Starting Line
Luz’s POV
I woke up the next morning only to have my mom push me back down.
“Maa.” - I groaned.
“Nope. You are not going to school today after all that happened yesterday. I already called in and they said it was fine under your circumstances.” - She replied in a stern tone.
“But I need to turn the school application form in!” - I nagged
I saw her eyes flicker for an instant, but she composed herself and asked a series of questions about the paper. I showed it to her and she agreed that we could drop it off later and I could also bring home any work I missed. I sighed and she kissed my cheek goodbye.
Did yesterday happen? Did The H-.... No. Did Eda say I could become a hero?
I looked over to the counter and grabbed my phone. I went to my contacts and found the number.
#1 Hero.
I giggled at the sight of the name.
She must be really proud of that title.
I looked at the clock which now read 10:04.
2 hours? Was I staring at her number for that long?
I felt my stomach grumble.
“I can't believe I forgot to eat. That's not like me at all.” - I chuckled to myself.
Mom would be home a couple of hours and then we’d be able to go. I quickly changed into some white shorts and a purple sweatshirt. I made my way over to the kitchen and heated a pair of bean buns. Suddenly I felt something rub up against my leg.
“Oh hi there Prince.” - I cooed at the cat.
We had adopted Prince a year ago after we found him wandering the alleys in the neighborhood. He was a small little guy, he was a light brown color all around except a stripe across his forehead and one of his little paws which were tan colored.
I picked him up and caressed his little forehead. He began to purr against my chest, making me hummed contently. Just then my phone went off displaying a called ID.
#1 Hero
“Omg! She’s calling me Prince! WHAT DO I DO!?” - I asked him. He gave me an un-amused look and I frowned.
“I should probably answer first...” - I set Prince down and answered.
“Hello?-” - I was quickly cut off.
“HEY, HEY, HEY, Kid. I’ve set up your plan! We start bright and early tomorrow!” - Eda boomed.
“WOah-Woah-Woah, I thought you said we started next week on Monday?” - I yelped.
“Change of plans!” - Eda responded. I could hear her smile through the phone and groan at the thought of it.
“Well, when do we start? What am I doing?” - I started to ramble on, but she cut me off before I started to spiral.
“Aaah don't worry about it kid. Just meet me in the forest like last time, Okay?” - Eda quickly cut me off.
“Couldn’t you have made that sound less creepy?” - I hesitantly questioned. I heard her sign and I giggled.
“I was just kidding, I swear!! I’ll be there first thing tomorrow.” - I chuckled.
“GREA-” - Just then I heard the front door open and Eda was cut off in my panic.
OhMyGodOhMyGod, I just hung up on her…
My mom entered the kitchen picking up Prince.
“Hola, Mija. Como estas?” - She asked. I could see the concern on her face.
“Great, Mami. You don’t have to worry so much.” - I held one of her hands in my own.” See, I’m right here and I’m alright.”
Her face relaxed and she embraced me.
“Okay, Mija. I love you.” - She said she pecked my forehead.
*BEEP* *BEEP* *BEEP*
*BEEP* *BEEP* *BEEP*
I rubbed my eyes and rolled out of bed. Yesterday after coming home, mom had taken me to school to turn in my paper. On our way out we ran into Amos and his father. While my mother and his father engaged in a friendly conversation, I stood there awkwardly while Amos just glared at his shoes. I wasn’t complaining, at least he wasn’t glaring at me.
I pulled on a black and white tracksuit and looked at the time.
05:00
I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t a bit nervous. I wonder what Eda has unplanned for me.
The forest wasn’t too far from home. It was more or less a 30 min jog. When I got there I was surprised to not just see Eda, but a separate figure leaning against a tree behind her.
“Hey kid!” - She waved me over.
“Hi, Eda.” - I offered a nervous smile as I rubbed the back of my neck. She smiled and gave my shoulder a tight squeeze and shake.
“Well, starting today you take your first steps towards your dream. I’ve set up your training regime with the help of my pal over there.” She beamed and she used a thumb to point over her shoulder.
I looked over at the groaning figure. He was short and was wearing a black turtleneck with a pair of jeans and a red scarf around his neck. My eyes immediately went to his head which had horns. His hair was dyed a cream color but his undercut revealed his natural black hair. His horns were pale similar to his hair color and the left one was broken. I felt myself begin to geek.
“OMG, ITS THE VOICE HERO: KING” - I squealed making my way over to him.
“Eda’s most trusted sidekick and friend!!”
He froze up as I made my way to him. He was a bit shorter than me and I embraced him in a tight hug, lifting him and spinning around.
“WEH? Hey get off me you infernal human!” - He scolded. I let go and smiled.
“Sorry!... I just love your special move.” - I beamed.
“Yes, I know my quirk is powerful!” - He retorted, while Eda stifled a laugh.
“My powerful voice brings terror to villains all over the world!!”
