Chapter Text
To Kaida it was obvious, that there was no winning in this situation. The best way to survive today was to keep her head low and not to anger her aggressor.
“C’mon! We’re gonna miss the train!” There were many ways she could be spending this Sunday. Lots of ways. She could be arms-deep in one of her latest projects, or she could fix that one line of code that has been giving her problems for the past week. She ran her hand across her forehead, disgusted at the sweat she had just by walking downstairs.
Japanese summers and humidity certainly lived up to expectations.
She slipped on her shoes, tapping her pockets and bag running through her mental checklist. Keys, phone, wallet, AirPods, train pass, what else was she missing?
“You know, if I knew you were going to be so slow, I would have gone on my own,” her little sister, Myzumi, called out as Kaida closed and locked the front door. She rolled her eyes, pocketed her keys, and chased after Myzumi, who was already running towards the train station.
“Wait up!” Kaida called out. It was too early to be running . “Myzumi seriously slow down! The train leaves at 4. We have time,” The younger girl showed no signs of slowing down.
“That’s what you said last time, and then we somehow ended up in Osaka!”
“That was one time! Are you ever going to let that go?”
“Never!” Myzumi laughed, grabbing a light pole to swing around the corner. Kaida groaned and picked up the pace.
The streets were a mosaic of activity, though the heat was barely tolerable, the humidity making the air feel thick. Office workers were just starting to trickle out of surrounding high rises, promises of meet-ups at karaoke or izakayas floating through the air. The occasional sighting of a school uniform also showed some nearby schools were out for the afternoon. Some smaller restaurants were slowly setting out chairs and tables on the sidewalk as the sun made its way behind the surrounding high rises, anticipating the evening foot traffic. The whole city felt like it was waking up from a mid-afternoon nap.
Kaida was finally catching up with Myzumi who seemed to be slowing down as the foot traffic close by got busier the closer they got to the station. She saw Myzumi hesitate briefly before cutting through a nearby parking lot.
“OI GIRLS!!” Kaida and Myzumi jumped at the shout. They both stopped in their tracks and looked over at the building on the other side of the parking lot. “Don’t run in the parking lot! Stick to the sidewalk!” A woman yelled from outside the building. She was a taller woman, what made her catch Kaida’s attention was the scars across the right side of the woman’s head. Light and dark scar tissue marbled across her darker brown skin. Kaida could only imagine what could have caused damage that severe.
“Sorry, Ma’am!” Myzumi shouted and stopped to bow. This gave Kaida time to catch up and bow in apology as well.
“Just be careful!” The woman called out again before going back to her conversation on her phone. Kaida nudged Myzumi to the sidewalk and the two continued their walk to the station. She would chew out her sister for getting them yelled at but it was too hot to bother.
Kaida popped in one airpod and started shuffling through her music as they both continued, now at a slower pace, walking to the station. “Remind me again why we had to come out in 103* heat when we have a perfectly working air conditioner at home?”
“Cause,” Myzumi rolled her eyes. “I saw on TikTok that a beach that was closed for years recently reopened.”
“And this couldn't have waited, why?” The two had reached the station. They stopped their conversation for a brief moment. Kaida swiped her train pass for both of them, and the two walked through the turnstile and joined the other waiting passengers on the station platform.
“Cause you have your entrance exams tomorrow,” Myzumi continued, leaning against one of the poles of the platform. “We’ve been able to hang out more often since we moved here. But now that you're going to UA-”
“We don't know if I’ll get-” Kaida cut herself off with the glare Myzumi directed at her.
“You're going to get in,” she said with an air of finality. Kaida held up her hands in surrender, knowing this was a fight she would lose. “But we’ve been able to hang out more often since we moved because you’ve been taking online classes. But once you get into UA, you won't have as much free time as before. I just wanted to have one more fun day out before that,”
Kaida looked at Myzumi. As much as Myzumi got on her nerves, she could tell this was something she felt deeply about. When they first came to Japan, Myzumi dragged her everywhere , bookstores, parks, malls, anime and cosplay cafes, you name it. All of the touristy spots, Myzumi had to see it. It had become something she had looked forward to, not that she would ever admit it.
The train pulled right into the station at 4 on the dot. Myzumi seemed to be lost in thought and didn't see the train pull in. She nudged Myzumi’s arm. “So this beach, what was the name again?”
Myzumi led the way onto the train, excited that they had scored two seats despite the beginning rush hour.
“It’s called Dagobah,” Myzumi pulled out her phone and showed Kaida the screen. “Whoever named places around here must have been a big nerd,”
“Why's that?”
“I always forget we are different kinds of nerds.”
“Just be careful!” Cam shouted. She watched the older of the two girls catch up with the other and the two moved over to the sidewalk. She nodded in approval and moved her phone back up to her ear. “Sorry Nedzu,” She reached into her bag grabbing her ID badge from the outside pocket. She swiped the card and walked into the building.
The Force was as busy as ever, even coming in through the back entrance like she was. She waved at a few locals who were helping unload a delivery truck in the vehicle bay. More calls of her name rang through the building, and she gave more waves and silent hellos as she passed.
She saw a few of her sidekicks huddled around one of the many TVs on the wall, commentating on the new coverage of a villain attack from earlier in the morning a few districts over. A large digital board on a far wall displays real-time updates on emergency calls and the status of various teams.
The Firefighters were just arriving back from a call of an apartment fire. Cam had gotten a notification while she was in her meeting earlier.
She gestured to her phone as the Fire Captain on duty called out to her. He nodded in understanding and handed her some files as she passed on her way to her office. Great just what she needed, more paperwork. She held her phone to her ear using her shoulder as she rearranged her hold on her bag, the new folders of papers, and other things.
“Ever the watchful eye aren’t you Pyre?” Nedzu continued through her phone.
She took a second to answer as she shuffled around a pair of kids who ran past her to the Courtyard of the building. They threw half-hearted apologies over their shoulders as they rounded the corner. Cam gave a tired smile. “Look I’m all for kids having fun but running through a parking lot with Emergency vehicles coming in and out isn’t the best idea,”
“Never said I didn’t agree,” Nedzu chuckled. Cam rolled her eyes, placing a folder between her teeth to free one of her hands to scan her ID to open her office door. She glared at Kagura who was happily sitting in her chair behind her desk. Kagura gave a distracted wave not looking away from the screen.
“As much as I enjoy our talks, Nedzu, I can’t help but think you need something.”
“Why Pyre, do you think so little of me that you would think I wouldn’t just call you 'cause I wish to speak with my friend.” Cam shared a knowing look with Kagura. “Well, that is half correct,”
“Thought so,” Cam laughed. She groaned a little and she set her bag down on the couch in the room. She flopped down in the well-worn cushions. She gave a stretch and draped her legs over the arm of the couch. She knew she had a lot of work she had to get done but it seemed Kagura was already getting a handle on her to-do list. “Been a bit since you asked for a favor. Think I owe ya a few at this point, think it's time to settle the tab.”
“Glad we can come to an understanding. I’ll make this quick. I know you have your hands full.” Nedzu continued. “As I’m sure you're aware, tomorrow is the UA Entrance Exam. I’m also sure you're aware of the panel of judges that the Commission requires we have during the practical exam.”
Cam made a noise in agreement. “Of course, it took me almost 3 years to get enough backing to get that policy in place.”
“Well, one of our judges got called on an emergency placement. Without that final judge, I’m afraid we won't be able to hold the practical exam tomorrow.”
“And you want me to fill this spot?”
