(This fic may stray from the original storyline and WILL INCLUDE MANGA SPOILERS)

*Seven Years Later*

“Taaa-maaaa-kiiiii!~” I pranced around the office and almost dove over the desk; startling my poor, anxious friend when my grinning face seemingly popped out of nowhere. Like a flash, he had kicked his office chair off from the table and scooted across the room in panic; face glowing red and turning to press his forehead against the far wall. “H..hello…(Y..Y/N)...” Amajiki mumbled in a fluster; using his cape as some kind of social shield.

“I'll get a smile out of you yet! That's a promise!” I announced; giggling at his nervous antics before vaulting over his desk and making my way over to my big, rounded target. “Dadgum! Guess what I got!~” Upon hearing my singsong voice, Fatgum leant back in his chair and grinned; his lack of neck making him look like a happy, oversized egg.

“If it's takoyaki I'm gonna seriously adopt you.” I could see the drool already glistening around his mouth, and I pulled the large takeout box filled with his favourite treat out of my handbag.

“My parents would probably have something to say about that...but you'd make an awesome dad!” I chuckled as he uttered a quick “thanks for the meal” and began to shovel then into his mouth.

“How did you fit that into such a small bag..?” Amajiki asked in wonder; still lingering by the wall.

“Sheer willpower!” I replied with a grin; placing my bag down by my own desk.

And leaving my own snacks at home…

During my first year, I had done my first compulsory internship with Fatgum, and I couldn't imagine choosing another hero office. I looked up to the man simply because his smile was absolutely infectious. He was a kind soul, who welcomed me with open arms and pockets full of sugar, and ever since I had been a part of his team. I met Amajiki on my first day, but he hadn't actually spoken to me until after a month or so of pestering. I had known he wasn't trying to be rude; he was just the epitome of anxiety, but he became relatively comfortable with me as time went on. I became great friends with his classmate Mirio, as well; we both shared such a sunny disposition, and together we did our best to help Amajiki out of his shell.

“Now…” Already, Fatgum had completely cleared the foam box of takoyaki and was waddling over to the bin to discard it. “...we've had some trouble around town recently...lots of territorial gang bangs, ya know!” Both Amajiki and I sweatdropped as we exchanged a glance; the pixie-eared ravonette returning his face to the comfort of his wall.

“Uh...Gummy...you may wanna rethink your phrasing, there…” I giggled behind my hand; watching the pro’s eyes grow wide.

“Y..you know what I meant! Anyway, we'll be splitting up and doing our usual crime watch! I'll take the north, Suneater will do the south, and Fauna will do the west!” He clapped his hands together and started towards the door.

“Uh...don't you think the west is a bit...dangerous for (L/N)?” Amajiki asked in a murmur as he trailed after us.

Awww, he's worried about me! The big softy!

“I'll be fine, Kiki!” I dropped back and hooked my arm with his. “I'm super tough!” His face was a brilliant red as he let me drag him along; still not used to my touchy nature.

“That you are, kiddo!” Fatgum beamed as we all squished into the elevator. It was no easy task when he was in his pro form. “Besides, I reckon it's about time she did a solo task!”

He was right. It was nearing a full year that I had been interning with Fatgum, and I was yet to do anything on my own. I had always been with either Amajiki, or the pro himself, whenever we did small missions or our usual watches, so I was thrilled to be trusted by myself.

“You can count on me, Dadgum, sir!” I gave him a firm salute as I still hung off Amajiki’s arm; making the boy shake and whimper. “I'll make you both really proud!”

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It's so boring!

Literally nothing was going on in the west. The closest thing to a crime was someone almost running a red light, and that was a little old lady who apologised immediately. I stole a glance at myself in a store window and did a little spin; admiring my updated hero costume. It had originally just been a white bodysuit, as I didn't need anything flashy, but Mirio had made some suggestions. Now, with the torso of the suit remaining white, each limb now sported animal print. For the arms, tiger on the left and Dalmatian on the right. Left leg was zebra and right leg was leopard. I had a black eye mask similar to Fatgum’s; he had gifted it to me when I first came to his office, and a black collar, simply because I wanted a little something extra. It wasn't exactly flashy, but it always made me smile. Chuckling to myself, I formed a fluffy, ginger fox tail; wagging it around and grinning to myself as I skipped down the street. I often used my quirk to give myself this very tail, and often the ears along with it. It made me feel like one of those adorable anime characters.

Yeah, let's sport the ears today, too! I look adorable!