“More like squeaks of rage.” - Eda clutched her stomach as she laughed while King scoffed at her crossing his arms and turning his back on her. I giggled at their interaction.
Omg-omg I’m talking to two of my favorite heroes!!
Eda cleared her voice, pulling me from my thoughts.
“Okay, first off.” - She paused. “Are you sure you want this? I won’t lie, this will be difficult.”
I squeezed my hands, my knuckles slowly turning white. I wasn’t going to let the opportunity to fulfill my dream escape. I looked up at her straight in the eyes.
“Yes. I want to be a hero and save people.” - I respond.
I was determined to become a hero. My greatest idol was giving me a chance and I’ll be damned if I don’t take it.
I could see her beam with joy and look at King.
“See? Told ya the kids’ got spunk!” - She praised.
“WAIT, you told her about One-for-All???!” - King threw his arms in the air. His outburst made me wince at the volume.
“How do you know you can trust her?” - He glared at me, while I raised my hands in defense.
“Chill out King.” - Her face softened. “This is my choice. I chose her to be the next holder of One-for-All.” -She turned to me and kneeled resting a hand on my shoulder. “I believe in her and I trust she’s the best choice. Even with all that said, don't go yapping to your friends about this, got it?”
I smiled and King scowled but didn’t say anything else. I was glad she believed in me but King’s reaction left me uneasy.
“I remembered what you said about this forest and decided that to teach you both discipline and humility you will be cleaning the first acre of this forest” - She gave me a smirk emphasizing the piles of junk around us.
My jaw dropped and I stared in awe as I scanned the mountains of trash.
“B- But that’s impossible, there are years of trash stacked up here.” - I stuttered.
“And that's exactly why you’ll be the one to clean it up. Hero work isn't just about glory. Service matters too.” - She said sarcastically.
I shook my head and agreed. I walked over to a broken microwave and lifted it. I struggled to carry it and tripped over another piece of junk. Eda chuckled and took a picture.
“Hey!” - I whined.
“Follow the plan and you’ll get there.” - She reassured me.
And with that, I began the 10 months of grueling work. Meals planned, sleep planned, workouts planned. Everything was overseen by Eda and King. When Eda wasn’t able to oversee my workouts King took over.
He wasn’t too fond of me but listened to Eda nonetheless. On the weekdays, I met with them after school and on the weekends we met first thing in the morning. Throughout the days I also have smaller workouts and all my meals changed to include much more protein and calories. Even my sleep was scheduled! On top of all that I still needed to study and keep my grades up.
Every day my body burned and ached for relaxation and on my few rest days I felt my muscles turn into putty. I had formed a love/hate relationship with ice baths and hot towels as they were my only form of release and relaxation. The pulling, pushing, lifting, jumping, and running was exhausting. Eda wasn’t kidding when she said it’d be hard.
Even then I have to work harder. Everyone else is 10 steps ahead and I need to catch up. I need to prove to Eda that I can. I need to be worthy of wielding One-for-All. On off days, I started doing small workouts and hauling and a few extra pieces of trash when they weren't looking. If I wanted to take a breather before the exam then I’d need to finish early and on top of that, I could prove myself to Eda.
Hauling trash midday was the most grueling of tasks. The machinery and junkyard created a stuffy environment. Sweat rolled off my forehead and it became harder to catch a breath. I’d huff and pant transporting the junk to the trash. I was always parched by the end of the day downing half a liter of water. If I could I would drink more but it made my stomach ache.
As the months passed there was less and less junk piled around. The more the junk parts were removed the more the forest began to show its colors. The disgusting rusted mud was slowly growing grass patches and small flowers, but the move junk removed the larger the parts became. I had no days off. There was no such thing as an easy day, only heavier and heavier junk appliances.
“PULL! -”
“PULL! -”
“PULL! -”
I was hauling a broken industrial-sized refrigerator while King rested on top of it… while sitting in a lawn chair. I pulled on the ropes attached to the stoved. I could feel my arms burn as I slowly inched away from its original spot.
Gritting my teeth I pulled once more only to slip on a patch of mud. I heaved and puffed, propping myself up on my elbows. I tried to get up only for my legs to give in.
“Hey-hey-hey, are you going to stop now? Come on now?” - She accused me.
I felt my leg arms flex in anger and my legs tingle. Eda noticed this and groaned.
“You haven't been following the plan! Come on I thought you wanted this?” - She said accusingly.
I grew angry at myself.
Of course, I have! Get up, Luz! Get up now you weakling!
I flexed my leg muscles to move but everything burned and ached for me to stop. Eda realized what was wrong then.
“You’ve been overdoing things haven’t you?” - She walked towards me. “This plan we made for you was meant to help you maximize growth and progress while also being manageable. If you overdo it you’ll just mess up your progress!”
“I CAN’T afford to relax!” - I sneered. “Every student applying to U.A is steps ahead of me and I need to catch up! I can’t do “manageable”! I’m already weak as it is, I need to do more!” - I see the tears fall from my eyes and moisten the dirt in front of my face.
