~~~
Kira's mind is clouded. New Year's Day has finally arrived, bringing a clear sky and an odd warmth, as if this new year promises greater changes to come. The snow has melted away entirely, not leaving a single trace of whiteness behind. It's as if it never even snowed in the first place. Shinso came to visit her on the fourth day and they both decided to simply spar, no Quirks involved. Kira just doesn't want to risk her Quirk consuming her, especially after what she recently discovered.
A friend she made, Kaori, has been murdered. Slaughtered by a potential enemy. Someone who knows about Kira. Well, she theories anyway. Kira doesn't have any proof to back up her assumptions and she doesn't want to involve anybody else. Not yet. Hopefully, Bakugou has forgotten about their slight promise. Though, he never seems to forget anything.
Bakugou never messaged her again after their conversation, but she doesn't hold it against him. After all, she never tried to message him either.
Kira looks down at their conversation from a few days ago, her head bouncing off the bus window as it trundles through the city streets. Her thumb swipes on the phone screen, her eyes scanning their shared words, their own private discussion, when the bus pulls to a stop in a quiet neighbourhood and a few people trade places on the vehicle.
Todoroki and Midoriya are sitting side by side behind Kira, chatting about what they plan to expect from Endeavour and his prestigious agency. Their convictions are clear in their conversation, their hopes and dreams tumbling from their lips. Bakugou is also present, though he's decided to take his seat in the other side of the bus, either glaring out the window or at anyone who dares to try and pinch the seat beside him.
Their work study is a week long course, where they will stay over at the agency with the other sidekicks.
Kira decides to tuck her phone in her jacket pocket and buries her chin into her purple scarf as the bus continues its journey, hissing as it resumes its slow drive. She's both eager to learn and nervous to meet the number one hero in person. There's both so much she knows about him and so little.
Kira and her classmates have been given a specific location to meet the pro hero and she's surprised that they're not just heading straight to his agency to meet him. It's a central spot, busy and crowded with city life. Not exactly secluded to start her work study. Still, Kira watches the world pass her by as the bus pulls up at another stop.
An individual wearing a long, dark coat steps onto the bus and Kira tenses. Ever since she saw the surveillance footage of the intended suspect, her senses have been on high alert, her heartbeat uneven, ready to protect herself against any sudden attacker. But, as the person wearing the long coat perches down on a seat on the other side of the bus, Kira forces herself to relax, breathing out heavily under her scarf. She can't assume that every person that decides to wear a long, dark coat is a potential criminal. That's no way to live.
As the bus continues once again, Kira braces her hero case from toppling over on the seat beside her. She's brought her school bag along too, packed with extra clothes and other essentials. This course is going to be tough, she knows that much, but she also doesn't really know what to expect. Kira keeps her hand on her case containing her hero outfit, as the bus nears their stop.
Kira presses the button for the bus to stop and she hops down. Endeavour is already here, standing aside impatiently and Kira finds herself standing a little straighter in the presence of the number one hero, though Todoroki and Bakugou both seem to be lacking that respect.
"Welcome to the Endeavour Agency," the pro hero announces, getting straight to business, before his features darken. "I can't believe I have to train you," he adds and Kira feels her posture slacken. "I gave my permission reluctantly as a favour to Shoto, but I wish he'd come on his own."
Kira looks around as the curious bystanders that walk the streets stop and start to take notice of Endeavour, but he doesn't appear at all phased by the unnecessary attention. He must be used to it.
"It's already done, so don't complain," Todoroki retorts.
"Shoto-"
Bakugou decides to add to the conversation. "I've been thinking since supplementary lessons," he says nonchalantly. "You're a jerk."
That peels Kira's attention away from the crowds forming, her mouth agape at Bakugou's brazenness towards Endeavour. Part of Kira wants to apologise on behalf of her rude classmate, but she finds herself watching Todoroki's indifferent expression, her eyes examining the scar hidden under his hair. Maybe Bakugou's right, but she doesn't really know anything about Endeavour. Maybe he's not such a good person, but her mind lingers onto the Hero Billboard Chart and his words then.
"So instead, just watch what I do."
Maybe he's not a good person, but maybe... he's starting to change.
