She awoke with a gasp, eyes fluttering open as consciousness pulled her from the grasp of sleep. The room was bathed in the soft glow of dawn, and she found herself staring at the ceiling for a fleeting moment. As the haze of sleep cleared, she sat up, a heavy sigh escaping her lips. Rubbing her temples, she directed her gaze to the nightstand, checking the time. Seven sixteen... too early, she thought, flopping back onto her bed. With a languid stretch, she raised both hands, focusing on an unseen force until a knock at the door interrupted her concentration. Inviting them in, her roommate and friend, Kamie, entered the cool, dimly lit room, concern etching her features. "Hey, I was just coming to check on you after you came home last night. You were banged up pretty bad," Kamie voiced, perching at the edge of the bed. "Yeah... we got into it with a few thieves. It was supposed to be a simple patrol, but it went south real quick because one of them panicked," she explained, a sigh escaping her lips as she rubbed her head. "Well, are you alright? I mean, there weren't any other injuries?"
"No. And even if there were, they would've been healed once I passed out," she replied, the weariness evident in her voice. Standing, she slid a shirt over her head, Kamie following her towards the front of the house. "You know I only ask because I worry about your well-being." "I know. I have some free time since I woke up earlier than expected, so we can hang out until you leave," she replied, grabbing an apple from the fridge and settling at the table. "Actually, I have the day off today." "Really? That's good. You haven't had a day off in a few months." Kamie hesitated, prompting a concerned glance from the woman. "What's wrong?" "It's... Okay, so when you came home later than usual, completely injured, I was super worried," Kamie admitted, the concern still lingering in her eyes. "I'm alright now, aren't I?" "Yes, but—" "Kamie, I'm fine. I was fine last night and I am right now as we speak," she reassured, standing up and tossing the apple core away. Kamie reached for her friend, but she interrupted with a small smile and a hand on top of Kamie's head. "I won't leave you by yourself in this house. After all, who else would take me in?"
"Yeah, yeah, now get off me," she playfully pushed her friend away, only to be pushed in return. "Don't make me use my Quirk on you." "I'd like to see you try. I get you're small and a bit thick, but you couldn't move me," Kamie chuckled as she closed her eyes. Kurmara stared at her friend for a few minutes before walking over, picking her up, and guiding her toward the living room. Locking the door behind her, she prepared for the day. Once dressed, she left her room and walked towards the front door to put on her shoes until she heard Kamie speak up. "Hey, I have a question." "If it's about me getting injured, I swear—" "No, it's not that; it's about something else because I'm curious about it." Kurmara turned towards her friend, giving her attention. "Well... uh... when are you going to start dating again?" "Kamie—" "Just hear me out real quick! Please." With a long, heavy sigh, Kurmara crossed her arms, nodding once towards Kamie. "Okay, so, I know you haven't dated since high school when you were with Red Riot, but I was wondering if you were to give that scene a chance again?"
"What are you getting at?"
"I was thinking of a few things in case you were planning to get out there again," Kamie had a small smile on her face, making Kurmara roll her eyes and shake her head. "Alright, let's hear it." "I was thinking maybe you could date one of the heroes you already know, but not one you've already dated in case you two are fine being friends or if they're already in a relationship but you never know, and—" "Alright, alright, stop," Kurmara laughed, stopping her friend's rambling. "Gods, you remind me so much of Mido." "So you're still in touch with them all?" "Of course, we were friends back at UA. Not to mention, a few of us work together occasionally." "Then last night—" "Yes, I was with one of them. But I can't tell you who for now because I need to leave, so I'll tell you when I get home later tonight," Kurmara slipped her shoes on and began to walk out the front door only to be stopped by Kamie. "Remember what you said, Hayashi." "I know, I know. I don't need you getting butthurt and telling my brother. I may be a hero and an adult, but you'll be able to get him here ASAP," she giggled, her friend doing the same.
"It's only because we care." Kamie hugged her before allowing her to leave. She stepped out into the sun, shielding her eyes before walking away from the house towards the agency where she worked.
