice swirling from Shoto’s right hand in a circle, getting larger and larger until he swept it at the robots. They were frozen solid, at least the frontrunners. I run forward as everyone else was still frozen in shock, Eijiro right behind me as well as that silver-headed guy.

“Careful now,” I could hear Shoto calling over his shoulder as the robots creak and groan, shuddering under their own weight. Taking another look, I pale. “I froze them when they were off their balance. On purpose!” Before I could move another step, before I could do anything, the robot nearest us collapsed and all of a sudden, my butt hit the ground and I am enveloped by dust and ice shards that prickle my skin. I didn’t even know what had happened till I looked where Eijiro and the other guy were standing, only to see a pile of frozen robot parts.

“Eijiro!” I scream. Was he under there?! Had he been crushed!? “Eijiro, hang on!” I am running forward before I can think, not knowing what to do, but desperately hoping Eijiro was okay.

[the-lupine-sojourner]

Takara’s Hero Academia, Season 1 Finale [Eijiro Kirishima/OC] [Female!Aizawa/Hizashi]

wOwIe!! We’re already at the Season 1 finale!?!? Geez, it feels like yesterday I got up the courage to post the bio for Takara and wrap up proof-reading the prologue! I want to give a huge thank you to everyone that’s been here with me on this journey and I hope you all will stick around for the other two seasons (and as long as the anime goes, honestly. I love it so much! :) )

Okay! Now, for the taglist: @elite-guard-hardygal, @dailyojiromashirao/@souskena, and @fandoms-fandoms-everywhere99. Love you all and hope you guys like this update! I can’t wait to share the next seasons with you all! 

Before we get to the story, here’s the Masterlist for this story. 

God Bless and Good Day!

~The Lupine Sojourner

(I know this isn’t an MHA GiF, but I think of Takara as looking similar to this girl, and...yeah. Sad baby girl warning! T^T)

“Your Class Rep has returned! And I brought reinforcements!” Tenya’s voice calls out next. I smile a bit. Go, Tenya!

“Shota!” I hear Dad scream in outrage, terror, and shock. “No, no, no! Shota!” Eijiro then grits his teeth and apologizes as he rushes up the last section of stairs and I can’t help screaming in pain as he finally gets to the top and collapses, panting heavily.

“She needs help!” Eijiro screams, and I finally notice that the reason his voice sounded so thick was because he was fighting tears. He’d lost the fight now and held me, sobbing. Dad, teary-eyed, immediately rushes over from where he’d been surveying Mom’s many injuries.

“Tik-Tak!” He sobs, and I give him a weak smile. “Not you, too...no...” I feel a painful pang in my heart at Dad’s voice.

“D-don’t worry.” I mumble. “You should see the other guy.” I joke, but he just starts crying, hands on my shoulders, hair tickling my nose as he ducks his head. “Dad...I’ll be okay. Recovery Girl will fix us, don’t- -Dad!” I cry, but Dad doesn’t listen, standing and walking with a troubling sudden calm toward the edge of the stairs.

“Cover Takara’s ears.” He instructs and Eijiro moves to do so, but I shake my head, covering my own ears as Eijiro covers his.

Dad then unleashes a scream that makes the building tremble as much as it had during All Might and Nomu’s fight. I can hear the pain and devastation in his voice and tears stream down my face.

Dad...this wasn’t your fault. I promise!

After the villains had been subjected to Dad’s scream of pain and rage, the teacher began to filter away to find the other students of 1-A. 13 asks to be helped up as Snipe fires on the two leaders to keep them from running, but it didn’t appear to be working. “We need someone who can capture from a distance!” He growls. 13 slowly hobbles over.

“Leave it to me.” She replies, opening her gloves and activating her Quirk.

“Is it working?” I ask no one in particular. Ochaco shakes her head moments later.

“No. It was too far a distance and the villain’s warp Quirk is too quick.” I grit my teeth angrily.

“Crap.” I’d hoped we could capture the villains’ leaders, but at least Kurogiri was smart enough to run. Tomura, though...he was something else. I didn’t understand him at all.

“Our priority is making sure all our students are safe.” Nezu instructs and the teachers nod, moving to round up the villains and I try to move and- -I’m not sure what I’d do, but I was through just laying around like a useless doll!

“Hey, save your strength.” Dad says, suddenly by my side again, gently pressing on my shoulders to make me stay still. “Tik-Tak, we need to get you to an ambulance. It’s the fastest way back to the hospital. Recovery Girl is meeting you and Shota there.” I nod, dreading the vibrating and the jostling already, not to mention the actual treatment of my broken bones, but I had no other choice.

“Okay.” I reply. He cups my cheek and kisses my forehead.

“I’ll see you as soon as we’re done here, okay?” I nod again.

“Sounds good. I love you.” He smiles sadly at me and kissing my temple.

“I love you, too, Takara.” He replies, then stands and puts a hand on Eijiro’s shoulder. “Take care of her, okay?” He asks, voice serious. He hardly ever uses my first name…

“I will.” Eijiro promises and Dad then races off. I bite my lip. He was mad at himself and the villains, I can tell, but we’d have to talk later. Eijiro gently stands up, tears still in his eyes. “Don’t worry.” He whimpers, trying to sound brave and confident. I smile at him.

“I won’t.” I assure him as Eijiro lifts me and Shoji lifts Mom and we all make our way outside to the ambulance. Hounddog’s gruff, unintelligible speech almost makes me laugh as he offers to carry me (Eijiro declines), then he leaves. Eijiro sits beside me and Mom is loaded into a different ambulance with Mezo laying her on the gurney and then closing the door after her.

“I’m sorry I couldn’t be there to help.” Eijiro mumbles, voice thick and tears leaking out again as the ambulance begins to drive, the paramedic beginning to treat my leg and other wounds, remaining silent.

“Don’t be sorry. We all had villains to deal with.” I reply, voice trembling with the pain of having my leg bones set so they could splint it until they got to the hospital. Eijiro sighs.

“Still. I had you in my arms when that guy started warping us away! If I’d just held on- -”

“Eijiro, you’re not to blame.” I interrupt. “Seriously. The only ones to blame are the villains. They‘re the ones that attacked. What happened happened and we can’t change it.” I add thickly, swallowing. “We all did what we could.” Why do I still feel so guilty, then? Why do I still feel like there was so much more I could’ve done?! I growl inwardly, frustrated beyond belief.

“Sorry to interrupt, but I have to sit you up now, okay?” The paramedic, an African-American with dreadlocks asks, looking a little sheepish at having to interrupt our conversation. I grimace, but nod. Eijiro then helps the man sit me up as smooth and gentle as possible. I still hiss in agony, then the man pales the more he has to mess with my ribs. “Dear God! Kid, yo-your ribs...the ribcage is almost collapsed! What happened?!” I bite my lip, trying not to cry or scream as he begins setting my ribs.

“One of the villains was - - was super strong and I couldn’t dodge him. He- -” I hiss as I feel my ribs being adjusted back to their proper place, “he smashed me into the ground then threw me against a fountain.” My voice and breath comes in fits and bursts until the paramedic is done.

“Holy shit, kiddo. You are one tough girl.” The paramedic (Rinjor, the nametag read) muses with a whistle as he continues treating my ribs. Only now do I realize I’d been squeezing Eijiro’s hand. I blush and let go. “There. All done. I’m sorry. You did a great job.” We soon arrive at the hospital and I carted inside and happen to see the other ambulance with Mom being taken out of it. She’s covered in bandages, her arms completely encased in casts.

Eijiro came in with us, but as he had no relation to me, he was told to wait in the waiting room.

Mom and I end up in the same room, probably because she’s my legal guardian. I bite my lip and try not to cry as the doctors and nurses finish Rinjor’s work. As often as I can, I am watching Mom being treated. It’s probably masochistic, but I can’t help it. She looks so frail and broken, laying there…

Finally, I’m alone with Mom, the beeping of our vital sign monitors and our breathing the only sounds.

Finally, I let my tears out. It hurt to sob, it hurt to breathe, everything hurt and I couldn’t keep it in any more. We’d survived, but I’d heard a doctor telling someone on the phone (Dad? Someone at the school? The police?) that Mom’s arms were splintered, with facial fracturing to boot. But that wasn’t the worst of it.

No, the worst part was that the orbital floors in her eyes were severely damaged.

She...she could be blind! I lay there, waiting for the painkiller in my IV to kick in, tears still leaking out. I felt horrible, and not just my body.

Dad’s reaction hadn’t been something I wanted to witness, but I suppose it was bound to happen eventually. He’d been so devastated. His words rang in my head on repeat and I felt guilty all over again.

“Lemme guess; I should see the other guy.” A voice muses wryly from the doorway, snapping me from my thoughts. I look over and see Shinso standing there. I give him a small smirk.

“You know it.” He comes further into the room.

“In all seriousness, Takara; what happened?”

“Rescue training ended up as a villain attack.” I surmise, sighing. “One of the guys was this really...really strong guy - -thing- -the leader called Nomu that was supposed to be able to defeat All Might.”

“I take it this Nomu thing did this to you?” I grimace, the memory of that instant playing. It all happened so fast…

I swallow and fiddle with a corner of my sheets. “...Yeah. I couldn’t get Mom and I out of his range fast enough, ended up smashed against the ground.” Shinso grimaces.

“Ouch.” 

“Yeah. Then thrown into a fountain.” He winches.

“...Well, at least you’re stable.” I then blink.

“Wait...how are you here? Dad bring you?” Shinso nods.

“He told me you were in the hospital and that there’d been a villain attack. I agreed to ride with him. He’s...not as excitable as I thought he’d be.” I bite my lip. That wasn’t like Dad.

“...” Before I can reply, I see Dad slowly inch into the room. He refused to look up from the floor. “Hey, Dad!” I greet, hoping sounding fairly cheerful might help. He glances at me and his lips try for a smile, it doesn’t work, then I notice his eyes; teary, unfocused...listless. It was obvious he’d been crying. A lot.

“H-hey, Tik-Tak.” He mumbles, lip trembling as he speaks. He glances at Mom’s bed. “Shota’s still out?” It was probably a rhetorical question, but I answer anyway.

“Yeah, but the doctors are hopeful she’ll be awake soon. They got her on the same painkillers they have me on, so she’ll feel better in no time.” Dad sighs heavily, sitting in the chair in front of my bed, head bowed.

“Takara, I should have been here.” It was practically a sob, and I blink several times. How could he blame himself for this?

“Dad, stop it. You’re a teacher, too. You have your own class- -”

“That’s just it. I was in between classes, grading damn papers when they told me what happened at the USJ. I told Shota I could stop by, but your mom said I should focus on getting the grading done. If I had stopped by, anyway…”

“Dad, please. This is pointless.” I reply gently, swallowing a lump in my throat. “We’re going to be okay. As soon as Recovery Girl gets here, she’ll fix us right up and it’ll be okay. Please don’t beat yourself up.” It seems that was the wrong thing to say, because next second, Dad’s sobbing uncontrollably. Absently, I note Shinso walking toward the door. I don’t really blame him, so I don’t bring attention to his departure.

“Sh-she could be blind, Takara!” He exclaims, finally looking at me. “My wife might be blind and I can’t do anything and we don’t know and I hate this! I hate this waiting!” He was verging on hysterical, standing and gesturing wildly as he spoke, running frenzied hands through his hair. “And to make it worse, my kid’s beat to hell! Your ribcage was almost collapsed, Takara!” I’d never seen him like this. The closest had been that one day I freaked out after breaking a glass. I bite my lip.

“Might.” I emphasize. “Mom might be blind. My ribcage was almost collapsed. We know my ribs will heal, and there’s no way to know the condition of Mom’s eyes for sure til she wakes up, so let’s not stress out, okay?” It was probably something Mom would say, and I knew what I was saying was true. There were a lot of unknowns right now. Dad looks at me mid-gesture, freezing in place. For several seconds, there was silence.

Shinso’s voice breaks the silence. “She’s right. Mr. Yamada, we can’t know Mrs. Yamada’s condition fully til she wakes up, so please. Just sit, drink this, and calm down.” He had a cup of what smelled like chamomile tea. Dad takes it and sits, sipping it gratefully. I then notice Eijiro entering the room, as well. I smile.

“Hey. Finally let you come back here, huh?” He nods.

“Yeah. How you doing?” I sigh.

“Better now I’ve had some painkillers, but it still hurts to move. The bones in my leg were badly damaged, the doctor said, and my ribcage almost collapsed, apparently. But as long as I get some rest and healing from Recovery Girl, I’ll be okay.” Eijiro looks away.

“You’re so brave, Takara.” I blush and blink several times. He thought I was brave?

“What?” He turns his head and I see a sheepish smile on his face.

“Well, yeah. You fought off those villains, and you fought through the pain, still trying to help. That takes a lot of guts.” He puts his hand on my shoulder. “I’m just sorry I couldn’t help you sooner.”

“Don’t be. You got me out of the way. I couldn’t walk with my legs and ribs.” Dad winces, sipping the tea before speaking.

“I was told you were involved in the fight Shota was in with the villains. That true?” I nod.

“Yessir. One of the villains, a guy with a warping Quirk named Kurogiri, decided to scatter all of us around the building. I think he knew I was a Yamada, and sent me to Mom as a way to unbalance her.”

“Can you tell me more about that?” Comes a new female voice. I look over to see a police officer standing in the doorway. “Hate to interrupt, but I’m Officer Haragan, and I need to get this young woman’s statement, and I was hoping Eraserhead would be able to give one, as well, but I see I’ll have to wait.” Her eyes flick to Mom’s bed, a wince almost hidden by her wild half-buzzed brown hair as she walks over.

