“Thank you so much for agreeing to let Izuku come to my lessons with Power Loader, sensei. He’s going to be so excited.” Yui had on a soft smile as she took the I.D. badge from the principal, her brother’s face on the front.
“It’s no trouble, Yui-san! We do have an internship program for aspiring individuals after all. Izuku has done plenty of...practical application to qualify! I'm eager to see what he invents. Now you should get going to class or you’ll be late for your first official hero class.”
She smiled as she bowed before she left the office, heading toward the 1-A classroom when she heard voices coming from down the hallway.
"Amajiki! When are you going to put in your resignation?"
"Yeah! C'mon. You agreed with us yesterday that your power wasn't going to do any good in your hands."
"I mean it happens all the time, no need to be stubborn about it. Quirks just sometimes don't match their owners."
She found herself turning towards the well lit empty hallway, three guys hanging off and around someone against the lockers. They weren't holding him down or anything but their posture was clearly uncomfortably forward. She caught a glimpse of navy hair and pale skin before she started stomping towards the group.
"I-I....I made it in by the entrance exam...." Amajiki stuttered, his shoulders slumped under the arm of the larger boy staring down at the ground clearly trying to shrink away from the social pressure.
"Uuuugh. Dude c'mon. Like I'd get it if you could be fierce as an animal bringing that rawness of nature into the fight, but what're you gonna do? Ink em while you run away crying?"
"Yeah man. Just give the A-class spot to someone who'll be able to save more people. Lik-"
"Hey!" Yui's voice came out in a growl as she advanced on the startled group, her hair taking on a soft teal glow, the tips fading out of sight slightly where they crossed bright sunbeams."You think this behavior is very heroic? This doesn't look any different than pressured sales! That's no better than extortion you jealous asshats."
Yui glared at them as she stood directly in their personal space glaring challengingly at the tall one. "Now leave him alone. It's not his fault you didn't make the cut. If you couldn't even deal with the robots, how're you supposed to be better than him at it?"
The tallest one, she hadn't caught any of their names, clenched his fist before pulling Amajiki closer to him. "Pul-ease, this is practically a favor. You think any of us wants to see a classmate end up in the obituaries after graduation?"
Yui sneered at him before taking Amajiki's hand and the thumb of the tall one, turning and sidling back between them. The pressure arching his arm up letting her back Amajiki and herself, while ducking down, under his arm.
The other two looked in confusion and awe like they'd just seen a magic trick, while the leader of the trio was holding his thumb looking at Yui more warily. "It'd sure be a problem if you got in trouble for injuring another student."
Yui smirked, though her heart jolted in surprise as she felt Amajiki immediately take up residence behind her back, hiding his head against her shoulder blades. Jeez, I knew he had anxiety but I didn't think he'd go so far as to need to hide his face even from someone helping him out!
Yui recovered refocusing on the group, "Y-you think I'll get in trouble for taking your hand off Amajiki because we were going to be late for class, you mean?" Yui asked innocently
Stomping her foot and placing her hands on her hips she gave them her full glare, "Besides UA has a no bullying policy. You really think they'll let it go if it's brought to their direct attention?" Yui thumbed at a camera which turned in their direction clearly focusing in. "You think you know better than Nedzu and the teachers?"
"Kijin lets just go. This is looking troublesome." The mousey one tugged on the larger one's pant leg.
"Apologize, or I'm bringing it up to the staff. You're lucky we're even in UA or I'd show you how I got noticed by UA." She punched her palm with a savage grin. Really through Eraserdad but if you squint at it hard enough it’s because me and Izu kick butt...
Kijin looked like he wanted to try it, but another look at the camera set his thoughts racing and he paled, "Heh, look we got a little carried away. Sorry about that...Uh. Let’s go guys"
“Hey, you okay, Amajiki? I can walk you to Recovery Girl?” She offered, tilting her head to try to look at his face under his bangs. It looked like he had some blood coming from his nose and lip.
“I-I’m okay…Y-Yamazawa…y-you didn’t have to do that. Y-You could get in trouble.” He stuttered out, his hands wringing together.
