Birds of a Feather

All because of you!

カラス

'Kara? Are you okay? Endeavor mentioned something about Hawks being undercover? Is that why you and Tokoyami's work studies were separate? What's going on?' Todoroki hadn't stopped texting Karasu all morning. She had no idea how to respond. She was standing on a tree branch, waiting for the pros to appear for her sign to get inside. His texts kept playing in her head, she had stashed her stuff at the medic sight for this raid without anyone noticing. That was key for their success- none of the pros or her classmates noticing her yet. She had only managed to respond 'I'll explain everything soon. I love you. Keep safe.' He'd responded with a simple 'I love you too'. What if he hates me after this? She thought, flying into a window quickly when she heard running footsteps approaching. What if I lose him? I can't lose him- I need him. She shook her head as she landed on the ground and walked down the hallway. I can't think about that just now. This isn't the time. I'll think about it after...

I wonder if Mom is alright. What she's doing. Where she is. The last time I saw her... it was bad. Hawks had sent her the official documents detailing that he wanted custody of me. She'd gotten angry and broken the bottle she'd been holding before screaming in rage for almost an hour, until her voice had gone out. I had cleaned up the glass, like I always had.

'Kara! Kara. Don't let him do this. We're a team!" Mom had begged me, grabbing the shoulder of my shirt. 'Please- I know it isn't good here, but I'll improve. It'll all improve. Please. I swear.'

'Can't we both just live with Hawks? Wouldn't that be better?' I'd cut my palm on the glass I was holding, which made Mom scramble back from me.

'He already has you...' she'd sobbed, and ran out of the house.

I never saw her again. Court was three days later, and I'd had to get myself there- which, admittedly, was easy with wings. When I realised she wasn't coming I had broken down and sobbed hysterically in the courtroom as Hawks ran to me and held me.

'Karasu. Listen to me.' Hawks had put his hands on my shoulders and looked me in the eyes. 'I will do everything I can to keep you completely safe. Even if it means it'll cost me my own life- I will keep you safe. You're my responsibility now.'

'Kara. Mom always calls me Kara," I had sobbed out, burying my face in my hands.

'Kara. Okay. Listen to me. I love you- and I will do whatever I can to make sure your life is one of security from here on out.'

It hadn't stopped me from telling him I hated him a few days later- that it was his fault Mom's heart and mind were broken. That taking me from her was too much.

'It isn't your responsibility to take care of her, Kara! She's our- she's your mother. It was her job to take care of you. Just like it's my job now.' Hawks had shaken his head and sighed. 'I don't care if you hate me for this, Kara. I did this to keep you alive and healthy and safe. You'll understand someday, but until then... Well, I'll just do what I need to do for you.'

Karasu stopped in her tracks and closed her eyes, taking a deep breath. She could almost feel the world changing around her. After today- nothing would be the same ever again. She opened her eyes and looked around. The PLA members around her milled lazily, overly secure in their own secrecy. She just had to wait for the signal to go to Hawks.

"Attack! We're being ambushed!" A shout came from outside, followed by screams and everyone running frantically.

There it was- the signal.

Karasu flew to the floor she knew Hawks would be on at this point, glancing around as she slipped inside the room. "Good. You've got him. They're all outside- right on time," she told him as she folded her wings behind her back. Twice was half rolled onto his back as Hawks' feathers floated around him, keeping him pinned in place. If he got loose- it was all over. It couldn't be allowed to happen.