“What are you doing that’s so important, you’re ignoring me?” Kitsune asked, full on done with me already.

I didn’t bother looking up from my phone. Work Studies are still in session, so those who are doing it can’t really prepare as much as the others for the School Festival.

Not that I particularly care, but Toru has been texting me updates about everything as they decide.

“Calm down, we’re done for the day anyway. Beside’s, we’re doing a thing for the School Festival. Ah, they got Katsuki to agree to do the drums.”

His mom made him take music classes. From what I recall he was an amazing drummer. Makes sense too, with his personality and all. “Drums? Festival? You’re actually interested in all that?”

She sounded pleasantly surprised by that knowledge. “Not particularly. But they’re all fired up for it, so might as well do it.” I shrugged.

She stared at me a little while before closing the file she was examining. “Why don’t you leave early. You’re right, we’re done for the day anyway.”

Huh? Kitsune has been keeping me long after the designated time for students, much to Aizawa’s annoyance.

She offered me a small smile. “U.A. School Festivals were always fun. And we’re done for now anyway. Now shoo. I have other cases to examine.”

Okay then. That’s weird. But whatever I guess.

Shrugging, I changed out of my Hero gear and back into my School Uniform. I was about to leave but stopped at the door. “Kitsune?” I asked, not turning back to look at her. “What is it?”

I hesitated for a minute. “He . . . He’ll be making an appearance soon. Be careful.” He’s coming for me. They know it’s a possibility, that’s why Midnight’s been staying close to our dorm. But she can’t stop him alone. I’ve got this sinking feeling that he’ll be coming when we least expect it.

“I’m always careful. But you should worry about yourself. I’ve seen your hospital bills. Who do you think pays for them?” She demanded, only a little annoyed.

“Nemuri.” I stated jokingly, and walked out her door.

In fact both Nemuri and Reina pay for them. They’re technically my legal guardians.

Well, Nemuri is. But Reina helps out. Much to her chagrin. Although lately she seems to be less hostile towards me than before. Strange really. But I don't mind it. It’s a lot nicer that’s for sure. I might even miss her of all people.

Honestly I’d miss everyone, because being with my dad is the absolute most terrifying thing.

I’d rather be here. With Kitsune yelling at me, then back at the manor.

I slipped past all the other workers and out the building. It’s going to be dark by the time I make it back to the school. As I walked to the station, I thought of the Festival. Everyone is looking forward to it. It’ll be in about a month, right? Will I still be here?

I hope so.

It’d be nice. To do one last thing with my class. Izu is excited to do it for Eri too. He wants so very much to make her smile.

He can do it too. That’s just how Izu is. The brightest light that shines through the darkness.

“Kiriya.”

The hairs on the back of my neck rose and I quickly turned, quickly scanning the empty street. My heart hammered loudly against my ribcage and my own breathing became labored.

No one was there. I had imagined him. A cold sweat had already broken out and I cursed myself.

Stupid. My fear is making me hallucinate. He’s probably taking his time doing it too for that purpose. He’s never had qualms about resorting to psychological warfare.

In fact I think he enjoys it more than the physical aspect. That’s the kind of man he is.

I shook my head of those thoughts and raced to the station, wanting to get back to school as soon as possible.

With what little time I have, I want to spend it with them.

~

“That’s . . . a lot.” I stated, having been given the rundown along with Izu, Kirishima, Ochako, and Asui, who were also working with their Heroes.

“I see. We’ve decided on a new rave type club rock for the music, huh?” Asui murmured, looking off thoughtfully. Kirishima crossed his arms, also in thought. “I understand Jiro on bass and Yaoyorozu on keyboards . . . “ He trailed off.

Ochako finished it off for him though. “But Bakugo on drums is kind of . . . how do I put it . . ?”

Even she can’t quite say it. However, where one fails . . . . “Unexpected!” Toru had no trouble saying it, which just angered Katsuki.

