Chapter Text
The cool breeze on her skin and the burning in her calves accompanied Annika as she pedalled her bike harder up the hillside. The sloping pathway through the trees gradually gave way to more open terrain, and as the azure sky filled her vision, the glass towers of UA rose on the horizon like a second sun. The lilac- haired girl gasped at the marvellous sight of her new school. It was nearly a miracle getting accepted there. Thanks to the recommendation of her former headmaster and a guy from class 1A changing courses – or so she heard – she got a spot in this years hero course. Since she was a little girl, she dreamed of becoming a hero, but her quirk was a bit tricky to find out about, and before she finally got examined, she was thought quirkless. Annika wondered what challenges and experiences she would live through during the next three years of high school ahead of her. And of course, what people she would meet and how the teachers will be...
Ah, there she was. UA Heights Alliance was towering in front of her, and as she parked her bike and started walking towards the impressive building, she started feeling a bit jittery and nervous. After all, she was the new girl, and those guys know each other for at least three months, or even longer.
And this time, her twin sister Verena wouldn't be there to support her, at least not at the dorms, because Verena was part of the support course.
“Okay, pull yourself together, you're a hero-to-be, and those are just students, and aspiring heroes that is. You've got this!”
She straightened her posture, took a deep breath, and opened the door and started to make her way to her new room.
As she entered what appeared to be a common room, she stopped for a moment and looked around. She saw a big lounging area with sofas and a TV, a fully equipped kitchen and eating tables as well as a reading corner and a Grand Piano made of ebony wood. The Common Area was buzzing with energy, students hustling around, conversations and occasionally laughter.
Annika took out the dorm room plan to look up the way to her dorm. Floor 4, next too an 'Uraraka'. As she just wanted to take a step further, a scruffy voice yelled: “Hey, lavender crown, I don't know your face. Are you lost, or what?”
The buzzing suddenly quieted down, and Annika saw a tall, ash-blonde guy with a somehow intimidating scowl on his face walking towards her.
A bit irritated by the young man's attitude, she put on a mock thinking expression.
“If I am correct, this is UA high school, and right now we are standing in the common room of class 1A's Dorm Building, as the big “1A” written across the building unmistakably states. Or, am I maybe wrong?” She stared right back into his crimson eyes, before adding: ”A simple 'Hello, can I help you?' is enough next time.”
The spiky haired guy looked about to explode, but just as he opened his mouth for an angry comment, a redhead with a sunny shark-toothed grin wrapped his arm around Blondies neck: “Oh, come on Bakugo, be nice to the new girl.” Then he smiled at Annika.
“I am Kirishima, that's Bakugou, and don't worry, he is always that loud but he means well.” “Hello Kirishima, nice to meet you, and thanks for diffusing that walking bomb. I am sure I will learn how to handle him. As you already said, I am the new Girl, Annika, recently moved here with my family.”
She flashed him a warm smile, being glad about his hearty greeting. Kirishima wanted to reply somethng but got dragged away by Bomb Guy. Another Person approached her, less intimidating, more serious looking, and with a polite smile on his lips.
“Hello Annika, I am Iida Tenya, Class representative of 1A and it is my duty and honor to welcome you. Please excuse the crude behaviour of my classmate. I hope you settle in well. If you have any questions, you may bring them forth towards me. I can also explain the school rules and time table to you, if needed.”
Annika reciprocated the polite smile and answered:”Thank you, Iida, I will gladly consult you if there is any lack of unclarity concerning organisational stuff. Would you kindly tell the class to let me settle in, so I can get some orientation here and get my stuff unpacked? It's a lot to take in and a Mister Aizawa wants to have a word with me in three hours. Don't worry, I will properly introduce myself before Dinner.”
Tenya nodded and showed her the way to the elevator. She thanked him again, wished him a pleasant afternoon, and then stepped into the elevator. Once the doors closed, she let out a sigh. Oof, new people and new surroundings can be exciting, but also drain her energy. “I hope I didn't come across as too cold or arrogant,” she reflected.