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The incessant beeping roused her from a deep slumber, prompting a reluctant groan. As her eyes gradually creaked open, they were met with an intrusive blaze of bright lights, earning a low hiss as they adjusted. The hospital room unfolded around her; an IV snaked into her arm, the distant shuffle of staff echoed in the hallways. Her gaze wandered, eventually landing on her phone perched on a nearby table. Just as her fingers extended towards it, the door swung open, revealing her brother. "You're awake," his voice cut through the sterile air as he approached. A nod confirmed her consciousness. "Are you... alright?" he inquired cautiously. "Yeah... at least I think I am," she replied, a hand on her head, memories of recent events flooding back. A gasp, a sudden intake of breath, and Eun's hands on her shoulders snapped her back to the present. "What's wrong?" he asked, concern etched across his face. Her breath quickened as she struggled with the vivid memories. "N... no," she whispered, clutching her chest, tears welling. "Kurmara, please, I need you to calm down, alright?" "B... but Bakugou... he's—"
"I know, I know, but you need to calm down. You're in a hospital where there are other people, so I need you to make sure your emotions are under control right now." She gripped her brother's arm, attempting to steady her breathing. "Don't let it get the better of you," she reminded herself, taking a slow breath. Eventually, she sat up, resting her head on Eun's shoulder. "It's okay, you're okay," he reassured her, patting her head before pulling away. "It all... happened so fast... one moment he was there then..." "I know, and I'm sorry that happened while you were supposed to be training." She sighed, staring at the wall, her eyes distant. Her brother interrupted her thoughts, tapping her shoulder. "Hey, I think I know something that will take your mind off it a bit." "What?" she inquired, curiosity breaking through the heaviness. "Well, I saw a few high schoolers your age visiting some others that are here, and one of them asked about you." Eun's smile hinted at something intriguing. "Kiri," she guessed, and he shrugged. "I didn't ask for his name, but I told him that I'd check on you first before he could see you."
Eun left, and Kurmara found herself alone with her thoughts until the red-haired boy, Kirishima, appeared in the doorway. "Heyy," he greeted, and Eun excused himself to check on her release. She invited Kirishima to sit, and a silence settled between them. "How are you?" he finally broke the quiet. "Well, I'm doing just as much as anyone else. What about you? Despite being here?" she responded, unsure of her own state of mind. "I'm not... entirely sure," she admitted, and silence stretched between them again. Kirishima broke it with a lighter tone. "You know, I don't like seeing your cute face all scratched up like this." She giggled, acknowledging the shared experience. "That... sucked." "Yeah... it was kind of cheesy, huh?" "Totally." Their laughter eased the heaviness, but a lingering silence returned. Kurmara broke it with a more serious question. "You wanted to see me smile, huh?" "Uh, yeah... maybe a little..." Kirishima's cheeks tinted pink, causing her to smile even more. "Well, it worked." She looked down at her hands, a fluttering sensation in her chest. "So, when do you get to leave?" he asked, attempting to shift the focus.
"Ah, not sure actually. My brother already checked me out, but the doctors want to look me over a final time before they let me leave." She explained, and he nodded. "Hey, I can walk you home or to your brother once they allow you to leave." "I wouldn't mind that. After all, that kind of manliness would be nice." She smiled, and he returned the sentiment. "Well, there's something I need to tell you as well before we exit the hospital." Kirishima's declaration hung in the air until a doctor entered, deferring the revelation. "I'll tell you later, okay? Let them heal that pretty face." He winked, leaving Kurmara to navigate the complex emotions brewing within her.
~ ~ ~
After the medical check-up, Kirishima joined her for the journey home. As they walked through the hospital halls, she couldn't contain her curiosity. "So... what did you want to tell me? Should I be worried?" she teased, but his expression hinted at seriousness. "Well... probably. Just know once I tell you, you won't be able to change my mind about it." His hesitation sparked hers. "We plan on... going to save Bakugou..." "What do you mean?" she queried, a sense of foreboding settling in. "I mean that me, Todoroki, maybe Momo, and Midoriya are going tonight to get him back." Kirishima's revelation left Kurmara momentarily stunned. "You guys... you can't do that," she pleaded, grasping at the gravity of the situation. "I've already made up my mind. Everyone else doesn't think we should do this, but we have to at least try," Kirishima declared, determination etched across his face. "Just... don't get hurt," she implored, the vulnerability breaking through. "It wouldn't be very manly of me if I went against that," he half-smiled, tugging at her heart. "Please, Kiri..." Kurmara hugged him, desperate to convey her fear and love.
The embrace lingered, emotions shared silently before they reluctantly pulled away. "Come on, let's go," he urged, and she followed, her mind consumed by a single thought, Dammit Kirishima, why do you have to make it this difficult?