“You got a problem with that?!” He shouted. The three of them shook their heads rapidly, but Toru only giggled.

I walked over to him and leaned against his shoulder. “I’ll send a video to your mom. She’ll be happy those lessons came in handy and that you’re, for once, participating in a school activity.” His anger was then directed at me, but that’s to be expected.

He’s always angry. “No you won’t!” He roared, but that just made me smirk.

I don’t like being told what to do, Katsuki. Makes me want to do the opposite. “So, who will sing the all-important vocals?” Asui asked curiously.

Jiro still seemed a little nervous, which is strange since I thought music was her whole thing.

I went into her room a few times to lend her notes and books. Place looks like a music store.

“Well, we haven’t decided yet.” I frowned. I’m pretty sure there was a microphone there too. “Huh? You’re not going to sing, Jiro?” Ochako asked, which just made Jiro become flustered and startled even.

“If it’s vocals you want, I can do it! It’ll make me popular!” Mineta declared loudly. “I can be a disco ball and sing!” Aoyama chimed in. Disco ball? The hell?

“Yeah! I can’t play any instruments, but I’m a pretty good singer.” Kirishima pulled out a microphone from god knows where and began to belt out a song that made me cringe. “Isn’t that a different genre?” Ochako asked, sweating lightly.

I snatched his microphone and smacked him atop his head. “Enough.” I demanded, tossing the wretched thing aside.

Unfortunately Mineta caught it and began to actually shout to which I kicked him down, and Aoyama did a strange opera sounding thing, I don’t know.

I rubbed my temples. Suddenly I wish I stayed longer at Kitsune’s. “I’m with Ochako, I think it should be you Jiro! When you were teaching us in your room, your singing was super cool too!” Toru cheered gleefully, which continued to embarrass Jiro.

“Hey, don’t make this harder by making people expect-” Jiro was cut off when Toru thrust the microphone at her. “It’s fine, It’s fine.”

I sighed, Toru, you need to listen to people you know.

Mineta began grumbling complaints about us ignoring shouts of the soul or something. Kirishima, the good sport he always is, smiled at her. “I wanna hear your singing Jiro! Sing something for us!”

She sighed and gripped the mic, clearly nervous but when she opened her mouth a beautiful tune came out. I blinked in surprise.

I knew she had to be a good singer, but this is beyond my expectations. She’s got the most beautiful voice I’ve ever heard. She’s shocked everyone, not just me. They didn’t expect her to be that good.

But it riled them up and they began to shout compliments and their agreements for her to be the singer.

Jiro still seems a bit embarrassed. “Then, let’s leave that aside. So we still need guitars! I want two!” She quickly changed the subject.

Kaminari and Mineta were the first, and while Kaminari could play some, Mineta’s arms can't reach around the guitar. An unexpected dark horse like Tokoyami came in and played a little, pretty well too.

Seems everything is coming together. Everyone began to decide on rolls, and despite Mina and Toru’s attempts to get me to dance, I just agreed to work on the effects.

Making my appearance at the end with the rest of the class.

Mina tried to tease me asking if I could dance, I just mimicked her movements from the other day and that shut her up.

In actuality, I know how to play some instruments as well. Physical combat wasn’t the only thing my dad wanted us to excel in.

Memorizing and repeating is pretty much a given so dancing and playing an instrument won’t be a problem if I’m at least shown how to once.

It was all decided. The band team is Jiro, Katsuki, Kaminari, Tokoyami, and Yao-Momo.

The effects team is me, Kirishima, Sero, Todoroki, Koda, and Aoyama.

And the dance team is Izu, Mina, Ochako, Toru, Iida, Shoji, Asui, Ojiro, Sato, Mineta, and again, Aoyama for some reason.

Whatever.

Everyone has a role and they’re all excited for it. Well, I guess that makes me want to as well.

~

The days to follow were busy. As a member of the effects team it involved a lot of research as well as a lot of trial and error. Luckily everyone on this team is sane and somewhat level headed.