“Sure, Bakugou is very confrontational, but I don't want to make enemies right away by being distant. I think it will be easy to make friends with Kirishima or Iida, they are very friendly...” Annika's ruminations got halted by a 'ping!' as the elevator reached the fourth floor. She exited, and made her way to her room. The lavender haired girl opened the door, and looked around. Her new lodgings for the next years were quite spacious, and even had a little balcony. Different boxes were stapled on the floor, containing all of her clothes and belongings she sent to the school earlier. She set her timer, and started unpacking. As she was about to put her books in the large wooden bookcase, she heard a knock on the door. “Who could that be?” she wondered, as she went to open the door.
In front of her stood a short, brown haired girl with round cheeks and the dearest smile. “Hello, I am Uraraka Ochako! I thought, since we are living next door to each other, it would be nice to get introduced. How are you?”
Annika greeted Uraraka cheerfully. “Hello, Uraraka, thank you! My Name is Annika Brestrich. In Germany, you say your Family Name after your personal name. I am well, maybe a bit overwhelmed because this is all so exciting, and frankly spoken, I miss my friends in Germany.” “I get it, I would find it hard to leave everything behind. If you ever need someone to talk, or show pictures of all you friends to, I am next door. Just text me, or knock at my door.” Uraraka looked around. “I like your room, especially the musical equipment and plants.” A warm smile grew on Annikas face at such a friendly welcome.
“I appreciate your offer, Uraraka, and will gladly come back to you on that.” As she took out her phone to save her new aquaintaces' number, her timer ran out. “Oh dang, is it that late already? Sorry, I've gotta run to meet Mr. Aizawa! See you later, Uraraka, it was nice talking to you!” “No problem, see you at dinner, Todoroki will be cooking his favourite dish for everyone tonight.” “Count me in!” Annika cheered and waved Uraraka goodbye.
No five minutes later she arrived in front of the dorm, where she was supposed to meet her teacher. As she waited, she felt oddly watched. Annika sceptically observed her surroundings and listened closely. Birdsong, Wind rustling in the trees and rock music from somewhere in the building and.. aha. There it was. Silent Footfalls sneaking around. The lavender haired girl let her gaze wander to the direction from where she heard the footsteps. She felt his presence one moment before he appeared.
A heartbeat later a tall figure of a man emerged from the shaows, walking towards her. He wore a black, oversized jumper, dark trousers and a large, weird grey scarf, covering his neck up to his chin. His raven hair was lazily held together in a messy bun, and his face, covered in a stubbly beard , was lined with stress and sleep depravation.
His Aura was a mix of exhaustion, sophistication and demand. Handsome and mysterious.
The Man addressed her with a quiet, yet stern voice. “Welcome to UA. I am Shota Aizawa, your homeroom teacher and main contact person for the coming years.” Annika opened her mouth to return a polite greeting, but was cut off instantly by Aizawa. “You were approved by Nezu and your school reports from Hero Institute Hamburg are fine; still I lead my class as I see fit. And this means you have to earn your place in this course and keep up, as it is no effort to expel you if I get any doubts about your suitability as hero. Did I make myself clear?”
Annika, perplexed as she was, gave Mr. Aizawa a long incredulous stare, before she regained her composure. “Hello Mr. Aizawa. I am sure you can teach me everything I need to know as a prospective Hero, and of course I am doing my best to do justice to this honorable profession.” she paused for a moment, then smirked a bit in Aizawas Direction. “This speech about expulsion. Do you always tell this to your students to frighten them and make them go plus ultra? Unconventional, but effective, I suppose.”
Now it was Aizawa's turn to be puzzled. Not often a student does not only accept his challenge, but at the same time articulate their expectations of him and UA. Years of experience enabled him to appear unfazed as he continued speaking.
“I see we came to an understanding. We see each other on Monday. Until then I expect you to make yourself acquainted with your classmates as well as choosing your hero name. We will do your quirk assessment first thing next week. I wish you a pleasant weekend.” With those words the Pro turned around and walked away.
