The news the next morning was in a bigger frenzy than last time. Dozens, if not hundreds, of different news companies reported on the team-up between All Might and the Phoenix. It was so big that some news websites shut down from being overloaded with traffic.

To make matters even worse, a small part of her face had been revealed to the world. If you compared the faces, it wouldn’t be too hard to identify them. Another big sign was her long white hair and sharp blue eyes. Something you don’t see often, even in a world of quirks.

But what really caught the attention of people were the flames and her thrusters. It confirmed that one, she can make flames that hurt individuals and morph them into whatever she pleases, and two, her thrusters can be broken. There was also the issue that she fought illegally in a crowded street too, causing damage to multiple cars and businesses. Naturally, people criticized her while some defended her, citing the fact that the chimera was a repeat offender.

“If she wasn’t there, then how much damage do you think he would’ve caused?”

“Illegal usage of quirks is forbidden though! This is a clear violation of the law!”

“But what saved a group of civilians even if it meant putting herself in harm’s way! Just like a hero!”

Comments like these flew back and forth. A person couldn’t go a few minutes without hearing about them.

Curious was happy that she could finally talk about Phoenix again. Although, it was a shame that the reporters didn’t get a chance to interview her. She vowed to herself that if she ever got to meet them again, she’d interview them. “Daichi, with the recent news, do you still think negatively of her?”

“Well… since there is actual video proof of her and All Might stopping this villain, I guess I have no choice but to agree what she was doing was right,” He scratched his head and handed some papers to her. “But what I’m concerned about is what she was doing there and who exactly is that chimera?"

“It’s hard to say, but I’m starting to think that they might live in the southern part of Japan. Primary the Shizu district. Think about it,” She laid out some of the papers and let the camera zoom in on it. “After different sightings in many cities, she always flew back towards Musutafu City. It makes perfect sense too.”

“Well, how about her assailant? We still don’t know anything about them.”

“Actually, the ice wolf was spotted in Tokyo and heading North.”

“Do you know how little that narrows it down?”

“Information is information Daichi,” Curious was getting excited after finally getting a clue after a few months. “Oh, I really want to interview them! Just thinking about it makes my heart race…”

Daichi could only stare but quickly signaled for the cameraman to switch to commercials. “Curious, you need to watch yourself. We were on the air. Viewers can’t see stuff like that.”

“Oh, it’s not like they noticed! They’re all probably too distracted with the news on the Phoenix.”

Daichi sighed again before looking at the white ribbon on her wrist. “…What’s up with that ribbon? You’ve been wearing it for so long now.”

Curious only smiled while her eyes only became more excited. “This? This is the key that will further my career in this industry.”

*

“Excuse me miss… are you alright?” Slowly, she pulled herself into a harsh world called reality. She struggled to open her heavy eyes as the morning light poured over her body. “Ah, wait there! I’ll get you water.”

She took in her surroundings and quickly realized she wasn’t in Musutafu. The buildings and the smell were completely different than usual. A rusty but wet smell that made her stomach churn. Just as she was about to puke, the person came running back and handed her a cold-water bottle.

“Here, have a water bottle,” He opened the cap and placed it in front of her. “It’s not much but I think this will make you feel better.”

Her sapphire eyes finally adjusted to the light and finally saw her helper. She graciously accepted the water bottle and gulped it down while eyeing the person who gave her the gift. He was pretty bland but had a small scar above his right eye. Black hair too. Her eyes widened once she realized it was the same person from the gym… Kirishima.

She tried to summon blue flames to cover her face, but the splitting headache only made things worse. She nearly collapsed before he swooped in and caught her. “…Do you know?” The blue of her eyes glowed as he slowly put her back down.

He answered with a nod. “Yea, I do. I won’t tell anyone though. The way you handled that villain last night was amazing!”

She could only chuckle a bit before drinking the rest of the water. The headache was beginning to pass, and her body had already begun healing itself. She pulled herself up, only for her legs to give out. The boy caught her before she could hit the ground again. “This damn body…”

“Hey, take it easy alright? You should probably go to a hospital.” She glared at him as if it was a warning. Her mask hadn’t been transported with her, so her bloodied face was visible to the world. She pointed to his hoodie and tugged a bit on it. “Let me borrow this. I promise I’ll give it back one day.”

Kirishima didn’t even think and hurriedly gave it to her to cover up her bloodied clothes. “Where is the nearest train station?”

“Are… are you sure you can walk?”

“Just tell me please.”

Kirishima pointed in a direction and began describing how to get there. “Walkabout 6 blocks north and then 4 blocks east. The train station should be there. Would you like some help?”

She simply shook her head and pushed him away. “No thanks. But thanks for your help.”

*

Midoriya’s smoke went rampant once he saw Teka. Just like Kori, he dissipated into his smoke and materialized in front of her. He didn’t even notice it as his arms wrapped around her just before she hit the ground. Teka was too tired to say anything about it.

“Heh… that didn’t take very long now did it?” She gave a hurt smile as Midoriya led her inside. She collapsed onto the couch as she reached under the hoodie and tore off the blood-soaked clothes. “I lost my mask, but I don’t think anyone noticed it was me.”