* * *
Once the Hayashi siblings finally returned home, Kurmara retreated to her room. She curled up on her bed, clutching her phone as she scrolled through pictures of happier times with her classmates. The pain in her heart intensified with every image, a growing ache that threatened to overwhelm her. "No... don't let your emotions get the better of you... control it," she whispered, a desperate plea to herself. But the tears kept coming, an unstoppable torrent of grief. She needed to release the pain that had settled in her chest. Holding one of her pillows close, she cried, her sobs echoing with the intensity of the sadness and anguish she felt. Waves of her Quirk radiated through her room and beyond, a manifestation of the overwhelming despair within her. Eun, her older brother, rushed into her room at the sound of her cries. "Kurmara, Kurmara, calm down," he implored, his voice soft and filled with concern. He gently sat her up, his own eyes moistened from the effects of her Quirk. "I... I could've helped... but," she managed to say between sobs, clinging to him as if he could shield her from the pain. "It's alright," he reassured her.
"I need you to focus on me, though, okay? I need you to calm your Quirk." His touch was a grounding force as he patted her back, urging her to take a shaky breath and regain control over her tumultuous emotions. As her Quirk gradually subsided, the room fell into a heavy silence. Kurmara continued to cry, the pain entrenched within her heart, body, and soul. Eun, though trying to console her, was unaware of the depth of her anguish. "He... he was right there, Eun... right in front of us..." Kurmara choked out, her voice heavy with regret and sorrow. Eun looked down at her, his golden eyes reflecting the weight of shared grief. "I... we... they..." "I know, I know. But there was nothing you could've done that wouldn't have landed you in his place." His words, though comforting, couldn't fully mend the wounds. He patted her head, a silent promise to share the burden of pain even if just a little. "I can... still hear Midoriya's scream..." She pulled away from Eun, her disheveled hair framing teary eyes. "It was filled... with agony and loss..." Her voice trembled, her bottom lip bitten to stifle the quivering. "It haunts me... I can't stop hearing it..."
With hands on her head, she lowered it as the haunting echo of her friend's scream reverberated in her mind. "I... I wish I could've done more... I could've made a difference... but I just stood there..." Her words, choked with regret, hung in the air. All Eun could do was hold her close, wanting to absorb even a fraction of the immense pain she felt. As Eun lay down beside her, a semblance of familiarity and comfort, Kurmara couldn't help but recall their childhood. "What does this remind you of?" he asked, breaking the heaviness with a tender question. "It reminds me of when we were kids and I had a bad nightmare." A small smile played on her lips through the tears. "Yes. I came into your room to see why you were crying so you wouldn't wake Mom and Dad." "And I was babbling because of how bad the nightmare was, but you still somehow understood me." Her embarrassment at the memory brought a brief giggle, a fragile attempt to lighten the mood. "Well, do you remember what I did to help you stop crying?" Eun's eyes, filled with brotherly affection, met hers.
"Yeah, you wiped my tears and laid next to me, all while telling me a funny yet weird story to help me fall back asleep."
"And it worked, no?" Eun rolled to lay on his side, a hand on her head as if to recreate that childhood comfort. "Sure, but the story wasn't what made me fall back asleep." His gaze held hers, seeking understanding. "Really? Then what did?" Kurmara lifted a hand and poked his forehead, a small, fond smile breaking through the sadness. "You." Eun's confusion was met with a giggle. "Yes, you. Sure, the story made the bad dream go away, but you being there next to me, making sure I was alright, made me feel better... because you were right there for me." "Of course. I am your brother after all, which means I took a sacred vow." Kurmara snorted, a brief moment of levity in the midst of despair. "Sacred vow? And what was the vow?" "To be there for you whenever you need me to be, no matter what, as your big brother." They continued to reminisce about their childhood memories, a bittersweet journey down the lane of happier times. Eventually, Kurmara succumbed to exhaustion, and Eun, careful not to disturb her, covered her up before leaving her room.
Eun
Closing the door behind me, I walked into the living room to sit with my Aunt.
"How is she holding up?" Da-Eun asked, concern etched across her face. I shook my head, weariness evident in my eyes. "About as much as you think someone would after watching their friend get taken and dying after..." I sighed, rubbing my face as if trying to erase the haunting images from my mind. "So, she died... again?" Da-Eun inquired, and I nodded. "They kept the IV on her because they know she's able to come back afterward... I just wish I knew how it was possible..." I sighed again, the weight of helplessness settling over me. I turned my attention to the TV, noticing the news was on. "Wait a minute," I voiced as we looked at the TV. "Isn't that Kurmara's teacher?" Da-Eun asked, and I nodded, a heavy sense of foreboding lingering in the air. "We deeply apologize for the incident that allowed harm to come to twenty-seven first years of the Hero Course because of our unpreparedness. We apologize for causing unease in society due to our negligence in properly defending ourselves as a place of learning," the tired teacher spoke. His words reverberated through the somber room, filled with reporters and journalists eager for an explanation.