She pulled out a handkerchief, offering it to him, “Let them try. Nedzu really does have cameras everywhere, we’ll just have the recordings to show. At most I’d get detention for provoking them. Maybe?” She shrugged, really, the guy was more worried about her than himself? “Did they do that?”
A shaky hand took the cloth, pressing it under his nose, “Th-thank you…” He whispered, "I...got surprised when they popped up and I smacked my face into the locker trying to hide.”
Yui reached out, her fingertips guiding his face up as the other teen froze like a deer in the headlights. She took advantage of his shock to look at his nose, it didn’t look broken, just a little swollen and turning red, along with his left cheek. “Man, you’re a really nervous guy when attention’s on you huh?”
“I don’t think anything is broken, but we should still stop by Recovery Girl. Trust me, if you don’t go and she finds out, you’ll regret it.” Yui started walking down the hall pointedly not looking at him to give him some space, “Follow me. Heh I’m more familiar with where she’s at than I’d like.” She called back hearing Amajiki’s soft footsteps as he followed.
Recovery Girl gave a look that made Yui wince as she walked through the door. She quickly put up her hands in surrender, "It wasn't me and I'm fine! Amajiki could use a little help though..."
Yui moved allowing Amajiki to come into view. The elderly hero's face setting right into a glower, "And who did this then?"
Amajiki looked down sliding back behind Yui. "Just some clowns who think they can pressure him into dropping."
Recovery Girl tutted, walking over to kiss his forehead,"Hnnn....I've never much liked that we let lesser bullying go on, but as a Hero you'll have much worse pressure than some kids to face. Keep in mind that all those heroes you respect, with all their experience, still chose you. You going to listen to some misguided frustrations? Or the likes of your accomplished teachers?"
Amajiki looked up in surprise standing a little straighter before ducking his head down again. "T-thanks."
Recovery Girl huffed in amused resignation, "Well get on you two. I'll let Midnight know you're coming and to not leave without you." Yui stepped forward giving the elderly woman a hug before tugging Amajiki behind her. She didn't exactly want to keep the class waiting even longer. And it was with a panting hop and a skip that the pair burst through the door, passing the slip to Midnight as they sat down
“Okay! Now that everyone is here, we’re going to head to Gym Gamma for your first basics in fighting.” Their teacher smiled as she hit a button, a section of the wall opening and numbered cases appeared, “These are your hero costumes based on your seat. Shimizu being first and Amajiki being number eleven. Grab them and I’ll show you to the locker rooms.” She left the room as the students grabbed their cases, following her to the gym. "We've got your hero costumes for use, in the case, as this will both be a test of your fighting prowess at your most capable, as well as a test of your gear's functionality in the passionate crucible of battle!" Midnight cracked her whip excitedly.
Yui changed quickly, ignoring the glances of the other three girls as she pulled on the black bodysuit that had teal wire designs scattered around to break up the black, with a teal triangle between her collarbones. The suit covered from her neck to her feet, the material covering the back of her hands and held in place by a loop around her middle fingers, leaving her palms free. It was the same material of the suits her parents had had; getting it had been a bit of a stretch but she’d had a…talk with the engineer on I-Island that had designed it. A little blackmail and she had the suit, and a guarantee to work with her. The man would do anything to keep his secret, even work with a fledgling hero.
She had on black leather boots with dark teal straps, the soles protected by black metal. She had her taser staff in the silvery-gray thigh holster on her right leg, with her utility belt in a matching color on her hips. Inside she had specially made zip ties that Eraser had to restrain villains until the police took them, Quirk suppressant patches, a first aid kit in the largest patch on her back, along with some smoke bombs and pepper spray. On her left arm was the grappling brace, and her right had an invention she was pretty excited to finally use. It was a brace but it had a keyboard with retractable cords and a holographic display so she could hack without her Quirk.