Annika hissingly exhaled her strain and insecurity she was trying to mask with her formal confidence. “Strange beast, that one” she mumbled. But unreadable and very experienced. She chuckled and returned into the student dorms.
With newfound pep she returned to the common room. Multiple students were present, one of them sunk a huge amount of soba noodles in an oversized pot. This must be this Todoroki guy Uraraka told me about she mused as she eyeballed the young man with the half white, half red mane and a widespread scar around his left eye.
She slumped herself down in an armchair and looked around. Squished together on the main couch sat a quartet of boys and a girl with hot pink coloured skin, immersed in a console game. Annika recognised Kirishima. Then there was a guy with yellow hair and a phone cable between his teeth, the next one had a lush lion tail and the fourth of them had emerald eyes and hair. Hold on. Wait a minute... What the hell is this guy doing with that phone cable in his mouth? Her flabbergasted expression turned into realization as she noticed the small sparks of electricity emerging from the boys mouth. I see, now I get it. How practical. And kind of him to do that for his friends.
Annika wanted to stretch her arms beside her, when she made contact with something warm, almost like a body part. Confused, since she saw no one, she took a closer look and was startled by a short pants and shirt floating beside her at the height of her head.
“Oh crap, I am sorry, I didn't realize you were standing here. I didn't want to grope you or something” she stuttered embarrassed, her face flushed red. The flying outfit turned towards her. “Oh, don't worry. I am Hagakure, and I am sure you will get used to my invisibility quirk very soon!” Annika smiled sheepishly. “Hello Hagakure, I am Annika. I will be more careful of my surroundings next time...” she promised.
All of this attracted the pink girl's attention, who sprang to her feet and approached Annika.
“Hya, new girl, don't you want to introduce yourself to us? I am sure, everyone is very eager to meet you!” Ah, so this must be the popular girl, the social networker every class needs. Annika got up and looked around. Eighteen curious faces plus Bakugous seemingly perpetual - annoyed visage stared at her.
“Hey guys, my name is Annika Brestrich. I just recently moved here from Germany with my sister and parents. As usual in Germany, I say my first name before my family name. You can call me both, whatever you feel at ease with. I will continue calling you with your family name, unless offered differently.”
“What's your quirk?” the greenhead inquired, ready to write down something in his notebook. “Midoriya, you really are a nerd sometimes”Kirishima laughed and shook his head. Annika briefly summarized: “In short, I can manipulate people's confidence and rearrange the stakes on the battlefield with that. Because this is a somewhat hidden quirk I was dubbed quirkless until five years ago.” She stared at her feet for a moment, then resumed talking. “My hobbies are tending to my house plants, reading, cuddling cute animals and the most important of all: Music, listening or jamming, or singing, whatever.”
The eyes of a girl with earphone jacks as earlobes started glowing. Finally some new to share her passion with. Annika took a moment to think, then concluded: “If you have any questions, feel free to ask them, and before everyone starts bothering me: No, I haven't got an ongoing love story.” She grinned.
Todorokis Voice sounded from the kitchen:” Now that introductions are out of the way, I need some help here setting the table.” With joined effort, dinner was served and ready in no time. After thanking Todoroki for preparing the meal, everyone started eating.
Annika grabbed her chopsticks and dug in. She raised her eyebrow in surprise after the first bite. Of course Todoroki had to notice it. “Something wrong?” he queried. She swallowed the bite and shook her head. “This is delicious, Todoroki, but... it is cold?” The boy gave her a bewildered look and stated flatly:”It's supposed to be.” “Aaahh, didn't know this. What's it called?” “Zaru Soba. I like to eat it when summer heat starts to exhaust me. It's light and refreshing.” “Thanks for explaining, I really like it!”
On the neighboured table the chatter grew louder, until Mina exclaimed: “Let's do a game night this evening, how does that sound? This way Annika can connect with us in a relaxed and fun way, and we as a class have some time to reconnect after … this exhausting summer.” Sounds of agreement from everywhere, and some growling from Bakugou, and in the end they agreed on eight o'clock.
