A Hero's Path

by Ssko

Summary:

Ymir watched as Eren made one fatal mistake — the kind that should’ve ended his story.

Unless…

With a single choice, she pulled him from the path of death and destruction. And set him on a new path.

A hero’s path.

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This fic now has a TV Tropes!!!

Chapter 1: The 56th Expedition

Summary:

Ymir watched as Eren made one fatal mistake一 the kind that would have ended his story.
Unless…
With a single choice, she pulled him from the path of death and destruction. And set him on a new path.
A hero’s path.

The sun beat down as the troops of the Survey Corps prepared to embark on the 56th expedition. A somber mood hung in the air as the scouts took in their dwindling numbers. They had lost too many of their own to the jaws of the Titans, and most found it impossible to hold onto any semblance of hope that humanity would triumph over these beasts.

“My soldiers!” shouted a voice.

Looking upward, they saw Commander Erwin, the commanding officer of the Scouting Regiment, standing atop the stage.

“Today, we launch the 56th expedition!” he declared, his presence commanding the full attention of the troops.

“With the recent recovery of Trost, it is now our duty to exterminate all the Titans remaining within her walls. Yes, we faced many losses in the fight to reclaim her land, but now is not the time to mourn, but the time to act! Let their deaths not be in vain, but a vital part in putting an end to this war and retaking what is rightfully ours!”

His voice grew in strength with each word.

“I ask each and every one of you to dig deep inside yourself and find that motivation to keep fighting. Take comfort in knowing that today, we strike a blow against those monsters and claim a win for humanity!”

When the commander finished his speech, a roar of approval rose from the troops. His words had lit a fire in each of them, but the speech resonated especially deeply with one scout in particular.

Eren Yeager, who, despite arguably playing the biggest role in reclaiming Trost thanks to his newfound ability to inhabit a Titan form, and had fought hard enough as it is to get permission to join the expedition, was ready to prove himself.

Using his own two swords and the skills he cultivated through years of training. Ready to prove that he was firmly on humanity's side and had what it took to be a Scout.

Mounting their horses, the scouts took off for Trost with one goal in mind: 

Eliminate the Titans.

___ . ___ . ___ . ___ . ___

The expedition had been running relatively smoothly. The Corps had started by using the cannons to kill or disorient any of the titans milling near the walls. Now it was time to finish off the rest that still resided beyond the cannon's reach with their gear.

As Eren turned to go, a hand on his shoulder making him falter; it was Captain Levi

“Don’t mess this up, Yeager,” he said, “you’re on thin ice as it is.”

Eren tensed at the reminder.

“Show them you’re more than the monster they think you are.”

With a determined nod, Eren jumped off the wall, grappled onto a nearby building, and was off.

A man on a mission.

___ . ___ . ___ . ___ . ___

Swinging from building to building, Eren relished the feeling of the wind in his hair and the rush of adrenaline that came hand-in-hand with using ODM gear. 

Turning down another street, he spotted a six-meter Titan lumbering toward him. He readied his blades, fired his hooks into a nearby building, and launched himself toward the Titan. 

Mere moments before he could finish the job, another scout swooped in and cleanly sliced through its nape.

As the titan steam cleared, Eren saw Jean standing atop the Titan’s carcass, a smug grin spread across his face.

“Jean!” Eren shouted. “You horse-faced bastard! That was my kill and you know it!”

“Oh, really?” Jean mocked. “Didn’t see your name on it. Guess you’d better try harder next time Yeager.”

And with that, Jean zipped off, leaving Eren seething at his own failure.

“Ugh! I hate that guy! Who does he think he is!? Taking my—”

His train of thought was swiftly interrupted by a green pillar of smoke rising high into the sky, a signal that another section had been completely cleared of Titans. Realizing he was running out of time to prove himself, Eren quickly shot off in search of another foe.

___ . ___ . ___ . ___ . ___

“Damn it Sasha!” Eren cried out, narrowly missing yet another kill.

She yelled back as she soared past him, “Sorry Eren! I’m sure you’ll get the next one!”

Time and time again, Eren was spurned from getting the kill he so desperately needed. Was he not good enough? He ranked fifth in the 104th — how was he failing this badly at the very thing he had spent years training to do?

First Jean, then Reiner, Connie, and most recently Sasha. They’d all managed to steal a kill right out from under him. Hell, he even caught sight of Armin taking one down out of the corner of his eye. Armin, of all people! How’d he not been able to kill one?!?

This was his chance, maybe his only chance, to prove that he was more than just a mindless attack dog. More than a Titan built only to kill other Titans. That he deserved his place in the Survey Corps… that he was Eren Yeager —

A human.

With a frustrated shout, he shot off once again, searching for anything. He’d even take a three-meter at this point. Anything!

___ . ___ . ___ . ___ . ___

He knew he was being reckless… Three fading green smoke trails hung high in the sky, signaling that only one quadrant still had Titans in it. 

Beginning to move even faster, he scanned his surroundings frantically, searching for any sign of those beasts.

As he was heading down a back alley near the initial breach, he heard a scream, and a faint cry of “Abnormal!”

This was it! If he could take down an abnormal titan, he’d definitely prove himself. Pushing his speed even further, he rounded the corner sharply...

And time seemed to slow.

Directly in front of him was a massive fifteen-meter titan, down on all fours, mouth gaping wide, and Eren was flying straight toward it, moving far too fast to even think about stopping.

As he hurtled closer to what looked like certain death, he saw the light.

Hold on. He wasn’t dead yet! And that light... wasn’t the afterlife.

A blinding sphere of energy was glowing from within the Titan’s mouth, growing at an impossible rate. It would fully engulf him in mere moments.

On a nearby rooftop, Mikasa’s eyes locked onto his, wide with horror, and in an instant, she shot toward him, blades drawn and desperation written all over her face

“EREN!” she screamed, slicing through the nape with deadly precision, killing the titan instantly.

But she was too late.

Eren was gone.

Notes:

Hello and Welcome!
The hyperfixation hit hard this week… so now I’m a fanfic writer.
Yay!
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I’m planning to post a new chapter every Wednesday and Saturday
I hope you’ll stick around (I’m honestly kinda surprising myself)
Chapters 1 through 6 are already written and edited, so we’re off to a solid start.
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Feel free to leave any speculations, comments, or questions you have!
Please no hate, I’m just writing a fic I would want to read myself :)

Chapter 2: The Paths We Choose

Summary:

What was that strange light, and what does it mean for Eren...?

The Paths We Choose

As Eren saw Mikasa fly toward him, he knew she’d be too late.
He had been reckless — too reckless, and now he’d put himself in a fatal situation.

He hoped she would be able to move on with her life. She and Armin would have each other to rely on, and the rest of the cadets from the 104th. 

Except Jean.

He hated that guy.

More than anything, he wished he wasn’t about to leave them behind, his two best friends, who had only joined the Survey Corps and risked their lives because he was so dead set on joining.

There was no one to blame but himself.

And as the light engulfed him, only two words echoed in his mind:

“I’m sorry…”

___ . ___ . ___ . ___ . ___

There was silence.
Too much silence.

Was this the afterlife? A blank void with only his thoughts to keep him company?
It had to be. There was no way he could’ve survived that encounter.

All that was left to do was sit and ponder — what could he have done differently to prevent this outcome? If only he hadn’t needed to prove himself…

Time passed.
Years… or was it hours? Seconds?
Time meant nothing here.

Then, after what felt like both an eternity and an instant, a small glowing dot appeared in front of him. Almost as if the spark was a seed, it began to grow and grow until a massive glowing tree filled his vision.

The tree’s light illuminated the world around him. He wasn’t in a void after all, but a vast, endless desert. One that stretched on forever in every direction. It was unlike anything he had ever seen.

He whispered,
“What is this pla—?”

THROB

A searing pain shot through his skull. He dropped to his knees, clutching his head as it pulsed with an unbearable intensity. With every throb, that glowing tree grew. Larger, taller, stretching beyond the bounds of this strange, infinite desert.

And then, visions began to swarm his mind.

He saw the rise and fall of countless civilizations. Wars of every scale. A world overrun with Titans, with militia — a world drowning in death and decay.

He saw the Earth trapped in a cycle of destruction, torn apart by those it nurtured, only to rise again from the ashes like a phoenix, surviving… until the next disaster tore it down again.

Then came the wonders. The ones Armin always talked about.

An endless sea.

Fire that flowed like water.

Water that glowed like fire.

Visions flashed faster and faster, blinding snapshots leaping through time at a dizzying pace. With every painful surge in his head, the tree stretched further.

Brighter.

Deeper into time.

He saw towering reptiles dominating the earth. Human technology evolving, nations racing to outdo one another. A glowing baby in a bassinet…

He watched as the novelty of flying machines was replaced with flying humans. People with the capability to control the elements. Displaying powers beyond comprehension. Titans became nothing but a myth. The walls, forgotten relics. The terror the titans once held being replaced by something worse. Humanity fighting each other for dominance with their terrifying gifts. 

The visions were endless, relentless, flashing faster than he could process, burning behind his eyes.

The tree kept growing. The light kept blinding. The pain kept ripping through him.

And Eren screamed.

He had to be dead.

Because this?

This was hell .

___ . ___ . ___ . ___ . ___

As quickly as the visions began, they stopped, leaving Eren gasping for breath, praying it was over.

The memories that had just overwhelmed his mind began to fade, slipping through his grasp until he couldn’t recall a single thing he had seen.

Opening his eyes, he turned his attention back to the tree.

It was flickering slightly…
Almost as if it was — thinking .

A single light, brighter than all the others, began moving along the branches. It danced from limb to limb, climbing higher and higher, until it finally settled so far above that Eren could barely see it.

Then, it happened.

The pinprick of light exploded into brilliance, blinding him, and twisted itself into a swirling vortex of energy.

It pulsed, alive and impossible.

And before Eren could even think to resist, he felt consciousness slipping away, his body being hurled forward…

Into whatever world this strange tree had chosen to send him.

 

Notes:

OMG! I can’t believe this fic has 42 hits!!! ₍₍⚞(˶˃ ᵕ ˂˶)⚟⁾⁾
I’m so happy people are enjoying my story so far! I have so many ideas!
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Please stay tuned! I promise the chapters get A LOT longer from here on out!
I've already written over 12,000 words for this fic. I'm obsessed
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Feel free to leave any speculations, comments, or questions you have!

Chapter 3: A New Battle

Summary:

Eren is thrown straight from one battle into the next. There really is no rest for the weary!

There was no warning.

One moment, Eren was being swallowed by light — the next, he was plummeting.

Consciousness returned mid-fall, wind roaring in his ears,  a black void spinning around him. He didn’t know how long he’d been falling, seconds? hours?  But the ground was coming up fast.

He slammed into it hard.

Instinct kicked in. He tucked into a roll, the motion so ingrained from training that it happened without thought. In a single, practiced motion, he sprang to his feet — alert, breathing hard, already scanning his surroundings.

Where was he?

The last thing he remembered was a blinding light… and pain.
“The Abnormal!” he gasped. “Mikasa!”

Was she okay?

His eyes darted around, scanning the unfamiliar surroundings in a panic. Where was she? No,  more pressingly,  where was he ?

Nothing looked familiar. Towering structures loomed around him, taller than any building or castle inside the Walls. They weren’t made of stone or brick, and their smooth surfaces gleamed like polished steel.

The ground beneath his feet was just as strange, hard, and flat, covered in bizarre patterns and lines that seemed to serve a purpose he couldn’t guess. It looked like some sort of futuristic settlement.

A faint zipping sound caught his attention from above. He looked up — and blinked.

Someone was flying through the air in a way eerily similar to ODM gear… but without any gear at all. Instead, they swung on long strands of white… fabric?

In his confusion, Eren didn’t notice the robot sneaking up behind him, until it was nearly too late.

Thankfully, Mr. Not-ODM did. He swooped down, wrapped the robot in that sticky fabric… tape?   and yanked it to the ground, crushing it. He swiftly cut the tape free and turned to Eren.

“Hey, you okay?” the stranger asked. “You’ve gotta pay more attention if you wanna destroy these things.”

“What…?” Eren blinked.

But before he could process what had just happened, the guy had already zipped off, swinging away to hunt more robots.

Eren stood there, stunned.

This… this was just like the expedition!

Except instead of Titans, it was… machines.

Okay. Okay. He could do this. Existential crisis later . Right now, he needed to do what he’d been trained for: kill the monsters that were trying to kill him first .

With newfound determination, he fired his hooks into the nearest building and shot off, ready to redeem himself for his failure in the 56th expedition.

___ . ___ . ___ . ___ . ___

Turns out, killing robots is way easier than killing Titans, Eren thought with an almost childlike glee.

Most of these things would struggle to match a three-meter in height, and they weren’t actively trying to eat him. Maim him? Sure. But that he could handle.

They also didn’t require some ultra-specific cut to the back of the neck to kill. You could slice, stab, crush… really, the options were endless. In summary: this was a breeze .

Eren zipped from one robot to the next, using his momentum to either slam them into the ground or slice through them with his blades — decapitate, impale, or just straight-up stab. He felt freer than he had in quite a while.

Each bot he destroyed gave his confidence a little boost.

He was Eren Yeager.

He came fifth in the 104th Training Corps.

He was a human.

And he could do this.

___ . ___ . ___ . ___ . ___

As he zipped through the air, Eren started noticing others fighting the robots too. Each of them had some kind of strange ability — like that tape kid from before.

One had claws, tearing through bots like paper. Another launched glowing projectiles from their hands. He spotted kids shooting fire, ice, and a dozen other things he couldn’t begin to explain.

And then there was… a tiny child throwing balls with reckless abandon, that he’d pulled off of his own head?

When this battle was over, Eren was going to have a lot of questions he needed answers to.

___ . ___ . ___ . ___ . ___

He didn’t know how long he’d been fighting, but the swarm of robots was finally thinning. Still, without any signal or command to retreat, he kept going.

He had just sliced the head off of yet another machine when a deafening boom echoed through the area, and the ground began to shake beneath him.

Dozens of recruits came sprinting toward him… and kept running. Their faces were twisted in panic as they fled from the source of the rumbling.

Eren hooked onto the nearest building and launched himself upward to get a better view.

What he saw froze him in place.

It was massive . Nearly the size of the Colossal Titan. A hulking robot, rolling forward like it was leading a death march. Intent on flattening the world and all its inhabitants.

Eren’s grip tightened on his blades. He wasn’t sure how to fight something like that… But he was ready to try.

Then he hesitated.

He looked down at the crowd below, at the flood of recruits running for their lives. Why were they leaving? Weren’t they here to fight?

Maybe there had been a signal. An order to retreat he wasn’t familiar with. Yes! That had to be it. Why else would they all abandon their duty?

Resolved, Eren turned to follow.

But then — A voice. A faint cry from below.

He strained his eyes, scanning the wreckage.

There, someone was trapped among the debris. A figure struggling against some sticky, purple orbs, the same ones that short kid had been throwing earlier.

And then he saw it.

Shoulder-length black hair. Lean frame. Her body… seemed to flicker, shifting slightly in size, like she was caught between moments. Could it be…

Mikasa…?

His breath caught. Wait!

“MIKASA!!!” Eren shouted, already latching his hooks into another building, swinging toward her with everything he had.

But it was no good.

That thing was nearly on top of her, and he had no idea how to free her from those strange balls. He couldn’t save her in time.

Unless…

There was one thing he could do. The one thing he’d always done.

Fight.

___ . ___ . ___ . ___ . ___

Eren swung through the air, building as much momentum as possible. At the apex of his arc, he bit into his hand — hard, hard enough to draw blood.

A flash of lightning split the sky. Eren Yeager vanished, and in his place, a fifteen-meter Titan with rippling muscles and vibrant green eyes shot through the air like a living missile straight towards the robot's face.

He crashed onto its head and hammered down with both fists. Metal rang like a bell. Spotting the glassy, brittle sensors that doubled as its eyes, he smashed them one after another. Screeching an ear-splitting roar all the while.

Using those ruined sockets for leverage, he pried the metal plate apart with all the force he could muster. Thick cables sat nestled inside. Eren tore out everything within reach, until with one final yank, the giant monster lurched to a halt.

He bellowed in triumph, a toothy grin splitting his face.

The victory, short lived, as the robot began to buckle, tilting toward the street below. Heading straight toward Mikasa…

Eren leapt from the crumbling robot, plummeting to the ground below. Reaching her just as she managed to free herself from the last ball.

Scooping her up in one massive hand, he brought her close and turned to carry her to safety. Glancing over her trembling form, looking for injuries, he noticed.

She wasn’t Mikasa.

The realization struck a beat too late. A slab of falling wreckage slammed into his back. As instinct took over, he stretched his arm out as far as he could in an attempt to get her to safety. More debris fell, and metal crushed most of his body, pinning him to the street.

Fortunately, his real body lay safe in the nape of this titan form. He clawed himself free through clouds of titan steam. And slid down the rapidly decaying body of his titan. Exhaustion fogged his vision as he staggered over to the girl.

“Mikasa—? Mikasa, are you oka—”

Seeing her face, the fog cleared in an instant.

“Y-You… You’re not— her, you’re not Mikasa.”

“N-no, I—my name is Kodai Yui”, she stammered, clearly shaken by the whole ordeal.

“Thank you, you saved my life”, she whispered with a bow.

But Eren didn’t hear, his thoughts already spiraling. 

How could I think she was Mikasa? 

Why would she be here? 

Where is here?...

Before he could drown in his sorrows, an elderly woman elbowed through the crowd, leaning on a comically large syringe like a cane.

“Is anyone injured?” she called.

“I think I sprained my ankle,” Kodai admitted. The woman kissed Kodai’s cheek, handed her a few gummies, and sent her on her way.

“And you, young man?” Her voice snapped Eren from his downward spiral. 

“Huh? I… No, I’m fine. Wait!... But if you’re a medic, you must know who commands this regiment? Can you take me to them?! I need answers — please.”

“Of course, dearie. Come with me.”

With no better option, Eren fell in behind her, determination battling fatigue as he followed her deeper into this baffling new world.

Notes:

I swear, look up Kodai Yui. She's a 1B student that I quite literally did not know existed until I was trying to find a good Mikasa stand-in.
And y'all??? Her quirk?!? She’s practically a titan shifter!
Getting some big ideas right now!!! ( ˶°ㅁ°) !!
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I also decided to change my upload schedule to Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
I’m just too excited to give you guys more content!!!
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Feel free to leave any speculations, comments, or questions you have!

Chapter 4: Another Perspective

Summary:

The UA faculty are observing the entrance exams as they do every year. Until something unprecedented interrupts their routine viewing.

Earlier that Day - UA Observation Room

All Might watched in anticipation as his successor sprinted toward the zero-pointer. He had to believe that Young Midoriya could do this.

He sat in a dim observation room, one wall covered in glowing monitors displaying each applicant as they battled for a spot at U.A., the most prestigious hero school in Japan.

Most of the staff were seated around the room, analyzing footage and taking notes on students that caught their attention, all except Present Mic, who had just wrapped up announcing the start of the exam and was on his way back, and Recovery Girl, currently on standby for medical emergencies.

A grin spread across All Might’s face as he watched Midoriya leap into the air and obliterate the massive robot with a single SMASH. Reminding him of his battles from his youth.

But the smile didn’t last long.

His eyes widened as Midoriya plummeted from the sky, limbs mangled, body twisting midair.

All Might shot to his feet. Several of the others glanced at him in confusion.

He sat back down with a mumbled apology. Almost fainting in relief at seeing another applicant stop his successors' fall. Despite this, he still needed to check on young Izuku.

“I’ll be back shortly,” he said, already striding toward the door, concern etched deep into his features as he left the observation room.

___ . ___ . ___ . ___ . ___

Aizawa let out a sigh as he watched All Might, that bumbling oaf, leave the staff room. He knew that he was only here to scout for students with “high potential,”... as if that were enough.

Whatever. Good riddance.

Yawning, he turned his attention back to the monitors, scanning for more problem children as the next wave of applicants entered their assigned city zone.

A few students showed potential, well, the potential to have potential, anyway. He made notes on quirks, movement patterns, glaring weaknesses. With another sigh, he drew a line through one name on his list.

Mineta, Minoru

He watched as the boy deliberately lobbed his sticky balls at other applicants, clearly trying to sabotage their chances. Worse, he seemed to be targeting more girls than boys.

Aizawa’s eyes narrowed. There was no place in the hero course for someone like that.

Movement in the room caught his eye. Always vigilant, he tensed — then relaxed slightly as Present Mic strolled in. He gave him a nod and returned to the monitors, wondering if he could just expel these kids before they were even accepted and be done with it.

His train of thought was interrupted by an unsettling, almost gleeful chuckle.

From Nezu.

Aizawa raised an eyebrow.

The rat-god principal folded his paws and announced, “It appears we have a surprise applicant.”

A ripple of confusion passed through the room.

“Explain yourself, Nezu,” Vlad King demanded.

Nezu chuckled again, more amused than alarmed. He clicked a button on his remote, combining several monitors into one large screen. With a few more taps, he rewound the feed by about a minute.

All eyes were locked on the playback.

Near the edge of the city, a swirling light erupted into view, and a boy with messy brown hair tumbled out, hitting the ground hard. He stood quickly, looking around in confusion, seeming more lost than anything as he took in his surroundings.

In his distraction, he missed a one-pointer rolling up to him.

Some invasion, Aizawa thought with an eye roll.

Luck seemed to be on this mystery kid's side as another applicant destroyed the robot in the nick of time, said something, and swung away. Concerned with earning himself more points.

The boy hesitated... then seemed to come to a decision. Aizawa watched as he squared his shoulders and changed. Gone were the eyes swirling in confusion, and in their place were the hardened eyes of a soldier.

He aimed some sort of unfamiliar technology into the sky and shot upward, launching himself into the air with surprising speed. 

Aizawa leaned forward, narrowing his eyes at the screen.

Just who is this kid?

___ . ___ . ___ . ___ . ___

As Eren zipped away, the staff room erupted into chaos.

“Who is that?”

 “How’d he get in?”

 “Why was he here”

 “Are they in dan —”

“Should we stop the exam?” Snipe asked, his distorted voice barely cutting through Hound Dog’s snarling.

“No,” Nezu replied calmly. “I don’t believe there’s any need.”

“ Whaa—? ” Vlad King sputtered. “Why not? He’s clearly an intruder! This is putting the other applicants at risk!”

Before Nezu could respond, Aizawa’s monotone voice sliced through the chatter like a blade.

“ Clearly , you all need to work on your deduction skills.”

Vlad’s jaw dropped in indignation.

“If any of you had actually paid attention to his body language after falling out of that portal, you’d have seen it — he was more confused than any of us ,” Aizawa muttered. “No one would attack UA on the day of entrance exams, not when so many pros are present and watching.”

“We don’t know why he’s here. He can’t just waltz in,” Vlad argued. “We can’t just trust this stranger! ”

“But did you see the urgency in his movements?” Present Mic asked, “He looks like he’s on some sort of mission. Almost as if— as if he thinks this is a real battle, not an exam.”

“Excellent observations, both of you,” Nezu said, an unnerving gleam in his eyes. Countless programs pulled up in front of him. Sifting through mountains of data, looking for any clue about this intruder's identity.

“I’d quite like to see how this plays out.”

Aizawa felt a chill run down his spine

Nezu had found his newest puzzle

___ . ___ . ___ . ___ . ___

All eyes were locked on the monitors as the surprise applicant tore through the robots with unprecedented speed. Using a number of creative methods to incapacitate each one, only pausing long enough to confirm its destruction before zipping off again.

He even swung down to grab several participants just moments before they would have been injured, slightly easing the tension in the room. At least he didn’t seem to be here to harm the other applicants.

“His support gear is fascinating,” Power Loader remarked, leaning forward. “The combination of grappling hooks and compressed gas works surprisingly well for mobility, though the gear itself seems too clunky to be practical.”

“I don’t even understand how he moves in it,” Midnight added, eyes wide. “The way he uses the terrain to his advantage, moving at such high speeds while still tracking his next target… It’s remarkable.”

“Don’t overlook those swords of his,” Snipe chimed in. “See those triggers? They’ve got some sort of firing mechanism. Wonder what that’s used for?”

“It’s certainly resourceful,” Ectoplasm agreed.

That it is, Aizawa thought, arms crossed. He watched the boy’s movements carefully — each robot was destroyed with surgical precision. Every strike was deliberate. Efficient. Ruthless.

He hasn’t used his quirk yet,” Thirteen noted. “At least, not one we can identify.”

“Could be something subtle,” Ectoplasm suggested. “Enhanced reflexes? Spatial awareness? Maybe some kind of predictive ability.”

All eyes returned to the monitor, watching the boy tear across the cityscape, looking for any hint of the quirk he might possess.

Nezu chuckled lightly, ears twitching. 

“I think it’s time we release the zero-pointer and get this exam wrapped up.”

He always loved this part. The sudden chaos. The fear. Separating those who would turn and run from those with the makings of a true hero.

A nervous tension settled over the room as each teacher wondered the same thing:

What will he do?

___ . ___ . ___ . ___ . ___

The faculty watched as the boy overlooked the chaos caused by the zero-pointer. Panic flickered in his eyes. Confusion at seeing the fleeing masses,

Nearly turning to join them in retreat.

But then, he stopped. Turned back. His gaze fixed on something.

They followed it on the screen, scanning the debris, and spotted her,  a young woman, seemingly stuck in place directly in the path of the goliath.

This couldn’t keep happening…

Before anyone could speak, the intruder was already moving.

Moving faster than they’ve seen him at any point before, grappling with urgency. The staff leaned in, anticipation thrumming through the air as they watched him speed toward the zero-pointer. What was he planning? What could he possibly do against something that big?

And then, they saw him raise his hand to his mouth.

And bite down.

Hard.

The monitors flared white. A massive bolt of lightning struck the boy midair, shorting out several camera feeds in a burst of static.

When the screens cleared, the room went silent.

Where the teenager had been moments prior, there was now… a monster. Rocketing through the air in a direct path for the zero-pointer.

It was massive! Unclothed, yet featureless. Bulging muscles that would make even All Might jealous. Wild brown hair whipped in the wind. A gaunt, lipless face bared a full set of teeth, and its eyes blazed with an emerald intensity.

The beast slammed into the zero-pointer’s face, using its fists to shatter its retinal sensors. It let out a deafening screech, and pried the metal apart using only its brute strength. Reaching in, it tore at anything and everything it could grab.

The robot stuttered, then stopped.

A wave of relief washed over the faculty… until it began to collapse.

Down towards the girl they knew was trapped below.

Several staff members jumped to their feet, desperate to intervene, but Nezu raised one small paw and halted them.

“There’s no need for that,” he said calmly. “I believe our monstrous friend has it covered.”

They watched in disbelief as the Titan leapt from the falling wreckage, slammed into the ground with a thunderous crash, and reached the girl just in time.

A gasp tore from Midnight’s throat as the creature was struck by falling debris. Most of its body getting pinned and punctured by beams and rubble as it just managed to extend one arm, delivering the girl to safety before falling still.

The staffroom was dead silent. A collective breath being held.

Had they just witnessed this child’s death?

Steam began to erupt from the thing's nape…

And the boy clawed his way out.

Weak and clearly exhausted, but alive.

Numerous eyes turned to Nezu.

He simply smiled.

“Oh, there’s no need to worry,” he said lightly. “I’ve already sent Recovery Girl to retrieve the young man.”

Setting down his teacup, he hopped from his seat.

“Aizawa. Sekijiro. If you’ll follow me… I believe it’s time we got some answers.”

Notes:

Writing the same scene in two different perspectives is kinda weird.
I hope I pulled it off…
We’re finally getting somewhere! Whoop Whoop!
Look out UA! Here comes the Yeager Bomb! (∩˃o˂∩)
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Also… 135 hits! 6 kudos! 2 comments! A bookmark!!!
Y’all are spoiling me!!! Please leave me comments! They make my whole day!!!
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Feel free to leave any speculations, comments, or questions you have!

Chapter 5: The Rat God

Summary:

Now is Eren’s chance to get some answers. Where is he? ...and why is that mouse wearing a suit?

Eren could barely keep his eyes open as he followed behind the old woman. His exhaustion made every step feel heavier and heavier. He hadn’t been this tired since Trost… Only his sheer willpower and desire to get answers kept him going.

And answers were ahead. Hopefully.

He didn’t know where he was, what was going on, or even how he got here. But someone in command, whoever ran this operation, had to know something. Anything that could tell him if he was still in his own world… or if that abnormal had killed him after all.

They walked in silence for what felt like hours, but was probably minutes. He didn’t ask where they were going. He didn’t want to give them the satisfaction of knowing how disoriented he felt.

Eventually, the woman stopped in front of a pair of tall double doors. Before she could raise her oversized syringe to knock, the doors creaked open on their own.

Inside was… not what he expected.

It wasn’t a war room. No maps or plans detailing the attack, no tribunal of officers waiting to judge him. No guards, no shackles. Just a modest office. 

Two men sat in comfortable-looking chairs, quietly conversing. One with unkempt black hair wrapped in layers and layers of some strange white scarf? The other, a burly man, dressed in red with large fangs poking out beyond his lips. 

But what caught Eren’s attention, what nearly made him stop in his tracks, was the small creature sitting behind a nice-looking desk leading the conversation.

A rat? Bear? Some sort of hybrid…? It had the posture of a man, but the body of some sort of white rodent, and it was … sipping tea from a porcelain cup, like this was all perfectly normal.

Eren blinked.

…Fine. Sure. A talking animal. Of course, this day could get weirder.

Whatever. If it had answers, it could be a talking table for all he cared.

He squared his shoulders, pushed down his exhaustion, and entered the room ready to get to the bottom of this strange place.

___ . ___ . ___ . ___ . ___

Three heads turned to look at him as he entered the room, his head held high.

“Please, have a seat,” the rats said, gesturing to an empty chair across from him.

Despite his exhaustion, Eren stayed on his feet,

“I’ll stand”, he replied. The burly one bristled at this defiance.

“My name is Nezu,” the creature continued, unbothered, “Principal of UA High School. These two are Eraserhead and Vlad King, pro heroes and teachers at this school. If you don’t mind, we’d like to ask you a few questions — ”

“You can ask,” Eren cut in, his voice sharp, “but I’m going to need some answers of my own. What’s going on here?”

Before Nezu could respond, Vlad cut in, 

“Who are you? Who are you working for? What’s your quirk? Were you sent to attack the school? What —”

Eren silenced Vlad with a glare, clenching his jaw, he responded,

“Eren Yeager, cadet of the Survey Corps, can’t say I know what a ‘ quirk’ is.”

“Interesting,” Nezu hummed, pieces beginning to fall into place.

“Quirks, Mr. Yeager, are supernatural abilities that about 80% of the population hold. Similar to the transformation ability you displayed earlier. If you are unfamiliar with quirks, what can you tell us about that? ”

Eren’s blood ran cold .

That's right, he’d transformed to save that girl, now they knew. They’d seen.

It was going to be the military all over again, no, he couldn’t let that happen.

As if sensing his unease, Aizawa interjects,

“We all have strange abilities here, no one will judge you,” his voice surprisingly gentle.

It did feel… different here, than compared to back home. By the walls! He was speaking to a talking rat! Perhaps he should show a little trust. He would likely need their help to get home.

“It’s… that was… my titan”

___ . ___ . ___ . ___ . ___

Eren looked at the confused faces staring back at him.

“Why don’t we back up?” Nezu suggested. “What happened before you appeared here?”

Recognition entered Eren's eyes— a debriefing, that was something he could do.

With a breath, he launched into his tale, albeit an abbreviated version. The expedition to Trost, the titans, the abnormal, the light, then— nothing…

When he finished, Vlad cried out.

“You mean to say that your home is crawling with Titans?— creatures that exist only to devour humans?!” his stomach turned at the thought.

“Those monsters—like you?” he asked in horror, the thought of an army like the beast they witnessed during the exam trying to eat them filled his mind.

Eren failed to hide his flinch at those words. Aizawa noted his reaction.

“No!” he exclaimed, “I’m nothing like them, I’m not—” He faltered, voice cracking. 

“I’m not a monster…”, he didn’t sound convinced

“A very interesting predicament we seem to have discovered,” Nezu clapped his paws together. Effectively pulling Eren from his thoughts.

“From what I can gather. It likely seems as though we aren’t from the same world“.

Eren’s eyes widen at the implication, 

“And,” Nezu theorized, “considering that the power level of quirks is growing at an unprecedented rate, I don’t think it's beyond the realm of possibility to consider that a quirk is responsible for your jump through space and time.”

“This was the work of some quirk , was that what the light was? 

What did he do to deserve this?”

“Do you know if there's any way I can get back?” he asked, desperation bleeding into his voice.

Nezu looked at him with a sad smile

“I can’t say for sure, but we can begin searching for an answer by studying both you and your abilities to see if there is any correlation to be found.” Eren's expression closed off with each word out of Nezu’s mouth.

“Study me—” his voice was like ice, “What? You wanna tear me apart looking for answers— over and over again, hoping to find something new.” He was almost snarling at this point.

“Train me to be your weapon?! Well, I won’t do it! Not ag—”

A paw raised in the air, cutting him off mid-sentence.

“I believe you misunderstand. Mr. Yeager, we don’t want to train a weapon, we want to train a hero.” Eren bluescreened.

A hero? Him? No, he couldn’t be, could he? He didn’t dare let himself feel hope.

“This is a hero school,” Aizawa added. “Our job is to learn what makes your quirks tick. “

“We could help you improve your skills, and if we happen to find out how to get you home in the process, then it’s a win-win.” He added with a shrug

“Could he really, could he help people. His mind flashed back to that day in the courtroom. 

. . . slight flashback . . . 

The jeers that didn’t stop, even as Captain Levi beat him within an inch of his life. Attempting to demonstrate that Eren wasn’t a threat. It had only just succeeded in not getting him executed on the spot. 

The haunting voices, saying that he wasn’t to be trusted. That the only good titan was a dead one, a common saying within the military. How could they put any faith in a monster like h—

. . . end of flashback . . .

A cool hand on his shoulder jolted him back to reality.

“You with us, problem child?” Slight concern lacing Aizawa's voice.

“Oh— yeah…,” he said, absentmindedly rubbing his wrists. It was almost as if he could still feel the shackles,

“Sorry.”

“Don’t apologise. Does that happen often?” Aizawa asked

“Hmm— does what happen often?” Eren glanced over at him.

“Flashbacks,” he supplied.

“No!” Eren muttered, “That was just, I was just— remembering something… That’s all.”

Aizawa didn’t look convinced.

Eren grabbed the hand still sitting on his shoulder, locking eyes with Aizawa,

“Did you mean it?” He asked, a fragile hope shimmering in his eyes, “That I could be a hero? I could do good?”.

Aizawa sent him a small and, hopefully, comforting smile. 

“Yes, I did. We all saw the way you acted in the city. You have the making of a true hero.”

Eren sent back a watery smile. He wouldn’t cry, damn it! He couldn’t show weakness. But he couldn’t help but feel hope for the first time in a while. Maybe this was what he needed. A way to serve humanity and make a difference. And if they happened to find a way home in the process— well, he supposed that was… good too.

“Okay,” Eren looked towards Nezu, determination steeling his gaze.

 “I accept.”

Notes:

Y'all!!!
This chapter took soo long to write. I completely restarted at one point! (ᗒᗣᗕ)
I hope it comes across well. I tried to portray Eren’s hesitance without giving either side too much information.
This is hard ˙◠˙
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Also... I've written over 32k words so far... I might be crazy.
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Feel free to leave any speculations, comments, or questions you have!

Chapter 6: Meeting the Yamazawas

Summary:

Eren meets the rest of the Yamazawa household. Fluffy shenanigans ensue…

Aizawa glanced at the kid sitting in the passenger seat of his car, seemingly frozen in awe. He looked as if he’d never been in a car before…

Oh, right.

He was a time-traveling dimension hopper, this probably was his first time.

Turning his attention back to the road, he sighed quietly. How did he let himself get roped into this? His mind flashed back to the end of the meeting in Nezu’s office.

. . . . . . .

“Wonderful!” Nezu exclaimed, clapping his paws together. 

“I’ll handle all the paperwork regarding your enrollment, as well as your new identity and cover story for your stay here. Now, the only remaining issue is housing…”

He trailed off, eyes glinting mischievously as he turned toward the tired man.

“Aizawa! I hear you’re good with strays.”

. . . . . . .

Aizawa resisted the urge to slam his head into the steering wheel.

Glancing over at Eren again, he cleared his throat, drawing the boy’s attention.

“Alright,” he began. “Since you’ll be staying with me, there are a few things you need to know and rules you’ll need to follow.”

Eren nodded, expecting as much.

“I live with my husband, son, and two cats. You’ll meet them all soon enough. You will have your own room and are expected to keep it clean. We’ll let you know when meals are ready.” He paused briefly, considering if he’d missed anything. “That’s about it. Other than that, you’re pretty much free to do as you wish.”

Eren stared in shock. That’s it? No excessive rules, no chores? He’d grown used to having every minute of his life mapped out and closely monitored to ensure he didn’t go rogue…

“We have about a month before classes start.” Aizawa continued, “So you’ll attend makeup courses at UA during the week to help get caught up. Hizashi or I will drive you. Feel free to explore the city, but take someone with you the first few times, we don’t want you getting lost…”

“Any questions?” Aizawa asked.

“…My gear,” Eren said hesitantly. “Will I get it back?”

They’d taken it before he left with Aizawa, and he couldn’t bear the thought of losing one of his last connections to home.

“Don’t worry about your gear,” Aizawa reassured him. “Powerloader is looking after it… and he will be extra careful not to damage it in any way.” He quickly added, seeing a flicker of panic cross Eren’s eyes. 

“We want to try and design a less bulky version for your hero costume. Since Nezu assumed you’d still want to use it.”

“Hero costume?” Eren echoed back.

“Each student designs their own uniform for hero training. Hizashi can help you if you’d like, he is quite the artist.” Aizawa answered.

Eren relaxed slightly, relief evident in his face.

“Looks like we’re here,” Aizawa announced, pulling up to the apartment complex and parking his car.

“You ready kid?”

___ . ___ . ___ . ___ . ___

Aizawa unlocked the front door and ushered Eren inside.

The apartment was— modest. Not too large, but tastefully decorated. 

Just to the left of the entrance was a kitchen, looking quite different from the one his mom used when he was growing up. This one seemed… polished? Sleek? 

Beyond the kitchen was a small dining room, and directly across from it, a cushioned bench faced a large black window? What could that be?

Movement suddenly caught Eren’s eye as he stepped inside. An orange blur darted into one of the open doors down the hall.

“That’s Bastard,” Aizawa hummed. “He doesn’t like most people, so don’t take it personally if you hardly see him.”

“Bastard?” Eren questioned, the ghost of a smile tugging at his lips.

“Yup. I lost naming privileges after that one,” Aizawa admitted, a fond look flickering across his face. “You’ll probably see Meowzawa around. He’s much friendlier.”

Seeing Eren’s look of disbelief, Aizawa let out a soft chuckle.

“I never said Hizashi was any better at naming. We’re letting Toshi pick the next one.”

With an amused huff, Aizawa turned back to Eren.

“Your room is across from the kitchen; the door next to it is a bathroom. I had Zashi grab you some essentials. Feel free to spend some time settling in or taking a nap—whatever you need. I’ll let you know when dinner’s ready.”

And with that, he turned down the hall into the bedroom near the end. Eren caught the faint murmur of a second voice—“How’d it go?”—before the door closed, leaving him standing alone.

Eren glanced around, filing away any information about his new surroundings before slowly heading into his designated ‘room’. It would be strange, sleeping alone. He hadn’t had a room to himself since… before Mom died…

The room was simple, quite bare. A small bed stood against the wall, with a dresser nearby, and opposite to that was a desk with a lamp. He saw a small shopping bag with a folded note sitting on the bed  

Curious, Eren picked up the paper and read:

“Grabbed a few essentials I thought you might need! We’ll go shopping once you’re settled. Let me know if you need anything :)” – Hizashi

Eren smiled softly at the gesture before moving the bag to the floor, not looking at its contents. Today had felt like the longest day of his life.

When he finally sat on the bed, he was stunned by how soft it felt beneath him. He’d grown used to metal cots and thin mattresses in his cell. But he wasn’t about to look a gift horse in the mouth.

With an exhausted groan, he sank down into the plush blankets.

A nap sounded really good right now.

___ . ___ . ___ . ___ . ___

A short while later, a soft knock jolted Eren from his restless sleep.

The door creaked open—
And in stepped a man Eren didn’t recognize.

He jumped to his feet, grogginess forgotten as he backed toward the far wall, instincts flaring.

“Hey… It’s okay,” the man said gently, raising his hands in a placating gesture. “My name’s Yamada Hizashi. Shota just finished setting the table and asked me to come get you. You’re not in any danger here, I promise.”

Eren narrowed his gaze, scanning the stranger.

Long blond hair tied in a loose ponytail, soft concern on his face. No visible weapons—but that meant little in this strange world.

This must be the husband Aizawa mentioned.

Hizashi stood calmly, making no sudden moves. Shota had already filled him in on their guest, specifically his difficulty trusting authority.

And judging by what he was seeing now, Shota hadn’t been exaggerating.

They stood there a beat longer before Eren’s visibly relaxed. He looked down, almost sheepish.

“Sorry. I… I shouldn’t have reacted like that,” he muttered.

Hizashi smiled kindly.

“Don’t apologize, little listener. I’m the one who should’ve knocked louder. Didn’t mean to startle you.”

Eren blinked at him. Why was he apologizing?

But before he could dwell on the thought, Hizashi continued, cheerful as ever, 

“Dinner’s ready. I just made some soup—wasn’t sure what you liked. Do you need a minute?”

“No! I’ll come now,” Eren blurted, a little too quickly. The last thing he wanted was to offend the people who took him in.

Together, they walked down the hallway.

The table was already set with four place settings, vegetable soup and fresh roles already plated. Seated and chatting quietly were Aizawa and a boy, who by process of elimination must be his son.

He looked to be a bit taller than Eren. Wild lavender hair that seemed to defy all laws of gravity, and bags under his eyes that appeared to rival Aizawa’s.

They must be related.

___ . ___ . ___ . ___ . ___

Dinner was a quiet affair. No probing questions, just light small-talk and Hizashi’s never-ending chatter. The soup was delicious, far better than the watery rations Eren remembered from training.

When everyone finished, Eren murmured a quick thank-you and all but bolted to gather the dishes. He was in the kitchen, elbows deep in scalding water, before anyone could stop him.

Aizawa followed, leaning against the doorway.

 “You don’t have to wash up,” he said. “We usually rotate whose on dish duty.”

“It’s the least I can do since you’re letting me stay,” Eren answered, his face could hardly be seen through the cloud of steam. “I don’t want to be a burden.”

Aizawa conceded, but they would be unpacking this later.

He waited until Eren finished, then steered them both into the living room. Where Hizashi and Hitoshi were already on the couch, remote in hand, cycling through options on the television.

“Perfect timing!” Hizashi beamed. “It’s a MOVIE NIGHT!”

“A… what night?” Eren asked before he could catch himself.

Hitoshi stared at him, eyes wide. “You don’t know what a movie is?”

Eren blinked. “Should I?”

Hitoshi shook his head in mock despair. “All right, it’s time for a new mission: cultural education.” He clicked the remote a few more times before letting out a small whoop!

“Let’s start with a classic, I haven’t watched this one in ages.”

The title card read Beauty and the Beast.

___ . ___ . ___ . ___ . ___

Eren sat rigid at first, mesmerized by the moving pictures, the voices, the music. All coming from this window, it was like magic…

But soon the story pulled him in. A cursed prince trapped in a monstrous body, judged by all who saw him. A girl who wanted more than the small, uneventful life laid out for her.

The parallels struck deep.

The only good titan is a dead titan , echoed in his mind.

When Belle sang of longing for “adventure in the great wide, somewhere,” Eren's mind drifted to Armin, his bookish little nerd, who was always dreaming of the sea and wonders that they never imagined could actually be out there.

An aching smile slipped across his face, then wavered.

Tears welled in his eyes, silent and hot, blurring the glowing screen.

When the happy ending rang out, the beast finally finding someone who loved him for who he was, monster and all, fat tears were sliding freely down his cheeks. If the others noticed, they didn’t say a word.

By the time the credits began rolling, Eren had cried himself to sleep, head lolling against the couch armrest. He looked even younger in his sleep. The guarded look that always hid under the surface, ready to defend him at a moment's notice, was finally gone.

Aizawa carefully scooped him up, carried him down the hall, and laid him on the soft bed. Noting the unopened shopping bag still resting on the floor.

“Sleep well Eren,” he murmured, gently closing the door behind him.

___ . ___ . ___ . ___ . ___

Yamazawa Apartment Layout:

Notes:

Ooh! The dadzawa is coming in strong. Does anyone else love the idea of movie addict Toshi?
I promise little shit Eren is coming back soon, he’s just a little traumatized rn. ദ്ദി ˉ͈̀꒳ˉ͈́ )✧
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Thanks for the comments! I love that you guys are asking questions!!!
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Feel free to leave any speculations, comments, or questions you have!

Chapter 7: Getting Settled

Summary:

It’s been a few weeks since Erens popped into this reality. What mischief can he get up to with this new little family of his?

It had been a few weeks since Eren had landed in this strange new world and began living in the Yamazawa household. And surprisingly? Things were going… pretty well.

Nezu had finished preparing all of Eren’s documents, and even sent him an official UA acceptance letter.

He and Shinso were both going to be in class 1A! He was just grateful he’d have one familiar face.

Remedial lessons were coming along. Well… some better than others. 

Math came naturally. After all, they’d been forced to calculate complex trajectories and forces on the fly, before even getting to use ODM gear for the first time.

But Quirk History ? That had quickly become the bane of his existence. Back home, they didn’t even know who built the Walls, let alone where Titans truly came from. Now he was expected to learn two hundred years of bizarre human evolution and a half-dozen wars? 

Yeah… no thanks.

Eren had slowly been getting more comfortable around Aizawa, Hizashi, and Hitoshi. Who had all seemed to put in a real effort to make him feel welcome.

They’d all gone shopping the day after he moved in, picking up clothes, toiletries, and even a few decorations for his room.

If anyone was curious why Eren chose a set of Wonders of the World posters, they didn’t say anything. But he could often be found staring at them while lost in thought.

Hitoshi had taken to throwing impromptu movie nights nearly every evening, determined to show Eren what he’d been missing out on.

So more often than not, they’d both be holed up in Hitoshi’s room until the early hours of the morning. Seeing as neither of them slept much, Hitoshi for his insomnia, and Eren for— other reasons.

Hitoshi had even helped him figure out how to use the strange "fone" Aizawa had given him. Eren hadn’t thought he could be any more amazed by tecnology than he already was, until he found himself speaking to Hitoshi face-to-face through the little magic box. 

Technology like this would’ve been life-changing in the Walls. Where they relied on letters delivered by horseback, smoke signals in the distance— these people didn’t realize how good they had it.

___ . ___ . ___ . ___ . ___

They’d gone out exploring a few times to let Eren familiarize himself with the area. So far, they’d visited six different cat cafes.

SIX!… Hitoshi might have a problem…

Speaking of cats, Eren had finally gotten acquainted with Meowzawa and Bastard. Bastard still kept his distance, usually observing Eren suspiciously from the top of his cat tree. Meowzawa, on the other hand, had decided Eren was his new favorite person, curling up in his lap whenever he sat down and had even taken to sleeping on his chest at night.

It was nice.

Deep down, Eren was relieved that he didn’t have to sleep alone.

Hitoshi was not jealous…

(He was absolutely jealous.)

___ . ___ . ___  . ___ . ___

The weather was going to be perfect today.

Hitoshi and Eren decided to explore further away from home, heading toward the bustling Mustafa district. They’d started their journey… at another cat café.

(Big surprise there.)

Afterwards, Hitoshi led Eren toward a quieter park nearby, a comfortable silence filling the air.

As they walked, Hitoshi found himself mulling over everything he’d learned about Eren during the time he'd been staying with them.

Eren was… interesting, to put it lightly.

He was passionate, sometimes fiercely so. When something captured his interest, he could go from completely calm to downright feral in seconds. But those intense bursts never seemed to last. As quickly as Eren could ignite, he’d fade away into quiet contemplation, his thoughts clearly somewhere far beyond reach.

His moods were— unpredictable to say the least. One moment he’d be ranting about the blatant inaccuracies in war movies, and the next he’d withdraw entirely. A storm of emotions often flashing wildly in his eyes.

But if Hitoshi had learned one thing above all else, it was this: 

Eren did not like discussing his quirk.

Hitoshi had only brought it up once, a casual question at dinner in his first week with them. Eren froze mid-bite, eyes shadowed, before quietly excusing himself from the table. He hadn't left his room the rest of that evening.

What could his quirk be? Hitoshi couldn’t help but be curious.

Erens reaction spoke of someone afraid of their power, instead of simply being afraid of how others will perceive it, like Hitoshi had been before he was adopted.

Though he understood the resentment all too well. 

Maybe that was why he hadn’t told Eren about his own quirk yet. 

Old habits die hard.

___ . ___ . ___ . ___ . ___

It was just past noon when they arrived at the park, the sun blazing overhead.

They found a comfortable bench and were just enjoying the nice weather, easy conversation flowing between them. When an angry voice cut through the peace.

“YOU REALLY COULDN’T STAY IN YOUR OWN DAMN LANE, COULD YOU?!?”

Eren and Hitoshi exchanged a look and turned to see the commotion.

Across the grass, they saw a confrontation already in full swing. A blonde, spiky-haired teen stood over a smaller boy with green curls and a trembling figure.

“N-No, Kacchan, I—” the boy stammered.

“SHUT UP!” the blonde barked, an explosion popping from his hand like a warning shot. “I thought I told you that UA was off-limits. What’s this I hear about you getting accepted?!”

The smaller boy paled. “H-How did you find out…?”

“Unfortunately for you,” the blonde sneered, “the old hag can’t keep her damn mouth shut when she’s gossiping with Auntie.” A feral grin spread across his face. “Guess I’ll just have to make sure you’re not there on the first day.”

More explosions crackled ominously in his palms.

Hitoshi turned to glance over at Eren, only to realize— Eren was already gone.

His eyes snapped back to the confrontation just in time to see Eren absolutely deck the blonde with a single punch.

Hitoshi blinked. The green-haired kid’s jaw was practically on the floor.

“W-Wait! Kacchan, I—I’m sure it was an accident!” he stuttered, panic rising. “H-He didn’t mean t—”

“CAN IT, NERD!” the blonde roared, staggering back to his feet, small explosions building in his clenched fists. 

“WHO THE HELL DO YOU THINK YOU ARE?! THIS AIN’T ANY OF YOUR GODDAMN BUSINESS!”

Eren squared his stance, fists raised, ready to throw hands at a moment's notice.

“Doesn’t have to be,” he growled. “I’m not gonna stand by and watch you pick on someone weaker than you.”

“JUST TRY AND STOP ME!”

The blonde lunged, but Eren was already moving—tackling him to the ground, landing several strong hits on the way. He seemed unfazed by the smoke and fire that burst to life around them.

Hitoshi swore under his breath. This brawl had grown too big for him to physically intervene without getting caught in the blast zone.

He had no choice—

“Hey, you! Feral Pomeranian ,” he snapped, voice raised, “why don’t you just get the hell out of here?”

The blonde snapped his gaze to Hitoshi, another explosion at the ready.

“MIND YOUR OWN DAM—”

His voice cut off mid-sentence, expression blank.

“EREN! Stand down!” Hitoshi barked.

But it was too late, Eren was already mid-swing, his fist slamming into the blonde's nose with a sickening crunch.

‘Kacchan’ stumbled backwards, the hold over his mind shattering.

Grasping his aching nose, he glared at Hitoshi with the hatred of a thousand explosions.

“THE FUCK WAS THAT?!” He demanded.

Shinso just returned the glare, “I don’t owe you an answer. Get out of here before I get the police involved.” He raised his phone for added effect.

“Tch, this isn’t worth it,” he grumbled, turning to glare at Eren, who was still breathing heavily, poised to fight. 

“You better pray I don’t see you again.”

With that, he shoved his hands into his pockets and left. Muttering a slew of profanities under his breath.

Hitoshi let out a loud sigh, the tension from that experience leaving his shoulders. Then he turned to extend a hand to the boy still on the ground.

“You alright?”

“Oh! Y-Yeah,” the boy said, quickly accepting the hand.

“I’m sorry about Kacchan, he’s just— he’s always like that.”

“Wow, really seems like he earned that honnorific.” Hitoshi drawled.

“I know !” the boy griped, “I guess it’s really the only way I can get back at him, he hates when I call him Kacchan.”

Hitoshi smirked. “Maybe you’re not as spineless as I thought. I’m Shinso Hitoshi. The maniac over there is Yeager Eren.”

He gestured to Eren, whose eyes were burning with the residual adrenaline.

“Oh! I’m Midoriya Izuku,” the boy said with a small bow. “Thank you for stepping in. No one’s ever… tried to help me before.”

That jolted Eren from his stupor. He marched up to the two, a tired but triumphant grin on his face.

“I’d never stand by and let someone get beat up like that,” he said, thinking of his own nerd back home. Of all the fights he got into on Armin’s behalf.

“You’re burned!” Midoriya exclaimed, noticing the scorch marks all over Eren’s arms.

“Yeah, but did you see his face?” Eren beamed.

Shinso sighed. “Alright, hero. We need to get you patched up.”

“Wait!” Midoriya rummaged through his scorched backpack and pulled out a small jar. “Here—burn cream. It should help.”

Shinso accepted it with a nod and slipped it into his own bag. “Thanks.”

He turned to Eren. “Let’s head home.”

“Coming!” Eren called, but then paused, looking back at Midoriya.

“Fight back next time,” he said, voice steady. “You’ll probably still end up battered and bruised.” He raised both his arms like they were medals of the highest honor.

“But at least you won’t be going down without a fight.”

And with that, the two boys walked off. Hitoshi muttering something about Eren’s ‘terrible impulse control’ and Eren just laughing in response.

Midoriya stood alone, watching them go.

Fight back…

___ . ___ . ___ . ___ . ___

The boys stopped at a convenience store on the way home. Hoping to get Eren bandaged up before Aizawa or Hizashi saw the damage. The latter would absolutely smother Eren with his worry, while the former might try and hunt down the bully during his next patrol.

Yeah, probably best to keep this on the down low.

They bought some bandages and used the burn cream Midoriya gave them to get Eren all fixed up. They made sure to snag a jacket from the discount rack, hoping it would help them avoid too many questions.

As they rode the train to their stop, Eren suddenly piped up.

“How’d you get that bully to stop fighting?” he asked.

“Oh—I, um, I’d rather not talk about it right now,” Toshi mumbled back, missing the crestfallen look that flashed on Eren’s face.

“That’s okay,” Eren reassured, “That was just really cool. I’ve never been able to stop a fight with anything by my fists… or swords.” He added under his breath.

Hitoshi chose to overlook that last bit, a relieved smile on his face.

He’d tell him soon.

___ . ___ . ___ . ___ . ___

They made it back to Casa Yamazawa without any more issues. Aizawa had already left for patrol, leaving Hizashi as the only adult around to ask the boys about their day.

Thankfully, they managed to dodge most of his questions, skating through dinner without spilling a word about the fight.

Afterward, both boys turned in early, hoping to catch up on some rest after their eventful day.

Notes:

I told you ‘will-cut-a-bitch” Eren was coming back! (੭˃ᴗ˂)੭
Uhhhh! I love feral Eren! He’s so fun to write!!!
___ . ___ . ___
I was originally planning for the next chapter to be the first day of UA, but this one got a little out of hand. It’s already my longest chapter, and I had another big section planned.
So I’m gonna make that chapter 8 and start UA on chapter 9.
I promise it's plot relevant! Bear with me! 人´∀｀)
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ALSO! I can't believe we're up to 350 hits, 20 kudos, and 5 bookmarks! Y'all are keeping me going!
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Feel free to leave any speculations, comments, or questions you have!