“Okay, Officer Haragan.” I reply. Dad offers the officer the seat and she took it, drawing out a recording device.

“Is it okay if I record this conversation?”

“Yeah, that’s okay.” Officer Haragan nods, clearing her throat.

“Officer Haragan, recording Takara Yamada’s statement regarding the attack in the Unforeseen Simulation Joint today at UA High School.” She begins, leaning a little toward me. “So, if you please, Ms. Yamada, can you start at the point the villains arrived?” I nod.

“Of course. We were just about to start the rescue training we were supposed to be doing, despite All Might not being able to be there as planned, but as soon as we did, we noticed the lights going out, then I happened to look down at the fountain in the middle of the different rescue simulation areas. I saw it flickering on and off before a swirling mass of purple smoke I later knew was a warpgate appeared. I warned Mom- -I mean, Eraserhead, who was teaching the class with 13- -” The officer smiles and motions for me to continue, “and she turned as several villains came out of the widening warpgate. Mom instructed us to stay with 13 and got ready to fight, and then after my friend, Izuku Midoriya, protested, Mom went to fight the group.” I swallow, taking a breath to collect myself as I continue. This was kinda hard to describe so soon after it happened. As I got to the moment Nomu slammed me into the ground, I had to stop and try to steady my heart rate, which had spiked as the memory flashed in my head on repeat. Dad gently grabbed my hand and I squeeze it gratefully. I continue my descriptions and keep myself relatively composed, looking squarely at my sheets, unable to watch everyone’s reactions. Dad’s hand grew tighter around mine, and I hear gasps and shifting as I get to the more intense parts. Once I’m done, I realize there are tears in Dad’s eyes again, and that Eijiro and Shinso are staring at me, expressions unreadable. Officer Haragan blinks a few times, then clears her throat again.

“That’ll be all, Ms. Yamada, unless there’s something else you want to add to your statement?” I shake my head.

“No, there’s nothing else I need to add. I hope my statement helps the investigation.” I reply. Officer Haragan ends the recording and stands, smiling at me.

“I’m sure it will. You’re a very, very brave girl, Takara. Get some rest now, okay?” I smile back and nod.

“I will. Thank you.” Once we’re alone, Shinso moves closer.

“I had no idea it was that bad, Takara. You could’ve died.” He whispers, and I swear there are tears in his eyes. I sigh.

“It was pretty scary, but all I wanted was to protect Mom...and I couldn’t do that. I couldn’t get us out of the way, and then I got too hurt to fight back when Mom was attacked by Nomu.” I whimper, tears surfacing again. I sniffle, but then Dad’s arms are around me and it’s thanks to the painkillers that I don’t flinch or feel much of anything in my ribs.

“Sweetheart...you did amazing! You held your own against all those villains and used your Quirk very well. There wasn’t anything else at all you could have done, and don’t let anyone or yourself tell you otherwise, got it?” he’d pulled back to lift my chin up so we were looking each other in the eyes and I could see how serious he was. I sniffle and nod, tears leaking down my face.

“I just...watching Mom get hurt...it hurt more than my ribs or my leg.” I sob.

“I could say the same about my face and my arms.” Comes a very weak, muffled version of my mom’s voice. Instantly, everyone turns to look at her. I can’t tell if her eyes are open through the bandages, but she has her head turned to us. “Takara, please do not beat yourself up for how you handled that battle. You were amazing. The only one to blame is Nomu and that disintegrating villain.” I squirm, picking at my sheets guiltily. I didn’t deserve what everyone said about how I fought...I was useless!

“But, Mom...I was trying to protect you, and I couldn’t, and you got hurt and- -”

“Kara, stop. There’s no point arguing with me. You couldn’t have fought harder and my condition is not your fault.” I wipe my eyes.

“Thanks, Mom.” I mumble, hiccuping, which hurt a lot.

“Now, stop crying and call the doctor. I need to get these bandages off my eyes.” Dad stands and we exchange a worried glance.

“Shota...there was a lot of damage to your orbital floors. Recovery Girl is on her way. Please, let’s wait til she gets here and heals you to test your vision.” I hear Mom hum in thought.

“...You’re right. We should tell the doctor I’m awake, though.” I nod.

“The police might want to take your statement, too.” I muse. “An officer stopped by and I gave my statement.”

“I see. That’s good. As a pro hero and teacher, they might want me to give my statement, as well.” I take a breath.

This was okay. We’d been hurt, but we were healing, we were together, and that’s what matters.

[the-lupine-sojourner]

Takara Yamada’s Hero Academia Season 1 Episode 8 [Eijiro Kirishima/OC] [Female!Aizawa/Hizashi]

Guys, we are super close to the point I’ve been wanting to write in this series practically since I started writing this series! Next chapter features the beginning of what I am talking about through a thin veil. 

Anyway, I know I’ve said it a lot, but if anyone wants to send me an Ask with predictions about how the next few episodes will go, I would literally love it so much! 

Taglist: @dailyojiromashirao, @elite-guard-hardygal (Dude I can’t wait to write these next chapters! You know why! XD), and @fandoms-fandoms-everywhere99! These are all lovely, lovely people and I adore them. 

Anyway, the Masterlist, as usual, and now we go to the story!!

I really hope you all like this chapter!!

God Bless and Good Day!

~The Lupine Sojourner

But now, with Izuku previously being Quirkless (thus, probably a weakling in Katsuki’s eyes), but ‘suddenly getting a Quirk’ and then winning against Katsuki, to boot, it probably whacked the guy real hard.

I had to talk to him after class. This kid definitely had issues. A lot of them.

And Lord knows those people are the ones I can’t resist at least attempting to help.Let’s just hope I make it out alive.

The tension in the room could be cut with a knife.

Toshin-Oji chose to cut it with words. “Well, despite the results,” All Might begins, “the MVP of this exercise is young Iida!” He proclaims, and I see why instantly.

Throughout the entire fifteen minutes, Iida had remained squarely on the training, playing the role he was assigned with as much seriousness and determination as he would approach class.

However, no one else seems to get it and shocked murmurs ring the group. I chuckle. These guys were idiots…

“Shouldn’t it be one of the heroes, instead, since they’re the winners?” The girl with dark green hair asks, brow raised in confusion.

“Hmm, valid question!” All Might replies. “Why didn’t I chose one of those two? Who has a guess?” In the following silence, I raise my hand, but Momo begins right away.

“Sir, I can tell you why.” She says, hand raised, but eyes closed in thought. “Iida embraced this challenge. He was the only one who truly adapted to his assigned role.” She says, hand still raised. I nod in agreement, but let her speak. After all, she was putting it far more eloquently into words than I could. “I’ll explain; Bakugo’s judgement was clouded by a personal grudge against Midoriya. As you pointed out earlier, launching a large-scale attack indoors was a foolish move. It could have been disastrous.”

“It was disastrous.” I mumble under my breath, arms crossed over my chest as Momo continued, not having heard me.

“Similarly, Midoriya’s attack was also poorly thought out, considering the amount of damage he received. He rendered himself helpless; not smart.” I initially grit my teeth and prepare to defend Izuku, but then take a second to think and find that, yeah, she was right. Izuku, unable to think of anything else, launched a desperate, last-ditch effort to win, but what if it hadn’t worked? It would have been a quick win for the villains if the fight had had to continue. So I deflate and listen. “As for Uraraka, she let her guard down mid-battle, and her final attack was far too reckless, given the hypothetical stakes.” Wow. Gotta hand it to Momo; she really pays attention. Everyone is looking at her in awe as she keeps speaking without opening her eyes. “If she’d treated the weapon as if it were real, she never would have used such an imprecise move.” She finally opens her eyes to look at Tenya, who still looks shell-shocked at the praise of being MVP. “Iida was fully prepared for his opponent’s arrival. He had a strategy and never lost sight of his mission to protect the dummy weapon, even if he was foiled in the end.” Tenya leans back a little hand over his heart and goofy, overwhelmed smile on his face. “Technically, the hero team won, yes, but they took advantage of the fact that this was training. They didn’t respect the spirit of the trial” I pick my jaw up off the floor and give her a thumbs up.

“Right on, Momo!” I praise. “I had a less eloquent and in-depth version of the points you made in mind.” All Might is stunned by Momo’s analysis, as is everyone else, but he recovers quickly.

“Yes, well, you overlooked a few things; young Iida could have relaxed a but during the exercise, but otherwise you nailed it!” I chuckle as he gives her a thumbs up, as well.

“One should always start with the basics and devote themselves wholeheartedly to learning. That’s the only real way to become a top hero.” I decide I like Momo a lot, grinning at her even though she can’t see it. She had a logical, sound head on her shoulders and the drive needed to accomplish her dreams. She wasn’t above helping others along the way, either, unlike Katsuki, who literally blasted everyone and everything out of his way to get to where he wanted to go. 

Speaking of Katsuki, he’d been uncharacteristically silent during the whole speech Momo gave. In fact, beyond telling me to back off, he hadn’t said a word since Izuku collapsed and the training ended. Despite what he’d done, despite knowing his personality and the way he’d react if I tried to help him, I can’t help feeling a small bit worried about him.

“Now then,” All Might calls, bringing me back to reality. “time to blow this joint! Let’s move on to the next match! Think about everything you saw and discussed as you tackle this training for yourself.” He instructs and we all agree. However, I take another look at Katsuki and see that his eyes are wide. He’s not trembling, but something’s eating him alive, I can tell. I really wanted to talk to him, but have to pay attention to the drawing of the lots to see who’d go next. Toshin-Oji draws two balls again and holds them up for us to see. “These two teams will be the next to fight!” He cries. It’s team B as the heroes and team I as the villains. I look over and see the boy half-covered in ice look at the tall boy with six arms. They were the heroes.

A little ways away, Mashirao walks over to a floating pair of gloves. I blink, then remember that there’d been a girl in a school uniform completely invisible. They formed the villain team for this round. I notice for the first time that Mashirao wears a white karate gi and no shoes. Interesting. All Might tells the teams where to go, having a different building for every team so it would be fair. He even told us their names. Ice-boy was Shoto Todoroki, and I can’t help but draw the instant connection to Endeavor. Denki voices this connection and Shoto growls, but doesn’t say anything. Weird. His partner, six-armed boy, is Mezo Shoji. The invisible girl was Toru Hagakare. The teams nod and head out. I wonder how this will turn out.

The five minutes pass quick and soon enough, Shoto and Shoji are given the signal to advance. “Look alive, kids! Show us you’re the embodiment of good- -or, evil- -let’s go!” All Might declares and the hero team enters the building.

Mezo’s six arms fan out and- -whoa! He can make ears on the ends of his arms! That’s so cool! One of the ears turns into a mouth when Shoto walks over. They briefly discuss whatever intel Mezo gathered, then Shoto walks over to the wall, ice quickly leaping out and encasing the hall, creeping over the entire building! I note the discarded shoes and grimace.

“Holy crap!” I exclaim. “That’s insane! The entire area is completely frozen! The villains can’t even move!” I add, shivering at the sudden drop in temperature. The dude was good! Crazy good!

“He incapacitated them without compromising the weapon or his teammate! Take close note of his technique, students.” All Might instructs.

“Soon as I thaw out, I will.” I reply, shivering.

“He’s so strong!” Eijiro murmurs. I nod.

“Yeah. I couldn’t submerge the entire building in water even if I wanted to.” I note under my breath to him. He is about to say something when All Might accidentally cuts him off.

“The hero team wins!” He exclaims, and I look to see that Shoto has his hand on the weapon and the ice suddenly melts before Shoto turns to Mashirao, saying something to his opponent before walking back outside. Huh?! Wait...that means...

“He has two Quirks like me!” I gush. For some reason, that fact made me super happy.

“Yeah, but that guy’s kinda intimidating.” Denki says, leaning toward me a little.

“We...well, this guy got in through recommendations, so he must be good.” I reply. And to think...I would have had to compete with him and Momo if I’d gone through with the recommendation. Eesh. I wouldn’t have stood a chance!

“Moving on, time to gather ‘round and review the second match! After that, we’ll jet on over to our next battle.”

“Yessir!” We chorused. All Might then snaps his fingers. 

“I have an idea!” He cheers, then points at me. “Seeing as the other member of the hero team and the villains hardly saw any action, why not have the next match be a kind-of rematch, with Yamada taking young Todoroki’s place on the hero team against Ojiro and Hagakure? They’d be the next matchup, then we’d draw lots for the next round afterwards.” No one argues and I gulp. At least Shoto wasn’t fighting this time...but now I’d have to fight, no holds barred.

Oh, boy…

“Now,” All Might begins and I am snapped from my thoughts. “Obviously, there wasn’t much fighting, but a quick resolution is often preferable to a drawn-out fight.” He says. “Once again, the MVP is not one of the winners. It is young Hagakure! Can anyone guess why?” I raise my hand before Momo can give another speech.

“Sir, I think it’s because Toru had, like Tenya, developed a viable strategy to help her teammate and win the round. Though her team weren’t the victors, Hagakure used her Quirk to their advantage and wasn’t afraid to do what it took to ensure victory.” I say. All Might gives me a thumbs up.

“Very good, Yamada! Precisely my reasoning!” Toru’s gloves are up in what I think would be a gesture to hide her face were it visible. I give her a thumbs up and she shyly gives me one back.

=#=#=#=#=

“So...I guess I don’t really have a strategy here.” Mezo confesses once our five minute planning session starts. I gulp and nod.