“Correct! We need an impartial judge who isn't an alumnus of UA, per the guidelines you helped enforce.” Cam huffed. Annoyed.
“Are you sure it's a good idea?” She asked looking up at the ceiling. She could already feel the suspicious looks, annoyed glares, and whispers from other pros. She mostly stayed in her district nowadays, and rarely did she venture outside of her boundaries. She had her hands full enough with everything here at The Force. She had gained a lot of notoriety in Pro Hero circles with her campaigns for new protocols and regulations. Both equal amounts of positive and negative. “I don’t want to hurt your reputation.”
“Of course not Camilla,” Nedzu said with a tone of finality. “What kind of educator would I be if I didn't find the value in those of differing opinions? " She smiled softly at the endorsement. “I trust the staff of UA wholeheartedly; you will find no hostility from them.”
“And the other judges?”
“... that I sadly cannot guarantee.”
“I appreciate the vote of confidence Nedzu, but like you said I got my hands full here.” Kagura stopped typing away at the keyboard and looked over at Cam.
“I can handle things for one day Pyre.” Cam looked over at her. “I got most of the paperwork from the call center is all input, Iwasaki already finalized the programming schedule for the week, Wednesdays are usually pretty chill, ya know?”
Cam still felt hesitant.
It was not that she doubted her sidekick's inability to handle things on their own for one afternoon. She had spent weeks away on assignments before and came back to The Force still standing. However, there was that one time with the delivery truck. Time and time again, the sidekicks swore that the incident was an accident.
“I respect your decision, Camilla. So if you truly do not wish to accept the offer I understand” Nedzu’s voice continued over the phone.
“... one afternoon?” She asked.
“Just one afternoon, we’ll even consider this as payment for 3 of the favors you owe me.” Cam liked the sound of that.
“Fine, I’ll do it,” Kagura pumped a fist in the air from the desk. “Send me an email with the time, place, and whatever other info I need.”
“Spectacular, I’ll be sure to send it by the end of today. Thank you once more, Camilla.” The call ended and Cam took a second to look at her phone. She picked up a pillow from the couch and yelled into it. The extremely flattened pillow did little to muffle the sound.
Kagura made their way over to the couch, pulling back her hair into a ponytail. She crouched and sat on one of the floor cushions surrounding the low table.
“Do you need a listener or input?”
Cam’s voice was muffled from the pillow. “Both? Both are good.” Kagura chuckled and brought out a pad of paper. A few well-placed pen marks and a soft yellow glow, and a teapot and teacups sat on the table. Still not moving the pillow, Cam reached over and pressed her hand against the side of the teapot. Her palm glowed orange, and within three seconds, the tea kettle was whistling. The orange glow on her palm disappeared as fast as it had come.
“So I take it you're not looking forward to tomorrow, right?” Kagura asked, see serving the tea into the cups for the both of them.
“I don't know why I agreed,” Cam said. She moved the pillow off her face and stared at the ceiling.
“Cause you’re a people pleaser who can’t say no when people ask you for a favor.” Kagura’s response was a pillow to the face.
“You’re not helping,” Cam snapped halfheartedly. Kagura laughed at her captain's childish outburst, taking it in stride. She took the pillow that had assaulted her face and sat on it, happy for the extra cushion.
“On the other hand, it could be that as a Pro Hero, you find it hard to decline people’s requests for help. Not a bad thing, all things considered.” Kagura took a sip of her tea. “Why do you think you said yes?”
Cam stayed quiet for a second before answering. “I don’t know,” She ultimately sighed. Kagura nodded.
“Not a bad thing, not knowing. Do you think it comes from a positive place?”
“Maybe? Yes?”
“Then I think that's all the reason you need,” Kagura said with a soft tone. “As much as I give you shit for never saying no, I know it comes from a place of a genuine desire to help those you care about.” Cam stayed quiet. She could understand what Kagura was saying, but the little voice in the back of her head wouldn't let her accept the compliment.
A knock came from the door of the office cutting off their conversation. Kagura sighed, dropping the teacup back onto the paper, where it disappeared with a flash of yellow light. She walked over to the door. “It’s just one afternoon, Cam. One afternoon of watching kids take a test, run some laps, or something. It’s not like you have to bring one of them home with you.”
Kaida loved her house. She did. Her mom, sister, and her all had their rooms, albeit smaller than her room back in Kansas City. Though there was a small attached garage, she had taken over it as her current workshop. She knew it was only temporary until Mom was able to renew her Driver's license. There were individual remote-controlled A/Cs in each room, within walking distance to a 24/7 7-11, which she was already taking full advantage of.
“Now remember, make sure to show your letter at the front gates,” Her mother, Emiko or Emi by those she was friendly with, rushed around the kitchen. Kaida was quietly sitting at the table eating her toast and watching her mother scurry around the room. “Text me when you get there and when you leave so I know when you should be home.”
Emiko Casas is a vibrant woman in her mid-40s with an impressive presence. Standing tall with a larger build, she moves with a dynamic energy that reflects her unyielding drive and creativity. As the head of a renowned fashion and design line, Emiko is always bustling with activity, juggling various projects and constantly innovating. Her keen eye for detail and passion for fashion are apparent in the meticulously curated pieces she oversees, each reflecting her unique style and flair. Despite her demanding schedule, Emiko is incredibly attentive to her family. Her love and commitment shine through in the small moments—whether she’s offering a comforting word, attending her children’s events, or crafting personalized surprises for them.
Emiko hefted her workbag over her shoulder, doing a once over around the room, patting her pockets to make sure she had everything. She walked over to Kaida and pressed a kiss to the top of her head.
“You’re going to do amazing sweetie,” Kaida leaned into her mother. The two enjoy the moment of quiet in the early morning.
“Thanks, mom.” Kaida smiled up at Emi. Emi beamed back, placed another kiss on her head, and started walking to the front door“Now be sure to call Hakamada-san-”
“I know Mom, I know.” Kaida laughed. Emiko glared at her daughter but ultimately rolled her eyes. “Love you mom, have a good day,”
“Love you too,” Emiko called out. The front door closed a few moments later leaving Kaida alone with her breakfast. She enjoyed another few minutes of silence before putting her dishes away and beginning to make lunches for both herself and Myzumi.
So yes she loved her house, but there was one negative side.
The location.
Back in Kansas City, her school was only a 5-10 drive, maybe a 20-minute walk. She may have overlooked the commitment of the 45-minute commute from their new house to the UA campus. The first rays of dawn painted the sky in hues of orange and pink as she arrived at the station. The air was already warm and humid, typical of a summer morning. Kaida joined a small crowd of commuters waiting for the train, some faces still half-asleep, a gentle buzz of conversation mixed with the soft whir of traffic underneath the raised train rails.
The station was bathed in the soft glow of fluorescent lights, and the hum of the early morning rush was punctuated by the occasional chirp of cicadas from the tree-covered gardens. The train arrived with a familiar whoosh, its sleek, modern exterior a contrast to the traditional surroundings. An aesthetic she was growing to enjoy the longer she lived here. As the doors slid open, a cool blast of air conditioning greeted Kaida, a welcome relief from the summer heat.
Stepping inside, the car was already bustling with people. The seats were filled with commuters immersed in their newspapers or smartphones, while others stood, holding onto the handrails. The rhythmic clatter of the train on the tracks and the gentle sway of the carriage provided a soothing backdrop to the quiet hum of the morning routine. As the train pulled away, Kaida watched as the city slowly came to life outside the window. She popped in one of her airpods and swapped to one of her more chill playlists. A serene start to the day, a moment of calm amidst the inevitable hustle of the day ahead.