Chapter 8: Memories from the Corps

Summary:

Eren is more than ready to get some rest after their long day. Unfortunately, the bandages on his arms have other ideas.

TW!! THIS CHAPTER CONTAINS A FLASHBACK INVOLVING HUMAN EXPERIMENTATION

(NOT SUPER GRAPHIC). 

PLEASE SKIP IF THIS IS TRIGGERING FOR YOU.

START AND END OF DREAM WILL BE NOTED IN THE FIC. 

___ . ___ . ___ . ___ . ___

Eren laid on his bed, staring up at the ceiling while deep in thought. He knew Toshi would find out about his “quirk” eventually. But for now? He just wanted to hold on to that fleeting sense of normalcy a little longer.

The truth was, those burns had been fully healed mere moments after the bandages were on. He’d been able to delay the healing for just long enough to avoid suspicion. The jacket they picked up did a decent job of hiding the light wisps of steam rising off his skin as it mended itself.

He’d keep the bandages on until enough time had passed to make the healing seem believable.

What choice did he have? According to his quirk history lessons, most people here only had one ability. If they saw what else he could do— how quickly he could recover. How long before they started seeing him as the monster he truly was?

He’d tell them... eventually. Just not yet.

With that final, uneasy thought, Eren drifted off into a fitful sleep.

. . . dream sequence . . .

Eren’s eyes snapped open to the sound of a cheerful, sing-song voice and the sharp jingle of keys.

“Who—?” He moved to rub his eyes, only to feel cold steel biting into his wrists.

Shackles.

Why was he shackled?

“Rise and shine Titan Eren!” Hange’s voice echoed down the corridor, sounding far too gleeful.

Then it hit him.

Oh… right. His custody had just been officially transferred to the Scout Regiment. Hange had said she wanted to run a few experiments today—figure out what made titans tick.

He’d agreed, of course. Said he was ready to do whatever it took to help humanity turn the tide.

But still... something in his gut twisted.

He wasn’t looking forward to this.

___ . ___ . ___ . ___ . ___

It started with a simple blood draw.

The moment the needle was out, the wound hissed shut in a puff of steam.

Eren caught the gleam in Hange’s eyes.

He didn’t like it.

___ . ___ . ___ . ___ . ___

Another scream ripped through the air.

Outside the room, the other members of the Levi Squad flinched. They all knew this was necessary, understood the importance of studying their newest ‘weapon.’

Another scream.

Still… why did it have to be so hard to listen to?

___ . ___ . ___ . ___ . ___

Hange ushered Eren back to his cell, chattering at an indecipherable pace about results and fresh hypotheses. He shuffled after her, feet dragging, utterly exhausted. 

No one said progress was easy.

___ . ___ . ___ . ___ . ___

Three days passed.

Three days of experiments.

Three days of torture .

Hange had learned he could heal from almost any injury. Bruises, burns, blunt-force trauma, internal bleeding, gunshots, partial dismemberment, complete loss of limb… the list went on. 

Every time, the flesh knitted back together. New parts grew slowly from the source, and with each discovery, Hange's eyes only gleamed brighter.

His limbs felt foreign now. Sure, they grew back each time. Exact replicas of the one that used to be there. But at the same time, they were completely different.

Not the legs he’d learned to walk on.

Not the hands he’d learned to write with.

If you replaced every piece of a ship one by one, was it still the same ship? Eren knew the answer now…

no.

After each test came the questions.

How do you feel?

Describe the pain.

What was it like to speak without a tongue?

The only place Hange never touched was his nape. She already knew what a wound there would do to a titan— and she wasn’t about to lose her favorite subject, after Sawney and Bean, of course. 

Eren was tired.

___ . ___ . ___ . ___ . ___

They had nearly wrapped up testing for the day, his final day, before he would be moved to field training. They’d even agreed to let him join the next expedition if he cooperated.

He was so close. So close to truly becoming a Scout.

And then Hange pulled it out—a vial, a deep red liquid swirling around inside.

She cradled it as if it were something sacred.

“This, my young patient,” she said, her voice bright with fascination, “is titan blood. Collected just this morning. I think it’s time we test how your body reacts to the blood of its own species.”

Eren flinched.

With practiced, almost gentle hands, Hange injected small amounts along his arm. Neatly spaced, each mark wrapped tightly in bandages to cut off circulation and slow his healing. 

Back in his cell, she cuffed him in place and took her usual post just beyond the bars, notepad at the ready, eyes gleaming with curiosity.

At first, it was tolerable. Simply a strange warmth under the skin.

Then the burning started.

It was slow. Creeping. But it built… until it felt like acid was bubbling inside his veins, eating him from the inside out.

He thrashed. He wanted to clutch his arms, tear the bandages off, do something —

But the cuffs held firm.

All he could do was writhe. Cry. Endure.

Hange didn’t flinch. She sat, watching calmly, noting every strangled gasp, every scream. Muttering theories to herself about bloodborne compatibility, about cellular resistance… species rejection.

Eren didn’t care what she discovered. Didn’t care what it meant for humanity.

This wasn’t research. This was torment.

Steam poured from every orifice as his body tried to reject the intruder— boil it out, burn it away.

It took hours.

Agonizing, blistering hours before the last drop of foreign blood was finally expelled.

Only then did the pain begin to dull. Only then could he breathe.

Thank the walls… it was over.

He was done with Hange’s experiments.

And whatever came next… anything was better than this.

. . . end of dream . . .

At three in the morning, Hitoshi was finally drifting off, another good night’s sleep just beyond his reach… when a scream tore through the apartment.

A terrified cry.

He bolted upright, heart pounding, and rushed from his room. Hizashi was already in the hallway, panic evident in his eyes.

The sound was coming from Eren’s room.

Hitoshi threw the door open— and froze.

Eren was thrashing violently on his bed, hands clawing at his arms, ripping away the bandages they’d so carefully applied. Gouging bloody streaks into his skin. Steam hissed in the air. Hizashi didn’t even have time to wonder where the bandages had come from.

“Eren!” he called, rushing to the boy’s side.

Eren’s eyes snapped open—but they were wild, unseeing. His hand shot toward his mouth, teeth bared, ready to bite down without hesitation.

Hizashi caught his wrist just in time.

“Oh no you don’t,” he said firmly, grabbing Eren’s other hand as the teen bucked wildly in his grip. “Hey—hey! Eren. Listen to my voice. You're safe. You’re with us. It’s me, Hizashi. Toshi’s here too. You’re not alone.”

Eren’s eyes flickered, trying to focus.

“You’re not in danger,” Hizashi said, lowering his voice, speaking slow and steady. 

“You're home. You’re okay.”

Slowly, Eren stopped fighting. His breathing stayed ragged, chest heaving, but the panic in his eyes began to fade. Hizashi shifted to a gentle hum, the low resonance vibrating through the room like a grounding tether.

It worked.

The tension drained from Eren’s body, only to be replaced by tears. Hot, silent tears spilled down his cheeks. He didn’t sob, didn’t shake—he just cried. Hizashi sat beside him, rubbing soothing circles on his back. Shinso hovered on the other side, offering silent support.

When the tears finally slowed, Eren stared down at the rumpled sheets in shame.

“I… I’m sorry,” he whispered.

“Don’t ever apologize for nightmares,” Hizashi said gently. “We all have them. The least we can do is help each other through them. Let’s get you cleaned up.”

He reached for the torn remains of the bandages, only for Eren to flinch and yank his arm back.

“No— it’s alright. You don’t have to.”

“But the burns—” Shinso began, eyes flicking to the angry red marks that should still be there.

“It—it’s just,” Eren braced himself with a sigh, removing the leftover bandage scraps from his arms. “They’re already healed.”

His arms were flawless. Smooth. Not a trace of damage remained.

Shinso blinked. “What…? I don’t understand.”

“It’s… part of my ability,” Eren said, voice tight.

Shinso studied him. “But that’s an amazing quirk. Why didn’t you say anything?”

Eren’s fists clenched. “Because it only exists to support that thing ! —That monster.

His voice cracked. “All it’s ever done is bring me pain.”

That was enough for Hizashi.

“Eren,” he said firmly, “you are not a monster. I don’t know who told you that or made you believe it, but they are wrong. Over these past few weeks, I’ve seen nothing but a kind, brave, thoughtful kid.”

“No monster would cry during every Disney movie,” he added with a light chuckle.

“Heck! Even Bastard thinks you’re alright.” He gestured to both cats who had since joined them in the room, as if sensing Eren’s distress.

“I hate that you can’t see yourself the way we do.”

Shinso spoke up next.

“You know… I never told you my quirk either,” he said, eyes down. “I was scared. I thought if you found out, you’d turn away. That you’d be afraid of me.”

He took a shaky breath.

“It’s called brainwashing . If someone responds to one of my questions, I can control them. Make them do whatever I want.”

Eren stared at him, wide-eyed.

“Before I was adopted… people treated me like I was a villain. And I started to believe them.”

“But my dads… they helped me see things differently. They showed me that my quirk could be used for good.”

He looked up, meeting Eren’s eyes.

“And I think yours can too. I want to help you— we want to help you. If you’ll let us…”

Eren was quiet, thinking over everything he’d just heard.

Hitoshi could easily force him to do anything… to hurt anyone. It was a terrifying ability. But in the time they’d spent together, Eren had never once felt unsafe. These people who had proven that they could be trusted…

More than Hange had.

Or Erwin, or even… Captain Levi.

For the first time in a long while, he felt safe, he felt seen.

“I trust you,” he said quietly.

Those three words meant the world to Shinso.

“Thank you,” he said, pulling Eren into a fierce hug. Hizashi didn’t hesitate to wrap his arms around them both, pride swelling in his chest.

When they finally pulled back, Hizashi wiped at his eyes and grinned.

“How about we turn the living room into a giant blanket fort and spend the rest of the night rewatching The Little Mermaid ?”

A tired smile slipped onto Eren’s face.

“I’d like that.”

___ . ___ . ___ . ___ . ___

The apartment was dark and quiet when Aizawa returned from patrol.

He slipped in through the balcony door, peeling off his scarf, ready to climb into bed with his husband. Only to blink in confusion when he saw it empty.

That was strange.

He moved into the hallway, only to stop short at the sight awaiting him.

Every inch of the room was covered in blankets. Chairs had been dragged out, couch cushions rearranged, a massive blanket fort residing in the chaos.

And there, in the center of it all, lay Hizashi, snoring softly with both boys tucked into his sides. Eren curled close under one arm, Toshi under the other. Meowzawa and Bastard keeping watch from high on their cat tree, like stone sentinels. Ensuring no one would disturb the three.

Aizawa allowed himself a rare smile.

He quietly pulled out his phone, snapping a single photo to commemorate this moment. 

Without a sound, he moved to a spare corner of the fort and let his eyes drift closed.

It seems his little family had grown by one.

 

Notes:

Is anyone else crying (╥﹏╥)
Sorry... I kinda made Hange a total psychopath...
She just feels like the kind of person who would do anything in the pursuit of science.
___ . ___ . ___
My little family is bonding so much ( ˊᵕˋ )♡
I promise the next chapter will be the start of UA!!!
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Feel free to leave any speculations, comments, or questions you have!

Chapter 9: Quirk Apprehension

Summary:

Eren's first day at UA has finally approached. How will he handle Aizawa’s infamous quirk apprehension test?

Before Eren knew it, his first day at U.A. had arrived. He was more nervous than he’d been watching Commandant Shadis tear into each recruit when they started training.

The Yamazawas arrived early, giving Eren and Toshi plenty of time to find their way around. After a quick goodbye, Yamada and Aizawa left the boys and went their separate ways.

Ten minutes—and several wrong turns later, they stopped in front of an enormous door. Exchanging a nervous glance, they each placed a hand on the handle and stepped inside…

…only to immediately walk into an argument.

“Take your feet off that desk now!” a tall, blue-haired boy barked. “It’s the first day, and you’re already disrespecting this academy!”

“You serious?” the spiky-haired blonde sneered. “Did your old school shove that stick up your ass, or were you born with it?”

Wait— Kacchan?  

Hitoshi nearly walked out right then and there.

How did he get into a hero school?

But it was too late. The blonde had already spotted them, murder in his eyes.

“YOU!” he roared. “WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING HERE?”

“I demand you watch your language!” Blue-Hair tried to interject, but Kacchan blew right past him. His eyes locked on the two boys.

“Oh, I’m gonna enjoy this,” the blonde sneered. “Just wait till training, they’ll be scraping what’s left of you off the fucking pavement!”

Eren almost lunged right then and there, but Hitoshi’s hand on his shoulder kept him in place. Instead, he glared right back at the blonde.

“I’d like to see you try.”

Kacchan stormed back to his seat, immediately throwing his feet back on top of the desk, ignoring Blue-Hair’s sputtering.

Eren let out a sigh and took his seat in front of a girl with long black hair pulled into a ponytail. Hitoshi's seat was diagonally to his right. The door slid open again, drawing their attention. A familiar mop of green curls peeked in.

Eren brightened. “Midoriya, right? Good to see you!”

Midoriya’s jaw dropped. “You two are in this class? That’s—wow, that’s great!” He headed over to them, giving Kacchan’s desk a wide berth. But he was quickly dragged into another conversation by a girl with pink cheeks and the blue-haired boy, who apparently had engines sticking out of his calves. Eren turned to face the front— 

Quirks are weird.

Something caught his eye, and he almost laughed out loud. A very familiar yellow sleeping bag was wriggling out from behind the teacher’s podium. He caught Hitoshi’s eye; they both smirked, knowing what would happen next.

Chatter continued to fill the room until a flat voice cut through it like a knife.

“If you’re only here to make friends, you can pack up now.”

The conversation in the room quickly died down as the class watched this homeless-looking man slurp down a jelly pouch before crawling out of his sleeping bag. 

“It took eight seconds before you all shut up, that’s not gonna work. He spoke, “I’m Aizawa Shota, your homeroom teacher”.

The class stared in shock. 

This guy was a hero?

“Alright, let's get to it.” he reached into his bag and pulled out a stack of gym uniforms. “Put these on and head outside.” With that, he turned and left.

Hitoshi and Eren immediately stood to grab their uniforms, knowing by now that Aizawa didn’t tolerate tardiness. The other students were quick to follow, all wondering just what this new teacher had in store for them.

___ . ___ . ___ . ___ . ___

“A Quirk Apprehension Test?! ” the class echoed back in confusion.

“What about orientation?” the girl with pink cheeks asked.

“In the big leagues, you don’t get to waste time on pointless ceremonies,” he droned, “and here at UA, we’re not tethered to traditions. Which means I get to run my class however I see fit.”

Without another word, he picked up a softball and tossed it toward Kacchan.

“Bakugo (so, that’s his name), you scored the highest on the entrance exam. What was your max ball toss in junior high?” Aizawa asked.

“67 meters!” Bakugo said proudly.

“I want you to throw the ball as far as you can using your quirk. You can do whatever you want, just don’t leave the circle.” Aizawa instructed.

Bakugo smirked, swaggered up to the circle, reeled his arm back, and with a burst of explosions, threw the ball with a loud—

“ DIE!!! ”

Eren blinked. And I thought I had anger issues.

705 meters. 

The distance blinked onto Aizawa’s device, and the class erupted in excitement.

“No way!”

“That was so manly!”

“This is gonna be fun! ”

Eren and Hitoshi exchanged a grimace.

“So this looks fun, huh? You have three years to become heroes, and you think it’s gonna be all fun and games…? Idiots—” A dark grin spread on Aizawa’s face.

The students grew tense as he continued, “Today, you’ll compete in eight physical tests to assess your potential. Whoever ranks last... will be expelled immediately.

Shock rippled through the class.

“That’s not fair!” Pink cheeks objected.

“Oh?” Aizawa started. “And you think natural disasters are fair? Or power-hungry villains? How about catastrophic accidents that wipe out entire cities? This world is full of unfairness. If you want to be a hero, you’ll have to push yourself to the brink. Go beyond— Plus Ultra style and all that.”

A heavy silence fell on the class.

“Show me it’s no mistake that you’re here.”

The air buzzed with nervous energy as Aizawa’s words sank in. The students slowly began straightening up, expressions hardening with determination.

Eren felt a familiar fire rising in his chest—memories of Erwin’s speeches, of the weight of expectation. His heart pounded with new purpose.

This is my second chance…

And I’m not going to waste it.

___ . ___ . ___ . ___ . ___

The first test was a 50-meter dash.

Eren watched as his new classmates launched themselves forward with surprising speed.

Ice propulsion, explosions, engines… stomach laser? Everyone was using their quirks to gain an edge in the competition

Eren crossed his arms with a huff. He would not be using his titan for this.

There was no way he was going to unleash that on the first day. He knew he’d need to use it eventually, if only to train his skills. But not now, not here. He also wasn’t quite ready to reveal the horror that is titans to his classmates. 

Hell, Toshi didn’t even know what it looked like.

Guess he’d be relying on his physical training for this. And it looked like he wasn’t the only one. Glancing over at Hitoshi, he could practically see the gears turning in his head.

Without a physical quirk, like most of the members of this class, he’d have to get creative.

When his name was called, he stepped up to the line next to the black haired girl.

“Yaoyorozu Momo,” she introduced herself with surprising poise.

“Eren Yeager,” he responded, just as she pulled an electric bike out of seemingly nowhere.

He blinked. What—

The buzzer blared.

Instincts kicked in before his thoughts could catch up. His body launched forward in a blur of practiced motion. No ODM gear, no titan strength—just raw, honed muscle memory.

He crossed the finish line a couple of seconds after Yaoyorozu and was met with a robotic,

“6.24 seconds!”

Not bad.

He jogged back over to Hitoshi, who looked thoroughly upset by his own score.

“7.37,” he grumbled. “We should have gone for more runs.”

Eren patted him on the shoulder, “Don’t worry, you’ll be fine.”

___ . ___ . ___ . ___ . ___

The rest of the events continued in a similar fashion.

Eren held his own in the standing long jump and repeated side steps, but it was the endurance-based activities where his training truly paid off. Years of brutal conditioning under the watchful gaze of Commandant Shadis. 

He outlasted almost everyone in the distance run, only falling behind Yaoyorozu, who summoned another electric bike, and Todoroki, who had quite literally skated on a sheet of ice the entire time.

Guess all those times Shadis ran me into the dirt weren’t for nothing, he thought wryly.

He did find himself wishing he had his ODM gear. It was as much a part of him as his arms and legs were at this point. And he knew it would’ve helped him crush a few tests.

Still, he knew he did well enough to secure his spot. No beast mode necessary.

Hitoshi, on the other hand, struggled a little more in the tests.

Eren knew he’d been training with Aizawa and Yamada for years, but most of that was combat and quirk control, not endurance and strength. But Toshi was clever, and Eren knew he was just waiting for the perfect moment to let his quirk shine.

Like during the grip strength test.

He waited to take his test, quietly observing his classmates. Just before the time was up, he strolled over to a tall student with multiple arms and a face mask, Shoji.

“Excuse me? Would you mind helping me out for a second?” he asked.

“With what?” Shoji replied, only to quickly be swept under Hitoshi’s control.

“Give this a squeeze for me,” Hitoshi said, handing over his device.

The machine beeped. 514 kg.

“Thanks,” Hitoshi said casually, releasing his quirk and walking off, leaving a very confused Shoji behind.

He pulled a similar stunt during the ball throw, piggybacking off of pink cheeks, Uraraka, who had scored infinity by negating the gravity of the ball. He ignored the cries of ‘cheater’ following his turn.

He didn’t come to UA to make friends after all. Besides, he thought, I’ve already got Eren. That’s enough.

The ball throw ended with a literal bang. When Midoriya, who’d been struggling all morning, stepped up to the line and tried to activate his quirk. Only to have it erased by Aizawa.

A quiet conversation followed between them, too low for Eren or Hitoshi to hear. But both boys knew it would somehow be encouraging, yet absolutely soul-crushing at the same time.

Then Aizawa tossed him a new ball.

Eren leaned forward, curious about what ability he possessed.

Midoriya wound up, and unleashed a throw that cracked like a thunderclap, shockwaves rippling through the field.

Eren stood frozen.

How the hell does someone that small have that much power?  

It would be like, if Armin suddenly gained the ability to turn into the colossal titan.

It just didn’t make sense.

When the tests wrapped up, Eren was pleased to see himself in 9th place. The old him would have been appalled, but knowing who he’d been up against, he was pretty proud.

Todoroki, Bakugo, and Yaoyorozu dominated the top. It made sense—their quirks were suited for this kind of thing. Scanning further, he grinned seeing Hitoshi’s name in 14th.

We made it.

But his smile faded when his gaze hit the bottom of the list.

Midoriya.

The kid looked devastated—shoulders slumped, eyes wide, like his whole purpose had been ripped away from him. Eren recognized the look. Then Aizawa spoke.

“The expulsion was a logical ruse. No one’s going home today.”

Midoriya crumpled like a puppet with the strings cut, relieved tears streaming down his face.

“I’m surprised none of you figured that out,” Yaoyorozu commented. “I suppose I should’ve said something.”

The class turned toward her in disbelief.

“It actually wasn’t a ruse,” Hitoshi said flatly, seeing as Aizawa had walked off. “Last year, he expelled his entire class.”

Shock rippled through the class at the revelation.

“If any of you had shown zero potential, he’d have expelled you on the spot. Last place or not,” he added with a shrug, before heading off toward the locker rooms. Eren followed close behind, both of them chatting quietly about their results.

The rest of the class just turned their stocked gazes to each other. Each wondering if they would survive the next three years.

But Midoriya?

He kept his eyes on Hitoshi’s retreating form.

It… wasn’t a ruse? Then Aizawa Sensei actually thought he could be a hero after all . A warm rush of hope filled his chest. Maybe… just maybe, this wouldn’t be so bad.

He finally turned to head to the locker room. His classmates were quick to follow.

After all,

They had heroics after lunch.

 

Notes:

I am shocking myself with how long these chapters are getting!
BTW, in order to make room for our boys, I decided to move Koda to class 1B and give Manga the boot. Sorry. ( >_< '')
Also, Mineta was never accepted in the first place.
___ . ___ . ___
Please let me know if you have any ideas for Eren’s hero name! I have his costume all designed, but his name is still a mystery.
___ . ___ . ___
Feel free to leave any speculations, comments, or questions you have!

Chapter 10: A New Look

Summary:

Eren's first day at UA continues. Friendships are fostered and heroics are underway!

It was finally lunchtime. Eren received his food from Lunch Rush and just stared at the plate in awe. What was this magnificence? Perfectly plated and piping hot. Nothing like the stale bread and mystery meat he’d grown accustomed to during training. He could imagine Sasha absolutely foaming at the mouth over all of this. 

With a fond smile, he met up with Toshi as they searched the cafeteria for an open table. A waving hand caught their attention. It was Midoriya calling them over to sit with him.

With a shrug, they made their way toward him. He was seated with Uraraka and the tall blue-haired boy from earlier, who immediately stood to introduce himself.

“I am Iida Tenya,” he said with a deep bow. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

As they sat down, Uraraka leaned forward.

“Hey, Shinso?” she asked. “That thing during the ball throw, was that your quirk? It was like I had no control over my body.”

Hitoshi grimaced slightly.

Here it comes.

“Yeah,” he sighed. “It’s called Brainwashing. If someone meets the activation requirements… I can control their actions, until I either release control or it gets broken.” He tensed, waiting for the sideways glances and distrust.

“No way!” Midoriya burst out, eyes shining. “That’s incredible! With a quirk like that, you could end fights before they start. You’d be able to help in rescue efforts when the victims are too scared to move! Interrogations! The possibilities are endless. You’re gonna be an amazing hero!”

“Yeah!” Uraraka added, beaming. “That’s why you needed help with the ball throw, right? Since your quirk isn’t physical? I don’t mind at all— but you can always ask if you need help.”

“I admit,” Iida said, adjusting his glasses with a stern nod, “the idea of losing control of my actions is unsettling… but I cannot deny the tactical potential. Your quirk has clear merit.”

Hitoshi blinked.

They… liked his quirk? Didn’t think it was a villain's quirk?

“See?” Eren grinned, smacking him on the back so hard he nearly face-planted into his rice. “Told you it wouldn’t be a big deal.”

“While we’re on the topic,” Iida continued, “perhaps we should all do proper introductions. As I mentioned, I’m Iida Tenya. My quirk is Engine . These… “he gestured to the mufflers jutting from his calves, “allow me to move at incredibly high speeds.”

“Wait—‘Iida’? Are you related to the Turbo Hero: Ingenium ?” Midoriya asked, eyes wide.

“Yes!” Iida said proudly, puffing out his chest. “He is my older brother. I hope to follow in his footsteps and uphold our family’s heroic legacy.”

“That’s so cool!” Uraraka gushed. “Okay, okay, my turn! I’m Uraraka Ochaco, and my quirk is Zero Gravity . I can cancel the gravity of anything I touch with five fingers… but if I use it too much, I can get pretty nauseous.” She shot Midoriya a sheepish look.

“That’s actually really useful,” Eren said, thinking about how much easier hauling supplies over the Walls would’ve been with that kind of power.

“Yoy could be an excellent rescue hero,” Midoriya nodded, wishing his had his notebooks to start jotting down facts and theories. “You could remove rubble, or even help transport injured people without jostling their wounds!”

“That’s the goal!” Uraraka said with a grin.

“What about you, Midori?” she asked, turning to him. “What’s your quirk?”

“Oh—me?” Midoriya fumbled, looking quite flustered. “Um, my quirk is Superpower . It gives me enhanced strength… but, uh, I can’t control it very well. When I use it, it kind of… breaks my bones.”

Uraraka and Iida nodded their heads in understanding, remembering the entrance exam.

“…It breaks your bones?” Eren repeated slowly. “And you still use it?”

“I have to,” Midoriya said firmly, eyes burning with resolve. “If I can use this power to save even one person, then it’s worth it. Like you said—better to go down fighting than do nothing.”

Eren blinked. That wasn’t exactly what he’d meant, but the kids clearly had passion.

“Anyway,” Midoriya continued, “we already know Shinso’s quirk. So, what about you, Yeager? I didn’t see you use anything during the quirk apprehension tests. Is it something passive? Like enhanced stamina or…” he trailed off, muttering.

Eren stiffened, his shoulders tensing as his eyes dimmed. 

“…It’s called Titan ,” he said simply.

The others waited for more… but nothing came.

Midoriya opened his mouth to ask a follow-up, but Hitoshi cut in smoothly.

“Would you look at the time? Lunch is almost over. We should head back—wouldn’t want to be late to our first Heroics class.”

Iida shot up, nearly knocking over his tray.

“You’re right! We mustn’t be tardy! Let’s go!”

And with that, he marched off in perfect form.

The others followed at a slower pace, Eren glancing at Hitoshi with a quiet, grateful smile.

Time to see what hero training looked like.

___ . ___ . ___ . ___ . ___

The students of Class 1-A were back in their seats, soft chatter buzzing through the room as they waited for their next class to begin, when a loud voice broke through the noise. 

“I AM HERE!”

“COMING THROUGH THE DOOR LIKE A HERO!”

The class jolted to attention as every head snapped toward the entrance, jaws dropping in unison.

Standing in the doorway was none other than All Might himself, clad in his Silver Age costume.

Eren felt his breath catch. So this was the Symbol of Peace he learned about… wow.

“WELCOME, STUDENTS!” All Might boomed. “TODAY MARKS YOUR FIRST REAL STEP ON THE PATH TO BECOMING TRUE HEROES!”

He struck a dramatic pose, cape fluttering behind him despite there being absolutely no wind.

“And one of the most important parts of being a hero is…”

He paused for effect.

“…LOOKING GOOD!”

Several sleek metal panels slid open from the classroom walls, each revealing numbered cases containing their new outfits.

“These suits were made to match the designs you submitted with your request forms!” he declared proudly. “GEAR UP AND MEET ME AT TRAINING GROUND BETA!”

The class erupted into excited cheers as they rushed toward the lockers like kids on Christmas morning. Eren joined the chaos, his heart pounding with anticipation.

After weeks in unfamiliar clothes, he was finally getting his gear back.

___ . ___ . ___ . ___ . ___

The boys' locker room was a chaotic mix of zippers, snaps, and confused muttering. Eren glanced around as students wrestled themselves into their hero costumes, some with more success than others.

The outfits were— interesting. Eren watched as Iida put on a literal suit of armour, and Bakugo slipped gigantic grenades over his wrists. Across the room, Todoroki calmly flash-froze half of his outfit in place, a thin layer of frost spreading over one side of his body.

Quirks are weird…

With a deep breath, he opened his case, feeling instant relief seeing the familiar pieces that lay inside.

He pulled on a two-toned jumpsuit first, gray and black, fitting snugly but not restricting his movement. Then came the dark wrap for his waist; muscle memory guided his hands.

Next was the harness. He fastened it on with practiced ease, although he noticed it had been redesigned, still crisscrossing his chest and legs, but made from a flexible material that seemed much stronger than the leather he used before.

Maybe it’s the same material as Aizawa’s capture scarf, he mused.

He looked at the additions to his belt: three extra gas canisters, within reach for easy access. A series of sheaths on his back harness caught his eye, housing custom attachments for his sword handles. There appeared to be a pair of knives and a set of batons.

The blade boxes also appeared to be smaller than normal. He pulled out a blade, only to see that they were just as long as before. Hm, must be some sort of collapsible technology

Half of his blades were sharp, while the others were blunt; clearly intended to be used during training. It wasn’t trying to kill his classmates after all.

His boots came next, shorter and bulkier, probably for increased impact resistance. The knee cover that his old boots supplied being replaced with metal braces.

He was relieved to see that the main housing unit and controller grips appeared largely untouched. He knew the inner mechanisms were rather complex…

After firmly attaching his gear, something at the bottom of his case caught his eye.

His cape. The same one he wore the day he landed in this world. The faded green fabric with the Wings of Freedom emblazoned on the back.

His throat tightened.

Despite everything, the pain, the lack of trust, the countless lives sacrificed in the name of fighting a losing battle, he still believed in what that symbol stood for. Hope. Freedom. The promise of a better tomorrow.

With steady hands, he fastened it around his shoulders.

It settled over him like a warm hug.

He turned to leave. Hitoshi, falling into step next to him, he was adjusting something over his face, a dark voice modulator clipped over his mouth. A familiar scarf sat coiled around his shoulders.

Eren smirked.

Like father, like son.

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Class 1A was gathered at Training Ground Beta, buzzing with anticipation. Everyone was anxious to hear the details of these ‘battle trials’. All Might stood tall before them, beaming with pride.

“ONE OF THE DEFINING TRAITS OF A GREAT HERO… IS A GREAT COSTUME!” he boomed. “LOOK AT YOURSELVES! YOU ALL LOOK SO COOL!”

A chorus of excitement rippled through the class as they turned to check out each other’s costumes, shouting out compliments and admiring details.

“Woah!” a red-haired boy, Kirishima, exclaimed, walking over to Eren. “Your costume is awesome! That gear looks intense! What’s that symbol on your back?”

Eren couldn’t help but smile. He turned to give the boy a better view of the striking emblem on his cape.

“These are the Wings of Freedom,” he explained, voice growing in passion with each word. 

“They represent the desire to explore beyond our limitations—to uncover what the world has to offer no matter the cost. Fighting the never-ending battle to reclaim what was lost. The refusal to remain caged, living like cattle waiting to be slaughtered.”

He trailed off, realizing the entire class was staring at him.

His face flushed in embarrassment. Maybe that was a bit much…

Then Kirishima grinned wide and pumped his fist. “That—is so—MANLY!”

He turned toward the group. “We’re training to be heroes, right? It’s our job to charge into danger and protect those who can’t protect themselves! We want to give people the freedom to live their lives away from fear and limitations. We’re here to GO BEYOND!”

A cry of “PLUS ULTRA” answered Kirishima's statement.

“You know, I really like that interpretation,” Shinso added thoughtfully. “Maybe I should get a patch made for my costume…”

“Ooh, me too!” someone chimed in.

“Yeah! I want one!”, another said.

“Don’t forget about me!”

Excited chatter broke out across the group. To Eren’s surprise, the Wings of Freedom had struck a chord with his classmates. They didn’t see a symbol of war—they saw a symbol of hope. Of purpose. Of what it truly meant to fight for the sake of others.

Eren blinked, swallowing the lump in his throat. For the first time since arriving in this new world, he felt… seen. The desire he’d had to be a scout, even as a young boy, was shared by each and every one of these students.

All Might watched the interaction with a smile. Maybe the symbol he stood for, one of peace, would one day be replaced by a symbol of hope. His teetering pillar would be supported by all these rising youngsters.

“ALRIGHT, YOU ZYGOTES!” He called out. 

“IT’S TIME TO DRAW LOTS FOR YOUR INDOOR BATTLE TRIALS!”

The students quickly gathered around as he produced a box and gave it a dramatic shake.

“YOU’LL BE SPLIT INTO PAIRS. HEROES AND VILLAINS. THE ‘VILLAINS’ WILL GUARD A FAKE WEAPON AND ATTEMPT TO DETAIN THE HEROES. THE ‘HEROES’ MUST RETRIEVE THE WEAPON OR CAPTURE THEIR OPPONENTS WITHIN FIFTEEN MINUTES!”

All Might plunged a hand into the box and drew the first set of names.

“LET’S BEGIN!”

___ . ___ . ___ . ___ . ___

Eren's Hero Costume!!!

Notes:

What do y’all think of Eren’s hero costume? I took inspo from the anti-titan gear in s4 for the harness, and tried to make it more hero-y. I hope you like it! (˶˃⤙˂˶)
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Next chapter will be the battle trials! I wanted to do them in this chapter, but it got too long too fast.
Oh well… ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Can’t stop the creative juices once they’re flowing.
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Please leave me comments.
They motivate me sooo much!
I love how they make me consider the small details!
I’ve already made plans to include ideas from some comments in future chapters!

Chapter 11: Battle Trials

Summary:

It’s time for class 1A to participate in their first heroics class.

Trial Match-ups. ‘hero team’ listed first, followed by ‘villain team.’

1. Uraraka and Midoriya vs Iida and Bakugo
2. Asui and Tokoyami vs Kirishima and Sero
3. Sato and Yaoyorozu vs Kaminari and Shinso
4. Jiro and Todoroki vs Aoyama and Ashido
5. Shoji and Yeager vs Ojiro and Hagakure

___ . ___ . ___ . ___ . ___

And just like that, the trials began.

First up, Midoriya and Uraraka faced off against Iida and Bakugo. When Eren saw the feral look Bakugo shot Midoriya, he knew instantly… this was going to be a bloodbath.

And he was absolutely right.

The fight escalated quickly. Bakugo going out of his way to engage with Midoriya, nearly killing him with a massive explosion from his grenade-like gauntlets. Midoriya only just managed to dodge in time, his costume getting shredded and scorched in the blast.

For a moment, it looked like Midoriya was going to fire back with his own insane  quirk. But at the last second, he punched upward. The force generated tore through several floors of the building. Creating just enough chaos to allow Uraraka to reach the weapon.

Would the rest of the battles be like this?

___ . ___ . ___ . ___ . ___

Thankfully, that first match seemed to be a bit of a special case, as the next trial was much more tame. The teams appeared to be rather fairly matched. 

Kirishima and Sero set up a solid defense around the bomb, using tape and hardening to hold their ground. But they just couldn’t keep up with Tokoyami’s Dark Shadow. The creature kept them distracted long enough for Asui to leap in and capture the bomb.

___ . ___ . ___ . ___ . ___

Eren paid close attention to the next match; it was Toshi’s.

He was partnered up with Kaminari, the human taser. They set up their bomb and got into position. Kaminari stationed himself just outside the room, ready to zap the heroes as soon as they got close  

The plan might’ve worked… if Yaoyorozu hadn’t prepared for it. She created a pair of insulated blankets for her and Sato, shielding them just in time. Kaminari short-circuited his brain with the blast, leaving him giggling and useless on the floor. The two heroes cuffed him easily and headed for the bomb.

Only Hitoshi stood between them and victory.

He narrowed his eyes. Sato was a brick wall that would be able to overpower him quickly, and Yaoyorozu’s strategy would be tough to counter. His only advantage was that they didn’t know his quirk yet.

“What did you do to Kaminari?” he asked quickly.

“He’s fine, we tied him u—”

Toshi smirked. Got her.

He ordered Yaoyorozu to freeze and turned to her partner.

“Why don’t you get out of here?”

No response. Sato, juiced up on sugar, ignored his voice and started lumbering toward the bomb. A single goal in his mind.

Toshi’s mind raced. He had to get creative.

“Hey, Gorilla!” he shouted. “Have you always been this ugly?”

Still nothing. Sato was just a few steps from victory when—

“Sato! Did you find the bomb?” came a female voice from behind him.

“Momo?” Sato turned around instinctively, confused as he looked for his teammate.

But she was still frozen in place, stationary next to a now-grinning Shinso.

“Checkmate, big guy.”

With both of them helpless, it was an easy task to wrap them in the capture tape and end the round.

All Might’s voice boomed through the PA system:

“THE VILLAIN TEAM HAS WON!”

Hitoshi let out a sigh of relief and released his control over the other two. They blinked a few times, looking puzzled, before he explained what happened. Both accepted their defeat with grace, already planning how they could counter him next time.

___ . ___ . ___ . ___ . ___

The fourth round was over in record time.

As soon as the match started, Jiro plugged her earphone jacks into the building’s walls, pinpointing the bomb’s exact location. She relayed the intel to Todoroki, who stepped forward, placed one hand on the concrete— and froze the entire building in seconds.

After that, they were able to waltz right in, tag the bomb, and end the round.

Wow. Eren thought. This ‘training’ wasn’t what he expected. He was surprised that U.A. just allowed these kids to turn their quirks on each other, with virtually no guidance. Sure, he understood the value of real-life experience…

But these kids hadn’t even been taught anything! 

If they had, then Midoriya and Bakugo wouldn’t have caused so much structural damage. Kaminari wouldn’t have put himself out of commission so early on. Todoroki wouldn’t have been so quick to freeze the building.

They didn’t start with any drills or fundamentals. No lessons on the dangers of their quirks if used incorrectly. It would be like if all the cadets in the 104th had been handed ODM gear on day one and told to fight each other with live blades.

It would’ve been a massacre.

Just then, All Might announced it was time for the final match. 

His match.

Eren took a deep breath and stood up.

Looks like it’s up to me to show them what a trained professional looks like.

___ . ___ . ___ . ___ . ___

As their team waited for the villains to set up, Eren reviewed the basis of the plan with Shoji, laying out their goals and strategies. Shoji listened attentively, nodding along.

When the signal to begin the trial rang out, Eren turned to his partner.

“Can you get a count of how many are inside?”

Without a word, Shoji extended several arms, ears sprouting from the tips. He stood perfectly still for a few seconds, then withdrew his limbs and reported:

“Two people. No hostages. One’s stationery, back corner on the third floor. The other is heading down to the second floor now; they sound barefoot. Probably planning to intercept us.”

“Then the weapon’s likely on the third floor,” Eren concluded. “The stationary one must be guarding it.”

“They’re likely sending Hagakure to ambush us,” Shoji added.

Eren nodded. “Alright, let's continue as planned. See you soon.”

They split, Eren circling the building’s perimeter while Shoji entered right through the front door.

___ . ___ . ___ . ___ . ___

Eren moved with practiced efficiency, scanning the building’s exterior until he spotted a window three stories up. The same one that would grant him access to the weapon room. He shot his hooks into the wall, and with a quiet hiss, he shot up the concrete with ease and perched just beneath the glass.

Now all he had to do was wait.

___ . ___ . ___ . ___ . ___

Inside the building, Shoji deliberately made noise, heavy footfalls, muttered to himself, slamming a door or two for good measure. He moved toward the location of the approaching footsteps. 

He entered a wide hallway, walking slowly, eyes flicking side to side. Behind him— a creak. Shoji spun just in time to grab an invisible wrist. 

“Gotcha,” he muttered, twisting her arm gently behind her back, and swiftly wrapped her in his capture tape.

“No fair!” Hagakure whined

Shoji didn’t answer; he transformed one of his tentacles into a mouth and let out a sharp whistle. 

___ . ___ . ___ . ___ . ___

As soon as the sound pierced the air, Eren grinned to himself.

It’s go time.

He pushed away from the wall, using a puff of gas to create more distance, before shooting his hooks back into the building and launching himself forward, bursting through the window with a shower of glass. Immediately running towards the other occupant of the room.

The two clashed, hand-to-hand combat breaking out. Ojiro’s tail lashed out, fast and heavy. Eren just barely being able to parry each attack. Blocking and pivoting with utmost precision.

Ojiro’s years of experience made him a tough opponent; his unfamiliar technique was hard to anticipate. But the same could be said about Eren.

He fought like a man on a mission, unafraid to fight dirty. Raw experience trumping Ojiro's tight principles. Their fight continued until Ojiro managed to get a good shot with his tail. Knocking Eren further away from the bomb.

Eren winced, clutching his ribs.

Ojiro walked toward him, capture tape in hand. But Eren was ready for him. 

With a flick of his wrist, Eren fired two grapples past Ojiro, into the far wall. The wires snapped taut, and with a burst of gas, he rocketed forward, slamming into Ojiro like a battering ram. The blow knocked the other boy to the ground.

Eren followed through, landing in a crouch over him, blade extended, not sharp, but the message was clear.

“Don’t move.”

Ojiro gritted his teeth. Tail slowly moving behind Eren, preparing to sweep his feet out from under him. Only for All Might’s voice to echo above.

“THE HERO TEAM HAS WON!”

Ojiro’s eyes snapped to the bomb—where Shoji stood, a calm tentacle placed gently against its side.

Damn it.

___ . ___ . ___ . ___ . ___

The four students regrouped in the observation room, where All Might was quick to launch into the debrief.

“WHO CAN TELL ME WHAT THE TEAMS DID WELL?”

Yaoyorozu raised her hand. “The villains were smart to use Hagakure for stealth, but they underestimated Shoji’s enhanced senses. The heroes executed a solid surprise attack. Though they wasted too much time at the start.”

“EXCELLENT OBSERVATION, YOUNG LADY!” All Might boomed.

“All Might Sensei?” Eren raised his hand. “I’d like to explain our strategy a little further if you don’t mind.”

“Go right ahead, young man.” A knowing smile on his lips.

Eren stepped forward, his voice calm, calculating. “Before entering, I had Shoji verify the number of people inside. That confirmed no hostages, as well as allowed us to shift our strategy according to the enemy's location.

A student laughed, “Hostages? Come on, it’s just a training exercise!”

Eren turned to her sharply. “Exactly. A ‘training exercise’ to prepare us for our future as heroes. Out there, hesitation or a lack on knowledge can cost lives. We must treat every scenario like it’s real, or we risk failing the ones who depend on us.”

The room was quiet.

“I knew Shoji’s quirk would counter Hagakure. My presence would have only hindered him. Once she was neutralized, Shouji gave the signal. Letting me know when to begin my attack. Ojiro’s skillset was unknown at the time. So, waiting for confirmed backup was the only logical conclusion.”

Eren looked around the room. “A good infiltration is built on recon, precision, and teamwork. Rushing in isn’t bravery—it’s recklessness.”

Silence.

Then All Might laughed. “EXACTLY RIGHT, MR. YEAGER! WHILE THERE IS A TIME AND PLACE FOR BRUTE FORCE. A DELICATE SITUATION REQUIRES CAREFUL PLANNING!”

He gave a thumbs-up that seemed to glint in the sun.

“YOU’RE ALL DISMISSED!”

Notes:

Part of me feels like Eren seems a little OOC, but hear me out!

I like to imagine that all of the scouts have these basic skills hammered into them. So even Eren could pull out some strategy when he needs to.

I’m not in love with this chapter, but I think it’s as good as it's gonna get. (¬_¬")
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I can't believe this fic has passed 700 hits! And tysm to everyone that has left kudos! I love y'all soooo much!!! <3
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Feel free to leave any speculations, comments, or questions you have!

Chapter 12: Forging Friendships

Summary:

Eren and Hitoshi have some free time before school the next day. What mischief could they possibly get up to?

The day wrapped up faster than expected, Eren’s words from earlier lingering like a shadow over Class 1-A. His classmates had clearly taken them to heart. When school ended, Eren and Hitoshi headed to the staff room to wait for Aizawa.

They flopped onto a couch in the corner, falling into easy conversation about their first day.

“While I know Dad would never expel one of us on the first day,” Hitoshi griped, “it sure felt like he would!”

“I know! ” Eren huffed. “For a second, I thought he might kick me out for not using my titan. Not like it would've helped anyway!”

Hitoshi just groaned in agreement.

“Toshi!” Eren added, leaning forward, “You were so awesome in the battle trials! The way you took the other team down single-handedly? No unnecessary damage? And you were the only villain team to win! You did amazing!”

“Me?” Hitoshi blinked. “What about you, Mr. ‘Rushing in isn’t bravery, it’s recklessness’?”

“Hey!” Eren shot back. “I happen to know firsthand where being reckless can get you!”

Hitoshi sobered at the thought. He’d been filled in on the darker details of Eren’s past and home not long before the start of U.A.

“Well, still...” he mumbled, crossing his arms, “it was nice to see you take those overconfident ‘heroes’ down a peg.”

“Who took who down a peg?” a voice asked smoothly.

Both boys looked up with a start, only to relax when they saw Aizawa entering the staff lounge. They quickly grabbed their bags and followed him out into the hall.

“It was awesome, Dad!” Hitoshi said with a grin. “Eren totally called out the kids who acted without thinking during the trials today!”

“Battle trials?” Aizawa echoed quietly to himself.

“Yeah,” Eren replied with a shrug. “It’s weird, but I just find it strange that we were thrown into combat with basically no guidance. Back home, we weren’t even allowed to touch a weapon until we finished weeks of training, and we were completely dispensable.

Hitoshi paled. “Wait... what do you mean by that?”

“None of us were expected to live long,” Eren said bluntly. “On my first mission, the only members of my squad who survived were me and Armin. And I would’ve died too, if it wasn’t for my ‘titanic awakening’”.

“I—I’m so sorry, Eren,” Hitoshi said softly.

“I am too,” Eren replied. “Thomas, Nack, Milieus, Mina... they didn’t deserve to die. I guess I’m just struggling to adjust. This training style is so different. I just need to accept that I’m not in the military anymore.

They stopped walking when Aizawa turned to face them, eyes narrowed.

“Back up,” he said. “What exactly did you say happened in today’s heroics class?”

“All Might split us into teams of heroes and villains,” Hitoshi explained. “The goal was to either recover or protect a weapon, or capture the other team.”

“Midoriya almost died! ” Eren cut in, voice rising. “Kaminari fried his own brain! Todoroki nearly gave Ashido and Aoyama frostbite! Everyone was more focused on winning than treating it like a real-life situation.”

Aizawa’s face darkened.

Without another word, he pulled out his phone and sent a quick text. Then he kept walking.

“That buffoon,” he muttered. “You were supposed to start with sparring. Quirkless sparring. To gauge your base combat capabilities. I knew he shouldn’t have been left unsupervised with you kids.”

He let out a long, tired sigh before glancing back at Eren.

“Thanks for telling me,” he said seriously. “You’re right. You shouldn’t have been allowed to use quirks on day one. He’ll be dealt with tomorrow.”

They reached the parking lot, where Hizashi was already waiting in the car, music blasting loud enough to shake the mirrors. The sight alone was enough to bring a smile to all their faces.

___ . ___ . ___ . ___ . ___

The next morning, the family arrived at U.A. much earlier than the day before. Mic and Eraser leaving to attend a faculty meeting, no doubt to discuss a certain someone’s questionable teaching methods.

That left Eren and Hitoshi with a bit of free time to explore UA’s massive campus.

Hitoshi decided to stop by the support course workshop to ask about a few tweaks to his voice modulator. Where he was quickly tackled by a hyper pink-haired girl covered in grease and soot, screaming something about babies…

Figuring that his friend would most likely get out of there unscathed, Eren kept walking.

Eventually, he found himself just outside of training gym Gamma, drawn in by the familiar thuds and grunts of sparring.

Curiosity got the better of him, and he peeked through the door to see three older students inside. A girl with light purple hair was trading fast, brutal blows with a boy with dark blue hair. On the sidelines, a muscular blonde with sparkling blue eyes cheered them on.

Not wanting to interrupt, Eren quietly shut the door and turned to leave.

Only for that same blond boy to erupt from the ground directly in front of him.

Eren would never, ever admit that he shrieked.

“Oh?!” the boy said brightly. “And just who are you, little kōhai?”

“Sorry,” Eren replied, stepping back warily. “I didn’t mean to interrupt anything. I just heard people sparring and got curious.”

“No trouble at all!” the boy said with a dazzling grin. “Why don’t you join us? Show us what the baby first-years are made of!”

Eren blinked.

Who was he to turn down a challenge?

___ . ___ . ___ . ___ . ___

Fifteen minutes later, Eren found himself flat on his back, for the fourth time in a row.

He hadn’t been this outmatched since sparring with Annie.

Sina! He missed this!

“Wow!” the girl, who insisted he call her Nejire, gushed. “You’re really good, Eren! Way better than Mirio was his first year,” she added, jabbing a playful elbow at the blond.

Eren managed a sheepish smile at the compliment.

“Now, I gotta ask—what’s your quirk?” she asked, tilting her head.

His smile faded. It was that question again. He could tell this was going to become a theme.

“Oh, you can tell us!” Nejire encouraged, sensing his hesitation. “How else are we gonna help our little kōhai flourish into the hero he’s meant to be?”

He sighed. Maybe this was a good idea. A trial run of sorts. The upperclassmen have been nothing but encouraging so far. And Amajiki had a transformation quirk too… so…maybe they’d understand?

And if they didn’t? Well… it wouldn’t be too hard to avoid them for the rest of the year.

“Okay,” he said, steeling himself. Nejire’s grin somehow widened even further in anticipation.

“It’s called Titan ,” he began. “It allows me to transform into a fifteen-meter-tall… well, titan. I also have enhanced healing to deal with the, uh, drawbacks.”

He glanced over at the three third-years, bracing for the worst.

Instead, he saw Nejire and Mirio with their faces lit up with massive smiles. Even Amajiki looked… less wary than before. There was a beat of silence—

Then came the rapid-fire questions from the two.

“Do you heal only in your Titan body or in your normal one, too?”

“How strong are you?”

“Do you feel pain when the Titan gets hurt?”

“How long can you stay transformed?”

“Can you talk while transformed?”

“Can I fight you!?”

Eren raised a hand to fend off the onslaught before his brain could explode.

“You’re not— scared of me?” he asked.

Mirio was practically vibrating at this point. “ Scared?! It sounds like you have the most AWESOME quirk ever!!”

“C-Can we see it?” Amajiki asked quietly, peeking up through his bangs.

Nejire and Mirio immediately turned to Eren with synchronized puppy-dog eyes.

“PLEEEEASE!” they begged in unison.

Eren sighed again, long and dramatic.

Time for the moment of truth.

He glanced up toward the ceiling, then turned to Nejire. “How tall is this place?”

“About thirty meters,” she answered. “We prefer to use this gym so I can practice my flying!”

Flying?... No, Yeager. Focus. Hulk out now, questions later.

He gave her a nod, then stepped back a good distance from the trio. Far enough to avoid any, uh… collateral.

He raised his hand to his mouth… and bit down.

___ . ___ . ___ . ___ . ___

The Big Three of UA stood back, eyes bright with anticipation, waiting for their favorite new kōhai to show off his quirk.

They watched as Eren bit into his hand, hard. Amajiki winced at the sight of the blood.

Then it happened—

A crack of lightning split the air, striking the kid head-on. The shockwave creating a massive cloud of dust and smoke.

“Eren?” Nejire called out, concern creeping into her voice.

A deep rumble echoed from above. The three looked up as the cloud slowly dissipated.

And what stood there was not the boy from before, but a monster that could only be described…

As a titan .

Fifteen meters tall, hulking and fearsome, with steam rising off its muscled physique. The Big Three stood there, slack-jawed in awe.

Nejire was the first to recover.

With a giddy squeal, she launched into the air, spiraling upward with her quirk until she landed gracefully on the titan’s shoulder.

“Eeeeerreeennn!!!” she sang out with pure delight. “Can you understand me?”

The titan turned its head slowly toward her, rumbling out a low grunt of affirmation.

Nejire beamed, practically vibrating with excitement. “Oh my gosh, this is amazing ! The structural composition alone—is it disorienting? Is your consciousness split? Do you—"

She paused, blinking. Then gave him a mischievous smile.

“Wanna spar?”

The titan hesitated. Don’t ask her how she could tell—it was a vibe.

“Oh, don’t worry so much!” she teased, planting her hands on her hips. “We’re not called UA’s Big Three for nothing! And I really wanna see what you can do!”

There was a beat of stillness. Then Eren let out a deafening roar that shook the windows and rattled the walls.

Down below, Mirio and Amajiki jolted into action.

The fight was on.

___ . ___ . ___ . ___ . ___

Hitoshi wandered through the grounds of UA, searching for Eren. He had finally escaped that pink-haired she-devil from the support course. Now all he had to do was find his best friend before class started.

Knowing Eren, he was probably off fighting half the school. Hitoshi chuckled to himself. Only to hear a loud boom , followed by a distant roar. Unable to deny his curiosity, he followed the noise.

A few minutes later, led by the consistent bangs and booms, he came to the doors of Gym Gamma. Deciding a little peek couldn’t hurt, he cracked the door open.

—and froze.

A giant humanoid figure stood in the middle of the arena, while three students, who looked like they might be third years, were fighting it.

The blonde was disappearing into the ground, only to rocket upward at the beast in sudden bursts. Each time, the giant either narrowly dodged or tried to grab him, only for the boy to phase right through its fingers like smoke.

A girl with lilac hair was flying around its head and shoulders, twisting through the air with ease. She was constantly firing energy spirals at the monster's face, causing it to roar in fury as it swatted at her, always just a moment too late.

The third student seemed to have a mix of animal features sprouting out of his body. Long octopus tentacles extended from one hand, while a massive clamshell was fused to the other like a shield. A pair of small wings on his back let him leap to impossible heights. He danced over the monsters sweeping strikes with practiced agility.

And yet, the beast held its own. It moved with shocking speed and awareness for something so massive. Hitoshi watched as it paused—just for a moment, calculating its next move.

Then it struck.

With a sudden burst of motion, it reached upward and managed to snatch the flying girl out of the air. She let out a startled yelp.

The other two launched into action immediately.

The blue-haired boy used his tentacles to bind both of the giant’s ankles. At the same time, the blonde dropped into the floor, then shot upward with well-aimed precision, slamming right into the giant’s back.

The beast toppled.

Even as it fell, it cradled the girl carefully in one hand, shielding her from impact. Once it hit the ground, it gently lowered her and released its hold.

Despite having just been in a, no doubt, scary situation, the girl was grinning . And with a shout, she called an end to the match.

The downed humanoid didn’t move. Instead, a hiss of steam erupted from the nape of its neck. Hitoshi, who had now stepped fully inside, squinted as a figure began pulling himself free.

Hitoshi’s eyes widened.

EREN?!?

___ . ___ . ___ . ___ . ___

Eren pulled himself out of his titan’s nape, an adrenaline-fueled smile spread across his face.

That was— fun .

He’d never had to fight smaller opponents while in titan form before. It had been a challenge, sure, but it also gave him new ideas about handling more agile enemies.

As soon as he finished pulling himself free, he was swarmed by his new friends, just as breathless and giddy as he was. Even Amajiki.

“Eren!” Mirio exclaimed. “That was AMAZING! I didn’t think a body that big could be so agile! ”

Eren beamed in response, then turned to Nejire.

“Are you okay?” he asked, concern flickering across his face. “I didn’t grab you too hard, did I? It’s really hard to gauge my strength sometimes.”

“You sweet boy!” she squealed. “You were perfect! You didn’t even let me hit the floor when you got knocked down. I don’t think you have anything to worry about!”