“Oh, don’t worry; I’ve barely any idea what I’m doing, either. Um...Not to be rude, but your Quirk is fairly obvious- -and really cool!- -so, ah, if it’s okay, let me briefly sum up my Quirks.” I feel a lot less flustered when Mezo nods encouragingly, “I got both my parents’ Quirks and can control Water and Earth, but am a lot better at Water.” Mezo nods.

“Interesting, but...I thought the Yamada Senseis were your parents.” I squirm a little and sigh. No use hiding it.

“Well, they’re my godparents.” I explain briefly. Mezo flinches, picking up the subtext easily.

“I’m sorry.” I smile and shrug. Really, it honestly...it honestly doesn’t hurt that much anymore. As sad as this is to say, I was so young when I lost my parents, I can hardly remember what they look like. It’s almost like the Yamadas are my biological parents.

“Don’t be. It happened a long time ago. Is it okay if I continue about my Quirks?” I ask politely. He nods.

“Of course.”

“There’s not much left. Mom- -Mrs. Yamada- -taught me a neat trick with my Earth Quirk; tracking. I can use the vibrations in the Earth to locate and track people when I concentrate, but not as well indoors. In other words, I’ll have to rely on you to get a clearer indication. Best I can do is general area and floor number.” Mezo nods.

“I can add to that, no problem.” I grin and stomp twice, sending out a wave of vibrations.

“I think they’re about two thirds of the way down the fourth floor away from us, so maybe we should go in on the third floor on this side to make sure we can surprise them.” I explain. Mezo nods again, but before he can reply verbally, All Might’s voice rings out for us to get moving, and an alarm sounds. I gulp. “Let’s go.” I mumble. I lead the way to the fire escape, a bit flustered and confused. How exactly had I ended up as team leader? Mezo is really nice, though, and I have a feeling he’d speak up if he didn’t like my ideas. As soon as we’re in, Mezo extends his arms and hones in on their location using his six ears. He then shifts them back to hands.

“Upper left end, and the invisible girl probably has her clothes off to sneak up on us.” I snort at the idea that Mashirao was paired with a naked girl he couldn’t see. I wonder how he’s taking it. I feel bad I didn’t watch their side of the match last time.

“Okay, so this will be simple. I have enough feedback from the vibration trick to at least tell where she is. As long as we know, we can react accordingly.” I pass a bathroom and gather water. Okay. Now I had a weapon. Good. I take a breath and keep moving. Every few steps, I’d check to see if I could get a better trace on Toru. So far, though, nothing. Then, I finally get a fairly clear sense of where she is. She was just around the corner. I grab my capture tape and grin. She didn’t know I knew where she was. Since she was so close, I could even tell her stance, leaning against the wall, waiting for us to pass her so she could do a sneak attack. I let us get level with her before grabbing her wrists suddenly, yanking them down and looping the capture tape around them.

“Hey, what?” She squeaks. “No fair! How’d you know?” I smile.

“Well, I have an Earth Quirk I can use to track you using vibrations. Sorry, Toru.” I explain. I hear a huff as I keep moving. We had to get past Mashirao next, then we could get to the weapon.

“I can handle Ojiro.” Mezo whispers, using his arm to form a mouth close to my ear. I barely refrain from flinching at the sudden voice in my ear and nod.

“Sounds good. I’ll focus on getting to the weapon and ending the round.”

“Right.” He agrees and we share a nod. Mashirao gets into a stance as I enter, quickly followed by Mezo. I grin and use the water to make a rod and prepare to vault over Mashirao.

“You two aren’t getting by me.” Mashirao says firmly. My grin turns into a smirk.

“We’ll see.” I then use the pole to launch at him, my feet connecting with his tail. I then extend the pole and push off it to apply more pressure to Mashirao’s tail, propelling myself over him and onto the ground inches from the weapon while Mezo seamlessly takes my place, restraining Mashirao easily in his six-armed embrace. I touch the weapon as I stand. “Sorry, Mashirao.” I murmur sheepishly. After all, he, once again, didn’t get to do much. He sighs.

“Don’t be sorry. We all did our best.” He says, but I can tell he’s upset.

“A resounding victory for the hero team!” All Might exclaims over the PA system.

“Maybe we can spare some time?” I propose. “I want to get a bit better at hand-to-hand combat and you seem to know your stuff.” Mashirao nods and I swear he’s blushing just a little.

“Oh, well, I guess. I’m not sure how much I can teach you, but I can try.” I grin.

“Great!” We exit the building and make our way back to the discussion room, lining up and facing the rest of our class. Eijiro gives me a thumbs up as All Might declares me the MVP and explains that I was the one to initiate planning and tells the class that my plan was solid, easily adaptable to the situation and worked well against the opponents’ Quirks. I blush and bite my lip. I had no idea what I was doing and just tried to think of a way to counter their abilities as best I could. Mezo was the one that restrained Mashirao and allowed me to grab the weapon. If Mashirao had been able to fight, I don’t know how it would have turned out.

Regardless, it was neat and the class seemed to agree so I let it slide. After all, in the months to come, we’d all have moments to shine.

The other battles seemed to go very quickly and soon enough we’re outside. All Might grins. “That’s a wrap!” He proclaims. “Super work! You really stepped up to the plate and we didn’t really have any major injuries except for Midoriya. You should be proud! Excellent first day of training all around!” All Might gives us a thumbs up. The green-haired girl raises her hand.

“It’s nice to hear some encouraging words after our homeroom class.” She says. Everyone shudders. I chuckle. They just had to get used to Mom’s ‘tough love’ personality. “Mrs. Yamada was kind of a buzz kill...no offense, Takara.” I laugh.

“It’s fine. You all just have to give her time to get used to you all. She’s really not that bad.” I reply, smiling. Denki raises a brow.

“You’ve also had your whole life with her.” He points out. I roll my eyes, but All Might continues before I can reply.

“I’m happy to bring such staggering positivity to my Alma Mater!” He cheers, then salutes. “That’s all for now, folks! I should go and check on young Midoriya’s progress! Now, watch how a pro exits; like he’s got somewhere to be!” He exclaims, sprinting down the exit tunnel and kicking up a fairly strong breeze in the process. I chuckle.

“That’s All Might for yah.” I muse.

“Yeah. That is a hero!” Denki murmurs in awe. Mashirao frowns.

“I’ll never be able to move that fast.” He moans. I shrug.

“All Might’s also been at this a long time. You’ll probably get way faster than you are now if you keep training.” He smiles.

“Yeah, You’re right!” I then walk towards the tunnel.

“I think I’ll join All Might after I get some food. I’m starving!” Eijiro jogs after me.

“Wait up! I’ll come, too!” I blink. I meant to go alone to talk to All Might about how he handled Izuku’s round of the exercise. Guess it’ll have to wait. I grin.

“Sure! I was gonna head to Lunch Rush then go to the infirmary after I change. Meet me outside the changing rooms, okay?” Eijiro nods.

“Okay!”

=#=#=#=#=

“This lesson was intense, huh?” Eijiro muses, frowning into his curry with extra beef. I sigh chewing a bite of beef oden thoughtfully.

“Yeah. I get why it’s important to learn fighting early on, but that was...something else.”

“I hope Midoriya’s okay.” Eijiro mumbles. “He was pretty burnt and his arm was definitely broken.” I nod.

“I trust Recovery Girl to help him.” I reply. “I think he’ll be okay in no time!”

“Do you think your Mom is gonna teach a little more, or are we done?”

“I heard from Dad that Mom has something going on at her agency today, so we’re done.”

“Oh.” Silence falls between us and we finish our food. “Wanna go see Midoriya?” I didn’t want to see just how bad he was right now, so I shake my head.

“No. I think I want to talk to Katsuki instead. That boy needs to get his head screwed straight.” I reply. I had also changed my mind because I couldn’t talk to All Might the way I wanted to in front of Eijiro without giving away that not only was I the daughter of a Pro Couple, but have also formed a Niece-Uncle relationship with the world’s top hero, All Might, on top of that. Eijiro already thought I was far above him just by who my parents were. I didn’t want to see what damage I could do by telling him about Toshin-Oji. Eijiro looks at me like I’m insane. “I can handle him. Be back to the classroom in a few minutes, okay?” He sighs, and I happened to catch the hothead stalking toward the exit. Eijiro gives me a nervous ‘good luck’ thumbs up and continues down to the classroom. “Hey, Katsuki. Can we talk?” I ask. He glares at me.

“Shove off.” He growls. I roll my eyes and tug him into a side room, closing the door. “What the hell?!” He spits, threatening me with those small explosions. I huff.

“Look, you’re talented and perhaps I overreacted just a smidge when I confronted you. For that I apologize. But I don’t take back the anger or what I said about you throwing a tantrum.” Katsuki glares at me.

“You better back up, Yamada. We aren’t friends and I couldn’t care less about what you have to say, so get out of my way.” I glare at him, rolling my eyes and continuing to block the door.

“But you do care about losing to Izuku. He’s a talented kid. You’ve just been throwing him down so much you missed a lot about him.” I surmise. “I can’t tell you about his Quirk, because I don’t know the details and it’s not my place, but I can tell you that he’s smart as a whip and can turn what he learns into strategies almost in an instant. You were great at combat, but failed to think ahead. That’s the only way Izuku beat you. You had him on the ropes in terms of raw power, since Izuku can’t use his without paying a steep price, but Izuku was a lot better at thinking ahead.” Katsuki grabs my tie and hauls me face-to-face with his livid red eyes.

“You shut your damn mouth!” He growls. I glare at him.

“You want to be a pro, right? You’re not a pro yet, not by a long shot. So, you should shut your damn mouth and learn everything you can at this school. If you do that, if you really take in everything and apply it, you’ll be what you want to be.” I reply. Katsuki looks stunned, so I take the moment to walk away. He had a lot to think about. Besides, I wanted to pop back into the classroom and say bye before I go find dad and go home. 

I don’t hear or see Katsuki leave the room I’d tugged him into, being too far away.

That, and I saw Izuku heading into the classroom, arm in a sling and looking nervous and tired. I chuckle and jog to catch up, hearing Eijiro call out in greeting. “Man, I don’t know what you were saying during your match, but you were all fired up, huh?” Eijiro’s saying as I enter.

“Yeah. It was pretty intense.” I add and Izuku is increasingly nervous at all this attention.

“But you held your own against Bakugo!” The boy I now know as Hanta Sero from the training, with tape in his elbows he can shoot out as his Quirk, says. “He’s super strong!”

“You did a great job dodging!” Mina exclaims, part of the now group of people surrounding Izuku.

“You really turned up in the first match so none of us held back in our rounds, either.” Everyone nods. The boy with the suit or armor, Yuga Aoyama, speaks up next, leaning out a little from his desk.

“You were far from elegant, but I suppose- -”

“Your dodging was like ‘whoa’!” Mina interjects happily, bouncing in excitement. I chuckle. What’s with her and dodging?

“Hey, I’m Eijiro Kirishima. We’ve been going over training results while you were in recovery.” Eijiro says. Hanta nods.

“Hi, I’m Hanta Sero.”

“More importantly, I’m Yuga- -”

“I’m Mina Ashido and I just gotta say your dodging was awesome!” Mina interrupts again. I snort and laugh. Seriously, what’s with her and this fixation on dodging? The green-haired girl, Tsuyu Asui, or Su as she likes to be called, is next to introduce herself. (Her Quirk makes her as close to a frog as a human can be, which I think is kinda cool!)

The big guy, Rikido Sato, leans in next. “Hey. Sato.” He says simply, pointing to his chest. Izuku looks flustered, but kinda happy.

“H-hey, guys.” He says. Suddenly, that purple-ball-haired creep, who was somehow paired with Momo and spent the entire time drooling over her outfit, Mineta, lunges up to Izuku’s eyeline.

“And my name’s Mineta!” He exclaims. I scoot away from him and laugh with the others.

“Where the heck did you pop out of?” Eijiro asks. I then move a little further into the classroom and spot Fumikage Tokoyami, the boy with the bird head. He had a really unique Quirk: a shadowy thing that came out of his body and helped him fight. I think he calls it Dark Shadow.

“Too noisy.” He muses, nodding to the group. I chuckle.

“Yeah, but they’re fun to hang around.” I reply and smile at Mashirao, who was standing next to the girl next to me, Kyoka Jiro, with the plugs of earbuds coming off her ears to let her eavesdrop and hear really quiet sounds, who scoffs.

“We’ll see.” I roll my eyes, but Tenya suddenly runs over.

“Tokoyami, stop using that desk as a chair! Get off of it this instant!” He exclaims, gesturing wildly with his arms. I laugh.

“Tenya, c’mon. He’s not doing anything wrong.” I point out.

“Yeah. You really need to chill, dude.” Kyoka adds.

“You’re carrying a lot of tension.” Mashirao points out. Tenya sighs.

“No one understands…” He groans, then stand straight and starts gesturing again. “I simply cannot condone actions that disrespect these desks! Not when great men and women, our upperclassmen, once used them!” I can’t help but burst out laughing.

“Tenya, dude, what makes you think they didn’t use these desks as chairs?” I counter. By now, we’ve drawn the attention of the rest of the class that’s in the room. Tenya groans, but pushes his glasses up and sighs in resignation.

“I...hadn’t considered that. Thank you, Yamada.” I wave it aside.

“Hey, don’t sweat it. Look, call me Takara, kay? Only fair, since I call everyone by their first name.” I reply. This was the second time I had reminded him, but it was okay. Tenya sticks his hand out for a handshake. Good Lord, was he serious?!

