Amelia sat in the quiet, suncast office of Principal Nezu, her thoughts a mix of relief and anticipation. She had just finished the challenging mission in Hosu City, saving Tenya Iida's brother, Tensei, from the clutches of the Hero Killer, Stain. The memory of the intense battle still lingered, but she felt a profound sense of accomplishment. Today, however, was a different kind of challenge—one-on-one lessons with Nezu, the brilliant and enigmatic principal of U.A. High.
"Good morning, Amelia," Nezu greeted with his characteristic cheerfulness. "I hope you're ready for today's lesson."
Amelia nodded, smiling. "Good morning, Principal Nezu. I'm ready."
As they delved into their lesson, focusing on strategy and critical thinking, Nezu began by presenting a series of hypothetical scenarios, each more complex than the last. The first involved a hostage situation in a high-rise building, requiring Amelia to balance the immediate safety of the hostages with the need to apprehend the villain.
"What would be your first step?" Nezu asked, his sharp eyes studying her closely.
Amelia thought for a moment. "First, I would gather as much information as possible about the building layout and the villain's demands. I'd communicate with any available pro heroes to coordinate a plan. The priority would be to ensure the hostages' safety while minimizing the risk of escalation."
Nezu nodded approvingly. "Good. Information gathering is crucial. Now, what if the villain starts making erratic demands?"
"I'd try to keep them calm and engaged in conversation," Amelia replied. "Stalling for time could allow backup to arrive and give us a better chance to resolve the situation peacefully. If things start to go south, I'd need to be ready to act swiftly to protect the hostages."
Nezu smiled. "Excellent. Balancing patience with readiness to act is key in high-stakes situations."
They continued their lesson, with Nezu presenting various complex scenarios for Amelia to analyze and solve. His guidance was invaluable, helping her sharpen her mind and approach problems from multiple angles. One scenario involved a natural disaster—a sudden earthquake in a densely populated area.
"How would you prioritize your actions?" Nezu asked.
Amelia took a deep breath. "First, I'd ensure my own safety and assess the immediate surroundings for people in danger. I'd focus on helping those trapped or injured and coordinating with emergency services. Communicating clear instructions to civilians would be essential to prevent panic and ensure an organized evacuation."
"Very good," Nezu said, his eyes twinkling with approval. "And what if the disaster led to secondary threats, like fires or structural collapses?"
"I'd prioritize those threats based on their proximity to civilians and the potential for harm," Amelia replied confidently. "Preventing further casualties is crucial, so addressing immediate dangers like fires would be a top priority."
Nezu's nod of approval made her heart swell with pride. "That's the spirit of a true hero. Adaptability and quick thinking are vital in such unpredictable situations."
Amelia remembered doing something similar with her mom when she was younger. They would sit at the kitchen table, discussing all sorts of scenarios and figuring out the best solutions together. It was one of her favourite memories, and she cherished those moments of learning and bonding. She felt a pang of nostalgia but also a renewed sense of determination to make her mom proud.
As the lesson concluded, Nezu looked at Amelia with a curious expression. "I understand you missed the U.A. Sports Festival due to your mission. Have you heard how it went?"
Amelia shook her head. "No, I haven't had the chance to ask my classmates yet. I'm inquisitive to know how it turned out."
Nezu smiled. "I'm sure you'll find out soon enough. Why don't you head to the cafeteria and see if you can catch up with them?"
Amelia thanked Nezu and left his office, making her way to the bustling cafeteria. The chatter of students filled the air, and she quickly spotted her friends sitting at their usual table. As she approached, they looked up and waved, their faces lighting up with excitement.
"Amelia! There you are!" Mina Ashido called out, motioning for her to join them. "We've been dying to tell you about the Sports Festival!"
Amelia took a seat, her curiosity piqued. "I can't wait to hear all about it. How did it go?"
Izuku, who was sitting across from her, leaned forward with a grin. "It was amazing! There were so many incredible moments. Bakugo came in first, I got second, and Todoroki placed third."
Mina nodded enthusiastically. "Yeah, Todoroki used his fire quirk for the first time in public, and it was epic! And Bakugo... well, he was his usual explosive self."
Amelia laughed, imagining the intense battles. "Sounds like it was quite the spectacle. I'm sorry I missed it, but I had something important to take care of."
Kirishima, who had been listening quietly, spoke up. "Did you all hear about the new hero that appeared in Hosu City? They called her 'Sunlit Heroine.' She saved Tenya's brother from Stain. We still don't know who she is, but she did an incredible job."
Amelia's heart skipped a beat, but she maintained her composure. "I heard about that. It must have been terrifying for Tensei. I'm glad he's going to be okay."
