The next day, Hawks called Kurmara and Tokoyami aside, which had the two wondering why he suddenly called them out. Shit. Did someone hear us talking last night? She thought with unease as she and Tokoyami met with Hawks. Once they were standing in front of them, he looked between the two of them. "All right, listen up, you two," Hawks began before clapping his hands together once and loud. "I will be doing some one-on-one training with you both." He announced and Kurmara couldn't help but let out a silent sigh of relief. "So expect to hear and see me sometime the rest of this week to begin your training. It starts tonight since it'll be easier." He finished speaking before turning away from the teens when Tokoyami spoke out. "Which one of us will you be paying a visit to first?" He queried and Hawks looked back before smiling. "Now that, I can't tell you. Just think of it as a surprise visit." He winked before motioning them to follow him for another day of trying to chase after him. Kurmara and Tokoyami looked at one another before following the winged hero. "At least we managed to gain some of his attention," Kurmara whispered to her classmate who gave a slight nod. "And he's willing to actually teach us something albeit separately." He agreed.
"Now, let's try and get him to notice us this time, better than when we tried last."
Throughout the day, Kurmara and Tokoyami found themselves engaged in a never-ending game of catch-up with Hawks. As they cleaned up after his heroic deeds, they were also tasked with tracking his movements and staying alert for any opportunities to interact with him. In the bustling streets of the city, they weaved through crowds, their eyes scanning the sky for any sign of their elusive mentor. Kurmara's keen senses and Tokoyami's sharp intuition helped them stay one step ahead, as they honed their ability to anticipate Hawks' next move. Their efforts to keep up with Hawks proved both challenging and exhilarating. Kurmara used her wind manipulation to try and enhance her speed, while Tokoyami commanded the shadows to propel him forward. They maneuvered through alleyways and rooftops, their determination fueled by the desire to learn from Hawks and earn his attention. At times, they caught glimpses of Hawks soaring through the sky, his crimson wings a blur against the backdrop of clouds. It was a reminder of the vast gap that existed between them and the seasoned Pro Hero. Yet, they refused to be discouraged. They saw each sighting as an opportunity to prove themselves and showcase their dedication.
Occasionally, Kurmara and Tokoyami would encounter small-scale incidents that required their intervention. They relied on their training and teamwork, handling situations with efficiency and precision. Each successful resolution served as a testament to their growth and potential, solidifying their belief in their abilities. Despite their relentless pursuit, there were moments when they lost sight of Hawks, the hero always seemingly one step ahead. It was during those times of uncertainty and frustration that Kurmara and Tokoyami reminded each other of their shared goal and unwavering determination. They refused to let their spirits waver, recognizing that the path of a hero was filled with challenges and setbacks. Instead, they embraced the opportunity to push their limits, knowing that every encounter with Hawks, no matter how brief, held valuable lessons and insights. In the midst of their daily struggles, Kurmara and Tokoyami discovered the importance of resilience and adaptability. They learned to adjust their strategies, finding alternative routes to keep up with Hawks and seizing every chance to engage with him, even if only for a brief exchange of words or a fleeting glimpse.
As the days progressed, their efforts began to bear fruit. Hawks took notice of their unwavering dedication and tenacity, realizing the potential within these two young heroes in training. He acknowledged their growth and commitment, a subtle nod of approval serving as both validation and encouragement. Kurmara and Tokoyami's journey with Hawks became more than just an internship. It was a testament to their determination, their unwavering pursuit of growth and excellence. And though they were still far from mastering their abilities, they understood that the true measure of a hero was not solely based on power but on the strength of character and resilience in the face of adversity. With each passing day, Kurmara and Tokoyami found themselves growing not only as heroes but as individuals. The internship with Hawks challenged their limits, shaped their perspectives, and forged an unbreakable bond between the three of them. And so, as they continued to navigate the bustling city, Kurmara and Tokoyami held on to their unwavering resolve, ready to seize every opportunity and embrace the challenges that lay ahead, knowing that their journey with Hawks was only the beginning of an extraordinary path towards becoming true heroes.
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One night, Kurmara was sitting on her own, wondering when Hawks would pay her a visit. "I wonder if Tokoyami got to see him already.." she voiced out loud with a sigh. She sat there staring at the ceiling before deciding to sneak up to the roof. It was one of the places she hadn't seen yet during her internship. She opened the door and peaked her head out, peering into the hallway before silently creeping into the empty silent space before making her way to the stairs that led to the top of the building. Once she was at the top, she took a moment to take a glance at the spacious area in front of her before deciding to do some solo training. She wanted to try and move around in the air by using her Quirk. She started by boosting herself into the air the way Eun had taught her many times before, seeing how long she could last as well as how long she could stay. Kurmara focused on honing her control over her Wind Quirk, attempting to keep herself suspended in the air for an extended period. As she concentrated, manipulating the wind currents around her, she felt a sense of accomplishment. However, little did she know that Hawks had been observing her from a distance.