More time passed, and my boredom grew along with it. I stopped to let some young children play with my tail, and responded to multiple texts from Amajiki, who seemed to be worried to death about me. I found it adorable, and even sent him a quick selfie; complete with a heart emoji filter.

To: U R Wat U Eat

I'm fine and dandy like sugar candy! See?

It didn't take long at all for him to reply.

From: U R Wat U Eat

Gosh I wasn't prepared for that. Just be careful please. Also, FG wants to treat us to dinner when we're done so don't fill up on (F/snack), okay?

I chuckled to myself as I typed out my response; including yet another selfie, but this time I was pouting. I didn't need filters to give myself actual puppy dog eyes. The perks of having a quirk like mine. Amajiki and I often communicated through texts. He was a lot more open with me through messaging than we was in an actual face to face conversation, and I respected that. We often spoke into the early hours of the morning; rendering us zombified for our classes.

To: U R What U Eat

No snacking?! Preposterous! I'm a growing girl! Plus I miss my neighbourhood watch buddy :c

Nothing's going on and I'm lonely!

Just as I was about to open his latest reply, I heard something. My vulpine ears twitched towards the right; trying to zone in on the sounds. It was like a dull crackling; like crumpling paper, but that wasn't it. I crossed the street and stayed quiet as I followed the noise. I had been on the street right beside the docks, and it was just a quick cut through the alleyway before I found myself slinking along the boardwalk. A harsh, toxic scent began to assault my sensitive nostrils, and it didn't take me long to figure out it was fire.

I should probably call Fatgum and Tamaki...but...what if there's people inside?!

My legs grew a mind of their own and brought me to a smoking warehouse. Using the nook of my elbow to cover my mouth and nose, I peered in through the doors. The air was thick and made my eyes water, but within the smog, I could see the silhouette of a man. Tall and slender; just standing there amidst the flickering cerulean flames. Upon further inspection, I could see he was holding what looked like another person by the collar.

I...can do this!

“H..hey! You! Freeze! Don't make me use force!” I yelled out; cursing myself for stuttering. The shadowed man turned to me; his features completely shielded by the smoke. I could have sworn I heard him click his tongue as he tossed the person aside and began to stroll in towards the raging inferno. “W..wait! You'll get killed!” I panicked, but he didn't even turn his head. His nonchalance confirmed for me that he was, indeed, a villain, and that the fire now consuming the warehouse was his doing. Carelessly, I morphed into a rat and dashed in towards the person the villain had discarded. At least I would be able to stay below the growing clouds of smoke. Whatever was being burnt smelled like toxic, and I knew I had to get anybody else in the building out before the whole place went up in a bang. Blinking through the stinging sensation, I reached the man.

Okay...now I just need to...to...t…

I reverted back to my true form as shock made me stumble back; scrambling on hands and knees as I saw something that would scar me for life. The person the villain had been holding hadn't been cast in black shadows. He had been burnt black. What had once been skin was now blistered and bubbling; the stench of roasted flesh making bile rise from my guts. His, or her, legs were already crumbling; dusty bone and marrow, as though I had interrupted a cremation.

“Oh...m..my god…” I choked back tears as I dragged my eyes away from the horror; forcing myself to scan the interior for possible survivors. All I could see were bodies; at least six of them, charred and being reduced to ash within the flames. I couldn't move. It was like I had entered the pits of hell; the heat making my skin boil and itch. I wanted to throw up, to scream, to run and call for help, but I just couldn't move.

Run...just run...call Fatgum...the fire department...the police...just get out of here!

“H..help…” My head snapped around to search for the weak, pitiful voice calling out over the spits and crackles.

“P..please!” I found my voice, and began to crawl towards the sound; wincing with each creak of the roof as it threatened to collapse. “K..keep speaking to me! I'm F..Fauna! I'm a hero in training! I'm h..here to help!”

“O..over...h..he...here…” I saw a slight movement; dangerously close to the blue wildfire that was consuming the far wall. I felt the knees of my costume tearing as I crawled on all fours towards the person. It was a young woman; a kid, really, who was horrifically burnt and gasping for air. She looked like death. Like something straight out of a horror film, and it made my blood run cold.

“I..I'm here! It..it'll be okay! I'm g..gonna get you out of here, Miss!” I stammered in a high pitched tone. I knew I should have asked about her injuries before trying to move her, but there wasn't any time. Barrels of god knows what were beginning to burst and feed the flames, and the clock was ticking. Carefully, I took hold of her body. Her skin was like freshly heated wax; sticky and oozing against my fingers, and she hissed and squealed in agony. I went to pull back; hating myself for causing her pain, but she began to shake her head wildly.