It was one of those mornings.
One of the mornings when everyone starts to test her patience for other people's bullshit.
“Now don’t forget that Hiruma-san will be coming by at 3 to pick up this week's reports.” She shouldered on her jacket and straightened out the cuffs. “Red is the station, green is the call center, yellow is the agency.” Kagura was nodding along as Cam spoke but was only half listening.
“Are you even getting any of what I’m saying? Cam asked in an annoyed tone as she tightened the laces on her boots.
“Yes yes, Hiruma 3 o’clock, something about folders, I got it I got it,” Kagura answered. The sound of an annoyed boot hitting the floor made Kagura jump.
Yes, Cam had left the Force for longer periods but that didn't stop her from worrying every time she left, even if it was just for a day.
Kagura leaned on the desk, hands under their chin with a cheesy smile.
“Have I ever told you how good you look in your uniform?” Cam rolled her eyes and blew a strand of hair away from her face. She gave her arm a stretch and shoulder a roll, ensuring that the compression sleeve was in a comfortable place.
She knew it wasn't often those who worked with her saw her in her full hero costume. Not that she avoided wearing it; it just wasn’t practical to wear it when it was so close to her regular firefighting uniform. She saved the actual hero costume for actual hero work and not for just walking around her agency or the adjoined buildings. The one-sleeve jacket and utility pants had just had some recent upgrades she had asked for, but also some stylization she hadn’t expected. Her right arm and left leg now have some stitching and details on the black fabric that give the impression of molten lava cracks. She was just glad the designer stuck with her wishes to keep changes minimal.
“I swear every time I wear this y’all lose your shit.” Cam rolled her eyes grabbing her bag. She shot a finger and glared back at Kagura. “Folders. Hiruma. 3. Got it?
“Aye aye, Cap-ee-tan,” Kagura saluted. Cam once again rolled her eyes and walked out of her office.
With how The Force was designed in a Large 3 building U shape, Cam’s main office gave her a wide view of the entire grounds. Which also meant the entire grounds had a good view of her office.
Despite the early hour, there were dozens of people rushing about. Firefighters run last-minute checks of supplies before ending their shifts when the next shift begins in a short while. Sidekicks were sitting in the small courtyard, seemingly having just got back from a dawn jog. Some members from the call center building were walking across the courtyard, boxes from a neighborhood bakery in hand. An early morning treat for the call center employees no doubt. The sound of Cam’s office door closing was a sound those at The Force had become attuned to like a child knowing the sound of their parent's footsteps.
All of those gathered in the courtyard and surrounding buildings took a moment to stop and watch their leader walk out of her office. The sight of her upgraded hero costume drew their attention.
Yes, everyone was aware that Pyre was a pro hero; most of them wouldn't be employed if she wasn't. Though the sight of her looking the part was rare, it stirred excitement and admiration. Cam herself always gave an aura of confidence and warmth, giving off a sense of comfort and the ability to get tasks done.
Walking in front of them was not Cam.
This was Pyre. The district pro hero, as the assembled team exchanged looks of anticipation and resolve, Pyre’s presence in her full costume unified them in a collective surge of purpose and readiness, setting the stage for the challenges that lay ahead for the rest of the day.
Kaida walked off the train at the station, quick to step off to the side to allow other commuters to walk around her. She looked around the street, trying to figure out what way she was supposed to go. She had seen so many pictures of UA and seen how big it was that she thought once she got off the train, she would easily be able to see it or find it. But the surrounding buildings were so high that I couldn't tell what direction to go in.
She was about to pull out her phone to look up the directions when she spotted a familiar ID badge.
When she submitted her information to take the entrance exam, she received a temporary ID badge for today. UA implemented this to ensure that only those who had correctly applied were allowed on campus today.
“Hey, are you going to UA?” She called out to the other girl. She turned around and Kaida was quick to put her face in her memory. A relatively plain-looking girl with lighter brown hair and what seemed to be a permanent blush on her cheeks.
“Oh yes, I am.” The girl responded, nervously grabbing her backpack straps. Kadia smiled softly.
“I’m not from around here. I was so excited for the test that I forgot to look up the directions for how to get to UA from the station.” She showed her temp ID badge. “Do you know the way?”
The girl visibly relaxed and gave a bright smile. “Oh yeah, no problem! You can walk with me.” Kaida smiled and walked in step with her. “My name's Uraraka Ochaco by the way.”
“Casas Kaida. You can just call me Kaida.” She offered as they walked. Her walking partner seemed to be confused. “I grew up in America, so I'm used to people calling me by my first name. If you start calling me by my last name, I feel like I’m in trouble.” she laughed.
“Moving to Japan must have been a big change then, huh? " she laughed. “Okay, I’ll call you Kaida only if you call me Ochaco, okay?” Kaida nodded and smiled.
The two girls make small talk while walking up through the streets. Mostly Kaida answers Ochaco’s questions about Life back in the US. After a few streets of shops and homes, the tall buildings stopped at the base of a large hill, giving both girls an unobstructed view of the large UA campus.
“It almost doesn’t feel real huh?” Ochaco asked. The two were just staring up at campus. “We’re so close to going here, I can’t wait.” The two continued their walk. “You said you're aiming for the hero course right?”
“Yep. Ever since I was a kid I knew UA was going to be my top pick of schools.”
“If you don’t mind, can I ask what your quirk is?” Ochaco’s cheeks pinked as she asked.
“It's fine, I don't mind. My quirk is kind of a lot to go into, but to simplify it I have to ability to control the Matrix at will.” She raised her hand and created a mixture of purple-tinted light in her hand. “I can create different constructs and machines with the energy that I can interact with but if other people try to interact with them they phase right through them.” She created a transparent robot spider, something she had made an uncountable amount of times before. It skittered across her shoulders, down her arm, and then dangled off her finger on a glowing purple string. Kaida held out the construct to Ochaco. The other girl opened her hand to accept the spider. When the spider detached from the string of web and dropped into Ochaco’s hand it burst its soft sparks of light before disappearing on the wind.
“So it's like photokinesis?” Ochaco asked. “I think that's the right term”
“Similar but like I said it's more complicated than what I just mentioned.” Kaida tapped her head. “Maybe if we both get into UA I can tell you more about it.” Ochaco seemed to accept that answer.
“What about you? What's your quirk?” Ochaco brightened up at the question and started to go into a breakdown of how her quirk functioned as the two reached the top of the hill. They both got in line with the other prospective students waiting to have their IDs scanned so they could enter the grounds.
“Your quirk seems like it could really come in handy for hero work,” Kaida said.
“That's what I told my parents.” Ochacho agreed sadly. “I think they didn't really want me to go into hero work but I know that if I want to reach my goals, the hero course is my first step towards them!”
The two finally reached the check-in point and both girls went to separate staff members. Kaida reached into her bag and pulled out the paperwork Hamakada-san had sent her the night before.
“Good morning. The letter said I needed to present these papers when I got here?” The staff member happily took the papers and gave them a once-over while scanning Kaida’s ID.
“Ah a recommendation student,” The staff commented, they handed the paperwork back over to Kaida and pointed over to a path to the left of where a majority of the other students were walking down. “Recommendation students will be taking their test separately from the general acceptance students. Take the left path, and there will be another checkpoint where you can show these papers again.” They handed over the paperwork and ID abc to Kaida and gave them a beaming smile. “Best of Luck and welcome to UA!”
“Wow you didn’t mention you here on recommendation,” Ochaco gasped as she walked up to Kaida. Kaida shrugged, tucking the papers back in her bag.
