~~~
December inches on by, continuously reminding Kira of the frigidity the end of the year brings with never-ending snowfall and frozen fingertips. Despite the chill, she proceeds with her training, Shinso open and understanding as they take it one step further each time. Aizawa is always there and a part of Kira wonders if she's being a hindrance on the both of them. However, Shinso's also improving. As a way of thanking him, Kira and Shinso have started sparring, though a part of her wishes it's someone else instead.
This way, Shinso can also improve his hand-to-hand skills, using his binding cloth to assist his skills. Kira can tell that Aizawa has taught him well - his movements are swift and everyday that they've shared with one another, his improvement is obvious. Not only that, he's opening up to her. When he first introduced himself to the hero course students, he was stern and concise. He had no intention of making friends and wanted to dedicate everything to becoming stronger and more confident with his Quirk.
"But, we're not friends just because we've fought before. I don't subscribe to that sort of sportsmanship. We're still competing to be the best and I'm already countless steps behind. I need to prove myself."
Kira always thought that Shinso would be the type of person that never smiles, even if they find something particularly humorous, but recently, she's noticing a change and she's actually excited, not just to keep training, but to simply see Shinso again. Perhaps associating with someone outside of her class is the reason behind her strange exhilaration. He's a fresh face, an unbiased opinion and it's invigorating. Kira never realises how stressful and tense her home life has become. All her friends back at the dormitory have witnessed her Atomic Power several times. They've witnessed her losing control of her power and how overwhelming her true strength really is. Shinso saw it at the Sports Festival, but that's it. Not up close.
After Kira and Bakugou's conversation regarding her provisional license and his shiny All Might collectible card, Aizawa and Shinso came to collect her again and she left Bakugou alone on the veranda. He must have noticed the way her face lit up at seeing Shinso again, how fulfilled she's been feeling lately. All she knows is that Bakugou watched her leave, his eyes burning into her back.
Lately, when Shinso triggers her Atomic Power via his Brainwashing Quirk, Kira allows herself to really feel it. Every time it's taken over her body, she's tried to fight it, but her absent father's words course through her, his voice never fading.
"Embrace it."
She allows memories and emotions and feelings wade through her, memories of him, the one person who she can't seem to ever forget, the person whose eyes glow brighter than anything she's ever witnessed, brighter than her own Quirk. The way he acts around her, his perserverance, his uniqueness. She allows her mind to soak in the good and the bad, the harmony and the arguments they've shared.
And she feels it. She feels her Atomic Power succumb to her wishes, it's ferocity slowly but surely diminishing, but- it still isn't enough. Aizawa has to step in, like he always does, cancelling her Quirk for her as she drops to one knee. Her clothes are singed at the edges, her skin feeling like it's on fire.
"Kiriya?" Shinso rushes over. He hasn't done that before. "Are you okay?"
"I'm... I'm fine," she says breathlessly, holding up a hand to stop him in his tracks. "Don't come any closer," she adds. "My Quirk-"
"We've been training together for a few weeks now," he interrupts and Kira notices his brows slightly pinched in concern, strange on a face that's usually so inscrutable. "Your Quirk doesn't scare me."
Kira gets to her feet, her legs trembling at her overuse of power. "Be that as it may," Kira says, as she brushes imaginary dirt off her arms. "My Quirk can still hurt you."
"You're underestimating me again," Shinso responds, his tone sharp, but in no way spiteful.
Kira looks to him, noticing the hint of levity in his voice. "I didn't say that," she teases. "You still have a lot to learn if you want to join the hero course."
"Why do you think I'm still here?" He adds. "Training with you?"
"Well, I'm glad to hear I'm formidable enough for you," she keeps up the jibe.
"Eh, you'll do."
Kira's lips part at his response, her brows slightly raised. She hears the twinge in his tone, the playful demeanour clear in his stance, so different to how he was a few weeks ago. When they first started to train, he never offered her a second glance, no sign of consideration. It was all work, no play.
Kira pats down her bare arms, feeling how cool her skin has become. "Is that so?" She murmurs, before facing Shinso again. "If you're feeling overconfident today, then you'll have no problem beating me, right?" She faces Shinso, now her sparring opponent, and he too prepares himself, spacing his feet apart and clutching his binding cloth. "Perhaps today will be the day."
"I'm ready," he says with a firm nod.