The others exchanged glances. "Whoever it was," Sero said, "they did an incredible job. Ingenium is going to make a full recovery, thanks to them."
Amelia felt a surge of pride and relief. "I'm glad to hear that. Tenya must be relieved."
Izuku nodded, his expression thoughtful. "Yeah, he is. And we're all proud of whoever this Sunlit hero is."
The group continued to share stories from the Sports Festival, each classmate adding their own unique perspective.
Mina animatedly described the cavalry battle. "It was insane! There were so many strategies and alliances. And Midoriya's team was amazing! They managed to keep their headbands despite all the chaos."
Kirishima chimed in, "And Bakugo was relentless during the obstacle race. He practically flew over the minefield section!"
Ochaco smiled at Amelia. "I wish you could have seen the finals. Todoroki and Bakugo's fight was intense. Bakugo was so determined to win, and Todoroki finally used his flames, but it wasn't enough to stop Bakugo's sheer force."
Amid the lively discussion, Amelia noticed Izuku had fallen silent, his eyes filled with a mix of curiosity and admiration. He was clearly processing what had just been said about the mysterious hero, Sunlit.
As the others continued talking, Izuku leaned closer to Amelia, lowering his voice. "Amelia, was that you? The new hero who saved Ingenium?"
Amelia hesitated for a moment, then gave him a small, knowing smile. "I can't confirm or deny anything, Izuku. But it's nice to know that people are talking about Sunlit in such a positive way."
Izuku's eyes widened with realization. "I knew it! I knew you had it in you, I gave you that name so how could I not know it's you? That's amazing, Amelia. You saved Tenya's brother. I... I'm so proud of you."
Amelia felt her cheeks flush at his praise. "Thank you, Izuku. It means a lot coming from you."
Izuku's expression softened, and he placed a hand on her shoulder. "You're doing incredible things, Amelia. You're going to be an amazing hero."
The sincerity in his voice touched her deeply. "Thank you, Izuku. That means more than you know."
Their quiet moment was interrupted by Kirishima, who leaned in with a wide grin. "Hey, what are you two whispering about? Secrets?"
Amelia laughed, shaking her head. "Nothing like that, Kirishima. Just catching up."
Kirishima chuckled, clearly not convinced but willing to let it slide. "Alright, alright. Just don't forget to share the juicy details with us later."
The conversation shifted back to the Sports Festival, but Amelia couldn't shake the feeling of warmth and support from her friends, especially Izuku. His reaction had been exactly what she needed—reassurance and encouragement from someone who understood the weight of her responsibilities and the importance of her actions.
Amelia listened intently, enjoying their animated retellings and feeling more connected to her friends than ever. She marvelled at their experiences, each story painting a vivid picture of the excitement and drama of the Sports Festival.
After lunch, the rest of the school day passed in a blur for Amelia. She attended her classes, but her mind kept drifting back to the conversation with Izuku and the warm feeling of support she had felt. When the final bell rang, signalling the end of the day, Amelia gathered her things and headed out of the classroom.
As she walked through the bustling halls of U.A., she spotted Bakugo heading in the opposite direction, his usual scowl firmly in place. Mustering up her courage, she quickened her pace to catch up with him.
"Hey, Bakugo!" she called out, managing to get his attention just before he turned a corner.
He stopped and turned to look at her, raising an eyebrow. "Oh, it's you again," he said, his tone a mix of surprise and annoyance. "What's up, Vanilla? Come to gloat about your boyfriend's second place? I beat him for your information."
Amelia stifled a laugh at the nickname. "No, Bakugo, I'm not here to gloat. I just wanted to congratulate you on your win at the Sports Festival. You were incredible out there."
Bakugo's scowl deepened, but there was a flicker of surprise in his eyes. "Of course I was. I'm the best."
Amelia nodded, undeterred by his attitude. "Yeah, you showed everyone your strength and determination. It was impressive to watch."
Bakugo crossed his arms, a hint of a smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. "Of course I was. I'm the best. And don't think calling me incredible is gonna make me go easy on you, Vanilla."
Amelia chuckled. "I wouldn't expect anything less from you, Bakugo. Keep pushing yourself. You've got the talent to go far."
Bakugo's expression softened ever so slightly, though he quickly masked it with his usual bravado. "Tch. Don't think I'm gonna go easy on you just because you're being all nice. I plan on staying number one."
Amelia chuckled. "I wouldn't expect anything less from you, Bakugo. Keep pushing yourself. You've got the talent to go far."
Bakugo crossed his arms, a hint of a smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. "Damn right, I do. And don't you forget it."
With that, he turned and continued down the hall, his confidence radiating off him in waves. Amelia watched him go, feeling a sense of satisfaction. Despite his rough exterior, she knew Bakugo respected those who recognized his abilities. She was glad to have had the chance to congratulate him personally.