“Even if I wasn’t recommended, I would still have applied and been in the same groups as you.” Kaida smiled back at Ochako and she started down the diverging path. “Good luck with your exam and I hope we get to see each other when the school year starts!”
Cam was known by her sidekicks and those who worked at The Force as a stalwart, steady, and level-headed leader. A pillar amongst the community, the blueprint.
She felt like the exact opposite at this time.
During the whole drive over to UA, she was fine. Driving was secondhand to her; Cam’s mind focused solely on her destination, and she didn’t have the brain capacity to think about other things while driving. So before she knew it she was getting to the UA faculty parking lot and then proceeded to sit in her car and stare at the cement wall in front of her for a solid 20 minutes. She wouldn’t be able to tell you what was going through her head during that time she sat in the car, her mind seemed to be thinking about nothing and everything all at once.
Everyone is going to stare.
I think I forgot to put on deodorant.
They’re going to ask questions about then.
Did you turn off the stove?
They're going to ask questions about them.
She felt her phone vibrate and that helped break her line of thinking. She was thankful for the distraction, not liking where her mind may have gone if she had continued in her spiral. She pulled out her phone and saw it was just a message from Nedzu saying her guide had just arrived at the parking lot. She took a steadying breath, gathered her things, slipped on her orange-tinted glasses, and stepped out of the car.
She looked around the parking lot and saw the tell-tale swoop of blonde hair over the top of the cars.
“Yo, it's my girl!” Present Mic’s voice called out through the parking structure. “Pyre, where have you been hiding?” He shouted. Cam winced at the feedback in her hearing aid, but it disappeared as soon as it came.
“I saw you like two weeks ago at the block party your radio station was holding. You’re acting like you never see me,”
“Well yeah, I see Camilla pretty often,” Mic rolled his eyes like she had asked the dumbest question. “But how often does Pyre herself make an appearance?”
He gestured at her hero costume. Cam rolls her eyes snatching the guest pass Mic had been waving at since she had walked up. She clips the badge to one of the thigh straps of her costume and continues to walk past Mic.
“Not you too,” She groans as Present Mic falls in step with her. “Everyone back home was saying the same shit when I left this morning. They think they're being quiet but even with my shitty hearing I could hear them talk.”
“What? Have you become so jaded that you don’t get excited to see heroes anymore? What happened to that childish sense of wonder?” He wiped away a non-existent tear.
“That disappeared quite a while ago I’m afraid.” Cam shrugged playfully. “But I guess I see your point. It does feel nice to dress that part sometimes ya know?”
Now Cam, like anyone from Japan nowadays, had seen UA in pictures, video tours, and the occasional news story. However, those did not hold a candle to the real thing. The entire school was a testament to the title of “Number 1# Hero school”. The entire campus was ultra modern with round edges and lines that directed the eye. Dynamic design paired with the school’s surrounding landscape gave a contrasting beauty. A beacon of modern innovation.
“Man, you get to come to work to this every day?” Cam asked Mic. The blonde hero gave a soft but proud smile.
“Have to say, working here is a dream come true.”
“You were also a student here right?”
“You got that right! What school did you go to Pyre?” Cam readjusted her bag on her shoulder as they entered the main building for the School.
“Oh, I didn’t go to a hero school.”
“Really?”
“Yeah, I’m one of the few who got their hero license later in life. I think I got my provisional license when I was… 20. Then my official license around 23 or 24.” She felt Present Mic’s stare. “Please don’t comment on how long ago that was. I don't need a reminder of how old I’m getting.”
“It's not that, it's just I don't see many people get their licenses outside of hero programs.”
“It is a little rarer nowadays, but it can still happen, Career changes can happen at any age. In my case, there was a need that needed to be filled so I stepped up. I’ll tell you the full story someday,” She wrapped up as they came to a stop outside of a door labeled with a paper sign, ‘Judges Landing’
“Alright, listener, this is where I’ll be leaving ya.” The present mic shot some finger guns her way. “But I will take a rain check on that last offer. Maybe we get some coffee and call it a date.” He wiggled his eyebrows playfully. Cam chuckled and rolled her eyes.
“As much as I hate being reminded of how old I am, I will play the age card here Mic. Find a person born in your decade at least,” Mic shrugged and took a few steps backward.
“You lose every shot you don't take. Catch you later Pyre.” Cam laughed again waving Mic off. As soon as he turned the corner she gave a heavy sigh. She cracked her neck giving another sigh at the satisfying pop it gave. She smoothed her hands over her clothes, readjusted the bag on her shoulder, and stepped through the door.
“Okay now remember what we talked about?” Emiko looked both ways before taking Kaida’s hand as they crossed the street.
“Be nice to the other kids, raise my hand if I know the answer, and don't just blurt it out.” Little Kaida was dressed in her best. Of course, Emiko wouldn’t let her daughter walk out in anything less than the best, but she was dressed exceptionally nicely today. Her skirt was freshly ironed, her white shirt was crisp and clean, and her hair was freshly pressed. Kaida had a little skip in her step as the two of them walked down the school's pathway.
“Ok good what else?” Emiko asked. Kaida stopped at a tree looking down at the ants crawling up the bark.
“Did you know that ants do not have ears or lungs?” Emiko rolled her eyes and grabbed Kaida’s hand to continue their walk.
“That's interesting honey but we need to focus, what else did we talk about?” Kaida took a second before answering.
“Do not correct the teacher, the teacher is not my friend, the teacher is my teacher.” Emiko smiled brightly. They reached the front gates of the school, and Emiko pulled her daughter closer to the brick exterior wall. She brushed a few leaves out of Kaida’s hair before kneeling to her level so she could look at her directly.
“Perfect. Now make sure to sit in the front row so you can see the board and remember the last thing we talked about last night.”
“...”
“Kaida?”
“It just doesn’t make sense.” Kaida pouted with a stamp of her foot. Emiko sighed, feeling another headache coming.
“Kaida, we talked about this- ”
“But I know the answers are right.” Kaida huffed. Emiko groaned and grabbed Kaida’s hands in her own.
“That doesn't matter sweetie, you don't finish a test in 10 minutes and just walk to the front. You should at least check your answers a few times.”
“But I know the answers are right.” Kaida insisted.
“Yes, but it can make the other kids feel bad.” Emiko offered half-heartedly.
“And that matters why?” Why was she ‘blessed’ with a supercomputer for a child?
“Because an 8-year-old finishing a college-level Trigonometry test in 10 minutes will hurt anyone’s feelings.” Emiko looked hopefully at her daughter but grew even more emotionally tired as the blank stare continued. Alright, time to pull out the big guns. “and good heroes don't hurt other people's feelings.” A beat of silence passes between the two and then a look of understanding floods Kaida’s face.
“Well, why didn’t you start with that?” Kaida chirped. Kaida took her lunch bag from her mom's hands, placed a quick kiss on her mom's cheek, and skipped onto the large university campus. “I’ll see you after my economics class Mom!”
One thing about Kaida is that she never forgets anything. No, really she can’t forget anything, she had the privilege of being born with an Eidetic memory. Of course, she didn't realize what it was called till after her actual quirk had awakened, but once her quirk awakened and she was able to verbalize what her mind was capable of, she found that she lost one of her best excuses to get out of things.
She can't say she forgot her homework. Can’t say she forgot to take out the trash and she can’t say she could ever forget what her mother taught her.