Midoriya shifted for a bit before pulling up an article. “…I think they know Teka.” Even though it was only a small portion, a bit of her face had made it onto the internet. It spread like a wildfire too.

Instead of being mad about it, Teka sighed and accepted it. Guess this is the end of the Phoenix. “Let’s see what the news has to say, alright?”

“R-right!” Before he could hit the button, a series of loud bangs echoed across the house.

She gave a weak smile and looked at him, “Heh, guess they’re here for me already. Could you get that?”

He nodded and slowly approached the door.

“Teka!” Mei pushed Midoriya aside and rushed inside. Teka’s stomach dropped once she saw her tear-soaked face. She didn’t get a second to think about it as Mei jumped on the couch and hugged Teka. Her shaking only made her feel worse. “Why didn’t you tell me? I had drones stationed above the gym and support items inside!"

This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.

“I wasn’t thinking about it at the time.” She led one of her hands down to her ribs and smiled. “I think I broke two of my ribs, but they’re probably already healed. I don’t know about my thrusters yet.”

“Your thrusters too?”

“You saw the video. Got me real good actually.” She patted her pink hair again as the door creaked open once again.

Faces that looked all too familiar caused Midoriya and Teka to freeze up. Mitsuki, Masaru, and Katsuki were all standing in the doorway. Her stomach tightened when her eyes saw them.

Mitsuki didn’t hesitate to walk in and take Teka into a bear hug. Ever since she revealed herself as the Phoenix, Kori and her both had a sit down with Bakugo’s parents. There, Kori explained their quirks and why they were doing it. He also explained why it was just them and Nana living in the house. Kori made up a story that their parents abandoned them with Nana. Mitsuki and Masaru stayed silent the entire time. Up until the very end.

“You guys are just kids and I don’t blame you for that. But please, try to not get injured when you’re out there.” She made Kori and Teka promise to always stay safe. But now that she’d broken it, Teka couldn’t help but feel guilty.

“…I’m sorry Mitsuki,” She responded to the hug but wrapping her arms around her and releasing a small amount of blue that danced around her. “I came back safe and sound though.”

The atmosphere was dark and heavy once she pulled away. “…Where’s your friend?”

“Not here right now.”

Mitsuki looked around then walked over to the kitchen. “Clean yourself up. I’ll make breakfast and talk with them.”

Teka simply nodded and pushed herself up without looking at what was on the couch. Her hand hit the button on the tv remote and the TV came to life. The first thing that popped up was a live press conference from the chief of the police force, also known as the Commissioner-General.

Reporters swarmed in front of the Police Headquarters of Tokyo.

The Commissioner-General was in the worst possible mood today. Phoenix had escaped every officer and detective he’d thrown at her. It only made it more humiliating when they simply ignored one of the best detectives in Japan and cut off all officers from their arrest, only to disappear while leaving their mask and scales behind.

He could only sigh as he walked out of the precinct. The flash of cameras nearly blinded him as he made his way over to the stand. Dozens of questions were asked, but he didn’t say a word until everyone quieted down. He took a deep breath before speaking into the mic.

“As many of you know, Phoenix has been making rounds across Japan. They’ve been known to deliver strange packages, ‘heal’ random passersby, and for the illegal use of quirks. This also applies to the Ice Wolf that accompanies her as well. I condemn their actions. The use of quirks is illegal and strictly prohibited. These parameters were put in place to stop pretend heroes from abusing their quirks, and the way that they knowingly choose to not obey this law is a disgrace. And the use of illegally using military-grade equipment has only worsened this choosing,” The flashes of the camera slowly died down as the reporters stared at the man. “So from this point on, I’m branding Phoenix and the Ice Wolf as high priority villains. If you have any information on her, you will be rewarded. You may now ask your questions.”

An uproar ensued as reporters fired off their questions.

“Sir, does this mean the Phoenix is officially classified as a villain?”

“Yes, it does.”

“Does the same apply for the Ice Wolf too?”

“The Ice Wolf will also be classified as a villain.”

“Sir! What about the girl Phoenix healed? Do you have any more information on her?”

“Nothing that we can say.”

“What about all of the good deeds they’ve done? Like saving children from a car crash or using her flames to help civilians?”

“No, those were all illegal uses of their quirks that were not permitted by a hero or a police officer.”

“What about the box that they handed Endeavor's son? Natsuo Todoroki himself confirmed with reporters that the box they handed him was full of spices not sold in Japan.”

“Keep in mind that she also had a scuffle with Endeavor after being caught using their quirk creating… ‘crafts’ or whatever they call them.”

“But the people that have interacted with them have stated that the flames give them a sense of relief that increase their productivities and…”

His voice suddenly became harsh.

“Ask me another question please.”

Nobody said anything for a few seconds. Suddenly, a lady with blue skin with a white ribbon around her wrist raised her hand. “What exactly would you do if the Phoenix turned out to be a beast?”

His eyes narrowed again once he realized who it was. Curious, the same reporter that always grilled him whenever he made a public appearance. This time was no different, which meant she knew something they didn’t. “…Elaborate your question, Curious.”

