Heroes in the Fabric of Rebellion

Chapter 15

As the sun set, Ryuko and Deku walked together through the dimly lit streets of Honnoji. The events of the day weighed heavily on their minds, but neither spoke right away. The occasional distant sound of activity from the academy was the only noise, creating a quiet, almost eerie atmosphere.

Ryuko glanced at Deku, breaking the silence.

Ryuko: "Man, what a day. First that tennis psycho, then Satsuki. This school just doesn't let up, huh?"

Deku smiled awkwardly.

You: "Yeah, it's... intense, that's for sure. But you held your own, Ryuko. You're tough."

Ryuko smirked.

Ryuko: "Heh, thanks. But I still got a long way to go if I'm gonna take down Satsuki and Yuuki. Those two are on another level."

Before Deku could reply, Senketsu's voice cut in, startling him.

Senketsu: "It's not just about strength, Ryuko. You'll need control and strategy if you're going to face opponents like them."

Ryuko blinked, looking down at her uniform.

Ryuko: "You've been pretty quiet since that whole tennis match. What's on your mind, Senketsu?"

Senketsu's voice was calm but firm.

Senketsu: "There are things you need to know—truths about this place, about why I'm here, and even why Deku is here."

Deku froze mid-step, his eyes widening.

You: "Wait... you know why I'm here? How?"

Senketsu: "I can sense it. Your power—One For All—resonates with the energy in Honnoji. This place isn't just a school; it's a battlefield shaped by forces that go far beyond what you've seen so far. Your arrival wasn't random. You were drawn here."

Ryuko frowned, her grip tightening on the straps of her bag.

Ryuko: "Drawn here? What's that supposed to mean? And what about you, Senketsu? What's your deal?"

Senketsu paused before replying, his tone almost solemn.

Senketsu: "I was created by your father to oppose the Kiryuin family and their ambitions. My purpose is to help you dismantle their control over this place and the world beyond it. But it's not something you can do alone."

Ryuko's eyes widened, and she stopped walking.

Ryuko: "My dad made you... to fight the Kiryuins? So, all of this—it's tied to him?"

Senketsu: "Yes. And Deku's presence here is no coincidence. He's part of this struggle now, whether he intended to be or not."

Deku's mind raced, trying to process everything.

You: "I... I don't even know what to say. This is bigger than anything I've ever dealt with. But if I'm here for a reason, then I'll do my part."

Ryuko glanced at him, her expression softening slightly.

Ryuko: "Looks like you're stuck with me, hero."

Before Deku could reply, a familiar voice called out from ahead.

Mako: "Ryuko! Deku! Over here!"

Mako came bounding toward them, waving enthusiastically.

Mako: "You guys look so serious! What's up? Did you have another big fight? Ooh, was there a giant explosion this time?!"

Ryuko sighed, shaking her head.

Ryuko: "No explosions, Mako. Just... stuff to think about."

Mako didn't seem to notice the heaviness in Ryuko's voice and grabbed both of their hands, dragging them toward her house.

Mako: "Well, you can think about it at my place! Come on, my family will love to see you!"

When they arrived at the Mankanshoku house, Mako's parents were already bustling around. Sukuyo gasped when she saw Ryuko's uniform.

Sukuyo: "Oh my goodness, Ryuko, you look amazing! That uniform fits you perfectly! Doesn't it, Barazo?"

Barazo nodded sleepily, barely lifting his head from the table.

Barazo: "Yeah... real snazzy."

Ryuko scratched the back of her neck, a little embarrassed.

Ryuko: "Uh, thanks. It's... unique, that's for sure."

Senketsu's voice murmured in her ear.

Senketsu: "It's nice to be appreciated, even if they don't know I'm alive."

Ryuko suppressed a chuckle, earning a curious look from Deku.

Sukuyo clapped her hands together.

Sukuyo: "I'll make something special to celebrate! How about my famous mystery croquettes?"

Ryuko held up her hands quickly, shaking her head.

Ryuko: "That's okay, Sukuyo. Really. We're not that hungry."

Mako plopped down on the floor, her energy undiminished.

Mako: "You're missing out! Mom's cooking is unforgettable—sometimes literally!"

The evening passed in a blur of chaotic conversation and the usual Mankanshoku antics. As the night wore on, Sukuyo insisted they stay over, claiming it was too late to head back to the dorms.

Ryuko eventually gave in, settling onto the couch with a sigh. Deku took the far end of the same couch, awkwardly arranging a pillow and blanket.

Ryuko glanced at him, smirking.

Ryuko: "Hope you're not expecting me to give you more space."

Deku blushed, waving his hands.

You: "N-no, of course not! This is fine!"

As the lights dimmed and the house grew quiet, Ryuko leaned back, her mind racing with thoughts of her father, the Kiryuins, and the battles ahead. Deku, too, lay awake for a while, wondering what new challenges tomorrow would bring.

In the stillness, Senketsu's voice broke the silence in Ryuko's mind.

Senketsu: "You're stronger than you realize, Ryuko. With time, you'll be ready for what's ahead. And you won't have to face it alone."

With that comforting thought, Ryuko finally drifted off to sleep, ready to face whatever came next.