So when she finished the 100-question entrance exam in 20 minutes, she followed her mother's rules from years ago, she went back and triple-checked her answers, and even took a few extra minutes to perfect how her name was spelled and outlined on the test before walking up to the proctor and handing over her packet. She gave a big stretch as she walked outside the test room, spotting a few open seats near some of the windows that overlooked one of the many wooded and shaded walking paths that littered the grounds. She popped in her airpod and started going through some of the many TikTok her friend from back in the US had sent her overnight.
She was slightly relieved to see that she wasn't too far off with how long she waited to hand in her test. A few students also walked out of the test room about 5-6 minutes later. Those 3 seemed to know each other from outside the school as they walked out of the room to stand outside, talking about some of the questions on the test. Kaida found herself beginning to doze off in the sunlight streaming in through the window.
Kaida knew this was a very busy and popular school but the sheer quiet in the hallway, save for the occasional rustle of paper or throat being cleared from inside the test room, gave the space a very liminal feel. The feeling that something that should be there was missing also existed at the same time. She fell into a sleep-like trance, something she was used to with how her brain and quirk functioned. While her body itself may be at rest her mind was always aware of its surroundings, never fully shutting off. Like a laptop that was left open for too long and the screen went black to save battery.
She felt the telltale sign of a person sitting not too far away from her, she allowed her brain to reach out, her eyes still being closed, while not able to get her a full picture she was able to get the sense that there another student was sitting a few seats away from her. They were clearly trying to be quiet, probably under the impression that Kaida was asleep. She allowed her eyes to crack open the slightest so she could get a look at the other person.
She was lanky, like her limbs had stretched out overnight so her clothes were just slightly too short. Kaida watched as she tried to pull down the hem of her overall pant leg with her sneakers. Now in a quirk-powered society seeing meta-humans or those with less-than-normal human features was the norm. The small 5-inch antlers coming out of the top of the girl's wavy brown hair at the top of her head still drew Kaida’s eye.
Kaida continued to observe the girl, having nothing else better to do till the test was over.
She watched as the girl raised her arm and a glowing, green, translucent vine emerged from her arm. The vine seemed to have some form of sentience as it seemed to ‘look’ around the room before winding around the girl's arm again, seemingly traveling up her sleeve to her other arm that was resting over the back of the chairs in the hall, it seemed to bask and relax in the sunlight coming from the window. Kaida couldn’t hold back her curiosity anymore.
“Can I ask you something?” The girl gave a startled squeak, the vine disappearing in little pinpricks of light. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to scare ya.”
“That's ok. Did I wake you up? I’m sorry,”
“Nah I wasn’t asleep, just bored.” Kaida laughed. “I was gonna ask about your vine thingy?” The girl held up her arm, and the green vine appeared again, looking over at Kaida with what she could only classify as curiosity.
“Oh it’s my quirk, it’s not alive, but I guess it does have some kind of sentience in the most basic of sense.” The little vine nodded along in agreement.
“It looks see-through, is it able to interact with different objects?” Kaida asked. The other girl shook her head.
“Oh well, the vines I can summon can only physically interact with organic and living materials.” The vine extended over the two seats that separated them and wrapped around Kaida’s hand and gave it a shake like it was saying hello. “But when it comes to inorganic and nonliving materials it's spectral.” A Second vine snapped out of the girl's other sleeve at incredible speed to the window they sat by. Kadia, for a moment expected the window to shatter but was surprised when the second vine seemed to clip through the window. Like a game that was still in beta, the vine reached the window but then seemed to disappear, but still maneuvered like there was nothing wrong.
“I’m sorry I never got your name?”
“Casas Kaida, you can just call me Kaida.”
“Ah, you're American right?”
“Was it that easy?”
“Not really, but I live around a lot of people who have a lot of visitors from outside the country, so I tend to pick up on accents pretty easily.” She retracted her vine, and once again, it dispersed into a sparkle of light. She held out her hand for a handshake. “I’m Hamakawa Rie,” she said with a bright smile, allowing Kaida to see the purple-colored braces. “Are you nervous about the practical tests?”
“A little. Knowledge tests I can do no problem, physical tests are a little harder to predict.” A look of understanding came over Rie’s face.
“You have some kind of knowledge quirk huh?” Kaida was genuinely impressed.
“How’d you come to that conclusion?”
“Well for starters, I saw you finished the tests about 15 minutes into the 2 hours that gave us. I also saw you go back and check your answer a good few times.” Rie was counting off on her fingers as she went. “The whole time we’ve been talking, your eyes have these numbers, letters maybe, running through them. Plus you just have this energy of ‘I know more than you’ kinda thing going on.” Rie laughed into her hand.
“Man, you’ve been watching me that long? I have a stalker before I even get famous.”
“Listen if I’m going to be a healer I have to learn to be observant on the fly, at least that's what my tutor always told me.”
“Ah, so you have a healing quirk?’ Rie nodded, bringing her feet up into the chair so she was sitting cross-legged.
“Yep! I’ll be coming to UA on the medical hero track, not the normal heroics track like everyone else.”
“Well, how’s it different?” Kaida asked.
“Well if I get into UA, I’ll be a hero studies student but I won't be part of the heroics classes, I’ll be in my special track. I’ll be taking the normal hero studies courses with the other students in my grade but when they go to their practical classes and simulations I’ll have my courses that focus on pre-med and other related subjects.”
“So are you taking the same exam as the rest of us after this?” The timer inside the classroom rang and they both heard the remaining students inside beginning to gather their stuff. Kaida stood up, Rie as well, ready to walk to the locker rooms so she could change into better clothes for the practical exam.
“Nope.” Rie popped the P at the end of the word. “My practical exam is going to be with the school nurse. I’m going to show my quirk in action by healing any injuries that the students in the regular entrance exam might get during their test.”
The pair of them walked out of the building with the rest of the crowd, Rie stopping when the paths diverged.
“What do normal students have to do for their tests?” Kaida asked as Rie started walking. Rie turned around and started walking backward as she answered.
“No clue, but I’m expecting a few bruises or scrapes or something, nothing that serious I bet.”
“Just a moment All Might.” Toshinori stopped before entering the judge's room. He looked back at Nedzu who, as always made himself comfortable on his shoulders. “Now I know you’ve had an eventful morning so far.” Toshinori gave a wince, remembering the lecture he had gotten from the principal when he arrived almost half an hour late today. The First round of practical exams had already been completed and they were in the process of setting up the grounds once more for the next round of students. “And since this is your first year being part of the entrance exam, there's a crucial fact I want to make sure you’re aware of.”
“What is it?”
“While those on staff at UA have been made aware of your unique circumstances, UA is required to have some of the judges be current staff members, Board members, and some outside professionals as well. You will have to make a decision about who you will be before we enter the room.”
He looks at his scrawny, sweaty hands. He has only a few minutes left in him, only so much strength left to be All Might today. That was why he thought he had some time to spare for some villains on his commute this morning.
“I think it best that Toshinori Yagi be the one attending this meeting,” He chuckled with a nervous rub of his neck. Nedzu seemed to nod in agreement before gesturing back to the door in front of them.
The lighting in the room was dim, most of the light coming from the entire wall of screens that gave everyone in the room multiple different views of the grounds. Robots and some members of staff could be seen sweeping up debris and robots from the previous waves of potential students. He felt the confused stares from the other staff members but a knowing look from Nedzu seemed to squash any questions that might have been asked. The assorted staff members were all standing instead of in the assorted seats in front of the viewing screens.
One would think that after the almost 5 years Toshinori had been living with the two persona’s he would be used to the stares, but the looks still weighed heavy on his tired soul.