My main role will be with Sero and we’re put on wire and in sense his tape. Since the two of us are used to it, as well as helping with backgrounds and other things.

A simple enough job as it is, as long as I don’t have to be on stage or anything. It was kind of annoying, but I was enjoying myself to some extent.

Because of how things are, there won’t be any outsiders so it’s strictly for the students and faculty, as well as a couple of Heroes, but they’re determined. They have some sense of responsibility for the rest of the school.

The Sports Festival was mostly for Hero courses. This one is for the others and because of the constant attacks they don’t even get the whole experience. So they’re upset with us, though I’m unsure why.

It’s not our fault. We almost died. We were hospitalized. Katsuki was kidnapped for crying out loud.

Forget them.

Your feelings are hurt because you can’t do a festival? Well we literally almost freaking died. Multiple times!

Boo freaking hoo.

Still. My class is excited about it and wants to bring them joy. I doubt they’ll be grateful for it too.

Bastards.

“Todoroki, that’s not exactly the correct shape.” I said, staring at the ice in his hands. He glanced at me, brows slightly furrowed. “I can’t really manipulate its shape.” He had explained.

That I understand but . . . “Try to keep it the same height then.” I offered. While it’ll look cool to them regardless, they want it to be perfect so if I gotta nitpick I wall. “Okay. Like this?” He did  it again and this time was less menacing.

I nodded and went back to the computer, typing in the new data to play the simulation. “Oh! That looks way better.” Sero commented, leaning against my side, Kirishima against my other, so they could stare at the computer.

While I’m not necessarily tech savvy, Yao-Momo gave me this program to help with the whole thing.

I hummed in agreement as I watched the simulation play out. “Everything seems fine on screen. We should head to our auditorium and start practicing in real life. How's the band and dance team going?” I looked to the other side of the table where Koda and Aoyama were creating some props.

“We’ll go see!” Aoyama stood up, with some extravagant show and hurried off. Koda timidly followed after and I questioned that combo.

Kirishima takes directions really well so I like him nearby so I can give instructions. Sero and I need to keep in constant communication because of our roles, and Todoroki was working on ice effects that need to be run through the simulation.

Of course I have worked with Aoyama and Koda as well on certain things. Of all of us they’re the craftiest though so they’re perfect for the job.

Kirishima and Sero high fived in front of me, still flanking. “This is gonna be so awesome!” Kirishima exclaimed excitedly. Sero nodded agreement, both boys practically radiating happiness.

“Remember, as soon as Todoroki forms, the bridge is the most crucial for us.” I reminded them.

Of our effects, timing is the most important at that moment. Of course timing is essential throughout the whole thing. “Yes, yes, we know.” Sero chuckled, watching the simulation once again.

“You’ve made it very clear. Don’t worry, it’ll go off without a hitch!” Kirishima assured me.

I looked at him flatly. “Doubtful. First tries are almost always failures.” I deadpanned.

The two boys' heads fell at my words. “Kiri . . . too much.” Sero grunted.

I rolled my eyes, adjusting a thing or two in the simulation. “It’s a fact. However that’s the whole point of practicing. So all the mistakes are made before we show them off.” I shrugged.

That seemed to have lightened their mood a bit and Todoroki looked at me curiously. “You’re strangely taking this seriously.” He noted.

My hands froze briefly over the keyboard as I thought of his words. He’s right. I half ass everything in this place. Schoolwork, Herowork, and especially school functions. But they’re all so into it. I want it to go well.

And like I said, I won’t be able to do this with them next year, that’s for sure. The other two looked at me as well and I met their gazes before leaning back and crossing my arms.

“Is it so weird to want to do this with my friends?” I asked, and they looked as if I told them that the Earth was flat all along.

Even Todoroki’s jaw was slack. “Why are you staring like that?” I demanded irritably.

As if on cue both boys on my side threw their arms around my neck. “Awe! You called us your friends! Are you sure you’re really Kiri?” Sero laughed.