“Fair enough!” He says and I, restraining laughter, shake his hand to confirm we were on first name terms. Fumikage sighs.

“You two are also noisy.” He groans. Just then, Denki and Ochaco enter from the other door, Denki asking Ochaco where she likes to eat as they pass the doorway.

“Anything sweet.” She replies politely, then spots Izuku and jogs over. “Hey, Deku!” She calls, smiling. “Why didn’t you heal your injuries?” She asks. Izuku blushes and stammers.

“We-well, it has to do with how much stamina I’m using.” He explains. I wince.

“Yikes.”

“Stamina?” Ochacho asks. I nod.

“Yeah. Your body needs energy to heal, right? I bet that’s how Recovery Girl’s Quirk works; using your body’s stamina to kick-start the healing process.” Izuku nods.

“Yeah!” He then looks at Katsuki’s empty desk. Huh. Where’d he- -crap. He just went home? Seriously?

“Um, Uraraka?” Izuku asks, point to the desk. “Where’s Kacchan?” She raises a brow.

“I don’t know. I haven’t seen him.” She replies with a shrug. I chuckle nervously.

“I talked to him a little. Just about tips for improving next time and how he should lay off and focus on learning everything he can. I didn’t mean to make him leave, but I guess- -hey! Izuku, wait! You shouldn’t be running with your arm!” I call as Izuku sprints down the hall. I take off after him. “Stop!” But he won’t. Realizing that it was probably best I didn’t talk to Katsuki yet again, I stay and just listen. If Izuku needs me, I’ll be right here.

“Kacchan! Wait up!” Izuku calls.

“What?!”

“I need to tell you something. Maybe then, you’ll understand what’s going on. I wasn’t hiding my Quirk from you. It was given to me by someone else recently.” I pale. Shit! What is Izuku doing?! “But I can’t tell you who I got it from, so don’t ask!” Izuku sighs. That was a very risky thing to say. Especially to someone who doesn’t like Katsuki. “Sounds crazy, I know; like something out of a comic book, only it’s real! The thing is, I don’t really have control over this power yet. I haven’t figured out how to make it my own, but I’m trying. That’s why I didn’t want to use it against you in the exercise, but in the end, it was the only way I had a chance of winning. I’ve still got a lot to learn, I know that. That’s why I’m here. You’ll see; I’ll work until I have full control of this borrowed Quirk, and I’ll finally beat you with my own power!” The silence lingers, filled with tension.

“How dumb do you think I am?!” Katsuki growls. “‘Borrowed power?! Don’t talk to me like I’m an idiot! I already got that lecture from that teacher’s brat!” I flinch. He didn’t take it the way I meant it! Crap! “You already made a fool outta me in that damn training exercise. So, did you come here to rub it in?! I lost, and to make matters worse it was to you! I came in first in the exam, but that’s not enough! When I was watching that ice guy, I realized I couldn’t beat him in a head-to-head fight!” The longer he’d talked, the angrier and more emotional Katsuki sounded. I might have to intervene if he gets violent. “Crap!” He screams. “I even agree with what those girls said, even that damn brat! My attack was so stupid and I wasn’t thinking! Damn it! Damn it! Damn it! Damn it!” I peek out to see Katsuki almost crying and Izuku standing there in shock. Katsuki then clenches his fist. “Enjoy that win, Deku! You won’t get another! I’m just getting started! Got that?! I’m gonna end up the number one hero, no matter what!” Katsuki then pivots and walks away, wiping his eyes. “You’ll never beat me again, you bastard. Don’t even try!” Izuku exhales and relaxes, but before I can leave my spot, All Might sprints past me, startling me.

“There you are!” He roars, running right for Katsuki. “Bakugo, I found you!” He then pants a little as he places his hands on Katsuki’s shoulders. “Just so you know, pride is an important attribute to have, but while you certainly have the ability to become a pro hero, there’s still plenty you have to learn!” I almost laugh. All Might was trying, but I doubt it’ll get through to Katsuki. After all, he took my advice as a lecture and didn’t take a single word to heart. Sure enough, Katsuki stiffens.

“Let go of me, All Might. Right now.” However, his voice was similar to the way he’d told me to ‘shove off’ when I barked at him in the monitoring room during the training exercise. He glares over his shoulder at All Might. “Save your speeches. I’ll be more famous than you and I’ll do it without your help.” All Might flinches, stunned. 

“Uh...right.” He murmurs, letting Bakugo walk away.

That kid wasn’t over what happened today. Not by a mile. But, I’d do what I could to help him out. Katsuki is one tough customer, but there’s a lot of potential there. He just has to stop wanting to blast and fight everything and getting pissed off at anything that goes wrong in his eyes. I guess I gotta add him to the list of people I’m trying to help. It seems like it gets longer every day, but that’s what comes with being a hero, right?

I readily accept the challenge!

[the-lupine-sojourner]

Takara’s Hero Academia, Season 1, episode 11-12 [Eijiro Kirishima/OC] [Female!Aizawa/Hizashi]

I got mostly through episode 11 last time, so I guess I’ll label this one 11-12 because that’s what this chapter covers. *shrugs* anyway, I hope you all enjoy this chapter! 

Also, how crazy is it that we’re almost all the way through the first season already? I can’t believe it! I love this series so much and can’t wait to share more if with you! 

Taglist: @elite-guard-hardygal, @dailyojiromashirao/@souskena, and @fandoms-fandoms-everywhere99. I hope you guys all like this chapter! 

Masterlist for this series so far: Here is the link. 

God Bless and Good Day!

~The Lupine Sojourner

“Takara!” Mom screeches, panicked, and I can’t warn her before I’m grabbed and used as a human battering ram, slamming into Mom with another scream, then the thing gets a better grip on my ribs (which I’m sure are broken) and it lets out a screech of its own before hurling me away, right into the rim of the fountain.

Yeah, those ribs were definitely broken. I can’t move!

I lay there, pain and terror paralyzing me as Mom tries to fight the huge guy, but she can’t move quick enough to dodge a swing and she’s sent flying. Before mom even hit the ground, the villain slammed her into the ground and her broken goggles go flying, blood spraying everywhere.

“Nnoo!” I scream, pain ripping into me as I tried to move, to do anything as Mom’s blood caked random bits of her hair together and trickling down her face.

“What do you think of him, Eraserhead?” The hand-villain chuckles gleefully. “He’s the bio-engineered Anti-Symbol of Peace, but you can call him ‘Nomu’.” I try to move, but can’t! I sob in frustration and pain as Mom’s arm is twisted unnaturally. Her scream sends chills down my spine. Despite being nauseous from pain and on the verge of passing out, I weakly try to move the water to help, but it merely splashes around a little, and I have to stop when spots dance in my vision. 

If I pass out now, I won’t be able to do anything at all! I have to help Mom somehow! But...how?!

“You can erase people’s powers. That’s irritating, but nothing impressive.” The hand-villain points out. I glare at him, but can’t do anything more. “When faced with true devastating power, you may as well be a Quirkless child, like your brat over there.” He laughs. I make myself move, slowly, each moment sheer agony, but it’s worth it when I finally sit braced against the fountain, and can see better. The better I can see, the more information I have to plan whatever it is I might be able to do. I see Mom glaring at the guy, shaking in terror and pain, but defiant.

“Y-you won’t lay a finger on her!” Mom growls, then turns her head to use her Quirk on the thing pinning her to try to get out from under it, but it simply smashes her other arm against the ground, and I hear her scream again.

“You’re not in much of a position to do anything about it, are you?” The hand-guy taunts, cackling and my heart skips fearfully. “If I wanted, I could disintegrate her right here and now, but I think I’ll let her watch her dear mother’s demise first.” Mom tries to move, to do something, but Nomu grabs her head, yanking it up before slamming it against the ground. Blood gushes out, making a pool around Mom’s head. I can only watch! I’m useless! Tears stream down my face in frustration and terror as my mother is subjected to torture. Her blood puddle grows and I can only watch. I then glance over at the water and spot Izuku, Su, and the ball-headed creep shaking in as much terror as I felt. Izuku glances between Mom and I, tears in his eyes.

I wonder what they’re doing here, what their plan was before Nomu attacked us. They’d seen everything that just happened, right?

Then, as if the situation needed to get worse, the warp-villain appears, right by the hand-villain’s side. “Tomura Shigaraki.” He says. I raise a brow. Was that the hand-villain’s name? Was he seriously that dumb? It’s nothing much, but if we know this hand villain’s name, we can ensure he pays dearly for this attack.

“Kurogiri.” Tomura replies, turning his head a little. “Did you manage to kill 13?” he asks in the same tone one uses when asking about the weather. Kurogiri seems to nod.

“The Rescue Hero is out of commission.” He reports. I pale. What?! No! “But,” He continues, “there were students I wasn’t able to disperse and one of them got outside of the facility.” I can’t help a grin. Whoever got outside, I owe you a huge debt of thanks! We just had to hold out til the heroes get here! We were gonna live...as long as we don’t incur more injuries. Tomura groans and growls, scratching at his neck in agitation. I frown. What the frick? Why would he do that?

“Kurogiri, you fool!” He growls, scratching furiously with both hands. “If you weren’t our warpgate, I’d tear apart every last atom of your body!” I blink. How do these people follow this childish villain’s lead? He’s throwing a tantrum right now! Tomura suddenly stops scratching. “There’s no way we can win if dozens of pros show up to stop us.” Tomura grumbles, turning to Kurogiri, “It’s Game Over; back to the title screen. And I was so looking forward to finishing this today. Damnit!” He all but whines. What is this guy’s deal?! “Let’s go home.” He instructs. I can’t help but feel relief flood me. We’d survived! They were leaving! Tomura then chuckles, sending a chill down my spine that froze the relief solid in my veins. “Oh, but before we leave, why don’t we make sure the Symbol of Peace is broken? Let’s wreck his pride!” With that, he tears toward the water, aiming right for Su’s face!

“Nooo!” I scream, trying desperately to make a simple wall between Su and Tomura, but I’m too late!

“Let’s make this hurt!” Tomura roars, but as the hand connects, nothing happens. A few seconds pass and I realize what happened, a sob making my ribs flare as I watch Mom’s eyes; they’re red, bloodshot, and I can see the same terror and desperation I felt in them. She was doing the only thing she can; cancelling Tomura’s Quirk to make sure Su wasn’t disintegrated.

“You really are so cool, Eraserhead.” Tomura admits, chuckling evilly. “But you can’t keep it up forever.” He points out, then lets go of Su, spinning on his heel and running toward me as Mom’s head is yanked up and smashed down again. I can’t do anything, but then Izuku leaps out of the water and moves at lightning speed to intervene.

“Get away from her! Now!” Izuku screams, arm glowing.

“Izuku, no!” I scream, despite the pain it causes, but he unleashes a smash that presses me into the fountain with it’s force. One thing I notice, as the dust settles, it that Izuku’s arm is fine. Another thing is that I’ve been blown almost onto my side, barely against the fountain anymore, and Nomu was standing on my already broken leg as he took the force of Izuku’s smash and remained standing.

I feel grateful that thing’s no longer hurting Mom, but am also extremely worried for Izuku. On top of all that, I bite my lip to keep from screaming in pain as Tomura turns back to look over his shoulder at Izuku.

“That smash of yours...it’s pretty powerful.” Tomura notes and I pale. “Are you one of All Might’s disciples?” My heart clenches in fear for Izuku. Not good, not good!

“Izuku, run!” I snap.

“Now, now.” Tomura replies as if to a disobedient child, waving a finger at me. “It was a simple question. But, I suppose, the answer doesn’t matter. I’m done with you.” He growls as Nomu grabs Izuku’s arm and hoists him up.

“Izuku!” I scream.

“Now...where were we?” Tomura chuckles evilly, hand reaching for my face again. I force myself to lie down, to buy some time, but it’s no good. He just keeps reaching out, laughing as he does.

His hand nears my leg.

Su’s tongue leaps out to try to grab Izuku, encircling his waist.

My heart pounds in my ears as I try to move, my other leg still trapped beneath Nomu’s massive foot.

Nomu’s hand descends on Izuku, who squeezes his eyes shut and braces for the pain to come.

All this happens in an instant, but just as all these things culminated, the door bursts open and a cloud of dust bursts from the doorway. I freeze.

What now?!

I hear heavy footsteps and then, at the base of the stairs a moment later, All Might appears, face contorted and twisted in rage as he tosses his jacket aside and tears off his tie in preparation to join the fight. “Have no fear, students! I am here!” He roars, a grave warning to the villains and a beacon of hope for us students and teachers.

Tomura tilts his head to look up at my uncle-figure. “Ah. Looks like our game’s getting a ‘Continue’.” He muses cockily. I glare at him.

“It’ll still end in Game Over for you.” I growl.

“I got the feeling something had gone wrong when 13 and Aizawa didn’t return my calls.” Toshin-Oji growls, still stalking forward, before Tomura could reply. “So I hurried over, running into young Iida along the way.” So, it was Tenya who escaped. Nice! He was the best choice, being the fastest of us. “He told me of the villainy at work here.” Toshin-Oji continues, voice dead serious and pissed off.

“He’s here...All Might…” Izuku whimpers, and the look on his face reminds me of something 13 did earlier; she held up 3 fingers when Mom asked why All Might wasn’t here, so I doubt Toshin-Oji has much time left at all as All Might. But he knew that...and came, anyway. “And he’s not smiling.” I grin smugly at Tomura.