"We are truly sorry." A reporter, seizing the opportunity, began to question him about what he explained to the families of the injured students and what countermeasures the school was going to take. The principal, his face worn and burdened, responded, "We will increase policing in the surrounding area and review the security within the school, ensuring the students' safety with a strong position. That is what we told them." As the questions continued, I heard my aunt mutter, "They should be doing more than just that…" The press didn't hold back, scrutinizing the decisions made during the incident. "During the incident, it appears you urged them to fight. What was your intention behind this?" Another reporter asked pointedly. "I concluded that because we were unable to fully grasp the situation, it had to be done in order to avoid the worst possible outcome," the principal responded, his voice strained with the weight of responsibility. The barrage of questions continued, relentless and accusatory, directed at the teachers and the principal.
Each response aimed to justify their actions, explaining the difficult decisions that led to allowing students, including Kurmara, to fight. The room remained tense as the educators tried to navigate the storm of criticism, defending their choices in the face of tragedy. One of the reporters went as far as to delve into speculative scenarios, questioning the educators about the possibility of villains kidnapping Bakugou due to his harsh attitude and moments of perceived instability. The reporter inquired if there was evidence suggesting a potential descent into villainy for Bakugou. "Hey, that was pretty antagonistic," I voiced my disapproval, and my aunt just shrugged. "Sometimes they have to be, and it's just to see if someone will lose their cool and say something erroneously. They do it on purpose," she explained, offering insight into the tactics of the press. The teacher, maintaining his composure, began his response with a humble admission. "As an educator," he said, bowing his head, "I take full responsibility for Katsuki Bakugou's violent behavior. However, his actions at the Sports Festival originate in what he considers 'ideal strength.'"
"He is trying harder than anyone in his pursuit of becoming the 'top hero.' If the villains saw that and thought they had an opening, then I believe they are being short-sighted." I couldn't help but chuckle a little at the teacher's clever and diplomatic response. I could see why he might be one of Kurmara's favorite teachers. With that, I stood up and walked to the back of the house to check on Kurmara, leaving the tense atmosphere of the press conference behind. I slowly opened her door, mindful of the slight creaking sound, and stepped into the room. Keeping the door cracked slightly behind me, I quietly made my way to her bed. As I gazed at her sleeping form, I noticed the faint glisten on her cheeks, indicating that tears still lingered, even in her sleep. My heart twinged sadly, and I longed for a way to ease her pain, to take away the burdens weighing on her young shoulders. With utmost care, I touched her head, making sure not to disturb her peaceful slumber. Sitting down next to her bed, I listened to the soft yet uneasy rhythm of her breathing.
She had experienced death too many times for someone so young—only fourteen.
The weight of the situation pressed heavily on me. A silent sigh escaped me as I surveyed her room. Kurmara wasn't an ordinary teenager with a Quirk; she possessed multiple abilities, more than the two we had assumed for years. Conversations with Zhou had shed light on her newfound powers, leaving me grappling to understand it all. Explaining this to Da-Eun had been challenging enough, but what about Mom and Dad? I wondered, anxiety creeping into my thoughts. What will I tell them? How will they react? Lost in my inner turmoil, I failed to notice Da-Eun peeking her head into the room. A gentle breeze brushed past me, and when I looked up, I saw her gesturing for me to step outside. I stood up, casting one final glance at Kurmara before quietly walking out and gently closing her door behind me. As the door clicked shut, I joined Da-Eun in the hallway, where a soft murmur of concern lingered between us. The weight of the unspoken words echoed in the air as we exchanged glances, silently acknowledging the challenges ahead for Kurmara and our family.
"Check out the TV – something just happened after you left," she exclaimed as she rushed to the living room. I joined her, and on the screen, a breaking news alert caught our attention. "This scene feels like a nightmare!" exclaimed the reporter. "In an instant, half of Camino Ward has been destroyed." I glanced towards the hallway where Kurmara's room was, the vivid memories of the once vibrant city now replaced by a haunting emptiness. Turning my attention back to the TV, the images of destruction played out before us, and a profound sense of dread settled in my gut. "Currently, All Might is fighting the villain thought to be the ringleader! I can't believe it! There's just one villain!" The reporter's voice crackled with disbelief, mirroring the shock that reverberated through the room. We stared at the screen, a heavy tension hanging in the air. "He's destroyed the city and is more than holding his own against the Symbol of Peace!" I couldn't help but mutter, "He looks really beat up..." As we continued to watch, the dire situation unfolding on the TV, the atmosphere grew increasingly somber.