"Son, are you really friends with this delinquent!?" Endeavour bellows suddenly, causing the crowd of onlookers to gasp slightly.
"But, if I can see how the top hero works, I don't really care," Bakugou concludes, completely unbothered by Endeavour's response.
"I told you to choose your allies wisely!" Endeavour yells again, ignoring Bakugou's comment.
"We appreciate you allowing us to do our work studies with you, sir." Midoriya steps forward, trying to calm the situation.
Endeavour then looks to Kira, as if he expects her to chip in with her own statement, but she keeps quiet. What more is there to say? She too appreciates his cooperation, but she also isn't sure if she should admire his resilience and skills. It almost feels like it's forbidden to like Endeavour.
"Very well." Endeavour sighs heavily, turning on his heel. "This way."
Todoroki is the first to follow, then Bakugou, Midoriya and finally, Kira. She keeps her eyes on Midoriya, keeping this secret concerning One For All locked inside. She needs to tell him, if not for the sake of pulling this weight from her shoulders. It's not her burden to keep. But, it has the possibility of complicating things - why should she risk that?
"We'll do our best to learn from you, sir!" Midoriya speaks up, rushing towards the front of the group. "It's an honour to work with the number one hero."
"Shoto is not me," Endeavour replies, his voice solemn. "You said that."
Kira frowns at the number one's words, then to her classmate. They seem to have met somewhere before, but this is Kira's first time meeting him. Has Bakugou met Endeavour too? Is she already far behind?
Suddenly, Endeavour hurdles over the railing beside them, freeing Kira from her thoughts and flames start to appear across his body. He tosses his black case aside and takes off down the road.
"Sorry about this, but I only intend to look after my son," he tells them.
However, her classmates also spring into action, leaping over the railing while simultaneously clipping open their hero cases. Kira finds herself hesitant, giving chase as well, but falling behind. She can't seem to find the drive to jump into action like her friends. Todoroki's chilling ice carries him onwards, while both Bakugou and Midoriya rush forward, attaching one piece of hero equipment each.
"If you wanna learn, then stand back and watch!" Endeavour shouts, increasing in speed as the heat from his Quirk hits her like a wall.
Kira has yet to activate her own Quirk, but she attaches her gauntlet to her right arm anyway, as she stares at her classmates backs. If she's having second thoughts, then why did she even bother showing up? Why did she agree to Todoroki's idea of working under Endeavour? She knew it wasn't going to be a walk in the park, so where the hell has her determination gone?
Kaori's death must have rattled her more than she thought.
"What are your instructions!?" Midoriya yells out.
"Like I said!" Endeavour replies. "Just stand back!"
Endeavour's speed increases, his flames growing hotter as he surges his body higher and faster. Her classmates activate their own Quirks to keep up, but Kira looks down at her gauntlet as she sprints after the pro hero. She's going to lose them, but she also can't afford to use her Quirk here. She's in the middle of the road, where her Quirk is going to destroy the ground behind her. What choice does she have? Destroy the path behind her to keep up with the number one hero and her classmates, or use her light to keep up and prove to Endeavour how destructive her Quirk is?
Kira notices the trail of ice left behind by Todoroki - he too leaves a path behind him, but ice can easily be melted. Her Quirk burns into the ground at her feet. Endeavour is the number one hero, so does that mean she has the chance to tarnish his reputation, or will her Quirk's presence do nothing to affect his status? What should she risk?
Kira curses under her breath and decides to keep her power inside and forces her legs to carry her onwards, sprinting faster than she ever has before. Of course, her classmates peel away from her, but Endeavour is unmistakable - a burning blaze of vengeance. She watches him veer around a corner of a high-rise building, so she pushes onwards, sprinting around the corner after him. She only just manages to spot Endeavour melt what appears to be a ginormous ball of glass. The glass reacts to Endeavour's intense heat, dripping onto the asphalt, melting it slightly.
However, Kira isn't given a second to catch her breath, as Endeavour dives down between two skyscrapers after this supposed glass-wielding villain. Before Kira can question what to do next, she spots her classmates turn sharply and charge down the road. They plan to cut this criminal off. Kira's Quirk starts to light up in her right palm, not in means of traversal, but ready to take this villain down. Her classmates are far ahead, though, so she doubts she'll be able to get a punch in before the criminal is dealt with. But, it seems this villain is not alone. A trap has been set in place for Endeavour as three accomplices prepare for their ambush.