A small tap on his head drew his attention and he tilted his head to Nedzu.
“Go this way, there's someone I want to introduce you to.” Nedzu gestured to the far side of the room. Toshinori complied heading where he was directed. While there was lively conversation happening on the side of the room closest to the entrance the far side of the room was less busy, the only two people on this side of the room being 13, her costume making her easily recognizable, and someone Toshinroi did not recognize.
“I mean, really who in their right mind thinks a hotdog is a sandwich?” 13 laughed, wiping away a tear. “It was nice catching up with you Cam, don’t be a stranger ok?” The other woman, Cam, nodded giving 13 a small wave as she walked away before looking back at Toshinori and Nedzu.
Nedzu climbed down from Toshinori’s shoulder, allowing him to stretch. Nedzu and the woman exchanged pleasantries giving Toshinori a chance to observe this newcomer. She wasn’t that young, not his age but older than some of the other teachers.
He was drawn into the scar that extended from the outer corner of her right eye and continued across the right side of her head. The right side of her black hair was shaved down but she kept it long on the left side. Her right ear, while it was attempted to restore fully, was slightly misshapen due to the scars. He saw a hearing aid in that ear as well, showing that the function of the ear was also not fully restored as well.
What he found most striking was her eyes. While the iris being a bright yellow orange was striking on its own. It’s the fact that eyes seemed to be backlit by some light source within that was intriguing. While not a bright glow it did give the area in the darkroom a soft warm orange turned glow. Her eyes suddenly darted to meet him and he jumped a little not realizing how long he had been staring.
“Looks like you got yourself a new teacher, Nedzu,” She asks, giving Toshinori a look over. That was a look he had seen multiple times in his long, long, long career. A look that would give you all you needed to know about a person; weak points, possible hidden weapons, body language, and other visual clues that would give you insights into a person. She held one hand out to him.
“O-Oh no I’m not a teacher,” He replies and shakes her hand. He was surprised at how warm her palm was but also rough and calloused.
“This is Yagi Toshinori,” Nedzu answered. “While we haven’t made it public news yet, we have the privilege this year of our number one hero joining the Hero course program as a teacher”
Her eyebrows shot up in surprise. “Really now? Dam that is something,” She sounded genuinely impressed. “Surprised you managed to get him to stay in one place long enough to agree to it.” She laughed and that got a chuckle out of Toshinori as well.
“While All Might himself couldn’t attend today, he sent me to take notes and record the students during the exam for him to go through later,” Toshinori gave as an answer to her unasked question.
Nedzu’s ear twitched as he turned towards the other side of the room where another staff member was waving him over.
“I’m sorry to cut in but it seems I am needed. Feel free to continue talking, the next wave of students should start momentarily.” Toshinori and Cam both waved him off.
“I’m sorry I never got your name?” He apologized.
“Camilla Moriyama, just call me Cam,” she shrugged with a half smile. “Or if you have to be formal about it my hero name is Pyre.”
Her hero name finally connects the missing pieces Toshinori had been trying to connect about why she looked familiar. While they hadn’t met in this form, they had interacted a few times at larger Villain attacks or emergencies. Pyre mostly took on support roles while he tended to be on the front lines, so their paths never really crossed.
“Is this your first time observing the Practical exam?” Toshinori asked in an attempt to make small talk. Her face seemed to light up.
Cam shook her head. “I’ve observed it once or twice but it’s been a bit. I’m mostly here as a favor to Nedzu,” She nods in the direction the principal left. ”He knows I’m not that big a fan of these kinds of things, but he values my input despite our opposite views on things.”
Toshinori’s eyebrows knit in confusion. Cam seemed to see this and continued.
“It’s not a big secret or anything. Just not the best crowd to bring up the topic around,” She gestured to the other pro heroes around them. “Maybe if we run into each other again we can have an open discussion,” she offered with a smile.
“I have little free time but I hope I can take you up on that offer someday.”Toshinori smiled back.
“Man free time, I forget what that was like,” Cam said leaning on the armrest of the chair in front of her. “Nowadays I’m lucky if I get to have my coffee in the morning before someone blows up my phone.”
“I can’t remember the last time I had a peaceful morning in either,” Toshinori laughed as well. “It's just the life we chose.” Cam grinned and nodded in agreement. A green light above the screens lit up, and all the other staff members seemed to start filing to open seats. Toshinori looked around for open seats.
“You’re welcome to sit over here with me if you like,” Cam offered, taking a seat on the chair she was leaning against. “There might be a few pens and notebooks near where ya came in if you didn't bring one,” She held up her notepad.
“That sounds like a wonderful idea thank you Pyre,” Toshinori made his way over to the table Cam had gestured to. He reached for a notepad, but a hand shot out and stopped him midway. Toshinori took a step back, the person being a little too close for comfort. He recognized the man, larger in the middle, with too much cheap cologne that came into the room before he did. Kojima Masatake was one of the higher-up board members of UA, once a mid-ranking Pro Hero when Toshinori himself was making his way on the scene, now a shell of his former profession.
“You’re All Might’s assistant right?”
“Secretary-” Kojima cut him off with a dismissive wave.
“Same thing,” Kojima pointed a large finger up at Toshinroi’s face. “I am doing you a favor, I’m letting you know now that interacting with that, Hero school reject, won’t reflect well on your boss.” Toshinori’s eyebrows furrowed. “Moriyama is known to be one of UA’s biggest opponents when it comes to limitations and policies. It won’t look good if someone close to All Might is seen conversing with her.” Toshinori reached one of the notepads from under Kojima’s hand, and he will admit tugging a little harder than he should. Kojima stumbled a little bit but caught himself easily.
“I think you will find All Might and those he surrounds himself with are more open-minded than yourself,” He snapped. “Have a nice day Kojima-san.” He turned his back and walked back over to Cam’s little corner. The distance between herself and the other members of the judge's panel seemed to be larger than ever. He fell into the seat next to her with a groan, his stiff muscles giving sighs of relief at the surprising warmth of the cushioned seat.
“Yagi-san?” Cam’s voice broke through his relaxation. He glanced over at her. She had brought her legs up on her seat, notepad resting against her knees. Her eyes illuminated the page as she wrote down something he couldn't quite read. “Thanks.”
“You’re welcome.”
Kaida had run through so many different simulations in her mind, trying to prepare herself for today. She had prepared herself for rescue scenarios, natural disaster simulations, and hostage negotiations. Hundreds of possible different outcomes for what could be coming within the next few minutes. Once Rie had gone off on her own, Kaida was on her own again. The other recommendation students didn’t seem as open to conversation as Rie had. Not that she minded, she just slipped in one of her AirPods and went through Twitter.
After about 20 minutes, a staff member came by the locker rooms and let them know they could begin to head out. Kaida joined the rest of the students, and they all moved over to the battleground as a large group. She saw some of the boys were talking. One in particular was a good deal more… passionate (loud) than the rest, but most of the other boys didn't seem to mind getting riled up with the guy, either.
Just as they were arriving at the battleground another group of students was leaving. The large group all talked excitedly. She managed to pick up a little about what they were talking about, something about a blonde “demon” who had demolished a good third of the battleground. She saw the scrapes and bruises some of the students were nursing and she began to knock off some options from her prediction list. She caught sight of Rie’s antlers in the crowd, she seemed to be helping a student limp along.
“Alright!” Present Mic’s voice echoed through the large battlegrounds. “I need all my listeners to gather around!” Just as the non-recommendation students had mentioned, the battleground was a sight for sore eyes. Kaida could imagine what the grounds would look like on a normal day, just a generic downtown metropolitan area. However, as it stands now, it told a completely different story.