She took the hearing aid out of her right ear to put on the dark teal ear piece, it covered her entire ear and had a small antennae, securing it with a specialized band that wrapped around her head, her hair covering it. She turned it on, sighing softly as the hearing returned to that side. A holographic lens came out, covering her right eye. The headset was something she’d been working on for over a year, and once she was adopted she could legally access the materials through the school to build it. I never knew I’d lean into nepotism so hard if I had the chance But Kami it felt good to play with all her ideas beyond paper.
The earpiece acted like her old comm, while also acting like her hearing aid, where she could adjust the sensitivity to hear farther. The lens worked like her goggles, night vision, infrared, with a zoom feature and the ability to locate electrical currents.
Yui left the locker room while the others were still dressing. She waited by the wall watching as the others slowly came out. She frowned softly when she saw that most of the class had on bodysuits that didn’t have extra protection, Shimizu had on heels, and Naganuma was shirtless.
“That took too long,” The class stiffened at the gruff tone, turning to look at Aizawa leaning against the wall.
“Oh my Kami, are we going to have more of us get expelled?” Hayashi asked, his eyes wide as he grabbed Naganuma’s arm.
“Don’t give me an excuse. I’m the heroic’s teacher for the A classes. Now, for the first class we’re going to have a tournament. One on one battles. We’ll have the first round winner go against the one left out. First up is Yamazawa and Naganuma. Proceed to the ring. Your goal is to either get your opponent past the line or get them down in a pin.” Aizawa droned out, holding a clipboard as the remaining class circled around the ring.
“You got this Numa!” Hayashi called out, standing next to Yamashi, the earth-controller lifting a thumbs up to the giant in the ring.
“Thanks guys!” Naganuma turned to Yui, a cocky smile on his face, “Don’t feel too bad when you lose to me. I don’t really like fighting girls.”
Yui fought an eye roll, what was with guys in this school? Was it because they thought their Quirk was so cool, or because they were bigger than her or because she was a girl? She wondered if Midnight had to deal with this bullshit. She didn’t say anything, her eyes flashing up to the beams overhead...
“Begin!”
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“Keep your eyes on me, Yamazawa!” She ignored the shout as the teen’s hands started to glow a deep green blue, her left arm lifting up and the grappling barb shooting up to wind around the beam and get her off the ground before it suddenly sunk down, plant life and water appearing from the concrete.
“Hey, isn’t that leaving the ring?” Tomono asked, turning to look at the gruff teacher.
Aizawa just shrugged, “She didn’t go over the line.”
Yui swung herself around, circling the teen as he grimaced, his fists raised as he waited for her to strike. She pulled the staff from its holster before she released the barb and dropped. Naganuma raised his arms in an X-pattern to stop her iron-encased soles from slamming into his chest. The staff in her hand extended past his defense to jab the electrified end into his neck.
Yui flipped back to land on her feet as he fell, his body convulsing from the electricity. She replaced the taser staff in its holster as Shimizu ran out, water flowing from the tanks on her back and hips as it glowed with a white light. The water sank into his skin from the mark on his neck, the teen slowly stopping his twitching and the electrical burn vanishing.
A long moment passed before his eyes fluttered open and he sucked on his cheek. "Crud..." Groaning as he got up he rubbed at the phantom pain on his neck. "Sorry Yamazawa, hope you didn't take it too hard. I was hoping to keep you from using all those gadgets to avoid the swamp. Get you riled up all that...." Naganuma rubbed the back of his head, "Tends to make me out as one heck of a jerk though. Great fight."
His face split in a big grin as Yui processed taking the offered hand. "Kami...had me fooled. Heck that's why I-" Yui shook her head, the embers of her irritation at his earlier words fading. "Nah its fine. I get it now. You were just trying to adjust the situation to work with your quirk. You prefer to fight like a Guerilla don't you? Hit and run in a swamp."
Numa's grin grew predatory, "Leave em drained and worn out in the mud." The reconciliation was interrupted by an incredulous voice
"What the heck was that thing? Are you allowed to have it?” Tomono complained, “That could be really dangerous.”
“It’s just a taser. All of my gear had to be approved by the school first, just like everyone else’s. Especially since I made it myself.” Yui sighed, rubbing her temple. This is all basic knowledge, what’s his deal?