She returns the gesture. "Good, because I'm not going to hold back."
Alas, today is indeed not his day.
Their combat is swift and precise. His fighting style is simple, but today it's lacking focus, like his mind is elsewhere. Kira can always read people when they're sparring, when they're up close and personal, their expressions always alive and sincere. At least, that's what she tells herself.
But, like she's done in previous training sessions, she bests him. Shinso falls back on his behind, wincing before looking up at Kira with a shimmer of admiration in his eyes. Kira holds her hand out for him and he gratefully accepts it. She tugs him to his feet and he doesn't release his grip for a few seconds afterwards. Kira assumes he needs the support, like he might fall over again. Maybe she should have gone easier on him.
"I'm glad you two decided to go all out today," Mr Aizawa interrupts, as he marches his way over to the students.
Shinso pulls his hand away at the teacher's approach and Kira frowns at the motion.
"Why?" Kira says, her eyes watching Shinso briefly, before turning to Aizawa.
"You won't be training with each other for a while," he tells them.
"Is something wrong?" Kira asks.
Aizawa shakes his head slightly. "No. Something's come up." Kira opens her mouth to question, but her teacher speaks up again. "That'll be all for tonight. Time to turn in."
Just like that, their training session comes to an abrupt end. Shinso doesn't speak again that night and Kira wonders if she hurt him during their sparring. She keeps her gaze on the ground at her feet as they escort her to her dormitory, like usual. She waves her goodbyes on the veranda, as Aizawa leads Shinso down the path towards the General Studies dormitories.
Kira's hand slowly lowers and her eyes fall to the spot where Bakugou all but practically cornered her in order to retrieve his All Might card from her. She had every intention to give it back, of course she did. In a way, he knew that, or he would have tried to snatch it back from her with force. He could have easily overpowered her, but... he didn't touch her.
Kira allows a slight scoff to leave her lips as she turns in for the night. She always returns late, so the ground floor is dark and vacant and everyone's most likely fast asleep by now. Kira only ponders on Aizawa's words as she takes the lift up to her floor.
"You won't be training with each other for a while. Something's come up."
Whatever it is, Kira feels ready, prepared. She's shown progress, even she knows that. But, Shinso's silence when they left the training grounds worried her - she should probably go a little easier on him next time.
Her concerns sleep beside her that night and keep her company as she falls into an uneasy slumber. It even makes an appearance the very next day, holding her hand as she gets ready for another school day.
When homeroom finally arrives the next morning, Kira's already aware that something has changed. Aizawa enters the class and a cloud of assertiveness accompanies him as he glares at the students. Everyone's deathly quiet as Aizawa faces them all, his expression void of clear emotion, his eyes narrowing with his qualms.
"The Hero Work recommendation project," Aizawa starts abruptly. "You'll be stationed here" - he reveals an image on the screen, stepping aside so the students can all see it - "on Nabu Island in Southern Japan. Seems their previous hero and residents got old and retired. So, the lucky people of Nabu Island will have to depend on you until a permanent successor arrives."
The class explodes in excitement, everyone leaping off their seats, chanting about doing actual hero work for once.
"I wasn't done talking yet, quiet down," Aizawa warns, his Quirk revealing itself, as his hair flows back dangerously and his eyes glow ominously. "Better. While you're there, you'll be completely on your own. No teachers to help you or pros to back you up. You're responsible for everything that happens: good or bad. Keep that in mind and behave as heroes should at all times. Understood?"
"Sir." Kira stands slowly at her desk, as her classmates are positively ecstatic at the news. "This is a great opportunity," she adds, gesturing to the island on the screen. "But, we have to be realistic. Is this really an appropriate decision? Are we really going to be safe here?"
"I'm afraid I have the same doubts," Momo speaks up from the back of the class.
"Now that I think about it," Ochaco murmurs. "This might not be the best thing for us."
Kira nods as some of her classmates back her opinion. "After what happened with Endeavour and that Nomu, we should probably stay where there are pros around," she explains. "The villains numbers are growing."
"I understand your hesitancy," Aizawa replies, hushing the nervous and excitable students with his hands. "However, Nabu Island is an isolated location with only a population of roughly one thousand residents. They live in a tight-knit community, so I assure you that the villains will be the least of your worries while you're there."
"But, what if they somehow find us again?" Kira pushes. "We'll be on our own."