So this is what happened to Khaenri'ah. Kaida thought as she took out her AirPods and put them back in the case in her pocket.
“Alright listeners, I know you’re all eager to see what we have in store for you today.” Present mic announced, he shot some finger guns at the students. “You guys are here 'cause you got something special about ya. So much so we got letters from some high-ranking members of Hero Society, for UA to give ya a special chance at attending here.” He waved over one of the small robots Kaida had seen zooming around campus. She really wanted to get a hold of one and see how it functioned. The little robot popped open a hatch on its back and Present mic reached inside.
“We got word about how great y’all quirks were and now we are going to put y’all to the test!” He pulled out a pair of bracelets that made Kaida’s stomach plummet. Oh no, this had not been on her list.
“UA wants to see how you all do without those flashy quirks of yours. Your goal is to make it to the other side of the battlegrounds without being able to rely on your abilities!”
Well, shit.
“What about number 201?”
“What about them?”
“Well, they took down 8 2 pointers in just a few hits. Seems they were able to find the flaw in the machine's design and was able to execute a takedown pretty efficiently.” Toshinori offered. Cam flipped the page in her notebook going back to 201.
The practical exam for the non-recommendation students had just been completed and the judges were given a small 20-minute break before having to continue with the recommendation students' practical exam. Most of the judges and staff members had taken the time to stretch their legs and grab some food from the provided catered lunch table. Cam wasn’t feeling the idea of food so she was just gonna hang back and work on her notes. Yagi had voiced that he also shared the same sentiment about eating and had asked to compare notes with her.
“Ah, I remember that kid. His face always looked like he was holding back a sneeze.”
“Did he?”
“Oh yeah,” She laughed. “Look back at the recordings when you get a sec, once you see it you won’t be able to unsee it.” She slid her notebook over to Toshinori. “You’re right that he was quick to find the weak points in the robots but for 5 of those robots he pushed 3 other students out of the way to swipe their points. One of those kids got treated for a sprained wrist cause of the fall.” Toshinori nodded along as well, copying some of her findings in his notebook.
“You’re good at this kind of thing,” He said, sliding her notebook back across the table.
“Got it from years on the job,” She shrugged. “Ya know I wasn't always a Pro,” She heard Toshinori’s pen stop, but she continued to write on hers. “Before I got my hero license I was a firefighter,” She gestured to the scars on her face. “Got to keep a souvenir. I heard what Kojima said earlier. ‘Hero School Reject’.” She spat
“Don’t listen to him,” Toshinori offered softly.
“He isn’t the first person to call me that and he won’t be the last.” She finally put her pen down and leaned back in her chair giving a long stretch. “I got good at observing 'cause I had to, I had to learn who I could and could not trust. It’s little things that can show the truth about a person. I like to think I’m a good judge of character,” She gave a half smile to Yagi. “Thanks again for what you said earlier, I had worries about coming here today but you made things a little more tolerable.”
“Anytime Ms. Moriyama,” Yagi nodded as well. The entrance to the judges' room opened and other staff and judges began to walk back into the room. Cam felt the glare from Kojima but did her best to ignore the look. She gave a wave to 13 who walked in with some of her coworkers.
“How do you know 13?” Yagi asked as he gathered up his notes.
“Don't all rescue heroes know each other?” Cam laughed. “Part of the job. We always run into each other at different emergency incidents or villain attacks, we get together once a month as a group and talk shit about the combat heroes,” Cam laughed even harder at the look of genuine concern that crossed Yagi’s face. “I’m joking, as far as you know I’m joking. Yes, we run into each other on the job sometimes but 13 lives in my District, and she reports to me sometimes depending on the assignment or incident,” The confusion washed away replaced by a look of understanding.
A few members of staff had taken their seats once more, watching the screens as the group of recommendation students were receiving their directions for the next half of the exam.
“I just don’t understand why it was voted for this to be the practical exam,” Kojima’s nasally voice called out. Cam felt her eyebrow twitch in annoyance, but she tried to focus on her notebook. “These students are supposed to be the best of the best, but the best UA could come up with is an obstacle course where they can’t even use the quirks they were recommended on?”
“That's because recommendation students aren’t recommended just based on their quirks,” A gruff voice from the back of the room snapped. Cam glanced over her shoulder and saw a mess of long black hair, half blocked by a tangle of a capture weapon. Eraserhead, if she remembered correctly, she’d seen the name on some paperwork that had crossed her desk a few times back at The Force. “UA is known to be the top hero school in Japan. Students who are written in on recommendation not only have the test scores and quirk to back their endorsement, but they have to also be able to show that they are willing to put in the work to continue to be a cut above the rest.”
“While I can see some merit in that view, surely there has to be another way to show this?” Kojima countered. “An obstacle course that even I could do blind does not sound like something the ‘top hero school in Japan’ would partake in,” Cam heard herself laugh before she could stop herself.
“Have something to add Pyre ?” Kojima sneered in her direction. The way he said her hero name came off as an insult. Like it had a bad taste in his mouth and he was trying to keep it in for as little time as possible. Cam smiled sweetly back, making sure to hold direct eye contact with Kojima.
“Oh nothing, just the image of you attempting to run through the course in that clearance rack suit I found very amusing,” She flashed her canines, allowing the heat inside her to increase. Her eyes sparked even brighter. She felt triumphant hearing Yagi and Eraserhead snicker as well.
“Why you-”
“Um? Excuse me?” A young girl's voice cut Kojima off before he could continue. The staff members all sat up straight looking around the room for the source of the voice. “I’m not sure if you can see me, I’m down here, brown girl with the new shiny bracelets,” The staff all looked at the screens for the training fields and saw the group of recommendation students all working on getting their quirk canceling bracelets on. One of the students seemed to be looking directly at the camera, giving a cheerful wave with both hands.
“Hey so like you told us to wear these quirk-canceling bracelets for the obstacle course. Great. No problem. I can do that.” Cam watched as one of the test proctors walked up to the girl. “Yes. Hi. Hold on a sec in the middle of something here.” She turns back to address the camera. “Anyway. However, while my quirk has emitter tendencies, it's mainly focused on my eyes and brain, which the bracelets don’t affect much.” She gestures to her head and back at the camera. “Clearly. But like I’m ok with putting on a blindfold or something to cut back my vision, but there isn't a lot I can do about shutting off my brain, I do apologize. So if y’all have a workaround or something, I am more than willing to do that.”
Cam finds herself cackling before she can stop herself. She didn't even care about the stares from the other staff members she was getting at this point. The universe must love her today. Cam wipes away her tears and flashes another toothy grin at Kojima. “What was that you said about doing the test blindfolded?” Kojima averted her gaze and sat back down in his seat. Cam reaches over to a button on her seat. “Ya sweetie, if you're confident in your ability to complete the obstacle course with the added handicap, I would love to see this.”
“Yes, ma’am!” The girl gave a double thumbs up and walked over to the starting line with the other students. As she walked, she pulled down the black bandana she had initially used to hold back her braids. Her hair seemed to melt in a wave from black to stark white. She took a second to make sure the blindfold was secure before turning back to the camera to give a small two-fingered crossed salute.
Cam wasn’t sure why the hair color change was necessary, but it seemed to affect some other students, who looked slightly apprehensive about the sight.
The obstacle course went through without incident. Other than the students who came in first and second getting into a tense altercation towards the end, nothing seemed to come of it and the boys separated before any of the adults had to step in.
