The Phoenix {A BNHA Fan Story}

Chapter Twenty-Three: Return

Soraka spent a few more days in the hospital, supporting Iida when he refused to have surgery done on his arm, and making sure that they all made a good time out of being in the hospital. One-by-one they were all released, Soraka being the second, after Todoroki. 

Approaching the Endeavor Agency by herself felt different. She had been one of the four to take on the hero killer, and the thought of it sent adreneline pumping through her viens. She felt stronger somehow. 

Just because you and your friends took down a villain that even the pros were struggling with, doesn't mean you need to let it get to your ego. She reminded herself. It was good to be confident, but being too cocky was something she wanted to stay away from, even if it did get the better of her in certain situations. 

"Well kid what'cha waitin' for?" Soraka turned slightly to her left, looking back at the voice and smiling. "Endeavor n' Shoto have already gone out on patrol, so why don't'cha come with me?! Well? C'mon! Go change and let's go!" Burnin' was hyped up, the massive grin on her face eager to go. 

"Yes ma'am!" Soraka's grin could rival Burnin's as she excused herself and ran into the agency. She ran into one of the female locker rooms located towards the back of the agency, and ripped open the top of her bag. Her costume was being repaired, so the company had sent her a black body suit. They were informed that she was in the middle of an internship, and would be released from the hospital before it was over, so they made sure she had something to wear. Along with the body suit was a golden colored utility belt and durable, sock-like slip-ons. They reached just under her knees, and left her toes and heels exposed. 

Soraka put her things up in a locker, a newly determined look on her face. She ran back out to Burnin', tying her hair up into a ponytail and standing tall before the hero. 

"Not flashy, but it'll work!" Burnin' gave her a thumbs up and started with a skip-like gait. "Now, since you just got released from the hospital, if we do happen to run into any villains, you're to get civilians out of harms way! Got it?! Good!" Burnin' was so upbeat, it was rubbing off on Soraka. She coul feel the small bounce in her own step. She was still slightly sore, her arm still wrapped in clean bandages. Her burns were practically gone, save for the small spots of her skin where it was lighter. They would be gone within the week.

"Of course!" She responded to the pro. They set out down the main street, and even though the public was informed of Endeavor defeating the hero killer, she still got quite the attention. Most of it was quick. 

"You're so brave!"

"You'll be a great hero!"

"You were able to stand against the hero killer before Endeavor arrived, right? That's so cool!"

Soraka would respond back with a 'Thank you!' and a kind wave, but never slowed her pace. 

"Just because you're the talk of the town right now doesn't mean you get to let it go to your head! Focus on what's ahead, yeah?!" Burnin' tapped a finger to her own head her green-ish hair of flames dancing around her hand with each tap. Soraka nodded firmly, and returned her gaze ahead of her. Her eyes scanned around for anything suspicious, but it seemed like anyone who had any ill intent were staying away for the day. 

It might've been because of the giant attack. The League of Villains had definitely been involved, so she wouldn't put it past any small time thugs to be seeking them out. They were starting to pick up in popularity, which wasn't a good thing in the slightest. And if people were actively seeking out the league, then they might be able to plan something even more disastrous. 

"Thief!" Someone shouted, and Soraka whipped her head around to find the source. She spotted a rather lanky looking individual shoving his way through the crowded streets. 

"Alright kid forget what I said! Get above this crowd and keep eyes on him!" Burnin' instructed before taking off after him. Soraka didn't hesitate, jumping up onto the hood of a parked car in order to be able to snap out her wings without hitting anyone. She stayed high enough to not hit anyone, but also low enough to be able to see the thief. 

He skidded around the corner into an alleyway, giving Soraka momentary relief that there were now much less people that could potentially get hurt. She raised her arm that wasn't wrapped, and threw a flame ahead of the man, causing him to stop in his tracks. 

She only said I couldn't fight, so I can still trap him! 

The thief pivoted to run back the way he came, but up came Burnin', who prevented him from leaving. She made quick work of grabbing him, keeping an extremely tight grip on his wrists. 

"Yo! Take this back to that shop guy!" Burnin' called up to her as Soraka's flames extinguished. Soraka landed softly, her wings tucking in as she picked up the black bag that the guy had been carrying. 

"On it!" Soraka did a two finger salute and was back in the air. She returned to the spot they had been in when she first heard the shout, and looked around carefully. There were so many shops that she really didn't know which one the bag belonged to. She could only assume it was money in the bag. 

"You there! My money!" Bingo. She spotted an older looking man, with a greying beard waving to catch her attention. She approached him and held out the bag. "Thank you so much!" He exclaimed happily, taking the bag. 

"I just run a small snack shop, but please accept this as my way of thanking you!" He held out two red boxes with the word 'Pocky' in bold white letters on them. Her eyes widened. 

Who am I to turn down his kind gesture? She thought, gladly taking the boxes. "Thank you sir! Just doing what a hero does!" 

The man waved her off, and she returned to the alley, where Burnin' now stood at the opening. The man was cuffed, and a police car had just arrived to take him. Burnin' quickly explained what had happened, "Just an ordinary theft. The major villains have gone quiet, but we're keeping an eye out." She said. 

The rest of the day went without a hitch, patrolling the rather long route. The business men and women made their ways home, and out came party-goers, young and old. The sun had completely set by the time they had walked through the doors of the agency. 

And right into the back of Endeavor. 

"Ah! Sorry sir.." Soraka quickly apologized and backed up, waiting for the scold he was sure to give.

"It's alright, you've had a long week. Go get changed and we'll head home." 

It took her a moment to process how much kinder his tone was from normal. Maybe he felt bad for not following Shoto? They had all put themselves in serious danger. 

"Uh, yeah. Yes sir."