The Burden of Time [Aizawa x OC]

- three -

July exited the room promptly after his declaration of vengeance for All Might without saying another word. I glanced toward Mr. Smith and Dr. McGee, subconsciously waiting for my dismissal. Mr. Smith poured himself a glass of water from the carafe on the table. He took a sip before speaking. "A bag has already been packed and has been placed in the portal room for you. You will head to hair and makeup before putting on your hero costume."

"Yes sir." I turned on my heel and left the room, where my escort was still waiting. He already seemed to know his orders, as he wordlessly began to lead me toward the beauty room.

We reached the room in no time, the stylist prepared for my arrival. She had the usual curling iron she used on my hair already plugged in and heating up. I sat perfectly still as she silently curled my hair, pinning each curl individually with bobby pins. While the curls cooled, she worked on my makeup. The makeup they usually put me in was a glossy-natural look. Mostly highlighter and blush, as well as voluminous lashes.

Not a word was spoken between us, but I was used to that. Not many people talked to me throughout the day within the confines of the Quirk Headquarters. Many looked my way, but never met my eyes. It felt as though I had an evil quirk, that no one dared want to come into contact with. As if I was a freak, an outsider for holding a quirk that was not authentic. It was within my tr̶a̶i̶n̶i̶n̶g̶- nature to be silent.

After my curls were taken out and brushed through, I was left in the room alone to put on my hero costume. I made my way over to the room divider, so as to not be caught on camera. I slithered into the body suit, placed all the accessories on, and slid on the thigh high boots. Every strap, buckle, and holster in place. The outfit, unsurprisingly, adorned the colors of America: Red, White, and Blue. Gems and sparkles were placed throughout the entire outfit - a tribute to the stars on the flag. It was all so monotonous.

I was fully ready, leaving the beauty room with my escort when we ran into July, now wearing his uniform - Also red,white, and blue. He looked calmer now than in the conference room. However, the determination was evident in his eyes. The three of us passed through several doors, where July and my escort took turns in typing in their passcodes and scanning their fingerprints. It was like a maze getting to the portal room. The government certainly didn't want others knowing where it was located, that much was evident. Not that I had a hand in any of it. I obviously still required an escort, no matter that I've b̶e̶e̶n̶ ̶t̶r̶a̶p̶p̶e̶d̶ lived here for 20 years.

We reached the final door when July turned to my escort. "I'll take Stand Still from here, Hank." He stated. "You're dismissed." My escort saluted July before turning on his heel and leaving without sparing another glance.

July typed in his code and scanned his fingerprint, the door beeping in approval. The locked clicked and July held the door open, gesturing for me to enter ahead of him. "Thanks." I said softly. He didn't reply.

The portal operator, Mr. Smith, and Dr. McGee stood near the control panel. The portal was on, a purplish-black color swirling within the silver arch. Dr. McGee gestured to the luggage sitting in the corner of the room. Two backpacks, two suitcases. Undoubtedly one of each for July and I. Just enough luggage to last for four weeks. I'm sure any other necessities would be accommodated by Japanese officials.

July and I grabbed our luggage and stood in front of the portal. "Good luck, Uncle Sam, Stand Still." He clapped July on the shoulder. "Remember your duties."

We stepped through the portal at the same time.

————————————

It was a mere second later when we flew through the other side of the portal. We both managed to land on our feet, though stumbling a bit. I hated portal travel - All the swirling, spinning, and weightlessness did not sit well with my stomach. It was like space travel... but worse.

My stomach was still turning as we gathered our footing, and I immediately knew this was going to be one of the times where I vomited. Before I could turn to the side to vomit, July was in front of me holding a vomit bag. I emptied the contents of my stomach into the bag, which was very little considering I was not provided breakfast.

When my stomach emptied, we both turned to face our hosts. "Don't worry about her," July addressed the concerned faces in the room. "Portal travel makes her sick at times. A lot of spinning." He flashed a comforting smile toward our hosts. If there was one thing July had, it was charisma. He could talk his way out of a murder trial, even if he was guilty.

My heart warmed a bit, realizing that July had carried a vomit bag on purpose for me, knowing it was a 50/50 shot of me becoming sick. I guess he wasn't such a bad handler after all. "Please excuse me." I bowed. I swallowed the feelings of embarrassment as I normally did. My embarrassment wasn't the priority given the grand scheme of things.

One of the individuals nudged the person next to them. "Please greet them and introduce us to them."

The person stepped forward, bowing. "Thank you for aiding us in our time of need. I am Rin, I will be one of your translators during your stay." He spoke in fluent English.

I held back a smile as July laughed. I spoke up. "Thank you Rin, but we speak Japanese." I replied, speaking their native language.

Whispers of disbelief and surprise sounded throughout the room. July took this as his cue to speak. "Each member of the Justice Unit of America is required to speak a minimum of 5 languages. 3 of which must be the most common languages: English, Spanish, and Russian. We may choose the other two."

I nodded, confirming July's statement. We had taken Japanese lessons together as children. July being only a year older than me, we were able to have much of the same classes. July and I have spent most of our lives together, in all reality.

Rin nodded and stepped back. "I guess you won't be needing my services." He chuckled, glancing at the other officials in the room.

"We are honored to have you here." A very tired-looking man stepped forward. "We are even more thankful that your officials have permitted your travel to our country. I am Yokumiru Mera, acting president of the Hero Public Safety Commission."

July and I bowed simultaneously. "We are at your service."

"Let us show you to your quarters, as well as introduce you to some key members that you will be interacting with daily." Yokumiru said lazily.

———————————————

July and I found ourselves at UA high school within no time. We were walking around the campus with our hosts. "This is where you will be spending most of your time." Yokumiru stated as he gestured in a sweeping motion. "You will be working closely with Principal Nezu, as well as the other teachers here. UA has been targeted by the League of Villains several times already. Although we are unsure of the reason, All Might was clearly one of the targets. One of the students, Bakugo Katsuki, was also targeted not long ago. Please keep his name in the front of your minds."

July grunted in response.

I spoke up. "What safety measures are already in place?"

Yokumiru groaned. A tired, lazy bastard. "Ask that question to Principal Nezu, would you?"

———————————————-

Yokumiru left July and I outside of a conference room located within UA. He told us that the professionals that would guide us were holding a meeting. He didn't bother to introduce us, not that I was surprised. It was clear he didn't give a shit about his job. He walked away without another glance.

July was the one to push the door open, without knocking, for which I was thankful for. I would not have had the confidence to step through those doors unannounced. As soon as the doors were pushed open, the room hushed to complete silence.

A u-shaped desk overtook the entire room. Principal Nezu, All Might, Gun Head, Midnight, Vlad King, and Eraser Head sat at the table - All professionals we had researched prior to our arrival. Their hands were folded, eyes on us. We strode into the room.

"Hello," July broke the silence. "I am pro hero Uncle Sam of the Justice Unit of America."

I cleared my throat, their eyes shifting to me. "I am pro hero Stand Still of the Justice Unit of America." A brief pause. "It is our understanding that you need our help."