“After all this waiting, the Heroic Piece of Trash shows up.” Tomura says, almost in a giggle. Did he seriously think he could win against All Might?! Time limit or not, All Might will win...Right?

“You guys are so screwed now!” I exclaim with bravado I don’t exactly feel, almost laughing despite how bad everything hurt. My smirk doesn’t falter, though I slightly regret my words. If not for All Might charging down the stairs and through the few villains that had gotten up after mom and I’s beating, Tomura might have replied or disintegrated me. As it was, he was distracted.

In seconds, the villains in Toshin-Oji’s way were down and Toshin-Oji had Mom in his arms, holding her carefully with a somber look in his eyes. He subtly flinches when he takes in Mom’s condition.

“I’m sorry, Yamada.” he mumbles, barely audible. “I should have been here.” I look away in shame. I hadn’t done anything and I was right there! I might have been able to do something if I tried harder! Tears fill my eyes but I blink them back. This was no time for an emotional breakdown, even if I want to cry from just the physical pain. All Might then turns around and his eyes snap wide in outrage when he sees me. Suddenly, I’m yanked out off the floor as All Might shoves Nomu aside just enough to get my leg out from under him, and then I’m laying next to Mom, Izuku, Su, and Purple Hair. The pain is worse now I’d been moved without warning, and I bite my lip to keep from screaming.

Mom was so much worse up close! Her face is one giant bloodstain, her hair soaked with it and her arms were limp, resting in unnatural angles.

“Help these two back to the entrance.” Toshin-Oji orders the group still standing. “They don’t have much time.” His tone was sharp, accepting no argument and I brace against the coming pain of being moved, but Izuku simply stands there as Su and Mineta pick Mom up as gently as they could.

“You saved us, All Might.” He says. Before Toshin-Oji replies, Tomura starts whining again.

“No, no, no! It wasn’t supposed to go this way!” He growls. I turn to look at him, wondering what the hell he was up to now. I notice that the hand that had been on his face was on the ground, but Tomura made sure we still couldn’t see his face, covering it or leaning over to grab the hand while his hair kept the mystery of his face a secret. “He’s still fast, Father.” He muses, picking the hand up. I frown. Father?! What?! “Somehow, he managed to hit me!” I blink. Is he serious? What is this guy’s deal?! He seems calmer once he puts the hand back on. “Of course a government hero relies on violence. I was prepared, but I couldn’t even see him when he moved.” It’s clear he probably doesn’t even know he’s talking out loud by now, but his words and the childlike pouting vibe he gives off are very unsettling. “But, he’s not as fast as I thought he would be, not as fast as he used to be.” My heart skips. Shit! He’s figuring it out! “I guess it’s true after all!” He exclaims, chuckling. “All Might really is getting weaker.” Izuku helps me up and I try not to scream as he adjusted me so my head was on his shoulder and my legs barely scrape the floor. This would hurt like hell, but we needed to move. Izuku bites his lip.

“All Might, you can’t!” He suddenly exclaims. “That brain guy took One- -” He stops short, remembering present company, “uh, I smashed him and it didn’t do anything.” He explains in a rush, hoping he’d avoided later questions about what he’d said. “He’s too strong!” It seemed the cover-up worked as All Might turns to look at Izuku confidently.

“Young Midoriya!” Toshin-Oji barks, throwing a peace sign at him. “I got this.” I look at him worriedly.

“Izuku’s serious. Be careful.” I mumble as Izuku turns us around, beginning to walk toward the stairs I was not looking forward to ascending. The ground trembles and I see another dust and debris cloud in my peripheral vision. Mineta scoffs.

“Are you guys seeing this?!” He asks rhetorically. “That suplex looks like an explosion! All Might’s on another level!” I bite my lip against the pain and in worry.

“Yeah, but so is that Nomu thing.” I mumble. Izuku pats my forearm.

“All Might knows what he’s doing.” He says, and I can’t wondering if it was false confidence.

“And yet he still has to look at his notes when he’s teaching us.” Su muses wryly. I can’t shake the sinking feeling in my stomach, however. Something told me it wouldn’t be an easy victory at all.

“Get that guy!” Mineta calls over his shoulder. “Punch him right in the balls!” I roll my eyes.

“I’m sure anywhere would work.” I grumble. Su looks over her shoulder.

“I guess we were worried about these villains for nothing!” She cheers. “All Might’s unstoppable!” Izuku and I share a look, but don’t say anything. We couldn’t without giving away the secret Toshin-Oji entrusted with.

We knew he didn’t have much time.

“Oh, come on!” We hear All Might groan, voice strained. “What kind of cheap move is that?!” We turn and see that Kurogiri has opened a warpgate in such a way that Nomu was able to grip Toshin-Oji’s ribs, squeezing til blood seeped into the white shirt All Might wore. I swallow. That was his bad side! No, no, no!

“Nice!” Tomura taunts. “You were trying to bury him in the concrete so he couldn’t move around anymore? Well, sorry; that won’t work.” I bite my lip. I wanted to help, but...how?

...Truth is, in my condition, I couldn’t even splash Nomu, let alone fight him. I could only watch and pray my uncle makes it out alive.

“Nomu’s as strong as you are!” Tomura boasts cockily. “That won’t stop him.” He then chuckles, turning a little to Kurogiri, who was watching silently, looking apathetic to everything happening. “Nice work, Kurogiri.” he praises, reversing what he’d said earlier about wanting to disintegrate Kurogiri. “We’ve got him just where we want him now.” I reluctantly look away.

“Izuku, we should go.” I mumble, but Izuku, Su, and Creeper don’t move. Su shakes herself a second later.

“Takara’s right. We gotta- -”

“If this is your best, you picked the wrong place to attack!” All Might roars, trying to pry Nomu’s hand from his weak spot to no avail. “You should just give up now!” Tomura scratches idly at his neck.

“Kurogiri?” He asks. I don’t like this! Not one bit!

“Normally, I wouldn’t want blood and viscera flooding the inside of my warpgates, but I’ll make an exception for a hero as great as you.” Kurogiri replies. My heart skips in fear. “Since you’re too fast to see with the human eye, Nomu had to restrain you. Once he gets your body halfway through, I’ll squeeze the gate shut!” I shake in terror for my uncle as Nomu begins to get Toshin-Oji into position. No, no, no!

“Asui?” Izuku asks desperately.

“Yeah? What is it, Midoriya?” She replies, not saying anything about his use of her first name.

“I need you two to watch Takara.” He says, gently laying me down. I know precisely what he wants to do.

“Don’t!” I bark. “You can’t!”

“What?” Su asks. “What are you planning, Midoriya?” He doesn’t answer, walking away a few steps before running, desperate tears in his eyes.

“Are you crazy?!” Mineta screams.

“Come back!” I scream, but Izuku doesn’t, leaping out to attack.

“I’m coming!” He roars and I can see Toshin-Oji pale. But then, even as the warpgate opens, even I’m trying to scream out a warning I know is too late, I see a blurry figure flying through the air then see a massive explosion. My eyes snap wide as I hear Katsuki.

“Get the hell outta my way, Deku!” He roars, grabbing the neck armor and slamming it into the ground. I grin in relief. Once again, it appeared that things were turning around. As Katsuki was taking care of Kurogiri, ice suddenly streams like water toward the warpgate, going up half Nomu’s body.

“One of your poorly trained thugs told me you’re here because you think you can kill All Might.” Shoto’s voice calls and I see him standing a little ways away. I grin. Now All Might can get out of Nomu’s grip and kick ass! All Might does manage to get free, flipping up and onto the ground, groaning a little, hand over his bleeding wound. Then, in one final twist of circumstance, Eijiro came barreling out of nowhere, roaring angrily as he leapt at Tomura. He misses, landing and leaping back immediately, arms up, lip out in a pout.

“Damn, that was gonna- -Takara!” He notices me and I am suddenly faced with those rock-hard abs and a pair of worried ruby eyes. “What happened?!” I have to bite my tongue to keep from screaming as I’m picked up as gently as Eiji could.

“N-nomu…” I groan, trying to breath through the pain as I gesture weakly to the giant thing still holding Toshin-Oji in the warpgate while half-frozen. Eijiro’s eyes narrowed.

“Shit! We gotta get you outta here.” He says, reluctantly moving away from the battle behind us, carrying me bridal-style. If I weren’t in so much pain, I’d be a blushing mess right now. Eijiro’s hands are clenched into fists, one against my shoulder, the other against the back of my knees as he walks as quickly as he can to the stairs. “I’m sorry, Takara.” He mumbles, slightly out of breath. I frown at him.

“What for?” I ask. What could he possibly be apologizing for?

“For not keeping a good grip on you when we were warped away. If I had…”

“If you were there, you might have ended up in my condition, too. I’ll be okay when I get to Recovery Girl.” I reply gently, trying not to let my pain filter into my voice, but it was hard when every step Eijiro took meant agony for me. He then notices who Su and Mineta are carrying.

“Crap!” He hisses. “Damn, they really messed Sensei up! Did the thing that got you do that?” I nod, tearing up.

“Yeah.” I reply, eyeing her. She was unconscious, but at least she was alive! And once recovery Girl uses her Quirk on her, Mom will be fine, right? I then hear Ochaco calling us from the top of the stairs. I look up and see her and Rikido waving.

“Can you come help? She weighs a lot and she’s bleeding all over the place!” Mineta calls back.

“Mineta!” I bark, uncaring that my ribs hated me talking that loud.

“Sorry, but they needed to know he’s hurt!”

“You didn’t have to put it like that.” Eijiro points out. Now, we’re practically at the base of the stairs and Eijiro refuses to let anyone take over carrying me, even Shoji, who ends up carrying Mom. He was a lot quicker than Eijiro, but we made our way up slow and sure, and I was desperately trying not to cry as my ribs were almost constantly jostled. At the same time, I looked behind to see Toshin-Oji squaring off against Nomu and my heart plummets. He was pushing his limits as is! How would he possibly be able to stop that thing?! I bite my lip. Nothing really I can do about it, since I got the shit kicked outta me.

This sucks! I can’t do anything! I can’t even walk up the stairs!

Nomu’ having straightened up out of the warpgate, broke the ice, resulting in him losing it’s arm and leg.

I almost think that means victory (how could it not, when Nomu was so messed up?), but then the thing regrows the limbs right away! I pale. This Nomu thing is insane!

Then, even as I notice Nomu moving toward Katsuki, I open my mouth, but Toshin-Oji zips forward and all I see is dust and feel the ground rattle with the two powerhouses’ force. Eijiro stumbles as wind rips up the stairs and I can’t contain a sharp hiss as he adjusts me and his stance.

“Sorry!” He exclaims, worried.

“It’s okay. We just gotta keep moving.” I mumble back, resuming watching the fight. Katsuki is now beside Shoto and Izuku, confused. Everyone then realizes that Katsuki has moved and look around. I see Toshin-Oji, still braced for impact, having broken the nearby wall. The three students get into a fighting stance, but All Might moves in front of them and puts his hand out to stall them. They seem to protest, but stay put. All Might leaps forward, just as Tomura races toward my friends. 

Then, as Nomu and All Might collide, there comes another huge burst of wind and dust and Eijiro braces against it. He then sits down, positioning us so we can watch without being blown against the stairs. I lean against him gratefully and look down and see All Might and Nomu, arms blurry with the speed of their punches, hammering each other as hard as they can.

Slowly, All Might gets the upper hand, forcing Nomu to back up under the constant barrage of hits. The fight ranges all across the middle area, the ground shaking and cracking beneath the force. All Might and Nomu go all out against each other, but Toshin-Oji has the upper hand, tossing Nomu into the air, smashing him down, then gearing up for a massive hit. I brace for it, and am not at all shocked when the ground feels ready to split entirely open as Nomu goes flying, crashing through the roof and into the sky.

“Whoa! That was like the finishing move in a video game!” Eijiro cheers, thinking everything was okay, and in part it was. It was finally over! We’d won! But…

At what cost? Toshin-Oji’s probably not in great condition. He’d used so much of his power, and Nomu was so strong...I can’t help but wonder if Toshin-Oji’s okay…

“I’ve never seen that kind of brute strength!” Eijiro adds, relieved and awestruck.

“Yeah…” I mumble, smiling a little. Now, we just had to stall until the rest of the heroes show up. All Might was already on his way, but...when would the others get here? Wait...Dad...he’ll be furious with himself for not being here…

Oh, dear God! He’ll feel so bad when he sees Mom and I! Crap!

In an effort to distract myself, I look back down and see All Might still standing there, the remains of the dust cloud surrounding them, facing Tomura, who was scratching his neck again in extreme agitation. Tomur and Kurogiri confer, then I notice that the villains are starting to get back up!

No, no, no, no! “Crap!” Eijiro curses, flinching as if to stand, then relaxing and biting his lip.

“...I’d understand if you go back down.” I mumble. “I can wait for the other teachers to arrive.” Eijiro shakes his head, jaw tightening, slowly adjusting me back to a bridal carry.

“N-no. The important thing is to get you away and to safety. I’d only get in the way down there.” His voice is thick and he doesn’t look at me as he moves me as gently as he can. We were about halfway to three quarters up the stairs. I grit my teeth and try to breathe normally as Eijiro rises to his feet. “I gotta get you up there.” We begin climbing again, neither speaking. I look over Eijiro’s shoulder and pale when I see Tomura and Kurogiri rushing Toshin-Oji!

Even worse, Izuku’s leapt out to join in, his legs flopping uselessly as he hurdles toward Kurogiri, who opens a warpgate so Tomura can grab Izuku.