A smile appeared on her face as she stood up and spoke again. “Let’s say that the Phoenix isn’t human. What exactly would be done then? It’s obvious that their power isn’t just pyrokinesis if she can fly at speeds that rivals Hawks’s.”

“Curious. Are you suggesting that you know something about Phoenix?”

“Oh no! I was just curious about your opinion on the topic. So please, do let me know exactly what you think about her.”

The Commissioner-General eyed the crowd and abruptly ended the press conference. “That will be the end of the conference. Thank you for your time.” Despite the calls to answer Curious’s question, he didn’t dare look back. It would be problematic if he did answer in front of everyone. She knows something.

He collapsed in his chair and waited for the inevitable to happen. The door swung open to Curious with a wicked smile on her face. “Glad you could make time for me General .”

She spun around on the chair while scrolling through her camera footage. “Let’s get on with this. The Phoenix and the Ice Wolf. You know their identities. Don’t you?”

“Oh, I know so much more than that,” With a quick motion, she placed the camera back in her pockets and tapped the ribbon three times. “More than you can ever imagine.”

*

The taste and smell of fresh omelets and bacon didn’t make the news any harder, but Teka didn’t seem bothered as much as Midoriya and Mei thought. “…It’s alright,” She put the plate down as her wet hair fell to her sides. She’d just taken a shower recently and had gotten out a few minutes prior. With all the blood washed off, she actually looked like a regular teenager. “I knew it would happen one day, but I didn’t expect it to happen so soon.”

Mitsuki silently stared at Teka. She’d stayed silent while making breakfast and still stayed silent now. Originally, Mitsuki wanted to turn in Teka to make her stop for her own good, but now she was having second thoughts. She’s healing people in the process and saved people without so much as hesitating.

A small sigh escaped her lips. And now that she’s been branded as a villain. She honestly didn’t know what to do at this point. It was like raising a baby Katsuki all over again.

“Teka, where is your friend? Kori was his name, right?” Mitsuki asked. She hadn’t seen him and was wondering where he was.

“He’s probably at the hospital,” She quickly shook her head once she felt the air turning cold. Teka didn’t notice Mei suddenly freeze up. “Never mind. He’s already here.”

The door opened as Kori walked in. He wasn’t surprised as he glanced over the faces in the room before suddenly stopping on Mei’s. Her expression was just as shocked as his own. “Mei?”

All eyes turned to Mei who was fumbling nervously. “It’s been a long time Kori.”

Kori and Mei eyed each other for a few seconds. It was obvious that they knew one another. Kori pointed outside before anyone could question it. “Let’s have a chat. Just you and me alright?”

He didn’t wait for her response before pulling her close and materializing both of them on a platform of ice in the air. A place where she couldn’t get away. Mei pulled away but stopped once she saw where they were. “What do you want Kori?”

“I tried contacting you.” Kori's voice was soft as he spoke. The ice around them spread out so Mei could move around more. “Where’d you go?”

“I left.” Mei still avoided his eyes while walking across the ice platform. “I wanted to quit living like that. You know that better than anyone.”

“I need your help,” He grabbed her shoulders and looked into her eyes with desperation. “And it involves Teka.”

Mei reached behind and pulled out her tablet. The scan of Teka filled the screen. On the top, big red letters decorated the screen. Warning: Dangerous Anonymous Properties Detected.

“I was going to tell Teka about this, but I got distracted before I got the chance. I’m guessing by your expression that it was a good thing.” Mei moved out of his grip. “Kori, you came to me three years ago saying you’ll do anything to learn how to code. To learn how to make machines. To learn how to merge them to a body.”

“…”

“I know you two aren’t human. But when I scanned you, the same problem didn’t show up,” Her eyes zoomed into Kori’s crystal blues and the dark circles under his eyes. “Tell me, what exactly are you two?”

Kori sighed deeply and looked at the city below them. “This isn’t a good place to show you,” He put out his hand and lightly touched her cheek. In an instant, they appeared at the abandoned airbase that Kori had been using. He backed away onto an airstrip and raised his hand.

The already grey clouds shifted, and the weather became frigid. The wind kicked up and snow began caking the area. It became more and more violent as the weather only got worse. “You asked what we are Mei,” The ice clashed, and the snow grew even more. It continued for a few seconds before an icy core with multiple stalagmites orbiting it dropped out of a pocket in the sky. Kori looked back at the shocked Mei and gave a nervous smile. “So this is it. We are beasts.”

He walked with an aura that was completely different than before. His core emitted a pressure that felt like Mei would be killed if she even moved. Even so, she collapsed on her ass as Kori moved over to her. But what he did next surprised her.

Kori kneeled in front of her. He was out of options and he knew he couldn’t save Teka without Mei. This was his last chance after denying human help for so long. “So please, will you help me save Teka?”

Mei looked by at the icy core then back at Kori. The pressure that he’d been emitting was desperation. It reminded her of when she felt that desperation when her parents left her. Even though it wasn’t Kori's intent, it felt like she was being cornered to do this.

“Alright,” She moved forward and embraced Kori in a hug, which shocked him. “I’ll help you save her.”