Her classmates spot this predicament, their Quirks glowing in their own unique ways, as they soar towards the mouth of the alleyway. But, a strong gust of wind threatens to send Kira flying back, as Hawks joins in on capturing the criminals, swooping in only milliseconds before Bakugou, stealing the triumph out from under him. The number two hero doesn't even send the underlings a concerned glance as they're easily beaten down.
Kira finally catches up, her right hand still glowing green in preparation, as Hawks casually drifts down to level ground.
"I thought Endeavour might need a bit of help out here," he says, his tone laced with coolness.
"Does it look like I was in trouble?" Endeavour replies sarcastically, holding the glass-wielding villain down.
"I mean, kinda?" Hawks admits with a shrug, as he turns to Todoroki. "What do you think, kid?"
"Oh, um..."
"I said to warn me before showing up," Endeavour speaks up harshly, before Todoroki can respond.
"Didn't have time," Hawks says. "I was already in the area."
It doesn't take long for the police to show up, so Kira eventually allows her Quirk to cool off, her palm returning to normality. Her gauntlet has saved her school uniform from being burnt to a crisp, but that's merely a minor positive outcome of this event. She fell behind. All because she simply didn't want to cause any more problems. The truth is, her Quirk is wildly destructive and she needs to be able to harness control over the extremes her light is capable of. Hopefully, she'll find those answers while working under Endeavour. That's if he doesn't write her off already.
As the police cars peel away with the criminals locked inside, Hawks steps towards the UA students.
"Nice to meet you, sir!" Midoriya doesn't skip a beat. "I'm from UA High's hero course. I'm in Class 1A. My name is Izuku Midoriya."
"Yeah," Hawks replies calmly. "You're the kid who destroys his fingers. I've heard about you from Tsukuyomi. Man, I was hopin' I'd get to work with him again soon, but not today."
Kira's forgotten that Tokoyami is working under Hawks. She looks around slightly as if he might appear out of the darkness. "Where is Tokoyami?" She wonders. "Isn't he continuing his work study at your agency?"
Hawks turns to her slightly. "I've pawned him off on my sidekicks to train for the moment," he explains. "I feel bad, but I've got a ton of stuff on my plate and don't have time for him."
Poor Tokoyami. This is an important week and he's not even sharing it with Hawks. Kira looks away from the number two hero, sharing his commiseration for her absent classmate.
"You may be quick, but I was still faster than you," Bakugou speaks up abruptly, already glaring at Hawks like he's hated him his entire life.
"Really? Hm," Hawks hums, unperturbed by Bakugou's obvious hostility.
Endeavour decides to step over before things escalate. "Well? What is it you want, Hawks?"
"Oh, nothing much," he says. "Actually, I do have a question." He then pulls a dark red book from his back pocket. "You happen to have read this book?"
"Meta Liberation War?" Midoriya reads, blinking at the book in Hawks hand.
"What is this about?" Endeavour questions.
"Eh, it's gotten really popular lately," the number two hero adds. "It was written a while back, but it has predictions about the future that seem pretty relevant today. Like this passage: 'if you grant freedom to a limited number of people, then the burdens of the world will go to the others.'" Hawks flicks through the pages of the book. "I highlighted some parts if you don't have time to plow through the whole thing. I suggest you read those."
Hawks then hands Endeavour the book, but the latter just stares down at it. Something's off... Kira can sense the unnecessary tension between the two pro heroes. What happened to Hawks' nonchalant attitude thirty seconds ago?
"The leader of the Meta Liberation Army was named Destro," Hawks continues, holding the book out still. "What he wanted was a society upheld by personal responsibility. Trendy idea lately."
"And your point is?" Endeavour wonders.
"If that comes to fruition, we'll have too much time on our hands," Hawks says, as Endeavour slowly, but surely takes the book from him. "Make sure you read through it, okay?"
"A book that Hawks is pushing?" Midoriya mutters aloud. "I should check it out, too. Maybe the secret to his speed is hidden inside of it."