Before I could warn Izuku, however, a shot suddenly rings out and Tomura reels back, blood pouring from a hole in his hand. Despite the ringing in my ears, and the pain from my flinching, I look up and see one of the teachers, Snipe (I think), holding his gun at the top of the stairs. Snipe turns and I grit my teeth as two more shots ring out. I then see the tops of several more heads and Principal Nezu’s voice. Eijiro and I look at each other, tearing up a little in relief.

“Sorry, everyone! I know we’re a bit late, but I got the teachers over here as fast as I could.”

[the-lupine-sojourner]

Takara Yamada’s Hero Academia Season 1 Episode 7 [Eijiro Kirishima/OC] [Female!Aizawa/Hizashi]

Hi there! I got this one done practically in a day, I was so happy to write it! This fight is one of the earliest instances of adrenaline-rushing action in the show and I love it. Unfortunately, from where Takara is, she can’t hear anything, so I just have to write it the way the episode plays out. 

Anyway, Here is the masterlist, as usual, in case someone just sees this chapter and wants to read the previous chapters.

I’m tagging @dailyojiromashirao and hoping they like the fight scene as much as I liked writing it, and @elite-guard-hardygal because they always really like my chapters and are a huge help in making sure I have everything planned out realistically and fangirling with me about upcoming arcs and moments in the show. And I want to give a shout out to @fandoms-fandoms-everywhere99 because I saw their likes on every one of my chapters so far, spanning out over the day. You go, Fandoms! That was awesome and I’m glad you’re interested! XD

Anyway, hope you all like this chapter!

God Bless and Good Day!

~The Lupine Sojourner

I try not to drag my feet as All Might leads us to the monitoring room. I’d wanted to try to boost Izuku’s confidence, but we were told to go to watch, and I can’t really argue with my uncle, so…

Here I am. The ‘villains’ had five minutes to set themselves up before the ‘heroes’ were set loose. I swallow. This would not end well, I could tell.

The worst part was that I couldn’t hear anything. From what I could tell, Izuku and Ochaco are studying a map of the building in silence and Tenya and Katsuki are searching for the weapon, Katsuki looking pissed and Tenya looking thoughtful, probably planing what they’d do as the ‘villains’ in this training. I really wish there was audio. It’d prove more helpful for grading, right? Toshin-Oji has an earpiece I noticed him putting in, but still. The class would go better if we could all hear, wouldn’t it? “You okay?” The question catches me off-guard. “You’re practically shrunk into yourself.” It was the boy with the tail, Mashirao. He was looking at me with concern. I straighten, smiling nervously.

“I just don’t think this will go well. Izuku and Katsuki don’t seem to have a good relationship. I noticed they had the same school uniform when Izuku and I involved ourselves in that sludge villain situation, and they seem to know each other enough to have a nickname or an insult they use instead of their names, but...Katsuki hates Izuku for some reason. Especially since Izuku’s ball throw.” I pointed out who I meant on the screen since most people don’t use first names this soon after meeting people. I only did it as a friendly gesture, but most people don’t. Mashirao nods.

“I forgot you were involved with that. I noticed the animosity, too, though. I just hope Bakugo can remember this is only a training game.” I bite my lip.

“I wouldn’t bet on it.”

“Alright, let’s begin the indoor combat training!” All Might exclaims. “Team A and Team D, your time starts now!” Instantly, the heroes were on the move, climbing the fire escape to get in unnoticed on the second floor. Smart. “Pay attention, kids.” All Might continues. “Think about what you would do.” I tilt my head, thinking. I’d probably try to find the villains using the Earth Quirk, but it wouldn’t provide the best or most reliable information, cus earth isn’t really what the building’s made of. It makes things blurry, but I could at least get a ballpark range to go on before moving.

Izuku and Ochaco move through the floor as quietly as possible, Izuku leading and scanning around corners before moving. Good plan. There are tons of blind spots indoors. An ambush was totally possible indoors.

...And apparently something Katsuki would do! He leaps out around a corner and Izuku barely has time to grab Ochaco and dodge an explosion. As the smoke clears, everyone in the monitoring room is stunned. “A sneak attack, Bakugo?!” Eijiro growls, pounding his fists together angrily as though Katsuki could hear him. “What kinda man pulls cheap crap like that?!” I shug, but Toshin-Oji beats me to replying.

“It’s a viable strategy.” He says. “It’s playing the part; acting like a true villain would.”

“It didn’t work.” Mina points out excitedly. “Midoriya dodged him!” Izuku was half-standing now, positioned protectively in front of Ochaco. However, he’s shaking in terror as he gets into a fighting position, telling Katsuki something.

Probably something to the effect of ‘I’m not backing down and you can’t make me’ or something.

“Look, there he goes!” the boy with a black streak in his blonde hair cries. I look and see Katsuki racing toward Izuku, yelling by the looks of it, drawing his fist back to attack. I gulp. Can Izuku keep dodging? Or will Katsuki get a hit in?

Whoa! Izuku caught Katsuki’s grenade-looking gauntlet?! Izuku then pivots and throws Katsuki over his shoulder, slamming him as hard as possible onto the ground. A round of shocked gasps ring the group. “Yeah! Go Izuku go!” I cheer. Eijiro smiles.

“That was pretty hardcore. Standing and fighting even though you’re scared is pretty manly.” I nod.

“And heroic.” I add. Katsuki is roaring at Izuku, creating tiny threatening explosions in his palms as he yells.

But, before Katsuki can go anything, he taps his ear and growls while looking down like someone does when talking on the phone.

Do Katsuki and Tenya have an earpiece, as well? Looks like it, given that Tenya has his hand over his ear, as well. Then gets pissed all of a sudden as Katsuki turns back to Izuku. “Hey, who’s Bakugo talking to?” Eijiro asks. “I’m not hearing anything. Can we get any sound with this video?” All Might turns to Eijiro.

“He’s got a radio in his ear so he can talk to his partner. I gave it to him before the match started, along with a map of the building. Also, this.” He holds up a small roll of white tape. “A roll of ‘capture tape’.” He explains. “Wrapping this around your opponent means you’ve apprehended them and they’re out for the rest of the game.” Mina tilts her head.

“Wait, so there’s a fifteen minute time limit, and the heroes have no idea what floor the nuclear weapon is hidden on, right?”

“Correct.” Toshin-Oji replies.

“Then the heroes are clearly at a disadvantage here. A big one.” She points out. I have to agree with her, but...at the same time, there’s situations like this virtually everyday. Heroes have to gather information and react quickly in unknown territory and against unknown assailants. Part of being a hero is deducing and acting on those deductions very quickly. Toshin-Oji smiles at her.

“Real pros have to outwit villains on a day-to-day basis.” He counters. “That’s life; even when the odds aren’t in our favor, we fight!” I raise a fist.

“Yeah!”

“All together now!” All Might calls and I know what he’s about to say and join in the group in crying out ‘That’s going Plus Ultra!’

“Monsieur, he’s on the move.” Another blonde boy with a suit of armor and red sunglass-type things on his face points out. Katsuki was the one on the move, leaping at Izuku and kicking at him. Izuku manages to block the kick with his forearm, yelling something and Ochaco leaves. Izuku then moves and I see the capture tape wrapped around Katsuki’s ankle. Katsuki then punches at Izuku again, powering it with an explosion. Izuku seems to have planned for that somehow and dodges again.

“Whoa, this guy’s really good.” A brown-haired boy with a tan suit on muses. The kid beside him, wearing a tape-dispenser themed suit, by the look of it, nods.

“Yeah! He’s holding his own and he hasn’t even used his Quirk yet!” Izuku then decides to run as Katsuki prepares to launch at Izuku again. Katsuki seems surprised, yelling and chasing after him. I scoff.

“Bad choice, Katsuki.” I muse. “He’s forgotten all about Ochaco, which leaves Tenya to handle her.”

“Yes, but young Iida seems to be handing things fine on his own.” Toshin-Oji points out. Curious, I look over to the camera where the weapon is and flinch. Toshin-Oji was right.

Tenya’s moving everything that Ochacho could use to float and attack with. Danggit! I mean, really smart move, anticipating his opponent’s strategy similar to what Izuku’s doing with Katsuki, but I can’t help rooting for Ochaco. She’s a nice girl and I’d hate to see her upset. I then look back and see Katsuki getting increasingly pissed, those small explosions in his palms flashing again.

“That guy has some serious anger issues. Kinda scary…” The black-streaked blonde boy murmurs, a touch of fear in his voice.

“Yeah. He thinks he’s the top and that everyone’s out to get him.” I add. “He’s pissed at anything that even might hint at challenging his inflated ego. And with Izuku starting to fight back, that’s adding fire to Katsuki’s rage.”

“Very insightful, young Yamada.” All Might muses, giving me a thumbs up. I grin and nod back. I wasn’t mad he was using my last name; I didn’t need the attention All Might using my first name might generate.

I tear my eyes away from Katsuki’s pursuit and Izuku’s evasion to see that Ochaco has arrived at the weapon room. Tenya looks deep in thought again. I wonder if he’s saying something. With that helmet on, I can’t tell. Suddenly, Ochaco laughs and Tenya turns, pointing at her. She flinches.

“Well, that was weird. I wonder why Ochaco laughed?” I ponder aloud.

“Tenya tends to take things too seriously.” The green-haired girl replies. “He’s probably doing the same here and Ochaco found that funny somehow.” I nod.

“That’s probably it.” I muse. Tenya gestures to the empty room, probably overdramatically rambling about his advantage, now that he was a ‘villain’. Suddenly, a flash on a lower screen distracts me. I look down and gasp.

Katsuki’s found Izuku, and is just standing there. “Wait...his gauntlet flashed.” I point out. “What does that mean?” I ask rhetorically. Izuku looks confused, too, as Katsuki talks, for the first time not looking like he’s yelling. Katsuki extends his arm, smirking confidently and Izuku flinches. Katsuki then cocks the arm of the grenade back, revealing a pin. My eyes go wide. Suddenly, I realize what’s happening. I’ve been wondered how the explosions worked, and figured it must have to do with something in his body, like sweat. So...if he wears those gauntlets...theoretically, they could store his sweat and- -“Stop the fight!” I exclaim. “Katsuki’s gonna level the whole floor!”

“What do you mean?” Eijiro asks. “How do you know?” Panicking, I gesture to the gauntlet.

“I was thinking about how Katsuki’s Quirk works. And I think those gauntlets store whatever fuels those explosions! Those gauntlets are literal grenades!” All Might nods, but doesn’t say anything. “Please, All Might! Stop this right now before someone gets hurt!” I cry as Katsuki grips the pin.

“Young Bakugo, don’t do it!” Toshin-Oji suddenly roars. “You’ll kill him!” I feel my heart skip as Bakugo continues pulling the pin, yelling something in reply. I cry out in shock as Izuku is blasted back down the hall and into a room, the hall decimated.

“Izuku!” I scream. This was insane! “All Might, stop the fight! Katsuki isn’t going to stop if you don’t make him!” All Might just stands there! What is he doing?!

“This is nuts!” Eijiro exclaims as the ground shakes with the force of the blast. I search every screen desperately for Izuku, but can’t see him through the smoke.

“Come in! Come in, Midoriya!” All Might cries, searching the screens, too. As I look, I see Ochaco taking advantage of Tenya’s confusion to try to grab the weapon, using her Quirk on herself. However, Tenya reacts quickly and moves the weapon to the other side of the room. I then look for Izuku again and see him cowering on the ground with some relatively minor burns, all things considered, as Katsuki emerges from the smoke like a predator who has his prey right where he wants him. Izuku taps his ear and seems to ask Ochaco a question, probably asking her status. Katsuki flinches, eye twitching in irritation at being ignored.

Good. Maybe if he’s blinded by anger, Izuku can capture him and help Ochaco. “Sir, isn’t this getting out of hand?” Eijiro asks, pointing to the wrecked hall and Katsuki’s intimidating figure. “That Bakuo’s acting real crazy!”

“Yeah.” I agree. “You should stop the fight before Izuku gets killed!” All Might doesn’t react, eyes glued to the rivals who were preparing to fight.

“Bakugo’s gonna kill him!” Eijiro presses worriedly, watching Katsuki’s eyes go wild with rage.

“Not so.” All Might says after a second. I flinch.

“What are you talking about?!” I exclaim, forgetting momentarily that he was my teacher, not my kind-of uncle. “Katsuki is after blood! Specifically Izuku’s!” All Might shakes his head.

“Bakugo’s posturing fiercely, but he doesn’t intend to kill young Midoriya.” He explains.

“How do you know that?” I ask, but All Might raises his microphone.

“Bakugo, use that stored up power again, and I’ll stop this fight; your team will lose.” He warns sternly. Katsuki’s eye twitches and he looks madder than ever. “To employ such a strong attack indoors is to invite the destruction of the stronghold you’re supposed to be protecting. That’s a poor strategy!” He scolds. “Whether you’re a hero or a villain! The penalty will be a massive loss of points.” Katsuki releases a huge scream and races toward Izuku, leaping up to attack from above. At least he’s only allowed hand-to-hand now. Izuku might have a chance. However, Katsuki changes course mid-air with an explosion and blasts Izuku’s back. I hiss in sympathy. That had to hurt!

“What was that move?!” Eijiro growls, watching as Izuku stumbled, eyes scrunched in pain, back raw and steaming from the blast.

“He doesn’t come off as a guy with a strategy,” A boy with white hair, half covered in ice and wearing a white jumpsuit points out, eyes narrowed in thought. “but he’s actually quite intelligent.” I frown. I hated to admit, even to myself, but...that guy had a point. That move took skill and practice.