“We could… spar again— sometime?” Amajiki offered tentatively, “Only if— only if you want to! I-I didn’t mean to—”

“I’d like that,” Eren interrupted gently. “This… I think this was really good for me.”

He glanced around the room, still smiling, until his expression froze.

A purple blur was charging straight for him.

“TOSHI?!” Eren shouted in confusion, moments before being absolutely tackled .

Hitoshi gripped Eren by the shoulders, looked him up and down like he couldn’t believe what he was seeing, and then finally exploded:

“THAT WAS YOUR TITAN?!”

Eren winced. “I was… hoping to show you in a more— controlled setting.”

“THAT WAS INCREDIBLE! OMG, I CAN’T BELIEVE THAT WAS YOU! AHHGFWAF!!!”

“…Toshi!” Eren yelled, shaking him gently. “You’re freaking out. Please breathe before you pass out.”

Hitoshi sucked in a deep breath, then squinted at Eren, dead serious.

“I always thought your titan was, like, a Sato’d version of you. You never said it was that insane.”

“Well, titans are usually regarded as straight nightmare fuel—so I don’t usually lead with that,” Eren said flatly.

“Oh, nightmare shmightmare, I don’t sleep anyway,” Hitoshi waved off. “You looked badass . And don’t you forget it. ”

“While I love this display of brotherly affection,” Mirio cut in cheerfully—promptly ignoring the sputtering from both Eren and Hitoshi—“we should get going if we want to make it to class on time.”

The boys swore in unison, scrambling to gather their things and book it for the exit. The third years following close behind, Nejire making sure Eren had all their numbers (even Amajiki’s), while Mirio made Eren promise he’d spar with them a few times a week.

Eren agreed without hesitation.

He felt lighter than he had in a long time.

Notes:

Guys… I think I cooked with this chapter.
I went completely off script from my original plan. The faintest idea hit, and I couldn’t stop.
8 pages! 2500 words! And I love every single one ( ˶˘ ³˘)♡
Like, this might be my favorite chapter to date.
___ . ___ . ___
Nejire gives me total Hange vibes!
But like, canon Hange, not my Hange (she’s a psychopath…)
I LOVED writing their interactions.
___ . ___ . ___
Feel free to leave any speculations, comments, or questions you have!

Chapter 13: Of Elections and Riots

Summary:

Class representative elections are next on the docket. And what’s this about the press swarming the school?

Eren and Hitoshi broke off from the third years and made their way toward their classroom. Hitoshi griping the entire walk.

“It was awful! ” he groaned. “She wouldn’t let me leave! Just kept going on and on about all the babies we could make!”

“Toshi! You dog! ” Eren gasped with mock scandal, a smug look spreading across his face.

“Oh, shut up! It’s not like that, and you know it!” Hitoshi shot back.

The air between them was light. If anything, this morning’s adventures had only strengthened their bond. After another minute of walking, with Eren still snickering under his breath, they finally reached the door to their classroom. Sharing a glance, they pushed open the door, ready to face whatever day two had in store.

___ . ___ . ___ . ___ . ___

Upon entering the classroom, Iida immediately made a beeline for the two of them.

“I insist you take it upon yourselves to be more punctual! You were nearly late to homeroom.”

“Iida,” Hitoshi deadpanned, “I need you to oil your engines. We got caught up and still made it on time. It’s not a big deal.”

Iida slowly lowered the hand he had been chopping through the air.

“I suppose you’re right… Just don’t make a habit of it,” he conceded, before turning to Eren. “On that note, I must apologize. I realize that my actions during yesterday’s trials were not befitting of a real-life scenario. I commend your dedication to your training. I will strive to treat future exercises with the utmost seriousness—so that I may become a hero my family can be proud of.”

His words seemed to open the metaphorical floodgates, as voices from around the classroom rang out with their own reflections.

“You’re right. I shouldn’t have been so reckless.”

“Breaking that wall… wasn’t very manly.”

“I shouldn’t have taken myself out and left my teammate behind.”

Eren smiled to himself. He’d been terrified his outburst would only serve to alienate himself from his classmates. It was good to see that his words made a difference.

He cleared his throat, quieting the chatter. “I’m glad you all took what I said to heart… but you’re not entirely to blame. Without any basic training or instruction, how can we be expected to know how heroes should act?”

“Exactly right, Mr. Yeager,” Aizawa’s voice cut in as he strode into the room. Eren and Hitoshi quickly took their seats.

“All Might failed to follow the set lesson plans, believing experience alone to be the best teacher. He has since been reprimanded and placed on a probationary period. During heroics, he will now be monitored by myself or another faculty member. None of you should’ve been hurt so severely on your first day.”

His gaze lingered on Midoriya for a moment before continuing.

“Now,” he barked, “You all have another battle ahead of you.”

The class collectively tensed.

“You must choose a class representative.”

A sigh of relief swept the room.

“I don’t care how you do it. You’ve got twenty minutes.” With that, Aizawa zipped himself into his sleeping bag.

Instantly, the room exploded.

“Ooh! Pick me!”

“I wanna do it!”

“I’d be a great class rep!”

“Please!?”

Iida stood tall above the chaos. “Now, classmates, this is no way to behave. I suggest we select our representative using the democratic process, by voting.”

“But won’t everyone just vote for themselves?” Sero asked.

“Then those who receive multiple votes are clearly the right choice,” Iida reasoned.

“Or…” Hitoshi’s monotone voice rang out from his seat, “We could just make it so that no one is allowed to vote for themselves.”

Iida stood there, stunned for a beat. “Excellent idea, Shinso! I will pass around paper for us all to vote.”

A few minutes later, Iida was tallying the votes on the board.

Yeager: | | | | | |

Yaoyorozu: | | | | |

Midoriya: | | |

Kirishima: | |

Shinso: |

Iida: |

Iida looked mildly heartbroken, but held his head high. “It seems Yeager will be our class representative, with Yaoyorozu as his vice.”

Eren blinked. “ Me??? ” he stammered. “Wha—why would you vote for me?”

“You’re so passionate about heroics!” Kirishima called.

“You’re a badass,” Hitoshi added flatly.

“You hold strong ideals about what it means to be a hero,” Momo added gently, standing up. “I would be honored to serve as your vice-representative.”

As the two walked to the front of the class, Eren’s mind was racing. But by the time he turned around to address everyone, he’d made a decision.

“Thank you for your votes… but I don’t think I’m the best pick to be a leader.”

A few protests rose up, but he raised his hand to quiet them.

“Yes, a leader needs to be passionate and driven. They should be able to inspire a room with only a few words.” His thoughts drifted to Commander Erwin… “But more than anything, a leader must be smart. Someone who can strategize on the fly, who knows how to use everyone’s strengths to their fullest. Someone like Yaoyorozu.”

“But Yeager,” Momo replied, “you do embody those things. In just one day, you got this entire class to reevaluate what it means to be a hero. That is leadership.”

“But I—”

“Oh for fuck’s sake,” Bakugo grumbled. “Just share the role and be done with it!”

Eren and Momo glanced at each other.

“…That works.”

___ . ___ . ___ . ___ . ___

As if sensing the end of their “election,” Aizawa rose from his sleeping bag like a vampire rising from his coffin.

“What’s the verdict?” he asked the class, voice scratchy but as deadpan as ever.

Yaoyorozu squared her shoulders and turned to face him confidently.

“Yeager Eren and myself will serve as co-representatives. If that is all right, sir?

“I don’t see why not. You’ll both receive further instructions about your duties later this week,” he replied without a hint of enthusiasm.

Although deep down... he was proud of his kid.

___ . ___ . ___ . ___ . ___

Before long, it was lunchtime. Hitoshi and Eren headed over to sit with Midoriya, Iida, and Uraraka again. This time, they were followed by Yaoyorozu…and surprisingly, Todoroki.

They all sat down together, conversation flowing smoothly around the table.

Midoriya and Uraraka were currently grumbling about how hard it had been to get into school that morning because of the press.

“What press?” Eren asked, confused.

“The reporters,” Uraraka said, tilting her head. “They’ve been swarming the front gates all day...”

“All day?” Eren blinked. “Huh. I didn’t notice.”

“How did you get into the school without noticing them?” Yaoyorozu asked.

“Oh, Hitoshi and I got here over an hour before class. We must’ve missed the rush.”

Iida gasped like he’d been physically wounded. “Over… an hour ?! And you were still almost late to class?! The audacity—!”

The table burst out laughing at poor Iida’s distress. Eren opened his mouth to fire back a comeback—

When the alarms started blaring.

Everyone shot up in an instant, tension locking into their spines as students around them began rushing toward the exits.

“What’s happening?!” Hitoshi shouted over the noise.

“There’s been a security breach!” a panicking third-year yelled. “There hasn’t been one the whole time I’ve gone here!”

The group jumped into the flow of chaos, trying to stay together, but the tide of panicking students quickly swept them apart.

Eren was shoved. Jostled. He flinched when someone screamed in his ear. The air was full of overlapping voices, sweaty limbs, and the rising panic of a crowd in distress. The smell of dusts, kicked up in the chaos, invaded his senses, followed by the familiar, stinging scent of blood

A girl nearby tripped. He caught a flash of her bleeding knee. And suddenly—

He was back in Shiganshina.

The walls of the cafeteria hallway were replaced by the streets of home. The cobblestone. The broken houses. Crushed under the debris of a collapsing district.

They were coming.

Titans.

Lumbering through the hole in Wall Maria. Coming for them. For all of them.

Eren spun in place. “Mikasa!” he cried out.

But she wasn’t there.

He was alone. He swung his head around, looking for any glimpse of her before he realized.

Mom… those boulders had fallen… near MOM!

He ran towards his house, pushing against the flow of terrified citizens fleeing for the inner wall.

Please. Let her be okay.

He finally reached his house, only to see it completely demolished, his mom lay… half crushed under the rubble. Her struggles doing little to free herself.

“MOM!”

Eren dropped beside her, clawing at the debris with everything he had. Screaming. Pulling. Pushing.

Nothing.

The beam wouldn’t move. No matter what he did. He wasn’t strong enough. Not yet. Not ever.

If only I were stronger.

Hands grabbed him from behind— Hannes.

“Let me go!” Eren screamed, fighting, flailing. “Don’t take me— don’t leave her !”

But he couldn’t pull away from the stronger man. Couldn’t stop what came next.

That smile .

That hideous, mocking smile as the titan reached down, lifted her like she weighed nothing, and snapped her spine with a sickening crack.

Then came the bite.

The blood.

The silence.

And all Eren could do was watch.

Too small. Too weak. Too late.

___ . ___ . ___ . ___ . ___

Hitoshi stumbled, caught in the frantic crowd of fleeing students. People pushed, pulled, tripped over each other in blind panic, every one of them desperate to escape. Not caring who they shoved aside in the process.

He quickly lost track of the others— but not of Eren. He locked onto the back of his friend’s head, refusing to lose sight of him. Trying desperately to reach him.

But something was wrong.

As he got closer, he noticed Eren wasn’t just panicked; he was spiraling. His breathing came in short, frantic bursts. His eyes scanned the room wildly, darting as if searching for something… or someone.

Then Eren’s head turned. His gaze locked onto Hitoshi—

But he didn’t see him.

Instead, Eren suddenly turned and started pushing his way back into the cafeteria, against the tide of panicked bodies. His movements were jerky, his mouth opened, but no words came. His eyes were wide, yet unseeing.

Hitoshi knew that look.

Eren was having a flashback.

The realization hit him like a punch to the gut. He had to get to Eren, fast. Needed to help his brother. But the crowd was thick. Overwhelming. Every step forward was a battle.

Think, dammit, think…

Out of the corner of his eye, he spotted a flash of blue.

“IIDA!” he shouted.

The taller boy’s eyes snapped to his.

“EREN NEEDS HELP!” Hitoshi yelled. “WE HAVE TO STOP THIS RIOT!”

Iida’s eyes widened, his attention briefly being pulled somewhere to his right, another voice calling his name. When his eyes returned to Hitoshi’s, they were burning with determination.

“I HAVE A PLAN!” he called back before vanishing back into the crowd.

Hitoshi didn’t wait. He shoved his way back, moving against the crowd, refusing to lose sight of his friend. Inch by inch, working his way closer.

Above the crowd, he saw Iida land dramatically on an exit sign, bellowing at the students:

“EVERYONE CALM DOWN! IT’S JUST THE PRESS!”

Slowly, the panic began to fade. The students settled. The flow stopped. And Hitoshi ran. He reached the cafeteria just in time to see Eren— utterly broken.

Eren was back in the center of the room, his hands wrapped around a pillar, trying with everything he had to rip it from the ground. His muscles strained. His nails tore. His body trembled.

Hot tears streamed down his face.

“EREN?” Hitoshi cried, doing the only thing he could think of in that moment.

Eren’s head snapped to his, a single word passing his lips, before being swept into the sweet embrace of Hitoshi’s quirk.

“Mom?”

Notes:

I never understood when authors said they cried while writing a chapter.
Until now… I actually felt the panic of this chapter. The claustrophobia… Weird
___ . ___ . ___
Ugh! I LOVE Iida! He’s such an interesting character to write. Also love Momo!
She’s just freakin great!
___ . ___ . ___
Did I individually go through each member of 1A and figure out who I thought they would vote for?
Yes... yes I did.
___ . ___ . ___
Feel free to leave any speculations, comments, or questions you have!

Chapter 14: Family Ties

Summary:

Hitoshi helps Eren through his flashback, and learns more about his tortured past.

Hitoshi breathed a shaky sigh of relief.

He had him. Eren was safe in his grasp.

He hated using his quirk on his brother, but he hadn’t seen another option. Eren had been spiraling, lost in a place Hitoshi couldn’t see. This was the only way he knew to bring him back.

He gently began leading Eren to the faculty lounge. Somewhere quiet where he could safely release his hold. He pulled out his phone and called Papa, wanting to get him here as soon as possible. Setting the phone to speaker, the line clicked—

“Toshi! Are you okay?” Hizashi’s voice rang out. “The breach was just the press. Stay where you are, I’m coming to you.”

He opened his mouth to respond, but never got the chance. Because as soon as he opened the door, he came face to face with a stranger.

A teenager. Hoodie pulled low over his face, light blue hair poking out in messy tufts. His skin was pale and dry, cracking as he scratched at his neck.

Their eyes met.

The stranger took a step forward, lifting a hand in a threatening motion—
Then froze as Hizashi’s voice rang out from the phone speaker again.

“Toshi? Say something. Are you safe?”

The teen swore, lowering his hand. He shot one final glare at Hitoshi before turning, grabbing a stack of papers, and vanishing into a swirling black portal that opened behind him.

No.

Without thinking, Hitoshi lunged. He couldn’t let the intruder escape, but he grabbed only air.

Gone.

He stood there a moment, stunned, heart hammering in his chest. A real villain… here.

What the hell is happening?

But he didn’t have time to process. Not now. Eren still stood behind him, silent, still trapped in his own mind.

Hitoshi turned back and gently led Eren to the couch, easing him down before kneeling in front of him. Then, with a steady breath, he released his quirk.

Eren's eyes immediately widened, full of fear and confusion. Though this time he seemed to see his surroundings. 

“Eren,” Hitoshi said softly, his voice as calm and steady as he could make it, “Can you tell me where you are?”

No answer at first. Eren’s eyes darted around the room, chest rising and falling rapidly. His fingers clenched the fabric beneath him.

“…couch,” he rasped, voice raw, like he’d been screaming for hours.

“Good,” Hitoshi praised. “Can you tell me something you hear?”

Eren’s lips moved. Names caught in his throat. Words that wouldn’t come.

“Hey,” Hitoshi whispered, shifting closer. “Look at me. You’re okay. You’re safe. What’s something you can hear?”

Eren stilled, a shaky breath entering his lungs. Then, in an almost inaudible voice.

“…toshi.”

Hitoshi could have cried then and there. But he held firm. For Eren.

He stayed kneeling there, patient and comforting. Asking simple questions. Repeating soft reassurances. Slowly helping Eren come back to himself.

Several minutes passed. Then a warm hand landed gently on his shoulder.

Hitoshi turned his head, relief flooding him at the sight of his papa moving to kneel beside him.

Together, the two of them spent the next fifteen minutes with Eren, quiet voices, steady hands, grounding him, anchoring him back to the present. Hitoshi moving to sit next to Eren.

Eventually, Eren’s body began to sag. Exhaustion caught up to him. His eyes fluttered shut, his muscles finally loosening. Hizashi reached under Aizawa’s desk and pulled out a blanket, wrapping it around both boys.

Within seconds, they were asleep— emotionally and physically spent.

Hizashi stayed where he was for a long while, reassuring himself that they were safe. Crisis averted , he thought, though the weight in his chest remained.

Looks like they’d need to get Eren into therapy… sooner than expected.

___ . ___ . ___ . ___ . ___

Eren stirred slowly, his eyes fluttering open. He blinked a few times, the blurry outlines of the faculty lounge slowly sharpening. He was on the couch— their couch. The one he and Toshi always claimed whenever they hung out in here.

Speaking of Toshi, the boy was lying next to him, head tucked gently against Eren’s shoulder.

Eren smiled slightly at the sight. Clingy brat.

The day’s events slowly began coming back to him.

The Big Three. Sparring. Voting for a class rep. Lunch. The alarm…

Right.

He remembered now.

The chaos. The screaming. The panic…

The flashback—

And of course, it had to be that memory…

The worst day of his life.

The day the Colossal Titan first appeared.

The day he swore to destroy them all.

He buried his head in his hands, a heavy knot settling in his chest. He could only imagine what he’d put Toshi through…

His movement jostled the boy beside him. Hitoshi stirred, lifting his head and blinking sleepily before his gaze sharpened on Eren.

“You doing better?” he asked softly.

Eren only groaned, pushing his face further into his hands.

“That bad, huh?” Hitoshi gave a dry chuckle. Then his expression turned serious.
“But really… are you okay? I’ve only seen a few flashbacks, but that one looked— bad.

Eren peeked out from behind his fingers, eyes tired. 

“It was,” he admitted. “That day usually only shows up in my nightmares. I’ve never been locked in a memory while awake.”

He paused. “I guess… There were too many similarities.”

“Similarities to what?” Hitoshi asked gently.

Eren sighed. Guess it was time for an impromptu therapy session.

“It was the day the Colossal Titan appeared. The day Shiganshina fell.”

Hitoshi inhaled sharply. He’d heard bits and pieces… but never the whole story.

“It was just a normal day,” Eren continued, voice quiet. “I was with Armin and Mikasa when it appeared. Over sixty meters tall. Its head peered over the wall, completely covered in exposed muscle…’

He swallowed hard. “Then it kicked a hole through the gate, like it was made of paper. And… the titans came pouring in.”

Hitoshi stared, frozen. Unable to imagine facing a terror like that.

“Everyone was panicking. Running. Trying to escape, get to the inner walls. But I had to go back. For Mom.” Eren drew his knees to his chest, his arms wrapped tight around them.

“It was too late. Our house collapsed. She was trapped… we—we couldn’t get her out.” His voice broke. “I watched that thing—that monster snap her spine and eat her. I couldn’t stop it. I couldn’t do anything .”

Silent tears began to drip down his face.

“None of that was your fault,” said a new voice.

Eren’s head snapped up. Aizawa stood in the doorway, Hizashi just behind him.

Both men looked heartbroken.

“How old were you?” Hizashi asked softly.

“I was… ten.”

Both teachers froze. For just a second, disbelief flickered across their faces.

Aizawa knelt beside him, his voice low and steady. “No child should ever have to go through that… I’m so sorry you did”

He placed a gentle hand on Eren’s shoulder.

“The fact that you’re still here… still fighting… that’s not just strength. That’s something deeper. And I promise you—your mom would be proud of the man you’re becoming.”

Eren blinked. His voice barely more than a whisper—

“…thanks… dad.”

The room fell silent.

Then soft smiles spread across the faces of the other three occupants.

Because it wasn’t just a word.

It was trust. It was healing. It was love.

They’d get through this.

Together.

As a family.

___ . ___ . ___ . ___ . ___

Aizawa gently tugged Hitoshi out of the teacher’s lounge, leaving Eren in Hizashi’s capable hands.

“Okay,” he began as soon as the door clicked shut. “Tell me everything you saw.”

Hitoshi took a breath before he began the debrief. “He was already in the lounge when I got there with Eren. An older teenager, light blue hair, red eyes, pale skin that was dry and cracking. He had his hood pulled up and kept scratching his neck.”

He paused, jaw tightening. “When he saw me, he raised his hand like it was a weapon. I’m guessing his quirk is touch-based. Probably deadly. He only stopped when he heard Papa’s voice on speaker. Then he grabbed a stack of papers and disappeared into a portal.”

Aizawa's frown deepened, his mind already running a mile a minute.

“So the press outside… was just a distraction.” His voice was low, almost a growl. “I’m going to have Nezu call an emergency staff meeting. Now.”

He moved to open the lounge door, but paused, glancing at Hitoshi over his shoulder.

“You and Eren can stay here for the rest of the day if you want to.” Hitoshi nodded, grateful. The day had already been a lot .

They stepped back inside the room, and were immediately greeted by the sound of laughter.

Eren was still wrapped in a blanket on the couch, grinning at Hizashi, who was gesturing animatedly as he told a story.

“And then Sho turned to me with those huge puppy eyes and begged to adopt the cat!” Hizashi said with mock drama. “What was I supposed to do? Say no to that face?!”

Eren let out another laugh.

“Zashi!”

Notes:

I LOVE ME SOME GOOD FOUND FAMILY!!! (´▽`ʃ♡ƪ)
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I can’t BELIEVE we passed 1000 hits on this fic! I remember being so thrilled on the day I posted chapter 1 that I had 10. I never thought we’d hit 1000!
Thank you all so much for your support. Kudos, Comments, Bookmarks… all of it means so much to me, and motivates me to keep writing! <3
___ . ___ . ___
Feel free to leave any speculations, comments, or questions you have!

Chapter 15: The USJ Incident

Summary:

Class 1A’s field trip to the Unforeseen Simulation Joint goes wrong when a villain group decides to make their debut.

Attempting to leave the chaos of the previous day behind them. Eren and Hitoshi walked to class in comfortable silence. Making an effort to be early… if only to avoid Iida’s dramatics.

“Maybe if we show up early, he’ll finally stop treating us like delinquents,” Hitoshi muttered as they entered the classroom.

“I doubt it,” Eren replied with an easy smile. “He probably has his punctuality speeches saved in alphabetical order.”

A few students were already inside. Light chatter floated through the room, most of it surrounding yesterday’s security breach. A few glances drifted toward Eren, some laced with curiosity, others with concern. Yaoyorozu gave him a kind smile as she took her seat behind him.

“Yeager,” she said softly, “are you alright? Yesterday seemed… harder on you.”

Eren hesitated for a beat, then nodded. “I am now. Thanks, Yaoyorozu.”

She returned the nod. “Please, call me Yaomomo. We are co-representatives, after all.”

Before he could respond, the bell rang and Aizawa slipped into the room without a sound  

“Good,” he said when the class quickly quieted. “You’re learning.”

He paused, his eyes scanning the room. “Today’s training will be different. You’ll be under the instruction of myself, All Might, and another faculty member.”

A few students perked up at his statement.

“What kind of training is it gonna be?” Sero asked.

“Rescue,” Aizawa answered. “Natural disasters, shipwrecks, stuff like that. Wear your hero costumes if you wish. But you are still getting used to them, so they may limit your abilities.”

The wall of costume cases opened once more, students quickly moving to grab their gear. Eren’s hands twitched with anticipation. Rescue training. This… this was exactly what he needed.

He would never let someone be left behind again.

___ . ___ . ___ . ___ . ___

The class quickly got changed and prepared to board the bus that would take them to the off-campus facility. Eren and Yaomomo directed the students onto the bus in an orderly fashion.

The ride itself was mostly uneventful, filled with easy chatter, playful jabs, and the kind of light teasing that only came from fast-growing friendships.

At one point, Asui turned toward Midoriya with her usual bluntness.

“Say, Midoriya. That power of yours—it’s kind of like All Might’s, isn’t it?”

“Oh, uh—you think?!” Midoriya stammered, flailing slightly. “I—I guess I never really thought about it…”

“Hold on, Tsu,” Kirishima cut in, flashing a grin. “All Might doesn’t break his bones every time he throws a punch. That makes a huge difference.”

“Still,” he leaned back and flexed as he activated his quirk. “I bet is cool to have a simple augmenting quirk. You can do all kinds of flashy stuff with it.”

“My hardening is tough as nails, but it’s not exactly exciting to look at.”

That kicked off a whole bus-wide discussion about quirks and heroics; who was the strongest, who would team up best, and what kind of power moves they could make.

Then Ashido turned, eyes sparkling with curiosity. “Hey, Yeager! I’ve been wondering, how come you haven’t used your quirk yet? I wanna know what it is!”

Several faces turned toward him, anticipation and curiosity thrumming in the air.

“Oh,” Eren said, caught off guard. “I guess... There hasn’t really been a good opportunity yet.”

There were a few whines, but before anyone could press further, Aizawa’s voice cut through the chatter.

“We’re here. Everybody off the bus.”

___ . ___ . ___ . ___ . ___

Walking into the Unforeseen Simulation Joint, USJ for short, the class was immediately greeted by the space-themed pro hero Thirteen, although All Might seemed to be absent. Once everyone had settled in, the hero stepped forward and began their presentation.

“As most of you know, my quirk is Black Hole. It can suck in anything and instantly reduce it to dust.”

“Yeah!” Midoriya jumped in, eyes sparkling. “You use it to rescue people from all kinds of situations!”

“Yes,” Thirteen nodded. “But my quirk can just as easily be used to kill.”

The room quieted.

“In our society, quirks are tightly regulated. It’s easy to forget how dangerous they can truly be. But a hero’s job isn’t just to defeat villains. It’s to save people. That’s what today is about. You’ll be using your quirks not to fight, but to rescue.”

Excited chatter broke out as the class lit up with enthusiasm. Finally! Some real hero work.

But then— a gust tore through the air.

A swirling vortex of energy formed at the center of the facility.

“What… what is that?” Midoriya stammered.

Figures began to emerge from the portal. Dozens of villains, looking like hunters eyeing easy prey. A figure followed up the rear; he was covered entirely in disembodied hands.

Hitoshi’s eyes widened in recognition.

“Da—Eraserhead!” he called, “That’s the villain that broke in yesterday!”

Aizawa didn’t hesitate.

“Thirteen, protect the students. Kaminari, try to contact the school using your quirk.” he ordered sharply, pulling his goggles up as he prepared to defend his students.

Midoriya’s voice cracked with worry. “But Sensei! You can’t take them all on! Even if you can erase their quirks, your fighting style works best one-on-one—”

“You can’t be a pro if you only have one trick,” Aizawa shot back and launched himself into the fray. Taking down several villains in an instant.

The students barely had time to react before Thirteen started ushering them toward the exit. But just as they reached the door, the same vortex from before appeared. It stretched, growing, as a strange figure started to take shape. Its eerie yellow eyes glowered at the students.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you,” a voice rang out from the misty figure. 

“We are the League of Villains. We graciously made the decision to invite ourselves in. And isn’t this such a fitting place for All Might, the Symbol of Peace, to take his final breath. I believe he was scheduled to be here today…”

He sighed, eyes shifting as he considered the situation.

“No matter. I still have a role to play.”

Thirteen moved to use their quirk, but before they could act, Bakugo and Kirishima leapt forward to attack the villain.

“Wait—!” Thirteen called out.

But it was too late. Their interference gave the villain just enough time to act.

The mist expanded, swallowing the students.

“I shall scatter you across this facility,” he said. “Let each of you meet my comrades... and your deaths.”

___ . ___ . ___ . ___ . ___

One moment, Hitoshi was getting swallowed by that weird warp quirk, then the next, he was falling.

He crashed into ice-cold water with a massive splash, the shock of it knocked the air from his lungs. As he kicked toward the surface, a flash of jagged teeth caught his attention, a shark-faced villain cut through the water like a missile. Heading straight for him.

Moments before it reached him, a long tongue wrapped tightly around his waist. He was yanked from the water and hurled onto the deck of a large boat floating in the middle of the USJ’s lake. He started coughing aggressively, trying to expel the water from his lungs.

Moments later, Midoriya was thrown onto the deck beside him, coughing and soaked. And then Asui—“Call me Tsu”—leapt aboard with ease, her expression serious.

“We may have a problem, kero,” she said.

Hitoshi looked over the side of the boat. Below them, over a dozen aquatic villains circled the ship like hungry predators. Glaring. Waiting.

“You’re right about that,” Hitoshi muttered.

How were they gonna get out of this one?

___ . ___ . ___ . ___ . ___

Eren felt himself get sucked into the warp villain's portal. That sensation of being dragged through space stirred feelings better forgotten. But there was no time to dwell.

He was spat out onto a pile of jagged rubble, pain jolting up his spine. Groaning, he sat up, rubbing his back. He looked around, taking stock of his surroundings.

To his left, Bakugo was already on his feet, teeth bared in irritation. And to his right, Kirishima shook the dust from his hair.

Seriously? Eren thought. Of all people, I had to get stuck with Bakugo?

The sound of shifting stone grabbed their attention. At least fifteen villains were approaching from the shadows, some cracking their knuckles, others grinning with a dangerous glint in their eyes.

Looks like there’s no time for petty rivalries, Eren thought with a grimace.

With nothing more than a shared look, the three boys launched into action.

Bakugo let out a massive explosion, filling their surroundings with smoke and debris. The cloud swallowed them whole, effectively masking their movements from the enemy.

Eren zipped around the ruins using his ODM gear, weaving between collapsed walls and shattered beams. He was quick, agile, getting just close enough to bait the villains, but always slipping away at the last second. When he saw an opening, he struck, his baton attachments snapping out to deliver hard knockout blows.

Bakugo moved like a storm, explosions propelling him through the smoke. Every detonation disoriented the enemy. He targeted the loudest, cockiest villains first, making sure they didn’t get a second chance to act.

One villain stayed back, hidden from the boys in the ruins; his arm slowly distorted and twisted, until it resembled a rifle of sorts. He took aim at Bakugo’s unguarded back and fired.

Eren’s eyes widened; he knew he wouldn’t be able to reach him in time.

Crack!

Kirishima dove in, intercepting the bullet with his hardened body. The shot ricocheted harmlessly off his chest.

“Gonna have to try harder than that!” Kirishima grinned, charging the gunman without hesitation. Round after round bounced off as he closed the distance and decked the villain with a single punch.

The three quickly found a rhythm, Eren harassing and disorienting the enemy, Bakugo striking from above, and Kirishima anchoring their defense.

They were a machine. Efficient. Relentless.

The villains never stood a chance.

___ . ___ . ___ . ___ . ___

The mist of the warp villain began to fade, revealing the small group left near the exit. Uraraka looked around, heart pounding. Only five of them remained: Iida, Sato, Ashiso, Sero, and herself.

Thirteen didn’t hesitate, and activated their quirk. They raised their hand toward the mist, and began pulling at the villain’s form with the crushing force of their Black Hole. Uraraka felt a wave of hope surge in her chest. Sure, their classmates had been scattered across the USJ, but if anyone could neutralize this guy, it was Thirteen.

They had a chance!

“We need to use this opportunity to get help!” she shouted, turning toward Iida.

“Iida! You’re the fastest, we need you to go tell the teachers what’s happening!”

Iida froze. His hands clenched, and his brows furrowed in hesitation. He glanced back at the others— at the chaos still unfolding.

Uraraka stepped closer, her voice urgent. “Iida! Remember what Eren said. This is a real emergency. And the best thing a hero can do in a situation like this is get reinforcements. We need you.”

Iida met her eyes, his resolve finally locking into place. “You’re right.”

With help from the others, the group managed to pry open the heavy entry doors just wide enough for Iida to squeeze through. He gave one last look back at his classmates.

“I’ll bring help. I promise.”

Then he bolted, the engines in his calves roaring as he disappeared into the distance.

The doors slammed shut behind him.

Uraraka turned back toward Thirteen— just in time to see their suit ripping apart from within. Their own quirk, still active, had begun to consume the fabric.

“No—!” she gasped.

The warp villain, still flickering with agitation, took one last look at the remaining students. His eye narrowed at the space where Iida had once occupied; no doubt realizing that the boy must have escaped. With a frustrated twitch of his mist, he vanished, likely heading to report on the situation.

Uraraka clenched her fists.All they could do now was put their faith in Iida.

___ . ___ . ___ . ___ . ___

Hitoshi paced the deck of the boat, his panic growing with every step. They were surrounded, too many villains lay beneath the water, ready to pounce. He needed a plan, fast.

Tsu was strong— but not strong enough to get all three of them all the way to shore. The villains would just attack when they landed. They needed a distraction.

Suddenly, an idea struck.

He turned to Midoriya. “During the battle trials… remember that air burst you used? The one that tore through the floors?”

Midoriya blinked. “Y-Yeah, I remember. Why?”

“Could you—no, never mind.” Hitoshi shook his head. “I can’t ask you to break your bones again.”

“Wait,” Midoriya said, eyes lighting with resolve. “If I concentrate the power in my fingers, I can keep myself in the fight. What’s the plan?”

Hitoshi took a breath. “Okay, feel free to call me crazy, but… I think I can brainwash some of the villains into turning on each other. If it works, the chaos should give Tsu a window to get us as far as she can. You can then hit the water with a blast… that might boost us far enough to make it to shore.”

Midoriya thought about the proposal. “It’s risky. But it might actually work.”

That was all Hitoshi needed.

He stepped to the edge of the boat and shouted at the villains circling below. “Hey! Don’t you ever get tired of being bottom-feeders?!”

The water exploded in angry shouts and snarls, more than enough for Hitoshi to lock on to. He focused hard, pushing his command into as many minds as he could grasp.

Fight

The effect was immediate. The calm surface of the lake erupted into chaos—villains lashing out at one another, dragging their allies into the depths, their fury turning inward with animalistic abandon. Even those who were broken from Hitoshi’s control stayed tangled in the brawl.

Tsu acted fast, wrapping her tongue around both boys and launching them into the air.

“NOW, MIDORIYA!”

Midoriya twisted mid-flight and snapped his fingers toward the water, sending out a concentrated burst of air. The shock wave rocketed them forward, toward safety.

They hit the water just shy of shore and swam the last few feet, gasping and soaked. They crept around the edges, heading to the exit. They were passing the plaza, but what they saw made Hitoshi’s stomach drop.

Aizawa was down.

The monstrous creature with an exposed brain loomed over him, firmly restraining him. The hand villain towered over him. They watched as he reached out and placed his hand on Aizawa’s elbow.

The skin began to crumble and disintegrate.

“No…” Hitoshi whispered, horrified.

A swirling portal appeared beside the hand-covered man. The warp villain taking shape, delivering a message in a hushed voice. Whatever he said enraged the leader. His hands clenched into fists as he turned, eyes sweeping the area, until they locked onto Hitoshi.

Eyes lighting up with recognition… followed by unbridled rage.

“YOU! ” the villain screeched. “It’s all YOUR fault!”

He started sprinting toward them, hand outstretched like a viper ready to strike. His voice was pure venom. “Maybe All Might will show up if I kill some kids!”

Hitoshi couldn’t move. Couldn’t think.

That hand was inches from his face now.

This is it, he thought.

This is the end.

___ . ___ . ___ . ___ . ___

Eren, Kirishima, and Bakugo had just taken out the last villain in their zone. Kirishima was the first to speak, already gearing up for their next move.

“We should regroup, find the others,” he suggested, shaking out his arms.

Bakugo shook his head sharply. “Hell no. We take out that mist bastard first, cut off their escape route.”

Eren frowned. “No, Aizawa needs help. We need to get to the plaza.”

That got their attention. They paused, and in that silence, the distant sounds of battle grew louder. Eren’s instincts screamed. They didn’t have time to argue.

He turned to the other two. “We’ll never make it in time on foot. But… I have a plan to get there quickly.”

Bakugo scoffed. “Unless that little gear of yours suddenly got an upgrade, I don’t see what you could do.”

“That’s not what I meant,” Eren replied. “Just… how good are you guys with weird?”

Kirishima blinked. “I’m great with weird. Lay it on me.”

Bakugo’s patience was already worn thin. “Spit it out! ”

Eren gave them a nervous glance. “Alright. Just remember— it’s still me.”

They didn’t have time to ask what he meant. 

He raised his hand to his mouth and bit down.

In an instant, lightning appeared out of nowhere. A deafening crack echoed through the facility, and where Eren once stood, a monster of staggering height now towered over them. Its muscles rippled with raw power. It stood like a soldier ready to go to war.

There was a beat of silence.

“Oh my—MANLY! ” Kirishima shouted in awe, his eyes gleaming.

A feral grin split Bakugo’s face. “THAT’S WHAT I’M FUCKING TALKING ABOUT! ”

Without hesitation, he slung Kirishima over his shoulder, blasted into the air with a flurry of explosions, and landed cleanly on the Titan’s shoulder. Kirishima let out a startled shout before clambering to a more stable spot beside him.

Bakugo grabbed onto the titan’s hair to anchor himself and bellowed, 

“LET’S LEVEL THESE BASTARDS! ”

Without wasting another second, Eren sprinted toward the plaza. The ground quaked with every massive step he took.

They’d be there soon.

___ . ___ . ___ . ___ . ___

Time seemed to slow for Hitoshi.

That pale, crumbling hand inched closer to his face. 

Closer and closer until—

Contact.

Only… nothing happened.

The villain’s hand lifted in confusion.

“What—?”

His head snapped back to the plaza. Aizawa had just managed to activate his quirk. His eyes glowing a brilliant red.

“You really are so cool, Eraser,” the villain growled. “ Nomu! ”

The monster didn’t hesitate.

With a sickening crack , Nomu slammed Aizawa’s head into the ground. His body going still.”

Hitoshi’s heart stopped.
No. No, no, no—NOT HIS DAD!

He opened his mouth to scream—to use his quirk—anything—

But Midoriya was faster.

With a furious roar, he lunged forward and threw a powered-up punch that shook the entire plaza. The shockwave tore through the air, hurling dust and debris in every direction.

But when it cleared…

The nomu stood there.

Completely unharmed.

“Oh?” the villain cooed, turning toward Midoriya. “You like my Nomu? He was built to match All Might in every way!”

As if summoned by his name, the front doors of the USJ slammed open, and there he was…

The Symbol of Peace.

And he wasn’t smiling.

In a flash, All Might barreled through the remaining lackeys, sending them flying like rag dolls. He grabbed Hitoshi, Tsu, and Midoriya and moved them to safety near Aizawa’s limp form before launching himself at the Nomu.

The impact echoed like thunder.

Blow for blow, the two collided in a brutal dance, All Might landing hits powerful enough to pulverize buildings, yet the Nomu withstood every single one.

“It’s useless!” the villain, Shigaraki, taunted. “Nomu has shock absorption!”

All Might grunted. “Thanks for the tip.”

He grabbed Nomu by the waist and reared back to suplex him, but as he did, his upper body vanished into a swirling portal. The nomu dug its fingers into his sides, into his wound. Holding him tightly in place.

The misty villain twisted his portal tighter around All Might’s torso, intent on slicing the Number One Hero in half.

“I dislike unnecessary mess,” Kurogiri muttered, “But for this? I’ll make an exception.”

A rumble shook the air.

In the distance, a towering humanoid running toward the plaza lifted a hand to its shoulder… reared back and threw something.

A figure hurtled through the sky like a human rocket, Bakugo. His explosions rocketing him faster, hotter, louder.

He slammed straight into Kurogiri, pinning him by the brace on his neck.

“HA!” Bakugo roared. “I KNEW THERE WAS A BODY UNDER ALL THAT MIST!”

A chill suddenly cut through the air. Todoroki slid into the plaza, sending a wave of ice to freeze the nomu in place. Giving All Might just enough time to rip free.

Shigaraki hissed like a cornered animal.
“Nomu! Free Kurogiri!”

The beast moved.

Cracks split across the ice as the nomu shattered its prison like glass. Demolishing its arm in the process, though its wounds healed in an instant.

“You didn’t think shock absorption was its only quirk, did you?” Shigaraki sneered.

Nomu lunged, straight toward Bakugo, fist cocked. Only for All Might to intercept him at the last possible second.

The two clashed once again, their fists blurring into streaks of motion. Air cracked like lightning as they tore across the plaza.

Then, with a deafening roar, All Might landed a final punch that sent his foe hurtling skyward, straight through the glass ceiling, until he was nothing but a speck in the sky.

___ . ___ . ___ . ___ . ___

As Bakugo and Kirishima, riding atop Eren, neared the plaza, they caught sight of All Might bursting through the doors. Relief flooded them both until they saw the situation turn dire as the Nomu ensnared the Symbol of Peace mid-fight.

Bakugo's face hardened. He needed to be there NOW .

“Yeager! I need you to throw me!” he barked.

Kirishima made a startled sound beside him. “Wait, what?!”

“It’s the only way I’ll make it in time. You and Shitty Hair— go, find the others and get them to the exit. Keep them safe.”

Eren’s titan form let out a low grunt of acknowledgement. Then he reached up and grabbed Bakugo in one massive hand. Taking one final, thunderous step, he hurled the boy with all his strength.

Bakugo soared through the air like a missile, his explosions guiding and accelerating his flight. He rocketed toward the plaza, angling himself straight toward the warp villain.

Without wasting another moment, Eren turned and sprinted toward the Mountain Zone. His strides making the earth tremble, reaching the area in record time. There, he spotted Kaminari, Jiro, and Yaomomo cautiously making their way through the debris, their eyes still searching for danger.

Eren came to a screeching halt and crouched down, lowering both hands towards the trio.

The three students froze, their instincts readying them for a fight at the sight of the terrifying figure.

“Wait—no! It’s okay! It’s Yeager!” Kirishima’s head popped into view over Eren’s shoulder, waving frantically.

Yaoyorozu blinked up at the towering titan. Those green eyes…

It really was him.

She turned to the other two. “Let’s go.”

Without hesitation, the three climbed into Eren’s waiting hands.

From there, Eren continued his sweep of the USJ, moving with surprising gentleness for his size. He gathered as many of his scattered classmates as he could find. With eight students cradled securely in his arms, he turned and made a beeline back to the plaza.

The others would have to finish the fight. For now, his job was to protect.

___ . ___ . ___ . ___ . ___

All Might stood opposite the hand villain, steam rising from his body as he fought to remain in his muscled form. He’d need to bluff his way to victory at this point.

“What!?” He taunted, “Not going to take me on yourself?”

The villain began to panic without his precious Nomu by his side. 

Out of the corner of his eye, All Might spotted a massive figure approaching the USJ exit. He tensed instinctively—there was no way he could handle another threat in his current state.

But luck, for once, seemed to be on his side.

The beast slowed, then gently knelt to the ground. In its arms were the remaining members of Class 1-A, who quickly scrambled down to join their classmates. This hulking creature appeared to be on their side.

It shifted into a crouch, positioning itself in front of the students like a living sentinel.

All Might’s attention snapped back to Shigaraki, who was now snarling under his breath, his composure slipping.

“Of course they have a damn giant,” he spat. “I can at least take care of that.”

He thrust his hand into a portal that appeared beside him, the exit forming right next to the titan. His hand making direct contact.

The titan let out a piercing screech as decay began rapidly spreading across its body in grotesque, crumbling patterns. Shigaraki’s smirk returned, though it didn’t last long.

A bullet shot through the air, piercing his shoulder.

He screamed in rage and pain, jerking back as another shot narrowly missed, striking the ground beside him.

Reinforcements had arrived.

Without another word, he vanished into a fresh portal, disappearing just as another bullet landed.

All Might exhaled shakily. He couldn’t hold his form anymore; his body released a puff of smoke, shrinking back to his true emaciated form. Cementos moved quickly, slamming a concrete wall in front of him to shield him from the students’ view.

___ . ___ . ___ . ___ . ___

The students, however, only had eyes for the titan—their strange, silent protector—now rapidly deteriorating before them.

Its nape burst open with a violent hiss of steam.

Their classmate struggled within, arms tangled and bound by thick, dying muscle. The decay crept closer. Just as it reached him, a scream tore from Eren’s throat as he managed to break free. Only to fall down the body to the ground below.

He didn’t move.

Present Mic was already sprinting toward him, panic deeply etched onto his face. He dropped to his knees beside Eren, who groaned and slowly opened his eyes. Glancing at Hizashi, then to his arms.

Or what was left of them at least…

His arms had been disintegrated… up past his elbows. He hadn’t been able to free them from the titan in time…. They were gone.

“Zashi…” Eren rasped, locking eyes with him. “They’ll— grow back… don’t let the others see.”

He quickly lost consciousness.

Hizashi wasted no time. He scooped Eren into his arms and pulled him close, shielding him from the prying eyes of his classmates.

Behind them, Principal Nezu gave the order. Round up the villains and survey the area.

The pros snapped into action.

The battle was finally over.

Notes:

Whew!!! This was a doozy! I figured it was best to leave it all as one chapter. I feel like it’s confusing enough as is. (⁠๑﹏๑)
___ . ___ . ___
Did anyone expect Eren to take a support role in the fight? I know I didn’t!
It’s kinda crazy how the story just writes itself. I let it do as it wants.
I hope you all enjoyed the USJ. I spent AGES trying to make it flow properly.
___ . ___ . ___
Feel free to leave any speculations, comments, or questions you have!

Chapter 16: Recovery

Summary:

The aftermath of the USJ incident.

Eren woke with a low groan, squinting at the fluorescent lights above him. It seemed like he was in Recovery Girl’s office. There was a curtain drawn around his bed, effectively shielding him from the room's other occupants, who he could hear quietly talking. It sounded like Midoriya, and… was that All Might?

He moved to sit up, wincing as a sharp pain shot up his arms. He let out a deep sigh, as memories started rushing back in: the USJ, that hand villain, and his... quirk. The panic he felt seeing that decay spread up to him... faster than he could pull himself free. He looked down at his sorry excuse for arms; they were just beginning to grow back, muscle and sinew slowly knitting together. The healing was sluggish, the process slowed by his bout of unconsciousness, but it would pick up now that he was awake. He jerked as another jolt shot up his arms, that unbearable itch setting in.

He hated this feeling.

The door to the infirmary creaked open. Eren heard the familiar tapping of Recovery Girl’s cane on the floor as she shooed All Might out of the room with a quiet “Don’t disturb my patients.” He heard more movement before the curtain was pulled aside from the far end of the bed, keeping Eren hidden from the rest of the room.

Her voice was soft. “How are you feeling, sonny?”

Her gaze swept over his arms. Relief flickered across her face at the sight of the new growth.

“We were worried when nothing was healing.” She said sternly.

Eren let out a quiet sigh. “Yeah... sorry. It’s pretty nonexistent when I'm sleeping or low on energy. It sorta just keeps the injury in a form of stasis until it can be healed. They should be... back in a few hours.”

“Well, that’s good to hear.” She smiled gently. “Sounds like you’ll need your energy, so I won’t bother using my quirk. You should rest up.”

She closed the curtain again and moved off to check on her other patients. Eren leaned back against the pillows, staring up at the ceiling. His arms throbbed. Itched. Useless, for now.

Half an hour passed; he'd heard Midoriya leave not too long ago.

Then he heard the door open again, and more voices filtered in. New ones this time, they were clustered together on the other end of the room. He tried to make out the voices, and a smile spread across his face when he realized who they were.

“Zashi!”

The voices abruptly cut off, then he heard the sound of scrambling as the two bodies rushed over to his bed. The curtain was yanked back, revealing Hitoshi and Hizashi’s relieved faces. Hitoshi’s eyes flicked to Eren’s arms, seeing them for the first time… He immediately dove forward, pulling Eren into a hug and burying his face in his shoulder. Eren winced a little at the jolt but didn’t say a word.

“I’m sorry,” Hitoshi whispered.

“Don’t be,” Eren murmured, voice rough. “It's not your fault.”

But Hitoshi just clung tighter, his voice breaking into higher-pitched sobs.

“Hey... It’s okay.” Eren managed a smile. “I’m okay. Takes more than a handy bastard to take me out of the race. And arms grow back. Freak of nature, remember?”

A third set of arms wrapped around both of them as Hizashi joined the hug.

“You’re no freak,” he said quietly. “You’re a hero .”

Eren blinked, caught off guard by his words. “But I didn’t even fight the main villains—”

“That’s not what I mean.” Hizashi’s voice was firm. “You protected your classmates. Didn't let any of them get left behind... Protecting those who need it is just as much a part of being a great hero as fighting villains is.”

Eren’s throat tightened.

“And you, Toshi.” Hizashi squeezed the boys even tighter. “It was your plan that got your classmates off the boat. You got them to safety, stayed calm in the face of danger. I’m so proud of you… of both of you.”

A raspy voice cut through the tender moment.

“Feels like I’m missing out on something.”

All three heads turned sharply. Across the room, Aizawa lay on another bed, his face and arms heavily bandaged.

“Shou!” Hizashi tripped over himself as he rushed to his husband’s side, Eren and Hitoshi close behind him. They gathered around the bed, feeling a massive weight lift from each of their chests.

“How are you feeling?” Hitoshi asked gently.

“Like some mutant bastard smashed my head into the pavement,” Aizawa muttered. 

“...But I’ll live.”

The other three sighed in relief as Recovery Girl re-entered the room, cane tapping lightly as she approached.

“Oh, good. You’re up.” She said fondly. “You suffered several skull fractures, a broken arm, and some muscle damage from the disintegration. But with rest, you’ll make a full recovery. You can come back tomorrow to have the bandages removed from your eyes, but I'd like to keep the rest on for a while."

Aizawa let out a quiet groan. “I figured as much.”

His head turned toward his family, voice turning serious. “What about the students? Were there any serious injuries?”

There was a beat of silence—then four sets of eyes, Recovery Girl’s included, shifted, landing on Eren’s arms... or lack thereof.

Aizawa would not find out about this…

Recovery Girl cleared her throat. “Thirteen had the worst injuries. They’re stable now, but it’ll be a long recovery. The rest of the students mostly had scrapes and bruises... except for Midoriya, who ended up breaking multiple bones... again.”

Hitoshi winced.

“You did good, Shouta,” Recovery Girl added with a warm smile. “You kept your kids safe.” She stepped closer and leaned in to plant a light kiss on his only exposed skin. Aizawa’s eyes slipped closed almost immediately, his energy sapped as her quirk did its job.

“I suggest you take him home,” Recovery Girl said softly. “Let him rest. Classes are canceled tomorrow, but knowing him, he’ll insist on coming in once it starts up again.”

She shook her head with quiet fondness.

“Take care of yourselves.”

___ . ___ . ___ . ___ . ___

The family was discharged with a list of care instructions from Recovery Girl, all of which Hizashi swore to follow to the letter. They had no plans for the rest of the night beyond taking it easy: takeout from their favorite restaurant and a Disney movie marathon.

The blanket fort even made its return… none of them were too keen on spending the night alone.

An hour into Tangled, the apartment was filled with soft background music and the rustle of blankets. Shouta was stretched out on the couch, with Hizashi cuddled against him as gently as he could manage, not wanting to irritate his injuries, despite Shouta's insistence that he was fine. Eren and Hitoshi sat on the floor nearby, surrounded by a mess of pillows and blankets.

Hitoshi had Eren’s phone in his hand, helping him reply to messages from their worried classmates. Eren’s arms had just about fully grown back, but his motor functions were still lacking. His fingers would twitch randomly whenever a nerve would reconnect.

They scrolled through the flood of texts:

‘You were so manly today dude! Are you good?’

 ‘Yeager, I hope you are doing well. Feel free to reach out to me if you need anything.'

 ‘Hey! How are you doing?’

‘Thank you for protecting us today. Hope you’re doing okay.’

 'You better not fucking die…’

Eren huffed out a laugh at that last one. “Guess even Bakugo can be worried— in his own way." He said.

“Mmhm.” Hitoshi hummed as gent off another short response. They were keeping replies simple: general thanks and brushing off concern without giving too much away. After a while, Hitoshi leaned back against the couch, glancing sideways at Eren.

“I've been wondering... why do you think the titan's body decayed so quickly and completely?”

Eren shrugged his shoulders. “I’ve been thinking about that too, but I do have a few theories. Titans begin to decay instantly when their weak point is destroyed. They rot and decay until there's nothing left... makes cleanup a little easier." He trailed off, Toshi nudging him back on track, "Oh yeah, I would wager that their bodies must be weak to the effects of decay, and I guess the same goes for me." 

Hitoshi looked apprehensive. “So is that why dad only lost a part of his elbow, while you lost... everything?”

“I guess so," Eren replied, "But I would wager that Shigaraki was holding back that time with Aizawa, he didn’t seem like he was trying to kill him yet. But with me... I think he meant it.” Eren’s voice dropped a little. “More intent behind it, or however quirks work…”

Hitoshi scowled. “I don’t like that. I don’t like knowing he could hurt you that badly.”

“Let's just hope it only applies to the titan.” Eren said quietly. Hitoshi still didn’t look convinced. He set Eren’s phone aside and crossed his arms, eyes fixed on the glowing TV screen.

After a long pause, he mumbled, “I don’t like seeing you hurt, Eren. You... you’re like a brother to me.”

Eren paused for a moment before a small smirk spread across his face, his eyebrows raising.

“Oooh! Sounds like somebody loves me !”

He threw both of his arms around Hitoshi’s shoulders. It wasn’t much of a hold, more like a floppy slap, but it got the reaction he wanted.

“Oh shut up.” Hitoshi shoved him off with a huff, cheeks tinting faintly pink.

But Eren’s grin softened as he pushed himself back upright.

“You know, you're like a brother to me too,” he said sincerely. “I don’t think I could have handled the transition into this life without you. You mean a lot to me.”

Hitoshi made a strangled sound in the back of his throat and promptly flopped face-first into the nearest pile of pillows.

Eren snickered and dropped down next to him. “Alright, enough with the sappy stuff. Help me pick the next movie.”

“Fine,” came Hitoshi’s muffled reply. “But no Frozen .”

Eren just laughed.

 

Notes:

It’s so FLUFFY! I can’t breath. (,,♡ᵕ♡,,)
Bit of a shorter chapter to help me recover from the USJ chaos.
___ . ___ . ___
Feel free to leave any speculations, comments, or questions you have!

Chapter 17: A Declaration of War

Summary:

The students of UA must begin preparing for their next battle—the UA Sports Festival.

After a full day of rest and recovery, classes at U.A. were back in session. And just like Recovery Girl had predicted, Aizawa refused to stay home. When Eren and Hitoshi stepped into the classroom, several heads snapped their way.

This was becoming a pattern.

Kirishima was the first to stride over, a wide grin on his face.

“Hey, man! Glad to see you’re doing okay. We made a pretty good team back there— super manly!” He pumped his fist for emphasis.

“I guess we did,” Eren said, returning the smile.

Across the room, a voice chimed in, and based on the uniform sleeves waving in the air, Eren figured it must be Hagakure.

“Your quirk is AMAZING!” she squealed. “I can’t believe you’ve been hiding that from us this whole time!”

“I get what you meant now about not having the chance to use it,” Ashido added, resting her chin on her hand. “Indoor training isn’t really the place for a giant like that.”

“Yeah, it’s not really something to pull out every day,” Eren said with a stiff shrug as he sat down. Conversation continued until the bell rang, and the class quickly quieted down. 

Midoriya glanced around as the last few students took their seats. “I wonder who’ll be teaching us today...” His question died in his throat the second Aizawa walked in.

There was a collective intake of breath. Eren didn’t blame them. Aizawa looked like a walking mummy, his face and arms wrapped in bandages; the only thing visible was his ever-present tired stare.

“Sensei!” Iida shot to his feet, arm chopping through the air. “Are you sure you’re well enough to be teaching?”

“Yes,” Aizawa replied flatly. “Recovery Girl healed most of the damage. These are just a precaution.”

“That’s good to hear,” Iida said before sitting back down, his posture rigid as always.

Aizawa stepped up to the front of the room and took a deep breath before speaking.