Suddenly, his carefree charismatic attitude is back, as he spins to Kira and the others, shoving a copy of this book into their hands.
"You really love this book, I guess, huh?" Todoroki mumbles, turning the book over in his hand. "You've got so many copies of it."
"He's trying to spread the word!" Midoriya claims.
Kira looks down at the dark red book, the cover old and worn, but she's sceptical. Certain revelations have warned her not to trust too quickly, as she looks back to Hawks again, who sends Endeavour a stern, earnest glance. She doubts the secret to his fascinating speed is in this books, but she also doubts she'll find answers inside. At least, inside this copy. Endeavour stares down so intensely at his own copy of the book that Kira's worried it may just burst into flames.
"That's right!" Hawks blurts, opening his wings out wide in a dramatic fashion. Seems like that egotistical side of him doesn't stay hidden for long. "I've been recommending it to heroes across the country. You watch - by the time I'm through, there will be a groundwork for the liberation ideology." That charisma then flutters away as quickly as it came. "You should at least look over the highlighted lines. Read them closely. I recommend the second part." Hawks then takes to the skies, feathers drifting down to land by Kira's feet. "Do your best with the work studies, all five of you!"
"He may seem super carefree," Midoriya comments, clutching his book in both hands. "But, I guess he's actually socially conscious. And only twenty two years old!"
"And the number two hero," Todoroki points out, looking over at Midoriya's copy of the book.
"He's annoying," Bakugou grumbles.
Kira narrows her eyes as Hawks ascends into the air, raising her arm to block out the sun's protruding rays. She turns the book over in her hand, peering past the object as the number two hero slowly, but surely, vanishes from sight. A part of Kira has started to admire Hawks since his audacious, yet truthful speech during the Hero Billboard Chart, but actually meeting him in person... There's no doubt, he's young. Maybe too young to be the number two hero. But, based on her first interaction with him, she can already tell that the power and responsibility of being such a high-ranking hero hasn't gone to his head. Something's going on, that much is obvious.
"So? What now?" Midoriya wonders, tucking his copy of the Meta Liberation Army into his bag.
His voice brings Endeavour back to reality, pulling him free from the book in his hands. "Come," he orders, slamming his book shut. "We collect our things and then head to the Endeavour Agency."
Midoriya nods eagerly, already leading the way back to where they discarded their cases during their chase. It takes a few minutes to locate them, but a kind-hearted citizen has helpfully kept them safe for the students. He nearly collapses when Endeavour retrieves his black case from him. The pro hero even reveals a slither of gratitude.
The agency isn't far either - a tall, glass skyscraper, the only building worthy for the number one pro hero. Kira trails along behind her classmates, gazing up at the building, the sun's reflection bouncing off the glass. She's surprised that no one has mentioned her lack of speed when chasing that villain, but she's also glad about it too. It's not a highlight she wishes to reflect on.
Endeavour has his eyes glued onto his book once again as he guides the four of them into the agency and towards the lift. Todoroki jams the button and they all pile inside, with Kira towards the back, in between Bakugou and Todoroki. Endeavour shares the front of the lift with Midoriya. It's a swift, silent journey to the top floor, as Kira holds her hero case in front of her awkwardly. She had decided to tuck her copy of the book inside her school bag too - whether she'll read it later or not is still undecided. No doubt, Midoriya is going to read it thoroughly. Is Kira the only one who picked up on the strangeness earlier?
The lift dings its arrival to the top floor and the atmosphere is suddenly alive with sidekicks rushing around, or yelling at each other across the room. A few people are carrying stacks of papers around the room in rapid fashion, while others are slapping their hero gear on. It's pure chaos. Kira assumes the number one agency would be more organised than this, but with it being the highest ranking, it's going to be under a lot of pressure.
"Welcome to the Endeavour Agency!" A hero with strikingly bright green hair announces. She's just as loud as everyone else here. "Call us the flaming side kickers!"
Three other heroes join her charade, cheering on the UA students.
"Holy whoa!" Midoriya gushes. "It's the famous sidekick: Burnin'!"