"You can boost yourself pretty high there, kid," Hawks commented, catching Kurmara off guard. Startled by his sudden presence, she momentarily lost her balance in the air before regaining her composure. Her cheeks flushed slightly, she nodded in response. "Y-yeah... everyone who can use wind in my family can do this." Hawks landed gracefully next to Kurmara, a thoughtful expression on his face. He observed her with a discerning gaze, taking in her determination and the potential he had doubted before. "You've got natural talent, that's for sure," he remarked, his tone more sincere than she had heard before but his remark from last time she spoke with him flashed in her mind. "Oh, now you can tell I have talent?" she retorted, her frustration seeping into her voice. Hawks, taken aback by her response, realized that his earlier doubts had impacted Kurmara more deeply than he had intended. He could see the disappointment in her eyes, and it made him pause for a moment of reflection. He approached her, a more serious expression on his face. "Look kid, I didn't mean to doubt your potential," Hawks admitted, his voice laced with sincerity. "I wanted to see how you would respond, to test your determination. And I have to say, you've surprised me."
Kurmara's irritation began to subside, replaced by a mix of curiosity and guarded optimism. She listened intently to Hawks' explanation, her arms crossed as she considered his words. He continued, "You've got natural talent, and I can see that now. I want to help you unlock that potential and push you further. How about we try that one-on-one training session for the rest of the night? We can continue the night after tomorrow too." The guarded expression on Kurmara's face softened as she contemplated Hawks' proposition. Despite her initial skepticism, she recognized that Hawks was willing to give her a chance and invest in her growth as a hero. "Fine," Kurmara finally conceded, a small smile tugging at the corner of her lips. "But don't expect me to go easy on you. I'll show you just how much potential I have." With those words, a newfound determination surged within Kurmara. She was determined to prove herself to Hawks, to demonstrate her true capabilities. The doubt that had clouded her thoughts dissipated, replaced by a renewed sense of purpose.
* * *
After Hawks had spent a day with Tokoyami, it was his turn with Kurmara again. He had taken her to the roof where they could do their one-on-one training. He focused on helping her improve her ability to stay boosted in the air for extended periods. He encouraged her to explore different movements while remaining airborne, guiding her through the process. "Alright, now try moving to your left while keeping yourself elevated," Hawks instructed, his voice laced with anticipation. Kurmara concentrated, attempting to adjust her wind currents to shift her position. However, her initial attempts were met with mixed results. She wobbled, struggling to maintain her balance, and eventually descended back to the ground with a thud. Hawks chuckled at her failed attempts, finding amusement in her momentary loss of control. But his laughter didn't sit well with Kurmara. Irritation crept into her expression, fueling her determination. "Hey, it's not that funny," Kurmara retorted, her tone laced with irritation. "I'm trying my best here, and you're just laughing at me." Hawks' laughter subsided as he realized the impact his amusement had on Kurmara. He sobered up, recognizing the frustration she felt.
"I apologize. I didn't mean to make you feel that way," he responded sincerely, a small smile playing at his lips. He approached her, his expression playful. "You need to understand that failure and frustration are part of the learning process. I laughed not to belittle you, but to remind you not to take yourself too seriously. It's important to learn from our mistakes and keep pushing forward." Kurmara's irritation began to fade as she listened to Hawks' explanation. She recognized the wisdom in his words, understanding that overcoming failures was essential for growth. She took a deep breath, letting go of her annoyance and refocusing her energy. "You're right," Kurmara admitted, her voice softer now. "I know I can't let setbacks discourage me. I'll keep trying until I get it right." Hawks nodded, his approval evident in his expression. "That's the spirit, kid. Remember, our journey together is about progress, not perfection. Embrace the challenges, learn from them, and you'll become even stronger." With Hawks' guidance and support, Kurmara embraced the learning process with renewed determination. She persisted in her attempts to maneuver while staying airborne, learning from her failures, and gradually improving her control and agility.
As time went on, Kurmara not only mastered the art of sustaining herself in the air but also became more adept at maneuvering swiftly and effectively. The frustration she initially felt towards Hawks transformed into admiration and gratitude. She realized that his laughter was not meant to discourage her but to remind her to enjoy the process and not be afraid to make mistakes. He reminds me of Eun in a way.. She thought with a small smile. He was annoying but helpful and made sure to aid her in any way she needed. As they continued their training, Kurmara's abilities flourished, and her confidence soared.