“I want to start by apologizing. No doubt, the USJ incident was stressful. Most likely traumatic. I’m sorry you were ever put in that situation in the first place.”

The room was quiet as every student was focused on his words.

“As some of you may know, we have an on-campus counselor. Hound Dog. Each of you will be required to attend at least one session.” His voice softened just a hair. 

“Don’t think you’re above it. Every pro faces some form of PTSD— it’s part of the job. I encourage you all to begin developing a strong support system now.”

There was a ripple of glances around the room. Some students smiled softly at the friends beside them.

“But with that said... your fight isn’t over.”

Everyone tensed. Eren caught Hitoshi’s glance out of the corner of his eye as Aizawa continued, his voice steady.

“The U.A. Sports Festival is approaching. This is your chance to showcase your abilities to other pro heroes. Several of them may extend internship offers based on what they see there.” He let that settle in for a moment. “I expect all of you to take this seriously. It could very well help pave the way for your future careers.”

There was a collective exhale of relief, quickly followed by a buzz of excitement. The Sports Festival! They’d all grown up watching it, imagining what it would be like to stand in that arena. And now they’d finally get to!

“For the next two weeks, your heroics lessons will be mostly self-guided. U.A.’s training facilities will be fully open before and after school. Both myself and All Might will be available to observe and offer feedback as needed. I expect you all to make the most of this time.”

With that final word, Aizawa tugged his sleeping bag from seemingly nowhere, slipping into it like this was all perfectly normal.

The classroom immediately exploded in chatter. Students leaned toward each other, discussing training ideas and strategies for the festival. Plans were already being made.

___ . ___ . ___ . ___ . ___

When the lunch bell rang, the students of Class 1-A gathered their things and headed for the door… only to be stopped short when they opened it.

A dense crowd filled the hallway, blocking their exit.

“What are they all doing here?” Uraraka asked, frowning.

“Tch. These extras are here to scope out the competition,” Bakugo snapped. “Sizing up the class that survived a real villain attack.”

Just then, a blond boy pushed his way through the crowd with an exaggerated smirk.

“So this is the famous Class 1-A,” he drawled. “I’m Monoma Neito from Class 1-B. And I have to say... I can’t believe how conceited our sister class could be.”

“What do you mean, kero?” Asui asked, tilting her head in confusion.

“I bet you’re all thrilled that you got to fight real villains,” Monoma continued. “Showing off how ‘amazing’ you all are. But I assure you, Class 1-B’s going to rise to the top during the Sports Festival, so consider this my declaration of wa—”

His voice died in his throat when he looked up and directly into Eren’s cold, sharp gaze. He’d moved to stand mere inches away from the arrogant boy, glaring fiercely at him.

“Let me get this straight...” Eren’s voice was low and intense.

“You think that we ,” he gestured to his classmates, “were happy to be attacked by villains?”

Monoma opened his mouth to retort, but Eren didn’t give him the chance.

“Villains that broke in while armed with a weapon strong enough to kill All Might. Villains that wouldn’t have hesitated to murder every single one of us.” Eren paused for a moment, letting that sink in.

“Our sensei almost died. Midoriya almost died. Shinso almost died.” His voice dropped even lower. “Hell… I could have died.”

A ripple of unease spread through the crowd. Several faces paled.

“And you think we’re grateful …?”

Eren’s eyes suddenly turned to the general education students in the crowd.

“Oh, and don’t think we don’t hear your complaints,” he continued. “That we robbed you of your spot in the Hero Course… but each and every one of us earned our place here.”

Someone in the back scoffed, but Eren cut them off, his voice rising.

“There are students in my class without physical quirks. Students who don’t have raw power backing them up. Do you think they bought their way in? Pulled some strings?”

“No. It was hard work. Training. Determination. And in just three days, every single person in this class proved that they deserve their spot.”

His gaze swept the hall.

“So go ahead. Try to take our place in the Hero Course. I’d love to see you try. But don’t expect us to make it easy for you.”

With that, Eren turned and shouldered his way through the stunned crowd, his classmates following close behind.

For several long seconds, the hallway stayed completely silent.

Then the whispers started.

___ . ___ . ___ . ___ . ___

Heading into the lunchroom, Eren’s thoughts drifted to a conversation he’d had with Aizawa the night before.

. . . . . .

Aizawa lay stretched out on the couch, Bastard sprawled over his stomach. Eren sat on the opposite end, flicking a laser pointer for Meowzawa to chase, both of them quietly laughing at the cat’s antics.

Aizawa cleared his throat, causing Eren to glance over at him.

“I got a call from Nezu this morning,” Aizawa said. “He’s been looking into that warp villain’s quirk. Trying to see if there’s any correlation to the one that brought you here.”

Eren snapped fully to attention. “Did he figure anything out?!”

“Unfortunately, no,” Aizawa admitted. “That quirk isn’t in the registry. But Nezu was able to recover some security footage. While both acted as a portal, they appeared to have fundamental differences. That villain’s portals looked more like mist. Yours was more... like a flash of light.” He took a deep breath before continuing.

”I know it’s not the news you were hoping for, but I promised to keep you updated on anything we discovered. I’m sorry Eren.”

Eren exhaled, his shoulders slumping as he drew his knees up to his chest. “You know... the longer I’m here, the less I find myself wanting to go home.” His voice dropped. “Does that make me a bad person?”

“Of course not.” Aizawa sat up, his expression calm and steady. “From what you’ve told us, your life wasn’t exactly peaceful. No one would blame you for not wanting to go back to that.”

“It’s just...” Eren’s voice wavered. “I miss Armin and Mikasa more than anything. And I was supposed to be humanity’s last hope. How can I just abandon them like this?”

“This wasn’t your choice,” Aizawa reminded him. “And I’m starting to think... maybe whatever sent you here did it for a reason. Who knows what would’ve happened at the USJ without you?”

He rested a hand on Eren’s shoulder. “And I’m sure Mikasa and Armin would want you to be happy, not stuck dwelling on the ‘what ifs’ for the rest of your life.”

Eren raised his head from his knees, only to immediately bury it in Aizawa’s shoulder.

“I know... doesn’t make it any easier.”

“I’d be shocked if it did.” The two of them sat in silence for a moment longer before Aizawa added, “On another note, I have a request from Nezu.”

Eren made a vague noise of acknowledgment.

“There’s a student in 1-B. Her quirk lets her shrink or enlarge objects— including herself. Vlad says she’s hesitant to use it on herself, afraid she might hurt someone…”

“I can guess where this is going,” Eren muttered. “Who is it?”

Aizawa hesitated. “You already know her.”

Eren’s head lifted, frowning slightly— then froze.

“Is it…?”

“Yes,” Aizawa confirmed, “Kodai Yui, I won’t make you do it. But I really think you should.”

. . . . . .

Back in the present, Eren sighed. Of course, it had to be that girl. The one who looked so much like Mikasa. Still... he owed it to Aizawa and Nezu to at least try. And if he could truly help someone in the process. Well, that was a bonus.

He waved off Hitoshi and made his way toward a small corner table. Kodai sat there with another girl who had wispy silver hair in an unkempt bob. The two were quietly chatting.

Eren stopped in front of them. “Mind if I sit here?”

They exchanged a glance. Kodai gave a small nod, and the silver-haired girl shrugged. Eren sat down.

“I don’t know if you remember me,” he started, voice even. “I’m Eren Yeager. We met at the entrance exam.”

“I remember,” Kodai said quietly. “You saved me from the zero-pointer.”

“Yeah...” Eren scratched his neck, searching for the right words. “I heard your quirk lets you change the size of objects... including yourself.”

Kodai tensed slightly. Her friend immediately leaned forward.

“And what of it?” the other girl snapped.

Eren shot her a brief look, then focused back on Kodai.

“My quirk is kind of similar,” he said. “If you remember, I can transform into a fifteen-meter-tall giant. Learning how to fight like that... figuring out how much force you can use without hurting someone... It takes practice.”

Kodai’s eyes widened slightly as she thought back to the way he took down that goliath during the entrance exam.  

“I was wondering,” Eren continued, “if you’d want to train with me after school sometimes. I haven’t been able to spar with a large enemy in a while, and you could work on your restraint.”

Silence stretched as she thought it over. Her fingers drummed lightly against the table.

But there was no hesitation in her eyes when she finally answered.

“Okay,” she said, voice steady. “Let’s do it.” 

Eren smiled faintly, pulling out his phone as Kodai typed in her number. As he walked away from the table, he glanced down at the new contact, then up at the cafeteria crowd.

Thankfully, Kodai’s personality seemed very different from Mikasa’s. That... made things easier.

He could handle this.

___ . ___ . ___ . ___ . ___

When Eren finally made his way back to his usual table, he was surprised to see even more people gathered there than before. Kirishima, Ashido, and, shockingly, Bakugo were now sitting at the end.

Hitoshi glanced up with a raised eyebrow. “That took a while.”

“Yeah,” Eren chuckled, sliding into his seat. “She was a little hesitant to say yes.”

“SHE?!” Ashido practically exploded. “Who’s she? Eren, do you have a girlfriend?! Spill the tea!” Her grin was wide and mischievous, and Eren’s face flushed pink.

“Ah—no! I just... I made training plans with a girl from Class B.” He stumbled over his words, waving his hands in protest.

“Tch. Those extras?” Bakugo scoffed, leaning back in his chair. “You should be training with me. I wanna put my skills to the test against that titan of yours.”

Midoriya, sitting nearby, looked like he might faint. Bakugo—asking to train with someone? And not just anyone. Eren Yeager?! The guy who literally beat him up a few weeks ago! 

What was the world coming to?!?

“Oh.” Eren blinked, surprised by the offer. “Sure, we can train together. I bet your evasive skills would make for a good challenge.”

“Of course they would!” Bakugo snapped, smirking. “I’m the strongest one here.”

“I’ll let you know what day works,” Eren replied, mentally adding it to his already packed schedule.

“I wanna spar too!” Kirishima cut in, eyes shining with enthusiasm.

“Ooh, me too!” Mina chimed in, quickly followed by a few more classmates throwing their hats into the ring.

Eren’s head was practically spinning trying to keep up. Thankfully, Hitoshi stepped in.

“We do only have two weeks before the Sports Festival, remember?” he reminded them in his usual monotone voice.

“How about this,” he continued, looking around the table, “we book one of the gyms for a few days. Anyone who wants to show up can. We’ll all train together.”

The table quickly agreed with that idea, voices rising again in excited chatter, discussing sparring partners, new moves, strategies, and more.

Looks like Class 1-A was gearing up to make quite the impression at this year’s Sports Festival.

Notes:

Was anyone expecting Kodai to make a reappearance?
I’ve got some BIG plans for her in the works. ¬‿¬
___ . ___ . ___
Boy, do I LOVE writing a fired-up Eren. Like this dude CANONICALLY got most of the top 10 in the 104th to join the Scouts. If that doesn’t scream motivational speaker, I don’t know what does?
___ . ___ . ___
I truly can't get over the love y'all are showing this fic!!! Like WHAT DO YOU MEAN?!? We just passed 1500 hits?!?
I mean... 500 hits came from just the last 3 chapters!!! I am seriously sooo grateful! LOVE YALL!!! ⸜(｡˃ ᵕ ˂ )⸝♡
___ . ___ . ___
Feel free to leave any speculations, comments, or questions you have!

Chapter 18: *Cue Training Montage

Summary:

The Sports Festival is rapidly approaching… and what better way to prepare than with a— TRAINING MONTAGE. *cue ‘Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)’

The next couple of weeks flew by in a flurry of activity as students from every course poured their energy into preparing for the Sports Festival.

And class 1-A was no exception.

Eren had finally managed to draft a general training schedule:

Each Monday, Wednesday, and Friday after class, many of the students of 1-A would gather in Gym Alpha to spar with each other. As well as training during their heroics lessons. 

On Tuesdays and Thursdays, Eren would meet with Kodai in Gym Gamma.

And periodically before school, Eren would meet up to train with the Big Three. hose sessions being the one’s he was looking forward to the most.

Balancing it all was going to be exhausting... but Eren wouldn’t have it any other way.

___ . ___ . ___ . ___ . ___

Tuesday (After School)

It was time for Eren’s first training session with Kodai. He made his way toward Gym Gamma with Aizawa walking beside him. They’d agreed it was a good idea to have Aizawa present for their first one. 

When they entered the gym, they found Kodai already there, stretching quietly near the center of the room. She stood up when she spotted them and walked over.

“Hello Yeager. Thank you for helping me train.” She said, bowing slightly.

“Oh, it’s no big deal,” Eren said, waving it off. “By the way, I asked Aizawa-sensei to supervise our first session, just as a precaution.”

“Makes sense.” Her mouth curved into a small smile.

They quickly got to work. Eren started by asking Kodai to grow as large as she felt comfortable. After a few seconds of hesitation she pressed a hand to her shoulder, and activated her quirk. Her body steadily expanded until she stood around ten meters tall, towering awkwardly in the center of the gym.

Eren looked up at her and smiled in relief. Nothing remotely titan-like about her appearance… just a big, normal person.

“Hold out your hands!” he called up.

She did so hesitantly. Eren fired his ODM gear, hooking onto the ceiling and landed gently in her open palms.

“How do you feel?” he asked, balancing easily. “Is this the maximum size you can grow to?”

Her voice echoed slightly from her new height. “I feel fine… I can grow larger, but I’ve never tested my upper limits. Aren’t you going to use your quirk?”

Eren shook his head lightly. “Unfortunately, I can’t speak when I transform, so I figured it was better to talk things through first.”

Kodai nodded slowly.

“I think it would be a good idea to use these sessions to spar. Titan against giant,” Eren explained. “It’ll help you get familiar with moving and fighting at this size. Once you’re comfortable with that, I know some people you can train with to practice restraint around smaller opponents.”

She tensed at that. “But... won’t I hurt them?”

“They’re third-years. Pretty strong ones too,” Eren reassured. “I felt the same way the first time I sparred with them, but it’s easier than you think to get a feel for how much force is safe.”

Kodai still looked unsure, but after a moment, she nodded again.

“Alright!” Eren clapped his hands together, grinning. “Let’s get started. My titan’s around fifteen meters, so you can either stay this size or grow a little more to match me. It’s up to you.”

He felt her start to grow a bit larger. With that, he leapt from her hands, bit into his own, and summoned his titan form in a burst of lightning.

Time for some training.

___ . ___ . ___ . ___ . ___

Wednesday (After Class)

As the last of his classmates filtered out of the room, Eren approached Aizawa.

“Can I talk to you for a second?” he asked.

Aizawa raised an eyebrow but nodded. “What’s up?”

Eren took a breath. “For the Sports Festival… would I be allowed to use my gear?” He hesitated before adding, “I feel like it’s the best way to show what I’m capable of. Honestly, it feels like it’s part of me… even more than my titan. But I don’t want it to seem like I have an unfair advantage.”

Aizawa gave him a thoughtful look, arms crossing as he considered.

“Normally,” Aizawa said slowly, “support students are the only ones allowed to use support items that they made in the Sports Festival. It’s a chance for them to show off their inventions to potential employers. The exception is when gear is essential to a quirks function, like Aoyama’s belt.”

Eren’s shoulders dipped slightly. He’d figured as much.

“But,” Aizawa continued, “in your case… your gear might qualify. Transforming into your titan during a crowded event would be dangerous. Those grapples would allow you to move out of the way quick enough that no one would get caught in the transformation.

Eren’s head snapped up, hope flickering across his face.

“And it would be unfair to expect you not to showoff your full potential,” Aizawa added. “That said… we can’t have you bringing in weapons...”

“I’ve been thinking about that,” Eren cut in quickly. “I already asked Hatsume if she could make a belt that could hold the gas canisters. That way I can ditch the blade casings when needed. I could have a condensed version when I just need the added mobility”

Aizawa let out a small hum. “That would work.”

A faint smile tugged at the corner of his mouth. “I’ll draft a formal request for Nezu’s approval. I expect he’ll sign off on it, but we do have to go through the proper channels. I should have an answer for you by the end of the day.”

Eren’s face lit up. “Thank you, sensei!”

He quickly turned and bolted for the hallway, already imagining the crowd’s reaction. This was it! A real chance to show everyone what a member of the Scouts Regiment could do!

___ . ___ . ___ . ___ . ___

Friday (Before School)

The sharp sound of combat echoed through Gym Beta. Inside, Eren and Nejire were deep in training. Nejire firing off bursts of her spiraling energy while Eren zipped and darted through the air using his new modified mobility gear.

This particular gym was packed with extra structures and support beams, offering Eren plenty of variety: places to swing from, walls to run along, cover to duck behind. Over and over, he narrowly evaded Nejire’s blasts.

Every so often, he was unable to keep the cheers from leaving his lips. Between the thrill of the fight and the freedom of flying through the air, it was hard not to lose himself in the moment.

Mirio and Amajiki stood off to the side watching, Mirio shouting encouragement so enthusiastically that even Amajiki’s usual quiet demeanor broke with a small smile every now and again.

“Nice dodge, Eren!” Mirio cheered, throwing both fists into the air as Eren hooked onto a beam and spun around, just barely missed a blast.

They kept it up for another twenty minutes: dodge, shoot, swing, recover. Until finally Nejire landed a solid hit, and one of her blasts knocked Eren clean off his path.

He hit the mats hard, gear clanking against the floor. But instead of frustration, he lay there for a moment, a dopey grin stretched across his face.

Yeah… he missed this.

___ . ___ . ___ . ___ . ___

Over the next week, this routine continued. The schedule was intense, but after years of training in the military, it was easy.

Class 1A really threw themselves into training. After seeing how quickly Eraserhead had been able to take down villains at the USJ once he erased their quirks, they realized one thing.

They relied too much on their quirks.

They spent much of their time focusing on quirkless sparing, determined to build up skills that didn’t rely on flashy powers. Eren channeled Annie as much as he could during these matches, sweeping legs, redirecting momentum, and laying classmates flat on their asses over and over again.

Only a handful could hold their own for more than a few minutes. But as their sessions continued, each student was clearly improving, getting quicker on their feet and sharper with every round.

By the end of the two weeks, everyone was tired and sore. But they were ready.

And before they knew it…

It was the day of the U.A. Sports Festival.

___ . ___ . ___ . ___ . ___

Eren stood among his classmates in the waiting area, listening as the roar of the crowd filtered in from outside. Present Mic’s voice echoed through the arena, warming up the audience and hyping the event.

Around him, the tension was thick. Even with all their training, the reality was setting in. They were about to perform in the U.A. Sports Festival, one of the biggest televised events in Japan.

Eren’s eyes flicked up as Todoroki stepped in front of Midoriya.

“From an objective standpoint, it’s clear I’m stronger than you,” Todoroki said bluntly. “However, you’ve got All Might in your corner helping you out.”

That caught Eren’s attention. Midoriya had All Might’s support? Interesting.

“I want you to know that I will beat you,” Todoroki finished, calm yet fully confident, before walking away.

Eren exhaled through his nose. Apparently, declarations of war were all the rage these days… Suddenly a wry grin crossed his face.

He had an idea…

Eren stepped forward, clearing his throat and drawing his classmates attention.

“What a lovely sentiment!” he called, gesturing lightly to Todoroki “Declaring war before we’ve even stepped onto the field.”

A few confused glances passed between classmates, but Eren pressed on.

“This event is a major step in our paths as heroes. Two hundred participants are getting ready to throw themselves into the fray, every single one will be fighting to stand out.” His grin sharpened. “So, yes. This is a war, and I declare war— on each and every one of you.”

A couple people huffed in amusement. But Eren’s voice stayed steady, conviction filling his every word.

“But hear me out,” he said. “No war is won alone. It takes an army. And over these past couple of weeks, I’ve gotten to know the soldiers standing here beside me.”

Eren’s expression softened as he swept his gaze across the room.

”And as one of your class reps, I want to let you know just how proud I am of every single one of my soldiers!”

He tried his hardest to channel Commander Erwin into his words, wanting to rouse his classmates to do their absolute best.

“And I know that my soldiers will not buckle. They will not yield when faced with the cruelty of this world. My soldiers will fight! Fight for themselves, for each other, and for the good of humanity!”

The silence in the room was electric now. Even Bakugo was listening in rapt attention.

“So go out there,” Eren said, voice rising, “and win this war. Show the world exactly what you’re made of.”

He raised his fist in the air.

“Go beyond!”

The class roared back in perfect unison:
“PLUS ULTRA!”

Just then, Present Mic’s voice echoed through the PA system:

“Please welcome to the stage, U.A.’s own Class 1A!!”

It was time.

Notes:

Who doesn’t love a good training montage?!? ᕦ(ò_ó)ᕤ
I literally pulled up a playlist of montage songs while writing this chapter.
___ . ___ . ___
I debated for so long on if Eren should be allowed to use his gear in the festival. But I feel like if he’s trying to show pros what he’s capable of, then ODM gear is a major part of his fighting style.
But don’t worry, you will still get some titan action! (☆□☆)
___ . ___ . ___
Feel free to leave any speculations, comments, or questions you have!

Chapter 19: Sports Festival pt. 1

Summary:

It’s time to begin the Sports Festival!!!

All of the first-year UA students crowded together in the center of the stadium. The roar of the audience echoed from the stands as an excited energy filled the air. On a stage in front of them stood Midnight, whip in one hand and microphone in the other, ready to kick things off.

“Welcome to the UA First Year Sports Festival!” she announced, voice booming through the speakers.

“Before we begin, I’d like to invite Bakugo Katsuki, the top scorer of the practical entrance exam, to the stage to share a few words of encouragement!”

An almost unanimous groan rippled through Class 1-A. Bakugo? Encouraging? 

Yeah, right.

With his usual scowl, Bakugo stalked up to the stage and grabbed the microphone from Midnight.

“I just wanna say… I'm gonna win,” he said flatly, sparking a wave of outrage from the students in the other courses. “And to do that, I’m gonna give it my all. So you all better do the same. Anything less would be an insult.”

And with that, he handed the mic back and walked off, leaving a silent crowd stunned by his lackluster speech. Eren blinked in surprise.

That was… weirdly motivating in a Bakugo sort of way.

Midnight smoothly took control of the crowd again. “Thank you for those words, Bakugo! Now… let’s see what the first event will be!”

A massive wheel lit up on the screen behind her and started spinning. It spun and spun… until, eventually, it clicked to a stop.

Obstacle Race.

“Looks like you will be competing in an obstacle course! How exciting!” Midnight exclaimed. “All eleven classes will race along a four-kilometer track around the outside of the stadium. Many challenges await you along the way. And as long as you don’t leave the course, you’re free to do anything your heart desires.” She explained.

The students rushed to the starting line, elbows jostling for space as tension filled the air. It was finally time to get this festival started. The timer began to count down… until—

“BEGIN!”

___ . ___ . ___ . ___ . ___ 

As soon as the starting signal sounded… it was a frenzy. All two hundred students rushed forward, instantly bottlenecking at the entrance tunnel.

Eren realized that this was the first obstacle. Eager to escape the crowd, he fired his ODM gear into the walls on either side and pulled himself forward, just in time to avoid a wave of ice sweeping through the tunnel, freezing most of the students in place.

When Eren landed on the main track, he glanced back. Seeing that almost every member of Class 1-A had managed to dodge the ice and were right on his tail, each of them had learned from their past mistakes and training.

Coming up ahead, the next obstacle loomed: a legion of robots, just like the ones from the entrance exam, as well as several towering zero-pointers. Many students froze at the mere sight of them.

Todoroki, who was leading the charge, didn’t hesitate. He shot off a massive blast of ice that froze one of the zero-pointers mid-step and allowed him to skate right through its legs. The frozen robot crumbled to pieces moments after, blocking the path behind him.

“WOW! IT’S NO WONDER TODOROKI WAS ACCEPTED ON RECOMMENDATION!” Present Mic’s voice boomed from the stadium. “THOSE ROBO INFERNOS NEVER STOOD A CHANCE!”

Eren wasn’t about to get left behind. He fired his grapples at another zero-pointer’s head and launched himself through the air, just narrowly avoiding another robot’s swipe. As he swung past, he noticed that his classmates were finding their own ways through.

Bakugo, Sero, and Tokoyami simply soared over the robots using their quirks. While Mina, Iida, and Aoyama zipped along the ground with speed and agility. The others finding ways past the obstacle as well. 

Out of the corner of his eye, Eren saw Kodai shrink several robots blocking her path. She even went as far as growing a few in order to block other contestants.

She’s gotten a lot more confident, Eren thought with a grin. 

Just as quickly as the bottleneck, class 1A made their way past the robots with Todoroki, Bakugo, and Eren leading the charge.

“ERASERHEAD!” Present Mic shouted. “JUST WHAT HAVE YOU BEEN TEACHING THESE KIDS?!”

“It’s not me,” came Aizawa’s flat voice over the speakers. “Class 1-A’s learned not to hesitate. They’ve faced real villains already, so they learned not to let fear consume them.”

“YOU HEARD IT HERE, FOLKS! ERASERHEAD’S A TERRIBLE TEACHER!” Present Mic joked, making the crowd laugh, as the students began to approach the next obstacle.

“FOR THOSE WHO THOUGHT THE LAST OBSTACLE WAS EASY, HERE COMES AN EVEN GREATER CHALLENGE… THE FALL!”

A massive, seemingly bottomless pit stretched before them; small islands were scattered throughout, connected only by thin ropes.

Eren grinned. This was a perfect obstacle for his ODM gear. He sprinted forward and threw himself into the pit, free-falling for a moment before flipping his body midair and firing his grapples into the nearest island. 

With a loud cheer, he began swinging effortlessly between the islands as Present Mic’s voice came over the speakers.

“WE KNOW SUPPORT STUDENTS ARE ALLOWED TO USE THEIR GADGETS, BUT WHY DO WE SEE SOME HERO STUDENTS WITH GEAR?” He asked, addressing the crowd’s curiosity.

“Some items are pre-approved for quirks that require them,” Aizawa answered. “Yeager’s gear is both a part of his fighting style and a safety measure for his quirk.”

As Eren swung, someone zipped up beside him using hover boots and grapples. He glanced over to see their resident support strategist— Mei Hatsume.

“Copying me now, are we?” Eren teased.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about!” Mei grinned, rocketing forward with a burst of gas.

“Not on my watch,” Eren shouted out with a laugh, using his own gas to catch up. The two swung side by side in a flashy contest of flips and tricks. The crowd was absolutely eating it up.

“NO ONE CAN SAY THAT THESE STUDENTS DON’T KNOW HOW TO USE THEIR GEAR!”

When Eren finished clearing The Fall , Todoroki and Bakugo were already pushing ahead. He ran faster, trying to make up the distance. The final obstacle loomed up ahead.

“IT APPEARS THAT THE STUDENTS ARE NOW APPROACHING THE FINAL OBSTACLE!” Mic announced. “EVERYONE BETTER TREAD CAREFULLY… BECAUSE YOU’RE STEPPING ONTO A MINEFIELD!”

The ground ahead of them was covered in ever-so-slightly visible landmines, so dense they were nearly impossible to avoid. Todoroki and Bakugo were neck and neck as they crept their way through. A fight beginning to break out between them.

Eren scanned the field. His gear was useless for this obstacle; there were no structures for him to grab onto, nothing he could use to give himself the height— actually… An idea popped into his mind; his grapples may be useless, but that didn’t mean his gas was.

He braced himself, then deliberately jumped on the nearest mine. It launched him skyward. Using his gas for control, he propelled himself forward mid-air and continued this pattern across the field. His titan healing working overtime as the force from repeatedly stomping mines began to strain his bones.

Out of nowhere, a scream echoed above him.

Midoriya flew past on a sheet of scrap metal, shooting through the air like a rocket.

That crazy kid , Eren thought, grinning.

He watched as Midoriya slammed his metal board into another mine just before landing, setting off another explosion that sent both Todoroki and Bakugo flying.

It was now or never.

Eren pushed himself harder, blasting through the last stretch. The finish tunnel appeared ahead. In a last-ditch effort, he fired his grapples into the walls and yanked himself forward—

And crossed the finish line just behind Todoroki and Midoriya.

The crowd roared all around them as Present Mic’s voice boomed through the stadium:

“WHAT A PHOTO FINISH! FIRST PLACE GOES TO MIDORIYA! WITH TODOROKI CLOSE BEHIND IN SECOND! YEAGER IN THIRD! AND BAKUGO IN FOURTH! WHAT A RACE!!!”

Eren was stunned; a smile slowly wormed onto his face. Third place. He’d done it! He looked over to the others. Bakugo looked about ready to explode. Angrily muttering to himself as he paced the stadium. Todoroki seemed frozen in disbelief that he had lost.

Eren ran up to Midoriya, clapping him on the back.

“That was insane!” Eren said with a big smile. “I’m proud of you! Really took my words to heart, didn’t you?”

Midoriya looked down. “I was just lucky… that’s all”

“Don’t sell yourself short. That was some crazy shit Armin would come up with. You’ve got some serious smarts… use them.”

Eren looked up, seeing Uraraka rushing over to them after finishing the race. He decided to leave Midoriya to her and headed back toward the finish line. He made it over just in time to see Shinso hop off a group of brainwashed students before crossing the finish line himself.

“Good job, man,” Eren said. “I knew you could do it.”

“Twenty-fourth place,” Shinso answered, looking satisfied. “Not bad. I’m trying to stay under the radar a little. Otherwise, I’d have brainwashed someone stronger.”

He glanced at Eren. “But enough about me, look at you coming in third place!”

Eren grinned. “Thanks.”

“Come on,” Shinso said. “Let’s go see what the next event is.”

___ . ___ . ___ . ___ . ___ 

“Now wasn’t that a titillating event!” Midnight announced, her voice ringing out across the stadium. “The top forty students will be moving on to the next round! For those of you who didn’t make it, don’t fret, we have some special events planned later so you can still show off your skills.”

A mix of emotions rippled through the gathered students. Elation, disappointment, determination, some were already planning how they’d improve for next years festival.

“Now, let’s determine what the next event will be.” Midnight cracked her whip dramatically as the giant wheel spun once again. It slowed to a stop after a moment, landing on…

Dodgeball.

A wave of surprise and intrigue passed through the stadium. Dodgeball?

Midnight grinned. “Don’t let the simple premise fool you; This isn’t your standard playground game.”

“You’ll split yourselves into ten teams of four,” she continued. “Each team must assign different point values to their members—one, two, three, and four points.”

The students leaned in, listening in rapt attention.

“If you hit a player from another team, your team will gain that player’s point value. However, if someone on your team gets hit, your team loses that many points. Additionally, if you throw a ball and a member of another team catches it, they will gain your number of points.”

“You now have ten minutes,” Midnight called. “Pick your teams. Assign your point values. Plan your game… Choose wisely”

___ . ___ . ___ . ___ . ___ 

As the students started breaking into teams, Eren immediately turned to Hitoshi, raising a questioning eyebrow.

“Do you even need to ask?” Hitoshi remarked.

Before they could start talking potential teammates, a familiar angry voice cut through the noise.

“You’re on my team,” Bakugo said firmly, grabbing onto Eren’s arm.

Eren yanked his arm back. “Why me?”

Bakugo let out a loud, frustrated sigh, like it should be obvious. “I already got shitty hair. The three of us work well together. And you’ve got that titan of yours...”

Eren frowned, shaking his head. “The titan’s not the best move for this event. I’d just be a walking target. Smaller is better here.”

Bakugo clicked his tongue, but didn’t back down. “Doesn’t matter. You placed third. You’ve got some skill. We’ll crush these extras.”

“I see your point.” Eren said thoughtfully, “It’s tempting, but if I go, so does Shinso.”

Bakugo’s face twisted in protest. “Eyebags? No way!”

“Do I need to remind you what happened at the park?” Hitoshi chimed in smoothly.

Bakugo clenched his fists, jaw tight as he grit out.

“Fine.”

Eren grinned. “Cool. Let’s go get Kirishima. Time to talk strategy.”

___ . ___ . ___ . ___ . ___ 

Midoriya scanned the crowd, looking for some familiar faces. He spotted Uraraka first and waved her over.

“Hey, Midori!” she greeted, jogging up with a grin. “Wanna team up?!”

“You took the words right out of my mouth,” Midoriya chuckled. “We should find Iida.”

They searched for their friend and caught sight of him mid-conversation with Todoroki. As soon as they finished, Midoriya approached him.

“Iida! Do you want to team up with us?”

Iida turned toward them stiffly. “I apologize, but I have already agreed to partner with Todoroki.”

Seeing their surprised expressions, he added more gently, “Midoriya, since this all started, I’ve been losing to you. Please don’t take it as an insult. But if I keep following your lead, I’ll never grow stronger myself. I hope to see you in the finals.”

With that, he turned and walked off toward Todoroki’s group.

Midoriya’s chest tightened, but he understood. “I guess we’ll have to think of a new plan now…”

Before he could spiral, a quiet voice spoke up beside him.

“Excuse me,” said a girl with shoulder-length black hair, that he didn’t recognize. “You’re friends with Eren, right?”

“Ah—yes! Yes, I am!” Midoriya stammered, surprised that a girl was talking to him.

“My name is Kodai Yui,” she said, giving a small bow. “I’ve been training with Eren these past few weeks. He’s spoken fondly about you... It seems most of my classmates have already formed their teams… Would you mind if I joined yours?”

Midoriya glanced at Uraraka. She only beamed, clearly excited at the idea.

Midoriya smiled back at Kodai. “I don’t see why not.” He held out his hand. “Welcome aboard.”

Kodai shook it, relief flooding her expression.

“Now we just need one more!” Uraraka said, scanning the arena. Her eyes lit up, and before Midoriya could stop her, she jogged off.

A minute later, she returned, dragging Tokoyami behind her.

“Tokoyami and Dark Shadow agreed to join us!” she said proudly.

Midoriya blinked, then smiled. This might work. He already had a plan brewing.

___ . ___ . ___ . ___ . ___

As the selection period ended, Midnight cracked her whip sharply, drawing everyone’s attention.

“It looks like all the teams have been formed,” she announced. Her voice echoing through the stadium. Every team will start with 20 points. What happens to those points is up to each and every one of you.”

A ripple of quiet conversation spread through the students.

“Teams, please send one representative up to me to relay your assigned point values.” Midnight said. “A word of warning, you won’t know anyone’s point values except your own team’s…”

The murmuring grew louder now; this was going to make things harder.

One by one, the teams sent a member up to Midnight. Each group returned with wristbands, small digital screens displaying their team’s current total in real time. Some students were already eyeing the competition, trying to gauge who might be worth the most—or the least.

“Please move to your assigned starting positions!” Midnight called, as concrete structures began to appear throughout the stadium, courtesy of Cementos. “The event will start in five minutes. Good luck to all of you!”

The screen behind her lit up, displaying all ten teams with their starting points beside them.

Let the game begin.

___ . ___ . ___ . ___ . ___ 

Teams for Dodgeball (players listed in point order: 1, 2, 3, 4):

Team 1: Kirishima, Yeager, Shinso, Bakugo

Team 2: Koda, Kumori, Shishida, Sato

Team 3: Shoji, Ashido, Jiro, Asui

Team 4: Uraraka, Kodai, Midoriya, Tokoyami

Team 5: Kendo, Yanagi, Tsunotori,  Hagakure

Team 6: Kaibara, Awase, Tsubaraba, Tokage

Team 7: Hatsume, Sero, Ojiro, Aoyama

Team 8: Tetsutesu, Honenuki, Shiozaki, Monoma

Team 9: Iida, Yaoyorozu, Kaminari, Todoroki

Team 10: Bondo, Kuroiro, Rin, Shoda 

Notes:

Writing the Sports Festival is hard!!! (╥﹏╥)
Just this chapter took ALL DAY!!!
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What do you guys think of my second event idea? I’m not the biggest cavalry battle fan. This has some similar aspects, but is fairer and more fun!
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Also! I can't believe we hit 100 kudos. It warms my heart to know you guys like this story as much as I do!
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Feel free to leave any speculations, comments, or questions you have!

Chapter 20: Sports Festival pt. 2

Summary:

The Sports Festival continues as the second event begins.

Eren’s team approached their starting zone, a portion of the arena surrounded by large structures that were perfect for cover. Scattered across the grounds, they saw reinforced dodgeballs, just waiting to be used.

Eren turned to face his team. “Okay, let’s go over the plan one more time.”

He pointed up at the surrounding structures. “I’ll take the high ground; use my gear to run recon, gather balls, track enemy locations… all that good stuff. Oh, and I’ll try to figure out which players are worth the most points.”

“Shinso, brainwashing is our ace. Not a lot of the other students know about it, which could give us an edge. If he can freeze a player, it’ll practically guarantee us some points. Getting hit will snap them out of it, but at that poin,t that will hardly matter.” He explained.

“Got it,” Shinso replied, already thinking of the best way to get a response out of people.

“Kirishima’s on defense,” Eren said, clapping him on the shoulder. “If anything looks like it’s about to hit Shinso or Bakugo, block it. A one-point loss is better than losing three or four.”

Kirishima grinned and activated his quirk. “No one’s getting past me!”

“And Bakugo,” Eren finished, turning to him, “you’re our powerhouse. Use your explosions to launch the balls, fast and hard. If another team tries to pin us down, blast the ground and cover us, like we did at USJ.”

A dangerous glint sparked in Bakugo’s eye. “We’re gonna destroy those extras.”

“That’s the idea,” Eren said with a sharp grin.

A loud buzzer echoed through the arena. The boys sprang into action, their strategy already in motion.

___ . ___ . ___ . ___ . ___ 

“THE GAME HAS BEGUN!” Present Mic’s voice boomed over the speakers. “LET’S SEE HOW THESE TEAMS WILL PERFORM!?”

Eren immediately fired his grappling hooks into the nearest structure and swung up, scanning the surrounding area. Within seconds, he spotted a team approaching their zone.

He zipped back to his team and landed next to them… nearly catching a dodgeball to the face in the process. He threw up his hands in surrender.

“Don’t shoot! We’ve got a team approaching. Shoji, Tsu, Ashido, and Jiro. Shoji’s likely their one-pointer due to his size. We should focus on the others.”

Bakugo didn’t wait for more instructions. He charged forward, the others running to keep up. As soon as their opponents were in range, Bakugo reared back and hurled an explosion-boosted ball straight at Tsuyu. Moments before it could connect, Shoji jumped in front, catching the ball with several of his arms.

“REMEMBER FOLKS!” Mic’s voice crackled through the arena. “IF YOU THROW A BALL AND SOMEONE CATCHES IT, YOUR TEAM WILL LOSE YOUR POINT VALUE! THINK CAREFULLY!”

Bakugo snarled as their wristbands ticked down to 16 points.

Before Team Shoji could begin their own assault, Bakugo blasted another explosion at the ground, whipping up a massive smokescreen. Through the smoke, several balls flew from different angles, disorienting their opponents. One smacking into Ashido’s shoulder.

The other team snapped into a defensive formation, back to back, trying to predict where the next attack would come from. They threw balls in every direction but found no target.

Hidden in the haze, Asui heard a faint voice: “Tsu! Where are you?”
She ribbited instinctively in response. Her body froze as Hitoshi’s brainwashing took hold.

A sharp whir cut through the smoke. Eren zipped overhead and dropped a ball right onto Tsuyu’s head. She blinked in confusion as the brainwashing was shattered.

The fight continued at a rapid pace. Eren zipping between structures, balls whizzing through the smoke. A shout sounded from Kirishima— he’d been hit.

When Ashido threw their team’s last ball, Shoji made the call. Retreat! They bolted to escape with whatever points they still had. Just as they were about to round a corner, another high-powered ball from Bakugo slammed into Jiro’s back, knocking her forward. Shoji caught her before she could fall and kept running.

“WHAT A COMEBACK!” Present Mic howled. “TEAM 4 MANAGED TO TAG ALMOST EVERY MEMBER OF TEAM 3!”

As the dust settled, Eren’s team regrouped, looking at their wristbands. Their total now read 24 points.

“We only got four lousy points,” Bakugo growled, seething. “Shitty tentacle-freak catching my ball…”

“Hey!” Kirishima clapped him on the back. “We still pulled ahead in the end. We’ll just be smarter next time.”

“You’re right, Kirishima,” Eren agreed, eyes scanning the arena. “We can do this.”

With that, he fired his grappling hook again, back into the sky, already hunting for their next target.

___ . ___ . ___ . ___ . ___ 

Shoda’s team advanced into a new section of the arena. Kuroiro had scouted ahead and reported seeing movement nearby. Five minutes had already passed, and so far, they’d only encountered one other group. That skirmish earned them two points… bringing their total to 22.

Not enough.

“We need another team,” Shoda said, tightening his grip on a dodgeball as they crept forward.

They rounded a corner, and there she was.

A girl with light brown hair in a short bob stood alone near a wall. Her head snapped toward them, eyes wide, before she spun on her heel and bolted.

“After her!” Shoda barked.

The team immediately gave chase, following her deeper into the area. Shoda drew back his arm and threw. At first, it looked like the ball wouldn’t reach, but just as it started to dip—

He activated his quirk.

Twin Impact.

The ball shot forward again, nailing the girl square in the back.

As she fell forward, she was caught by a shadowy figure that seemed to appear out of nowhere. 

Kuroiro stiffened. “It’s— !”

Before he could finish speaking, the girl’s voice rang out… “Release.”

A storm of dodgeballs rained down from above.

“What the hell?!” Rin shouted, barely being able to use the ball he was holding to bat a few away.

The team scrambled, catching what they could, dodging what they couldn’t. But there were too many. By the time the storm ended, their score had dropped to 14 points.

“A trap…” Kuroiro finished Shoda’s earlier statement, his voice low with frustration.

On the loudspeaker, Present Mic’s voice rang out. “EVEN A BALL CONTROLLED BY A QUIRK COUNTS JUST THE SAME AS IF IT WAS THROWN BY HAND. WATCH YOUR HEADS!”

Shoda’s jaw clenched. They’d been outplayed. They needed to regroup.

___ . ___ . ___ . ___ . ___ 

Todoroki’s team moved steadily through the stadium, navigating around structures and scouting for opponents. It wasn’t long before they spotted a group ahead, four students from Class 1-B.

“Todoroki,” Yaoyorozu said quietly, “You give the word…”

“Iida,” Todoroki spoke calmly, “go.”

Without hesitation, Iida burst forward, engines roaring. He sprinted directly toward the opposing team, drawing their attention. Balls flew his way, but none of them connected. He was too fast.

While the 1-B team focused on Iida, Todoroki made his move. He stomped his foot, sending a wave of ice racing toward them.

The 1-B students reacted just in time. Tsuburaba created an air platform, lifting his team out of the ice’s path.

That was exactly what Todoroki wanted.

Yaoyorozu instantly produced a shock-resistant blanket, pulling it over herself and Todoroki as Kaminari unleashed a wave of electricity.

The 1-B team convulsed midair, stunned by the blast. Iida dashed back into range, tagging each of them cleanly with a dodgeball as they dropped from their platform. One, two, three, four hits.

Team Todoroki’s points jumped to 30.

“Keep moving,” Todoroki said, already turning to scan for their next target. Iida grabbed Kaminari’s arm and helped steer him along as the static-fried boy mumbled nonsense to himself.

They left the 1-B team behind, still recovering from the shock and scrambling to regroup.

“WHAT A KNOCKOUT, FOLKS! A SOLID PLAN LEADING TO SOME SOLID POINTS! WHAT DO YOU THINK, ERASER?” Mic’s voice boomed.

Aizawa’s tired voice cut in flatly, “In a game like this, strategy matters just as much as raw power or stealth does.”

“EXCELLENT COMMENTARY, ERASER!” Mic cheered, his voice echoing through the arena.

___ . ___ . ___ . ___ . ___ 

Eren’s team continued sweeping through the stadium, their points steadily climbing. So far, they’d clashed with two more teams, gaining a few points from each encounter. Eren stayed in motion above it all, using his gear to scout and collect dodgeballs for his teammates.

As he swung through one area, he spotted a cluster of 1-B students gathered below. Perfect . Eren shifted his weight, preparing to head back and relay the information— Only to stumble as he misjudged his trajectory. One of the dodgeballs slipped from his grasp.

He heard a faint “Ow!” from below. Eren immediately glanced down, but couldn’t see anyone.

A moment later, his wristband beeped, indicating that they’d just earned four more points.

Eren almost froze mid-swing.

…No way.

He just tagged Hagakure by accident!

A proud grin spread across his face as he shot back toward his team, landing smoothly beside them. Over the speakers, Present Mic’s voice rang out, almost laughing.

“WHAT A SURPRISE ATTACK! A SURPRISE FOR BOTH PARTIES, IT SEEMS!!!”

Bakugo glared at Eren. “Seriously?!”

“Hey,” Eren shrugged with a smug grin, “points are points.”

___ . ___ . ___ . ___ . ___ 

There were only about three minutes left in the second event. Midoriya’s team moved quickly, scanning for their next target. Earlier, they had an encounter with Monoma’s team and lost four points as a result.

This was their last chance to make up the difference.

Dark Shadow swooped down from where she had been on lookout above. 

“There’s a group just ahead,” Tokoyami relayed.

With renewed determination, they rushed forward. Only to nearly collide head-on with Todoroki’s team rounding the corner. Before anyone could think, a volley of dodgeballs came flying toward them. Dark Shadow surged forward, shielding their team from the attack.

From where they stood, they could feel a slight chill in the air.

“What should we do, Midori?” Uraraka asked urgently.

“I— I don’t know!” Midoriya admitted, thrown off by the unexpected confrontation. He’d been hoping to avoid Todoroki altogether.

That’s when Kodai spoke up, her voice hesitant. “I have an idea… I can create a distraction. Uraraka can use her quirk to make you float, then you can drop down on top of them when they least expect it.”

Ice began to creep across Dark Shadow’s form, slowly forcing her to retreat.

Midoriya considered it briefly, then nodded. “Okay, let’s do it.”

Uraraka touched his shoulder, activating her quirk. At the same time, Kodai grabbed one of their dodgeballs, using her quirk to enlarge it until it was as big as she could manage. With a harsh shove, she sent it rolling toward Todoroki’s group. Forcing them to focus on the incoming boulder.

Iida stepped up, using his engines to power a kick, knocking the massive ball out of the way.

While their focus was split, Midoriya floated higher, clutching a couple of balls. Below, his teammates threw their remaining dodgeballs, harassing their opponents, both teams trading points back and forth.

Kodai’s voice rang out sharply, “NOW!”

Uraraka released her quirk. Midoriya plummeted toward the ground, right above Todoroki.

Todoroki reacted fast, throwing up an ice dome in an instant, but Midoriya was already too close. For a brief moment, Todoroki’s left side flared, flames coming to life— only to flicker out almost instantly.

Midoriya’s dodgeball connected with Todoroki just as the buzzer sounded, signaling the end of the match.

___ . ___ . ___ . ___ . ___ 

“LOOKS LIKE SOME LAST-SECOND POINTS MIGHT BE TURNING THE TIDES OF THIS COMPETITION!” Mic commented. “ALL STUDENTS, PLEASE REPORT TO THE STAGE TO VIEW THE FINAL STANDINGS!”

Todoroki didn’t say a word. He just stared at Midoriya, silent and unreadable, thoughts running a mile a minute. With a quiet breath, he melted the ice dome surrounding his team and turned to walk toward the stage, leaving the others behind without a glance.

Midnight stood atop the stage as the forty remaining students gathered below. The tension was thick enough to cut with a knife.

“That was a wonderful show!” she called out. “Let’s display the top four teams moving on to the final event!”

The screen behind her lit up, numbers flashing:

1st:  Team 1 → 33 points
2nd: Team 9 → 32 points
3rd:  Team 8 → 30 points
4th:  Team 4 → 26 points

Midoriya let out a shaky breath, eyes watering with relief. Fourth place… but they’d made it.

Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Uraraka and Kodai hugging each other, bouncing up and down in celebration. Across the crowd, Kirishima punched the air with a grin.

“YES! I knew we could do it!” he shouted.

“Of course we could,” Bakugo sneered beside him, although it lacked his usual bite. He actually seemed to be happy— for once.

Then Midnight cracked her whip again, drawing everyone’s attention.

“Yes, yes! I’m very proud of each and every one of you,” she announced. “Now… to announce the final event of the UA Sports Festival. Our 16 students will be participating in… ONE-ON-ONE BATTLES!”

A ripple of excitement and nerves ran through the students as the bracket was displayed behind her.

“SHITTY HAIR?!” Bakugo barked as he found his name.

“Whoa!” Kirishima laughed. “Didn’t think we’d be facing each other so soon, Bakubro!”

Around them, the rest of the students studied the bracket, silently cataloging who they’d be facing and already working out strategies in their heads.

Before anyone could get too deep in thought, Midnight cracked her whip once more.

“I’m sure you’re all excited! Before the third event begins, there will be an hour-long break to get lunch and participate in our extra games. Students are dismissed!”

The remaining competitors filed out toward the cafeteria, but there was only one thing on each of their minds.

The Third Event. 

Notes:

UGH! This chapter was sooooo hard to write. (,,>﹏<,,)
I ended up taking a break and writing all of chapter 21 before I could come back and finish this one. I went through so much scratch paper to figure out how the points were getting transferred. It was such a doozy.
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Any predictions about the one-on-one matches? Who's gonna come out on top?
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Feel free to leave any speculations, comments, or questions you have!

Chapter 21: Sports Festival pt. 3

Summary:

It is time for the one-on-one battles to begin.

Following the end of lunch, all of the students who had been eliminated from the festival were given the opportunity to compete in a number of mini games: relay races, arm wrestling, and much more. It was a last chance for most of them to catch the attention of a pro agency.

Following a final round of cheers from the audience at the end of the mini-games, Midnight stepped forward and cracked her whip loudly, pulling everyone’s attention back to the main arena.

“What a lovely showing from our students!” she announced. “It is now time to begin the one-on-one tournament! Would all students please return to your designated viewing sections, except for Yeager and Monoma; you boys are up first! Please head to your starting areas.”

A nervous smile crept across Eren’s face. This was it… His chance to establish himself in this reality, to really show them what he could do. And by Sina, he wasn’t going to waste this opportunity. He turned to head toward the arena when a hand on his shoulder stopped him.

He glanced over to see Hitoshi standing there.

“You’ve got this,” Hitoshi said quietly. “Remember what Kodai told you; Monoma can only copy up to three quirks. I doubt he’d want to use any from 1A, so just keep an open mind.”

Eren felt warmth filling his chest. “Thanks, Toshi.” He pulled him in for a quick hug.

With that, he walked into the arena. Moving towards the platform, as the audience roared around him.

It was time to kick off this tournament!

___ . ___ . ___ . ___ . ___ 

“STARTING OFF OUR ONE-ON-ONES, WE HAVE CLASS 1A’S CO-REPRESENTATIVE, EREN YEAGER! VERSUS CLASS 1B’S MONOMA NEITO!”

Midnight stepped forward and raised her whip.

“To reiterate the rule, the round ends when one student is pushed out of bounds, yields, or is unable to continue. No lethal injuries allowed, and we will intervene if things go too far. Good luck students!”

With a snap of her whip, the match began.

Eren and Monoma sprinted toward each other. Just before they clashed, Monoma’s fists grew to an enormous size, aiming for a knockout blow. Eren dodged his strike using a burst of gas from his gear to help get out of the way.

“What’s this?” Monoma sneered. “Class 1-A can’t fight without cheating?”

Eren didn’t answer. He simply raised his fists and stared, eyebrows lifting in a silent challenge.

Monoma kept pressing on, fists swinging as he tried to grab him. But Eren had spent years training to dodge giant hands— so this wasn’t new. He weaved and sidestepped, deliberately avoiding using his gear more than necessary. 

He wasn’t about to give Monoma the satisfaction.

“Not even going to use your quirk? What kind of hero student are you?” Monoma mocked. “Kodai’s been coming to class gushing about ‘Eren this, Eren that.’ That traitor .” He finished under his breath. 

Eren’s jaw tightened as he continued to circle Monoma, waiting for an opportunity.

“Bet you think you’re so perfect that you don’t even need to use your quirk?” Monoma taunted.

Eren spotted his opening. He darted in and landed a clean hit…only for his fist to meet the hard steel of Monoma’s face. He felt his wrist snap at the impact. Gritting his teeth, he moved to pull his hand back, only for Monoma’s other hand to catch his wrist in an iron grip.

“I suppose I’ll just have to use it myself!” Monoma grinned triumphantly. Activating his quirk— only for nothing to happen. His smile faltered.

“What?! How is it a blank—”

He didn’t get another word out before Eren brought his other fist forward and punched Monoma right in the nose. He pressed forward, tight movements forcing Monoma back towards the edge of the arena.

“Listen here, Monoma,” Eren’s voice was dark. “You speak of things your vain little brain could never understand. The sacrifices it took to wear this gear, to use it with pride.”

Monoma swung, but Eren caught his punch, twisting his arm. Ignoring his cry of pain.

“I get wanting to prove yourself,” Eren continued. “But all you care about is tearing others down. Try looking in a mirror, because for someone who relies on everyone else’s quirks, you don’t seem like much of a team player. So get your head out of your ass because your shitty inferiority complex isn’t going to do anything in the face of real villains.”

Monoma tried to pull away, but Eren’s grip only tightened.

“Let me tell you something.” Eren stepped in closer, dropping his voice to a whisper. 

“You don’t want my curse.”

With both hands, Eren grabbed Monoma’s arm, pivoted, and slammed him over his shoulder and onto the ground in one fluid motion. Monoma gasped, the wind knocked out of him. He scrambled to rise—

But he was too late. Mic’s voice rang out,

“MONOMA IS OUT OF BOUNDS! THE WINNER OF OUR FIRST ROUND IS EREN YEAGER!!!”

The crowd roared.

Monoma just stood there, dazed. He watched as Eren turned to walk away, back towards the tunnel, only pausing once to glance back. His eyes saying more than words ever could.

___ . ___ . ___ . ___ . ___ 

Eren returned to Class 1A’s viewing section just as the next match was announced. It was Bakugo against Kirishima. Eren slightly wondered why they pit two teammates against each other so early on. But he knew that neither teen would go easy on the other.

Spotting his friends, Eren walked over and sprawled across Hitoshi’s lap with a dramatic groan.

Hitoshi glanced down and placed a hand on Eren’s head. “Don’t groan like you didn’t just win that fight,” he chuckled.

“I know, I know…” Eren grumbled. “But that guy is such a pain! It was like fighting a fusion of Jean and Oluo. I kept expecting him to bite his tongue mid-monologue.” He buried his face deeper into Hitoshi’s lap.

Across the section, a few of their classmates glanced over, smiling slightly at the scene. Iida, of course, wasn’t having any of it.

“You should be paying attention to the match!” he scolded, arms chopping in the air. “You’re missing valuable learning opportunities!”

Eren lifted his head slightly. “We were literally just on a team with those two in the last event. I’m not going to learn anything new.” He dropped his head back down, his next words muffled

Yaoyorozu tilted her head. “What was that, Eren?”

Hitoshi answered for him, glancing up from where his fingers were idly combing through Eren’s hair.

“He said Bakugo’s going to win.”

“Oh?” Yaoyorozu asked, curious now. “What makes you say that?”

Eren sat up with a sigh and simply gestured to the field.

Right on cue, Bakugo broke through Kirishima’s hardening and blasted him right out of the ring.

Midoriya leaned forward. “Oh! I think I get what you mean. Kirishima’s hardening is durable and can handle intense attacks, but Kacchan’s explosions chip away at it little by little.”

Eren nodded as Yaoyorozu and Tokoyami stood to leave, their match coming up next.

“Good luck!” Eren called after them, turning to pay closer attention to the coming rounds.

___ . ___ . ___ . ___ . ___ 

The match between Yaoyozoru and Tokoyami was over in an instant. Eren watched as Dark Shadow was simply able to push Yaomomo out of bounds before she had the chance to create anything. Her hesitation leading to her downfall. Eren watched as she stood to leave, head held high, but he could practically see her shame.

Looks like someone would need a pep talk later.

___ . ___ . ___ . ___ . ___

The next match was Iida against Uraraka.

