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The air here is rich, and one of the hardest things that Mina remembers having to get used to.
Her insides feel like they're on fire, and it takes weeks for it to subside, for her body to figure out what to do with all the oxygen she doesn't need. Mina’s lethargic and weak for days, but eventually the oxygen filters in and back out instead of getting caught up with the carbon dioxide. Her teeth melt out and come back in a nauseating wave, and her horns grow and branch wildly.
Her parents were terrified. Terrified, that she'd die, that the very air that they breathe would kill her. Mina doesn't remember being scared, just. Just half resigned, and half hopeful. Maybe she'd go Home then. Maybe. Maybe—
She remembers feeling so guilty after.
But it gets easier after, too. Her skin pales, and her acid more corrosive, but it gets easier. Humankind has evolved since last her ancestors took a peek at the squabbling and still young planet. Mina doesn't stand out anymore than the kid two doors over who has the head of an earth snake. Quirks, they call it, and maybe she's a little envious, there wasn't such a thing back… back Home, she's about as common as brown eyes here. It's too much to hope maybe she'd end up like in those western comics her earth Mom reads, suddenly learn to fly or melt things with only her eyes, but that's okay.
“Your quirk is so cool, Mina,” Chie cooes, and tugs fretfully but only half-heartedly at her hands. “Mine’s so stressful. Did I tell you I got stuck to the bike rack yesterday?”
Mina laughs. “Do you know how hard it is find a hat to sit right over my horns? My poor ears are so cold during the winter!”
That makes Chie giggle, and Mina helps pry her palms free from the desk. Tries not to let it twist pins and needles in her belly that it's a lie every single time. Humans are wondrous and curious, looking to the stars unaware that someone used to peer back. They've got quite the grasp of the range of possibilities, but it's nothing on the real thing.
So, she bites down on the guilt, and says with a smile, “I could be a movie star! Imagine, Mina Attacks! ” to giggles and laughter.
Humankind, Mina thinks, grinning to match Eijirou’s, is worth saving. My Home is worth protecting.
Doesn't think of the ground cracking beneath her feet. Her siblings slipping with choked cries into blistering light, and the electric crackle of the atmosphere eating itself up. Doesn't think about that often anymore, just remembers their smiling faces fondly and thinks it'll never stop hurting. But. That’s okay. Mina will miss them always and forever.
“I'm not Superman or Supergirl, or even Starfire, but please respect my decision,” she says, and smooths Yuuei’s application down onto the kitchen table. “I want to be a Hero.”
Mom and Dad cry, but. But.
You're worth protecting.