My Hero Academia - Outcasts

Chapter Fifteen - Scars, the Marks of Heroes

"Matsura!" Daigo shouted, bounding his way through the winners circle.

The last buzzer rang and the rest of the students came buzzing into the doors. There was a rush through the area as friends reunited and shared a sigh of relief. He had heard rumors about the last of the winners entering the area battered and scuffed, and that they were from U.A. Searching through the crowd aggressively, Daigo had half a mind to activate his quirk and send everyone flying. But he knew that it wouldn't help anyone. He finally made it to the end, freezing where he stood as he stared at her.

Matsura was sitting on a bench outside the winners area. She had a blanket draped over her shoulders, her hands on her face, covering her eyes. She looked disheveled and beaten. Her arms were covered in small bruises and streaked in blood along with her uniform. Other students were avoiding her, walking around and whispering about her unsightly appearance. Daigo rushed towards her, shoving people aside and bracing his knees as he fell to them and skid to a halt in front of her.

"Matsura." Daigo said breathlessly, pulling her arms towards him. When he took her hands off her eyes, the girl immediately jerked her head to the side, rejecting his gaze. "Matsura, look at me." He begged, reaching for her face. "Matsu-" His hand flinched for a moment, just before grazing her cheek. He caught one glimpse of her bloodshot eyes and felt his fingers run cold. His stare loomed over tear-stained cheek, blushed and faded from crying. Closing his eyes, he brushed her hair back, pulling her face towards his.

"Emiko." He mumbled, just loud enough for her to hear. Matsura blinked, finally glancing back at him.

"D-Daigo..." she said, her voice trembled, barely making a sound. Daigo leaned forward, gaze locked with hers as he wiped the tears from the zippers on her face.

"What happened?" He asked, giving her a once over. Emiko blinked a few times, her hand moving to the collar of his jumpsuit. She tugged it lightly, as if trying to figure out if he was actually there. She felt his chest seize as she moved to touch his arm, grasping his wrist.

"I..." she choked, vision blurring over. "I hurt-" Matsura wailed, falling into his frame as she burst into tears. Daigo caught her, just barely, one arm around her and the other finding his balance on the floor as he was pushed back into it. She sobbed into his shoulder, arms tightening their grip around his back. He kept his breathing slow, adjusting to her weight on his chest as he reached to hold her head.

The students surrounding them gawked at the display, but took one look at the fire in Daigo's glare and immediately turned to each other, minding their own business. He held her protectively, brushing her hair in his fingertips as she quietly sank into his hold. They sat for a few moments, her strength around him never failing. Daigo was trying to figure out the best way to comfort her as quiet footsteps approached behind them. He turned his head around to face their teacher, who stared down at the two with a sunken look.

Hisakawa stood with her arms crossed, papers in her hands. She walked over and crouched near them, leaning forward to say something so only they could hear.

"You two, come with me." She whispered, keeping her gaze forward so the students around them wouldn't think anything of it. Yamato bared his teeth, glaring at her as he got in the woman's face.

"Leave us alone." He snapped, but was stopped as Matsura lifted her head. She caught a glimpse of her teacher and averted her gaze in shame.  "Emiko-" Yamato started, trying to balance her again before Hisakawa grabbed his shoulder.

"I have news," Yuriko's voice dimmed, "Come with me." She repeated, standing from their spot and turning on her heel. Daigo glanced over at Matsura's expression, desperately trying to read it. She vacantly nodded, gesturing up towards where Hisakawa was walking. Shaking his head, the boy stood slowly, helping his friend to her feet and holding out his arm for her to hold. She silently took it, following him as they all walked into a single room outside the stadium walls.