Eren had actually been expecting Iida to win this round. His speed was tough to counter, especially with a quirk that requires you to get up close, like Uraraka’s. But as the match began, things took an interesting turn.

Iida made a running start toward Uraraka. Instead of fighting back, she started dodging, running erratically around the arena. Making sharp turns that prevented Iida from catching her. Iida’s movements began to get sloppier as his frustration and exhaustion built.

After a couple of minutes, Uraraka finally came to a stop, bending forward with her hands on her knees and gasping for breath.

Taking advantage of this moment, Iida fired up his Recipro Burst for one final charge. Just before he reached her, Uraraka fell forward into a front roll, moving out of the way just in time. Iida had built up too much speed to stop in time, and his momentum carried him straight out of bounds.

Uraraka had set him up.

Iida turned to his opponent and bowed stiffly, seemingly accepting his loss. Although Eren knew otherwise. 

Update that pep talk count to two.

___ . ___ . ___ . ___ . ___

Next up was Kaminari against Shiozaki. It went as expected.

Kaminari opened the fight with his max-output blast. Shiozaki blocked effortlessly with a wall of vines, neutralizing the electricity without flinching. Then she simply walked forward and nudged a now bumbling Kaminari out of the ring with a single vine.

“Short and sweet,” Hitoshi muttered beside Eren.

“Poor guy didn’t even get a chance,” Eren added, shaking his head.

___ . ___ . ___ . ___ . ___ 

The next duo to enter the stage was Kodai and Tetsutetsu. Eren leaned forward in his seat, intrigued. Whoever won this match would be his next opponent.

As the match began, Tetsutetsu started moving forward, steel arms raised and teeth bared. Kodai began stepping backwards, walking closer and closer to the edge of the arena. To most of the audience, it looked like she was being driven into a corner.

But Eren knew better. Kodai had her hand pressed casually to her side, ready to activate her quirk at a moment’s notice.

Once Tetsutetsu crossed the halfway mark, he shifted to a sprint, throwing a heavy punch. Kodai waited until the last possible moment before moving, grabbing hold of his arm and falling backwards.

Using his momentum against him, she planted her feet against his gut… and in a flash, Kodai grew larger, the force sending Tetsutetsu flying over her and slamming into the stadium wall with a resounding crack.

“WHAT AN UNEXPECTED TURNAROUND!” Present Mic yelled. “KODAI YUI MOVES ON TO THE NEXT ROUND!”

A smile crept onto Eren’s face as an idea began forming.

___ . ___ . ___ . ___ . ___

The next match seemed promising. A fight against two recommendation students, Todoroki and Honenuki. The stands were silent in anticipation.

When the round started, Honenuki moved to soften the ground under Todoroki’s feet in an attempt to catch him off guard. But Todoroki was already prepared; one stomp sent a massive wall of ice crashing forward, swallowing Honenuki whole.

Midnight moved to call the match when the iceberg began to wobble.

Bit by bit, the icerburg softened until Honenuki was able to break free, gasping for air.

“You’re not gonna take me out that easy!” he shouted as he stood.

Todoroki didn’t even blink. Simply raising his foot before stomping in again. A blunt pillar of ice shot forward, catching Honenuki square in the chest and sending him flying out of bounds. Effectively ending the round.

Todoroki turned on his heel to leave the arena, ignoring the booming voice that cut through the roar of the crowd.

“SHOTO!”

___ . ___ . ___ . ___ . ___

Finally, it was time for the last match of the first round, Midoriya vs. Shinso.

As Hitoshi stood to leave, Eren caught his arm. “Give ‘em hell.”

“I’ll try,” Hitoshi replied with a grimace. “But Midoriya knows my quirk. No way he’ll answer me.”

“Then just give him the old hand-to-hand. You’ve been training your close combat for years.” Eren encouraged.

With a small nod, Hitoshi left. Taking his starting position in the arena.

When the match began, Hitoshi started with his usual taunts, trying to get a response. But Midoriya kept his mouth shut, dodging and weaving as the two grappled. Eren could see Hitoshi gaining the upper hand as he began to push Midoriya towards the boundary.

But then… something Hitoshi said must have hit a nerve— because Midoriya responded.

The moment the words left his mouth, Midoriya froze…his body locking up as Hitoshi’s quirk took hold. Step by step, Midoriya walked toward the edge of the ring, eyes glazed.

Then the impossible happened. Midoriya broke himself out of Toshi’s control. Shattering his own finger in the process.

Hitoshi stood frozen, wide-eyed. Midoriya took advantage of his shock, breaking a second finger to create a blast of wind, pushing Hitoshi out of the ring before he could get his bearings.

Midoriya had won. He quickly ran over to help Hitoshi up. Hitoshi grabbed the offered hand and got to his feet. He seemed less upset about the loss and more amazed by Midoriya’s ability to break free from his quirk. Eren could see his mouth moving rapidly, probably grilling Midoriya with numerous questions.

“AND THAT FINAL MATCH MARKS THE END OF THE FIRST ROUND!” Mic voice rang through the stadium.

The crowd exploded in cheers. Celebrating the eight students who were moving forward, as well as those who’d lost after giving it their all.

“PLEASE STAY TUNED! THE SECOND ROUND WILL BEGIN SHORTLY!”

Notes:

I can’t believe this fic just hit 40k words! And I’m not even done with the Sports Festival!
___ . ___ . ___
I hope you guys enjoyed the fighting. I'm trying really hard to get the words to invoke the images in my mind. The next chapter will have some much more detailed fights as we get into the later rounds. :D
___ . ___ . ___
Feel free to leave any speculations, comments, or questions you have!

Chapter 22: Sports Festival pt. 4

Summary:

It's time to kick off the quarterfinals of the final event!!!

Notes:

Hope y'all are strapped in! This chapter alone is over 5k words of action sequences and character development! ENJOY!!! :)

“WELCOME BACK TO THE THIRD EVENT OF THE U.A. SPORTS FESTIVAL!!!” Present Mic shouted as the crowd screamed in response.

“AFTER AN EXHILARATING FIRST ROUND, IT’S TIME TO KICK OFF THE QUARTERFINALS OF THIS TOURNAMENT! OUR FIRST MATCH-UP FEATURES YEAGER—A CONSISTENT FRONT-RUNNER IN THIS FESTIVAL, VERSUS KODAI— WHO DEMONSTRATED HER QUICK THINKING IN THE LAST ROUND!”

Eren stood at one end of the arena and locked eyes with Kodai across the field. He tilted his head ever so slightly, a silent question drifting across the space between them. A grin tugged at her lips. She understood immediately and gave a small nod in return.

Midnight stepped forward and began her announcement. “Students! You may now—”

“Ms. Midnight?” Eren cut in, raising his hand. “Would you mind asking Cementos to extend the platform before we start?”

Midnight blinked, momentarily thrown off. Her gaze flicked from Eren to Kodai, back to Eren, and again to Kodai— who simply offered a calm smile. 

Realization dawned on her face.

Without another word, she pulled out her phone and sent a quick message to Cementos. A deep rumble shook the arena as the battlefield began to grow, cement slabs sliding into place and expanding the platform by a full twenty meters on all sides. Midnight, whose stage had shifted during the expansion, briskly made her way to its new location.

Once in position, she raised her microphone once again. “Apologies for the brief delay, folks! The quarterfinals will now begin!”

With a crack of her whip, the signal rang out, sharp and loud.

Both teens launched into action.

___ . ___ . ___ . ___ . ___ 

Kodai and Eren both began to sprint toward each other. Eren raised his hand to his mouth, while Kodai pressed her hand to her shoulder. With a synchronized nod, they activated their powers. A massive bolt of lightning split the sky—drawing gasps from the audience as a roaring dust cloud exploded across the stadium, obscuring the fighters from view...

Until two towering figures emerged from the haze, sprinting straight toward one another.

The once unassuming girl now stood at a staggering 15 meters, her sleeves rolled up and her presence unwavering. Her opponent—no longer a boy, but a beast— matched her in size and ferocity, teeth bared as it let out a deafening shriek that echoed off the arena walls.

The two titans clashed in the center. The shockwave of their impact rippled through the crowd. For a long moment, all anyone could do was stare… jaws on the floor as the monstrous power of their quirks was demonstrated for the first time at this festival.

“WHAT A WAY TO START THE QUARTERFINALS! A CLASH OF TITANIC PROPORTIONS! WHO WILL COME OUT ON TOP?!” Present Mic's voice rang through the stadium, snapping the crowd out of its daze.

Aizawa’s calm voice followed, “What could’ve been a game-changer in any other match only serves to level the playing field here. This fight comes down to pure technique and stamina.”

Cheers erupted. Heroes, students, and civilians alike screamed their support for the two giants exchanging blow after thunderous blow.

Kodai used her quirk to her advantage, shrinking and growing ever so slightly to better dodge Eren’s strikes. But Eren was faster and more experienced. As she threw a punch, he grabbed her arm and pulled, using the leverage of his own body to slam her into the ground. The stadium trembled.

Kodai recovered quickly, just in time to avoid Eren’s next haymaker and sweep his legs from under him in the process. He crashed to the ground hard, and she pounced— aiming for a brutal punch to his face. Eren twisted his head to the side at the last second, letting her fist crater the ground instead.

Using the opening, Eren coiled his legs around her midsection and flipped her aside, both of them scrambling back to their feet. The brawl continued; It was relentless and grueling, each fighter refusing to give an inch.

Then Eren threw a heavy punch that landed, knocking Kodai back. The force from the bloe launched himself forward as well, bringing both of them closer to the arena’s edge. Eren could tell that she was starting to tire. Maintaining that size demanded a lot of energy… and she was quickly reaching her limit.

But Eren? Eren was just getting started.

With a roar that split the air, he dashed forward, concrete cracking underfoot. He grabbed her shoulders and pivoted his body, driving a hook into her ribs that sent her flying through the air and crashing down near the arena's center.

Using the distance to build up speed, he sprinted at her, fist cocked. But Kodai shrank down to 10 meters just as Eren threw a punch, causing him to overshoot and stumble forward. In one swift motion, she expanded to 20 meters and stomped on his back, slamming him into the ground.

Eren’s joints creaked as he twisted unnaturally, grabbed her ankle, and forced it sideways. She stumbled. He swung his legs upward, kicking her hard in the back and sending her sprawling.

She turned, just in time to see a blur closing in. Eren’s punch landed cleanly against her face. Her eyes fluttered shut as she collapsed backward, shrinking rapidly as she hit the ground.

The beast lifted his head and let out one last victorious shriek. And the crowd roared in tandem.

“AND THAT’S IT! WHAT A BOOMING END TO OUR FIRST QUARTERFINAL MATCH! GIVE IT UP FOR OUR STUDENTS!” Present Mic yelled, barely audible over the crowd’s frenzy.

Eren, still in Titan form, knelt beside Kodai’s unconscious form. Gently, he picked her up and walked off the battlefield, each step sending additional tremors through the ground. At the tunnel’s entrance, he placed her carefully on a waiting gurney before stepping back. Steam poured from the nape of the beast’s neck as Eren emerged, sliding down the rapidly decaying body. He rushed to Kodai’s side, wincing at the bruises that littered her body.

He quickly turned and entered the tunnel, following after the bots carrying her to the infirmary.

Back in the stadium, Midnight cracked her whip to regain order while Cementos constructed a barricade to shield the audience from the steaming corpse of the titan while it finished decomposing. 

“What a fantastic start to the second round! I’m amazed such small students can wield such massive strength! We’ll continue shortly, once the stadium is repaired. Thank you for your patience!” Mic announced! 

___ . ___ . ___ . ___ . ___ 

Eren sat quietly beside Kodai’s bed, watching the gentle rise and fall of her chest. Recovery Girl had already used her quirk, the bruises and split lip were all healed… but still, Eren couldn’t relax. He needed to see her wake up, to know she was okay.

He hadn’t fought that hard in his titan form since… well, since his first transformation… where he was actively trying to kill his enemies. Sure, he and Kodai had sparred plenty during training, but this was different. All out, unforgiving, and oh so public. 

What if he truly hurt her… he would never forgive himself.

A soft shuffle and gentle clicking announced Recovery Girl’s approach. She peered at him with a small frown.

“You need to stop worrying, deary,” she said, voice both gentle and firm. “She’s going to be just fine. She just needs to recover her lost energy.”

“I know…” Eren murmured. “I just— can’t help but worry.”

She laid a comforting hand on his back. “I think you did more damage to yourself than you did to her,” she said pointedly. “Don’t think I didn’t notice that limp when you walked in here.”

Eren winced; he’d hoped she wouldn’t notice. “I may have gained some fractures in my feet when I stomped through the concrete…” he admitted.

He felt her hand leave his back and turned to glance back at her. Wincing slightly at the withering glare on her face.

“The only reason I haven’t strapped you to a bed is because of that ridiculous healing factor of yours,” she said sternly. “I need you to take better care of yourself. We both know you can't heal if you don't have the energy." Her expression softened as she handed him an energy gummy. "Now go join your classmates before I change my mind."

Eren scrambled up instantly, not wanting to test her patience any further. Thankfully, his feet had finished healing while he sat beside Kodai, so his limp was gone as he jogged toward the door.

“I’ll let you know when she wakes up,” Recovery Girl called after him.

“Thank you!” he called without looking back.

She shook her head, cane tapping on the floor as she turned back to her patients.

“What am I going to do with that boy…”

___ . ___ . ___ . ___ . ___ 

Eren quietly slipped into the 1-A viewing box, settling into the seat next to Hitoshi and turning his attention to the field. It looked like the match between Tokoyami and Shiozaki was wrapping up.

The fight had been long and evenly matched, with Shiozaki’s vines regenerating just as fast as Dark Shadow could slice through them. But she’d played the long game, her vines had burrowed underground, emerging behind Tokoyami to snag and toss him out of bounds before he could react.

Cheers erupted from their classmates. Even though Tokoyami had lost, they were proud of how he fought. Eren joined in, letting out a whoop—

—and immediately got tackled sideways by Hitoshi.

“When did you get back?” Hitoshi blurted out, arms already thrown around Eren in a relieved hug.

“Just like, a minute ago!” Eren laughed, his voice muffled against Hitoshi’s shoulder.

Kirishima moved over to the two, grinning. “DUDE! That fight was insanely manly! I didn’t know you could brawl like that !”

Eren rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly. “I don’t usually get the chance. Kodai and I figured it’d be smart to go all out. Win or lose, both of us would get the attention of some agencies after a spectacle like that.”

“That’s actually pretty strategic,” Jiro said, nodding. “Putting more emphasis on presentation than winning. That's kinda what the pros do now…”

“Hey!” Sero called, pointing toward the field. “Shut up, the next match is starting!”

They all turned just in time to see Bakugo and Uraraka stepping into the arena.

Eren leaned forward slightly in his seat.
Now this was going to be interesting.

___ . ___ . ___ . ___ . ___ 

A.N: Bakugo vs Uraraka and Midoriya vs Todoroki go according to canon, as will Bakugo vs Todoroki for the semi-finals.

I’m too lazy to rewrite them here…

___ . ___ . ___ . ___ . ___ 

With the final match of the second round coming to an end, Eren stood with a sigh. He felt his joints pop as he stretched. This round would be against Shiozaki. He would have to fight this match with only his gear and his wits. Back-to-back titan transformations really took a toll, so he had to save his ace for the finals, assuming he made it. 

Across the ring, stood Shiozaki, her expression unreadable yet serene, vines were already gently winding around her feet. Eren couldn’t help but groan inwardly. What I wouldn’t give for my blades right now… How was he supposed to get through that ?

Present Mic’s voice blared overhead. “IT’S TIME FOR THE FIRST MATCH OF THE SEMI-FINALS!” The cheering of the crowd rose to a new level. “ON ONE SIDE, WE HAVE 1-A’S BRAWLER—YEAGER! AND ON THE OTHER, 1-B’S BOTANICAL BADASS—SHIOZAKI!”

The whip cracked.

Eren immediately shot forward, trying to get in close. But a thick wall of vines sprang up, blocking his view of his opponent. He began circling the arena, using his gear as necessary to avoid the vines 

It wasn’t until the third pass around the arena that he noticed it— Shiozaki’s vines had a limit. After a certain point, new vines wouldn’t grow; old ones had to retract to be used somewhere else. 

With newfound determination. He used the gas to shoot high into the air and latched onto a cluster of vines above. As he rocketed towards it, more vines followed behind him like snapping serpents. At the last second, the wall of vines ahead of him parted , revealing a hidden trap: a cluster of vines lay directly below him, writhing and ready to strike.

But Eren twisted his body midair and fired off a new line, gas-propelling himself forward with a burst of speed. The trap sprang shut behind him— a hair too slow.

The game of aerial cat-and-mouse continued, with Eren weaving through the jungle of vines like a leaf on the wind. With every near-miss, the vines grew more erratic, more aggressive. Shiozaki was getting frustrated. That was exactly what Eren wanted.

Then it happened.

A gap.

A small clearing around Shiozaki’s position. She was more exposed than she had been at any point before. Eren launched himself forward, heart thundering.

Shiozaki’s eyes widened. She raised her hands, calling for more vines—

Nothing came.

Most of them were tangled behind her, knotted in a chaotic storm of struggling vines. Exactly as Eren planned… But she wasn’t out yet.

At the last moment, several vines wiggled free and sprang to Shiozaki’s aid. Not to attack—but to enclose . They wove together at lightning speed, snapping into place around Eren just before he reached her, forming a spherical prison of living plants.

Darkness swallowed him, and the roar of the crowd faded away.

Eren’s eyes widened. He was trapped. He punched, pulled, scratched at his prison walls— but it was no good. The vines were woven too tightly. 

He didn’t want to risk trying to transform, but he needed something sharp… anything. His breathing started to grow panicked. 

He needed out.

___ . ___ . ___ . ___ . ___ 

Shiozaki watched the writhing sphere of vines tighten, layer upon layer weaving together, sealing shut. There was no movement from within. No roar. No smoke. No titan.

She let her arms fall to her side with a relieved sigh, her vines going still.

Midnight stepped forward to call the match—only to stumble back as Eren burst from the sphere in a shower of demolished foliage.

Gas hissed. Grappling lines fired.

Eren shot forward like a missile. Shiozaki barely had time to brace herself before he crashed into her, knocking her flat on her back. He stood over her, fist cocked and chest heaving.

Waiting—

Shiozaki stared up at him, her expression as calm as always, even with his shadow cast over her. She turned her head toward Midnight.

“I yield,” she said clearly.

Eren blinked, stunned. Slowly, he lowered his fist, stepping back. He looked down at her in confusion as he extended his hand to help her up. “Why did you—”

He stopped. His eyes caught sight of something…something faint and shimmery, flickering and fading along his knuckles. He looked at his hand, frowning. What was that?

“I know when I’ve been beaten,” Shiozaki said, accepting his outstretched hand with grace. As he helped her up, she tilted her head slightly. “If I may… how did you escape?”

“I… I don’t know,” Eren admitted, brows furrowed. “I panicked. Thought I was about to lose, so I tried clawing at the vines and— they just… gave way.”

For a moment, Shiozaki studied him. Then a soft, almost secretive smile curved her lips. “You truly are one of a kind, Eren Yeager.”

The two walked off the field together, leaving the screaming stadium behind them.

___ . ___ . ___ . ___ . ___ 

Eren stopped by the infirmary on his way back to the viewing section, intending to check in on Kodai and Midoriya before his final match. But the moment he stepped through the door, a wave of exhaustion slammed into him. Whatever had happened during his fight with Shiozaki had drained more energy than he realized.

He quickly took a seat next to Kodai’s bed, rubbing at his face. While he was settling in, her eyes fluttered open.

“Good game,” she said softly, turning her head toward him.

Eren jolted upright, relief crashing over him. “You’re awake!” he breathed. “I’m so glad you’re okay— I was worried I’d been too rough.”

Kodai offered a stern smile. “Eren Yeager! You need to stop beating yourself up and take your own advice. You didn’t hurt me any more than a normal sparring match would. I was just out for so long because of how much energy it takes to stay that size.”

Eren dropped his head into his hands. “But I still hurt you…,” he muttered. “I’m sorry, Mik—”

His words caught in his throat. He went rigid, practically holding his breath.

Kodai slowly sat up and turned toward him, her voice gentle. “You still see her in me… don’t you?”

The silence was enough of an answer.

“I didn’t mean to,” Eren said finally, his voice muffled. “I know you’re not her. I do. It’s just... you look so much like her. And sometimes, the way you act...”

Kodai reached out and lifted his head with both hands, coaxing him to look at her. “What was she like?” she asked quietly.

Eren blinked at her, his expression slowly fading to something more vulnerable. “She was— strong. So strong. And fiercely protective. My sister, Mikasa… she was all I had left after our parents died.”

Kodai’s breath hitched.

“She always cared for me. Sometimes too much.” He let out a soft, bitter laugh. “She never stopped trying to keep me safe…. I miss her so much.”

Kodai didn’t know why Mikasa wasn’t with him anymore— why Eren had ended up here without her. And now wasn’t the time to ask. All she knew was that he was hurting.

“She sounds incredible,” she said, blinking back tears. “Before I met you, I was always kind of... meek. I still don’t know how I got accepted here. But you helped me believe in my quirk. In myself. You helped me find the confidence I didn’t know I had. If I remind you of someone that strong... I’m proud of that.”

Without waiting, she pulled him into a tight hug. She felt his shoulders tremble against her, hot tears soaking into her shirt. For several long minutes, she held him, letting him cry—letting him mourn for Mikasa.

Eventually, he pulled back, red-eyed but steadier. He met her gaze, voice low and sincere.

“Thank you, Kodai. You’re a really great friend.”

She smiled. “Please... call me Yui.”

He hesitated, then nodded.

“Thank you, Yui.”

___ . ___ . ___ . ___ . ___ 

Eren steeled his nerves as he walked through the tunnel toward the stadium field. This was it.

The final match.

His body ached from everything the day had thrown at him—his match with Yui, their heart-to-heart afterward, whatever that was with Shiozaki… But none of that mattered now.

Because his opponent wouldn’t hold back. Bakugo would accept nothing less than Eren’s absolute best. He stepped into the blinding sunlight, the roar of the crowd slamming into him like a wave. But he didn’t flinch. He kept his head high as he made his way to the platform.

He could do this. He would do this.

For the people back home.
For those cheering him on now.
But most of all—for himself.

At the opposite end of the arena, Bakugo stood, explosions already popping from his palms. His face twisted into an ugly scowl. He looked furious — not that it meant much. Bakugo always looked furious.

“WELCOME, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, TO THE FINAL MATCH OF THE U.A. SPORTS FESTIVAL!” Present Mic’s voice cracked through the air, nearly drowned by the screaming audience. “IT’S BEEN A DAY OF INCREDIBLE PERFORMANCES, AND IT ALL COMES DOWN TO THIS! YEAGER EREN VERSUS BAKUGO KATSUKI! LETS MAKE SOME NOISE!”

The stadium erupted .

Midnight strode forward, her voice sharp as she raised her whip high. “Alright, you two, you know the drill by now. No speeches. No mercy.” She cracked the whip down. “BEGIN!”

___ . ___ . ___ . ___ . ___ 

Bakugo launched himself forward the instant the match began, explosions propelling him on a straight collision course for Eren.

Eren met him head-on, recalling Midoriya’s advice about Bakugo’s signature right hook. Sure enough—like clockwork, Bakugo swung his fist toward Eren’s face.

Eren ducked, grabbed Bakugo’s arm mid-air, and hurled him across the arena with everything he had. Bakugo didn’t stay down long. His palms flared as he twisted through the air, explosions correcting his flight path, before shooting off again, faster this time. Eren dodged and weaved carefully between Bakugo’s wild strikes.

“What’s got your panties in a twist?” Eren called, a sly grin on his face.

“THAT DAMN ICY-HOT BASTARD WENT EASY ON ME!” Bakugo roared, his blasts flaring even hotter as he went for another punch.

Eren just nearly managed to duck the explosive fist. “But you made it to the finals?”

“BASTARD WOULDN’T USE HIS FIRE! SHITTY DEKU GETS HIS FULL POWER, BUT NOT ME?!” He snarled.

His movements were getting sloppy. Eren could see that much.

“Then prove you’re worth it,” Eren said as he raised his hand to his mouth. “Right here, right now.”

Bakugo’s expression twisted into a feral smirk.

“Hell yeah. Let’s show these extras what a real fight looks like.”

Eren grinned—and bit down.

Lightning split the sky as his Titan roared into existence once again. Smaller than before, just over ten meters tall, but still radiating power all the same. The crowd exploded with cheers at seeing the beast.

With a shout, Bakugo launched into action.

He shot upward, diving toward the Titan’s face with a smattering of explosions. Eren moved to swat him away, but Bakugo dodged, leaving a trail of smoke in his wake.

Bakugo circled the Titan like an angry hornet, blasting small strategic explosions all around the titan. Eren growled in frustration, arms swinging blindly through the haze kicked up by the attacks.

The titan slowed its attacks for a moment, waiting for Bakugo to make his next move. And then, like a viper, his arms shot out, cupping around the boy, trapping him within. That move lasted hardly a moment as the prisoner started blasting off explosion after explosion. Forcing the titans hands off of him. When they separated, Bakugo shot forward, his clothing singed from his own attacks, and fired twin blasts straight into the Titan’s eyes. A screech tore from its throat. Eren staggered, hands clutching his face as steam hissed from the healing wounds.

Bakugo didn’t let up. He dove down, planning to go for the titan’s knees, intending to take it down. Eren moved abruptly, and a stray arm came swinging through the air, too fast for Bakugo to dodge.

He hit the ground hard, the air knocked out of his lungs. Eren took advantage of the reprieve, backing away while he focused his healing on restoring his vision— all he needed was one eye.

That was his mistake.

Pain bloomed through his ankles. His balance faltered. Bakugo had burned through the tendons, leaving only unstable supports behind. The titan went crashing to the ground, sending massive tremors through the stadium. Eren could feel the exhaustion set in deep. He had little to no energy left, not enough for another transformation, hardly enough to heal.

With a hiss of steam, Eren emerged from the nape and pulled himself out of the steaming carcass. Below, Bakugo stood battered, breathing hard with a wide grin on his face.

Eren couldn’t help but laugh. “Damn it, Bakugo… You really don’t know when to quit. Do you?”

“Hell no,” Bakugo spat.

Eren’s adrenaline was the only thing keeping him going at this point. He fired his gear into the ground beside Bakugo and launched himself feet-first at the other boy.

Bakugo ducked into a roll, narrowly avoiding the kick. The two collided, fists swinging. No quirks. No power. Just old school brawling.

Eren caught Bakugo with a clean punch, breaking his nose once again, with a satisfying crunch. Bakugo stumbled back, eyes blazing with fury. Eren surged forward— only for Bakugo to toss a fistful of dirt into his face.

“Shit!” Eren cursed, hands returning to his eyes. “Again with the eyes?!”

Bakugo didn’t waste the opening. He charged a final, ultimate blast and let it rip.

Eren was launched across the arena, skidding hard across the ground. Stopping just short of the boundary line.

This time, tho… he didn’t get back up. The blast had done too much damage. Luckily, his hands had protected his face, but they did little to protect the rest. His body screamed in pain.

He didn’t have the energy to heal.

Didn’t have the strength to move.

Midnight took a cautious step forward. “Yeager? Are you able to continue?”

Eren didn’t answer.

She raised her hand. “The match is over. Bakugo Katsuki is the winner!”

Eren let out a deep groan of pain as his adrenaline quickly began to fade. His hands slid down from his face as Bakugo walked into his field of vision, a triumphant grin on his face. 

“How’d ya like that Ye—!”

His voice cut off when he saw the damage he’d done to Eren, the burns that littered his body. His face went pale at the sight of Eren’s hands, a shredded mess of flesh and bone.”

Eren squinted up at the other boy, “You’d make one hell of a Scout,” he muttered in a nearly unintelligible voice before promptly losing consciousness.

___ . ___ . ___ . ___ . ___ 

Eren slowly opened his eyes, blinking against the harsh light and the haze of grogginess. The ceiling above him was unfamiliar for a moment… until he realized he was back in the infirmary. Only this time, he was the one in the bed.

His brows knit together as fragments of memory started to come together. How did he end up here?

 The door creaked open, and in hobbled Recovery Girl. Relief washed across her face when she saw him awake, though it didn’t take long for her expression to shift into a scowl.

“Thank goodness you’re awake. You really pushed yourself too hard. Why they put so much emphasis on this festival, I’ll never understand…” she added under her breath, her tone growing more annoyed with every word.

The festival... Oh— the festival!

Eren sighed as the full weight of the day caught up to him. He made it to the finals. He fought Bakugo. Then there was Shiozaki… and Yui. And Monoma. And—

He tried to sit up and instantly regretted it. A wave of nausea hit him like a freight train. Okay, maybe he overdid it just a little bit…

Multiple transformations, nonstop healing, and the sheer chaos of the day had wrung him out completely. He groaned. Looks like he’d need to revisit his titan endurance training. He glanced at Recovery Girl— who was still talking—and realized he’d completely zoned out.

“…stand on the podium,” she finished with a huff.

Eren blinked. “Uh… I may have missed that last part.”

Recovery Girl let out a loud groan before glaring at the boy.

“Pay attention, young man! I said I’ve bandaged your injuries. Your healing hasn’t seemed to kick in yet, so take it easy while your stamina returns.” Eren looked down. His whole upper torso, up his arms, and all the way down to his hands, were completely wrapped in bandages.

“You woke up just in time,” she continued. “The award ceremony begins in about ten minutes. If you have the strength, I’d like you to go stand on the podium.”

He slowly swung his legs off the bed, trying to gain his bearings, only for her to press a firm hand against his chest.

“One more thing,” she added. “I’d like you to talk to young Bakugo. He was one of your visitors while you were unconscious. He seemed… rather worried.”

Eren frowned. Bakugo? Worried?

Then a throb of pain shot through his hands, looks like his healing just beginning to kick in… then it clicked. While Bakugo knew that the damage done to Eren’s titan didn’t affect his real body, he didn’t know Eren had accelerated healing normally as well. Seeing the aftermath, those mangled hands… it must have shaken him.

Wow, Eren thought. Who knew Bakugo actually cared?

He gave Recovery Girl a nod and gently rose to his feet. She handed him a handful of gummies to help restore his energy, which he popped into his mouth before heading out.

___ . ___ . ___ . ___ . ___ 

When he arrived at the field entrance, he spotted Shiozaki, Todoroki, and Bakugo waiting. Shiozaki gave him a warm smile. Todoroki… was Todoroki and just stood there stoically. But Bakugo’s shoulders visibly relaxed the moment Eren walked in. There was no smug grin for once, no snarky remark—just quiet relief. Without a word, he turned and led the way onto the field.

Eren followed, blinking as the bright sunlight hit his eyes. When his vision cleared, he saw the three platforms atop Midnight’s stage. The crowd was absolutely roaring from the stands.

They walked together, heads held high as the stadium shook with applause.

Midnight strode forward once the finalists took to their podiums. “Here they are, folks! Please give it up for the winners of U.A.’s First-Year Sports Festival!”

The cheers somehow got louder.

“And now,” she added, “to present the medals… none other than—”

“ALL MIGHT!”

The man himself landed with a boom , cape billowing.

“I AM HERE!” he bellowed.

He started with Shiozaki and Todoroki, offering kind words and warm hugs as he presented their awards. Then he turned to Eren, a silver medal in his hand.

“My boy,” All Might said, his voice strong and proud. “You performed exceptionally today. You proved the versatility of your Quirk—and your heart. You’ll have agencies begging to work with you. I am truly proud of the effort you put forth.”

He slipped the medal around Eren’s neck and pulled him into a hug.

Eren was stiff, his mind reeling at All Might’s words. He’d done it… he had proven himself. 

He looked to the sea of fans screaming in the stands. They were— cheering… for him. Titan and all. A smile spread across his face, one that held all the dreams he once held dear. He buried his face in All Might’s shoulder, holding onto this moment for just a little longer before stepping back. His gaze misty as he locked eyes with All Might.

“Thank you,” he whispered.

All Might smiled warmly before moving on to Bakugo, presenting his metal. The blond hesitated slightly, glancing toward Eren. Who gave him a small, encouraging nod.

Something shifted in Bakugo’s expression—something unreadable—but he stood tall and accepted the gold medal with pride. For the final time, the crowd erupted as the four students stood united under the weight of their hard-fought victories.

The Sports Festival was finally over.

 

Notes:

OH MY MARIA! NEVER did I expect the sports festival alone to take over 10k words. ○|￣|_
That’s almost an entire quarter of this fic so far! Geez! I hope y’all enjoyed it!
Also!?! How have I already written over 45k words? What?!?
I thought I’d be lucky if the WHOLE fic got to 45k, but I don’t even know if I’m halfway done!!!
___ . ___ . ___
I have been planning the fight with Kodai since chapter 3! As soon as I learned what her quirk was, I knew I had to give us a MHA version of the Female vs Attack Titan fight!
I LOVE IT!!!
___ . ___ . ___
We have officially reached the end of Act 1 of this fic! I’m so excited to get into the rest, so stay tuned. I am just about to start back up at college, so I will have a lot less time to write. I do have about 12 chapters backlogged. So things will stay consistent for a while…
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Feel free to leave any speculations, comments, or questions you have!

Chapter 23: Code Names

Summary:

Following the end of the Sports Festival, it is now time for the students to decide which agency they want to intern with. And to do that, they need… HERO NAMES!!!

Notes:

WELCOME TO ACT 2!!!

With the insanity of the Sports Festival behind them and a long weekend to recover, Class 1-A returned to school that Monday with renewed energy. Excited chatter filled the room as students discussed their performances, traded training tips, and made plans to improve. But the moment Aizawa walked in, the noise vanished in an instant.

“You’re all getting better,” he said dryly as he moved to the board and began writing while he spoke. “As you know, one of the primary goals of the Sports Festival is to get yourselves scouted by hero agencies. Many of you have received offers. Here are the totals.”

He stepped aside to reveal the list:

Todoroki → 4,123

Bakugo → 3,856

Yeager → 3,742

Tokoyami → 460

Uraraka → 316

Iida → 154

Yaoyorozu → 96

Shinso → 12

Several other students had a few offers here and there, but jaws collectively dropped at the massive numbers racked up by Todoroki, Bakugo, and Eren.

“In past years, offers have been more evenly distributed,” Aizawa noted, “but this time the gap is... significant.”

“Wow, Midoriya,” Sero said, looking over the board. “I’m surprised you got none.”

Midoriya wilted at the reminder.

“Maybe they were just grossed out by your fighting style,” Kaminari added unhelpfully.

Before anyone could speculate anymore, Aizawa shut down the side chatter. “Don’t worry if you didn’t receive offers. We have a list of agencies we work with to ensure that every student will participate in an internship.”

There were several sighs of relief. But Aizawa wasn’t finished. “But first, in order to complete your internships… You will all need codenames.”

An excited gasp rippled through the class.

“These names will likely be temporary,” he warned, “but take them seriously or—”

“—you’ll have hell to pay later!” Midnight cut in, strutting into the room. “What you pick today could be your codename for life. So choose wisely, or you’ll be saddled with something utterly indecent.”

“She’s right,” Aizawa muttered, already retreating to his sleeping bag. “Midnight will have final approval… Codenames aren’t exactly my specialty.” He trailed off for a moment.

“The name you give yourself is important,” he added before zipping himself in. “It shapes your image. Tells the world what kind of hero you want to be. So choose carefully . ”

Midnight swiftly began passing out whiteboards. The classroom quickly turned into a buzz of conversation as students brainstormed names, bouncing ideas off each other, and laughed at the more questionable choices.

Eren leaned over to Hitoshi, who was staring daggers into his board. “How am I supposed to pick a hero name? I have zero ideas!” Eren groaned, “Do you know what you’re going to go with?” 

Hitoshi glanced over with a small frown. “I’ve got a few ideas. Been thinking about them for years. Just not sure which fits best.”

“Want me to take a look? Maybe I can help narrow it down.” Eren offered.

Hitoshi turned his board so Eren could see a scattered list of potential names.

Eren studied it, thoughtful. “You’re going into underground heroics, right? So what kinda image do you want your name to send? Would you rather strike fear into the hearts of villains with your name? Or bring comfort to civilians? Your ideas sort of go in both directions.”

Hitoshi considered his words, then nodded to himself. He erased all but one name and circled it. “Thanks,” he said sincerely. “Now let me help with yours.”

He turned a piercing gaze to Eren. seemingly staring into his soul while he examined him.

“You really connect with the ‘Wings of Freedom’ on your costume, right? Is there anything you can think of that would embody that? Or any terms from back home?” He thought a little more before adding, “What about something that reminds you of Mikasa or Armin? After all, I doubt you’d want to go around calling yourself ‘Titan’.” He joked.

Eren chuckled. “Definitely not. And somehow, I don’t think I could pull off the name ‘Sina’ either.”

He fell silent, lost in thought, while he considered what kind of name could represent his own goals and aspirations. Eventually, an idea struck; he glanced at Hitoshi, then looked down and scrawled something on his board. He turned it around.

Hitoshi read it, then smiled—genuinely.
“Perfect.”

Eventually, Midnight called the class to order.

Students presented their names one by one—some very fitting, while some were… questionable.

“What kind of hero name is I Cannot Stop Twinkling? ” Eren whispered to Hitoshi, who only sighed in response.

Eventually, it was the lavender boy's turn. He walked to the front of the room, took a breath, and turned his whiteboard around to show the class.

The Control Hero: Siren

There were murmurs of approval from around the room. Eren grinned, and Midnight lit up.

“Lovely! It hints at your Quirk’s influence without being too obvious. I absolutely adore it!”

Hitoshi gave her a small smile before returning to his seat. The name felt right.

Several more students went up. Most names were approved, though some had to tone things down a bit—especially King Explosion Murder.

Finally, it was Eren’s turn.

He walked to the front of the room, looked down at his board one last time before flipping it.

The Freedom Hero: Horizon

“Ooh!” Midnight cooed. “I can almost taste the symbolism. Mind sharing your thought process?”

Eren nodded. “I wanted something that reflects what I stand for— not just my Quirk. I believe in pushing past one's limits, always fighting for a better tomorrow. I think it’s a name my friends would approve of.”

“I love that passion!” she exclaimed. “Approved!”

Murmurs of approval broke out as Eren returned to his seat.

Eventually, even Bakugo settled on a more reasonable name, The Explosion Hero: Dynamite , and by the end of the session, most students had names they were proud of.

Their journey as heroes was beginning to take shape, one name at a time.

___ . ___ . ___ . ___ . ___ 

Midnight left the classroom shortly afterward, leaving Aizawa to take over once again. He moved to the front of the room with a thick stack of papers and began passing them out.

“These are your internship offers,” he said simply. Some students received slim packets. Others—like Todoroki, Bakugo, and Eren—got packets that could be better classified as novels.

“I would like all of you to make your final decision within two days,” Aizawa added. “You’ll have the rest of homeroom to think it through.” With that, he retreated behind his desk, wrapping himself in the comforting embrace of his sleeping bag.

Eren stared down at his book with a mix of awe and dread.

“How am I supposed to pick one name out of all these?!” he muttered, thumbing through the thick stack, seeing rows upon rows of heroes and agencies.

Next to him, Hitoshi was already breezing through his own; he only had a handful of pages. He quickly flipped near the end, circled a name, and closed the packet.

Eren gawked. “You already picked someone?!”

Hitoshi smirked at his expression. “Yeah. I had someone in mind already. If she hadn’t given me an offer, I was just gonna pick Dad. Not really a hard decision.”

“Who are you going with?” Eren asked, leaning in.

“Ms. Joke,” Hitoshi replied. “I think she could help me improve my quirk control. Plus, she’s a Twilight hero, so it’ll be nice to get a look at both sides.

“Smart,” Eren hummed, impressed. “I have no idea who I should go with!”

“I would recommend not just going with the highest-ranked hero on your list,” Hitoshi advised. “Figure out what you actually want to work on. And try to find a hero with similar skills or morals.”

Several students nearby, who had clearly been eavesdropping, glanced down at their packets with a new layer of hesitation. A few even started flipping pages more seriously.

Eren sat back, packet open in his lap, and began skimming hero bios. He underlined a few names, jotted a couple of stars, and made a mental note to research others more thoroughly at home.

So many offers. So many possibilities.

Who would he pick?

___ . ___ . ___ . ___ . ___ 

Before they knew it, it was time to head off for their internships. Class 1A and 1B gathered at the train station, luggage and costume cases in tow, chatting in clusters while they waited for their trains to arrive.

Eren was talking to Yui about her decision to intern with Mt. Lady when Midoriya approached them, looking uneasy.

“Hey, Eren?” he asked quietly. “Can I talk to you for a moment?”

“Oh, sure.” Eren turned back to Yui briefly. “I’ll catch you later, okay? Let me know how your training goes.”

Yui nodded with a smile as she turned to go find Uraraka. “Will do!”

Eren turned back to Midoriya, immediately focusing on the worried look on his friend’s face. “What’s up?”

“It’s Iida,” Midoriya began. “You know his brother was attacked by the Hero Killer, right?”

Eren’s expression darkened. “Yeah, I heard.”

“Well… I’m worried he’s going to do something reckless. He took an internship with Manuel in Hosu, the same city where his brother was attacked. I tried talking to him, but he just brushed me off. You’re good at pep talks, so I thought maybe—”

“I get it,” Eren cut in. “I’ll talk to him.”

Midoriya let out a sigh of relief while Eren turned to make his way over to Iida, who was standing alone by a bench, arms stiff at his sides. Eren cleared his throat, and Iida turned towards him with a start.

“Yeager! How can I help you?” he said, posture rigid as ever.

Eren looked him in the eyes. “Can I tell you a story?” He asked, gesturing to the bench.

“My train will be arriving shortly,” Iida replied, hesitant.

“I promise it’s quick,” Eren reassured.

“…I suppose,” Iida relented, and sat down stiffly. Eren joined him, leaning forward, forearms resting on his knees.

“When I was ten,” Eren began, voice low, “I watched my mother die. She was murdered right in front of me… and I couldn’t do anything to help. I was powerless to save her.”

Iida's jaw dropped at Eren’s words.

“After that… I swore I’d destroy each and every one of the monsters responsible. I trained obsessively for years to prepare myself to take my revenge. Not too long ago, I finally got my chance. But I got cocky. I rushed in.”

He paused, his voice tightening.

“I almost died as a result; hell, a lot of my friends did die.” He sighed before continuing, “I survived only because of my quirk. But even with that, I was never able to achieve my goal.”

Iida’s eyes were wide, and for once, he was silent.

“That didn’t stop me. I kept pushing forward, suffering through unspeakable horrors in the name of progress. In the name of vengeance. But the truth is… I was never able to get true justice for what happened that day. And I learned something the hard way.”

Eren turned to face him fully.

“You can’t do it alone, believe me, I tried. I thought it was my burden to bear. But I had people who cared, who wanted to help. I couldn’t see that until it was too late.

He reached out, clasping Iida’s hand firmly in his own.

“I can’t force you to change your mind. But if you’re going to go through with this… promise me you’ll call for backup.”

Iida flinched, trying to pull away, but Eren didn’t let go.

“Listen to me,” he said, voice intense. “Your parents almost lost one son. Don’t make them bury another. Tensei is alive. ”

“But…” Iida’s voice cracked. “He’s paralyzed. He can’t be a hero anymore.”

“Oh, don’t feed me that crap,” Eren snapped. “I’ve seen firsthand the kind of insane support equipment that exists here. Just look at Hatsume for Maria’s sake! If Tensei wanted to, I have no doubt in my mind that he could continue being a hero.”

Iida’s eyes widened— like the thought hadn’t even occurred to him.

“Think about how he’d feel if you died trying to avenge him. Don’t do that to him. To your family.”

Eren stood, letting go of his hand. “Just… think about it.”

And with that, he walked back toward Hitoshi, leaving Iida on the bench, deep in thought.

The students soon began boarding the trains in small groups, costume cases in hand and nerves buzzing with anticipation. Their week of real hero training was about to begin.

Notes:

Soooo? What do you guys think of Eren’s hero name? I spent such a long time thinking it over. I wanted it to be symbolic, but not too on the nose. I feel like Horizon perfectly encapsulates the ocean theme as well as Eren’s desire to go beyond the confines of his life.
___ . ___ . ___
Who do you think Eren is going to intern with? I wanna hear your guesses!!!
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Feel free to leave any speculations, comments, or questions you have!

Chapter 24: Roll the Clipshow

Summary:

The first year, hero students of UA begin their internships. Did they all make the right choice?

Bakugo stepped off the train, duffel slung over his shoulder and headed toward the address he’d been given. As he got closer, his brow furrowed a bit more with each step.

This… isn’t an agency?

Standing in front of him was a small, ordinary-looking house, not a towering glass building. No flashy signage or security guards. It was just a house. Scowling, he stomped up to the door and knocked once. Twice. Then again, louder. Still nothing.

“You’ve gotta be kidding me—” he muttered.

Just as he was about to turn and leave, something landed behind him with a heavy thud . He whipped around, a snarl on his face and a mini explosion sparking in his palm—only to come face-to-face with a grinning pro hero dressed in white and purple staring up at him.

She gave him an appraising once-over. Before brushing past him and entering the house like she owned the place—which, judging by her attitude, she probably did. Bakugo moved to follow her, already annoyed as hell at the situation.

“What the hell is this place? This isn’t a hero agency,” he barked.

“Oh, I don’t have one of those,” she said casually, waving him off. “I patrol across the whole country. Having one big fancy office just slows me down. So I’ve got a bunch of these little spots where I can crash when needed.”

She stopped in the middle of the living room and spun around, arms wide.

“Welcome to the Mirko Agency!”

Bakugo opened his mouth to retort, but she’d already turned and kept walking.

“This’ll be our base for the week. Your room’s the second door on the right. Drop your stuff, suit up, and meet me in the basement in five.”

Then she vanished down the stairs.

Bakugo stood still in the middle of the living room, completely reevaluating his decision. Did he make a mistake by not choosing the highest-ranked pro on his list? He let out a sigh before heading off to find his room.

___ . ___ . ___ . ___ . ___ 

After changing into his gym clothes, Bakugo made his way down to the basement. He found Mirko already on the mats, casually stretching. The moment she spotted him, she hopped to her feet. “Need to warm up?”

“Hell no!” Bakugo snapped. “I’m always read—”

He didn’t even finish the sentence before a flying kick crashed into his chest, launching him flat onto his back with a heavy thud and a choked grunt.

He glared up at her from the floor, rage bubbling in his chest. She loomed over him, wearing a smug, shit-eating grin.

“Doesn’t look like you’re ready to me.”

Bakugo scrambled to his feet, fists clenched. “What the hell was that for, you damn bunny rabbit?!”

Mirko just laughed. “Lesson one: you’re never above the basics.”

She crossed her arms, tone turning sharp. “No warm-up can lead to injury, which leads to slower reflexes and eventually mistakes. And mistakes out there?” She jabbed a finger toward the wall, like she was pointing to the entire world. “They get people killed. You wanna be responsible for that?”

Bakugo’s face paled slightly at her words. But Mirko kept going, voice low and steady. “I see the fire in you. The drive. The potential… But you’ve got an attitude problem.”

Bakugo opened his mouth, probably to yell something very on-brand, but she cut him off with a raised hand.

“Don’t get me wrong. I like that fire. Most pros would try to smother it, make you more ‘presentable.’ Screw that! If you’ve got the skills, people can deal with the rest. And I’m here to teach you how to harness that energy.” She leaned in, eyes gleaming like a predator on the hunt. 

“So buckle up, buttercup. Cause this week, I’m gonna whip your ass into shape.”

Bakugo blinked, startled by the strange feeling coiling in his chest.

Was this what respect felt like?

Gross.

It had helped in his choice that she was a higher-ranked pro— not the highest, but still up there despite her brazen personality. But above all else, she seemed to embody what he wanted to be as a hero. Seemed like she wouldn’t try to change him, would push him to new heights.

And that was exactly what he needed.

Because he would be the number one hero.

Without another word, he turned and dropped to the mat, beginning his stretches. Mirko watched silently, arms crossed and nodding in approval.

After a few minutes, he popped back up and dropped into a combative stance.

“Alright, wabbit,” he smirked. “Let’s dance.”

Mirko smiled with a feral grin, clearly pleased. “That’s more like it.”

And then she lunged.

___ . ___ . ___ . ___ . ___ 

Kodai stood in front of Mt. Lady’s agency, practically buzzing with anticipation. Ever since she began refining this aspect of her quirk, she’d dreamed of interning with the gigantic hero. And now, she was actually here.

She stepped inside and approached the reception desk, where a blonde woman with a warm smile looked up from her computer.

“Welcome to Mt. Agency! How can I help you today?” she asked cheerfully.

Kodai inhaled and said, “Hi, yes... I’m here for my internship with Mt. Lady.”

The receptionist’s smile widened. “Wonderful! You must be Kodai Yui?”

Kodai nodded.

“Great! Take the elevator to the fourth floor. You’ll find a room with your name on the door. Once you’ve settled in, head to the top floor. Mt. Lady will be waiting for you,” she instructed.

Kodai gave a quick bow. “Thank you!”

She followed the directions and found her room rather quickly. She dropped off her bag and made her way upstairs. Only to find Mt. Lady sprawled comfortably on a couch. When Mt. Lady spotted her, she sat up and motioned for Kodai to sit next to her.

“Okay, let’s real talk,” she began. “When I was told that I’d have to take on an intern, I fully planned on getting myself a glorified gopher.”

Kodai blinked, her smile faltering.

“But!” Mt. Lady continued, “When I saw your performance at the Sports Festival,  I knew I had to have you! You’ve got massive potential— pun absolutely intended. You’re not stuck at one size like I am when I use my quirk. Plus, you can resize objects?! That’s totally overpowered!” She finished with a pout.

Kodai blushed at her words, not used to such praise.

Mt. Lady grinned before continuing, “I also sent an offer to the titan boy, but I guess he’s got his own plans. That’s fine tho, we big girls gotta stick together. And if I can help you master maneuvering your quirk in tight, urban environments? Then that’s a win in my book!”

Kodai smiled, her earlier nerves melting away. “Yeah, Eren decided to focus on other skills this week. But I’m really excited to learn from you. Please take care of me!” She finished with a bow.

Mt. Lady squealed. “You’re too cute. We’ll start real training tomorrow. But tonight? We’re having a girls' night!!!”

Kodai’s eyes widened as she opened her mouth to protest, but Mt. Lady held up a hand. “Ah-ah. No arguments. Self-care is part of the hero package. You gotta look after yourself if you’re gonna give 100% out there.”

And so the night began. Takeout was ordered, facemasks were applied, nails were painted, and tea was spilled as a cheesy romcom played in the background. By the time Kodai crawled into bed, her face was glowing and her stomach was sore from laughing.

She couldn’t wait to see what the rest of the week would bring.

___ . ___ . ___ . ___ . ___ 

Hitoshi was already starting to regret his decision.

Sure, he’d known Emi for years since she was a close friend of his parents… But if he thought her civilian persona was full of corny jokes, her hero persona made that look like a warm-up act. He’d only been at Ms. Joke’s agency for ten minutes, and she’d already cracked over two dozen jokes. Sure, Hitoshi liked a good cat pun as much as the next guy, but he had to draw the line somewhere.

He should’ve interned with his dad. But nooo , he had to go with the option that would best help him refine his quirk control. But, to be fair, she did seem to know her stuff.

The rest of that first day was dedicated to breaking down his quirk— figuring out what exactly counted as a question and what responses would trigger it. Joke was incredibly creative, much to Hitoshi’s horror. She insisted that even a knock-knock joke could be weaponized in battle. Hitoshi didn’t love the idea, but she made a convincing case: anything that disorients your opponent could give you the upper hand.

They spent the majority of the first day sparring, slowly working their quirks into the mix. Every time he paused to think too long, she knocked him flat on his ass. It was brutal… but effective.

By the end of the day, Hitoshi was sore and mildly concussed— but also kind of proud. He’d discovered even a single sound could activate his quirk, as long as it was in response to one of his questions.

The next day brought more training. And a bit later, Joke walked him through the other side of being a hero: paperwork. She explained how things differed for twilight heroes like herself— ones who operated publicly, but not in the All Might-style spotlight. They patrolled early evenings and focused on people in direct need over flashy villain fights. 

That evening was their first patrol together. They started in a quiet suburb of Musutafu, with Joke continuously cracking puns like they were currency. Hitoshi was starting to think she didn’t take patrolling seriously. But that changed when they stopped at a konbini for snacks and heard struggling from behind the building.

Instantly serious, Joke slipped toward the sound, while Hitoshi followed close behind. They rounded the corner and spotted a man holding a girl at knifepoint. Hitoshi instinctively stepped back, waiting for his mentor to intervene.

Instead, she stepped aside and gave him a gentle nudge forward.

“You’ve got this one, Siren,” she said.

Hitoshi’s eyes went wide. What?! Me?! Are you insane?!

The man turned toward them, blade raised. “Back off, this has nothing to do with you.”

Hitoshi froze. His mind reeled. He wasn’t ready for this. It was like the USJ all over again… he was paralyzed in the face of danger. How was he supposed to be a hero if he couldn’t even move, couldn’t think?

His eyes darted to the girl. She looked to be about his age. Crying. Shaking. Their gazes locked—and something shifted inside him.

You have to act.

He took a breath.

“Why did the chicken cross the road?” his shaky voice was nearly a whisper.

The man blinked. “Huh—?”

That was all he needed.

The second the villain responded, Hitoshi activated his quirk, ordered the man to freeze and rushed forward, slapping on a pair of quirk-suppressing cuffs while telling him to sit by the wall. The man obeyed, moving with glassy, robotic compliance.

Hitoshi exhaled, his knees nearly buckling.

He turned to check on the girl, only to see Ms. Joke already by her side, crouching low, comforting her. The girl clung to her, sobbing, as Joke whispered soft reassurances and rubbed slow circles on her back.

By the time the police arrived, the girl had calmed enough to speak. Joke gave her report to the officers, then nodded to Hitoshi, who stepped forward to give his as well.

The rest of the patrol passed quietly.

___ . ___ . ___ . ___ . ___

Later that night, Hitoshi lay on his bed just staring up at the ceiling. The confrontation played in his head on repeat. He’d frozen. Again .

He groaned and covered his face with his arm. He never had issues sparring or fighting in the Sports Festival or in classes. But real-life events were… different. He couldn’t let the USJ happen again. He couldn’t let himself hesitate when people needed him.

But now, he had a better understanding of where to start.

He was going to get better. And knowing what he now did about Ms. Joke… he was pretty sure she’d help him do exactly that.

Maybe this internship wasn’t such a mistake after all.

___ . ___ . ___ . ___ . ___ 

Uraraka was honestly having a blast at Gunhead’s agency.

After her fight with Bakugo during the Sports Festival, she’d come to a realization— her hand-to-hand combat needed some serious work. Sure, they’d practiced during heroics, but applying it in real combat? That was another story entirely. And while rescue heroes weren’t expected to brawl the way spotlight heroes were, she still wanted to know how to defend herself.

So when the offer from Gunhead came in, she knew it was the perfect opportunity. She’d been intimidated at first; after all, he looked quite… intimidating, but her fears vanished the moment they met. Gunhead was a total sweetheart. Every time they finished a sparring session, he’d immediately offer praise and constructive feedback.

There was just one downside.

Monoma Neito.

Of course, he had the same idea. Uraraka figured he’d had an epiphany after Eren utterly obliterated him in the tournament. She would have hoped that humbling loss might’ve made him more tolerable… but no such luck.

On day one, Monoma spent hours criticizing everything she did. His smug commentary got old fast— but she had to admit, it pushed her to learn faster just to shut him up. 

On day two, they began sparring against each other . Monoma’s nonstop boasting screeched to a halt when she floored him in ten seconds flat.

After that, he went quiet.

Too quiet.

Uraraka was almost worried. Not that she missed the smugness, but still— he seemed... off.