"First work study for three of you, huh?" Burnin' adds. "We'll get you whipped into shape in no time here. You're gonna learn a lot. This agency is totally different than any classroom you're used to. This is a gigantic operation! We've got more than thirty sidekicks employed!" Burnin then rounds on Bakugou, obviously picking up on his dismissive attitude already. "In other words, you're gonna have to work hard to shine here! Sorry!"
"You don't say?" Bakugou retorts, completely unphased by Burnin's taunts, or by the craziness happening all around him. "So, we'll just have to beat the pros at their own game."
"You can try."
"Shoto," another sidekick speaks up. "You won't get special treatment just because you're the boss' kid. Just try to keep up with us if you can."
"You must be pretty tough if Endeavour's agreed to take you on as well," Burnin says and Kira has to tune out the mayhem to understand that her comment is directed at her. "As the only girl in this squad, you better not mess it up."
Kira frowns at Burnin, how fiery she is, how bold. "I don't intend to," Kira replies sharply, sensing the challenge in the sidekicks tone.
"That's the spirit."
"There's so much going on," Midoriya mumbles, snatching Burnin's attention away from Kira before she can add any more jibes.
"It is the number one agency," the sidekick with bandages replies. "Never a dull moment around these parts. We get dispatch calls, patrol jobs. Not to mention, events. Over one hundred different requests filter through this office on any given day."
"Then why are we just standing around here when we could be working?" Bakugou says. "I'm still ticked off that damn bird rushed in and stole my thunder."
"Wait, are you talking about Hawks?" Midoriya cuts in.
"You got a fiery spirit," the sidekick responds. "But, wait for Endeavour's orders, okay?"
That only seems to anger Bakugou, too impatient to stand around and wait to be told what to do. "You said there were over one hundred requests, right? Send us out somewhere!"
Like Todoroki, Kira eyes the double doors across the room, waiting for Endeavour to return. As soon as they arrived on this floor, he vanished into that room, which can only be his private office, and didn't say a word, his concentration lost in the book that Hawks gave him.
"Something's happening..." Kira murmurs aloud.
Bakugou and Midoriya stop arguing when they hear her voice. But, Kira simply digs into her school bag and pulls out the Meta Liberation Army book. She flicks the pages through quickly, the rapid movement creating a soft breeze that ruffles her hair and blows back into her face. There are no highlighted parts in this book, but no doubt, Endeavour has a special copy.
"Am I the only one that noticed it?" Kira looks to her classmates, who stare back at her blankly. "I know you're not close, Todoroki," she adds. "But, you didn't sense it?"
He shrugs in response. "I don't know what you mean."
"Clearly, I don't know Hawks or Endeavour enough to jump to conclusions," Kira explains, waving her book by her face slightly. "But, I'm no stranger to confrontation, or lack thereof." Kira steps towards the sidekick covered in bandages to address her next point. "I take it Endeavour and Hawks don't really get along?"
"Not really," he answers honestly. "They're just too different."
"What are you getting at, Kiriya?" Todoroki pushes.
"Don't you find it odd that we're doing our work studies again so soon?" Kira insists. "Even after... everything? After Deika city, after Nabu Island, after Fukuoka? Why are we being pushed so hard to become pros?"
"Maybe there's a shortage of pros," Midoriya says quietly, mulling over Kira's troubles. "They need us."
"They need us." Kira scoffs. "A couple of inexperienced sixteen year olds?" Kira turns to look back at the double doors leading to Endeavour's office. "Something's happening," she repeats. "Hawks gave Endeavour that book for a reason and we won't find the answers in our own copies." She then slams her book down into one of the many small bins dotted around the room.
"So, you're saying we're about to face off against the villains?" Bakugou suggests.
Kira looks down slowly. That's the first time Bakugou has directed his voice towards her today. She missed it. She missed him.
She slowly meets his eyes. "That's exactly what I'm saying."
Bakugou grins at her response. "Good."
Kira shakes her head sadly. They're only kids, first year students. The HPSC are responsible for ensuring the public's safety and it seems they've forgotten that little fact. Or perhaps they just don't care. That's probably more likely.
Bakugou looks more fired up than ever now, while Midoriya and Todoroki seem to share her concerns on the issue.
One thing is clear - it's up to them to stop what's coming.
~~~