PHOENIX: A Pro Hero Toya Todoroki AU

Chapter 62: The Assimilation (July 30, 2124)

TW: weight discussion/body shaming

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The day is finally here. The day three ex-Vigilantes will spend the next two months living at our Agency. The day we assume responsibility for anything and everything that happens. If they so much as breathe wrong, we could be in deep shit. Kei, Rue, and I all ride the elevator down to the lobby where the Commission agents lie in wait with our apprentices. They had dubbed the assimilation an "apprenticeship" for formal reasons.

"Kei, you've never officially met Lady Magne have you?" Rumi snickers as she elbows him in the side lightly. Kei raises his eyebrow.

"Should I be concerned?" He asks, and I snort.

"She's got some weird obsession with me," I roll my eyes, and Keigo's gaze darkens.

"Well, I mean. How could she not? But also, that's my job," He stomps his foot, and I cover my mouth as I try not to laugh. It's fucking adorable. I've never had the type of frothing-at-the-mouth fangirls that Keigo has, so he's never really had to deal with anyone trying to sweep me away from him. I, on the other hand, have evaded harassment lawsuits by a hair with how protective I am of Keigo. Usually, I can get them to back up with just a stare or flashing my ring and making lewd gestures or underhanded comments. Keigo's never had to deal with such jealousy before.

"Relax, Feathers. I'll keep her under control," Rue smirks as the elevator slows to a stop. The doors open, and an unsettling energy permeates the air. The three Commission agents are dressed in all-black suits, complete with sunglasses and earpieces like they're part of some old spy movie. They're flanking the three ex-Vigilantes. Lady Magne is glued to her phone, and she's wearing an updated version of her old Vigilante outfit. She sports her trademark silver triangular shades, a silver satin tank top, and a new pink faux fur jacket with dark high-waisted jeans and black chunky-heeled boots. She's leaning up against a bright pink rolling suitcase that looks like it's overpacked. Twice looks overstimulated, and he taps his fingers on his black suitcase and wrings his hands, which are hidden beneath black leather gloves. Still sporting his Kevlar vest, though this one looks fresh, he now has a gray tank top and red cuffs on his upper arms, likely replacing the puffy wristbands. His solid black bandana now displays the Hero Commission logo, and he wears steel-toed black boots with the same tan cargo pants. Lilith is surprisingly clean; I half-expected her to show up with bloodstained clothes. She has a cherry red duffel slung over her shoulder and seems to be completely unarmed. The Commission made her ditch her white top, trading it for a blood-red one, most likely to conceal her dirty work. She still wears the same cardigan, skirt, thigh-highs, and boots that I last saw her in.

"Hawks, Third-Degree, Mirko. As of now, these recruits are in your hands. As soon as we leave this building, you three will be responsible for anything and everything that happens. Is that clear?" One of the agents mutters, and I crack my knuckles.

"Crystal," Hawks beams, and the three agents exchange nervous glances before turning abruptly and walking out the door.

"Hi, birdie! I wanna say sorry again for cutting you. I really hope there's no hard feelings! I promise it'll never happen again," Lilith breaks the silence with a childish grin, stepping forward and extending her hand for Kei to shake.

"It's Hawks. But, if you're truly sorry, you can make up for it by helping others and becoming a Pro under Third-Degree's wing," Keigo offers, shaking her hand warily. Upon hearing my name, Magne looks up from her phone.

"Ooooh! We're gonna have so much fun!" Lilith giggles, turning to face me. Before I can move, she runs up, wrapping me in a surprisingly strong hug as she jumps up and down like a schoolgirl.