"Kiriya," Aizawa says, his tone stern. "Regarding previous events, security measures have been put in place to assure your safety. There is no cause for alarm. Unfortunately, Nabu Island has been left without a pro hero for the time being, hence why Class 1A has been selected and trusted to carry out such a task."
"Why now?" Iida asks. "Why wasn't a new pro hero assigned to this island beforehand?"
Aizawa sighs heavily. "I wasn't planning on bringing this up, but since you asked," he mutters slightly, before facing the students more assertively. "The plan was to send you students to Nabu Island sometime during late October. However, three of you had failed to achieve your hero licenses, so unfortunately the estimated date had to be postponed."
Kira winces at the stab to her gut and takes her seat again, forcing her complaints and worries to the back of her head. This island is in the middle of nowhere and the teachers aren't stupid: they know about the risks and have taken precautions. She just has to trust them.
"Apologies for bringing this up so suddenly," Aizawa adds, before turning off the screen. "You'll be leaving today." The wall beside them opens up, revealing their cases with their hero outfits and items. "You'd better be on your best behaviour."
Most of the students have already leapt out of their seats to collect their cases before Aizawa has even finished speaking. Kira decides to mull it over for a few more seconds, sitting at her desk with her fingers intertwined. Her friends are elated at the news, bickering about their plans and gushing at what they may be able to do and see at this island. With such a small population, the possibility of a villainous uprising is very, very slight.
With an uneasy sigh, Kira scoots her chair back and collects her case. Aizawa's explaining the means of travel to the giddy students, but the only ones who seem to be listening to the teacher are Iida and Momo. At least, the class presidents are paying attention.
After the students have collected their essentials from their dorms, like clothes for the week, they're to travel by private bus to the outskirts of Japan and then take a ferry to the island. They've travelled as a class to locations before, but this is slightly different, as the journey itself will take a few hours, followed by a week in an unknown location. The latter part isn't unfamiliar, but the last time they stayed together elsewhere, Kira's Atomic Power exploded from within her, ten times worse than it has before. She wonders if her friends share her concerns.
However, her training with Shinso is giving her some more self-control over herself and her abilities. Dare she say, she's starting to believe in herself again. With such a small island with limited residents, Kira can take this opportunity to test herself and her limits. She feels confident enough that her Atomic Power will not make an appearance... this time. After all, she can't keep repeating herself, stuck in this endless cycle of making the same damn mistakes only to embarrass herself after making such strong convictions to her classmates.
Kira makes sure to bury herself in these thoughts as they travel to Nabu Island together. All Might, Present Mic and Mr Aizawa accompany Class 1A to the ferry where they each bid them luck, joy and also scold them to ensure that they behave. They're to be in charge of one another while they're away and make sure that they're keeping up with their hero work. This island may be small and the crime rate may be low, but they're still the heroes at this location, so it's not supposed to be a holiday for them. They had one already during the last week of October.
As the sea waves smash against the side of the ferry, spraying up and settling on Kira's hair, she finally, finally realises. A part of her always thought that the week off that Class 1A were given during Halloween was a little out of place, but now it makes sense. If they were supposed to go to Nabu Island during that time, then perhaps it was a last second switch up. Kira only has herself to blame for postponing it all. Well, maybe Bakugou and Todoroki too, but she isn't about to tell them that. She's certain that they know that already.
The island starts to slowly drift into her vision on the horizon, lining the ocean with a vibrant green that contrasts both the blue sky and sea. The air is surprisingly warm, despite it being mid-December; the ferry bobbing up and down as it climbs the waves, carrying Class 1A towards their destination.
"It's warm, huh?" Izuku Midoriya greets Kira, resting his forearms on the railing beside her.
Kira keeps her eyes on the island ahead, nodding slightly. "Strange, right? We should be huddled inside under a blanket or something."
There's an uncertain pause between them and Kira gets the feeling that Midoriya wants to say something. Kira just lets the waves carry them further, listening to the sound of the engine chugging and the ripples of water spray up the side of the boat.
"What do you think about this?" Midoriya asks finally.
Kira looks to her left at her classmate, noticing his hair ruffling in the wind. His eyes are dead set on the island before them, so she can't really read him.