“Enough. We’ll move to another ring. Shimizu and Amajiki, you’re up.”
Yui stood by herself as she watched the matches go on. Shimizu had a great Quirk for healing but she really needed to learn how to fight. Amajiki took on a whole different demeanor as tentacles appeared where his fingers had been, wrapping around the girl as he swung her out of bounds. And then he was shuffling back to Hado and Togata as they congratulated him.
Next up was Togata and Yamashi. It was a bad match up, no matter what rocks the teen sent his way, it never touched the other teen, but his clothes did slip off his body. The shock made Shimizu scream as she covered her eyes and made the rock-user falter in his attack, giving Togata an opening to slam his fist into the other teen’s stomach.
“Togata, why is your outfit not permeating with you?” Aizawa sighed as Midnight comforted the distraught girl.
“Well, sensei, my Quirk doesn’t work on clothes...” The teen rushed to pull his suit back on.
“They can make a suit from your hair that will make it work with your Quirk. See Power Loader after class.”
“If you need more hair, there’s a salon downtown that has a woman with a Quirk that grow’s hair in an instant. Just head there and bring the hair back to Power Loader.” Midnight smiled at him.
“I will! Thank you senseis, I didn’t think that was possible! Sorry you had to see that everyone!” He laughed as he walked back to his friends.
“Moving on, Hado and Haya, you’re up.” Aizawa sighed.
Yui watched the two girls fight, Haya was fast and able to dodge the waves of energy Hado released from her hands. They went in spirals so it slowed their motion, but eventually Hado was able to catch the other from watching the pattern she used to dodge around the ring, knocking Haya out of bounds.
Todani and Hayashi were next, the plant user calling the plant life Naganuma had created to try to wrap around the owl-mutant. But his talons came out to claw them to shreds, grabbing the other boy’s shoulders and flying him out of bounds. In his shock he lost control of his quirk causing some of the plants to combust, but thankfully Todani's reflexes saw him to safety as Aizawa moved in to give a lecture
Aizawa's red-eyed glare seemed to make the other students wilt, even if it was just directed at the shorter boy. "Hayashi, we need to work on this lack of control. Your Quirk can be highly volatile if you don't maintain focus. And while it got you through the entrance exam fighting robots, you can't rely on this kind of destruction. Especially as a rescue hero. You have to take into account the blowback caused by your lack of control could harm civilians,"
“Alright, next up is Yamazawa and Tomono.” Aizawa informed them, looking up from his board.
Yui turned to Tomono as he stepped into the ring, his hero outfit looked like a white tux, but she could see his gloves had reinforced knuckles, and he had knives on his belt. He flashed her a smile and that pull she felt yesterday got sharper. It was like a suspenseful feeling, like whatever Tomono was going to say next was something she'd have to give a lot of weight to. That even in conflict she'd need to consider them.
“Begin!” She shoved the feeling down as she ran at him.
His eyes widened as he held up his hands, “Y-You’re not going to hurt me, are you?”
She paused at the question, and that was the opening he needed, suddenly he had a knife in his hand. He blinked when the sharpened point didn’t tear the suit; Yui twisted away from the knife, knocking it from his grip as she grit her teeth.
Dammit, don’t fall for that again! Tomono dodged her punches and jabs, pulling another knife from his belt, those amethyst eyes narrowed as he slashed at her. The ex-vigilante ignored the attempts, the suit was built to withstand knives, though he managed to nick her cheek even when she dodged.
“Yui, aren’t you tired? You’ve been going at us without a break.” The words were almost like a lullaby, her eyes wanting to close and just take a moment to not move.
It’s just his Quirk, fight through it. She let out a growl as she threaded her fingers through pale blonde, red-streaked hair before she jerked his head down, his nose meeting her knee. Tomono cried out as he fell back, looking up at her from the ground as blood dripped from his nose.
“Yamazawa advances. Tomono can you stand?” They both jerked at Aizawa’s voice, looking away from each other.
