Deep within the city resided a small intersection of buildings, consisting of four perfectly identical apartment complexes constructed from aged reddish-brown bricks. A large sign rested in the field just outside the head building-
“Erity’s Home of Hope”
If the cutesy-touchy sign didn’t give it away, this was an orphanage. While the name was cliche, the orphanage itself was quite unique. Unlike most rat-infested, delinquent filled prisons that housed homeless kids, this orphanage housed ‘special cases’. This was the term used to describe kids with sporadic or dangerous quirks that couldn't be trusted in normal orphanages.
More importantly, this was the home of Kazue.
——
“Did you hear? Kazue made it through the UA entrance exams.”
“Are you surprised? He’s got one of the insane augmentation quirks.”
“True. Do you think we should congratulate him? Maybe ask what it was like?”
“Nah. He may be strong, but the guy’s a massive prick.”
“That is also true.”
Word had gotten around the orphanage. A rather unlikeable boy had made it into UA, and everyone wanted in on the details.
In fact, the talk had gotten so out of hand, that a meeting was held on the day of Kazue’s departure, much to the boy’s dismay.
——
“As most of you probably know, one of our residents will be leaving the house today. Kazue, please come forth.” The calm, smooth voice of Ms. Erity cooed throughout the assembly hall, drawing all attention to the boy in question.
Kazue, with his face hidden behind his hood, slowly waded to the front of the room, attempting not to make eye contact with any of his ‘family members’.
“Now I know it’s sad to lose a family member, but Kazue here will be heading out and attending the prestigious UA Hero Academy! I think we should all give him a round of applause!” Ms. Erity announced enthusiastically, giving the Mummy Boy a pat on the shoulder.
~clap....clapclap....clapclapclapclap....clap...~
“At least...most of you tried!” Ms. Erity sweat dropped at the lackluster applause her children provided, quickly attempting to remedy the situation.
“Alright! So everyone is dismissed, you may return to your normal daily activities.” The House Leader finished, allowing a wave of kids to exit the room, before turning her attention to the now rather uncomfortable looking Kazue.
“So, you’re really leaving us, huh?” Ms. Erity mumbled in a much more carefree tone.
“Yep...what’re you gonna do without me?” The boy was quick with his witty reply, as if he’d said it a million times.
“Shut up. I’m gonna miss you, kid.”
“You too, Erity. But I have do this.”
Kazue’s words were firm, but his appearance said otherwise. Dark circles hung under his eyes, revealing a lack of sleep. It was clear the young man had been more stressed than he’d let on.
“I know you really care about this, but don’t push yourself too hard Kazue. It’ll work out, I promise.” As Erity comforted the young man, she gently placed her index and middle fingers on his temple.
A faint orange glow ignited from her fingertips, emitting a wave that caused Kazue to let out a long sigh of relief, and a thankful smile.
Erity E. Yuno
Quirk- Good Vibes; Erity can emit ‘calming waves’ from her fingertips, which can be used to ease a troubled mind.
This quirk is capable of taming even the most ruthless wild beasts, but Erity prefers using it to help the troubled youth of her orphanage.
“One more for the road.” Erity muttered with a small smile.
“Thank you, Erity.” The dark haired boy finished before slipping out of the assembly hall with a final wave.
In truth, Ms. Erity was the only person Kazue had ever connected with. She had been there for him since he was abandoned, and her quirk often acted as a godsend for the boy in moments of crisis.
Leaving her would be...the hardest thing he’s ever done. But this opportunity could NOT be ignored. Kazue had something to prove.
——
“A roommate? Ah, jeez. It’s probably gonna be some overconfident side-character with a power complex.” Kazue groaned as he skimmed through the school handbook, only just now catching that little detail. He really didn’t have a great deal of patience when it came to interacting with others, and he expected this to cause a great deal of trouble in the coming weeks...
“Here we are...” The hooded UA freshmen cheered under his breath, cracking open the door to his dorm room.
“Oh god...it’s already here...” Kazue stopped dead in his tracks, his eyes locking with an unknown boy off to one side of the room. It was agonizingly quiet as Kazue made no attempt to interact with the boy.
Hesitantly, he closed the door, before shuffling to his side of the room. Still, it remained too quiet for comfort.
“....I miss Ms. Erity...”