Just how long has Katsuki been preparing to beat the shit outta people?!

“What’re you talking about?” Eijiro asks. I tilt my head, arms crossed.

“I hate to admit it, but he’s right. Mid-air course changes are tricky to calculate.”

“Precisely.” Momo joins in. “He had to calculate the physics and demonstrate complete control over his Quirk. It requires an extreme amount of precision.” The ice-boy nods.

“He changed his trajectory mid-air using a blast that doubled as a smoke screen.” I gulp.

“That Katsuki really goes all out, huh?” I mumble, drawing out a small chocolate and unwrapping it before popping it in my mouth. I wanted to keep my blood sugar up for my fight, whenever that will be.

“Yeah, and he’s uber talented, to boot.” The blonde kid with the black streak adds, groaning. “I hate it.” I shrug.

“It is what it is.” I reply around the half-melted chocolate. “No sense getting bent out of shape about it.” I then gasp in shock as Katsuki smashes his right arm into Izuku’s burnt back. Izuku screams in agony as Katsuki then grabs Izuku’s arm and performing the same move Izuku had used, but powered by an explosion. I put my hand over my mouth as Izuku bounces a little off the floor with the force he’d been slammed with. Dear god, how long is this gonna go on before All Might stops this?! Katsuki is testing the boundaries. If Toshin-Oji doesn’t establish them soon, Izuku is literally toast.

“This is hard to watch.” Mina moans, biting her lip. “All he has to do is wrap tape around him, not kill him!” I nod, swallowing.

“Y-yeah...All Might, you should put a stop to this. Katsuki won’t stop attacking until you do.” I point out. “Please.” He doesn’t turn, eyes riveted to the fight.

“That Bakugo is certainly acting like a villain.” I turn to see a boy with a crow’s head glaring at the screen as he speaks.

“I thought Midoriya was pretty amazing at the start of the fight, but he’s completely outmatched in terms of combat power.” It’s the black-streaked-blonde kid again. I frown.

“Not really.” I reply, shaking my head and sighing. “Think about it; Izuku’s Quirk damages his body, so Izuku can’t use it very flippantly, like Katsuki seems to be doing. Izuku has to make every shot count cus there’s a steep price for every one.” I nod toward the screen. “When Izuku does use his Quirk, he’ll win, but it won’t be pretty.” The boy shrugs.

“Well, Bakugo still seems like a natural at all this stuff. Midoriya might not even get a chance to use his Quirk.” I gulp. 

“Let’s hope Izuku thinks of something. And fast.” I mumble, biting my lip. Izuku manages to get away, practically crawling after Katsuki’s onslaught. “Get out of there til you think of something.” I urge him, even though Izuku can’t hear me.

“He’s running away?” Mina asks.

“Not very manly, but he doesn’t have a choice.” Eijiro points out. “He’s outgunned, unless he’s got some kind of plan.” I nod.

“Knowing Izuku, he definitely has a plan. Or, at least, the beginnings of one…” Izuku goes to a window and braces as Katsuki stomps toward him. I swallow. Izuku ducks his head, probably telling Katsuki something before glaring up at his oppressor. I really wish there was some audio to this...ugh.

Suddenly, the boys rush each other, that strange glow from the ball throw back in Izuku’s arm and Katsuki’s hand prepping for a blast.

“What’re they doing?!” I screech. “Izuku, no!”

“They’re gonna kill each other!” Eijiro exclaims worriedly. “Sir!”

“You have to stop the fight!” I add. “What are you waiting for?!” All Might hesitates. “Sensei!” I bark.

“Both of you, stop!” He roars, but neither do, then All Might’s eyes suddenly snap to the camera with Ochaco and Tenya. Ochaco grabs a pillar, eyes hard in determination. Izuku’s arm then shifts to punch straight up instead of attacking, meaning only his other arm was protecting him from burning alive!

“Izuku!” I scream again, but I can’t look away. Suddenly, as the building trembles and splinters at Izuku’s raw power, I realize what Izuku’s plan was; break the building to give Oachaco something to attack Tenya with in order to retrieve the weapon. She succeeds and the heroes win. Katsuki glares up at the hole in the ceiling, screaming something at Izuku, who responds, wobbling on his feet before falling over. Whatever Izuku said had shaken Katsuki, who stands there, trembling and staring at nothing.

“You...you did it.” All Might breathes into the mic moments later. He then regains his composure. “The hero team...wins!” I gulp. Izuku was passed out on the ground and Ochaco looked ready to hurl.

Yeah...they won, but...was it worth the cost? Victory at this steep a price...almost isn’t worth having.

“What a weird way for this to end.” The blonde who’d been the most vocal muses, frowning. “The losers are practically untouched, but the winners are both on the ground.” I gulp. All Might took our distraction at the conclusion to the fight to slip out.

“I guess victory doesn’t always come easy, but this is ridiculous!” I snap, getting angry at All Might for not preventing Katsuki going as far as he had and at Katsuki for being too wrapped up in his anger at Izuku to hold back for the sake of their training. However, I have to bite my tongue. This wasn’t the place for me to express my anger at my uncle without raising suspicions.

“Yes. But, how does that old saying go? ‘They may have lost the battle, but they won the war’.” The boy with the bird head muses, eyes closed grimly.

“This class is intense.” The green-haired girl moans, eyes wide. I growl.

“It shouldn’t be. This is a training exercise. A damn game!” I decide to make it sound like I was only mad at Katsuki. “But no! Katsuki had to go too far and lose sight of that fact!”

“Whoa, Yamada, cool it.” The verbal blonde says, eyeing me worriedly.

“Don’t.” I reply tersely, then take a deep breath. I didn’t need to make enemies today. “Sorry. The name’s Takara, please, and Katsuki just hurt my friend. I can’t ‘cool it’ right now.” The boy chuckles.

“Okay, then. My name’s Kaminari, but I guess you can call me Denki, since you want me to use your first name.” Denki then winks at me. I smirk.

“Whatever you say, Kaminari.” I tease, feeling a little better. Denki flinches like I’d hit him.

“Aw, c’mon!” I then wink at him and chuckle before walking away to stand by the boxes for drawing lots for the next two teams. All Might approaches soon with Katsuki sulking in after him. A minute later, Ochaco and Tenya line up beside Katsuki, facing the class. Seeing the guy who hurt my friend right in front of me made something in me snap.

“Oi! Katsuki!” I growl, stalking over to him. “What the hell were you thinking?!” I snap, shoving him. “You could have killed Izuku, you know that?! You weren’t a hero out there! You were literally a villain! A spoiled brat who can’t accept a challenge! You need to get a grip or so help me, you’ll be the next one in the nurse’s office!” He just...stands there, trembling. Was he...was he seriously this upset? I take a half-step back. What was going through his head?

“Back. Off.” He growls. I decide it isn’t worth pressing him, so I glare at him as I move back to pay attention to what All Might was about to say.

“Don’t throw a tantrum like that again and I won’t have to get in your face.” I call over my shoulder, arms crossed and eyes fixed on Toshin-Oji. No one seems to want to reply directly to the scene I’d caused.

Truth be told, it was stupid of me to confront Katsuki, but...it felt kinda good to vent some of that rage building inside me.

And yet...it wasn’t very satisfying, either. Katsuki hadn’t responded. He’d just told me to back off. And he was still right where I’d left him, shaking. I didn’t know what emotion was going through his head, but I knew it wasn’t good.

In a way...I kinda almost feel a bit bad for him. He seems like the kinda kid that’s grown up hearing how flashy and powerful his Quirk is, and how he’ll be an awesome hero one day, working hard to prove them right and steamrolling anyone who doubted him in his aggressive, cocky way.

But now, with Izuku previously being Quirkless (thus, probably a weakling in Katsuki’s eyes), but ‘suddenly getting a Quirk’ and then winning against Katsuki, to boot, it probably whacked the guy real hard.

I had to talk to him after class. This kid definitely had issues. A lot of them.

And Lord knows those people are the ones I can’t resist at least attempting to help.

Let’s just hope I make it out alive.

[the-lupine-sojourner]

Love Conquers Amnesia [Amnesiac!Eijiro/Takara(OC)]

Hiya! I saw This video and couldn’t help thinking about KiriKara (my name for the ship. I can’t think of a better one, so if you can, leave it in a comment below!), and this is the result!  Anyway, in writing it and trying to think of a realistic way for Kiri to lose his memory, I kinda veered from the video when I meant to practically quote it, but I also like this version, so here we are! Also, if you want more domestic KiriKara, send an Ask or message me and I’ll totally write it (as long as it’s not smut. Sorry!)!!

Real quick before I begin, @dailyojiromashirao is pretty much on my permanent MHA writing taglist, cus they’re always so sweet and supportive! Love you! And maybe @elite-guard-hardygal would enjoy this, too?? IDK. Feel free to ignore, lovey! 

Now that that’s done, I will only this before we begin; I hope you all enjoy! 

God Bless and Good Day!

~The Lupine Sojourner

(P.S: This guy is my headcanon/faceclaim for Adult!Eijiro, btw. I haven’t seen Bleach, but I know he’s a character in that show. This is the face Kiri makes when he sees his waifu but doesn’t remember her yet. She startles him with her beauty! XD)

Statistically, it was probably more shocking that it took so long for this to happen, given our profession.

But, it was still very shocking to get a call in the middle of a daytime patrol. “Are you Mrs. Takara Kirishima?” The person on the other end asks. I gulp.

“Yes, this is she. Who’s calling?” I ask as politely as I can.

“The receptionist at Sanno Hospital. I’m calling to report your husband’s admittance.” Instantly, my heart plummets into my toes, and the temperature seems to drop below freezing.

“O-oh...I...Is he..?”

“He’s in surgery. We’re still unsure precisely what happened, but more details are emerging the longer we have him. The doctors are very hopeful, however.” I can’t help but not feel comforted by those words. Something could always happen. It only took one wrong move, one instant, for everything to change.

“O-okay. I’ll be there in around thirty minutes. Thank you.” I say, then hang up. I race back to my agency. The one Kiri and I shared, like everything else. I rip off my headgear and toss it into the locker along with my belt, all while calling out the situation, before sprinting for my- -our- -car. We were supposed to drive home together and have a family movie night with our five-year-old son, Senshi.

This wasn’t supposed to happen! Kiri had an amazingly defensive Quirk. How could someone have hospitalized him?!

=#=#=#=#=

“The story we’ve pieced together from the data we’ve collected is this;” the doctor explains when I arrive. “your husband was fighting an unknown villain, and somehow suffered trauma to the head, resulting in the loss of the fight, and…”

“What?” I press urgently. I needed to know!

“Well, with brain injuries...memories are the easiest to lose, we’ve found. It appears your body automatically purges memories first instead of the knowledge of how to breathe, for example. I’m sorry, Mrs. Kirishima, but there is a strong possibility that your husband won’t remember much when he wakes up.” I thank him for telling me absently, eyes peeking into the room, to Kiri laying still on the bed. “And we’re not sure when he’ll wake up. We hardly had to use anesthesia on him for the surgery; he was unconscious when he was admitted, but without any real indication that we could find as to why. I’m sorry.” I nod.

“Thanks for doing what you could, doc.” I murmur, walking slowly into the room. The man smiles sadly at me and leaves me to sit beside Kiri. His hair had to be combed down and messed around so they could run tests to see why he was still out cold, and the black hospital gown looked incredibly odd on him. His chest rose and fell rhythmically. It seemed to lull me into a doze, one I tried to fight without much luck.

=#=#=#=#=

It’s only a few hours later that I wake up, and Kiri still isn’t awake. I hold in a groan and stand, stretching out my back and arms that were sore from sleeping in the chair.

I wasn’t planning on leaving til Kiri woke up and I could ascertain for myself his condition, so I watch him. His chest goes up and down and the heart rate monitor beeps incessantly as time creeps by. It was unknown how long I sat there before I started to fall asleep again. I shook myself. I wouldn’t fall asleep again until I saw Kiri awake.

So I stood again, deciding to leave briefly to get a cup of coffee and call people. Mainly Ma, Pa (what I call Mr. and Mrs. Kirishima) and Katsuki. They deserved to know what had happened.

It went about as well as expected. They were upset (Katsuki vowing to roast Kiri for being so sloppy as to let that villain get a hit on him), but promised to get here soon.

I then got my coffee and headed back to Kiri’s room, only to find him standing and gazing at the sunrise out of his window, his IV pole clutched beside him. 

I gulp. Time to see what was what with him. I grin and walk over. “Beautiful, huh?” I ask, sipping the coffee. He flinches, jerking his head to look at me.

“Yea- -uh...did...did the doctors send you?” He asks, stunned, cheeks red. I blanch. Of course. Memory loss was a high probability, the doctor had said.

“N-no.” I murmur, gulping the coffee to avoid talking. How was I supposed to deal with this?! How long would this last?!

“Wow…” He breathes, taking me in and smiling. “You must be the prettiest woman in the whole world.” It’s almost like he wasn’t aware he was talking out loud. I blush. Even without memories of our marriage, he was attracted to me. 

“Thanks.” I reply, chuckling. It then drops. “...Do you know my name?” I ask tentatively. Eijiro frowns, scanning me again.

“...I’m sorry, but no...should I?” I sigh. Of course he wouldn’t remember...

“Takara.” I reply. “It’s Takara Kirishima.” There. I’d kinda told him. He’d have to piece it together now. His eyes narrow in thought, then go wide.

