Solstice and Eclipse: Part II

Chapter X: The Watchtower

The Uwabami Agency, where Kendo and Yaoyorozu were doing their internships, was the predominant hero agency of the region. The agency where he was doing his internship, The Watcher Agency, was a smaller group located on the western outskirts of Kanagawa Prefecture.

His classmates, he remembered, had been surprised by his decision. No doubt they had expected him to choose one of the several big-name agencies that had extended an invitation. Naturally though, these hero internships didn't stir the same sense of excitement in (L/N) as it did his other classmates. It made no difference to him where he was forced to spend the next week. As far as he was concerned, someone could select one of the several hundred invitations he'd received for him. Nowhere he went and nobody he studied under would make him use his quirk if he thought there was a chance it could cause any harm.

The only reason he'd decided upon the Watcher Agency was because they had taken the effort to send him a letter. Aizawa said it was extremely unusual for agencies to take the time to do such a thing, especially in the case of first years. The abnormality of the action didn't particularly peak his interest. But the contents of the letter were a different story.

There was a black car parked on the side of the road sent by the Watcher Agency to take him to their facilities. The driver must have been given a picture or a description of his passenger because he stepped out of the vehicle and opened the door for (L/N) without being prompted. The chauffer told him it would be about an hour drive to the agency, but other than that, he made no attempt at conversation, something (L/N) was grateful for.

They came to a stop sometime later, the car parking in the shadow of a large office building at least fifty stories tall. His things, he was told, would be gathered, and brought up for him. He was bowed into the lobby by a rather disgruntled looking doorman, then lead to the front desk where his escort explained his business to the receptionist on his behalf. He was made to sign an entrance log, then security stepped aside to allow him access to the elevators.

Reaching the top floor of the building, the doors slid apart to reveal yet another lobby. There was a receptionist desk, much more ornate than the one on the ground floor, and the words "The Watcher Agency" were emblazoned in gold letters over burgundy painted walls.

"You must be (L/N)." Someone said as he stepped out of the elevator. "I'll take it from here, Toeki."

The driver bowed his head and the woman now standing beside (L/N) smiled and waved until the doors closed upon his figure.

"Let's get started, shall we?" His new escort said cheerfully. "My hero name is Cloudburst, but you can call me Matsui when we're not in the field. What about you?"

"(L/N)." He replied shortly.

"I know your name, silly. I meant your hero name. What should I call you when we're working?"

"(L/N)." He repeated.

"Just your name? If you say so. Anyways, (L/N), welcome," she said dramatically, "to the Watcher Agency."

Her words were accompanied by her throwing open a large set of double doors. Through them was a large open space, several dozen bodies running back and forth, arms laden with stacks of papers. Though there were no walls, it was still clear that the room had been divided into different sections. Towards the back left of the room, nearest where (L/N) and Matsui had just entered, there were several rows of long desks where sat other employees of the Watcher Agency who supported the heroes from behind the scenes. The image was reflected on the right side of the door as well, leaving a clear gap between them that served as a walkway. Further towards the front of the room was a circular desk which was currently vacant, with more curved desks surrounding the half nearest the main entrance. And behind that lie more stairs, one set on either wing that both lead to the same mezzanine, another set of double doors centered at the top.

"The top two floors of this building are reserved for the Watcher Agency. Currently, we're on the 54th floor, which is where most of the busy work takes place. We have the agency divided into three major divisions: internal affairs, external affairs, and emergencies." Matsui explained. "The internal affairs division deals with the day-to-day of the agency. Financials, management, that sort of thing. External affairs include our public relations team and our partnership with the police. It also deals with other hero agencies, exchanging information and team-up requests. Internships also go through our external affairs division.

"And finally, there's the emergency response division. That's us. Really, response isn't the right word, since we're always trying to prevent disasters before they happen. Anyways, our office team is constantly monitoring local and national news circuits. We're also linked into police scanners, along with other emergency services, like fires and rescue. Once we receive a call, one of the four sidekicks working for the agency is dispatched. That's basically the rundown. Pretty neat, huh?"

"Sure." (L/N) said plainly.

"Normally our interns need to sign a bunch of paperwork before they get to see any of this, but boss seemed really eager to meet you. He's waiting for you in his office on the top floor." She said, gesturing to the mezzanine. "We won't keep him waiting any longer."

Matsui lead him up the stairs where he stood outside the double doors while she knocked. Without waiting for any word from inside, she pushed the doors open, gesturing for him to follow her.

"Sidekick Cloudburst entering."

The inside of the office looked nothing like the rest of the agency. It was large, yes, but not nearly as busy or cluttered. Everything looked pristine, from the potted plants that decorated the room to the pictures hung perfectly straight on the walls. The back wall was a single large pane of glass that allowed the occupant to look down at the world below where citizens scurried around like ants. And framed in the center was a large, rosewood desk that sat in front of a black, high-topped leather chair which was currently turned so it faced the window.

"Escorting Mr. (F/N) (L/N) from UA Highschool who is reporting for his hero internship, sir."

"(L/N)." The man sitting in the chair said with interest. "Yes, come in. Come in."

As the two approached the desk, (L/N) couldn't help but wonder why Matsui felt the need to describe her business in such detail. Surely the man who had sent him the invitation in the first place didn't need any help understanding what was going on.

"Good day to you, Mr. (L/N)." The man said, turning his chair to face them. "I am The Watcher. Welcome, to my Watchtower."

His chair came to a gradual stop and he placed his elbows upon his desk. His interlocked fingers formed a bridge for his chin to rest upon as he gazed upon the boy through milky white eyes.