Nedzu came into the room shortly after the first portion of the exam had been completed and announced that the judges would choose at most 3 students to conduct the interview portion of the entrance exam test. They would make their choices using their notes and findings from the previous test. Lists of example questions were handed out, but ultimately, the judges had the option to make up as they went along. Cam watched as the judges all started comparing notes and submitting names.
“Hey Nedzu?” Cam asked, “You said we had to pick at most 3 students?”
“Yes, that is correct,”
“Well, what if I just want one? The girl with the braids?”
“Oh did a student catch your eye?”
“Not really, but I do want to thank one student for helping make a fool of Kojima earlier.” She grinned.
That's how Cam found herself here, in a little side room that UA had set aside to conduct the interview portions of the exam. She leaned back in her chair and enjoyed the late afternoon sunlight coming in through the window. A knock at the door brought her back to reality. The door opened, and the girl of the hour walked in.
“Good to see you in person rather than through a screen,” Cam stood from her chair. The young girl bowed in greeting and Cam returned the bow as well. A look of recognition crossed her face as Cam spoke, making Cam smile even wider. The girl had good ears to recognize her, as she had only heard her once.
“Well, sit, and we can start this interview.” Cam gently rubbed her right leg after she sat, all the sitting from today causing her joint to stiffen and get sore. The girl also sat down, her posture giving off tension. ‘I’m calm. Who said I wasn’t calm?’ energy.
“Before we begin, I got to say thank you,” The young girl looked confused. “Won’t go much into detail but you helped someone I don’t like get knocked down a few pegs. Felt like divine intervention,”
“As he deserves.” She replied.
“I never said it was a man,” Cam countered.
“You didn't have to,”
“Good answer,” Cam laughed. The back-and-forth banter did what Cam hoped. The girl seemed to relax a little more, shoulders lowering a little, back straightening ever so slightly. Cam pressed a button on the table between them, and a red light started to blink on the table display. “Alright, state your name for the records.”
“Casas Kaida.”
“Alright, Miss Casas. As you know, this is the interview portion of the entrance exam. I have three questions, but depending on your answers, there could be more. I’ll start with some easier questions and then get to the more direct ones. Even though this interview is thought to be just a formality, I want your complete honesty when it comes to your answers, alright?” Casas nodded, a look of determination replacing the anxiety.
“Tell me a little about yourself.”
“Ok. What do you want to know?” Cam could tell Cassa needed a little more of a direct approach.
“Well, why UA? I can tell you’re not from around here.”
“Well yes and no. I didn't grow up here but I was born here. In the 4 years I was here, me and my two best friends wanted to be Heroes. One said he was going to be the best of the best, even surpassing All Might. The other was one of the sweetest people you could meet, sugar incarnate, he has the spirit of a true hero. Then there's me. I didn't think much of heroes, I didn't think much about being a hero. I just wanted to stay by their side. So if that meant becoming a hero that’s where I would go.”
“Ok and where are they now? Did they apply here too?”
“I don’t know.”
“You don't know? Didn’t you get back in contact with them when you moved back?”
“I wanted to,” Casas said her voice becoming smaller. The whole time they had been speaking so far, she spoke with this confidence, but now all Cam saw was a young kid, coming to terms with reality. “Part of my quirk is an eidetic memory, ‘The internet is forever’ ya know? But my memories from before I moved are like any 4-year-old, fuzzy and vague. I remember their nicknames but a 4 year old doesn't understand the concept of last names. I’ve gone back to the area we used to live in a few times but haven’t had much luck either.” Cam offered what she hoped was a reassuring look.
“You seem like a smart kid, I’m sure you’ll find them eventually.” Casas nodded, staring at her hands for a moment before straightening back up. Cam gave her another moment to compose herself and continued with her questions.
“Other than those friends. What else motivates you to become a hero? Do you have any personal values that drove your decision to try and become a Pro Hero?”
“I know that my quirk has an infinite amount of ways it can be applied. I could be a billionaire in at least a month.”
“So why haven’t you?”
“My biggest opp is physics and the inability to open credit cards and loans. I’ve calculated millions of different outcomes. No matter the scenario I come up with, it's always something that can help others. I want to help people, I want to be able to save people, in every possible way.”
“Ok, so counter questions. You said you want to save lives? Why not be a firefighter? Cop? Paramedic? There are other ways to save lives other than Pro Hero work.”
“Well for one thing,” Casas counted off on her fingers. “Computers and heat don’t really mix. So firefighting, not the best route. Then two, there is a difference between losing a life because I wasn't able to get to them in time. I can handle the concept of not being able to save a life cause of outside sources, but directly benign the course of the life lost I would not be able to handle.” Cam jotted down some notes.
“Next questions. What do you think is the most important quality for a Hero to have and why?”
“Passion,” Casas said without hesitation. Cam expected her to at least need a few moments to think about an answer.
“Care to elaborate?”
“The passion and desire that even after a hard day, to have the ability to wake up the next morning and still go to save others. The ability to get back up no matter how hard you fell or may fall, you know Spider-Man always gets back up.” Hmm good answer, Cam thought. She watches as Casas fidgets in her seat as Cam writes her notes. Cam saw her eye color occasionally switch colors: one-moment lavender, then blue, then green. She saw little translucent abstract shapes appear around Casas’s hands. Little sparks of color also came up from under the table where Cam felt Casas’s leg never stop tapping during the whole interview.
“Alright, just one last question.”
“That's it?”
“Yep that's it, told ya that the interview is mainly a formality,” Cam smiled. “What do you think sets you apart from other candidates for the Hero course?”
“Adaptability,” Cam gestured with her hand for Kaida to continue. “My quirk is multifaceted, even though I'm still learning about everything that it can do, but one thing I do know is that the only limit it has is my imagination.”
“Ok, so what have you been able to do with this ‘limitless’ quirk?”
“Oh well,” Casas scooted her chair closer to the table. “Let me explain…”
Nedzu knocked on the door before opening it a small portion. He heard Casas pause in the middle of her discussion. Cam was leaning on the table, seemingly engrossed in the conversation.
“I do apologize for interrupting but the interviews were completed about 20 minutes ago.” Casas flushed and hurriedly stood.
“Oh my god, I am so sorry!” She pushes her chair back under the table, grabs Cam’s hand and shakes it. “I can talk so much when it comes to my quirk, again so sorry.” She is out the door before Nedzu or Cam can stop her. Nedzu turned back to Cam who was still seated at the interview table.
“Well, you two seemed deep into that conversation.” He remarked.
“...What?” Cam asked. Nedzu hopped up on the table to be able to speak at Cam’s eye level.
“Well, you both have been here talking for almost an hour? Most of the other staff completed their 3 interviews in about 30 minutes. What were you both speaking about this whole time?” He asked.
“Couldn’t tell ya,” Cam groaned leaned forward as she rubbed her eyes.”I zoned out like 5 minutes in, but I don't think… god what was her name again? I can’t even remember what I asked that got her started at this point.” She slid her notebook over to Nedzu. “What is it about me that attracts the talkative people?”
“Could be that you’re too polite to ask them to stop.” Nedzu offered to take the notebook and flip through the pages. Meticulous as always. He could always rely on Cam to be detail-oriented.
“I prefer to think the Universe just likes to torment me,” Cam said standing up. Her bad knee gave a loud crack as she stood. “If that's all Nedzu, I think I’m gonna head out.”
“Quite alright, Camilla. You’ve done me quite the favor by coming in today.”
“What are friends for, but after today I’m gonna need at least 12 hours of silence to recharge, ya know?”