ROCKETEER

Chapter 2: Flying Chicken

"A writer's worst critic is themself." - Avian

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I rushed through the doors of Endeavor's Hero Agency early next morning, boxes of my office supplied in my hand. Luckily, the police station was across Fukuoka from my new agency, so running across town twice (he wouldn't let me take the bus) to transfer my stuff made up for missing my morning workout. 

Thanks, Endeavor. 

I finally got my stuff unpacked in my new office, which, I had to admit, was a lot better than my dusty, cramped office at the station. It was at least twice the square footage, with a wall of bookcases on one wall and two giant windows letting in natural light on another. I was given an allowance on upgrading, so I ordered a soft rug, some fancy guest chairs, and a new swivel chair for my desk. The Endeavor Agency also loaned me a work phone and computer, so I didn't have to use personals to do my job. 

I was immediately set to work, and I had to postpone my investigation on Best Jeanist's disappearance one more day to learn the ropes of the agency. I was shown Endeavor's office, which was just down the hall from mine, behind big double oak doors. I met my coworkers and fellow heroes on the floor, as well, and where the agency kitchen and break rooms were. Afterwards, I was set doing paperwork and answering phone calls from everywhere, asking for Endeavor's time. I was so busy, I barely had time to think. 

By lunchtime, I was exhausted and famished, and I finally got a second to look at my personal phone. 

Text message from: Mel

Mel: Hey girl! I'm gonna pick you up for lunch at 1, kay? Kay!

I smiled at the message. Melody Toraki was my absolute best friend in the entire world. I met her at Gang Orca's agency, before she debuted fighting a sewer monster four months later. Now, she's topping the charts at number 8 as Mellenium, with her own agency. I'm surprised she finds time to even chat with me anymore. 

So you bet your hoodie you're wearing while reading this that I was excited about seeing her for lunch. 

I sent her a quick message agreeing to lunch (not that she needed it, she would take me whether I wanted to or not), and she showed up ten minutes later, busting through my office door in her hero costume. 

"JACKYYY!!!" she screeched, before launching herself at me. I barely kept my balance with her hug, laughing as she violently swung us back and forth in a bone-crushing hug. 

"Hey, Mel!" I hugged her back gently, and waited for her dramatic greeting to be over. She finally released me and stepped back. She looked around my office, taking in the new atmosphere. 

She put her hands on her hips. "You finally got out of old Kugo's place, huh?" she asked, making a one-eighty turn back to me. 

"Yeah, but I still miss it. It's so professional and formal here, and I don't know anyone."  I told her, feeling a little weight off my shoulders after telling her some of my insecurity with working there. 

"Well, you'll find friends here soon, just like at Kugo's. Just don't replace me, kay?" She smiled at me, and I couldn't help but smile back. She's just contagious like that.