Annika thought of her sister, Verena and wondered, if she was welcomed as warmly by her classmates as Annika herself was. She quickly typed a message on her phone, sent it to Verena and then continued eating.
“Iida, may I ask you a question about an assignment Mr. Aizawa gave me?” “Of course, ask away,” the bespectacled boy replied.
“So, I got the task to come up with some hero name for myself. We didn't do that yet in my old school, so maybe you could give me some leads at this?” Iida adjusted his glasses, then gave her a considerate look. “We had free pickings concerning our hero names, as long as it suits our quirk, how we want to be seen and of course nothing too... daunting. I myself inherited the hero name Ingenium from my brother Tensei.” Annika ´s eyes widened for a moment as she realised whose Brother she was talking to, because Ingenium was a internationally known Pro. Iida looked at the floor a bit flustered, then beamed a warm smile towards Annika. “I am sure you'll come up with something appropriate.”
Slowly, dinner came to an end and the students, after cleaning up the dining area, the students scattered, as it was still some time until 8 pm. Annika decided to return to her room to finish decorating and call her sister.
She speed dialled her sister on the phone and put her on speaker in order to have both hands free. “Hey Nika, what's up?” sounded her sister's voice like out of a tin can. Nika. This Name made Annika feel at home immediately, as Verena called her this since they were little girls.
“Hey, that's what I wanted to ask. Did you settle in well, and how are the classmates treating you?” Annika wanted to know while rummaging through her belongings.
“The rooms here are so spacious and light-flooded, and my classmates are awesome! I have my room next to a Mei Hatsume. She is loud and bubbly and already spammed me with 1001 ideas to use a chipboard, but she is also kind and open-minded..” Annika listened her sister's report about her first day at UA. Simultaneously she hanged her Ectoplasm fan posters and placed both her Ryukyu and Fatgum Action-figurines in the bookcase. Her Limited Edition Ectoplasm Figure found it's place exactly in the middle of the shelf with framed pictures of family and friends. “And how was your first day?” Verena inquired curiously. “Oh, it was great. My classmates are really a bunch of colourful, fantastic people...” Annika told everything, from her first encounter with the hotheaded Bakugou, the heart warming welcome by Uraraka, the odd meeting with her strange teacher, Todorokis delicious culinary skills and Iidas supportive nature. “And at 8 sharp we will have a movie – and game night to have some fun time together,” Annika concluded while stuffing her blanket and pillow in the bedclothes with plant print. “Oh, we already have ten minutes to eight, I should join the others in the common rooms now. See ya later, Sis, love you!” she added. “Love you, too, Nika, have fun!” Verena cheered and ended the call. Annika quickly changed into a colourful shirt and a jeans jacket with sweat – sleeves and hood, as well as a blue sweat skit ending slightly above her knees. She grabbed two bags of crispy pretzel snacks, and rushed towards the common room.
Most students were already there, and Annika noticed another girl she didn't recognize from the dinner´, talking to Urararaka. Because of bodily appearance and posture, as well as the wide smile, somehow that girl bore resemblance to a frog.
A dessert waggon was there, filled with tea and drinks, and a guy ´called Satou brought a self made walnut - chocolate chip cake.
Different consoles were standing in front of the TV, and movies were piling on the living room table. Soon they agreed on watching a pre-quirk karate movie and after, they played many rounds of a car race / hero fight game. It was a great evening with lots of laughter and joy. In the later hours, one by one went to their rooms, until only the night owl faction of the class was left. Bakugou was fallen asleep lying on the sofa with his head in Kirishimas lap, who was snoring loudly, one hand in Bakugous hair. No one dared to wake them up, as they sure would be embarrassed. Midoriya was drawing something in his notebook while Jirou worked on her newest song. Iida was surprisingly still awake, sipping orange juice and solving a puzzle in a detective game, Annika was assisting him with it. She was sure, she would become friends with some of those amazing people. As she went to sleep later, her last thoughts before drifting off were filled with excitement and anticipation about the years to come.