What Makes A Hero

14

        Well, longer chapter than usual this week and... I'm sorry. -T.A.L.A.

       It hadn't taken long before Izuku had heard about it. He'd fallen a bit behind on all but his projects, his reunion with Nox cut both mercifully- because he just wanted to leap into their arms and cry but he wouldn't, couldn't, allow himself too - and painfully short, and when not gathering specific information he was helping stabilize and settle the newly named Jin. Because of that he first heard it in passing from one of his vigilantes.

          There was a place called Charlatan's Bar.  A place for people like him. For those with quirks too strong, or too weak, or even not at all. For ill fitting quirks or poorly view quirks, it didn't matter, what, but offered shelter and acceptance no matter the individual case.  There was a place that he could fit right in, that would value him for all he was willing to bring to the table, and that did things entirely legal. A place that only looked for freedom and equality.  And they were gaining speed, with several low ranked heroes joining up already, and they had been all too willing to also accept him.

        "That's right!" Izuku stared almost starry-eyed at the man in front of him, a true hero according to his actions  in all the reports Deku could find. "I'm so glad you admire my work, I've heard a thing or two about you, Deku, with a bit of effort you'll be surpassing me within the year!" Izuku's eyes widened impossibly bigger when his protesting stutters were cut off before he even began, "Don't worry, kid, you don't need to be humble or tone down your skill here, I don't mind. Really! I get the pain you've probably felt about being isolated for your quirk. Everyone a part of our organization probably has felt that pain in some way.  For being too strong, not strong enough, or having the wrong type of quirk. We all get it. That's our goal; equality for all!"

       The man stood tall and strong, too-big glasses sliding down his nose with fluffy, soft orange hair and kind eyes so similar to Izuku's own but in a pale, pale shade of blue.

"That's amazing! But..." Izuku hesitated, "It just seems so optimistic, you can't possibly expect to make as large an impact as quickly as you say with only thirty people. Not with the ways you're saying." 

     "I don't expect it either! That's what's so great, we are making the changes necessary, we are swaying the public opinion to look beyond a person's quirk, and everybody here  is completely dedicated to doing it legally. No matter how long that takes. That is how we are going to make the change, and that is how we will keep making it no longer how long it takes." Kenzo's passion shone through his words and Izuku felt himself being drawn in.

     "That's... that's amazing." He flushed brightly in embarrassment as he realized he was only just repeating himself, quickly bursting into stutters that, to his surprise, Kenzo didn't interrupt this time but took the time to try and decipher them.  Izuku stared in awe as his stuttered words finally came to a close and they nodded answering the prodding comments Izuku had clumsily made while still slipping in a reiteration of what Kenzo had understood from the jumble of words.

       Izuku's eyes sparkled. Amazing.

      Izuku stared down at the charred remains of the building that now settled in the spot where Charlatan's bar- a coffee shop despite its name- once stood. His hands clutched desperately at the bloody hand that disappeared beneath a section of the ceiling, blood that had long since dried , coated the cement, the hand, and the broken glasses that lay twisted beyond repair like its owner's dreams.... and the almost unconnected body barely visible beneath the rubble.

       Charlatan's Bar would not remain to be seen as a peaceful movement for equality for very long. Not unless something was done. He didn't have time for this. The waves of hopelessness were paralyzing though and he only found himself gripping the hand even tighter.