The Burden of Time [Aizawa x OC]

- eight -

I stood next to July in the elevator, a steaming to-go cup of coffee in my hand. It was shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I didn't mind mornings as long as coffee was an option. July, on the other hand, was angrily snacking on a piece of buttered toast.

July had contacted the United States last evening after the debriefing regarding our teaching licenses. To my knowledge, they were sending over our transcripts to be reviewed by a committee at the Japanese Hero Commission. Until our education and trainings were approved, we would not be able to engage in formal teaching activities. Thus, today was our first official day as mentors at UA.

I glanced over at July, who was mid yawn. "Do you ever wonder what life would be like if we weren't heroes?"

It was a random question, but something I often thought about. Something I was pondering even more following Aizawa's hurtful accusations. I wonder what life I'd be leading - had I not been the property of the United States. Had I not been experimented on. Had my parents not been murdered.... Had I the opportunity to grow up with some sense of normalcy.

"I don't want to imagine that because then I would have to rely on my good looks and funny quips to get attention." July replied.

I gave him a pointed look, rolling my eyes, but laughed shortly thereafter. "Are you fucking kidding me?"

July simply shrugged. He was most definitely not kidding. Yet, somehow, Aizawa thought it was me who craved attention.

—————

July and I walked through the door of Class 1A. July had finished his toast in the elevator, but I was still nursing my coffee. As soon as we crossed the threshold, hushed whispers began amongst the students.

"Class." Aizawa addressed, causing the students to silence themselves. "I believe I mentioned this yesterday, but for now, Class 1-A of the hero course will be focusing on getting their provisional licenses."

"Yes, sir!" The class responses in unison. Damn, what does he run, a dictatorship? It reminds me of the academy back home.

"A hero license bears with it the great responsibility of human life." He placed his hands down on the podium in front of him. "Of course, the exam to receive one is very difficult. Even the provisional license only has a 50% passing rate each year."

"Just the provisional license is that hard?" A student with purple balls on his head thought aloud.

What a weird looking kid.

"That's why today, we will have each of you come up with at least two ultimate moves." Aizawa moved to the front of his podium. I took this opportunity to place my coffee down where his hands once were. He gestured to us. "Pro heroes Uncle Sam and Stand Still will be mentoring you throughout this lesson. I will still be available to assist as well, as they are not approved to fully teach in Japan yet." He paused, shoving his hands in his pockets. "Consider yourselves lucky to have access to such esteemed heroes."

So now he wants to play nice? I held back a petty laugh. I was not going to allow Aizawa's wishy-washy behaviors impact my interventions with these aspiring heroes. In the grand scheme of things, they were the priority.

"Right," I cleared my throat. "Ultimate meaning the move will give you a sure win. It will be a move so ingrained and natural to you, that no one else can hope to copy it."

July spoke next. "Your movies will represent you, so put some thought into them. There are very few heroes that don't have an ultimate move these days."

"We will tell you more as we go along. We want to proceed logically." Aizawa gestured to the door. "Change into your hero costumes and meet in Gym Gamma."