By day three, Gunhead gathered them and said, “Today, you’ll be working as a team to take down three of my sidekicks. Quirks are allowed and encouraged.”

Shit.

As soon as the match started, the sidekicks overwhelmed them with coordinated attacks. Monoma kept lunging in, trying to get in close and copy a quirk, but they moved out of reach again and again. His frustration grew by the second— his movements turning frantic until one of the sidekicks landed a clean hit and knocked him down.

Uraraka jogged over and offered her hand.

“Monoma,” she started, trying to keep her voice calm. “I know we’re in different classes at school, but right now? We’re just two interns, fighting on the same team.”

He stared at her like she’d grown a second head.

“We won’t make any progress if we keep up this rivalry. You may not be able to copy their quirks, but you can copy mine. Let’s put the class stuff aside and just work together.”

Monoma hesitated for a long moment— then took her hand.

As he copied her quirk, he looked down at the new pads on his fingertips, wonder flickering across his face.

“You need help understanding it?” she asked.

He shook his head. “No. I think I’ve got it.”

The sidekicks, seeing that the pep talk was over, surged forward again.

This time, the two hero students moved like a team, keeping out of the sidekicks' reach and utilizing the skills they’d been taught to fight back. Both were using zero gravity to launch projectiles at their opponents, disorienting them. Uraraka managed to get close enough to use her quirk on one sidekick, sending them drifting helplessly into the air.

Monoma rushed forward to do the same, sending the second one careening while also snagging their quirk for his own. Energy Field. He turned to find the last only to see them sneaking up behind Uraraka, sending a blast from their own quirk, Phantom Fist, at her.

Before he could think, Monoma threw up an energy shield, blocking the attack just in time. Uraraka quickly spun around and ducked beneath it, tagging the final opponent and sending them up into the air.

They did it.

Gunhead approached, clapping enthusiastically. “Wonderful! I was hoping you’d work out your differences. Now we can really begin training.”

There was a gleam in his eye. A dangerous one.

Uraraka and Monoma exchanged a wide-eyed glance.

They might not survive the rest of the week…

___ . ___ . ___ . ___ . ___ 

Momo sat in her room the night after the third day of her internship, reflecting on the choice she’d made.

She could just kiss Eren right now.

He’d helped her go through her list of offers, taking the time to review each agency and offering thoughtful insight. One recommendation in particular had stood out to her: Fat Gum. Eren had pointed out that their quirks had overlapping mechanics in the way that they were fueled. He said Fat Gum might be just the kind of mentor who could help her not only improve her quirk usage, but also gain more confidence in herself.

At first, she’d been hesitant. She had been leaning toward Uwabami, whose fame in the spotlight could help pull her from her comfort zone. But Eren had been insistent, even introducing her to a third-year student, Amakiji, who was currently doing his work study with Fat Gum.

While Amakiji seemed positively petrified at the thought of speaking to her at first, Eren managed to convince him to give her a chance. He hesitantly told her how Fat Gum had helped him refine his quirk usage. But when the blonde third-year described how shy Amajiki had been before his work study compared to now… she was sold.

Anyone who could help someone that reserved come out of their shell, even a little bit, must be magic.

She knew her confidence was her biggest barrier; she didn’t have faith in her own plans and ideas. So, she decided to trust in her fellow class rep and intern with Fat Gum.

And it was absolutely the right decision.

On her very first day, Fat Gum sat her down and explained all the similarities between their quirks, how they both relied on converting stored fat and lipids. He went over how she could reduce the amount needed per creation, as well as small stamina-saving tricks that could make a big difference in a long fight. He even recommended high-calorie snacks she could keep stashed in her hero costume to keep her from getting exhausted mid-fight.

Speaking of her costume, he noticed almost immediately how uncomfortable she seemed to be while wearing it. Without missing a beat, he called in his agency’s costume designer to start working on a new outfit made with DNA-infused material, one that would allow the items she created to faze through the fabric instead of needing exposed skin.

She could have cried in relief.

It had only been a few days, but she already felt like she was improving in leaps and bounds. Fat Gum paired her with Amajiki in sparring sessions. His quirk’s unpredictable versatility forced her to think fast and adapt mid-battle. At first, she’d struggled, getting stuck over and over again, but soon she began to anticipate his moves. She began starting her spars by creating basic weapons that could help buy herself enough time to think of more complex plans to finish things.

For the first time in a long while, she felt excited. Capable. Confident.

Notes:

How did you like my little clip show? I figured it would be nice to give a little blurb about all of the internships that differ from canon. The rest should all be the same for the most part.
___ . ___ . ___
This is your last chance to guess who Eren is going to intern with… lock in your votes now! Cause things are about to ramp up next chapter!!!
___ . ___ . ___
Feel free to leave any speculations, comments, or questions you have!

Chapter 25: Eren's Internship

Summary:

Eren arrives at his hero internship! Let’s hope this goes well…

Notes:

Here it is! Time to learn who Eren is interning with! Major shoutout to Good_Idea for guessing correctly!!!

Eren clutched his costume case tightly as he checked his phone. His stop was just a few minutes away. When the train finally pulled into the station, he disembarked, case in one hand, duffel bag in the other. Spotting a bench nearby, he sat down to wait; his mentor’s agency was too far from the station for him to walk on his own.

His nerves buzzed with anticipation. He hoped that this week of specialized training would help him figure out what type of hero he wanted to be. Maybe he'd even learn what that weird shimmer during his fight with Shiozaki had been. He’d tried to recreate it all week, but nothing had worked so far.

A voice pulled him from his thoughts. “I’m assuming you’re Eren Yeager?”

A woman with short brown hair in a bob stood before him. Eren immediately stood up, all fatigue from his day of travel vanishing. “Yes, ma’am!”

“Wonderful!” she said, clapping her hands together. “Let’s get going.”

They walked over to her car and began the drive. Eren watched as a forest seemed to sprout up around them, trees growing more dense the further they drove. Eren’s eyes lit up in a soft recognition; the surroundings reminded him of the forests back home.

Eventually, they pulled up to a modest house nestled in an open clearing. They both stepped out of the car. The woman motioned for Eren to stay put before walking a little further and then turning to face him dramatically.

“Welcome to The Beasts’ Forest!” she called out with a grin. In a flash, three figures leapt out of the trees and struck coordinated poses next to her.

“I’m Mandalay!” the woman introduced.

“I’m Pixie-Bob!” shouted a bubbly blonde.

“I’m Ragdoll!” added a green-haired woman, grinning ear to ear.

“I’m Tiger!” boomed a man, his muscular physique contradicting his cat-like features.

“And we’re—” they declared in unison, “THE WILD, WILD PUSSYCATS!”

Eren smiled at their antics. “It’s great to meet you all. I’m really excited to learn from you.”

The group broke formation, striding over to meet their newest visitor.

“We’re thrilled to have you here,” Pixie-Bob said with a purr. “We rarely take interns, but after that performance at the Sports Festival? Well… we couldn’t resist.”

Ragdoll smacked her over the head. “Ignore her.” She said apologetically, “Anyway, I’m curious, what made you choose to do your internship with us. I imagine you got a ton of offers after coming in second. What are you hoping to get out of this experience?”

Eren took a moment to think, formulating his thoughts, before responding.

“My whole life… I’ve been a fighter—a soldier. And I never thought I wanted to be anything else.” He paused. “But I think I’m finally starting to realize that I don’t have to be that anymore. Not here... I still want to serve humanity… not as a weapon… but as a tool for good.”

The Pussycats listened in rapt attention to his words.

“During the attack on the USJ… I didn’t think my quirk was suited for the situation. So I chose to protect my classmates. And for a long time, I felt guilty that I didn’t fight… felt bad for not doing ‘enough.’ But my— dad helped me realize that I did do enough. That I made the right call given the situation. I want to explore that side of heroics more. I won’t let people get left behind… Not if I can help it,” He finished, determination burning behind his eyes.

Pixie-Bob was misty-eyed as she rushed forward and pulled Eren into a hug. He stiffened at first, but slowly relaxed in her hold, resting his head on her shoulder.

“You sweet boy,” she cooed. “You absolutely made the right choice. Rescue work is just as important as fighting directly. Battles with villains can get messy… our job is to make sure people get home safe, that they can return to their families at the end of the day.”

Ragdoll bounced forward, eyes sparkling. “I’m so glad you’re interested in rescue! We need more heroes like that, not just the ones chasing the spotlight.”

Mandalay and Tiger stepped up, wide smiles on their faces as well.

“We want to help you realize your full potential,” Mandalay said warmly.

“We’re gonna push you beyond your limits!” Tiger roared, flexing his muscles for effect.

Eren gave a small, earnest grin. “Thank you! I think this is going to be perfect for me!”

___ . ___ . ___ . ___ . ___ 

The rest of the day passed without much activity. Since it was already late when Eren arrived, the Pussycats let him spend the rest of the evening getting settled so they could hit the ground running in the morning.

After changing into his ODM gear, Eren set off to explore the forest. There was something so nostalgic about swinging between trees. The wind in his hair, the sound of branches swaying overhead— it all transported him back to his earliest days in training, and the unbridled joy that came with pursuing his dreams. He easily lost track of time, and by the time he returned, the sun was beginning to dip below the treetops. The Pussycats were gathered around an outdoor kitchen setup, putting the finishing touches on dinner.

“How was your outing? Didn’t get lost, did you?” Ragdoll teased as he approached.

“Sorry,” Eren said sheepishly. “I lost track of time…”

“Hah!” Tiger boomed. “I don’t blame you! I’ve spent more time getting turned around in these woods than I care to admit!”

Eren smiled, his nerves easing. “Do you need any help with dinner?” he offered.

“No, we’re just about done,” Mandalay said, drying her hands. “But could you go get Kota and let him know dinner’s ready? He’s my nephew that lives with us. His room’s the third door on the left.”

Eren gave a quick nod and headed inside the man's house. He found the door easy enough and knocked lightly.

“Kota?” he called. “Mandalay sent me to get you. Dinner’s almost ready.”

silence

Eren tried knocking once more. And after a minute of no response, he turned to head back outside and report that the kid wasn’t in his room. When he was a few steps down the hall, he heard the sound of a door slamming behind him, and a small kid wearing a hat with two pointed horns came storming past him, his eyes downturned. Eren hurried to catch up with him.

“So… I’m guessing you’re Kota?” Eren asked, walking alongside him. “I’m Eren. I’ll be staying here this week for my internship. Maybe you can show me around? I bet there are some amazing views out here.” Kota came to a halt and spun around, eyes narrowed with a glare far too intense for a five-year-old.

“Don’t talk to me like we’re friends,” he snapped. “You’re just another dumb hero who’s going to end up dead. I don’t care how long you’re here. I want nothing to do with you!” He finished before turning on his heels and storming out of the house.

Eren stood frozen for a second. Where the hell did that come from?

Dinner passed without further incident. The Pussycats had prepared a delicious curry, and the group chatted cheerfully around the table… well, everyone except Kota, who sat in stony silence. When they finished eating, Eren stood to start on the dishes. Mandalay joined him while the others began packing up the leftovers.

As they worked side by side, Eren finally gave voice to the question that had been weighing on him all evening. “Why does Kota hate heroes?” he asked. “He lives with a hero team, but seems… completely opposed to the idea of heroes in general?” 

Mandalay let out a quiet sigh and glanced over at him before focusing back on the dish in her hands.

“You picked up on that, huh? Not that he’s subtle about it,” she said with a rueful smile. “Kota’s parents were heroes. The Water Hose Duo. They specialized in fire rescues and were great a it too… But… a little over a year ago, they were killed protecting a village from an A-rank villain. He’s too young to really understand their sacrifice,” Mandalay continued, her voice soft. “All he knows is that they left him behind. And… It’s warped his view of heroes.”

Eren nodded slowly, his mind turning over her words. The kid had lost both his parents in one blow. No wonder he was angry. Still, Eren found himself surprised that Mandalay dismissed his emotions so quickly. That wasn’t just confusion… he was grieving, turning his anger on the only thing he could think of.

And grief? That, he understood… Maybe they would have something to talk about this week.

The two swiftly finished up the dishes and turned in for the night. 

Eren was more than ready to begin this week of training!

___ . ___ . ___ . ___ . ___ 

The Pussycats woke at an ungodly hour the next morning, ready to barge into Eren’s room and show him just what he was in for by choosing to intern with them. With a silent count of three, they swung the door open.

“GOOD MORNI—!”

Their voices cut off as they took in the empty room. With confused expressions on their faces, they made their way outside, looking for their new charge, only to find him already outside, finishing up his warm-ups.

“Morning!” he called, waving as they approached.

“No fair!” Pixie-Bob whined. “We were going to surprise you!”

Eren laughed at her pout. “Guess you’ll have to be earlier next time. I’ve been waking up at the crack of dawn for years now, don’t think I could sleep in if I tried.”

He stood up and faced the group, “What’s on the agenda for today?” He asked.

“I think that’s the question we should be asking you,” Mandalay said. “This is your internship after all. Any skills you want to focus on in particular? Or should we just go with a mix of rescue drills and quirk control?”

“Well…” Eren began, rubbing the back of his neck, “I think stamina is my top priority. When I use my quirk, I can only transform so many times in a row. You might’ve noticed during the finals that my titan was smaller than it was in the quarter-finals. That wasn’t on purpose. I just didn’t have enough energy for a full transformation.”

Ragdoll nodded, already taking mental notes and planning training exercises.

“I had some... endurance training a couple months ago,” Eren added, frowning slightly. “But the process wasn’t— pleasant. So I’m hoping you’ll have better ideas.” He trailed off.

“Oh! Also—” he perked up, “There was something weird that happened during my fight in the semi-finals. I was trapped in a ball of vines, and I started... panicking, trying to tear through them. And there was this shimmery thing that appeared on my hands. I think it’s what allowed me to break free, but I’ve got no clue what it was or how to make it happen again. And if it’s a tool I can utilize, then I want to figure it out.”  He finished.

“Alright!” Mandalay said with a whistle. “Sounds like you’ve got some specific goals. That makes our job a whole lot easier. We’ll plan to split your time between all of that and rescue training. Sound good?” She asked.

Eren nodded with a smile. “Yup! Let’s get started!”

___ . ___ . ___ . ___ . ___

The rest of the day flew by in a flurry of activity.

They began by having Eren run laps through the forest in his titan form, focusing on building his stamina. He ran non-stop for over two hours, light tremors making the trees sway. The Pussycats rotated running beside him. Pixie-Bob would throw up sudden walls and earth monsters, Mandalay coordinated new hazards up ahead with the other cats, Ragdoll targeted his weaknesses, and Tiger launched surprise attacks to keep him dodging.

When they finally called for a break, Eren skidded to a stop in the clearing. Despite the constant activity, he seemed no more out of breath than before.

“Okay!” Ragdoll called up to him. “Come on out!” The titan knelt, and with a burst of steam, its nape burst open. Eren quickly pulled himself free and slid down to the ground beside them.

Tiger walked over to him, clapping him on the shoulder, nearly sending him crashing to the ground. “I saw your quirk during the Sports Festival, but seeing it up close is something else. It’s seriously impressive.”

Eren smiled, his breathing starting to come out heavier. “Thanks… It’s definitely saved my butt more times than I can count.”

“Moving on!” Ragdoll chirped, cutting in. “How are you feeling? Feeling tired now?”

“Yeah, ” Eren admitted, stretching out his shoulders. “It’s catching up to me now, but I was fine while I was running.”

“Hmm. That’s what I thought,” Ragdoll said thoughtfully. “I’ve been keeping an eye on your weaknesses, and couldn’t sense any exhaustion. I have a theory that your regeneration abilities do more than heal injuries. I think they might be muting your fatigue when you’re transformed.”

Eren blinked. “Wait… seriously?”

“That’s what I’m thinking.” Ragdoll confirmed, “That might be why you don’t feel any exhaustion until after you exit your titan. Then you get hit with it all at once. Which might explain why you struggle to handle multiple transformations. It’s like trying to put on muscle by starting with weights that are too heavy for you. You need to work your way up bit by bit.”

Eren considered her word. It actually made sense. Titans never seemed to get tired — except when the sun goes down — but fatigue never seemed to slow them down…

Ragdoll nodded as she continued. “If you can learn to control that suppression, or at least sense your fatigue levels. You’d be able to transform more strategically, as well as learn how to best increase your stamina bit by bit.”

“Got it,” he said. It was an interesting concept. If he couldn’t feel his fatigue, then he could fight for longer, but as soon as he stopped, he’d be down for the count. He’d have to try it out and see if this was what was missing. Maybe things would be better this time…

Ragdoll’s voice brought him out of his thoughts. “We’ll move forward using normal stamina training methods, and I want you to focus on sensing your levels of exhaustion.

___ . ___ . ___ . ___ . ___

The rest of the day followed a steady rhythm. They had him transform one before and after lunch, then once more before dinner. Ensuring he had plenty of rest and food between each attempt. Not making him exercise; Simply noting changes to his form—height, dexterity, muscle density— testing to see if he could redirect energy to specific areas as he transformed. By the time they sat down for dinner, Eren was utterly spent but smiling. This actually felt productive. And tomorrow, they’d move on to rescue training, where he’d get to learn how his quirk could help save lives, not just win fights.

This was already leagues beyond that training.

After dinner, they relaxed for a while. Eren took full advantage of the hot springs they had access to. Tiger decided to join him, and the two chatted and laughed late into the evening. Something about the man reminded him of Reiner, boisterous yet dependable.

When Eren returned to the house, a towel around his neck and sore muscles pleasantly soothed, he caught sight of Kota heading into his room across the hallway.

“Hey, Kota,” he offered.

The boy didn’t respond. Didn’t even spare him a glance.

Eren just shrugged. “Alright,” he murmured, watching the kid vanish behind the door. “We’ll get there eventually.”

The walls weren’t built in a day, after all.

Notes:

I REALLY debated who I wanted him to work with, and some of you had some GREAT ideas that I never even considered. The Pussycats came as a fleeting thought, and I just knew I HAD to do it! Plus, I love the thought of Eren meeting Kota early! (★‿★)
___ . ___ . ___
Turns out I am a SUCKER for rescue hero Eren. Canon Eren is so focused on fighting that I’d never imagine him going down this route. But I think it’s so fitting, and a great way to showcase his character development! My baby is growing! 〒▽〒
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Feel free to leave any speculations, comments, or questions you have!

Chapter 26: Trauma and Training

Summary:

Eren continues his training with the Pussycats.

Eren drifted off to sleep, the familiar ache of a long day of training humming through his body. He couldn’t wait to see what tomorrow’s rescue lessons would entail.

. . . dream sequence . . .

The sun beat down on him, harsh and unforgiving. Eren stood, panting, hands resting on his knees as he struggled to stay upright. It was only his second day of field training, and already, he didn’t know how much more he could take.

“AGAIN!” barked the commander overseeing his endurance training. Eren didn’t even know who he was; wasn’t allowed to know his name. All he knew was that he was here to push the titan shifter to his limits. Hange stood nearby, frantic notes flying from her pen.

He had already transformed three times today—and he was beyond spent.

“DIDN’T YOU HEAR ME, MAGGOT?!” the commander bellowed. “I SAID AGAIN!”

Eren turned to him, eyes wide and pleading. “Sir, I don’t think I have the energy to do it agai—”

CRACK!

The officer’s palm slapped across his face, so hard it knocked one of his teeth loose. Eren brought his hand to his face, wincing at the blood that coated his hand from his split lip.

“I DON’T WANT TO HEAR THAT BULLSHIT!” the man roared. “WHEN I SAY AGAIN, YOU TRANSFORM AGAIN!”

Eren turned away, glaring darkly as he limped back into the clearing. Activating his transformation once again.

The titan emerged, much smaller than before, not even five meters tall. Its rib bones jutted through its chest as it stumbled around the area, confused and disoriented.

Minutes later, a green smoke flare arced into the sky.

Seeing the signal, the titan collapsed. Eren clawed his way out of the steaming nape, barely able to drag himself away from the carcass. He lay on the ground, chest heaving as tremors wracked his body, turning his head to the side to cough up some blood.

“AGAIN!”

He groaned, his mind too foggy to argue. Without thinking, he bit down on his hand, struggling to apply enough force to pierce his skin. A bolt of lightning preceded another transformation.

Only this time, something was seriously wrong.

The malformed titan lay twitching on the ground, limbs shriveled and weak. Strips of torn flesh barely clung to exposed bones. It was grotesque. Steam exploded once more as the body seemed to melt away, revealing the shifter. His own form mimicking the titan’s— bones protruding, skin flaking away, blood mixing with pitiful juts of steam. His cheeks were sunken. His body drained.

Before he could even scream or cry… or do anything, darkness claimed him.

. . . end of dream . . .

Eren sat bolt upright in bed, gasping. His hands flew to his face, searching— desperate for the familiar feel of normal skin. He scanned his limbs. They looked... fine.

His breathing didn’t slow, despite the reassurance.

He threw off the covers and rushed out of the room, not even registering the loud slam of the door behind him. 

He needed air.

He made it to the patio, dropping down to sit on the steps. He put his head between his knees, as he tried to breathe through the panic. When it wasn’t helping, he punched the ground beside him with a frustrated shout.

Why was he still getting flashbacks? This training was different . These people cared . Why couldn’t his brain register that? Frustration twisted into sorrow as tears slid down his cheeks.

What was wrong with him?

The small sounds of footsteps approaching startled him. Someone moved to stand behind him on the deck.

“What are you doing out here?”

Eren rubbed his eyes. “Oh… Kota.” He tried to steady his voice. “Sorry if I woke you. I just… needed some air. You can head back to bed… I’ll just—”

He started to stand, but stopped when Kota moved to sit next to him.

“You had a nightmare, didn’t you?” Kota asked, already knowing the answer. “I come out here when I get them, too.”

Eren sighed deeply, settling back down. “More of a memory, really. Some… bad training I had in the past. I was hoping this place wouldn’t remind me of it. But I guess I can never be that lucky.” A bitter laugh escaped him.

The two sat in silence for a while, until Kota spoke again, his voice small.

“I don’t get it.”

Eren glanced at him, a questioning look swirling in his eyes.

“You get nightmares. So do Auntie and the Pussycats. Even my parents did. Why do you want to be a hero if all it brings is pain?”

Eren’s expression softened as he shifted his gaze to the ground in front of him. “My mom used to ask me the same thing.”

Kota turned toward him, eyes wide.

“When I was a kid, all I wanted was to be a ‘hero, ’” Eren said, his voice quiet. “Even though most of our heroes came home beaten and bruised… if at all. I still wanted to be like them. I wanted to fight the villains who hurt us, who kept us trapped. I wanted to see the world, and the only way to do that was to become a hero.”

He took a breath before adding, “My mom and sister tried to talk me out of it over and over again. But I was stubborn.”

Kota’s face twisted with anger. “But if you become a hero, you’ll just die and leave them behind! Is that really what you want to do?! You wanna hurt your family?!”

“In the end… it didn’t matter.” Eren’s voice was low. “Villains attacked our town… There were so many. And I couldn’t do anything to stop them. I was helpless. I could only watch as they killed my mother right in front of me.”

Kota’s mouth dropped open.

“Why didn’t the heroes help?!” he cried. “They can’t even do their job!”

“Our strongest weren’t there when it happened,” Eren said. “The ones who were there tried to help. It was only because of Hanes that my sister and I survived. He couldn’t save my mom… but he saved us.”

Eren took a deep breath. “That experience didn’t make me give up on wanting to be a hero. It only made me more determined. I didn’t want anyone else to go through what I did. I wanted to protect people. I still do.”

He looked directly at Kota.

“I imagine that’s how your parents felt, too.”

Kota shook his head, tears brimming. “That still doesn’t give them the right to leave me behind!” he yelled. His voice trembled. “Everyone praises their sacrifice. They say I’m too young to understand. But—am I not allowed to be upset?” His voice hitched.

“You are,” Eren said gently.

Kota looked at him in surprise.

“You’re allowed to be angry. And sad. No one gets to tell you how to feel… Heck, I’m still mad at my dad for disappearing after the attack. For leaving me and my sister on our own.” He sighed. “It’s okay to be mad. I just… I try to use that anger now, use it to push myself further. I want to become the hero I needed that day.”

Kota didn’t speak. He just stared at Eren. Then his shoulders shook, and the first tear fell.

“I-I miss them,” he hiccupped, lunging forward to bury his face in Eren’s chest.

Eren wrapped his arms around him, holding him close as the boy sobbed. As he cried over everything he lost, letting him truly mourn his parents.

Eventually, Kota went limp in his arms as he fell asleep, worn out from all the emotion. Eren rose, scooping him up with ease. He walked back into the house, intent on getting the kid to bed. He placed a hand on Kota’s doorknob when a door creaked behind him.

He turned to see Mandalay, silhouetted in the hallway, her expression soft with concern.

“Are you two okay?” she asked quietly.

Eren nodded, glancing down at the boy in his arms. “Yeah. We’re okay.”

A gentle smile crossed her face. “There’s a futon under his bed. Sleep well.”

Eren nodded again and stepped into the room. He tucked Kota under his blankets, then pulled out the futon and made up the bed for himself on the floor. Their heart-to-heart staved off his panic attack, but he didn’t want to risk getting pulled under again.

This time, when sleep found him… it brought better dreams.

Dreams of his family— both the one he’d lost and the one he was building now.

___ . ___ . ___ . ___ . ___ 

Day two of Eren’s internship went by much more smoothly. The Pussycats began teaching him about rescue heroics, how they operated, and their role in larger operations. During their lesson, Eren noticed Kota out of the corner of his eye, hiding in the back of the room, quietly paying close attention to everything the Pussycats said.

Throughout the rest of the day, Eren could sense his little shadow tagging along. Whether they were running drills or practicing rescue maneuvers, Kota was always nearby, watching him.

Later that evening, after the day's work was finished, Eren was gliding through the trees, practicing ODM maneuvers, and just enjoying the rush. When he noticed Kota step out from behind a tree trunk, his eyes tracked Eren’s every movement. Eren smirked and made a wide arc before landing right behind the kid.

“GAH! Don’t do that!” Kota shrieked, whipping around in alarm.

“Sorry! I couldn’t help it,” Eren said with a laugh. “What’s up?”

“I was just… watching your gear,” Kota muttered, ears turning pink. “It’s kinda cool.”

Eren crouched down so they were at eye level.

“Wanna go for a swing?”

Kota’s eyes widened. “You mean it?!” Then his excitement dimmed slightly. “— Is it safe?”

Eren tilted his hand back and forth. “Eh… fifty-fifty.”

Kota’s jaw dropped, but Eren burst out laughing.

“I’m kidding! I’ve been training with this gear for years. You’re safe with me!” He swiftly helped the kid onto his back and used some capture tape he kept with him to secure him in place.

The next thirty minutes rushed by in a flurry of whoops and cheers from them both as they flew through the forest. Eren started out slow and steady, but gradually sped up, added flips and tricks, which drew delighted screams from Kota. His joy was infectious.

By the time they landed, both of them were breathless and grinning from ear to ear.

“Well?” Eren asked, raising a brow.

“I… I guess it was okay,” Kota tried to say nonchalantly, his massive grin giving him away.

___ . ___ . ___ . ___ . ___ 

It was mid-afternoon on Eren’s third day of training with the Pussycats. They were focusing on evasion. The four rescue heroes stood atop a cliff while Pixie-Bob used her quirk to create massive boulders of earth, sending them careening down toward him. Eren dodged, dove, and occasionally caught them, working on both mobility and stamina. The boulders would rain down in bursts, followed by short, unpredictable pauses to keep him on his toes.

They’d been at it for over an hour now. Eren was resting after the most recent volley, his deep breaths rumbling like distant thunder. One of his goals for this session was to prevent his healing from blocking his fatigue; they wanted to get a good basis for his true stamina levels.

Leaning against the cliffside, Eren let out a heavy exhale. He was beginning to hit his limit. If he stopped soon, he should have the energy for another full transformation after lunch. As he waited, his mind drifted to his old endurance training— how brutal and dehumanizing it had been. Compared to that, this was a blessing. This training actually seemed like it was for his benefit, not to mention that the Pussycats actually treat him like a real person.

He really felt like he was bonding with all of them.

With a grunt, he pushed himself away from the wall and stretched his arms in preparation for the next volley. That’s when he heard a familiar voice.

“Eren!” Kota’s shout rang across the clearing as he came sprinting in. “I wanna show you something!”

Eren’s eyes widened as he heard the telltale rumble of shifting earth, more boulders rapidly began raining down. The Pussycats hadn’t realized Kota was in the way. The kid stopped running when he heard the noise, his eyes turning upward in horror.

Eren started sprinting towards Kota, desperate to save the boy. Time seemed to slow as the boulders inched closer and closer. Eren didn’t know what to do. There were too many for him to push Kota out of the way. Too many to block. 

He didn’t have enough time.

In a last-ditch effort, he threw himself over Kota, using his own body to shield the boy. The boulders came crashing down on top of them. Kicking up a thick cloud of dust and debris, swallowing the titan whole.

___ . ___ . ___ . ___ . ___ 

Eren came to with a gasp.

He was… still inside the titan, but something was wrong. He couldn’t move. It was almost as if he were frozen, unable to release himself like normal. Panic began to rise in his chest as he desperately tried to free himself from this flesh prison. He could hear voices around him, muffled and frantic. Vibrations from above told him they were trying to free him.

He forced himself to calm down… he needed to focus. He exhaled slowly in through the nose and out through the mouth. Continuing the repetitive motion until the surface above him softened little by little until he was able to break through the barrier.

He gasped again as he emerged, staring up into a circle of worried faces. The Pussycats were surrounding him. So was Kota, who had fat tears streaking down his dirt-covered cheeks.

Eren glanced down… and froze.

The titan’s body beneath him was no longer flesh. It had transformed into something else… something solid, crystalline, and shimmering in a faint blue. The same shimmer he’d seen on his hands during the Sports Festival.

So that’s what it was.

Tiger reached down and helped pull him free. Eren could barely stand. He was beyond exhausted… so much for conserving his energy.

“Eren!” Mandalay called out, seeing the dazed look on his face. “Are you alright?”

He managed a nod, too drained to speak.

“I’m so sorry!” Pixie-Bob cried, flinging her arms around him. “I didn’t know Kota was down there… I panicked, and I couldn’t stop the boulders in time!”

“You’re not the only one at fault, Ryuko,” Ragdoll said, gently. “I should’ve kept better track of Kota with my quirk.” She turned toward Mandalay, her voice full of guilt. “I’m sorry.”

“All that matters is that everyone is safe,” Mandalay said, pulling them all into a group hug.

Kota burst into tears and clung to Eren. “Thank you!” he sobbed.

___ . ___ . ___ . ___ . ___ 

After the chaos of the incident, they helped Eren back to the house. He slept the rest of the day in short, restless bursts as his energy slowly returned. But his thoughts never left what had happened.

That strange new ability— he hadn’t even meant to use it. But somehow, he’d turned the titan’s flesh into a shield of sorts. A crystalline barrier that had protected Kota from a fatal impact. This ability reminded him of Kirishima’s quirk. And considering his fight with Shiozaki, he could probably concentrate this ‘hardening’ onto certain parts of his body… both titan and human.

That was a whole new layer to his power.

Something worth exploring.

And with a few days left in his internship, Eren intended to dig as deep as he could.

___ . ___ . ___ . ___ . ___ 

They were well into the fourth day of Eren’s internship, and today was all about sparring.

At the moment, Eren was going toe-to-toe with Tiger, who, despite his bulky frame was surprisingly agile. He dodged and weaved around Eren’s attacks with fluid ease, never staying in one place long enough to be hit. And even when Eren did land a blow, it hardly seemed to faze him.

He was also trying—unsuccessfully—to get his hardening to appear on his fists again.

No luck.

They’d been at it for a few hours now, a comforting exhaustion starting to settle into Eren’s limbs. He moved to dodge Tiger’s next punch—

Riiing!

The sudden sound of Mandalay’s phone caught Eren off guard… and Tiger’s fist caught him square in the chest, sending him flying back into the dirt.

Eren groaned from where he lay sprawled on the ground, dazed, as Tiger bounded over with a grin and extended a hand.

“You alright, kit?” he asked. “That was quite the hit.”

Eren groaned, rubbing his chest. “Just wasn’t expecting it. But I’ll live.”

He took Tiger’s hand and let himself be hauled to his feet, brushing the dirt off his pants just as Mandalay returned— her expression serious.

“Bad news,” she said grimly. “Hosu’s under attack.”

Eren froze. Hosu? That’s where Iida went for his internship.

“A bunch of monsters are wreaking havoc across the city,” Mandalay continued. “They appear to be some kind of experiments, with exposed brains and multiple quirks.”

Eren’s eyes widened.

Nomu.

“Heroes have made contact, but rescue operations need to be started ASAP— and we’ve been asked to assist.” She looked directly at Eren. “I want you to come with us.”

Eren blinked. “You… want me to come?”

“It’ll be a good opportunity to put what you’ve learned into practice.”

A real mission. An actual deployment. It was like a switch flipped inside him. The soldier buried deep within him was resurfacing, not as a weapon, but as a protector. Another expedition. Another chance to serve.

His spine straightened.

“Let’s do it,” he said, voice steady and certain.

Mandalay gave a firm nod before turning to the rest of the team. “Alright, Cats! Suit up! I want everyone in the car in five. I’ll tell Kota to get back to the house. Let’s move!”

They snapped into action immediately, changing into their costumes with practiced ease.

As Eren left his room, gear slung across his shoulders, he spotted Kota peeking out from behind his door. Their eyes met.

“Please don’t die,” Kota whispered, desperation bleeding into his voice.

Eren’s heart twisted. He crouched down and pulled the boy into a firm hug.

“You’re not getting rid of me that easily,” he whispered back with a soft smile.

Then he rose and headed for the door, climbing into the back of the Pussycats’ car as they all piled in around him. He took a deep breath, eyes fixed on the road ahead.

This was really happening.

He was going to be a rescue hero.

Notes:

Woohoo! We’ve got hardening baby!!!
And don’t forget the trauma, we’ve got loads of that here too!
___ . ___ . ___
Every time Eren is reminded of his friends back home, I think about the fact that he never found out that Reiner, Annie, and Burrito were traitors. At least he got to keep that much of his innocence. ʅ ( ․ ⤙ ․) ʃ
___ . ___ . ___
We are also going to assume that the Pussycats forest is close enough to Hosu…
___ . ___ . ___
Feel free to leave any speculations, comments, or questions you have!

Chapter 27: The Hosu Incident

Summary:

Iida interns with Manuel in Hosu. Why can’t he get Eren’s words out of his head… and who set Hosu on fire?!?

Notes:

Major thanks to Good_Idea for making a TV Tropes for this fic!!!

Without further ado! Let’s get into the chapter!!!

Iida felt like he was just going through the motions.

Interning with Manuel was… interesting, so to say. He was learning more about the nuances of hero work, patrols, paperwork, day-to-day operations… but no matter what he was doing, he couldn’t get Yeager’s words out of his head. His story. His grief. That burning desire for vengeance.

Iida couldn’t relate more if he tried.

He still felt the fire in his chest every time he thought of the Hero Killer. The urge to hunt him down. To make him pay for daring to hurt his brother. But the more he dwelled on it, the more he didn’t want to believe that Tensei’s career was over. His brother was an amazing hero. He could recover… find other ways to be a hero. He had to.

So in the end, Iida made the decision to not actively search for the killer. Some part of him knew he wasn’t strong enough— not yet anyway. If the Hero Killer had brought down Ingenium, what chance did he have?

He was currently on patrol with Manuel again. Walking through downtown in the early evening when chaos erupted around them.

Without much warning, flames exploded to life throughout the streets and into nearby buildings. Panic erupted as civilians fled the smoke-filled buildings. Manuel immediately turned his focus to controlling the flames with his Quirk, creating streams of water to hold back the worst of it. Civilians stumbled out of the inferno, coughing and gasping for air.

That’s when they appeared.

A horde of Nomu burst from the smoke, attacking indiscriminately. One of them barreled straight toward a woman, who was desperately trying to shield her son.

Manuel bit back a curse; he couldn’t leave the fire unattended. “Iida!” He shouted.

“I’m on it!” Iida called back, already moving. His engines flared, launching him toward the Nomu. A powerful kick knocked the creature away just in time. It crashed through a wall, picking itself up before moving on, easily distracted by something else.

Manuel looked over at him, eyes sharp. “Go get backup. There should be other heroes nearby. Make sure they know that there are Nomu attacking. I’m authorizing you to use your quirk as needed to defend yourself and others. Now go!”

Iida took off, sprinting through the chaos. He shouted warnings to every hero he passed. Out of the corner of his eye, he caught sight of Endeavor landing on the scene— unleashing a Prominence Burn that disintegrated a Nomu on contact. Relief flooded through him; these Nomu didn’t seem nearly as strong as the one from the USJ.

But just as he turned to head back toward Manuel, he heard it… a scream.

It came from a narrow alley to his right. Something about it made his blood run cold.

He knew who was in there… he could feel it.

The Hero Killer.

Iida’s breath caught. He took a step toward the alley, but stopped. A voice rang in his head. Call for backup. It sounded like Tensei. But no… those were Yeager’s words, echoing in his mind.

He clenched his fists.

There wasn’t time. Not when someone was in danger right now. If he waited, they might die. Then, he remembered that Todoroki was interning with Endeavor. At the very least, he might be able to get help.

Iida shot off a quick message to his classmate, a pin with his location and two words. Hero Killer.

Then he ran in. The alley was cloaked in shadow, the glow of the fires casting flickering light on the walls. At the far end, the Hero Killer stood over a collapsed pro, Native , his sword raised, finishing some speech about how only All Might was worthy of the title “hero.”

Without thinking, Iida launched an engine-powered kick at the villain. Stain twisted his body, sending the intruder and dodging the attack cleanly.

The teen landed in a crouch, blocking the villain’s view of Native.

“I can’t let you kill this hero!” Iida said, voice steady despite his racing heart.

Stain tilted his head, sneering. “Oh? Is that what you’re here for? Not revenge ?”

Iida flinched. How did he know?

“I’d recognize that armor and those engines anywhere,” the Hero Killer said. “Little Ingenium. Seeking vengeance… That’s not the path of a true hero.”

“I won’t lie,” Iida said, squaring his shoulders. “I do want revenge; I will never forgive your transgressions towards my brother. But more than that, I don’t want anyone to let anyone else die by your hands.”

Stain’s eyes narrowed. “That was your last warning.”

He charged.

Iida barely dodged the first strike, engines roaring to give him a boost. But Stain was fast . Too fast. His blade caught Iida’s arm— slicing through his upper bicep. Blood began pouring out, painting the pavement red.

Iida stumbled back, clutching at his wound. Stain simply raised his blade to his mouth and licked the blood off in one clean swipe.

Iida collapsed.

His body locked up instantly. He was… paralyzed.

Stain walked toward him, his presence felt like Death incarnate. “I’d say you fought well,” he said coldly. “But I don’t like lying to children. Nevertheless, I won’t allow you to impede my mission any further.” He began raising his sword.

“Wait!” Iida gasped. “I have to know… Why did you let my brother live? No one else survived. So why him?!”

Stain paused.

“…I suppose I’ll grant you that much. Ingenium wasn’t my target that night. Like you, he simply got in the way. But he was a… decent hero. Hiring former vigilantes and helping the community indiscriminately. So I rewarded his actions by sparing his life.” He finished.

Iida’s body trembled as he tried desperately to fight Stain’s quirk. “How do you expect to reform hero society by destroying the good ones too?” he shouted, rage building with every word. “You’re a hypocrite! You say you fight for justice— but you’re just a sadistic murderer!”

Stain gave no reply. He stepped forward, and raised his sword once again.

“Goodbye, little hero.”

___ . ___ . ___ . ___ . ___ 

Midoriya sat on the bullet train next to Gran Torino, nerves buzzing under his skin. They were finally heading out on patrol. His first real patrol. He was excited and anxious, ready to test out One for All now that he’d figured out how to spread it throughout his body. Then maybe he’d be done breaking his bones.

Suddenly, a loud BANG echoed through the train.

The car lurched and screeched to a halt, throwing passengers forward. Midoriya grabbed the seat in front of him to keep upright. A massive claw tore through the metal side of their car.

Midoriya’s eyes widened in horror as a Nomu began forcing its way inside.

There were more of them?

Before the creature could fully enter, Gran Torino shot forward in a blur. With a burst of air, he delivered a powerful kick that launched the Nomu away from the train. Through the gaping hole it left behind, Midoriya caught a glimpse of the hellscape outside.

Hosu was burning. Flames roared through the streets. Screams echoed in every direction. Several Nomu could be seen rampaging through the streets. There was even one with wings that could be seen diving through the sky, swooping in and out of the smoke.

Gran Torino turned to Midoriya. His expression serious. “Stay on the train. Keep the passengers safe. I’m giving you permission to use your quirk in self-defense or to protect others. Don’t let another one of those things on board.”

Then, without another word, he leapt from the train, joining the fray.

Midoriya hesitated for a moment. He wanted to help. People were in danger.  But he clenched his fists, steeling himself. Protecting these civilians was just as important.   He began patrolling through the train, checking on passengers, calming them down, tending to a few light injuries, keeping his eyes peeled for any more Nomu.

A few minutes passed.

That’s when his phone buzzed. He got a text from Todoroki. It was just a pin, a location…

In Hosu.

Midoriya’s stomach twisted into a knot. He didn’t need any more context. Something was wrong.

Iida…

Without hesitation, Midoriya powered up One For All. Energy surged through his limbs. And he leapt off the train, launching himself toward the city, wind tearing at his face as he ran through the streets, pushing himself faster and faster.

He didn’t know what was happening yet.

But he knew he had to get there.

Fast.

___ . ___ . ___ . ___ . ___ 

Midoriya could feel his panic rising with each step he took. Chaos was all around him; he saw several heroes around him engaging with the Nomu. He wanted to stop and help. But he needed to get to his friends. He neared the location Todoroki sent him, when voices in an alley to his right caught his attention.

Without thinking, he rushed in— and froze at the scene before him. The Hero Killer stood looming over a downed Iida, about to bring down his swords.

Midoriya didn’t hesitate. He launched forward, catching Stain off guard with a powerful punch to the chest. The villain staggered back, snarling, his eyes locking on Midoriya.

“Great,” he muttered. “Another one of you hero brats.”

He took a slow step forward, toward Midoriya, a suffocating aura filling the alley. “This isn’t your fight. Leave now, and I’ll spare your life. Stay… and I will cull you as well.”

Midoriya stepped protectively in front of Iida. “I could never walk away while someone’s in danger,” he said firmly. “I won’t let you kill anyone tonight.”

Just as he prepared to charge, Iida’s voice rang out. “Midoriya! His Quirk lets him paralyze you if he tastes your blood! Don’t let him cut you!”

Midoriya nodded stiffly, not taking his eyes off Stain. Red streaks danced across his body as he activated One For All at 3%, ready to do whatever it took to take down this killer.

The two clashed in a blur, Midoriya dodging, striking, and narrowly avoiding Stain’s blades. But Stain was fast … relentless.

And eventually, Midoriya faltered. A shallow slash across his leg was all it took. He hit the ground hard, his limbs locking up.

Completely paralyzed.

The Hero Killer strode toward him.“You risked your life for these two,” Stain said coldly. “You may have the makings of a true hero yet. So I will spare your life tonight.” He pointed his blade at Native and Iida. “But this filth still pollutes our world. I won’t let my mission be compromised.”

He took several steps towards Native.

FWOOOM!

A wall of fire erupted between him and his prey.

Stain whipped around, snarling, only to see another student standing at the alley’s entrance. Todoroki was already running towards his classmates. Stain lunged— only to be stopped by an even greater blaze.

Endeavor stepped into the alley, eyes glowing with fury as he spotted the Hero Killer. Without hesitation, he began powering up another Prominence Burn .

Midoriya’s eyes widened in horror. He was going to burn the whole alley!

“Wait—no!!” he tried to cry out, but his body still wouldn’t move.

Todoroki skidded to his side, grabbing Midoriya and dragging him toward Iida and Native. Without missing a beat, he slammed his hand to the ground, creating a massive dome of ice around them just as the inferno erupted.

The flames roared .

For thirty agonizing seconds, Todoroki pumped ice into the dome, sweat dripping from his brow as heat lashed against his barrier. Eventually, the fire faded, and Todoroki let the dome collapse.

The alley was scorched, soot streaking up the walls. Then they saw the Hero Killer… or what remained of him. His body was barely recognizable. Midoriya turned his head away, bile rising in his throat at the gruesome sight. He realized with a start that he could move again. He forced himself up, ignoring the ache in his leg as he moved to help Iida and Native. 

Todoroki turned a blazing glare on his father. “What the hell was that?! ” he snapped. “I brought you with me to help take down Stain — not all of us! ”

Endeavor didn’t even flinch. He walked further into the alley, effortlessly swinging Native over one shoulder. “The Hero Killer was too dangerous,” he said flatly. “He needed to be eliminated; It was a necessary judgment call. You’ll understand one day.”

Todoroki said nothing.

But his glare didn’t waver.

As they reached the street, Endeavor dropped Native onto a gurney and gave a brief statement to a police officer. Reporters crowded nearby, capturing every second of his so-called glorious takedown .

Midoriya moved to lay Iida down on a second gurney. Moments later, a crash sounded from above them. Before any of them could even look up, the winged Nomu dove down, sinking its claws into Midoriya’s shoulder.

“ MIDORIYA! ” Todoroki shouted— but it was too late.

The Nomu took off, dragging Midoriya into the sky, his screams echoing through the city.

Notes:

It begins!!! ٩(^ᗜ^ )و
Did I subvert anyone's expectations? Were you expecting Eren to swoop in and save the day?!? Well, he’s a bit preoccupied at the moment…
___ . ___ . ___
Stay tuned for the next chapter to see what role the Pussycats are going to play in this mess~
___ . ___ . ___
Feel free to leave any speculations, comments, or questions you have!

Chapter 28: Cats to the Rescue

Summary:

The Pussycats and Horizon arrived on scene.

The Pussycats' car screeched through the streets of Hosu as chaos reigned around them. Flames crackled and sirens wailed as other heroes could be seen fighting Nomu and assisting in rescue efforts. The moment the vehicle skidded to a stop, the team leapt out, eyes scanning the burning skyline. Mandalay’s voice cut through the noise like a whip, grabbing their attention.

“Alright, Cats, here’s the plan! Ragdoll, use your Quirk to locate anyone in immediate danger and relay the info to our comms. The rest of us will fan out and do damage control. And remember, other heroes are handling the Nomu. Our top priority is civilian rescue. Let’s go!”

Without hesitation, the team broke formation, fanning through the city. Ragdoll called out locations over the comms, and Mandalay relayed individual orders to the other members as needed. They cleared debris, directed fleeing civilians, and worked fast to minimize damage from the fires. Several buildings had begun crumbling, so the team switched their focus to evacuation. 

___ . ___ . ___ . ___ . ___ 

Eren and Tiger were currently taking on a burning apartment complex that Ragdoll reported still had several people inside. Eren launched himself up to the top using his ODM gear and was working his way down, while Tiger worked bottom up.

Eren moved through the floor that Ragdoll said had someone in it. He kicked open a door at the end of the hall, only to be greeted by a thick sheet of smoke. After a moment, he turned to move on when he heard a faint cough.

He spun around, heart racing. “Hello? Is there anyone here?”

No answer.

Then another cough, softer this time. He pushed deeper into the apartment, tearing through the debris blocking the burning hallway. He grit his teeth as the flames licked at his skin. In the far corner of a scorched bedroom, he found her— a small girl curled into herself, tears streaking through the ash on her face as she choked on smoke.

“Hey,” Eren said gently as he rushed to kneel beside her. “It’s okay. I’ve got you.”

She looked up at him with wide eyes, reaching her arms out to him. He scooped her up immediately, using his body to shield as best as he could. He turned to leave— only for a flaming beam to come crashing down, sealing off the exit.

Eren swore under his breath and hit his comm.

“Ragdoll. I found a child on the top floor. Are there any more civilians up here?”

There was a pause, then she responded, “Negative. The rest were near the bottom. Tiger’s evacuating them now. Get out of there now.”

Without hesitation, Eren sprinted to the window. Cradling the girl tightly in one arm, he broke through the glass with the blunt end of his blade before leaping from the building. 

The girl screamed as they fell, clinging to his shoulders, but Eren fired his hooks into an adjacent building, safely lowering them both to the ground. He landed near Tiger’s group.

A woman broke from the crowd with a cry.

“Nene!”

The girl immediately squirmed in Eren’s arms. He set her down just in time for her mother to sweep her up, peppering her face with kisses as she sobbed in relief. She then turned towards Eren and threw her arms around him, hugging him fiercely. Her tears soaking his shoulder.

“Thank you,” she whispered. “You saved her.”

Before he could reply, she rejoined the evacuees, whom Tiger was now leading to safety.

Eren stood frozen for a second, watching them disappear towards safety. He did that, it was thanks to him that that girl would get to grow up/

He had saved her.

Tiger’s voice crackled in his ear. “That was the last building in need of evac. Horizon! Head further downtown. Run surveillance and report back on the state of the attack. Assist anyone in need of rescue that you find.”

Eren blinked, shaking himself out of the daze. “Roger that.”

He launched his hooks into the nearest building, a blast of compressed gas carrying him back into the smoke-choked sky.

___ . ___ . ___ . ___ . ___ 

Eren soared through Hosu, grappling between buildings. Mandalay and Ragdoll kept the orders flowing, directing him towards where he was needed: pull someone from rubble, guide a family through smoke, kick in a door to save a trapped resident.

Off to the side, he spotted Endeavor locked in battle with a Nomu. His flames giving him the upper hand in the fight. Eren noticed one thing— the Nomu wasn’t healing. Not like the one at the USJ did. These ones must be weaker.

He was about to swing away— continue his mission, when he saw Endeavor’s head whip to the side, attention snagged by a distant shout. His eyes lit up, and without hesitation, he abandoned his fight and shot off to another section of the city.

Eren was stunned…

He left?!

How could the pro just leave?! Leave a dangerous, still alive, monster to continue its rampage!

Eren didn’t hesitate. Changing course, he zipped toward the creature, both blades drawn. With a sharp burst of gas, he closed the distance, hooking onto its thick hide. Twisting mid-air, he slashed across the nape with practiced ease. The Nomu crumpled, its neck nearly severed.

It lay on the ground… still twitching.

Eren grimaced. Not enough.

He drove his blades straight into its exposed brain. The Nomu stilled instantly. Seemed like a bit of a design flaw to leave their weak points exposed like that…

He sheathed his blades and kept moving. The fight wasn’t over yet.

___ . ___ . ___ . ___ . ___ 

As he continued swinging through the city, he heard a loud crash from below. Before he could investigate, another Nomu shot into the air directly in front of him, a thrashing boy clutched in its grasp.

Eren did a double-take…

Midoriya?!?

Eren sprang into action, he reoriented his body with a flip, and grappled onto the flying beast. The Nomu screeched in pain and began to struggle from the extra weight. Eren quickly reeled himself towards the monster.

Midoriya’s shocked expression met him. “Eren?!”

A small grin spread across Eren’s face. “Surprised to see me?” he said, before slicing through both of the Nomu’s feet, sending Midoriya careening through the sky as he fell towards the ground. A scream tearing from his lips.

Eren cupped his hands around his mouth and shouted with everything he had.

“TODOROKI! CATCH!!!”

Below, Todoroki immediately threw up a massive ice ramp, catching Midoriya mid-fall and guiding him safely back to the ground.

Eren let out a breath of relief. Then he turned his attention back to the still thrashing Nomu, which had begun rising higher and higher, carrying him further away from the others.

“Your turn, ugly.”

He pulled himself up higher and slashed at its wings. The beast plummeted, thrashing violently. Eren kicked off its back and softened his own landing with a gas burst, hitting the ground hard but upright as the Nomu crunched into the ground next to him.

They’d landed near the bullet train line— he could see the raised tracks above, the long rails stretching out across the sky. The Nomu was already getting back up, dazed but not down.

Persistent bastard…

Eren engaged again, ducking and weaving, trying to land a clean blow to the brain. But this one was faster—smarter. It kept its head guarded, lashing out with powerful blows. It slammed its fists into the ground, cracking the pavement, throwing debris everywhere. It lurched to the side to avoid one of Eren’s attacks, slamming into one of the concrete pillars, small fractures spreading up the structure. The Nomu’s attention shifted

“No…” Eren breathed.

The creature began beating on the support pillars. Leaping around, faster than Eren could keep up with. The cracks began to grow, debris started raining down as the steel groaned above.

And then—

Eren felt a rumbling… saw the remains of the pillars quaking from the vibrations.

The train was coming.

Eren’s blood ran cold. The train had been running as a part of the evacuation effort, bringing civilians to a neighboring town… and it was heading straight for the unsupported part of the tracks. They would collapse from the weight.

There was no time.

He launched at the Nomu one final time while it was distracted. With one clean slice, he decapitated the thing, followed by a hard stab through the brain. The monster slumped.

But the damage was done. The pillars were collapsing. The tracks trembled as the train got ever closer.

What could be do?!

An idea came to mind… it was a long shot, but it was all he could think of.

Eren took a deep breath, raised his hand to his mouth—

And transformed.

A shockwave tore through the street. Dust blasted outward as the titan rose, pushing up from the ground and throwing its arms wide. Eren jammed his shoulders into the track, holding it up as best he could.

It wasn’t enough.

The steel groaned above him, dipping under its own weight. Eren gritted his teeth and recalled his training with the Pussycats. Focus. Feel.

The weight. The pressure. The vibrations. The burning strain in his muscles.

Hold it. Harden it. HOLD. IT.

Eren took one last breath—and locked everything in place, tensing all of his muscles.

The world went still.

Just like last time, his consciousness returned to his real body, trapped inside a crystalline shell. He gave a small, strained smile… he did it.

With deep, controlled breaths, he slowly softened the nape above him and pulled himself free. The indestructible husk of a titan stayed behind.

Eren fired his ODM gear up to the tracks above and reeled himself up.

The train had attempted to stop, sensing the unstable tracks. Only managing to stop most of the way across the new titan supports. Eren pried open the conductor’s door.

“You okay?” he asked, breathless.

The conductor stared, stunned. “We’re okay… thanks to you! But you—are you alright?! What was that?!”

Eren wobbled a bit as the fatigue hit. “I’m fine. Just… my quirk. You should keep the train moving. Those new supports aren’t going anywhere… but let’s not tempt fate.”

The conductor nodded rapidly. “Right! Got it!”

As Eren turned to leave, the man called out, “What’s your name, kid?”

Eren paused. Turned back. An exhausted grin tugged at his lips.

“You can call me Horizon. The Freedom Hero.”

He gave a lazy salute— then fell backward off the train.

The conductor rushed forward in alarm, only to see Eren swing away into the smoke, disappearing back into the chaos.

Behind him stood a monument.

A crystallized titan, kneeling beneath the tracks in a perfect Atlas pose, holding up the train as if it were the sky itself. More hardened beams had risen around it, wrapping around the pillars and holding everything together.

Once he was a few hundred meters away, Mandalay’s voice crackled in Eren’s earpiece.

“Eren! Are you okay?!”

“Fine,” he answered, panting. “Just tired. Where are you guys? I can head that way.”

“No need,” she replied. “The attack’s over. Evacuations are complete. Emergency services are moving in to finish putting out the fires. I heard you had a run-in with some Nomu?” She asked.

There was a pause before she continued.

“I want you to go to Hosu General Hospital. Get yourself checked out. We’ll meet you there.”

Eren opened his mouth to argue, but Mandalay wasn’t finished.

“Don’t even try to argue, that is a direct order.”

He sighed. “Copy that.”

___ . ___ . ___ . ___ . ___ 

The hospital was nearby. It only took him a few minutes to reach it. He landed just outside and limped through the doors, his adrenaline rapidly fading. All of his injuries and exhaustion catching up to him at once.

He made a beeline for the first chair he saw and gingerly sat down. He could see faint wisps of steam begin to emit from his injuries. His body finally being able to devote the rest of his energy towards healing.