“Are you my sister?” He asks. I snort.

“No. No, I’m not.”

“Cousin?” I smile.

“Not a cousin, either.”

“...Then...what?” He asks shyly. I roll my eyes.

“I’m your wife, dummy.” I chuckle, ruffling his hair. He blinks several times, then grabs my left hand. I slip the glove I hadn’t taken off and he stares at the simple sterling silver band around my ring finger.

“...We’re married?” He exclaims, staring at my face now. I grin proudly and nod.

“Yeah. For almost six years now.”

“Whoa, really?! How do I not remember that?! Man, I hit the jackpot!” I chuckle, scratching the back of my head, cheeks scarlet. Wow...

“The doctors aren’t really sure. You were admitted to the ER unconscious and had to go into a brief surgery to try and determine what happened. They still don’t know, but my guess is a Quirk’s to blame.” Kiri nods.

“I have one, too, right? A Quirk?” I nod.

“Yup. You can harden your body using your body’s carbon. Downside is you can’t do it forever.” He frowns, then grins happily.

“I think...I think I remember that!” He cries. “I use it to fight, don’t I?”

“Yup. You’re a hero. You help a lot of people at our agency.”

“Our agency?” Eijiro asks, head tilted. I grin.

“Yeah!” Just then, I hear the door open behind us. I glance over and see Katsuki glaring from the doorway, only halfway out of his costume, as well.

“Hey! Shitty Hair! Remember me?!” Kiri turns.

“...You know me?” He asks. Katsuki does a double-take, then scoffs.

“Right. Forgot. You let a villain hit you with some dumb memory loss Quirk. Your wife called me. I was closer than your parents are, but they’ll be here.”

“Oh. Thanks.” Kiri murmurs, looking at Katsuki’s outfit. “...Are you a hero, too?” Katsuki flinches in irritation, then deflates.

“Yeah. So’s your wife, dumbass.”

“Katsuki, thanks for coming, but don’t be mean.” I warn. I knew, however, that this was just Katsuki being Katsuki. He didn’t really mean it.

“Ground Zero, right? That’s...that’s your hero name?” Kiri suddenly asks, eyes lighting happily. Katsuki smirks.

“Finally, you remember something!” I roll my eyes.

“He remembered his Quirk and that he was a hero before you got here.” I point out.

“I don’t remember my hero name, though. Or yours, Takara. Sorry.” I wave that aside.

“No worries! You wanted to model your hero image after Crimson Riot, so you chose Red Riot as your hero name as an homage.” Eijiro’s eyes light up.

“Oh, right! He’s so manly and hardcore! What’s yours?” I chuckle and rub the back of my neck awkwardly. It always sounded weird when I explained it out loud.

“Well, I’ve always liked foxes and wolves, so I chose Kitsune as my hero name.”

“That’s awesome!” I laugh.

“You had that reaction the day we chose our hero names, too.” I reminisce fondly.

“Yeah, back when you two made dopey heart-eyes at each other in class and we all pretended we didn’t see and wanna puke.” Katsuki adds, scoffing and crossing his arms. His smirk betrays his happiness, though.

“Really?” Eijiro asks, eyeing me.

“We-well, it was more like I made the heart-eyes and then, ah- -do you recall something called the USJ incident? It happened almost nine years ago…” Eijiro frowns.

“I...I think so. We were in some huge building, right? Combat training?” I shake my head.

“No.” I grimace. Even now, the memory was painful, my ribs recalling that day easily. “We were supposed to be doing rescue training.” I murmur. “Then villains attacked. My mom nearly died. She was our teacher.” Eijiro frowns.

“Oh. Right. I was the one who found you, right? Against a fountain with a nearly collapsed ribcage?” I nod.

“Yeah. That was a tough week.” He nods.

“Ah, you babies got over it.” Katsuki muses. “If you ask me, that’s when you two nerds started liking each other and making everyone around you nauseous with your mushy attitude.” Eijiro then blushes and tilts his head, scratching the back of his neck.

“Uh...Takara, I’ve been meaning to ask...do we have kids?” I smile, pulling my phone out. I pull up a picture of Senshi at his fifth birthday (just a few weeks ago), sharp teeth on display as he grins at the camera.

“Yeah; a son, Senshi.” My hand goes to my stomach subtly. I’d planned to tell him the revelation I’d had this morning, the one still waiting on our bathroom sink. But not now. I’d wait til he had more memories to tell him, though. Eijiro stares at the picture for a long minute or two, gently taking my phone.

“He’s just like me…” He murmurs. I nod.

“Yeah.” His black hair came from his father, but the large brown eyes were from my side. It was adorable, and an instant recipe for success on his end when he gave me the infamous ‘puppy eyes’. “He’s a good kid.”

“Yeah, that brat’s alright.” Katsuki admits, scoffing a little. Surprisingly, Katsuki handled Senshi well. He wasn’t usually too forceful and angry with the kid. He’d really come a long way since our high school days, when he’d terrified any child that dared look at him wrong.

“I can’t believe we’re married and have a kid..” Eijiro murmurs thickly, and I notice tears on his cheeks. “How could I have forgotten you? I’m sorry, Takara...I’m so sorry…” I hug him, tears forming in my eyes.

“Eiji, it’s okay.” I murmur, rubbing his back as he clutches me. “It’s not your fault.”

“If I’d just taken care of that villain, none of this would’ve happened.” Eijiro sobs. I blink.

“So...you remember?” I ask, drawing back just enough to look him in the eye.

“Bits and pieces. The more we talked, the more I remembered. The picture of Senshi was like the final key.” He says. “That guy’s Quirk wasn’t affected by my Hardening, and it only took a touch for it to work.” 

“Great, you remember, now stop dancing around each other and kiss already.” Katsuki grumbles before I can react. I laugh and hug Eijiro again. He’s blushing as we part a few moments later.

“...Can we?” He asks. “Can we kiss?” It was exactly what he’d said, the morning he’d confessed. We’d gone sunrise hiking and he’d asked that as we watched the dawn unfold. I smile and play with his hair, just like I had that morning.

“Of course you can.” I reply, continuing the reenactment, and he all but tackles me in elation, kissing me so eagerly, I’m pretty sure my lips are swollen and bruised.

“Oi! I know i told you to kiss, but come on! Knock it off!” Katsuki growls. I smile into the kiss and deepen it, knowing it would piss Katsuki off. Sure enough, he growls and is stalking over when Eiji pulls back to stick his tongue at Katsuki.

“Oh, lay off!” He replies. “You’re just jealous cus you’re still single.” Katsuki growls and grabs the front of Eiji’s hospital gown.

“What did you say?!” Katsuki growls.

“Oh, good; I see we were worried for nothing.” Comes the voice of my mother-in-law. I look behind Katsuki and wave.

“Hi, Ma!” I call. I generally call Mrs. Kirishima ‘Ma’ or ‘Mama’, and Mom...well, ‘mom’. “Turns out, Eiji got hit by a Quirk that knocks you out and gives you amnesia, but it’s nullified by showing the victim photos or talking about the missing memories, evidently. He remembers.” 

Ma nods. “Thank goodness.” Eijiro hugs his parents.

“Hey, guys.”

“Hello, Eijiro.” Ma replies. Pa smiles and ruffles his son’s hair.

“Gave us quite a scare there, son.” He says. “But, of course, you pulled through!” Eijiro nods.

“Cus Kirishima men always win!” He says proudly, fist-pumping his dad. I roll my eyes. That was part of the reason Kiri was so upset in Middle School; his father encouraged bravery and manliness in his son and when Eijiro failed to act in that attack, it whacked his self-esteem.

But, over time, he’d become every inch a brave, manly hero. And an even better man to be married to. I side-hug him and squeeze his side reassuringly. “And the Kirishima women will always support their man.” I add, chuckling as Ma nods.

“Agreed. Knew I liked you when I met you, Kara.” I grin.

This was what we’d always have; a family to fall back on, no matter how bad or weird things get. Family is priority. Always.

Crappy ending is crappy, but hope you liked the rest! XD

[the-lupine-sojourner]

Eijiro/Takara Drabble 1, Prompt 18: Getting Frostbite

Requested by @optimistic-beanling! 

This is the list of prompts, if you want your own drabble. 

To be honest, I couldn’t think of a better way to do this because frostbite is seriously painful and I don’t see Takara and Eijiro staying out in the cold long enough to get frostbite voluntarily. This is also set after graduation, so Eijiro and Kiri are married and share an agency.

So this came out a bit angsty. Sorry! Happy ending, I promise! 

Hope you like, Beanling! 

God Bless and good day!

~The Lupine Sojourner

(P.S: I accidentally hit post before I finished this draft! My bad!)

How had this happened? We were smarter than this! 

Or so we thought. How were we supposed to know that these villains were smuggling drugs and other illegal items among frozen goods, though? It had been a solid plan, but now we’d come to put a stop to it. 

Or so we thought. The hitch in the get along, turns out, was that the bad guys had a number of henchmen and they weren’t afraid to fight dirty. Eiji and I had been hard-pressed from the start and now I was getting low on blood sugar and couldn’t get a break long enough to grab a chocolate from my belt. This was bad! “Riot, look out!” I scream, sprinting and knocking Eijiro out of the way in time for a henchman’s punch to land on a fellow henchman. 

Unfortunately, my save backfired and we ended up rolling into a freezer truck. “Shit!” Eijiro curses as we sprint to the door, but the henchmen were too quick, slamming it shut and locking us inside. “No, no, no!” Eijiro curses, pounding on the door. It wouldn’t budge. Of course. It was supposed to contain frozen things. It was very thick and wouldn’t open from the inside. And, since it was so thick, I found out, I could get good reception on my phone. Sending a text with my location and a brief summation of our situation to Katsuki, who’s agency was nearby, was no good. It refused to send. 

“Shit! I got no bars!” I growl, stuffing the phone back in my pocket before getting a chocolate. I wanted to cut through the door with water, but that wouldn’t work until I got some blood sugar back.

“So we’re on our own?” Eijiro asks, knowing the answer. I give it, anyway.

“Yeah.” I then remember that Eijiro wasn’t wearing anything over his torso. My overcoat should help, so I peel it off and toss it to him. “Here.” He tosses it back. 

“You need it more than I do.” He objects. I scoff. 

“Look, it’s not doing me much good as I’m shivering regardless. You need to cover as much skin as possible or you’ll get frostbite.” He scowls, but sees my point and reluctantly takes his cog-wheels off to slip my overcoat on. I’d bulked up a bit, and it barely fit Eijiro, but it was far better than leaving the skin exposed. 

“Thanks, honey.” He mumbles. I nod, tossing him a small granola bar and eating one myself. 

“Anytime. Now, let’s show this door who’s boss together, okay?”

=#=#=#=#=

The hours passed as sluggishly as I was pacing. This was not good! 

Even with us tag-teaming the door, it hadn’t budged and I still had no bars to text anyone. “I am so sorry, ba...babe...” Eijiro mumbles, shivering uncontrollably. I crouch beside him, giving him a frosted smile. 

“Not at all.” I reply. “You didn’t do anything wrong.” 

“But if I’d just seen that guy- -”

“Stop.” I interject with a gloved finger on his lips. “That isn’t going to help and it’s not true. The only ones at fault here are the villains, alright?” He sighs heavily, a cloud of steam obscuring his face briefly. 

“I just can’t help thinking about Senshi. He’s about to get home from kindergarten and we won’t be there.” I flinch. That thought had been plaguing me, too. Those big brown eyes...those shark-teeth grins...that curly black hair...

I clench my fist, standing and stalking toward the back with a bit of renewed energy.

If we can’t get out of here...we’d miss family night with our 4-year-old. We tried to make it a point to spend as much time as possible with Senshi.

I search the back for a way to turn the air off to give us more time to escape, but there’s nothing. “Damnit!” I growl, searching every inch of the unit. Nothing but stacks of frozen meat and vegetables hiding drugs. I then lash out with the water angrily at the door, desperate to get through. “This is not how I die! I won’t just freeze here!” I scream. Eijiro stands to help but we can’t get though even with renewed energy. I collapse when my blood sugar sinks. I weakly pound the door. I had nothing left I my belt to power another attack and frustrated tears well in my eyes. Eijiro gently pulls me into a hug, scooting into a corner. 

“We’ll just sit here til we think of something.” He says softly. I sniffle. 

“We’ve...we’ve been gone so long...there’s bound to be a search party, right?” I mumble, shivering. 

“Yeah, definitely. How much you wanna bet Katsuki’s gonna roast us alive for getting into this mess when he blasts open this tub?” I chuckle at the thought. 

“Yeah. He’ll be Tsundere about it, but he’ll probably hover over us til we’re recovered.” Eijiro laughs. 

“Y...yeah. We just have to stay awake til then, okay? You know he hates when we’re sleeping when he’s talking.” It was a fragile hope, but it was- -a huge blast nearly crushes us as the doors are exploded inward.

“Oi! You asshole better not be dead!” Comes a voice we all knew well. 

“I don’t think we are, Katsuki!” I call back wryly. 

“Good, cus now I get to roast you two for being so stupid!” He growls, hoisting us up and leading us out. “Don’t pull this shit again. If I hadn’t checked up on your location cus you were late replying to a text, I’d have never pieced it together.” I nod. 

“Well, if you were asking to come over like you always do, come on over.” I chuckle and Katsuki tsks. 

“Fine.” I grab my phone. It was a text about coming over, followed by an explosion and raging emoji when he didn’t get a reply. I laugh. “Let’s go home, guys.” 

Hope you liked, Bean!