Amelia returned to the dorms, feeling a sense of accomplishment and anticipation. She was ready to rest and reflect on the day's events, but just as she settled onto her bed, her phone buzzed. Glancing at the screen, she saw it was a call from her homeroom teacher, Aizawa.
She answered curiosity tinged with a bit of apprehension. "Hello, Mr. Aizawa?"
"Amelia," Aizawa's voice was as gruff and direct as always. "Change of plans. You're going on patrol tonight. I'm babysitting you."
Amelia sat up, her fatigue momentarily forgotten. "Patrol? With you?"
"Yes. Be ready in ten minutes. Meet me at the front gates."
"Got it. I'll be there," she replied, her mind racing with excitement and curiosity.
Quickly, she changed into her suit, making sure everything was in place. She couldn't help but feel a thrill of anticipation. Patrolling with Aizawa was an unexpected opportunity to learn from one of the best.
She hurried to the front gates, finding Aizawa waiting for her. He gave her a nod, his expression as unreadable as ever. "Ready?"
"Ready," she affirmed, matching his brisk pace as they headed out into the night.
As they patrolled the city, Aizawa was silent, his eyes scanning the surroundings with a vigilance born of years of experience. Amelia followed his lead, focusing on honing her observational skills.
After a while, Aizawa broke the silence. "You did well with Tensei. Saving him was no small feat."
Amelia felt a surge of pride at his words. "Thank you, sir. It was a team effort, though."
"Humility is good, but don't downplay your contributions," Aizawa replied. "You acted decisively and saved a life. That's what being a hero is about."
They continued their patrol, responding to minor incidents and keeping an eye out for any signs of trouble. Aizawa offered pointers and insights, his calm demeanour a steadying presence.
As the night deepened, Aizawa and Amelia navigated through quiet streets lined with dimly lit storefronts. Their patrol had been mostly uneventful, punctuated only by occasional encounters with late-night pedestrians and the distant hum of city life.
It was during one of these routine checks that they stumbled upon a small convenience store nestled between two taller buildings. The store's neon sign flickered intermittently, casting an eerie glow on the sidewalk. Inside, voices raised in an argument could be faintly heard, mingling with the muted sounds of shelves being shuffled and items clattering to the floor.
Aizawa's sharp eyes caught the movement first, his gaze flickering towards the store's entrance where two figures stood, clearly agitated. One was gesturing aggressively, while the other seemed to be trying to calm the situation without much success. Through the glass door, the store clerk's worried expression was visible as he glanced nervously at the escalating conflict.
Aizawa's stance subtly shifted, a silent signal for Amelia to stay alert. He approached the store with measured steps, his presence alone often enough to diffuse minor altercations. Amelia followed close behind, her senses attuned to the tension that hung in the air.
As they entered, the store fell momentarily silent. The two troublemakers, caught off guard by Aizawa's sudden appearance, froze mid-argument. The store clerk, visibly relieved at their arrival, straightened behind the counter, his hands clutching tightly to the edges.
Aizawa's voice cut through the tension, calm and authoritative. "Alright, enough of this. Time to go home."
The troublemakers glanced at each other, their expressions shifting from defiance to uncertainty. They exchanged muttered apologies, their bravado deflating under Aizawa's unwavering gaze. With reluctant steps, they exited the store, leaving behind a palpable sense of relief.
Amelia approached the store clerk, her demeanour reassuring. "Are you okay?"
The clerk nodded, his eyes grateful. "Yes, thank you. I'm glad you were here."
Aizawa gave a nod of acknowledgement to the clerk, silently conveying that the situation was under control. He then turned to Amelia, his expression unreadable yet somehow reassuring. "Good job. Let's wrap up for the night."
Amelia glanced at her watch as they made their way back through the quiet streets towards the dorms. The digital display read past midnight, edging into the early hours of the morning. She couldn't help but voice her concern, a bit of fatigue tinging her voice.
"Um, sensei," she began tentatively, "I don't have to join class right away, do I?"
Aizawa's response was swift and unwavering, his gaze steady as he glanced at her. "You must come to class, no matter what," he stated firmly. "Get some coffee if you need it. Class starts early."
Amelia nodded, inwardly sighing at the prospect of an early morning after a night of patrol. She knew Aizawa's stance on discipline and attendance—no excuses, no exceptions. Yet, despite her weariness, she felt a sense of satisfaction and gratitude for the guidance she had received from Eraserhead, an underground hero renowned for his pragmatic approach and unwavering dedication.
As they reached the dormitory entrance, Amelia bid Aizawa a respectful goodnight before heading up to her room. She might get a couple of hours of sleep, right?