Tomono scrambled to his feet, “I’m okay, sensei,” Shimizu walked over to heal his nose, the water in her containers was about half empty from healing any of the wounds the others got from the matches.
Yui sighed softly as she watched Togata and Amajiki fight, it was a drawn-out fight that left the ring a mess from Amajiki’s attacks. The two clearly had a feeling for each other’s styles and Quirks, Amajiki waiting for Togata to attack and trying to get him during that time when the other had to deactivate his Quirk to hit him. Eventually both teens were panting and when Amajiki went to use his Quirk, the clam shell was tiny and Togata smashed right through it, pushing the other out of bounds.
Hado’s fight against Todani was another that lasted, the teen taking flight and dodging her waves in the sky. But when Hado put her hands on her knees, seemingly exhausted and the other had swooped in to take advantage. Only for the bubbly girl to lift her hands when he was close and blasted him with the energy, forcing him out of bounds and to the ground.
“Alright. So we have Yamazawa, Togata and Hado. For the last round, it’ll be the three of you against each other. Are you up for it?”
The three all gave nods as they walked into the ring. Yui watched both of them, Hado is the biggest threat to me...I don’t know if her energy will affect my gear. And they know each other, they’re friends. I need to separate them. I’m going to have to use my Quirk...
“Begin!” Yui rushed the other girl, a chip manifesting in her hand as her eyes and the tips of her hair started to glow. Hado had turned to Togata at the start, going to blast him right away and turning away from the other teen. A flick of the wrist and the chip was embedded in the other girl’s temple, her light blue eyes glazing over as she stood still. A jolt of pain shot through her head once the chip connected and she gained control, making her grit her teeth at the new sensation.
“Leave the ring, Hado.” Yui commanded, ignoring the burst of pain in her temples as the girl obediently stepping over the line when she felt a tingle at the back of her neck. Yui turned to block Togata’s first punch, she quickly looked away as his clothes phased through his body.
“Am I really that bad to look at?” She grit her teeth at his teasing tone, feeling her cheeks flush as she jabbed her fist at his neck for it to just go through him.
“Oh I’m sorry that I don’t want to see you naked!” She snapped, trying to move back from him only for his fingers to wrap around her arm and pull her in. She stiffened at the contact, her free hand going for his fingers to yank them back only for him to wrap his other hand around her wrist.
Yui let out a growl before she snapped her leg up, only air as her resistance and knocking her off balance for him to slam her onto the ground, her arms pinned to the ground as his weight settled on top of her. Wait...he’s on top of me...naked... Yui could feel the tips of her ears heat up as she stiffened, screwing her eyes closed.
“Togata is the victor, now get off of her. And for the love of Kami, put your clothes back on.” Aizawa ordered, his voice as deadpan as ever.
“Oh right! Sorry Yamazawa. I didn’t hurt you did I?” Togata asked as he quickly got off of her.
“Just...please put your clothes back on. And I’m fine, it’s not the first time I got slammed into the ground.” She grumbled, sitting up as she averted her eyes. Not really how she’d thought this would go, but oh well.
“Do you fight a lot?” The blonde asked as he pulled his costume back on, “And it’s all good, I’m dressed again.”
“Oh! Is that why you’re covered in scars?” Hado asked, bouncing over to them. She didn’t seem afraid of the other girl after getting controlled by her.
“Nejire! You can’t just blurt that out.” Togata waved his hands, his eyes wide. Yui could feel her classmates’ eyes, looking her up and down.
“Yes Hado, my scars are from fighting. I’m sorry if they made you uncomfortable when I changed. You too, Shimizu and Haya. I can change in the stall from now on.” Her voice dropped into a monotone, but she met their eyes.
“I was just wondering how you got so many! They look like they’d hurt.” Hado smiled, rocking on her heels as Togata put a hand on her shoulder, “But they don’t bother me, we’re all going to get scars doing hero work!”
Yui blinked, looking at her before she smiled softly, “Oh, okay yeah. Thanks…I thought you’d be…put off.”
The other girl giggled, her eyes shining with curiosity, “Nope! Can you tell me where you got them?”
