Flamebound: Embrace the Heat ||BNHA||

.Chapter 6.

Chapter 6. Slowly, She'll Change

Kaye stood in the hallway, her wings faintly glowing against the pale walls of U.A. Her footsteps echoed softly as she approached the office where she would meet up with All Might. The knot in her stomach tightened with each step, her thoughts tangled in a whirlwind of doubt and uncertainty.

Kaye stopped in front of the door, taking a deep breath. Today marked her third day at U.A., and already, so much had changed. She was no longer just a student from America. She was here, in Japan, surrounded by heroes who had seen real battles, who had fought in wars that tore society apart and somehow managed to piece themselves back together. And here she was, trying to figure out her place in all of it.

Her hand hesitated on the door handle, the weight of everything pressing down on her shoulders.

Kaye didn't know anymore. Everything Magnum and her father had said to her made sense, she promised her father she'd change, but Kaye was finding it to be difficult. She thought she knew—thought she could find her mother by becoming a hero, thought that maybe, just maybe, that would be enough. But now... she wasn't so sure. No, she was sure. She's sure she's selfish.

Some hero I'm going to be.

She sighed, pulling open the door and stepping inside.

All Might stood by the window, still tall despite his weakened form. His presence filled the room in a way that made Kaye feel both small and incredibly seen all at once. He turned, his once larger-than-life smile now softer but still warm.

"Young Ruse," All Might greeted, his voice carrying that familiar power that made Kaye stand a little taller. "Thank you for coming. I know it's your free period but we must talk. I have some concerns."

Kaye nodded, her throat tight as she walked over to where he stood. She didn't know what to say, didn't know how to start.

All Might gestured to a pair of chairs by the window, and they both sat down. The sunlight filtered through the glass, casting long shadows across the floor, and for a moment, there was nothing but silence between them.

"I've been watching you these past few days," All Might began, his voice low but kind. "I see great potential in you, Kaye, but I also sense that you're carrying something heavy on your shoulders."

Kaye swallowed hard, her wings fluttering anxiously behind her. "I... I guess I am," she admitted softly, her eyes dropping to her hands resting in her lap.

All Might leaned forward, his gaze intent but gentle. "Tell me, Kaye. Why do you want to be a hero?"

It was such a simple question, but it hit Kaye like a punch to the gut. She had been asking herself that very question for months now, and still, she didn't have a clear answer.

"I thought I knew," Kaye said, her voice barely above a whisper. "I thought... I thought if I became a hero, I could find my mom. That if I got strong enough, famous enough, she'd notice me. Maybe then, she'd come back."

All Might was silent for a moment, listening intently as Kaye spoke.

"I know it's selfish," she continued, her heart pounding in her chest. "Heroes are supposed to help people, to protect them. And I... I just want to find someone who left me. That's not what a hero should be."

All Might's face softened, his eyes filled with understanding. "Wanting to find your mother isn't selfish, Kaye. It's human, but you're right—being a hero is more than that. A hero serves others. A hero is a symbol of hope and peace. A hero is a hero for the people, not themselves."