Mortem ad Wrens

Chapter 5: USJ

tw: scars, pain, torture mention, threats of violence, graphic descriptions of violence and injury, blood, gore, near death, strangulation

'text' is JSL
Text is thoughts

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Akira barely slept Thursday night, having to change locations again and even going quirkless roof hopping in the few hours before school with their heart racing. After dropping by base to see if there were any updates on the attack – there weren't – Akira took an early train and bus to school and shuffled in with Shinso and Ida, only lightly using their cane now that they were building up a buffer.

Shinso frowned slightly upon seeing them. 'You aren't normally here this early. Are you okay?'

'Just couldn't sleep last night,' Akira tiredly signed back. 'Feels like a storm is about to hit, but I can't tell why.' Akira stretched, letting their joints pop before dropping back down, noticing a worried look on Shinso. Glancing down, Akira grimaced and pulled out their scar cream to slather over their arms. After a moment, they hesitated. 'I'll be right back. Restroom.'

Shinso nodded, eyes still betraying concern as he watched them leave.

Slipping into the locker room, Akira pulled their makeshift long makeup brush from their duffle bag and covered their upper back as best they could before checking in the mirror. They applied a bit more to cover the top edges of their intricate scar before checking the time and sprinting back to class as they adjusted their uniform.

'Are you okay?' Tokoyami signed as they slipped in with the bell.

'I'm fine, forgot part of my routine this morning.' Akira signed, finger spelling routine since they hadn't covered it yet.

Class presidency was shifted to Ida, to Midoriya's obvious relief, and Aizawa announced Rescue training off-campus for their Heroics block. Like most of the class, Akira opted to wear their hero costume since they could at minimum get more used to their capture weapon and ease the strain on their legs without dragging their cane around. Akira sat near the back of the bus with Shinso next to them and Tokoyami and Koda behind. Assuming they would need their quirk, Akira pulled out two jelly pouches to provide a bit more buffer. The soft vibrations and gentle sway of the bus quickly put Shinso and Todoroki to sleep, letting Akira watch them a little more closely.

The two-tone son of Endeavor was much quieter than Akira thought he would be, and the scar was concerning. The pattern seemed more indicative of a steam or water-based attack, which none of his family had... Unless both his mother and father are abusing him? But it would take a special attack to cause that damage, and surely, they would know to do something less visible after three kids.

Soon, the bus arrived at USJ, and Akira gently nudged Shinso awake. Todoroki eyed them for a moment, curiosity flickering across his gaze before he stalked off.

As Aizawa and Thirteen explained the purpose of the training and that All Might wouldn't be joining them, Akira surveyed the disaster zones, wondering briefly what the "Universal Studios" the other students mentioned was. It sounded more like a movie studio than display area like this, but-

What the hell was that? Akira flinched at the sudden burst of electrical energy that surged through the ceiling lights, winking them out and making the fountain stutter as it settled over the area. The lights didn't turn back on, but the glass dome provided enough sunlight to see. Why would they be on unless...

'Engine Calf run, get backup.' Akira signed in a panic. Anii startled at their intensity and interpreted for them, drawing a confused glance from Aizawa as the central fountain distorted and filled with purple mist.