"What do I think?" Kira repeats. Midoriya doesn't respond to her questioning so she follows his gaze, pondering on this insinuation. Because that's what it is. "Have you managed to get a handle on your new Quirk?" She asks instead and he turns his head to her at the sudden topic change. "I know that most days you've been training with Bakugou and All Might. Just like I have with Shinso and Mr Aizawa." She decides to meet his eyes so her words have more resolve behind them. "I have a better understanding of my Quirk now, thanks to Shinso. It won't go out of control again."
Midoriya smiles at her answer. "I know," he says. "I don't doubt you, Kiriya."
"You- you don't?"
"No." He shakes his head and turns around so his back is leaning against the railing, his elbows propped up behind him. "That would be pretty hypocritical of me, wouldn't it?"
Kira chuckles half-heartedly at that response. "I guess so."
She isn't certain what he means by that. Is he struggling to get the hang of his new Quirk? Is there a chance that it can go out of control like hers has done in the past?
Before she can question anything, her classmates come around from the far side of the ferry, whooping and hollering about the island in the distance. This ferry seems to move quite quickly, as the island is already much bigger and closer than before. The girls swamp her and Midoriya, clearly over-excited about their new adventure.
Momo and Iida try to scold everyone to relax as they're strictly here on business and not to have fun, but they simply won't hear it, too overwhelmed by the new sights to pay attention to their class presidents. Though, Kira isn't too concerned about the legitimacy of the hero work that they might have to perform here on the island. The teachers assured them repeatedly of what the island is like. They've never had a villain attack and never will.
Several hours later, the ferry pulls up at the dock, and Kira can already see a welcoming crowd down below, ready to greet these new aspiring heroes that have come to watch over them. Kira fastens her gauntlets and follows her classmates off the ferry and to where the islanders are waiting for them, lugging her bag of clothes and essentials with her.
The beach is lively and joyous, the sun high and warm on Nabu Island as the crowd meets the students on the dock. The waves brush the sand and gulls pass overhead. It's peaceful here, like nothing can possibly go wrong. Iida and Momo take charge, leading the students towards the waiting islanders. Their faces are kind and smiling and Kira feels the sanctuary that this place provides.
"Welcome, heroes!" An elderly woman greets. She has a basket in her hands, but Kira can't see what's inside from here.
"Thank you for having us!" Iida responds, his arms wide. "We'll do our utmost to provide for you during our time here and will enjoy caring and looking out for the islanders."
"We appreciate you travelling all the way here," someone else speaks up, holding another basket in their arms.
"It's no problem at all." Momo shakes her head slightly with a smile. "We were thrilled at the opportunity to come here and watch over Nabu Island as pro heroes."
"Well, you've had a long journey, I'm sure," the elderly woman takes back the conversation. "Allow us to show you where you'll be staying and where you're set up."
"Thank you," Momo says, as she and Iida start to lead the other students away from the ferry.
"It's a short walk through the village," the woman adds. "You'll find your way around here quicker than you think."
As Iida and Momo keep up the conversation at the front of the group, Kira allows herself to hang back so she can take in her surroundings. The village is quiet, it almost looks like a ghost town, but everyone's either at work or at the beach. It's still warm here. How is it warm at this time of the year? That's a question that's been bugging her since the ferry, but perhaps the islanders know.
Kira squeezes her way to the front of the group in order to rid herself of this itch. "Hey, excuse me?" She announces and the elderly woman turns to her. "I just have to ask something. It's been annoying me for a while."
"You can ask us anything."
"How... how is it so warm here?" She wonders. "It's the end of the year and the sky is clear blue. There isn't even a chill."
The elderly woman chuckles softly at her questioning. "I was wondering when this might come up. It's sort of a... phenomena on this island," she admits. "It's rained, sure, but it's always warm, no matter what time of the year it is."
"Really?"
"Really."
"No... no snow?"
The woman chuckles again. "I'm afraid not."
"It's actually kind of nice," Kira replies. "There's so much snow back at UA that it's kind of driving me crazy."
"Well, good." The woman nods. "You'll settle in nicely here then."
They come across where they'll be set up, a small call centre where the islanders can contact them if they find themselves in trouble. It's already set up for them to use with a sign that reads: 'Iogi Heights, UA High School 1A Agency'.
The building is large with two stories and adorned with red detailing around the upper balcony. The area is neat and prepared, decorated with plant pots of different sizes around the entrance and then some. There are vending machines and a large ice machine to the side, nestling under a striped green and white overhanging cover. The paths lead around to either side of the building and Kira's curious to what else there is to see.