Kirishima joined. “That’s the first time you’ve said that!”

My temple throbbed and I struggled to get out of their grips. “Let go of me before I make you guys do this without me!” I shouted, a little embarrassed by the whole ordeal. But for some reason that just made them laugh even more happily.

Todoroki cracked a smile as he watched and I immediately regretted saying it. “Don’t be shy!” The boys holding onto me chorused, making me even more annoyed.

Christ! I wanted to be nice and here they are teasing me for it. “I said . . . let go!” I broke free and grabbed each of their arms, flipping them onto the ground with ease. They hit the floor with a heavy thud and groaned.

“Yep. That’s Kiri alright.” Kirishima grumbled, used to me tossing him around in combat.

Sero groaned as a reply and I huffed, closing the laptop and looking to the door as Koda and Aoyama returned. “The band team is still rehearsing, they are not ready to play the song yet. But the dance team is ready.” The two briefly glanced at the boys by my feet but are rather used to a scene like this so didn’t question.

I nodded, turning to face them. “That’s fine. We can do it without the song, I’ll put markers on stage where they’ll be since they won’t be moving. Let’s grab them and head to the auditorium.” I went over to a box, pulling out some thick red tape.

This should do.

“Si, mademoiselle!” Aoyama agreed. I looked at the others in the room. “C’mon, there’s a lot to do.”

~

“Ugh, I’m so sore.” Mineta whined from his spot on the sofa. We had been rehearsing nonstop and the festival is only a couple days away. “You’re telling me. I don’t know who’s worse. Yao-Momo or Kiri.” Sero groaned, stretching his arms.

Yao-Momo fretted nervously, not thrilled about the comment. “You guys are the ones who want this to go off without a hitch. Quit your bitching.” I stated, tossing him a heating pad for his shoulder and a bottle of water for Kaminari and Jiro.

“You need to keep hydrated.” I reminded them, taking a seat next to Shoji. Kaminari grinned at me. “Thanks!” Jiro smiled appreciatively and the two downed their waters.

I sighed, relaxing in my spot, looking over some notes. These aren’t for the actual rehearsal though. This is for another infiltration job Kitsune wants to do after the festival.

She hasn’t complained about me not taking time from the preparations to work. She’s been rather calm as of late.

Wonder what that’s all about.

Midnight’s been sending me little carpackages. She’s been busy with the whole festival too since she’s a faculty member.

I appreciate the energy drinks and granola bars though. While we have everything we may possibly need while living on campus, she still acts as my Guardian and makes sure I have other things that I can’t access right away.

Ah, speaking of which.

I dig in the pocket of my sweats and handed Shoji a protein bar. “Here. You’ve burned a lot of calories. Make sure to replenish yourself.” Since he’s a mass of muscles he requires a lot of intake to be able to exert the energy that he does.

Asui sat across from me, placing her finger on her cheek. “You know, you’ve been treating everyone kind of like you do Midoriya-Chan and Bakugo.”

Huh? “Oh yeah. Kind of like a mom!” Ochako agreed.

What the? Is that how they perceive it? I mean in the beginning I did shelter Izu a lot, and I always gave him and Bakugo special treatment. But like a mom?

I rolled my eyes and stood. “Well someone’s gotta make sure you take care of yourselves. You think it’s a good thing? He breaks his bones more often than Aizawa-Sensei naps and Katsuki is always making enemies of the student body.” I jabbed my thumb at Izu who stood a bit away and glanced at Katsuki who sat next to Asui.

They need to be looked after. Izu laughed nervously, though he did see my point based on the new sweat. Katsuki growled, yes, growled at me.

“Huh? I do n-”

“You do.” I interrupted, not caring.

He grit his teeth angrily but remained silent otherwise. That’s what I thought. Some of the class laughed at the interaction before talking about the performance.

It was a normal thing to finish the day as the festival drew nearer. My phone rang and I glanced at it, frowning at the unknown number. Who could be calling me so late?

