Chapter Seven - The Next Step

Days after Mirio's demonstration, the Internships had begun once again. The Argonauts chose separate Pro Heroes to study from. Talia and Shoji decided to intern with Pan, despite not being an official Pro Hero. As the Internships began, Pan took them to a nearby forest.

Shoji: Why are we doing our internships in a forest?

Pan: To be a Hero, we must first understand ourselves. Since time immemorial, Heroes have existed with the sole purpose of guarding the world from great evils. I have known great Heroes in my time. In you, I see potential as I see it in your Class. 

Talia and Shoji listened to Pan's words with attentive ears. 

Pan: I've watched Heroes rise and fall like the winter wheat. But the names they leave behind never die. Jason. Hercules. Achilles. Atalanta. Perseus. Odysseus. All great and worthy Heroes! 

Shoji: Were they your students? 

Pan: No. I never had the pleasure to teach them. I merely followed them on their own adventures. I am truly honored to have stood beside them on their grand adventures. 

Talia remembered Pan telling her stories about his exploits with the Heroes of Ancient Greece. Those stories deeply resonated in her. As for Shoji, he could only imagine how that must've been for Pan. 

Pan: But those are stories for another day. For now, I believe it's time for Hero work. 

As Pan said that, Pan tapped his staff on the ground and the three were teleported into the city. 

Shoji: Are we on patrol? 

Pan: Yes, young Shoji. I imagine we'll find trouble soon enough. 

Pan took Talia and Shoji on a walk of the city in search for trouble. As they walked, Pan hummed a song to himself as he recited poetry. 

Pan: Great deeds give choice of many tales. Choose a slight tale, enrich it large, and then let wise men listen. 

As they continued to patrol, they came across the Rabbit Hero: Mirko. As this was his first encounter with the Rabbit Hero, the Satyr greeted her.

Pan: Greetings, my fellow Hero! Ahem. Remember me in after times when the elder races are long past known, a humble singer of Apollo's words left to linger in this lonely world alone! Hhm. I could do better with the phrasing. 

Mirko: Excuse me?

Pan: I sincerely apologize! My name is Pan. 

Mirko: I recognize you. You're that guy who gave that speech at the Sports Festival.

Pan: Ah! I remember that speech! Not my finest, but I found it to be well crafted for what it was. Now then, how may I assist you on this fine day?

Mirko was confused by Pan's offer. She never liked working with anyone as she felt it was hinderence to both herself and the other person. The fact that Pan was asking seemed strange to her.

Mirko: Why do you ask?

Pan: It is common couresty for Heroes to help one another. Plus I find it to be a perfect opportunity for my proteges as well as myself to learn. 

Mirko took a moment to think on the Satyr's offer. Normally she would decline such an offer, but she was intrigued by Pan. 

Mirko: Normally I'd decline, but I think I'll take you on your offer. 

Pan: Splendid! Come along, my proteges! Take this opportunity to learn from both myself and Mirko!

Despite her instincts telling her to decline, Mirko accepted Pan's offer as she took Pan along with Talia and Shoji on patrol. As they patrolled, Shoji spoke with Talia. 

Shoji: You've known Pan all your life, right? 

Talia: Yes. He took me in when I was very little. He's been a father to me for all my life. 

Shoji: Might I ask about his...mannerisms? 

Talia chuckled at Shoji's question. 

Talia: I don't quite understand him myself sometimes. Pan's....an old soul. He's a poet with a thirst for adventure. He's seen many things in his long life. He's watched friends and loved ones die before him. Despite that, Pan never ceases to yearn for adventure. 

Shoji took a moment on Talia's perspective. As he remembered that Pan has been around for centuries, he could only imagine all the friends he lost and how it effected him over the years. 

Shoji: That's....that must be hard to live through losing all the people you care about. 

Talia: As a well-spent day brings happy sleep, so life well used brings happy death. He would always say that every time I've asked him about the losses he's suffered.

Shoji: I'm familiar with that quote. I believe Leonardo Da Vinci said that. I guess the search for adventure is what keeps him going. I've never seen anyone with such a deep love for adventure. Even someone like Midoriya or even All Might have shown such...spirit. 

Talia: I imagine he was prepared for that loss. Satyrs live long lives and Pan is considered ancient even by Satyr standards. Though I'm not surprised by that considering his favor with Apollo. 

In that moment, Talia and Shoji would reflect on Pan's long life and all the trials and tribulations he's experienced. Despite all the loss, Pan remains ever hopeful and ever wise. As they joined the Rabbit Hero Mirko on her patrol, Pan as well as Talia and Shoji would prepare themselves for whatever may occur. For Pan, this would be a splendid opportunity to learn what it means to be a Hero in every sense of the word. 

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