“D..do it! P..please!” Swallowing my fear, I gave her a smile and stood up; pulling her along with me as she bit back screams. I had to smile. I had to pretend that the young girl was safe, and that everything would be okay. That's what a true hero does. I wheezed, and my lungs were burning in my chest as I began to carry her towards the blurred direction of the main doors. I tried to activate my quirk; hoping to transform myself into a tiger or a horse, something big enough and quick enough to make a bold dash with her upon my back, but I just couldn't get it to work. I didn't know if it was the smoke, or my fear that was failing me.

“M..miss…” I coughed; trying to keep as low as possible. “...p..please keep talking to me! Wh..what is your n..name..?!”

“A..Aika…” She whispered; her voice hoarse and fading. “...F..Fujiwara A..Aika…” It was then that I noticed what little curly, auburn hair she had left on her scalp, which hung over my shoulder.

This girl can't be any older than eleven or twelve...and that hair...w..wait...no...it can't be..?!

“A..Aika..? Did...you happen to g..go to the park a lot as a l..little girl?” I asked; putting on a calm tone as sweat began to pour down my face. “E..every Sunday?” I felt her twitch against my back, and the smell of burning flesh made me splutter along with the smoke. We were so close yet so far away from safety.

“Y..yeah…” She croaked in response; sounding like she was dozing off. I knew I couldn't let that happen.

“I..it's me! (N..N/N)! R..remember?! I used to…*cough*...change into...a..animals for you and your f..friends!”

What is she doing in a place like this?! I need to save her!

“(N..N/N)?....I...r..remember the bunny r..rabbit…” She whispered against my ear; her breath sounding like popping bubble wrap. My legs were shaking as my lungs filled with smoke, but I couldn't give in to my spinning head. I was a hero. I couldn't let Aika down. I couldn't let Fatgum down. I couldn't let anybody down.

“Y..yeah!” I smiled again; my face growing wet from more than just sweat. “Th..that was me! W..wow...you've g..grown! Tell me...what s..school age you at..attending?” Her head fell limp on my shoulder, and I dripped down onto my knees in a fit of sobs and painful coughing.

N..no…

“A..Aika? C..come on...t..talk to m..me!” I didn't want to admit the obvious. I knew that the young girl; the same one I had seen smiling and giggling all those years ago, had just died upon my back. I didn't stop. I couldn't stop. I couldn't let her body be turned to dust. Everything was blurry, and my head was spinning. The one person who had been within my reach had perished, and I was quickly succumbing to the torturous heat surrounding us. I fell from my hands and knees onto my stomach; still clawing at the charred ground, trying to get to the outside. To untainted oxygen. It was like I was trying to climb my way out of the seventh circle of hell.

Aika...I'm...so sorry…

I stopped trying. My arm laid out in front of me; singed and covered in hot, sticky blood from the girl I had tried to rescue. Each breath I took was bringing me closer to that impending darkness, and no matter how hard I fought, I could barely keep my stinging eyes open.

So much for being a hero...how can heroes smile with all this...death..?

Accepting my failure, along with my demise, I didn't even flinch when two dirty, black shoes blocked my hazy view of the outside world. Connected to those ebony shoes were strangely purple ankles; at least that's what my half-cooked mind could convey. I spluttered and whimpered as I felt the weight of Aika’s corpse disappear from my back, and I was lifted up like a ragdoll in thin, strong arms. My hot, blistered cheek rested against something firm; several metallic bumps cooling my skin as the air began to thin out and become clear. My eyes were closed now, but tears still fell. After what seemed like an eternity, I was laid down on my back; the scent of burning chemical still making my nose burn, and the sounds of exploding rubble sounding far away. I felt something soft and warm brush my (H/C) strands of hair out of my sweaty, ashy face, and the click of a tongue against teeth.

“You stupid little girl…” A fading voice murmured; the touch disappearing as soon as it came. “...quit trying to play the hero, Tenderfoot…” As I slipped into the darkness; chest heaving and wheezing, my mind held onto one final thought.

That voice...it's oddly familiar...it's...deeper...and older...but...I'm sure...that I know it…

The sounds of sirens began to whirr in the distance, and I let go of reality in order to sleep. I just needed to sleep.

...Tenderfoot..? Where...have I heard that before..?

***RIP Aika - 15/06/18 to 16/06/18. I wasn't meant to get so dark so early on...but...oh well....
I'll sketch out the hero outfit when I have time, too!***