Before anyone could approach him, he slumped forward in his chair…

Already passed out.

The day had taken a lot from him.

But he'd done it.

He’d been a hero.

Notes:

Soooo… what do you think?!? I’ve had that train scene in my head for DAYS now!!!
I hope my drawing did it justice to the image I see in my mind. =͟͟͞͞(꒪ᗜ꒪‧̣̥̇)
___ . ___ . ___
I just LOVE rescue hero Eren! I feel like it's an idea that wouldn’t be commonly explored, but both the titan and his mobility gear would be great for rescue.
But don’t worry, we’ll still get to see Eren kick some ass!
___ . ___ . ___
Feel free to leave any speculations, comments, or questions you have!

Chapter 29: End of an Internship

Summary:

With the chaos of the Hosu incident behind them, how will the rest of Eren’s internship wrap up?

Eren slowly drifted back into consciousness, glaring up at the bright fluorescent lights above him. One glance around the room told him everything he needed to know. He was in a hospital room… again.

This was happening way too often.

He groaned and let his head fall back against his pillow as he considered the events of the night before, lugging debris, running headfirst into burning buildings, fighting multiple Nomu, and using his hardening to save that train…

Yeah. In hindsight, this level of exhaustion was pretty much inevitable.

He reached for his phone on the bedside table and shot off a quick text to the group chat he had with the Pussycats.

___ . ___ . ___

The Colony

Lynx: I lived bitch

Lioness: Oh thank goodness!

Ocelot: Stop scaring us like that!

Lynx: ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Panther: HA! OUR KIT WON’T BE TAKEN DOWN SO EASILY!”

Couger: We’re on our way to your room now, hang tight.

Lynx: “∠(^ー^)

Lioness: … I regret letting Kota teach you about koamojis…

Lynx: ˙◠˙

___ . ___ . ___

He chuckled as he put his phone away. Little did they know, Hitoshi had long since taught him the ways of the kaomoji. That guy was chronically online. He practically communicated exclusively in cat memes. Eren stretched, feeling his stiff joints pop. He needed to figure out how to use his hardening on a smaller scale so he could add it to his stamina training. A move like this is no good if it would just take him out of commission right after.

A few minutes later, the door to his room burst open and a gaggle of cats filed in. Pixie-Bob yanked Eren into a tight hug. He succumbed to her fussing for a minute longer before pushing her off of him.

“I’m fine.” He reassured, “I didn’t even get that injured, just used too much energy.” Mandalay stepped closer to him, grabbing onto his shoulders and looking him in the eye.

“We understand that, but you can’t keep pushing yourself to the brink of quirk exhaustion. Especially with new abilities you don’t fully understand.” She said firmly before adding, “None of us want to see you get hurt.”

Eren stiffened in her hold. In that moment, Mandalay reminded him of someone, but he couldn’t quite put his finger on who.

Ragdoll chimed in, “You mean a lot to all of us! You’re one of a kind, kit!’

Tiger's booming agreement made Eren chuckle. He still wasn’t used to having people, other than Mikasa or Armin, actually care for his wellbeing. In the military, they were all expected to dedicate their hearts, and often their lives, to the cause. And after his powers appeared, it was all but demanded of him.

But things were—different here. Hitoshi, Aizawa, Yamada, his classmates, and now the Pussycats. They all cared for him, expected him to put his own safety first. It was… really nice.

“I’m sorry,” his voice wavered a bit, “I’ll be more careful in the future. I don’t want to worry you.”

Mandalay smiled genuinely before pulling him forward, wrapping him in a comforting hug. He quickly felt both Ragdoll and Pixie-Bob join the hug, before Tiger’s massive arms came wrapping around all of them, robbing them all of the air in their lungs. After a moment, he released, making them all gasp for breath before laughing at the absurdity of the situation.

With the mood lifted, Mandalay moved on to the debrief from last night's attack.

“Thanks to the efforts of all the heroes last night. Injuries and casualties are few and far between. There was the most property damage of anything. Once cleanup is finished, construction efforts will begin. Hopefully, people will be able to return to their homes soon.” She said before turning her attention to Eren.

“Eren, you did a great job last night. Your assistance was imperative. You helped us save many more lives than we would have been able to otherwise. I do wish you didn’t have to engage with those Nomu, but you handled the situation well. Good work Horizon.” Mandalay praised.

Eren beamed at her words. “Thank you, but there were things I know I could have done better. I should have acted faster with the winged Nomu, stopped it before it could do that much damage. I will do my best not to repeat those mistakes.” He finished seriously.

Ragdoll was quick to comfort him, “Oh, don’t be too hard on yourself. You’re still learning after all. You’re bound to make mistakes here and there.” 

Eren held back a wince as he tried not to let his thoughts get swept back to the military. Where he had finished training.  He wasn’t supposed to make these mistakes anymore—

“In any case, we’ll just have to use the last couple of days of your internship to push you even harder. Cram as much knowledge into that little head of yours!” Tiger boomed, pulling Eren out of his self-depricating thoughts. 

He was glad that he still had time to train with the Pussycats; he had a better idea of how to activate his hardening now, and with their help, he could make some major progress.

“We all gave our statements to the police last night, so all that’s left to do is give yours. Then we can get you discharged and head back to the Forest.” Mandalay relayed. “The officer should be here any minute, so we’ll just hang tight.”

Eren’s mind wandered back to the night before, when he suddenly remembered—

“Midoriya!” He said out loud, earning glances from the cats. He grinned sheepishly before clarifying, “I just remembered that several of my classmates were in Hosu last night. I freed one of them from that flying Nomu… Do you think they’re in this hospital too?” He asked.

“I don’t doubt it,” Mandalay said

“Could I go visit them? Just to make sure they’re okay.” Eren asked.

Before Mandalay could respond, a knock sounded on the door. “That must be the officer. You can swing by after you finish here. Okay?” She said.

“Okay,” Eren replied, his voice dying out when the officer walked in, who had the face… of a dog?

Eren sighed. Quirks are weird.

“Hello, Mr. Yeager,” The dog-man spoke, “My name is Officer Tsuragamae. I am the chief of police for the city of Hosu. Would you mind giving me a rundown of last night's events?” He asked.  

Eren began his debrief, going over everything that happened last night. The Pussycats interjected as needed, verifying his story. The officer listened intently, taking notes and asking questions occasionally.

Once Eren started explaining his run-ins with the Nomus, the Pussycats began listening more closely, not having been told exactly what happened. Their faces twisted in rage when Eren angrily told the officer how Endeavor had just abandoned his fight with the Nomu, leaving Eren to take it down alone.

After Eren finished explaining his fight with the winged Nomu, the officer interrupted.

“I’d like to touch on this part a bit more.” He started, “What exactly is this ‘hardening’ of yours? The registry lists your quirk as ‘titan’, a transformation type that allows you to turn into a 15-meter humanoid with increased healing abilities, woof. Why wasn’t this part included?” He asked, ears twitching.

“Oh— um, it’s kind of a new development,” Eren said. “It first appeared during the Sports Festival, and part of my internship with the Pussycats was figuring out what it was and how to use it.”

Ragdoll interjected, “So far, he’s only been able to use it fully twice, both times under high stress situations. We’re hoping to work on his control during the rest of his internship.” She said.

“Ah, I understand. On another note, we brought someone to the train site this morning. Their quirk allows them to analyze and identify the composition of anything they touch; They said that this ‘hardening’ was unlike any material they’d ever seen. They were quite fascinated by it, woof. By all accounts, it appears to be comprised of an element that doesn’t currently exist. We couldn’t even chip off a sample…” He trailed off.

Eren rubbed the back of his head nervously, “I’m not too sure myself, as far as I know, the material seems to be practically indestructible by traditional means, but I should be able to remove it if you need me to.” 

The officer scratched his head as he contemplated the situation. “For now, I think we’ll leave it up, woof. It might provide better support than anything else we could do. Could I contact you later if we need it removed?” He asked.

“Sure,” Eren replied, “Just contact Nezu, that would be the best way to get through to me. Is there anything else you need from me?” He asked, anxious to check on his friends and get out of here.

“I don’t think so. On behalf of the city of Hosu, I want to express our thanks. You did a lot of good last night. We’re all expecting great things out of you, young man, woof.” The officer said as he stood to leave.

Eren smiled at his words.

___ . ___ . ___ . ___ . ___

Eren rushed through the hallways of Hosu General. As soon as the officer left, he’d jumped up, determined to find Midoriya’s room—only to realize, halfway up the stairs, that he had no idea where that was.

Thankfully, Mandalay thought ahead and projected the room number into his mind using her quirk. He quickly changed course and found the right door. Cracking it open as he knocked, he peeked inside, and three heads instantly snapped toward him.

“Am I interrupting anything?” he asked.

“Eren!” Midoriya called, relief flooding his face. “I’m so glad you’re okay!”

Eren stepped further into the room, smiling. “Yeah, I’m fine. I was more worried about you ; that thing had a pretty tight grip.” He paused. “Oh—sorry for, uh… dropping you, by the way.” He chuckled nervously.

Midoriya threw his hands up quickly. “Oh! Don’t worry about it. No harm, no foul!”

Eren let out a small sigh of relief before turning toward another bed.

“So, Iida. Considering that you’re here now, I’m guessing you did find the Hero Killer. And since you’re… alive, I’m hoping that means you took my advice?”

Iida stilled at that, shame flickering across his face. “I… suppose I owe you—of all people—an explanation,” he admitted. “I did find Stain. I wasn’t actively looking, but… yes. I found him.”

He launched into the full story, Midoriya and Todoroki chiming in to help fill in the details. When they finished, all three turned to Eren, watching his expression closely.

Eren stayed quiet for a moment, processing what he’d just heard.

“Wow,” he finally said. “I’m really sorry you guys went through all that. I wish I could’ve been there to help. Maybe you wouldn’t be so injured right now.”

He looked down, guilt clouding his face.

Iida was quick to speak. “No! Please, don’t blame yourself,” he said firmly. “You tried to stop me. It was your words that made me hesitate… that made me text Todoroki for backup. I likely wouldn’t be alive if it weren’t for you. So… thank you.”

He bowed from his hospital bed as best he could, the gesture sincere.

Eren blinked, caught off guard by the gratitude. “I—uh… you’re welcome,” he muttered, scratching the back of his head.

At their insistence, Eren told them about his night, his rescue work, the Nomus, the collapsing train track. The others listened in wide-eyed silence.

When he finished, Todoroki spoke. “And I thought we had a big night.”

The others chuckled at his deadpan delivery.

“I guess it was eventful all around,” Midoriya said with a wry grin.

The conversation shifted into lighter territory as the boys swapped stories from their internships. After a few minutes, Eren’s phone buzzed with a message from Mandalay.

“Sorry, but I’ve gotta go. The Pussycats are getting ready to leave. I’ll see you guys in a few days.” He said as he stood. Their goodbyes trailed after him as he left the room and made his way to the lobby, where the Pussycats were already finishing up his discharge paperwork.

He could finally leave!

___ . ___ . ___ . ___ . ___

After returning to Beast’s Forest, Eren and the Pussycats wasted no time getting back to work, determined to squeeze every bit of progress out of their remaining days together.

Their main focus was refining Eren’s hardening ability. Now that he could trigger it intentionally, he’d started using it in smaller, more focused ways instead of across his entire body. He learned to harden his fists for some extra punch while fighting, as well as reinforce certain areas on his body, like his nape. He was also getting better at softening the material and freeing himself when he was done.

Progress was much slower when it came to hardening outside of his titan form. Occasionally, a faint shimmer would flicker over his skin, but no crystal would follow. Still, the Pussycats were hopeful it would develop with time.

His stamina, on the other hand, was improving by leaps and bounds. Practicing smaller bursts of hardening helped him conserve energy and made him more aware of how much he was using at any given time.

At this rate, his days of collapsing from exhaustion might actually be behind him.

___ . ___ . ___ . ___ . ___

It was Eren’s last morning.

The Pussycats and Kota all crowded into the car to see him off at the train station. Kota sat beside Eren, pressed as tightly to his side as he could get. He was unusually quiet. Ever since Eren had returned from Hosu, the boy had practically become a stage-five clinger.

He spent nearly every waking moment with Eren, following him around and cheering him on while he trained. He’d even revealed his super secret base up on one of the cliffsides. Kota especially found joy in introducing Eren to all of his favorite video games.

The past few nights had seen the boys staying up into the late hours of the evening, playing video games. Kota cackling with joy as he destroyed Eren at Mario Kart over and over again. The older boy discovered a new type of rage. The rage caused only by a blue shell…

From the driver’s seat, Mandalay smiled to herself. She hadn’t seen Kota this happy since his parents died. Eren was… really good for him. She glanced at her nephew through the rearview mirror to see Kota practically trying to meld into Eren’s side. Her smile dimmed slightly at the thought of how hard this goodbye would be.

Mandalay's thoughts drifted to Nezu’s offer. They’d all taken to teaching better than they expected; this might be a good chance to impart their wisdom on the next generation of heroes. She projected her thoughts of the subject to the rest of the cats, to which they all gave nearly imperceptible nods of agreement. Her smile returned; it was settled.

When they pulled into the station, everyone climbed out of the car. Before Eren could do anything, he was pulled into a massive group hug. He could hear Pixie-Bob sniffling as she squeezed him tight.

When they finally pulled away, Eren looked down to see a pair of small arms still wrapped around his legs.

Kota was hugging him tightly, face buried against Eren’s knees.

Eren crouched down and gently pried the kid off. “Hey, what’s with the crocodile tears?”

“I’m not crying!” Kota huffed, wiping his eyes furiously. “I just—got something in my eye!”

Eren gave him a mock-sympathetic look. “Is it sadness ?”

Kota glared at him. “You’re the worst!” he snapped, punching Eren in the chest.

Eren clutched his heart dramatically, swaying like he’d been mortally wounded. “Oof! Right in the feels!”

Before he could fall over, he grabbed Kota and dragged him down with him. The boy shrieked with laughter, squirming in his arms.

“Let me goooo! ”

“Now why would I do that?” Eren grinned. “I need one last good hug before I go.” He wrapped his arms tighter. “I’m gonna miss you, y’know?”

Kota stopped struggling and turned to bury his face into Eren’s shoulder, succumbing to the hug.

“I know,” he muttered, voice cracking. “I’m gonna miss you too.”

Eren rubbed the boy’s back. “But hey, this isn’t goodbye.”

Kota pulled back, confusion swirling in his eyes.

“It’s just see you later. I’ll be sure to visit whenever I can. My summer break isn’t that far off. Maybe I can even convince Aizawa to let me bring my brother next time.” He missed the sly smirks the Pussycats traded behind him.

“And until then, we can write letters. Call. Heck, I even think some of your games can be played online—so if we keep practicing, I might even beat you one day.”

Kota gave a small smile and nodded, stepping aside to let Eren stand up. A chime rang overhead, letting them know that his train was arriving in one minute.

Eren moved to grab his things, but a hand on his shoulder stopped him.

It was Mandalay.

She pulled him into one last hug.

“I’m so glad you decided to intern with us,” she said. “You’re an amazing kid, and you’re going to be an incredible hero. But Kota’s not the only one who cares about you; we all expect you to stay in contact. You’re our kit now. So don’t forget about us, okay?”

Eren’s breathing hitched.

And in that moment, he realized who she reminded him of—it was his mom.

Calm and caring, yet fierce and protective. She’d only known him for a week, but already treated him the same way she treated Kota… like a son.

A few tears welled up in his eyes.

“Okay,” he whispered.

As the train pulled into the station, Mandalay let go, and Tiger handed him his bags. Eren stepped onto the train and turned back to see them all waving.

“Bye! We’ll miss you!”

“Let us know when you get home, Lynx!”

“You'd better keep up with your training!”

“Take care of yourself, kit!”

“…See you later, Eren.”

Notes:

I do want to clarify that Midoriya, Iida, and Todoroki didn’t get the talk about unauthorized quirk use this time around, as they all had permission from their mentors. Endeavor was still given the credit for the takedown. But the boys will be credited for the assist.
___ . ___ . ___
Y'all can’t IMAGINE the smile on my face when I wrote that last interaction. I feel like it’s so easy to forget that Kota is 5. They latch onto people soooo easily. And Eren has just become Kota's favorite person and new honorary brother.
___ . ___ . ___
The internship / Hosu arc ended up being over 16,000 words! I didn’t think I could top the Sports Festivals 12,000. But I guess I proved myself wrong!!! （´∇｀''）
___ . ___ . ___
In case anyone didn’t put it together, in the COLONY group chat: ᓚᘏᗢ
Lynx -> Eren
Lioness -> Mandalay
Ocelot -> Ragdoll
Couger -> Pixie-Bob
Panther -> Tiger
___ . ___ . ___
Feel free to leave any speculations, comments, or questions you have!

Chapter 30: Eren's Day Off

Summary:

Eren and Hitoshi reunite after their eventful internships, where they share stories and make new friends.

After a long day of traveling, Eren could have cried in relief when he walked up to his apartment. He’d loved his time with the Pussycats, but he really missed his little Yamazawa family.

He unlocked the front door and stepped inside. Meowzawa jumped down from his cat tree and immediately padded over, rubbing against Eren’s legs with a deep purr. Eren chuckled and bent over to scoop the cat into his arms as he walked down the hall.

“I missed you, too,” he said with a grin, scratching the cat’s favorite spot.

His steps faltered when he heard Hitoshi’s voice coming from down the hallway. He immediately set Meowzawa down and sprinted towards Hitoshi’s room, the cat trotting right after him.

With a massive grin, Eren slammed open Hitoshi’s door.

“Honey! I’m home!” he called out. Hitoshi’s head snapped toward him from where he was sitting on his bed, just in time to get absolutely tacked by Eren. 

“I missed you soooo much!” Eren cried dramatically, clutching onto him for dear life.

“I missed you too— now get off! You’re crushing me!” Hitoshi wheezed.

Eren rolled off of him with a pout, flopping onto the bed next to him. “Is that better, you big baby?” He finished with a smirk.

Hitoshi groaned. “You know what? Maybe I didn’t miss you.”

Eren smirked. “That’s a lie and you know it!” He propped himself up onto one elbow. “Anyway, tell me about your internship! How was Ms. Joke?”

“Oh, have I got stories for you,” Hitoshi said with a deep sigh. “But let’s grab food. Dad and Papa are out, so we can swap internship horror tales over dinner.”

Eren agreed, and the two headed out to one of his favorite burger places. Once they snagged a table, they immediately dove into tales from their internships.

Hitoshi went first, explaining how he’d learned to use his quirk more efficiently, how to activate it faster, even how to incorporate it mid-fight. He told Eren how Ms. Joke would always send him into battle first during their patrols, helping him get over his freezing habit.

“I’m so grateful for everything she taught me,” he said, “but I was so ready to be done. A man can only take so many puns before he goes insane.” He deadpanned.

“I can imagine,” Eren laughed, before launching into his own stories, the first few days, meeting Kota, discovering his hardening. But when he started to talk about Hosu, Hitoshi cut him off.

“Oh yeah, I already know all about that,” he said casually.

Eren blinked. “What? How?”

Hitoshi gave him a confused look. “Wait... you don’t know?”

“Know what?”

“You’ve kind of gone viral,” Hitoshi said, pulling out his phone. “A bunch of videos have been surfacing… like this one,” He swiped to a post that showed Eren leaping out of the burning building with Nene in his arms.

“Someone even found security footage that showed you fighting that Nomu and holding up the bullet train—totally broken ability by the way.” He added.

Eren’s eyes widened more and more with each post Toshi showed him.

Hitoshi kept scrolling. “People started connecting the dots from the Sports Festival, so those videos are getting traction again, too. You’ve even got trending hashtags. Look.”

He passed over the phone, showing Eren some of the top hashtags right now.

#RISINGHEROHORIZON
#THEHEROOFHOSU
#YEAGERBOMB

Eren stared in stunned silence as he scrolled. People were talking about him. Praising him. Theorising about his quirk. Civilians he’d rescued were sharing their stories. Someone has started a trend of going to take pictures with the crystallized titan, where it stayed kneeling beneath the train tracks like some divine protector.

After a few more swipes, Eren quietly slid the phone back across the table.

“I had no idea…” he murmured.

He wasn’t sure how to feel. He’d known the Sports Festival would officially put him out there for the world to see, but this? This felt like something else entirely. It still blew his mind that people weren’t terrified of him, of titans. Here, it was… just another quirk.

Hitoshi reached out, placing a reassuring hand over his.

“Hey. This is a good thing. You’ve been training to be a hero for, what, a month? And already people are recognizing your efforts. You’ve earned this. You saved lives that night.”

Eren looked up at him. “You’re right. I guess I’m just not used to the concept of the internet. Honestly… pictures and videos still blow my mind.” He said with a slight chuckle. “I just need to accept that this is the way things are here, that information can spread that fast.”

Hitoshi laughed, "That's right!” I keep forgetting that you’re like from the Stone Age.”

Eren threw a french fry at Hitoshi’s head before he sat back. Leveling a half-hearted glare at the boy. “Can I at least tell you about the rest of my internship? Or do you know what happened there, too?” he teased, crossing his arms.

Hitoshi continued laughing, wiping the ketchup from his forehead. “Nope, I’m in the dark on that part. The internet is only so powerful, spill”

___ . ___ . ___ . ___ . ___ 

Eren and Hitoshi walked out of the restaurant, boxes of leftovers in hand, as they started to head back home. A few minutes into their walk, Hitoshi cursed.

“Damn it, I forgot my wallet. Hang tight, I’ll just be a minute.”

He turned on his heel and jogged back toward the restaurant. Eren shrugged and moved to lean against a nearby building, content to wait for Toshi.

Until he heard a faint rustling coming from the alley to his left.

Curiosity piqued, Eren crept toward the sound. The alley was dark, and he stumbled around for a moment before remembering that his phone had a flashlight; He quickly turned it on. The beam of light swept slowly through the alley until he found the source of the noise.

It was a kitten.

A tiny black kitten was rummaging through an overturned trash can. It froze as the light hit it, body tensing, ready to bolt.

Eren crouched down slowly, trying to make himself look smaller, less threatening.

“It’s okay,” he said softly. “I’m not gonna hurt you.”

He opened his leftovers, gently set it on the ground, and slid the box forward. “Here. You look like you need it more than I do.”

The kitten stayed frozen for a beat longer… then cautiously stepped forward. As soon as it reached the food, it started chowing down, inhaling the food at a rate concerning for a cat of that size.

Eren quietly sat down on the floor of the alley, slowly inching his way closer to the kitten.

After a few minutes, the kitten finally stepped back from the empty box, clearly satiated from its meal. It jerked its head when it caught sight of Eren, clearly surprised to see how close he’d gotten. But instead of running, they just… stared at him.

He slowly extended his hand. After a moment of hesitation, the cat padded over to sniff it. When they didn’t bolt, he started to gently pet its head. His heart melted as the cat leaned into his hand when he scratched behind its ears.

Clearly unsatisfied with just being pet, the kitten clambered onto Eren's lap, and he took note of the fact that she was a little girl. Eren was almost afraid to move. She was so tiny. He could feel her whole body vibrating from how loud her purring was. He just continued petting her as she started to doze off, clearly tired after eating such a big meal.

He was in love. While he stared at her, he started mentally calculating the odds of being allowed to adopt her, and considering who his guardians were, those odds were pretty high.

That perfect moment was shattered by Hitoshi’s voice yelling from the street.

“EREN! WHERE ARE YOU?!”

The kitten leapt from his lap and bolted, quickly disappearing into the shadows.

Eren whipped his head around, leveling a death glare at Hitoshi as he walked into the alley.

“You asshole,” he hissed. “You just scared off the sweetest little kitten. She was all curled up in my lap and everything!”

Hitoshi’s face crumpled with sheer devastation. He couldn’t believe he’d just scared a cat. Eren sighed as he stood up, brushing off his pants. “It’s fine. Just sucks. Let’s go home.”

He wasn’t mad. Just… really bummed.

The two walked in silence, Hitoshi sulking the entire way.

When they finally reached the apartment, Aizawa and Hizashi were already home. Both pulled Eren into hugs, clearly happy to have him back. The rest of the evening was spent catching up. The parents grilled both boys about their internships, asking endless questions and occasionally exchanging proud glances.

Eren smiled to himself.

It was good to be home.

___ . ___ . ___ . ___ . ___ 

The next morning, Eren woke up at the crack of dawn, a habit he’d yet to break. Figuring he might as well keep up with his stamina training, he grabbed a few things, sent a quick text to Zashi, and headed out for a jog.

A few miles in, he stopped at a bench in a nearby park to catch his breath. The sun was just starting to rise, casting everything in a soft orange glow. He was taking in the moment when he heard a small meow come from below him.

He glanced down, eyes widening when he saw her. The same kitten from last night, sitting right at his feet, staring up at him with wide, curious eyes. Eren blinked in surprise. He hadn’t even realized he was this close to the alley from last night.

Grinning, he reached down, and when she didn’t show any signs of discomfort, he scooped her up and gently placed her in his lap.

“Hey pretty girl,” he murmured, scratching under her chin. “I’m sorry Toshi scared you last night. I promise you, he feels terrible about it   .”

The kitten purred loudly in response, leaning into his touch. They sat like that for a while, basking in the quiet morning peace.

But that peace didn’t last long. Because, of course, Eren could never have nice things.

A man in a black hoodie approached him. Just as Eren turned his attention to him, the guy pulled a knife out of his pocket and pointed it at him.

“Give me everything you have,” the man growled.

Eren sighed. “Really? Dude—”

“Now!”

Raising his hands slowly, Eren kept his voice calm. “Listen, buddy. You really don’t wanna do this—”

Apparently, that was the wrong answer. The mugger took a threatening step toward him, his knife glinting in the morning light. But before Eren could do anything…

HISS!

The kitten launched herself off of Eren’s lap, claws sinking deep into the man’s thigh. The mugger yelled in pain as she clawed up his torso, hissing and swiping wildly, her tiny teeth biting at anything she could reach.

“WHAT THE—?!” The man managed to grab her by the scruff and throw her away from him. She hit the ground hard and didn’t get back up, clearly dazed.

Eren saw red.

He tackled the man instantly, knocking him to the ground. They struggled, grappling violently. Eren tried to wrestle the knife from his grip, but the man managed to slash across Eren’s cheek before he could.

With a hiss of pain, Eren punched him square in the face—once, twice—until the mugger slumped, unconscious.

Chest heaving, adrenaline rushing, Eren scrambled to his feet.

The kitten.

She was dazed, wobbling as she tried to push herself up off the ground.

“Hey—hey, it’s okay,” he whispered, scooping her into his arms as he pulled out his phone. Dialing the police station to report the mugging while he held her close.

“…Yes, I’d like to report an attempted robbery. I’m at Shōtoku Park…”

The kitten stirred slightly, her tiny head lifting. She stretched her neck forward… and licked at his bloody cheek, right across the gash that had yet to heal. He glanced at her, confused. But she just purred in response. The dispatcher on the phone asked another question, pulling his attention away from the cat.

After the authorities arrived and took the mugger into custody, Eren started to walk home, one little black kitten tucked securely in his arms.

___ . ___ . ___ . ___ . ___ 

When he stepped into the apartment, he was greeted by the smell of bacon and the sound of Hizashi humming as he worked on the eggs.

“Hey, Zashi!” Eren called.

Hizashi glanced up from the stove for a second. “Welcome back, kiddo! How was your run?”

“Well…” Eren started, “…I sorta ran into a little trouble.”

Hizashi’s head whipped around, eyes scanning him for any injuries. Whatever he was going to say died in his throat when his gaze locked onto the kitten in Eren’s arms. He rushed over to the two, eggs long forgotten.

“…Who is this little angel?” he cooed.

“I met her yesterday. She found me again this morning. But some guy tried to mug me, and she got thrown in the process of defending me. Think you could check her out?”

“Of course!” Hizashi gently took her from Eren’s arms. She immediately started squirming, clearly unhappy in his grasp. When he placed her on the counter, she immediately tried to rush back over to Eren.

“Well, seems like her coordination is good,” he chuckled as he pulled her back to him. He gently ran his hands down her body, lightly squeezing as he checked for any injuries or discomfort. After a minute, he gave a satisfied nod and handed her back.

“She looks fine. Probably just a little shaken up. But fair warning, if Shou sees her, we’re gonna have a third cat before you know it.” He said with a wink.

Eren smirked. Honestly? He wouldn’t mind that at all.

He stood to take her to his room as Hizashi turned his attention back to the stove.

“I’ll let you know when breakfast’s ready!” Hizashi called after him as he started scraping the charred remains of the eggs into the trash.

___ . ___ . ___ . ___ . ___ 

Eren sat on his bed, the kitten once again curled up in his lap, purring her little heart out.

“You know,” he glanced down at her, “I can’t keep calling you ‘the cat’ in my head. How about I give you a name?” He thought for a second. “What about Spitfire?”

The cat didn’t pay him any attention. She just moved to start grooming herself.

“You’re right, that’s a terrible name,” Eren muttered. “Let me think… You definitely are a little spitfire, though. Feisty despite your delicate stature. And you seem oddly attached to me.” He tilted his head. “I mean, every cat loves Zashi.”

He continued petting her as he thought for another minute. “You know,” he started again, “you kinda remind me of my sister… if she were a cat. She was always cold to other people, yet so caring, and downright possessive when it came to me and Armin.”

His thoughts started drifting back to his home in The Walls. “And don’t even think about getting on her bad side,” he chuckled. “I can’t even count how many times she laid people twice her size flat on their asses.” His smile faded a bit. 

“Maybe… maybe you’re a sign that she’s still looking out for me.” His voice cracked. “Can I— call you Mika? That was the nickname I gave her when she first started living with us.”

The kitten licked his hand, earning a small smile. “I’m glad to see you approve. Mika it is!”

He sat there petting and talking to her for a little while longer before deciding to grab a quick shower. Breakfast would be ready soon, but he wanted to wash off the dirt and sweat from the morning’s activities.

“I’ll be back in a few minutes, Mika,” he said as he gently set her down.

___ . ___ . ___ . ___ . ___ 

A little later, Eren walked back into his room, freshly showered and toweling his hair dry.

“I’m back Mika.” He called out, brow furrowing when he didn’t see the kitten anywhere.

He tore through the room, checking under and behind every piece of furniture, until he heard a soft whistling and looked up, seeing the open window. His heart sank.

He could have sworn he had closed it that morning.

Just to cover his bases, he searched the rest of the apartment, but there was no sign of his little kitten. With a heavy heart, he accepted that it wasn’t meant to be. Mika was just a free spirit.

And who was he to get in the way of that?

___ . ___ . ___ . ___ . ___ 

Eren spent the rest of the day with the Yamazawas. He and Hitoshi got a head start on the internship essay they knew Aizawa would assign once they returned to class tomorrow.

A little later in the day, Eren ended up on FaceTime with Kota, who was absolutely ecstatic to talk to Eren again. Talking about anything and everything he could think of. Eren found it amusing how quickly the kid's expression soured when he dragged Toshi into frame.

That kid still had a long way to go in terms of socializing.

That night, Eren lay on his bed, staring up at the ceiling. The day off from hero training had been nice, a good chance to relax, but his mind kept wandering back to Mika. She was such a small kitten; it would be so easy for her to get hurt. He just wanted to know that she’d be okay.

Right as he started drifting off, he heard a scratching at his window. He turned his head so quickly he nearly gave himself whiplash.

And there she was.

Standing on the fire escape as she stared into his room, her eyes stood out vibrantly from her dark fur that practically melded into the shadows.

Eren tore across the room and threw the window open. Mika launched herself right into his arms. He stumbled backwards onto his bed, clutching her close to his chest.

“I was so worried about you,” he mumbled against her fur.

Within minutes, he had fallen asleep, a tiny, little furball happily curled up on his chest, purring louder than ever.

___ . ___ . ___ . ___ . ___ 

In the morning, Mika was gone again.

Figures.

This was going to become a pattern, wasn’t it?

Notes:

Y’all, the cat started out as such a small addition. Like, literally, it was just gonna be a way to pad out the chapter before they head back to UA. But before I knew it, the lore was building!
. . .
I do want to clarify, the cat is NOT Mikasa in any way, shape, or form. I just really liked the idea of Eren adopting a cat that reminded him of Mikasa. And, I just think Mika is the most adorable name for a cat, soooo…
___ . ___ . ___
Gosh! I really love writing the mundane interactions between Eren with his family! It’s so fun!!!
___ . ___ . ___
Feel free to leave any speculations, comments, or questions you have!

Chapter 31: Back to Class

Summary:

Classes at UA are back in session after a week of eventful internships. What’s in store for these hero hopefuls?

After an eventful week, it was finally time to return to UA. Eren and Hitoshi walked side by side through the winding halls that almost felt foreign after the time away. They pushed open the door to their classroom and found most of their classmates already inside, voices buzzing as they excitedly talked about their internships.

They didn’t even make it two steps into the room before getting swept into separate conversations about their own experiences. More than a few people congratulated Eren on his newfound internet fame, a concept he was still rather uncomfortable with.

The chatter cut off when the bell rang, and everyone scrambled to their seats.

Aizawa entered, his demeanor as dull as always. “It’s good to see you all back,” he said. “I hope your internships were meaningful.” He gave everyone a pointed stare. “During heroics this afternoon, you’ll be given the chance to demonstrate what you learned. But now, you can start on your homework. I expect each of you to turn in a five-page paper about what you learned from your internship.”

The collective groan went completely ignored as he slipped into his sleeping bag.

The rest of the morning passed in a blur of lessons as everyone got back into the swing of things. When lunch finally rolled around, Yaoyorozu proposed an idea.

“I know we’re all eager to share our experiences,” she said, “so why don’t we eat outside today? The field near Gym Gamma would be perfect for a picnic.” 

“That’s a great idea, Yaomomo!” Eren agreed, “The weather’s perfect right now. Count me in!”

Excitement rippled through the class as some of the others voiced their approval.

“Wonderful,” Momo said, clearly pleased. She shot a questioning glance at Eren, who nodded in response, before continuing, “Eren and I will head out now to set up. You may all grab your lunches and meet us out there.”

“Feel free to invite anyone from the other classes, too!” Eren added as everyone began filing from the room. He pulled out his own phone and shot off a few invites while asking Hitoshi to grab lunch for him

He followed Momo out to the field and helped her lay out a bunch of picnic blankets that she had created.

“So,” he said conversationally, “I’m guessing your time with Fat Gum helped improve your quirk control? You made these blankets in no time at all.”

Momo brightened. “Yes! I really have you to thank for the referral. Fat Gum was so insightful about conserving energy for quirks like ours. I really feel like I’ve improved.”

“That’s great to hear,” Eren said warmly as he settled on one of the blankets and leaned up against a tree.

Before long, Hitoshi arrived with their lunches as the rest of 1-A trickled in after him, as well as a few members of 1B. The students spread out among the blankets, gathering into small clusters as they swapped stories and laughed under the warm late-spring sun.

Eren was in the middle of a conversation with Yui and Uraraka when something dropped from the tree above and slammed right onto his head, making him pitch forward with an “Oof!” He reached up to rub at his head, but the loud squealing from the girls beside him froze his hand in place.

“Oh my gosh, what a cute baby!” Uraraka gushed.

Eren didn’t even need to look to know exactly what was on his head right now. He reached up and brought down a squirming black kitten. “Mika,” he sighed, but he couldn’t keep the smile from his voice. “What are you doing here?”

She meowed pointedly, demanding to be put down. Once free, she immediately began attacking his shoelaces with as much force as she could muster.

“Who’s this precious thing?” Yui asked, leaning closer, only for Mika to swat her on the nose.

“Sorry,” Eren said with a small laugh. “This is Mika. I found her two days ago. She seems to have taken a liking to me, but she’s a wanderer at heart. Comes and goes as she pleases.”

Both girls melted at the sight, cooing over the kitten while Eren slipped her bits of food from his lunch. Hitoshi soon wandered over, drawn by the sounds of squealing. His eyebrows shot up as he gaped at the sight.

“Is this the Mika?!? I was starting to think you made her up.” He said.

“Oh, shut up,” Eren shot back, scooping up Mika and presenting her to Hitoshi. “See? I’m not crazy. Insane, yes—but not crazy.” He put her down, only to smile as she immediately lunged forward to snag a piece of ham from Yui’s sandwich.

“I have no idea how she found me here, though.” He admitted to himself.

Mika stayed with them for the rest of lunch, easily gathering quite a crowd. The other students laughed as she would hiss and swat at anyone who got too close, only to turn around and nuzzle Eren while purring like a tiny lawn mower. Her blatant favoritism couldn’t have been more obvious.

Near the end of the picnic, Momo approached Eren.

“Eren? Would you like me to make a collar for Mika? If she’s going to be an outside cat, then a tag might keep someone from thinking she’s a stray.”

“Would you? That’d be perfect!” Eren said, after a moment, he added.

“Do you think you could make it red?”

“Of course!”

A moment later, she handed him a deep red collar with a small silver tag. One side read “Mika” in elegant lettering; the other had Eren’s phone number and a small note.

Eren gently took it from her, admiring the quality. “Thanks, Momo.”

Eren reached down to his lap, where Mika was currently dozing away. He nudged her gently, smiling as she cracked one eye open, giving him the cat equivalent of a death-glare.

“I’ve got something for you,” he cooed, carefully fastening the collar around her neck. The red stood out starkly against her dark fur. She shook her head a bit, getting used to the strange object before curling back up in Eren’s lap.

Several girls cooed at the sweet sight.

When the bell rang, the group quickly moved to fold the blanket. As they walked towards the main building, Mika trotted alongside them before abruptly veering off, where she scaled a tree and vanished into the branches in an instant.

Eren shook his head fondly at her antics before heading inside. He was ready to jump right back into his heroics training and put his new skills to the test.

___ . ___ . ___ . ___ . ___ 

Class 1-A gathered in Gym Theta, all geared up in their hero costumes and buzzing with anticipation. All Might stood before them, his eyes scanning them with an approving grin.

“Look at all of you!” he boomed. “I can practically see the confidence brimming in each of you!”

All Might continued, “Today, you’ll be tackling a rescue challenge! You’ll compete in teams of five to navigate the industrial environment, recover three civilian bots, and bring them to your designated medical tents. Each bot will carry an identification card detailing any ‘injuries’. It is up to you how you use that information. The bots will keep track of their treatment, and their feedback will determine your grades. I want to see you utilize your new skills and go beyond”

A cry of “PLUS ULTRA” came from the students, and Eren couldn’t stop the grin that spread across his face. 

This was right up his alley.

“Additionally,” All Might said, his grin widening, “you’ll be choosing your own teams for this activity. You have ten minutes—choose wisely.”

The moment he finished speaking, every head in the room swiveled toward Eren. He felt like the last donut in the box as he shrank under their hungry gazes. He closed his eyes for a moment, taking a breath while he considered his options.

If everyone wanted to work with him, then he might as well come up with the best team.

When he opened them again, he swept his gaze over his classmates before speaking up, “Momo, Jiro, Sero, Uraraka? Would you guys like to team up with me?”

The four students lit up and quickly agreed, ignoring the groans from the rest of the class as they all turned to try to figure out their own teams.

“Thanks for agreeing to work with me,” Eren said as his team huddled around him.

“Anytime!” Uraraka replied brightly while Sero nodded in agreement.

“It’s the logical choice, you’ve got the most experience after all,” Momo added with a smile.

“Alright, here’s what I’m thinking.” His voice getting serious. “Momo, I’d like you to make us all earpieces, as well as prep some basic medical supplies.”

“Why do we need our own stuff if we’re taking them to the medical tent anyway?” Sero asked.

“Well, depending on a civilian’s injuries, we might need to stabilize them before transport,” Eren explained. “Otherwise, we risk making things worse. That’s also part of the reason I wanted you on our team, Uraraka.”

She looked at him in confusion. But before he could explain, Momo interjected.

“Oh, I get it! If she removes the gravity on the bots, we can move them without aggravating their injuries. And…” Momo fell silent for a moment before her face lit up. “Is that why you wanted Sero, too? His tape would make guiding them easier?”

“That’s part of it,” Eren confirmed. “His quirk’s also perfect for navigating this type of environment.”

Sero grinned at the praise.

“Anyway,” Eren continued, “Since the civilians are robots, they will be making some sort of noise that Jiro can track. She’ll then be able to relay their locations to the rest of us. Sero, Uraraka, and I have the best mobility, so we’ll form the retrieval squad, while you two provide support.”

“How’s that sound?” He asked, trying to gauge his teammates' reactions.

Sero gave a thumbs-up. “Sounds way better than anything I’d think of. Let’s do it!”

The others voiced their agreement just as All Might called out, 

“Time’s up! Let’s get started!”

___ . ___ . ___ . ___ . ___ 

The teams all set themselves up in different quadrants of the gym.

1. Eren, Uraraka, Jiro, Sero, Yaoyorozu
2. Midoriya, Iida, Tsuyu, Aoyama, Tokoyami
3. Bakugo, Kaminari, Ashido, Kirishima, Shinso
4. Hagakure, Shoji, Todoroki, Ojiro, Sato

All Might’s voice boomed over the speakers. “I wish the best of luck to all of you… BEGIN!”

The students exploded into action.

Uraraka immediately negated her own gravity and grabbed hold of a tape line Sero fired her way. With a practiced motion, he anchored it over his shoulder and slingshotted her across the gym toward her assigned sector before heading off to his. Eren broke off in the opposite direction, while Momo finished creating a sleek, two-seater electric bike for herself and Jiro.

The two of them began to ride around the floor of the map. Jiro kept her earphone jacks raised while she listened for any signs of their objectives.

“Got something,” She reported a moment later. “There’s a faint sound in Sero’s quadrant straight ahead and to the left.”

Sero’s voice crackled over the comms. “Copy. On it.”

He picked up speed, rounded a corner, and spotted a bot wearing a blue jersey, their assigned color. “Civilian confirmed. Assessing damage, standby.” He pulled the info card from the jersey pocket and relayed the info to his team: sprained ankle, fractured wrist.

Working quickly, he rigged a makeshift harness from his tape and lowered the bot to the floor. Momo and Jiro came skidding up seconds later, hopping off the bike. Jiro kept an ear out for more targets, passing directions to Eren and Uraraka, while Momo knelt and wrapped the bot’s ankle and wrist in smooth, practiced motions.

“Uraraka’s located the next one,” Jiro called, pointing with a jack. “Sero, I want you to join her; she’s about five hundred meters that way.”

“On my way.” He shot a strip of tape across the gym and launched himself forward.

Momo and Jiro finished wrapping the bot's injuries and began to take it to the medical tent. So far, everything was running smoothly.

___ . ___ . ___ . ___ . ___ 

Eren swung through the gym, his gear working overtime as he scanned for their last target. He’d found three other bots so far, but not a single one of them was his team's. Just a few minutes ago, he’d heard Uraraka confirm hers, so he changed course and fired his gear up into the ceiling supports to get a better vantage point.

A flash of blue caught his eye.

“Finally,” he muttered as he started to move towards it while relaying the information over his comms. The bot was placed on a platform about 10 meters from the ground. Eren pulled out the info card and sighed. Both of its legs had been crushed, and it had a severe concussion.

“I can’t transport this bot alone, I need backup,” he said into his coms, receiving an almost immediate affirmative reply. He kept his guard up while he waited. After a minute, a slight gust ruffled his hair, which was… odd. He then started to hear faint clanks and bangs in the distance.

“Eren! Look out!” Jiro’s panicked voice came through his earpiece. “It’s All Might!”

Before he could process what she said, the Symbol of Peace hurtled toward him like a missile. Eren dove, the wind of All Might’s charge whipping past as the hero tore overhead.

“He’s acting as a villain!” Jiro warned.

Of course he is… Eren thought with a sigh. Things could never be that straightforward.

All Might pivoted mid-air, landed on a nearby platform, and rocketed back towards him. Eren cursed under his breath. He needed to buy time until his team could extract the bot.

“I’m going to keep him distracted,” he said into his comms. “Get to the civilian and get out. Be quick and stay safe.”

He waited only a moment as he took several steps before running forward and leaping from the platform. Mid-fall, his teeth sank into his hand, and a blinding flash erupted as his titan form roared into existence. All Might’s fist met his hardened knuckles with a thunderous crack.

“You can’t stop me!” All Might bellowed, voice full of theatrical villainy.

Eren didn’t waste any time; he reinforced his other hand and went in for a punch of his own. Blow after blow shook the air as they clashed, each trying to overpower the other.

But All Might’s raw power was relentless. Step by step, Eren was forced back. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Uraraka and Sero arrive, carefully securing the bot and lowering it to the ground before making their retreat to the medical tent.

All Might saw them leaving and launched forward, a blur of speed.

Panic spiked in Eren’s chest. Without thinking, he lunged— clapping his massive hands around All Might like he was swatting a fly, keeping them slightly cupped. Hardening covered his hands in an instant, locking the Number One Hero inside a crystallized prison.

All Might pounded against the barrier, the force sending vibrations up the titan's arms. The tremors were getting so violent that he could feel the tendons in his arms start to tear; steam leaking out as it worked to heal the damage. Eren was pretty sure his arms would get torn off long before the hardening failed.

The rest of his team froze mid-run, staring at the titan with wide eyes.

Did Eren just capture All Might?

Eren himself wasn’t sure what to do next, so he just waited for his team to safely deliver the bot to the tent. Once their buzzer blared, signaling that they’d finished, Eren released his hardening and separated his hands. All Might burst free, moving to antagonize the other teams before the end of the lesson. As he left, he shot an unreadable expression at Eren from over his shoulder.

Eren released his titan form and jogged over to the medical tent, where his teammates were standing around, waiting for him to arrive.

“That was insane!” Uraraka exclaimed, grabbing onto his arm. “How did you know that would work?”

“I didn’t,” Eren admitted. “I knew my hardening was strong… but I still didn’t think it would hold against him.”

Sero chuckled. “Well, no one can say we didn’t crush that exercise.”

“Guess you’re right about that,” Eren said with a small laugh.

They moved over to the starting area, taking note of the fact that they were the first team to finish. One by one, the other groups trickled in until the last arrived, with All Might bringing up the rear, his grin wide and proud.

“Wonderful job, students! You’ve all improved so much!” he praised. “Aizawa will give you your grades shortly. In the meantime, I want each of you to write a paper on what you did well and what you could improve on. You are dismissed!”

Class 1-A filed out of the gym, changing back into their uniforms. Hitoshi fell into step beside Eren, the two laughing as Shinsou recounted Bakugo’s antics during the trial.

Eren glanced around at his classmates, the sounds of their chatter filling the hall.

Yeah… it was good to be back.

 

Notes:

AHHAHAHAH!!! I love Mika! She’s so precious!
I love writing class bonding activities!!! ~\(≧▽≦)/~
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How did you guys like the rescue race exercise? I wanted to make it a bit more complex than in canon. I think it turned out pretty well! I also love messing with All Might!
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It's insane to think that we've officially passed 4,000 hits! Like, I actually can't wrap my head around it! I appreciate each and every one of you who reads this story. It has really become my pet project, and has come so much further than I ever thought it would!

A special thanks to all of my commenters. Reading your thoughts and ideas makes my whole day. Y'all have given me so many ideas that have allowed this story to get more intricate than I would have taken it on my own. Thank you all so much!!! <3
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Feel free to leave any speculations, comments, or questions you have!

Chapter 32: Final’s Preparations

Summary:

The students of UA prepare for their final exams.

The next few weeks slipped by in a steady rhythm. Classes at U.A. remained as demanding as ever, each lesson working to sharpen the students’ skills. Between training sessions and homework, the students of the hero course had made a habit of eating outside whenever they could, determined to enjoy the nice weather before the summer heat rolled in.

Another constant during that time was Mika.

The little black kitten had officially decided that Eren was her human. I seemed that no matter where he went, she would manage to track him down. Whether it was on the practice fields, the library, or even deep into the heart of the city, she would find him. And every single night she appeared at his window, meowing imperiously until he let her in.

Eventually, the Yamazawas gave in and installed a special cat door in Eren’s bedroom window. It was set to unlock only when it detected a chip they had embedded in the collar Momo made, allowing Mika to come and go as she pleased.

They’d also taken her to the vet to get her shots and an additional microchip—this one linked to the Yamazawa family’s pet tracker app. Now, alongside their two other cats, Mika had her own little icon on the screen, giving Eren some major peace of mind. Because no matter how far she wandered, he’d be able to find her.

Not that she ever seemed lost. That cat roamed like she owned the world.

___ . ___ . ___ . ___ . ___ 

Eren sat at his desk before class on Monday, half-listening to Midoriya’s detailed breakdown of some quirk he’d seen on the way to school.

“…and if you consider the possibility of a multi-categorical quirk, the applications become—”

Eren just nodded along like he was following the theory, but in reality, every other word just bounced off his brain. The intricate complexities of quirks just weren’t something he was meant to understand.

Thankfully, Eren was saved by the bell— literally. Midoriya immediately turned forward when the morning bell rang, clearly unwilling to risk the wrath of Aizawa. Eren slumped in relief, shooting a glare at Hitoshi, who’d been snickering at his misery.

Just before the end of homeroom, Aizawa made one last announcement.

“As many of you are aware, summer break is quickly approaching.” He said, ignoring the cheers that spread through the classroom.

“But before that,” he continued without missing a beat, “you have your final exams.”

The cheers turned into groans.

“You will start with your written exams next week, followed by the practical.” He said, ”I want to make it known that anyone who fails the final will not be attending the summer training camp.”

That got everyone’s attention. As Aizawa left, the room buzzed with conversation.

“NOOOO!!! I’m gonna fail!” Kaminari groaned. “Bakugo, you’re smart! You’ve gotta help me!”

Bakugo scoffed. “Tch. Not my fault you extras can’t keep your grades up.”

While some students moaned about the written tests, others turned to speculating about the practical.

“What do you think it’ll be, kero?” Tsu asked.

“One of our upperclassmen told me they fought robots their first year,” Eren offered. That earned a few hopeful looks, but he wasn’t done. “But honestly? I don’t think that’s what they’ll do for us.”

“Why not?” Jiro asked.

“Not to sing our praises or anything,” Eren said, “but we’ve already faced far worse than that. I think they’ll choose something tougher for a final exam.”

Midoriya nodded. “Right, after everything we’ve gone through, robots probably wouldn’t be much of a challenge.”

“That makes sense,” Jiro agreed. “So what could it be instead?”

The theories kept coming. Just before their next class started, Momo suggested they hold a study session at her house. Most of the students were quick to agree. Eren definitely felt like he could use the help. His remedial classes had done wonders to help catch him up to speed, but there were plenty of concepts he still struggled with.

Seriously… why did they need to learn English to become heroes?

___ . ___ . ___ . ___ . ___ 

The day of their study session soon arrived. Hitoshi and Eren make their way up to Yaoyorozu’s house, and Eren was flabbergasted.

“This… looks like something straight out of Sina,” he muttered in awe.

Hitoshi let out a low whistle. “Ooh, they rich rich.”

Inside, Eren’s amazement only grew. The place was gorgeous, with intricate décor, polished floors, and furniture that looked like it belonged to royalty. Momo eventually led them into a spacious study room where a long table was already covered in papers and textbooks. Several of their classmates were already seated.

They wasted no time getting to work. Momo and Midoriya took the lead, briefly reviewing each subject and pinpointing where people struggled most. After thirty minutes of rapid-fire overview, they split into smaller groups for more focused review.

The next couple of hours were a whirlwind of note-taking, problem-solving, and the occasional groan of frustration. By the end, everyone felt at least a little more confident.

“Why don’t we take a snack break?” Momo said, returning moments later with a cart piled high with the fanciest snacks Eren had ever seen.

While everyone dug in, Kaminari casually pulled a small black case from his backpack.

“Hey, Yaoyorozu,” he asked slyly, “your TV have an HDMI cable?”

“Yes… why?” she asked, brow furrowing.

“Oh, no reason,” Kaminari replied innocently, turning his focus back to the tart on his plate.

After the snack break, they studied for another hour before the collective cabin fever set in.

“I think my brain is melting,” Mina groaned, dropping her head onto an open textbook.

“Maybe we should take another break,” Midoriya suggested. And before anyone could make any movements, Kaminari bolted from the room. Confused glances were exchanged—until familiar music started playing from the next room.

They followed the sound to find Kaminari standing proudly in front of Momo’s massive TV, holding a handful of game controllers. Behind him, Super Smash Pros was queued up.

“Who’s ready for a brain break?!” he grinned. Several students lunged forward to grab a controller from him.

Half an hour later, the living room was filled with shouts and laughter as the Smash tournament was in full swing.

“Haha! Eren! How are you this bad?!” Sero laughed as his Mirko punted Eren’s Present Mic off the map.

“Gah! I don’t even know what these controls do!” Eren cried, resorting to pure button-mashing. He was at least able to grasp a decent understanding of Kota’s games, but this was another level entirely. He actually growled at Hitoshi when his Eraserhead KO’d him immediately after respawning.

“Oh, I give up!” he huffed, tossing the controller down. “This game is too hard.”

The room erupted into laughter, and a few minutes later, the round ended with Kirishima’s Edgeshot taking the win.

Resigning himself to spectating, Eren sat back and watched the chaos unfold. He nearly choked laughing when Hagakure completely dominated the next match while playing as Wash, the pro hero who was literally a washing machine.

Quirks are weird.

___ . ___ . ___ . ___ . ___ 

Eren leaned back on the couch, watching his classmates laugh and fight over who would get to go next. The sound was warm, inviting… in a way that made his chest ache.

He could feel himself really starting to bond with these people. He’d forged so many relationships in this reality already, and part of him was just waiting for the moment it all blew up on him. Because nothing good lasted… not for him at least.

Not back when he was a cadet. When so many of the friends he’d spent years training with died before they could even choose which branch of the military they wanted to join. Each friendship and positive memory only served to cause them all more pain with each needless death.

But here… things were different. Sure, being a pro hero was dangerous, but the odds weren’t stacked against them the way things were back home. These people didn’t face mass extinction on a daily basis. They had such advanced technology and tools to give them an edge, not even including the overwhelming power that each of them possessed on their own.

For a fleeting moment, he couldn’t help but wonder—would humanity have stood a chance if they’d had quirks of their own? Would he have lost so much to the titans?

The thought felt like a knife twisting in his gut, because life could never be that easy.

Inevitably, his mind drifted back to the two most meaningful relationships in his life— 

Mikasa and Armin.

He couldn’t stop the questions that flooded his mind. Were they safe? Still fighting? Where they still even alive? His breath caught at that thought… they just had to be okay.

It felt so wrong to be here, laughing with his new friends, while the nightmare back home continued endlessly. No matter how much he tried to tell himself that he didn’t have a choice in his arrival here, guilt refused to listen to logic. 

It loved to rear its ugly head whenever he was beginning to feel happy. Saying that he’d abandoned them all, that he was supposed to be there, supposed to be fighting. And that every moment he spent here was another death on his hands

Since he’d been here, Aizawa had tried his hardest to hammer the idea into his head. That he wasn’t responsible for humanity's survival.

Eren understood the words, he did. But he had a hard time believing them. Why else had he been given these powers—if not to turn the tide? There were so many people back home that would have been better suited, so what was the reason? Why him?

His thoughts were spiraling now. For all he knew, his family could already be dead. Maybe his world had ceased to exist the moment he left. He had no way to know what had happened, and he hated not knowing. He hated that he got to be here without them. He hated the titans. He hated these powers. 

He hated hims—

A shift on the couch jolted him out of his thoughts. Uraraka had sat down beside him, a concerned expression on her face.

“Are you alright, Eren?”

He blinked, startled. “Y—yeah. What makes you ask?”

She didn’t answer—just reached out and brushed her fingertips across his cheek. When she pulled them away, he saw them glistening with his tears. His face flushed as he quickly turned his head away. He couldn’t believe he was crying.

Uraraka gently turned his head back to meet her gaze.

“I’m going to ask one more time,” she said, voice gentle but firm. “Are you alright?”