"Here we are," the woman says, gesturing to the entrance. "You think you can manage the rest?"
"Yes." Momo nods as she examines the building. "Thank you for everything. We'll get ourselves set up immediately and look forward to helping out however we can."
"There's no rush," she replies, handing Momo her basket. "If you need anything at all... you'll be able to find us on this island."
The students nod their gratitude or wave their goodbyes, as the islanders shuffle back the way they came, disappearing around the wall that lines Iogi Heights.
"Well, here we are, team!" Iida bellows, getting everyone's attention with his arms out to either side. "Lets set ourselves up and get to it!"
With a unanimous cheer, the students hurry inside. The interior is spacious and light, with several computers lined up at desks, added with phones and notepads. It's very clean and readily prepared for the young heroes to use for when they arrive.
"The rooms must be upstairs," Mina comments, as she lifts her duffle back up to her shoulder comfortably. "We can dump our stuff and then get to work."
"Agreed." Iida nods. "Let's choose our rooms quickly."
The design of Iogi Heights is homely and snug, allowing the sunlight to shine through the sheer white curtains that decorate the many windows around the building. The stairs live at the entrance, where they split off to the left and to the right, before the interior opens up to the main room where the computers are waiting. The décor is a nice addition, the outskirts of the room lined with artifacts of different kinds, paintings and structures.
The students trail up the steps, dragging their bags with them. Kira is exhausted from the journey and she's certain the others are too, but the islanders are waiting for them to arrive and provide security for them. So, rest will have to wait until the evening.
Kira isn't picky with her room, choosing a random one as her friends still gush about the island. She doesn't blame her classmates for their continued excitement, as this is probably going to be the easiest hero work they've ever done. There will probably be enough time for them to explore the island themselves and go to the beach and then some.
Her room is small, yet tidy. It's all she really needs for a week and compared to the cabin back during Halloween, it's luxury. So, she dumps her bag on her bed and notices that she has a small sliding door. She opens it a crack and notices that it leads to the balcony that overlooks the front of the building. The other rooms share this balcony, so Kira decides to close her door again and ready herself for a day of hero work.
Kira joins her friends, as they sit down at the computer desks. Mina and Toru can't stop bouncing on their chairs in preparation for what's to come and Kira laugha at their enthusiasm.
"What are you more excited about, Mina?" Kira asks, with a smile, as she takes her place at a desk opposite her friend. "The hero work, or exploring the island?"
"Uh... both?" Mina says slowly, almost sheepishly.
"Relax, Mina," Kira chuckles again, as she switches on the computer and pulls the notepad in front of her. "This hero work is going to be a piece of cake. I'm sure you'll have plenty of time to have fun too."
"Definitely," she replies, as she too turns on her computer.
Kira hides her giddiness by fidgeting in her seat. All around her, the students take their seats and the sounds of computers whirring to life fills the room. She takes the chance to spin in her seat, noticing Kaminari and Sero helping themselves to drinks from the back of the room. Iida and Momo have set up their computers in a separate area, towards the back also. It looks extremely cosy, with blue sofas instead of wooden chairs and a green curtain that can slide across to offer extra seclusion. Kirishima sticks to Bakugou like glue and Kira realises that she hasn't even thought about the latter until now, too wrapped up in her own uncertainties to concern herself with him.
But now, she watches him as he sets himself up in a separate room, much like Iida and Momo. He kicks off his shoes and unfastens his bracers, before scooping up a random magazine from a tidy pile. He immediately lies down on the floor, obviously tired from the journey and ultimately unconcerned about the hero work to come.
"Bakugou!" Kirishima scolds. "Aren't you gonna help out?"
"No," he says simply, opening up the magazine and blocking the world out.
Kira rolls her eyes and faces her computer, staring at the bright, patient screen. She shuffles in her seat again, hoping that everything goes according to plan. This is a simple island, offering simple hero work. It's impossible for things to go awry, so there's no reason for her Quirk to get out of hand. If the phone rings, it'll probably be someone looking for their missing dog, or asking for directions. Though, the latter seems unlikely on such a small island with only one thousand occupants. Kira breathes out slightly, as not to alert her classmates of her nervous state.
And then, the phone rings.
~~~