I could feel Da-Eun beside me, tense with a mix of concern and helplessness. It was evident that she wished she could be there to assist, but the formidable nature of the villain left us all feeling powerless in the face of such chaos and destruction. Our eyes remained fixed on the TV, witnessing the villain unleash a colossal blast towards a confined area, with All Might bravely intercepting it. A thick sense of anticipation hung in the air as we stared at the screen, awaiting the aftermath. As the smoke gradually dissipated, revealing All Might, a collective gasp escaped our lips. It was him, but he seemed drained of his muscle, the iconic smile replaced by a disheartening frown. "Um... what's...? Huh? Can you all see this? All Might has... deflated..." The reporter's voice echoed our own disbelief. "Shit," Da-Eun whispered beside me, and I couldn't help but clench my jaw, silently urging All Might to triumph. The villain soared into the air, directing his arm at All Might and unleashing another powerful blast, only for a fiery barrier to intercept it. "That fire..." I muttered, a realization dawning. "Endeavor."
The intensity of the situation escalated, and our collective hope fixated on All Might's ability to prevail against this unexpected turn of events. In a desperate scramble, four other heroes rushed in, their sole purpose to evacuate any remaining civilians before the villain unleashed another devastating blast, this time on an even grander scale. The room pulsed with anxiety as we prepared for what felt like an insurmountable challenge for All Might. Then came the gut-wrenching moment – the villain's arm began to distort and expand, a grotesque transformation playing out before our eyes. It was an agonizing sight, each second hanging heavy with an almost unbearable sense of dread. "There's no way All Might will be able to beat that monster," I uttered, the weight of hopelessness settling in the room as the Symbol of Peace faced this seemingly unbeatable foe. As the villain charged toward All Might, the air thickened with tension. Their fists collided in a brutal clash, and a bone-chilling shiver ran through me as the villain relentlessly forced All Might backward.
The passage of time hung heavy in the air, each moment an eternity until, against all expectations, All Might landed a resounding blow on the villain. A collective gasp filled the room as the Symbol of Peace seemingly switched arms, catching the villain off guard and leaving him momentarily stunned. The sheer unpredictability of the exchange held us breathless captive before All Might seamlessly transitioned back to his original arm. With unwavering determination, All Might summoned every reserve of strength within him. The air crackled with energy as he unleashed a retaliatory strike of unprecedented force, sending the villain hurtling toward the ground. The impact reverberated through the TV screen, and instead of the expected billow of smoke and debris, an astonishing transformation occurred. In a surreal turn of events, the expelled energy morphed into a swirling tornado, engulfing the battlefield and reaching a ferocity that seemed to defy the laws of nature. The cameraman capturing the scene from a helicopter was not spared from the tumultuous force; the winds shook the aircraft, testing the pilot's skill to maintain control.
It was a visual spectacle that transcended the boundaries of the ordinary, leaving us in awe of the sheer power unleashed in that pivotal moment. A profound silence gripped the room as we anxiously watched the television, our collective breaths suspended in anticipation. The tornado, a mesmerizing vortex of power, eventually subsided, revealing the aftermath of All Might's monumental strike. The villain lay sprawled on the ground, a lifeless figure starkly contrasting with the tumultuous events that had just unfolded. Then, in a moment that felt like the culmination of an emotional storm, All Might slowly raised his fist in the air – a symbol of hard-fought victory. "All Might...!" Da-Eun and I, unable to contain our emotions, erupted in shouts of jubilation, the release of pent-up fear and hope washing over us. "Yes!!" "All Might!!" The room echoed with a mixture of relief, elation, and a deep appreciation for the resilience of the Symbol of Peace. "The villain has come to a halt! Victory for All Might! He stands triumphant!" echoed the reporter's exhilarating proclamation, and I couldn't help but feel a surge of both tears and relief.
The journey had been a rollercoaster, descending from bad to worse, teetering on the edge of almost unbearable, until All Might, despite his weakened form, rallied and turned the tide, restoring hope. With a sigh of relief, I made my way back to Kurmara's room, my thoughts lingering on whether she had roused from her slumber amid the chaotic events. Upon opening her door, the sight of her still peacefully sleeping brought a mix of emotions. "I hope she's okay," I thought solemnly, closing her door once again, unaware of the impending events that were poised to unfold. Little did I know, that the aftermath of this intense battle would cast its shadow over our lives, setting the stage for unforeseen challenges and revelations that would shape our destinies in ways we couldn't fathom.