Savior (My Hero Academia: Todoroki x OC)

Chapter 57: Work Study Pt. 2

I told Shoto the week would be over before we knew it and those words proved accurate. The week really had flown by as I worked nonstop alongside the other work study students at Edgeshot's agency. But just because time moved quickly, didn't mean it was uneventful. We arrived back at UA late in the evening with classes starting the next day. Despite the late hour, Shoto and I sat snuggled together on a sofa in the common room where he told me about all he had gone through during his time with Endeavor. I was somewhat horrified when Sho began to recount how Natsuo had been targeted by a villain and how the three boys had jumped in to save him and the other civilians caught in the villain's path. 

"Everything turned out fine. No one was hurt and that villain was put back behind bars. And it finally broke something in Dad. He says he knows he made mistakes and he wants to atone for them. He's building a new house for us, for when Mom comes home, but he's going to stay away so the rest of us can be at peace."

I couldn't help but caress his cheek, smoothing away the frustration that was apparent on his face. "Maybe that's the only way he knows to fix it. It's not a bad idea. I know firsthand how much easier it is when you're not living with the people who cause you pain."

"It's a step in the right direction at least. When it's finished I'd like you to come visit. You can see Mom and Fuyumi again and finally meet Natsuo."

"I'd like that," I said, a small smile tugging at my lips.

"Now, I've told you about my week. How was yours, my love?" 

I thought about where to start. Looking back, I learned so many things about myself, about the importance of teamwork, and just how much blood, sweat, and tears went into being a good hero. But I had also learned where I could improve. I took a deep breath, leaning back to relax in Shoto's arm once again, and began to recount my time at Edgeshot's agency.

The first day, I was on call with Edgeshot. I spent most of the day in the office, streamlining my costume and supplies. After ending the phone call with Kaede, she sent me a picture of her drawing. I was stunned by the amount of detail she was able to put in over the course of one conversation. I really liked the idea of expanding my belt down to wrap around my thighs. Getting rid of the jacket might not keep me as warm as I'd like to be, but it would make it easier for me to move. I logged into my email and sent a copy of the sketch to my costume designer, asking if she would be able to modify my belt. I apologized for my indecisiveness, but also asked if a simple mask, like the one Kaede had sketched at the bottom of the sheet, could also be made for me. Talking to my sister had been really beneficial. She was able to get to the heart of the issues plaguing me and talk some sense into me.

I decided that while waiting for the modifications, I would keep my jacket. I mostly wanted it since it was really cold this week, but also because it held most of my medical supplies. I also chose to ditch the mask and hood. I stood up and headed back into the locker room, using a mirror to carefully construct a braid down my back. Kaede was right. My hair was out of my face and it was still a simple style that suited me.

A few hours into our shift, Edgeshot and I got called out to help evacuate a building on fire. There wasn't much I could do in regards to putting out the fire, as my plants would only be fuel for the flames. But I was able to assist in keeping the evacuated civilians calm and assisting in the triage effort for the few who needed medical attention. Despite the limited amount of work, I was quite tired by the time we finally arrived back at the agency and Edgeshot sent me off to bed.

The next morning the five of us were called to the training room. Shinji stood there waiting. 

"We'll be doing a little exercise this morning. Afterward you'll get your assignments for the day." He paused to stretch his arms a little bit. "The game is a simple one...tag. I'm it. I'm always it. Your job is to see how long you can avoid getting captured. You can use your quirks to help you evade, but not for directly attacking. Understood?"