I slipped away without the others noticing and headed outside before answering. “Hello?”

It was quiet for a moment. An accidental dial? As I was about to hang up, a voice spoke. One that I haven’t heard in years.

“It’s time to come home.”

The line cut but I remained still. My body had gone tense, coldness nipped at every part and my heart hammered in my chest. A gasp caught in my throat as my phone slipped from my hands.

I didn’t catch it. I let it fall as my eyes widened. The hairs on my neck stood and an overwhelming sensation of fear consumed me.

That voice . . .

It’s him.

It’s him.

My body shook and my hand flew to my mouth as I struggled. Breathe. How do I breathe again? Memories of cruel red eyes appeared and then his face formed.

I could breathe once again, but I began to hyperventilate, dropping to my knees and grabbing my head in my hands.

“It’s time to come home.” His voice echoed in my mind and I wanted to scream.

I wanted to run away and hide in the deepest corners of the world.

Bile began to rise but there was a tightness at the back of my throat that prevented it from escaping, let alone any words that might have wanted to escape.

I could feel Berserker inside of me. My aura flickering as the overwhelming fear fed the dormant Quirk.

But at this moment I didn’t care. Not about that or the potential of anyone hearing me.

All that I could think of was that stone room. I could smell the pungent scent of mold and iron. Feel the cold granite under my ruined fingers. I could hear the faint sound of water dripping and the screams of my family.

And I could see it all so vividly.

Of my mother, bloodied and chained to the wall. Of Kei's mangle's legs as he tried to remain standing. Of my little sister and brothers broken and destroyed corpses. Of Kazuya’s vacant eyes as he lay in a puddle of his own blood.

The memories of my painful childhood rose with a vengeance and I wanted to cry.

I felt the need to.

But I couldn’t. For the mere fact that I was unsure how to.

Crying.

If I cried, the lashings would be the first. Then the burns. The stabbing and peeling of my flesh. The broken bones that were sure to follow.

“Do not cry.”

“Weapons do not cry.”

“You belong to me.”

“How dare you disobey me.”

“Useless.”

“If you cannot do this properly you will be disposed of like your sister.”

“Kiriya. You will also learn, Kiriya.”

I squeezed my head tighter as his voice continued to ring through my mind. I leaned down, pressing my forehead to the soil as I tried to squeeze his voice from my head.

But I knew, I knew it was pointless. It’s time to come home. No. I don’t want to. No!

My body continued to shake and it felt like I was thrown into the cold ocean. It’s suffocating. It’s cold. I’m scared.

I’m scared.

I don’t want to! I can’t go back. If I do . . . it’s all over. Everything. I-I don’t want to!

Kazuya’s face cut through the nightmare playing through my mind and I stopped hyperventilating. Mom appeared next to the memory of my older brother. I couldn’t see her face as clearly as Kazuya’s.

I had nearly forgotten what she had looked like. It had been so long, I was too young.

But I remember Kazuya.

Kazuya's bright blue eyes brought me peace and solace. Eyes that had dulled and lost all spark the day he hid her from him.

That’s right. I can’t break down. Not like this. As scared as I am, I can’t falter. Even when he does bring me back. I need to remain strong. Cold. Unfeeling.

He must never find her.

If he does, it’s game over. Kazuya would have died in vain. The community, hell the world will face a Villain who can create Quirk Stones. The damage that could be done.

He’d hurt them. My friends. Izuku, Katsuki, my friends here at U.A., moms precious friends.

All gone.

I can’t let that happen. He will bring me in. I sat up, hand going to my chest. I can’t see or feel it, but I know it’s there. The chain he has on me.

As long as it’s on me I will never be free. And it cannot be broken. It’s inevitable. He’ll bring me back. He’ll tortrue and kill me over and over again to get the location out.

As long as she is by his side he can do it. That’s just a fact, that remains unchanged.

