Heroes in the Fabric of Rebellion

Chapter 17

on my mama this chapter gonna be so gas😭 im aiming for 2k+ eorfd

The early morning sun crept through the cracks in the blinds of the Mankanshoku family home. Ryuko groaned, rolling over on the futon she had shared with Mako. Her back protested the lumpy mattress, but the smell of breakfast wafting through the house was enough to rouse her.

Ryuko: "Ugh, what time is it...?"

Mako sat up instantly, wide-eyed and energetic as always.

Mako: "Time for breakfast! Mama's making croquettes! Croquettes, Ryuko! The ultimate fuel for fighting evil and acing tests!"

Deku stretched on a makeshift bed across the room, rubbing his eyes.

Deku: "Morning already? Feels like we just got here..."

Ryuko smirked, tying her hair back.

Ryuko: "Yeah, well, you're lucky to have survived a night in this madhouse. Let's see if breakfast finishes you off."

The trio shuffled into the kitchen where Sukuyo was busy plating up a mountain of golden-brown croquettes. Barazo and Mataro were already at the table, digging in noisily.

Sukuyo: "Good morning, everyone! Eat up—today's a big day!"

Ryuko waved her hands, declining the offer politely.

Ryuko: "Thanks, but I'll pass. Too much grease before school isn't my thing."

Deku smiled awkwardly, taking a small plate.

Deku: "Thank you for the food, Mrs. Mankanshoku."

Mako scarfed down three croquettes in one go, barely pausing to breathe.

Mako: "Ryuko, you're missing out! These are, like, happiness in food form!"

Ryuko rolled her eyes but couldn't suppress a small smile. Mako's boundless energy was contagious.

The three set off for Honnoji Academy under a clear blue sky, the city already bustling with life. Mako bounced ahead of Ryuko and Deku, chattering nonstop.

Mako: "Did you guys hear about that one guy who tried to bring a lizard to school? It wasn't even a cool lizard—it was all wrinkly and boring. Like, why not bring a dragon? If I had a dragon, I'd name it Makozilla!"

Ryuko raised an eyebrow.

Ryuko: "Pretty sure that's illegal, Mako."

Mako gasped dramatically.

Mako: "Then I'll become the president of dragon rights! No one will stop me!"

Deku chuckled quietly, his shoulders relaxing for the first time in days.

Deku: "She's really something, huh?"

Ryuko smirked.

Ryuko: "You get used to it. Kinda hard to stay mad when she's around."

The conversation flowed easily as they walked, Mako's antics pulling both Deku and Ryuko out of their usual brooding. By the time they reached the base of Honnoji Academy, they were all laughing together.

But their laughter died the moment they saw the school. The usual imposing structure had been transformed. Towers of scaffolding rose around it, and the courtyard was now an enormous arena, complete with rows of seating for an audience. A buzz of excitement filled the air as students gathered, whispering among themselves.

Ryuko: "What the hell is going on here?"

Deku tensed, his gaze scanning the scene.

Deku: "This doesn't look good..."