Suddenly, I was in arms. I looked up to see Eda carrying me and King picking up my stuff. I didn’t question it. Soon we were sitting on a bench near the forest entrance.
“Luz… You aren’t weak,” - Eda began. “You’re working harder than any other student applying right now. That being said you need to cool it sometimes. Your body needs to recover. No training for the rest of today or tomorrow. We’ll be doing physical therapy the following day.” - She said.
“I’m already proud of how far you’ve come. Don’t throw the progress away.”
I paused and thought of what she said.
“One-for-All has been passed down for generations now. Every wielder cultivates its power and adds to its strength. Its original wielder trusted the second to become stronger and so one. With me behind you…. let's just say, you’ll have to work really hard to master it, but you've already taken the first steps.” - She rubbed my head and turned away.
“Now come on. Let's get you home” - She responded.
Eda’s POV
It was the night before the exam and Luz texted me asking to meet on the training grounds. Every expectation I had set for her, she had exceeded and proven to me why she was worthy of being my successor. The pride I had for her was immense and I knew she’d eventually surpass me. Eventually, she’d grow to be stronger and take my place.
As I arrived at the trail entrance, I looked for the kid but I didn't see her. I ventured a couple of feet further into the forest following the trail. I reached the clearing that was created after the clean-up. There was a pile of stacked appliances near the trail that was a bit taller than me, but Luz wasn’t anywhere to be seen. That's when I heard small grunts get closer and closer. I turned to my left to spot Luz making her way over to the pile. She was carrying a broken fridge on her back, her face was red and she was sweating profusely.
Has she been here all night? I told her to stop overdoing things.
I was about to say something when she bellowed out a growl. I crossed my arms and watched as she finally reached the junk pile and dropped the appliance. She huffed and let out another triumphant roar to the sky.
I was taken aback at her show of strength and looked around. For as far as the eye could see there was no more junk.
I asked her to clear an acre, not the whole damn forest!?
I smiled and saw her huff once more before her legs went weak. I quickly flew over and caught her. She looked up to see me beaming with pride.
“Hey Eda. I did it.” - She said weakly. I stood her up and let her catch her breath before speaking.
“Yeah, kid You really did! You cleared the WHOLE DAMN FOREST!” - I bellowed.
She chuckled and finally caught her breath. I pulled out my phone and pulled up a picture. Then I turned it to show her. She stared at it confused. I laughed at the dazed face she made.
“Look! This was you when we started! Now look at you!” - Once again my pride broke through my voice.
She blinked a couple of times at the picture. Then she looked down at herself.
In the span of ten months the kid had grown. For starters, she had grown taller and stronger. She was just wearing a sports bra and a pair of dirty white shorts that showed off her newly-found muscular physique. Her biceps and shoulders had grown in nicely and were well proportioned for her height, and size. They flexed as they moved up and down with her chest as she continued to breathe heavily. She had well-defined abs and obliques that flexed with each heave she took in. I remember how hard it had been for her to do hang crunches. She also didn’t have those chicken legs anymore! Her thighs could probably use more growth, but her calves had grown to twice their original size. She always tried to outpace King on their runs. Or so I was told by the lazy sack of bones.
She looked at her left then right hand and formed a fist flexing her tired muscles.
“Am I ready now?” - Her voice came out as a whisper.
“Yes. You did it!” - I congratulated. I heard her sniffle.
“Are you sure?” - She rubbed her eyes with her forearm. “Are you sure you want me to succeed you?” - She paused and looked up. “What if I’m not the right person?”
Why is she worried? She went through all the hard work and training.
“Yes of course! I didn’t just choose you because of your strength, determination, or passion, I’m choosing you because I believe you are the future of this world.”
Her eyes teared up even more and she began to bawl.
“Hey-hey-hey, come on kid. If you want to succeed me you’re going to have to stop crying so much.” - I chuckled.
She laughed and wiped her eyes, sniffling a bit.
“Now. After all this hard work you deserve your reward.” - I plucked one of my grey hairs and offered it to her.
“Here eat this.”
She stared at me blankly.
“WhAt.” - She responded flatly.
“Oh lord. To receive my power you have to swallow some of my DNA. Would you prefer to take a chunk of my arm?” - I offered her my forearm sarcastically.
She hesitated but eventually swallowed the hair.
“Now. Rest up for tomorrow. Tomorrow will be tough and you’ve prepared your body in a rush. Be careful while using it, the backlash will be powerful.” - I warned.
She looked at me with her usual passion-filled eyes and nodded. I messed up her hair again and told her to go home. She shook her short hair free of sweat and pulled a purple shirt over her head and lazily began her walk home.
I sat on the bench near the entrance and stared at the work she put in. The barren trees were beginning to grow back their needles and there were random patches of grass beginning to grow. I smiled and let my thoughts consume me.
Be better than I could ever be.