But even so, I must remain strong. That’s fine. He can do whatever he wants to me, I have no control of that. But I can keep the promise I made to my brother, to my mother.

What happens to me isn’t important. What matters is that I keep my lips shut. No matter what he does or how much pain I’ll experience, I will not tell him a damn thing.

I’m taking it with me to the grave. That’s right. I’m not scared.

I’m not.

Even if death is all that awaits me, that’s okay. I’m not afraid of death. Death isn’t scary, not in the least. Because only in death will I be free.

This is it. What I’ve been preparing for all this time.

I’ve given Midnight and the authorities every little bit of information I have on the Nozomi and their legacy. Their allies, their dealings, everything that I’ve seen and heard in that manor. Enough to help take them down. I’ve even given them the hint where Kazuya sent my mom.

I’ve spoken with Nemuri and Reina about stories of my mom, the good. How she never really fell to despair.

I’ve even spoken with Aizawa-Sensei. Who my mom had cared for more than anyone in this world.

I hope that they can take him down. And once they do, I hope they find her. Free her. And I hope she can have the life that she always wanted. With her friends and loved ones.

I hope she can heal from the damage of seventeen years of brutal captivation. I hope that she can have that happiness she once had. I hope she can smile and laugh.

And live a long life of freedom. In a peaceful world.

Because it will be peaceful.

My classmates, my friends will make sure of it. I . . . I know that they’ll prove to me that Heroes are real. Because they’re already the closest things to it for me.

They’ll make this world peaceful. A world with no more Nozomi’s. No more League. No more All For One. They’ll change the world.

Maybe not right now, but they will. I believe in them.

They’ve shown me time and time again. They’ve defied all logic and have always pulled through.

I won’t ever see it, but I know it’ll be so.

I tilted my head up to look at the starry sky. I’ve . . . always loved stars. When I was little, I wanted to capture one. And use its brilliant light to bring my family happiness. As foolish as that sounds I believed it to be the only option.

I don’t believe in an afterlife. But if there is something, anything, after death; I’d like to be a star.

So I can shine above my friends and watch over them.

Laughter sounded from inside and my heart clenched. It’s almost time.

I took a deep breath but remained staring at the sky above. It’s okay. It’ll be okay. You’re trained for this. No matter how excruciating it may be, you can do it. All you need to do is hold out until you inevitably perish.

I've had a good run.

I’d always imagined I’d have died before I could reach my teenage years. But look at this. I’m almost sixteen. Not bad. I lived longer than almost all of my siblings. It’s past time.

It’s okay.

I’m okay.

I’m okay, but I wish . . . I wish I could have stayed here a little longer. I wanted to watch Izu and Katsuki rise in their ranks.

I wanted to watch Kaminari and Sero show their strengths. I wanted to watch as Kirishima finally realized his worth. Jiro, Mina, Iida, everyone in this damn dorm.

Even Itsuka and Tetsutetsu. I want to watch over them all for a little longer.

Being here made me feel things. Emotions that I’ve been taught to force away.

It’s nice.

It’s frustrating because it’s so damn confusing.

But despite that I couldn’t help but feel content. Happy. I had not felt that at the manor. I haven’t had people care about me this much. Believe in me.

It’s so warm.

They’re a brilliant light in my dark world. Even if they shine a little too brightly. I can’t help but look away. Because where I am it’s so dark. So cold. So suffocating.

But for the briefest of time, I felt the warmth of their light. So even if I want to stay here longer, it’s okay.

With a shaky breath, I reached for my phone, pulling up the number. Despite the fear that coursed through me, I had made up my mind and steeled myself. My fingers moved across the keyboard as I sent a message.

“Huh? Where’d Nozomi go?” Iida’s loud voice questioned. I stood from the ground, forcing my shakiness to disperse.

I opened the sliding door and stepped in. “I’m here. What’s up?” I asked, joining my friends as if nothing was out of the ordinary.

It’s okay.

I’m okay.

---------------

To: xxx-xxx-xx05

Do your worst.

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