She scratched the back of her head, “Maybe someday…” A bell rang out through the gym.
“And that’s a wrap on class. Go get changed and put your cases back in the rack in the classroom. Togata, don’t forget to visit the support department. Have a great day class, you all did great!” Midnight called out as they started to make their way to the locker rooms.
“Yamazawa,” Yui turned to Aizawa when he called out her name, “You have a guest waiting at the gate, don’t keep him waiting.”
Her face broke out in a grin as she rushed to the locker room.
----------------------------------------
“Izu!”
The green bean turned to look at her, a smile breaking out on his face as he waved, “Yui-nee! I can’t believe I get to join you with your classes with Power Loader!”
She grinned as she handed him his I.D. badge, “And it’s official, from the principal himself. I didn’t hack you in or anything.”
He squealed as he lifted her up in a hug, “This is amazing! Let’s go make stuff!” She chuckled as he bounced past the gate before setting her down. They made their way to the Support labs, Izuku looking around with wide, star-filled eyes. He was finally seeing the inside of U.A. without being bandaged up.
“Yamazawa!” She looked up to see Togata, Hado and Amajiki walking toward them, “Is this your little brother? He’s so cute!”
Izuku’s face flushed as he slid a pace behind her, peeking over her shoulder at them. “Yeah, this is my brother, Izuku Yamazawa. He turns fourteen this year.”
“You two don’t look like each other though?” Hado tilted her head as she leaned around to try to get a better look at him.
“We’re adopted. But he’s my little brother. Anyone who says differently can meet me in the ring.” Her voice darkened as she grinned, a challenge glowing in those teal eyes.
“Yeah! Yui-nee has been my sister for almost four years now!” Izuku spoke up, stepping out from behind her; he flashed them his sunshine smile.
Amajiki whimpered as he looked away, “Too bright…”
“So did you talk to Power Loader about your costume, Togata?” Yui asked, looking up at the golden boy.
“Yep! I’m going to stop by that salon so he has more hair to work with. I’ve been meaning to try a new style.” He smiled as he ran a hand through his hair. “You’re the brother who analyzes Quirks, right?”
“Oh, um, yeah…I’m sorry if that’s weird I just really enjoy Quirk research and-" Izuku started to ramble as he shifted from foot to foot, looking down at the floor.
“That’s amazing! I can’t wait to hear your suggestions!” Togata sent him a sunny smile as he gave him a thumbs up.
“Oh oh! Me too please!” Hado jumped up and down as she raised her hand. “Do you have an analysis Quirk?”
“Um…no. I don’t have an analysis Quirk.” He said softly as he rubbed his arm, looking away, “I just really like studying them.”
Yui wrapped her arm around his shoulders, “We should get going. We have a meeting with Power Loader. I’ll see you guys tomorrow.”
Izuku smiled up at her, “Are you guys friends?”
Yui opened her mouth to say they were just classmates when Hado bounced forward, “Yep! Of course we’re her friends!”
“Yeah! Yamazawa is so funny, we’d love to be friends with her!” Togata beamed at them, nudging Amajiki. Yui blinked, I’ve never said any jokes to him, have I?
“Sh-She's nice…I-I hope she wants to be friends. I understand if she doesn’t want to though…” He mumbled, fidgeting as he stared down at the floor.
Yui blinked, staring at them in surprise as her cheeks started to feel a little warm. “I…uh…” she jolted a bit when Izuku poked her side, sending a half-hearted glare his way before looking back at the three. “I’d…like to be friends with you too…if you’ll really have me.” Kami, why did she feel this awkward?
“Yay! Of course we want to be friends!” Hado jumped up and down, beaming at them.
“Okay! We’re really gonna be late, green bean. Have a good night guys, someone take a picture of Togata with long hair before he gets it chopped off for me.” She started to pull him away.
“Okay, Yui! See you tomorrow!” Hado called out. The ex-vigilante almost stumbled as she pulled her brother out of sight toward the support lab, why did her face feel hotter when the other girl called her by her first name?
Yui's hero costume