Heroes of Tomorrow

Part 43~Family

 "I sincerely apologise for all the trouble we caused. Thank you for all the help you gave us." Akiko bowed in front of the heroes and police. Priya's pets had been put on leashes and held at Haven's side. Liz held Priya, and Ava stood by Akiko, bowing as well.

The police detective smiled, scratching the back of his head. "It's okay. We're just glad no one was hurt. But how did you know those things would listen to the kid?"

Akiko smiled. "She was scared when she created them. They never wanted to hurt her. They were trying to protect her." Akiko turned to look at Priya as she laughed with Liz. "She's safe now. We'll train her to control her Quirk better. She could make a good hero one day."

Aizawa glared at Akiko as she laughed and stepped back.

"Hey, Mr Aizawa. So, I brought that girl here."

Aizawa sighed, looking at Liz as she picked up Priya, laughing with the girl. "Your friends better look after her."

"Will do."

"Akiko!" Uzu shot out, a grin on his face. "What the hell was that?!"

"Uzu?" Akiko tilted her head as she laughed. "Nothing much. Just helping a kid. You've arrived early."

"I'm excited."

"You are?"

Uzu laughed. "No."

Akiko turned to the crew, a soft smile on her face. "Ready to head back?"

"You're going to your ship?" Uzu tilted his head as Akiko chuckled.

"Well, they do live there." Akiko smiled. "You want to join us."

"Yes!" Uzu grinned as Akiko slunk away.

~~~

"Welcome, little hero, to our mighty craft," Gael announced, leading Uzu onto the ship.

"It looks... nice." Uzu forced a grin to his face as Akiko chuckled.

"No need to hide it. They're pretty beat up." Akiko leaned against the ship's mast, a soft smile on her face.

"Yeah, they've led us through some dangerous territory," Ava chuckled as Liz jumped onto the ship with Priya on her shoulders.

"What are you going to do with the kid?" Uzu pointed at Priya as Ava smiled.

"What we always do. Offer her a home. She's welcome aboard our ships for as long as she wishes, and if she wishes to leave, we have thousands of families that would love to take her in."

Priya gaped, staring at Ava. "You mean it?"

"Of course we do," Liz shouted. "You're one of us now. We already know you have sea legs."

"And a super cool quirk to help us make a fancy escape," Dante added as Priya shook her head.

"I'm not sure my quirk is-"

"None of that. As part of this ship and this family, you are not allowed to put yourself down," Haven scolded lightly. "Nor are you allowed to force someone to use their quirk, Dante."

Dante held up his hands as he chuckled. "It was just a suggestion."

Liz helped Priya off her shoulders, letting her explore the boat with the twins, who made a b-line for the kitchen.

"You know, I think she'll like it here," Ava said as Akiko nodded.

"I don't think there is a single person to climb on your boat who doesn't fall in love with it." Akiko took Ava's hand, holding it gently. "Especially with you as its captain." Ava met Akiko's eyes with a soft blush as Uzu gaped.

"Hang on a second. You said you weren't dating. You told me off for saying she was your girlfriend!"

Akiko laughed. "Yeah, but it was fun."

"Not cool, Aki. Not cool."

"Come on," Liz interrupted, pulling Uzu away. "You don't want to be around them when they're flirting. It's so sappy. Want to see our weapons stock."

"Hell yeah!" Uzu grinned as Haven rushed forward.

"No! You know you're not allowed in there after last time!"

The trio rushed off as Akiko and Ava laughed. Akiko sat down, petting the dog as he jumped onto her lap.

"Hey, look at that, a dog you don't hate."

"I don't hate dogs. I just dislike mine." Akiko laughed. "Besides, I would prefer a cat any day."

"Not exactly seaworthy," Ava laughed as Akiko grinned.

"Maybe, but I didn't think you would allow me to own a snake."

"You want a snake over a dog? You're so weird."

"Yeah, but you love me anyway." Akiko paused as she blushed heavily with Ava, both chuckling.

Ava looked down, fidgeting with her hands. "I don't think it's going to matter what I would prefer as a pet. I might let Haven take over the ship, but if this was anything to go by, I don't want to leave them for long."

Akiko blinked, staring at Ava. "Whoever said you had to?"

"What? But- you can't come with us?!"

"Wow, rejected by my first girlfriend. That's gonna hurt." Akiko laughed as Ava struggled.

"That's not- that's not what I meant. Aki," Ava took Akiko's hands, holding them tightly. "You are an amazing hero. I saw you out there. You did what none of the others could. You reacted so fast to all the situations and were so calm. You will be an incredible hero that I believe could be number one. I can't ask you to give that up."

"Ava, you're not. I want to be a hero to help people. I don't need to be out there in fights to do that. You and your crew are heroes to so many. If I chose to run away with you, I wouldn't be giving up being a hero. I'll be choosing to be more than that." Akiko placed a hand on Ava's cheek, brushing it softly. "And being part of your crew, that's what I want."

"Are you sure?"

"I keep thinking about it and arriving at the same answer. I'm sure, but not yet. I need to do some stuff first."

"Take all the time you need. You really are amazing, Akiko."

"And you make me better."

Ava leaned in, taking the kiss as they sat on their boat together.

Uzu screamed in delight, breaking up their moment. "You have swords!"

Akiko laughed as Ava paled. "Oh, they better not touch anything."