His voice wavered. “I… I guess I’m just missing home.”

Her expression filled with understanding, “I get that. I hardly get to see my parents either. They live too far away from the school, so I live alone during the school year. It can get really lonely sometimes.” She hesitated for a moment, “Are you going to visit during the break?” She asked

Eren’s throat tightened. “No,” he said, his voice cracking. “I… can’t go home. Not anymore.”

Her face crumpled at his words. She scooted closer to him and pulled him into a tight hug.

“I’m so sorry, Eren,” she whispered against his shoulder.

He froze, every muscle rigid—then slowly felt himself relax into her embrace.

“It’s okay,” he murmured. “There’s nothing I can do about it. And it’s not like moping will change anything.”

She leaned back enough to look him in the eye. “That might be true, but you’re still allowed to be sad about it. And if you ever want to talk, or vent, or just… not be alone, I’m here.”

Something unknotted in his chest at her words. “Thank you, Uraraka,” he said, meaning it.

They sat together in quiet for a while, watching the current match play out. When Tokoyami’s Hawks came out of the next match victorious, Uraraka gave his arm a light tug.

“Come on. You should try again. Play as All Might—he’s basically a guaranteed win.”

Eren let her pull him toward the TV, letting the noise and laughter of his friends push the ache in his chest to the back of his mind. 

For now.

___ . ___ . ___ . ___ . ___ 

Before they knew it, finals week had arrived. And every student at UA was feeling the stress. It was time for everything they’d been taught to be put to the test.

The written exams dragged on for days. Exam booklet after booklet slid across their desks, the only sound that could be heard was the relentless scratching of pencils on paper. Hours blurred together into a haze of questions, diagrams, and formulas that made Eren’s head spin.

By the time it was over, he was drained. He knew he hadn’t done spectacularly; there was simply too much foreign material. But he was confident that he’d done well enough to pass. And right now, that was all that mattered.

After lunch, Class 1-A filed into the locker rooms to change into their hero costumes. Quickly getting ready for the practical exam, the final hurdle between them and the summer training camp. Eren felt relief settle in his chest. At least this was something he understood. 

Because for him at least, the sword had always been mightier than the pen.

They assembled at Training Grounds Delta. Excitement and nerves rippled through the group as they waited for their teacher to arrive.

Time to see what this exam had in store for them.

Notes:

Poor Eren, buddy still struggles with bouts of depression here and there. I’ve been really enjoying writing these bonding moments with different class members. (❁´◡`❁)
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Extra thanks to Player1083 for the video game idea! The MHA world would TOTALLY have a pro hero version of Super Smash Bros. We all know that’s why they want to be in the top 100. To get a character in the game…
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Let me know if you have any theories about the final exams? ƪ(˘⌣˘)ʃ
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Feel free to leave any speculations, comments, or questions you have!

Chapter 33: Final Exams

Summary:

It’s time for the UA students to face the practical final exams.

The students of Class 1-A gathered at Training Ground Gamma, the midday sun shining down hard above them. Light chatter filled the air as they compared answers from their written exams and tossed around some last-minute guesses about the contents of the practical.

After a few minutes of waiting, the sound of approaching footsteps drew their attention. They turned, expecting to see Aizawa Sensei and All Might, but were surprised to find nearly the entire U.A. staff walking toward them.

Aizawa moved to stand in front of them, his piercing gaze sweeping over the students. “Welcome to your practical final exam. I’m sure you all have some assumptions about its contents.” He said.

“Yes, sir,” Midoriya replied. “Both Class 1-B and our upperclassmen seemed convinced it would be robots—”

Aizawa opened his mouth to interject, but Midoriya kept going.

 “—but we’ve come to the conclusion that wouldn’t be a good challenge to demonstrate our progress. And considering that most of our teachers are here…” Midoriya’s eyes scanned the group of pros. “I think it’s safe to assume we’ll be fighting you.”

“Excellent observation!” Nezu popped from Aizawa’s capture weapon, startling several students, with a wide smile on his face. “Today, you’ll be battling in teams of two against one of us.”

“What?!” Kaminari yelped. “But you’re pros! How are we supposed to win against you!?”

“Fret not, young Kaminari,” Nezu said cheerfully. “Each teacher will be wearing special weights to greatly increase their body mass and slow them down. We do want to give each of you a fighting chance. You’ll have thirty minutes to either cuff your opponent or escape the arena. Failure to do so will result in your failing the exam. Any questions?”

Yaoyorozu raised her hand. “How will our teams be decided?”

“Great question!” Nezu chirped. “Both your partner and your opponent have already been assigned. Aizawa, if you would?”

Aizawa sighed, pulling a sheet of paper from his capture scarf, and began to read off the pairings.

"Kirishima and Sato against Cementos.
Asui and Tokoyami against Ectoplasm.
Ojiro and Iida against Power Loader.
Aoyama and Uraraka against Thirteen.
Ashido and Kaminari against Present Mic.
Jiro and Shinso against Nezu.
Sero and Yeager against Midnight.
Shoji and Hagakure against Snipe.
Todoroki and Yaoyorozu against myself.”

Midoriya felt a bead of sweat slide down his temple as Aizawa neared the end of the list. Only one teacher and one student remained unaccounted for… he knew exactly what was coming.

“And lastly, Bakugo and Midoriya,” Aizawa read, “will be facing All Might.”

A class erupted into discussion. Some pairings earned sighs of relief; others, worried groans.

Aizawa’s voice cut through it all. “Come get your area assignments and head out. The sooner we start, the sooner we’ll be done with this.”

The students lined up quickly, partners finding each other and grabbing their slips. As they set off toward their respective battlegrounds, the air buzzed with whispered strategies and half-formed plans, each pair working to figure out how to pass their exam.

___ . ___ . ___ . ___ . ___ 

Hitoshi and Jiro stepped into their exam site. The room was vast but eerily empty… nothing but metallic walls, smooth steel floors, and an intricate network of catwalks crisscrossing close to the ceiling. They stood still, uncertain of what they should be doing.

A minute later, the speaker system crackled to life.

“Welcome to your examination, young heroes,” Nezu’s voice rang out, his face appearing on a large monitor overhead. “I do wish you the best of luck… but luck can only take you so far.” His tone sharpened on the last words before the screen went dark.

For a moment, there was nothing. Then a buzzer blared, and the entire room came alive. Massive steel walls shot up from the floor, boxing them in with a maze of gleaming metal. Above them, the whirring of machinery grew louder, and cranes swung down from the ceiling, dropping enormous metal containers that slammed into place, cutting off their escape routes.

“We need to move!” Hitoshi shouted, grabbing Jiro’s hand and yanking her forward. A crate crashed into the spot they’d just vacated, the impact rattling the floor beneath their feet. They sprinted through the maze until they found a narrow corner to catch their breath.

“Is he trying to kill us?” Hitoshi snapped, scanning their surroundings frantically.

“I don’t think so…” Jiro muttered, plugging her jacks into a nearby wall, her expression tightened. “I think he’s playing with us... catwalk! Nine o’clock!”

They’re heads shot up just in time to see Nezu scurrying along the catwalk, moving effortlessly from one control panel to the next. He paused and pressed a series of buttons.

“Run!” Jiro shouted, feeling the vibration through the walls. She yanked Hitoshi out of the path of a steel beam that crashed down where they’d been standing seconds before.

“This is getting out of hand,” she gasped, keeping her eyes locked on Nezu as he darted across the catwalk.

“We’re never going to beat him in a direct fight,” Hitoshi said, frustration edging into his voice. “He’s controlling this entire map—we’ll never get close.” His eyes narrowed as an idea formed. “Although… maybe there’s a way to throw him off his game.”

Jiro glanced at him warily as they dodged another trap. “I’m listening.”

“Nezu prides himself on being able to read people, predict their actions, right? So what if we take away the predictability?”

“Get on with it,” Jiro groaned. “We’ve already wasted five minutes.”

“I’m getting there!” Hitoshi shot back. “He’s probably expecting me to try and use my quirk on him. But… what if I use it on you instead?”

She froze mid-step, giving him a sharp look, nearly getting flattened by a massive boulder that came rolling down the corridor.

“If I’m controlling your actions, he won’t be able to anticipate your moves. That might give us enough of an opening to get close, trick him—something!” His voice carried a note of urgency.

Jiro hesitated, chewing her lip. Hitoshi extended his hand toward her.

“Do you trust me?” he asked.

She considered for a heartbeat before nodding and gripping his hand. “Yeah… just don’t make me do anything embarrassing.”

“No promises,” Hitoshi replied flatly, but the faint curve of his mouth betrayed him. In the next instant, her posture slackened as he seized control of her mind.

Time to turn the tables on this experiment.

___ . ___ . ___ . ___ . ___ 

Nezu continued orchestrating the maze from above, his tail flicking as he muttered to himself.

“Now, if I just corner them into Sector C—”

He froze, his eyes narrowing as several of his cameras focused on Jiro as she weaved through a hallway laced with laser tripwires. Her movements were smooth and deliberate, almost dance-like, her earjacks striking the walls to send out soundwaves at seemingly random intervals.

Nezu’s ears twitched. “This is completely unlike her usual patterns… what was she—” Then his face twisted into a smile. “Ah. A clever idea, young Shinso.” His eyes gleamed. Things are about to get interesting.

Switching to another camera, he spotted Jiro forcing open a ventilation duct. He went to trigger one of the traps laid inside— only to freeze again at the sound of a clang from the catwalk above. Glancing up, he caught sight of Shinso creeping toward him.

“Persistent,” Nezu mused. With a quick press of a few buttons, he leapt from the platform onto a rising crane, letting it carry him away just as Shinso lunged. The frustrated look on the boy’s face earned a laugh from the principal. It’ll take more than that to outmaneuver me.

By the time he reached a new control station, Jiro had already reappeared on another feed, crouched over a power box. Her earjacks sparked against the wires, sending pulses through the circuits, but instead of destroying all the wires, she abruptly left, slipping back into the vents. Nezu frowned. What was Shinso planning?

Nezu could have ended the exam right then and there, activated some of his more challenging traps… but his curiosity got the best of him. He wanted to see how this played out.

Jiro’s unpredictable movements continued until she came upon another hidden control box. Without hesitation, she ripped the panel free and began yanking wires, the overhead lights flickering dangerously as she toyed with complex circuits.

From the catwalk, Shinso leaned over the railing and shouted down, his voice sharp:

“Was that the last one?”

Nezu’s tail flicked. “Ha! You haven’t even found half of my—”

The words died in his throat as his body went rigid.

Shinso let out a shaky sigh, the tension draining from his shoulders. He strode forward and snapped the capture cuffs around Nezu’s small wrists before releasing his hold on both the principal and Jiro.

“Well done, you two,” Nezu chirped once he was free. “Turning your own teammate into an unpredictable element—delightfully underhanded. And the way you disguised your question as though directed at Jiro… very clever indeed, young Shinso.”

Hitoshi allowed himself a small, tired smile. He’d been winging it most of the time, but somehow it had worked. They’d won.

Nezu walked over to the nearest panel and pressed a few buttons. The screeching of metal filled the air as the walls retracted into the floor. Nezu began walking them toward the exit, commenting lightly on their performance. Jiro fell in step beside Shinso, and without warning, she punched him in the arm.

“Ow! What was that for?” he yelped.

“That’s for making me crawl through vents like some knockoff secret agent!” she complained.

Shinso chuckled under his breath, a smirk tugging at his lips. “Could’ve been worse.”

___ . ___ . ___ . ___ . ___ 

Eren and Sero stepped into their arena, steps echoing against the ground as they entered a mock cityscape. Rows of buildings loomed around them, glass windows reflecting the midday sun.

“It feels just like the entrance exam grounds,” Sero remarked, glancing up at the tall towers.

“Huh. You’re right,” Eren said. It was fitting—considering Sero had been the first person he’d met when he arrived in this reality during the entrance exam.

The buzzer blared, jolting them both to attention. They pressed back-to-back, scanning the empty streets for any sign of their opponent.

“The exit is outside the limits of the city, so we can’t rely on our gear to escape. I don’t know how the gas will affect the titan, so I’d prefer not to take the risk unless we need to.” Eren explained.

Sero nodded, his eyes scanning the city. “We should keep out distance. Stay out of range of the gas and try to find a way to take her down.”

Eren smiled in response, “Exactly.”

They heard her before they saw her: the sharp click of heels on pavement, the lazy crack of a whip dragging across the asphalt. When she finally rounded the corner, she looked like she was walking a runway instead of into battle.

“Well, aren’t you boys a sight for sore eyes,” Midnight purred as a pink gas began to seep from her body, curling toward the boys. “But don’t you worry… I’ll have you dreaming of me in no time.” A sultry smile on her lips.

“Move!” Eren snapped. His hooks fired with a thwip, steel lines sinking into the nearest building. A moment later, he was airborne.

“Wha—hey, wait for me!” Sero yelped, scrambling to follow after him.

“Keep up!” Eren shouted back.

Below, Midnight watched them rise with an indulgent grin. “Ooh… boys who like to play hard to get. I can work with that.”

From above, Eren glanced down. The gas spread low and heavy, curling into alleyways like it was alive. He landed gently on a rooftop in a crouch. “The gas seems heavier than air, so it should stay close to the ground. Stay above it and we’ll be fine.”

“Easier said than done!” Sero called. His swing was too wide, tape snagging against a ledge, leaving him dangling for a second before he scrambled up to join Eren.

Eren smirked before explaining. “You need shorter swings. Keep the tape taut; try to think about the physics involved with each swing. You can’t just treat it like any old playground swing.”

Sero groaned. “Whatever you say, oh great Spider-Man sensei.”

Eren let out a huff of amusement. Hitoshi had forced him to sit through enough superhero movies to get the reference. “Spider-Man’s got nothing on us. The guy ignores the advantage of using two lines when swinging. We’ll outmaneuver Midnight in no time if you follow my lead.”

“Aye aye, Captain.” Sero gave him a sloppy salute before launching off the roof, doing his best to copy the fluidity of Eren’s movement.

___ . ___ . ___ . ___ . ___ 

The two swung through the air in tandem, looping wide arcs around Midnight while they searched for an opening.

“Let’s try to catch her off guard,” Eren called, firing his grapples into a nearby building. He reeled himself in and swept low, cutting close to the street in a blur. Holding his breath, he aimed to take her feet out from under her.

Midnight smirked and stepped neatly aside, her heels clicking against the pavement. 

“Trying to sweep me off my feet already? How daring!” she purred as he shot back into the air.

For several minutes, the boys darted in and out of the spreading haze, swooping through alleys and rooftops, but Midnight was always one step ahead. Each dodge bought her time to bleed more of her gas into the streets, the pink fog rising thicker and thicker until holding their breath grew harder by the second.

Down below, she strolled leisurely through the empty city blocks, her whip twirling lazily at her side. She craned her head, tracking the shadows streaking across the rooftops. “All this running around…” she muttered before snapping her whip with precision. The lash launched a small canister, flinging it up to a ledge where the boys had paused.

Crash!

A plume of pink haze burst across their feet.

“Gas incoming!” Eren barked. They leaped from the ledge in opposite directions just as the cloud swallowed it whole. More canisters followed, arcing through the air and detonating across walls and windows.

“Left!” Eren shouted, and the two veered together. They caught a clothesline strung between buildings, using it to ricochet in opposite directions. A canister shattered against the wall that would’ve been in their path, missing them by inches.

Sero whooped, exhilarated. “That was actually kinda cool!”

“That’s one is called a split diversion,” Eren answered with a grin as he swung back into formation.

They pushed on, but their constant movement was going to be their downfall. Midnight’s gas bombs were forcing them into narrower routes. And holding their breaths, for even short amounts of time, was getting nearly impossible.

Eren jerked his line upward, leading them to a taller rooftop that was out of her reach. He landed in a crouch, shaking his head in an attempt to fight off the drowsiness from inhaling trace amounts of her gas. Sero scrambled beside him, his shoulders slumped and breathing ragged.

“We’re not getting anywhere with hit-and-run tactics,” Sero groaned. “Got any other ideas?”

“I might have one…” Eren pressed a hand to his forehead, steadying himself. “But it’s quite literally insane.”

Sero gave him a lopsided grin. “We’re running out of time. Crazy sounds perfect.”

Eren drew in a sharp breath, met his partner’s eyes, and asked.

“…Do you think her gas is flammable?”

___ . ___ . ___ . ___ . ___

Midnight strolled through the streets, the pink haze curling around her like a living veil. As much fun as it had been to toy with these boys, she decided it was time to finish things. She was just about to hunt them down herself when the familiar whir of Eren’s gear echoed from the distance.

Her lips curved into a smile. Looks like they’re coming to me…

She shifted her stance, ready to snare him the moment he burst from the fog. But when his silhouette finally appeared, something was off; he was too close to the ground.

Her eyes widened as his gear scraped against the pavement, sending up a flurry of sparks. She pivoted on her heels and bolted, trying to get as much distance as she could. But she wasn’t able to fully avoid the blast; The shock knocked her off her feet and slammed her to the ground.

Before she could recover, another figure streaked in overhead.

“Gotcha!” Sero shouted, firing tape that wrapped snugly around her body. He yanked her arms tight and snapped the capture cuffs over her wrists, bringing the exam to its end.

Pinned and smiling, Midnight tilted her head at him. “While I usually prefer being the one doing the tying up… I could get used to this.” She winked, laughing softly at his horrified expression. “Maybe I’ll have to keep you after class.”

Sero’s face went scarlet. “Uh—n-no thanks, ma’am!” He scrambled to remove his tape.

Midnight gave an exaggerated pout, only to chuckle again as he helped her up.

A low groan from the side drew both their attention. Eren staggered out of the smokescreen, his clothes singed, burns scattered across his skin. He limped toward them with a scowl.

“Note to self,” he grumbled. “Never blow myself up again. That hurt like a bitch.”

“Eren!” Sero darted over, eyes wide. “Holy crap, are you okay? You’re covered in burns—”

“I’ll live,” Eren muttered, waving him off with a pained wince. “Let’s just get out of here. I could use a nap.” Midnight laughed, easily slipping out of the locked handcuffs. 

“Oh, don’t pout. Business is business after all.” She smiled.

___ . ___ . ___ . ___ . ___

A.N. The rest of the final exams go according to canon; I just don’t want to rewrite them. (>o<)

Kaminari and Ashido failed their exam against Mic, and Kirishima and Sato failed against Cementos.

___ . ___ . ___ . ___ . ___

After the last of the exams wrapped up, Class 1-A gathered in their homeroom one final time before summer break officially began. The room buzzed with chatter as most students rehashed their battles in excited detail, while a few sulked in their seats, faces dark with despair.

“Have fun at the training camp for us,” Kirishima groaned while Ashido dramatically slumped against her desk in shared misery.

That was when Aizawa finally spoke up. “You will all be attending the summer training camp.”

The room froze. The students who failed looked up in shock.

Aizawa sighed, expression unchanging. “It would be illogical to withhold training from those who need it most.”

Kaminari threw his hands up. “Damn logical deceptions! You had us freaking out over nothing!” Despite his words, a grin tugged at his face.

“However,” Aizawa continued, ignoring the outburst, “you four will attend remedial lessons with me and Vlad King each night of the camp.”

Their relieved expressions instantly soured into horror. Groans echoed from select students at the promise of extra work layered on top of camp training. But before anyone could complain further, the bell rang, signaling the official start of summer break.

“Enjoy your time off,” Aizawa said, already gathering his things. “I’ll see you all in a week for camp. Don’t make any dumb choices in the meantime.”

With that final warning, the students bolted for the door, chatter rising again as summer plans spilled into the air.

They had done it. They had survived their first semester of hero training.

 

Notes:

This chapter… was the bane of my existence. ○|￣|_
I tried sooo hard to do something different. I tried a cool simulation idea, group hero challenges with class B. Like literally, I wrote and rewrote, and planned so much for this chapter.
In the end, I decided to just do team battles (I’m too excited for the next arc).
But I think they came out really well anyway. I love Hitoshi and Jiro’s dynamic. And love my two swingy bros working together. We just need Midoriya to unlock Black Whip, and they can recreate the Spider-Man meme.
I hope the fights met your expectations at least a little bit…
___ . ___ . ___
On another note! We have officially finished Act 2!!! Woohoo!!! ╰(*°▽°*)╯
I am already over 30k words into Act 3, so y’all have plenty of content to look forward to!
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And on a completely different note! I saw Infinity Castle yesterday… and again today! It was so FREAKING GOOD! I’ve already read the manga, and they did everything perfectly! I only wish we didn’t have to wait like 2 years for the next one. 〒▽〒
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Feel free to leave any speculations, comments, or questions you have!

Chapter 34: A Beach Episode

Summary:

As Summer Break officially begins, Hitoshi plans a big surprise for Eren!

Notes:

WELCOME TO ACT 3! I can't believe we've gotten this far!!! Time to start things off with a chapter I've been waiting to post for AGES!!! (/≧▽≦)/

They were already two days into their summer break, and for once, there was no training. No homework. And no pressure to push themselves past the point of exhaustion. Eren and Hitoshi had taken full advantage of the freedom, with plenty of cat cafés, late-night movies, and video games with Kota. The younger boy had even started warming up, slightly, to Hitoshi after discovering his extensive Mario Kart knowledge.

Still, Eren couldn’t shake a nagging feeling. Hitoshi was acting… odd. Always texting on his phone, his eyes lighting up with anticipation before quickly schooling his expression whenever he caught Eren looking. Eren tried asking their classmates if they knew what was going on, but they all gave vague, evasive answers.

On the third morning, Hitoshi ushered him into a car with a grin he couldn’t hide. They drove for a while before Hitoshi handed Eren a blindfold. “Put it on.”

“…Why?”

“Trust me. You’ll thank me later.”

Eren grumbled but did as told. When the car finally stopped, he got out and heard Hitoshi speaking quietly to Hizashi before the engine faded away. A hand grabbed his and tugged him forward.

“Where are we going?” Eren laughed after nearly tripping over a rock.

“Just wait. You’re gonna love it.”

The sounds of the city faded away, replaced by a different rhythm. There was a steady roaring. The wind now carried a salty tang, and the sun felt hotter for some reason. Eventually, they stopped walking, and Hitoshi let go of his hand. Eren could hear his footsteps moving away before he spoke up.

“Okay! Take it off!” Hitoshi called, barely containing his excitement.

Eren pulled off the blindfold, squinting against the bright sun. When his vision cleared, his jaw nearly dropped. His entire class, as well as some of his other friends, stood in front of him, all grinning widely.

“SURPRISE!” they all shouted.

Eren blinked, stunned. “What… what is this?”

Hitoshi stepped forward, smiling. “We never got to celebrate your birthday when you first got here. So… think of this as a late celebration.”

Warmth filled Eren’s chest, but Hitoshi wasn’t finished. He gestured widely, and the crowd of students parted, revealing the true surprise.

A stretch of white sand led to an endless horizon of deep blue. Waves crashed rhythmically against the shore, rising and falling in a mesmerizing way.

“Welcome,” Hitoshi said proudly, “to the beach.”

Eren’s breath hitched. This was it. The sea. Armin’s dream. The thing they’d once thought was only a picture in a book, now sprawling endlessly before his eyes. He staggered forward instinctively, but Hitoshi pressed a swimsuit into his hands.

“Go change first. It’s not going anywhere.”

That broke the spell enough for Eren to rush off, returning moments later in swimtrunks. He walked toward the water, eyes wide as he watched his classmates already splashing through the waves. Kaminari doused Ashido, who shrieked before tackling him straight into the water.

Eren took his first step up to the water’s edge. It lapped against his feet; the cold liquid was strange but soothing. He was so caught up in the sensation that he didn’t notice Kirishima barreling into him until he was face-first in a wave.

He surfaced, sputtering as he spat out a mouthful of saltwater. Kirishima winced, a plastic disc in one hand as he offered Eren the other. “Sorry, bro! Didn’t see you there. You alright?”

Eren accepted the hand. “It’s all good. What are you doing?”

“You’ve never played frisbee?!” Kirishima looked positively shocked before a wide grin split his face. “Wanna learn?”

Eren returned the smile and soon found himself in a chaotic game of frisbee, enjoying the added challenge of running across the loose sand. A little while later, he found himself running after an explosion-powered toss from Bakugo, and was forced to dive after it and face-planted right into the sand.

He lifted his head up, shook the sand out of his hair, and was met with the aghast faces of Aoyama and Uraraka. He looked down and realized that he’d landed directly on the sand castle they’d been building.

“I’m sorry!” he blurted out. “I didn’t see it!”

Aoyama gave a dramatic sigh. “Monsieur, you do know that you are now obligated to help us rebuild.”

“Yup. Those are the rules,” Uraraka added with mock severity.

Eren laughed before throwing the frisbee back to the others and sitting down to join them. They immediately got to work, constructing a miniature fortress out of sand. Before long, several others came to help; Yaomomo used her quirk to top their masterpiece with a tiny flag.

Their joy soon turned to sorrow when the waves started getting higher, threatening to sweep their castle away. They desperately tried to build walls and moats to protect it, but it was to no avail. The waves were cruel and unforgiving, washing away the sand over and over again. Eventually, they gave up, letting the ocean reclaim her precious sand.

___ . ___ . ___ . ___ . ___ 

The day continued to pass in a blur of activities. At one point he was pulled into an extreme game of beach volleyball with the big three, which instantly devolved into a battle of quirks. Despite Eren and Amajiki’s solid defense. Mirio and Nejire’s pure power was too much to combat, and the other duo quickly clutched the win.

A little later, while Eren was laughing as a few people tried and failed to surf on ice boards that Todoroki made, Hitoshi and Yui walked over to Eren, holding a strange food in their hands.

“It’s called ice cream,” Hitoshi explained, holding one out to Eren. “Kodai and I went to get some, and I realized—somehow—that you’ve never tried it… Well, better late than never,” He finished with a shrug as Eren took the cone.

Eren stared at the strange, creamy swirl before licking it cautiously. His eyes widened, and in an instant, he was devouring it. “Why didn’t you tell me about this before!?” He practically yelled.

Hitoshi laughed. “Guess I forgot. We’ll make sure you try other flavors at some point.”

“There are other flavors?” Eren stared at Toshi incredulously.

“Yup, mine’s chocolate,” Hitoshi said casually, taking a lick of his own.

“Gimme.”

“No way!” Hitoshi leapt out of the way as Eren made a dash for his ice cream. “You already had one!!!”

A chase broke out between the two, and within a minute, they were wrestling in the sand, both freezing when Hitoshi’s ice cream splattered tragically on the ground. Eren pouted while an aggravated Toshi dragged him back to the ice cream stand to buy a replacement. Kodai followed along with an indulgent smile as she licked at her own strawberry cone.

___ . ___ . ___ . ___ . ___ 

Eventually, Eren decided to venture past the shallow end of the water. He met up with Tsu, who had already spent most of the day in the water, and listened intently while she gave some pointers. 

Sure, they had water and canals in the walls. But swimming wasn’t necessarily a common occurrence. Thankfully, Tsu was a patient teacher, and had Eren swimming around with ease in no time. The two of them had a blast diving through the waves.

After a bit, Eren had an idea. He treaded water while he relayed his idea to Tsu, who gave an approving ribbit in response. Eren raised his hand to his mouth and transformed. The titan rose high out of the water with a burst of steam. He reached his hand down and allowed Tsu to hop on, raising his arm high into the air. The frog girl leapt off the makeshift diving board, performing a series of flips before slicing cleanly back into the ocean.

The commotion caught the attention of many of their classmates, who swam out to join them. They were soon clambering all over the titan as a diving competition broke out. Eventually, the challenge shifted from seeing who could do the most intricate dive to a simple cannonball contest.

When it was Kodai’s turn, she took a running leap and tapped her shoulder as she fell, using her quirk to grow larger and larger until she reached the water, sending a tidal wave in every direction with her cannonball. When she surfaced from the water, she continued to grow until she was roughly the same size as Eren.

With a playful shout, she lunged and tackled him into the water. The two giants began wrestling through the waves, shoving, splashing and sending massive waves that knocked their classmates back. For ten minutes, the mock battle raged until both were breathless, declaring it a tie. Kodai shrank back to size, and Eren gathered up his classmates in his hands, setting them gently back on shore before releasing his Titan form. When he finished freeing himself, his stomach let out a thunderous growl, earning another round of laughter.

“Guess it’s time for dinner,” Ojiro chuckled, hauling out a pack of hot dogs from a cooler.

The group quickly set to work gathering wood for a fire, which Todoroki lit with ease. Soon, large flames were crackling as they roasted their hot dogs while light chatter filled the air. Eren took a bite and nearly melted on the spot… something about smoky fire-roasted food was so nostalgic.

The peaceful atmosphere was soon interrupted by a rustling in a nearby bush. Before anyone could go investigate, out trotted Mika, who pranced her way over to the group and plopped herself right into Eren’s lap. She looked up at him, eyes wide as she begged. He sighed and held out a hand toward Ojiro, who smirked before passing him another hot dog. Mika meowed in triumph as Eren tore off a piece for her.

___ . ___ . ___ . ___ . ___ 

After they all finished eating, Hagakure and Jiro tugged Eren away to go beachcombing. He trudged along the tide line with them until something glimmering between the water caught his eye. Bending down, he pulled up a large white shell. It spiraled around itself until it reached a point, rough bumps pricking against his fingers.

“Ooh! You found a conch!” Hagakure squealed when he made his way back over to them.

Jiro held out her hand, and when Eren handed it over, she turned it over a few times before nodding as she handed it back. “It’s empty too. You should keep it.”

Eren held onto the shell tightly. For the rest of their adventure, he carried it like a small treasure, admiring its beauty the whole time.

___ . ___ . ___ . ___ . ___ 

The sun had begun its slow descent, spilling molten orange across the horizon. Most of Class 1-A lounged on towels and blankets, chatting quietly and soaking in the last light of the day.

Eren drifted away from the group, Mika padding faithfully at his heels while they walked further down the beach. He found a weathered log of driftwood and took a seat, feeling the smooth wood beneath his palms. Mika leapt gracefully up beside him, then onto his shoulders, curling up like a scarf.

He turned the conch shell over in his hands, the ridges catching the glow of sunset. His chest tightened. “It’s beautiful, isn’t it?” he murmured to Mika. “It’s everything Armin talked about… and more.” His voice dropped to a whisper. “I wish they were here to see this. To know there’s more beyond the walls than titans.”

He looked back out towards the waves, and for a moment, he could almost see it—Connie and Sasha splashing each other in the waves, he could even imagine Jean shouting as they dragged him in after them. A sad smile tugged at his lips. 

He prayed with all he had that the Scouts would one day retake Shiganshina and learn the truth. He’d never been so glad that Captain Levi hadn’t given him the key back yet. Maybe they’d still have a chance to fight for a better future.

He could hear Mika start to purr in his ear as he continued talking to her softly. Laughing softly as he told her stories of his friends and family. He talked about all the times Armin got too caught up talking about some book or other and ended up walking into walls, people, or even the canal one time.

“It happened more than you’d think,” he said, shaking his head fondly.

A slow wave of warmth spread through his body, and his breath caught. It was almost as if he could feel them sitting beside him. He kept his gaze locked on the ocean, not wanting to risk shattering the illusion.

“I miss you both… so much,” he whispered. “Please, stay safe. Stay alive.” His throat tightened as that warm feeling began to fade away. 

“I love you.”

And then it was gone, just as quickly as it came. Leaving him alone once again with his thoughts. Mika’s purring working well to keep him grounded. A shift beside him broke him from his trance. Hitoshi lowered himself onto the driftwood, making Mika leap down with a disgruntled chirp before curling possessively in Eren’s lap.

“You alright?” Hitoshi asked.

Eren stared at the horizon as the last sliver of sun dipped below the waterline. He looked down at the shell, then over to Hitoshi.

“Yeah,” He said softly. “I’m okay. Thanks, Toshi,” he added, leaning his head against Hitoshi’s shoulder.

Hitoshi tilted his head against his. “For what?”

“For planning all this. It was… really great.” Eren smiled lightly, “You’re the best brother I could ask for.”

They sat like that a moment longer before Hitoshi rose and offered his hand. “Come on. Everything’s packed up, and Zashi will be here soon. Let’s go say goodbye to everyone.”

Together, they rejoined the others, and Eren thanked them for coming. Everyone responded enthusiastically, expressing their desire to do this more often. Kodai pulled him into a tight hug before she left. As the big three headed out, Mirio ruffled his hair, while Nejire nearly squeezed the life out of him. Even Amajiki patted him lightly on the back.

When Mic’s car pulled up, Eren, Hitoshi, and Mika piled into the backseat. Hizashi glanced over his shoulder with his usual grin.

“Did you boys have fun?” he asked.

Eren turned the conch over once more in his hands, feeling its weight settle like an anchor in his chest. He looked up, a small but genuine smile on his face.

“Yes.”

Notes:

Y’ALL DON’T UNDERSTAND HOW MUCH I ADORE THIS CHAPTER!!! ~\(≧▽≦)/~ It’s so fun to write the UA students just being kids and having fun! An extra thanks to Player 1083 for the idea to introduce Eren to ice cream. It was such a good addition to this scene.
___ . ___ . ___
I know Japan is an island, but in this story, Eren hasn’t actually been to the beach yet…
___ . ___ . ___
Feel free to leave any speculations, comments, or questions you have!

Chapter 35: A Chance Encounter

Summary:

Before leaving for their summer training camp, the students of class 1A do some last-minute shopping at the mall.

It was the day before they were scheduled to leave for the summer camp, and Hitoshi and Eren had been invited to the mall with their classmates to shop for any last-minute essentials. 

Aizawa and Hizashi decided to tag along. They planned to keep their distance, of course, but Aizawa needed to grab a few things himself, and Zashi was eager to soak up every bit of family time he could get before everyone left him behind for the next week.

The family piled into the car and, about twenty minutes later, pulled into the mall parking lot. The boys hopped out first to meet their friends, while Hizashi and Aizawa followed at a more sedated pace.

When they walked into the food court, they quickly spotted their classmates waving them over.

“Hey, bros! How’ve you been?” Kirishima greeted them both with a grin and a fist bump.

“Pretty good,” Eren replied. “You ready for camp?”

“Oh yeah!” Kirishima pumped his fist. “I’m just excited that I actually get to go—but I do need to buy some more hair gel, and bug spray… oh, and a sleeping bag…” He trailed off, muttering his way through a mental checklist.

Eren chuckled lightly, but his attention shifted when Iida raised his voice to address the group. “Since we’re all here for different supplies, I believe the most efficient course of action is to split into smaller groups. We can reconvene here for lunch. Does that sound acceptable?”

“Sounds good to me,” Uraraka agreed.

“Why don’t we meet in two hours?” Yaoyorozu proposed. The rest voiced their agreement, already drifting into small clusters before heading off toward various stores.

“What do you need to get, Eren?” Hitoshi asked.

“Nothing really…” Eren replied, “But I wouldn’t mind checking the video game store for something new to play with Kota.”

“I need to stock up on instant coffee,” Hitoshi said. “Wanna come with me? We could hit the game store after.”

“Sounds good.”

The two strolled into one of the shops together, bumping into Ashido and Sero and chatting with them for a while. Hitoshi grabbed several bottles of instant coffee while Eren grabbed a box of his favorite teabags. They said bye to their friends before heading towards the next store.

___ . ___ . ___ . ___ . ___

When they reached the game store, the two split up, Eren heading toward the Nintendo section while Hitoshi wandered over to the first-person shooters.

Eren took his time looking through the games, trying to find one that he could play online with Kota. He picked up a different one; it looked like another Mario game. He didn’t think Kota had Mario Party yet, so this could be a good option. While he was deep in thought, a figure stepped up beside him, grabbing a game from the shelf before peering at the one in Eren’s hand.

“That game can be fun if you’ve got nothing better to do,” the stranger rasped.

The hair on the back of Eren’s neck shot up. Before he could move, four fingers reached over and wrapped themselves firmly around the back of his neck, the ghost of the fifth hovering, ready to press down at a moment's notice. He froze.

Shigaraki.

His hand rested right directly over Eren’s nape; he’d be dead before he could even scream. Shigaraki’s cracked face entered his vision, his face twisted into a smirk.

“Well, if it isn’t the little cheat code… Why don’t you and I have a little chat?” His tone made it clear this wasn’t a request.

Before Eren could respond, Hitoshi walked back over with a game in hand. Shigaraki quickly bent his head forward, hiding his face. Hitoshi’s steps faltered as he approached. 

“What’s going on?” he asked cautiously.

Shigaraki’s grip tightened. A flicker of dread flashed through Eren. Based on the way he was acting, Shigaraki must have figured out Hitoshi’s quirk from watching the sports festival. If he wasn’t careful, things could turn deadly fast. He needed to get Toshi out before he got caught in the crosshairs.

“Oh! This guy was just helping me decide which game to get…” Eren forced out. When he saw the hesitation in Hitoshi’s eyes, he added quickly, “Why don’t you go on ahead? I might be a while.” His gaze was pleading.

Confusion flickered across Hitoshi’s face as he took a slow step backwards.

“Actually!” Eren called before he could get too far. “Could you stop by the stationery store? You needed a new notebook, right? And I could use some pencils and an… eraser.

Hitoshi’s eyes widened ever so slightly before he nodded. “Oh… right. I’ll stop by there… See you for lunch?”

“For sure,” Eren replied.

Hitoshi turned to leave, placing the game he’d picked up on a random shelf. Relief rushed through Eren. At least Toshi would be safe. Shigaraki’s grip loosened slightly.

“You made the right call. Wouldn’t want that little mindjacker ruining our cutscene.” He mocked.

With a shove, Shigaraki pushed Eren out of the store and over to a bench tucked away in a dark corner of the mall. He forced him down, settling beside him.

“What do you want with me?” Eren asked through clenched teeth. 

Shigaraki gave a strange, breathy laugh. “Like I said. Just want to talk.”

“About what?” Eren questioned angrily. 

“About you.” Shigaraki leaned closer. “You fascinate me. I remember you from the USJ. The way you were able to tank my attack and walk away at full HP. Then there was Hosu, where you killed two of my Nomu. And worse, you stole some of the spotlight away from the League that night. 

He paused, loosening his grip that had been tightening while he talked, which left Eren gasping for air. He ignored it and kept speaking.

“I hate you for that. But you’ve piqued Sensei’s interest. Not only can you turn into that monster, you regen like crazy…” He trailed off.

Eren was barely listening to him. His mind raced—if Hitoshi got Aizawa, then he might be able to erase Shigaraki’s quirk before he could use it on Eren. But he needed a backup plan. 

“And then there’s that crystallization trick you pulled on the bridge. Just how many buffs do you have, huh? What’s your stat sheet look like?” Shigaraki continued, leaning in close. 

Eren came to a realization with a start, of course! His hardening! That might be strong enough to overcome Shiggy’s decay. If he could just manifest it in this form, then he could get away. With his mind made up, he glanced over at Shigaraki.

“Why should I tell you anything?” he snapped, turning his focus inward, straining to try and bring up that familiar feeling.

“Because we’re not so different, you and I” Shigaraki crooned. “I watched you at the Sports Festival. You’ve got A-tier destructive potential. But you are wasting it, letting the heroes puppet you when you could be the main player?”

Sweat rolled down Eren’s neck as he strained harder, trying desperately to manifest even a hint of hardening.

“I’m nothing like you.” He gritted out.

“Really?” Shigaraki’s tone dripped with mock disbelief. “You think you can roleplay the hero forever? You think your party will stay by your side when they see your true potential? I can practically see the bloodlust hidden under the skin of that monster. But you keep nerfing yourself. Keeping your true power on a leash.”

Eren’s hands trembled… more from fury than fear. That familiar creeping sensation began to spread across his neck and shoulders… he just needed a little longer. 

“You think you’ve fooled them? That they see you as a friend?” Shigaraki chuckled, low and gleeful. “No. You’re just a monster pretending to be a student. The only difference between us is that you’re still pretending to be an NPC in their story. Me? I’ve embraced the villain.”

Eren’s chest tightened, anger boiling. He’d spent too long being treated like a monster, but not anymore. He wasn’t here to be another mindless titan, destroying humanity and wreaking havoc. No. He was here to be a hero.

Out of the corner of his eye, he caught the lavender flash of Hitoshi’s hair and saw that Aizawa was with him. It was now or never…

Eren focused on his emotions, on his rage. And bit by bit, he forced his hardening to creep across his nap. Completely coating it at the same time as Shigaraki caught sight of Aizawa and Hitoshi, who had worked their way over. The villain snarled.

“Couldn’t mind his own business, could he?” His grip tightened.

Hitoshi’s gaze swept across the room until it locked onto Eren. Before he could do anything, Shigaraki pressed his fifth finger down.

Hitoshi gasped in horror, and Aizawa’s eyes flared red—erasing his quirk instantly. But Shigaraki only grinned; it was too late. 

“Game over.”

He felt Eren pull out of his grasp. Shigaraki glanced down, shock flashing across his features when he saw the shimmering hardening protecting Eren’s neck.

“How OP can you be—?”

CRUNCH.

His words were interrupted when Eren’s fist smashed into Shigaraki’s face, sending him sprawling. The villain shrieked, clutching his swelling eye.

“YOU BASTARD!” he howled, fumbling his phone and hitting a button.

Eren lunged at the man, but Kurogiri’s mist had already started swirling around him. As Shigaraki began to disappear, his taunting voice rang out.

“It’s only a matter of time, Yeager. Sensei wants to see your build for himself.” His voice echoed as the portal swallowed him, vanishing moments before Aizawa’s capture weapon sliced through the air.

Aizawa cursed, then turned to Eren.

“You alright, kid? Did he hurt you?” Concern bleeding into his voice.

“I’m okay. It seems my hardening was too strong for his decay… but I could feel the strain. If it had spread beyond the small patch of protection… I don’t even want to think about what could have happened.” Eren swallowed hard. “Thank you. You saved me.”

“Anytime, problem child,” Aizawa replied, a small smile tugging at his lips. “We’re gonna perform a sweep on the mall. I doubt he’d stick around, but we do need to follow protocol. You boys should meet up with your classmates.”

Eren nodded and turned to leave, noting that Hitoshi hadn’t followed. He appeared to be frozen in place. Eren reached forward and grabbed hold of Toshi’s wrist, pulling him along as he headed to the lunch area.

“You alright?” Eren asked, causing Hitoshi to snap out of his haze.

“AM I ALRIGHT?! What about you?! Are you alright?!” He started to ramble, “He had you, and I—I couldn’t do anything. I’m useless as a hero, friend, and brother. I’m sorry Eren.” He said sadly.

“Don’t beat yourself up.” Eren reassured, “He already knew your quirk. He’d never have responded in the first place. If you tried to do something at the game store, he might have just killed me then and there. Getting Aizawa was the best thing you could have done in that situation. Thank you.”

Hitoshi sighed, but before he could mope any further, they approached the food court, where all their classmates were already waiting. When they walked into view, Iida jumped up out of his seat.

“Where have you two been? It is 30 minutes past our designated meeting time.” He reprimanded.

Hitoshi only sank further into himself, while Eren started to fill everyone in on what happened. By the end of his explanation, everyone was on edge. A few minutes later, the police filed into the food court and asked everyone to evacuate so they could continue their sweep. The students waited outside until Aizawa came to fill them in.

“There was no sign of Shigaraki or Kurogiri in the mall. You are all free to continue shopping if you want. I do want to let you all know that we will be taking some extra safety precautions regarding the summer camp. So rest assured, this incident will not affect that in any way. I will see you all tomorrow.” He turned to leave before pausing.

“Yeager, Shinso, I’ll need you boys to come with me and give your official statements.” He concluded.

The boys were quick to follow; They talked to a police officer for a while before they all just decided to head home.”

They had an early day tomorrow after all.

Notes:

Phew! This chapter was a doozy to write. I honestly had no idea how I would do it for a long while. I even considered cutting this part out entirely. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
In this AU, the LOV would have gotten most of the media coverage from the Hosu attack, since Stain was… endeavored, before he could give his speech. Although some focus would be on Eren as well as the other heroes.
So, because of that, Shigaraki would have no reason to have his chat with Midoriya. This also gave me another chance to push Eren to unlock new aspects of his powers!
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Next chapter starts the summer camp arc!!! I’m so excited to get into it. I really feel like this fic levels up in quality and intricacies starting from here on out!
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Feel free to leave any speculations, comments, or questions you have!

Chapter 36: Leaving for Camp

Summary:

It’s time for the first-year hero students to load on the bus and head off to their mysterious summer camp. What challenges lie ahead?

Eren groaned as his alarm blared. He slowly dragged his body out of bed. Sure, he was used to waking before sunrise, but this was just cruel. He grabbed his phone from the nightstand and squinted at its obscene brightness. He glared at the 4:00 a.m. displayed on the screen.

Why did they have to leave this early?!

He stumbled into the kitchen to find the rest of the family already up. Hizashi and Aizawa worked in a perfect tandem to make breakfast, while Hitoshi sat at the counter nursing a mug of coffee big enough to drown in; his eyes still closed as he took another sip.

“Did you sleep?” Eren asked, sliding onto the stool beside him.

Hitoshi cracked one eye open. “What do you think?” he muttered, taking a loud swig of his drink.

Eren patted his head in mock sympathy for the poor insomniac. Hizashi walked over to the boys and set a steaming cup of Eren’s favorite tea in front of him, before returning his attention to the bacon he was cooking.

“Thanks, Zashi,” Eren said, taking a sip and sighing at the warmth that spread through him.

“No problem, kiddo! Hopefully you’ll both get some rest on the bus. You’ll need the energy.”

“Zashi! Don’t give them any hints.” Aizawa scolded, his glare doing nothing against the puppy dog eyes Hizashi sent his way.

“I’m actually surprised he hasn’t spoiled anything yet,” Eren said, smirking slightly. “I was sure Zashi would’ve slipped up about the location by now.”

“What is this? Rip on Present Mic Day?!” Hizashi clutched his chest in mock offense. “I haven’t done anything wrong—this is stereotyping!”

His pout only grew as the others laughed at his antics. He sighed dramatically while he started plating the food. “You’re all about to abandon me for a week! Where’s the love?”

Aizawa slipped behind him and wrapped his arms around his waist, chin resting on his shoulder. “I’m sorry, my love. You know we’ll all miss you. But you do have the most important job of all—feeding Bastard and Meowzawa. Who knows what trouble they’d get into without you?”

“Don’t forget about Mika!” Eren chimed in. “She might stop by while we’re gone.”

“Knowing Mika, she’ll probably find her own way to camp,” Hizashi said with a fond smile, twisting his head to kiss Aizawa.

Hitoshi fake-gagged at the display, quickly turning his attention to Eren. “You know, I’m starting to think that cat might just have a quirk of her own. I mean, how else does she always seem to find you?!”

“Maybe… She’s definitely not a normal cat.” Eren admitted as he reached forward to pull his and Hitoshi’s plates towards them. Ignoring the still-kissing couple, they began to eat.

After breakfast, they finished packing any last-minute items and loaded the car. Once they arrived at UA, Hizashi helped unload their bags, hugged both boys, and gave Aizawa one last kiss before heading home. The others made their way toward the buses, the first to arrive.

Within fifteen minutes, the rest of Classes A and B had trickled in, most looking like zombies as they trudged over to the bus. Aizawa and Vlad directed them to start loading their luggage while they waited for any stragglers. Once everyone was accounted for, the students piled onto the bus.

And with one last headcount, they were off.

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They’d been on the road for a few hours, and the bus was quiet. Most of the students had already dozed off, trying to recoup from their early start. Near the back, Hitoshi had claimed a window seat and had his head resting against Eren’s shoulder as he slept.

Eren, meanwhile, was wide awake, not really one to fall back asleep once he was up for the day. Tokoyami was sleeping in the aisle seat across from him, and, thankfully, Dark Shadow was more than happy to keep Eren company. The two quietly chatted while they played rock, paper, scissors. 

Eren groaned when Dark Shadow beat him once again. “Okay, your turn to ask a question.”

Dark Shadow hummed a bit, forming her question before she spoke. “What’s your favorite food?”

“Oh, that one's easy!” Eren smiled, “It’s the beef stew that my mom used to make when it got cold outside.” Dark Shadow tilted her head.

“What does it taste like?” She asked with such a sense of childlike curiosity that Eren didn’t have the heart to tell her she had already asked a question.

“I don’t really know how to describe it.” Eren pondered, “The flavor wasn’t really anything special; meat was expensive after all. But I could always taste the love she put into it. She’d spend all day tending to it while I kept the fire stocked. It was a lot of work, but it just added that much more to the stew. We’d wait for Dad to get home and eat in front of the dying embers of the fire... I guess it tastes like family.” He trailed off before snapping back to himself and smiling sheepishly at Dark Shadow, “I doubt that makes any sense.”

Dark Shadow twirled around Eren’s head, “I think so, I can’t actually eat anything. But I love Fumikage, so if food can taste like that, then it must be good!” She chirped happily before moving in front of Eren and lifting her hand for another round.

This time, Eren won. He considered his question for a second. “This one might be a bit personal, so you don’t have to answer… but— do you ever feel trapped being bound to Tokoyami? Like you don’t really get to make your own choices.” He murmured lowly.

“Well, that’s silly!” Dark Shadow laughed. “I make a lot of decisions! I’m choosing to talk to you right now, aren’t I? Her form rippled as she continued talking. “When I first appeared, Fumikage and our parents were scared of me. I didn’t get to talk to anyone, and I was really lonely for a while. But eventually he accepted me and we became close friends. He can be bossy, but I like being able to help him!” 

Eren tilted his head. “But don’t you ever wish you had your own freedom?”

“Well, I’ve never known anything except being with Fumikage, so I can’t imagine having it any other way.” She drifted around Eren’s shoulders, settling herself with her head resting lightly on top of Hitoshi’s. “Besides,” she added in a cheerful tone, “if I weren’t with him, I wouldn’t have met any of you!”

Eren smiled lightly as they drifted into a comfortable silence. With Dark Shadow enveloping him like a warm, weighted blanket, it wasn’t long before sleep claimed him as well.

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Eren woke a little later to the sound of giggling. He cracked one eye open, only to immediately shut it at the flash of light that followed. Dark Shadow woke with a startled hiss before retreating back into Tokoyami.

“Sorry, Eren!” Mina whispered. “I didn’t realize the flash was still on.”

Eren shot her a half-hearted glare, glancing down to make sure Hitoshi was still asleep. Sina knows that boy needs his sleep…

“You guys just looked so cute!” Mina squealed softly, spinning her phone around to show him the picture she took. It was of him and Hitoshi leaning against each other, fast asleep, with Dark Shadow curled protectively around them.

Eren had to admit—it was endearing. “I’ll forgive you on one condition,” he said. “Don’t show it to anyone else. Hitoshi would have a conniption.”

Mina nodded, but before she could turn back around, Eren added, “Oh, but send it to me. It’d make perfect blackmail material.”

Her eyes lit up with mischief as she tapped her phone a few times. A moment later, Eren’s phone buzzed. He pulled it out of his pocket and saved the photo. Though in truth, he just knew Hizashi would absolutely love it. He forwarded it to the man before they could lose reception and was rewarded almost instantly with a flood of heart emojis.

Eren smiled faintly and put his phone away, content to just relax for the rest of the drive.

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The “rest of the drive” wasn’t actually that much longer. About twenty minutes later, the bus pulled into a clearing and rolled to a stop. Aizawa stood and addressed the half-awake students.

“We’re making a brief pit stop. Go ahead and wake anyone still sleeping.”

He stepped off the bus, several students rising to follow.

Eren nudged Hitoshi. The boy groaned, trying to bury his head deeper into Eren’s shoulder. Eren pushed Hitoshi off of him, forcing the boy to “officially” wake up or else he’d wind up slamming his head into the window of the bus.

He shot a tired glare at Eren, who just grinned in response.

“Rest stop, Aizawa wants everyone off.” He said, pulling Hitoshi into the aisle.

They shuffled outside, squinting against the bright sun, and stretched their stiff limbs. The clearing didn’t seem like much of a rest stop though—no bathrooms, benches, nothing.

“Where are we?” Uraraka asked, looking around with confusion on her face.

“And where’s Class B?” Jiro added.

Eren’s attention was drawn to the sound of a car pulling into the clearing. His eyes widened, and a massive grin split his face at the sight of the familiar vehicle. He finally took stock of their surroundings, almost laughing at his own obliviousness.

“You didn’t think we stopped here just to stretch, did you?” Aizawa said dryly.

The car doors flew open, and two familiar figures climbed out.

“Long time no see, Eraser!” Mandalay called out before addressing the crowd of students.

“You can call us—”

“The Wild, Wild Pussycats!” they chorused together, striking dramatic poses.

Midoriya was unable to contain his excitement and burst into a muttering storm, rattling off their stats until Pixie-Bob practically tackled him for bringing up her age. Eren smiled to himself. Still as vain as ever.

Pixie-Bob pushed away from Midoriya and turned to face the rest of the students. When her eyes met his. She squealed, bolting full speed across the clearing, throwing herself at Eren.

“LYNX!!!”

Eren barely managed to catch her. “WE MISSED OUR KIT SO MUCH! HAVE YOU BEEN TAKING CARE OF YOURSELF? ARE YOU SURPRISED TO SEE US?” she rattled off, eyes sparkling with anticipation.

Eren chuckled, hugging her back. “I missed you too, Pix! I had no idea you guys would be leading our training camp. You’re gonna do great!”

Mandalay pried Pixie-Bob off of Eren with a glare before turning her attention back to the students. 

“As you’ve probably figured out, we’ll be training you this week. This entire forest is our property, and our base is right… over there.” She gestured toward a spot so distant it was barely visible.

A wave of dread swept through the group.

“…That’s far,” someone muttered.

Sero gave a nervous laugh. “Guess we'd better hop back on the bus.”

Almost immediately, a mad dash broke out as students scrambled for the doors. Eren, already piecing together the pro’s plan, leapt over the railing in one smooth motion. Before anyone reached the bus, the ground beneath them rumbled. Mandalay’s coy voice rose above the noise.

“The current time is 9:30. If you’re quick, you might make camp by noon. But be quick, late kittens don’t get lunch.”

The ground began to crumble beneath their feet, and a landslide tore through the area, sweeping the students off the cliffside. Most landed in a heap at the base of the mountain, groaning as they looked up to see Mandalay leaning over the cliff.

“Good news! Since this is private property, you can use your quirks all you want. Good luck!” Her head disappeared, leaving the kids to their fate.

“Of course, we couldn’t just take the bus!” Kaminari whined, eyeing the dense forest. “There’s no way we’ll make it in time!”

“And that’s not even counting the monsters,” a voice drawled.

Heads whipped around to see Eren leaning casually against a tree.

“How did you know they’d toss us off a cliff?!” Mina demanded.

“Don’t forget,” Eren said with a smirk. “I interned with these cats. You’d be surprised how fast you get used to this kind of chaos.” He pushed off the tree, muttering under his breath, “Just wish I had my gear…”

Momo seized the pause. “Wait—what did you mean by monsters?”

Eren raised a hand. And right on cue, a massive beast of earth erupted from the forest, swinging its fist down at him. Eren dodged easily, grabbing on and clambering up its arm before settling around its head. The creature thrashed, trying to dislodge him. When nothing worked, it began to raise its fist towards its own head.

Eren waited a second longer, then leapt away moments before the monster’s own punch demolished its head in a shower of dirt.

He landed lightly, brushing the dust from his pants. His classmates gawked.

“Those monsters,” Eren said simply. “Try and keep up.”

And with that, he sprinted into the forest, easily navigating the terrain. The rest of his classmates quickly began to chase after him, desperate to learn his tricks, when several earth monsters appeared, surrounding them.

A collective groan rose from the students.

 

Notes:

GOSH! I just LOVE writing natural dialogue. The idea of having Eren talk to Dark Shadow was not planned at all until I started writing it! But I love it soooo much! (❁´◡`❁)
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I’m literally so excited to be getting into the summer camp arc! I think it’s my favorite so far!!!
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Feel free to leave any speculations, comments, or questions you have!