The police came and drove out the press thankfully, right now we were in class picking up our curriculums for the school year. The curriculums were mostly the same, before noon it was normal high school lessons, noon we had lunch and after noon it was hero subjects.
"Yo Arthur," Kaminari said, sliding his chair closer to mine with a screech against the floor. "Wanna come with me and Kirishima to join some clubs?"
"Yeah, what could be manlier than that," Kirishima added enthusiastically, pumping his fist in the air. His shark-like teeth gleamed as he grinned.
I looked at both of them, tilting my head slightly. The hopeful expressions on their faces made me feel bad about what I was about to tell them.
Had neither of them read the guides?
"Students in the hero course can't join clubs," I answered, gesturing to the curriculum packet in front of us. "It says so right here on page three."
They both looked at each other, then down at their own packets, flipping through the pages with increasing bewilderment.
"Aw man, seriously?" Kaminari groaned, slumping forward onto my desk. "I was gonna join the music club. They probably have some sick equipment there."
"And I wanted to check out the weightlifting club," Kirishima sighed, his shoulders deflating. "Though I guess we'll be doing plenty of that in hero training anyway."
Before I could offer any consolation, a cheerful voice cut through our disappointment.
"Hey horn buddy, me and some of the other girls are gonna go to karaoke, wanna come with?" Mina said as she practically bounced over Kirishima's desk, landing gracefully beside us. Her golden eyes sparkled with mischief as they fell on Kaminari and myself. "Watts and Art over here can come too!"
"Watts?" Kaminari blinked, pointing at himself.
"Art?" I echoed, equally confused.
"Your nicknames," she said matter-of-factly, as if it should have been obvious.
"Why the hell is my nickname Watts?" Kaminari demanded, though he didn't sound particularly offended, more curious than anything.
I found myself oddly touched that I had a nickname at all. After all the only other nickname I had ever gotten was Arthur and that wasn't so much a nickname as a codename the news had given me which had now turned into my actual name.
"Cause you know, unit of measurement for electricity, your quirk is electric based," Mina explained with a theatrical wave of her hands. "Not my best work I know, but it has a nice ring to it, don't you think?"
"Why am I Art?" I asked, genuinely intrigued by her thought process.
She looked at me with a slight tilt of her head, her horns catching the light. "Oh for you I had a lot of nicknames but Art sounded the best. Plus, you know, Arthur... Art... it works!"
"You had others?" I pressed, now thoroughly curious about what other options had been considered.
"Yeah like Unfairquirk, Vigilordinaire, Golden Boy, Speedster Supreme, you know that kind of thing," she rattled off with increasing excitement. "But they were all either too long or too obvious. Art is simple and friendly."
"Gotta say I prefer Art," I answered with a small smile.
"Me too," she smiled back, her expression brightening even further. "So what do you guys say, up for some karaoke? It'll be fun, I promise!"
"You know I'm up to whatever," Kirishima answered immediately, already standing up and stretching. "Sounds manly to me!"
"Fine by me," Kaminari added, though he still seemed to be processing his new nickname. "Could be cool to see what songs they have."
All eyes turned to me. I could feel the weight of their expectation, and for a moment, I hesitated. I remembered what Nezu had told me earlier today, stop being a vigilante, go out with friends, try to have a normal life. The concept of friends was still somewhat foreign to me, but these people seemed genuine in their invitation.
I was kind of excited, actually. I had never gone to karaoke before, never really had the chance to do something so... normal. So teenage.
"Sure, thanks for inviting me," I said, and I meant it. The smile that spread across my face went from one end to the other, I was happy.
"Awesome!" Mina clapped her hands together. "Tsu, Toru, they're coming with us!"
She turned and waved at two other girls across the classroom. One was Tsuyu, the girl who sat to my right with the distinctly froggish appearance, and the other was... well, a U.A. uniform floating in mid-air. Toru Hagakure, I remembered from the introductions,the invisible girl..
We walked over to them, and as I got closer to Toru, something odd happened. I couldn't see her, not really, but I could sense her presence with unusual clarity.
It was like an... instinct.
Similar to the feeling I got when I sensed Aizawa using his quirk.
Or when I battled villains during my vigilante work.
"Nice to meet you both properly," I said, though I had to guess where Toru's face might be.
"Same here!" came a cheerful voice from roughly where I'd been looking. "I've been super curious about you since the whole entrance exam thing you did!"
"The pleasure is mine, Arthur," Tsuyu added in her characteristically straightforward manner. "I hope we can be good friends, ribbit."
We exchanged more pleasantries and then made our way out of school. The walk through the streets was surprisingly pleasant. I found myself mostly quiet, listening to the easy chatter of my new classmates.
It was such a different experience from my usual travels through the city, no rushing to emergencies, no scanning for threats, just... walking and talking with people my own age.
"Hey Art?" Mina asked as we paused at a crosswalk.
"Yeah?"
"Why do you keep that sword at your waist all the time?" She gestured toward Excalibur with genuine curiosity, not judgment.
"Actually I've been wondering that too," Tsu added, her large eyes blinking thoughtfully. "It seems like a hassle, ribbit."
"Yeah I've always seen it in the videos that pop up of you on YouTube," Kaminari chimed in. "Is it part of your quirk or something?"
Ugh, YouTube.
That accursed platform.
Seriously, why did it only recommend videos about that podcast called Get Vigilantes Under Control? I'd pressed the not interested button three times for that channel, and it kept popping up like some kind of digital plague.
However, I didn't dwell on that frustration anymore, after all, the subject of conversation was the great Excalibur, and by extension, Avalon. These were the most important things in my life, and if these people were going to be my friends, they deserved to understand their greatness.
"She," I began carefully.
"She?" Kaminari asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Yes, both of them are a she." I could feel their confused stares, but I pressed on.
"Both?" Kirishima said, his red eyes widening slightly.
"Could I please finish?" I asked with a small laugh, holding up my hand.
"Sorry, go on," Mina said, making a zipping motion across her lips.
I took a breath, choosing my words carefully. "She came to me in a very low moment in my life. She gave me light, she gave me hope when I had none left. She's the only... one I know will never leave my side, and I decided never to leave hers in return. They're not just weapons to me, they're companions, partners, family."
The group was quiet for a moment, processing what I'd said.
"Uh huh," Mina said finally, her face showing a mixture of bafflement and acceptance. "The sword came to you. Well, okay then, I guess that explains it. Everyone has their thing, right?"
"That's actually kind of beautiful," Toru's voice added softly. "Having something that means so much to you that you never want to be apart from it."
"Yeah, it sounds really meaningful," Kirishima nodded approvingly. "Very manly to have that kind of loyalty!"
Their acceptance warmed something in my chest that I hadn't realized was cold.
"Oh we're here!" Toru announced suddenly, her voice brightening.
I looked up to see a building with a large neon sign that was currently turned off for the day. In bright, colorful letters, it read.
Karaoke Kan.
"Come on let's see if they have a free room," Tsu said as she hopped toward the entrance.
We followed her through the glass doors into a lobby decorated with posters of various J-pop and international artists. The smell of snacks and the faint sound of muffled singing, well not really muffled for me, I could hear them all.
Still it was my first time in a karaoke place, and the atmosphere was very welcoming.
We approached the reception desk where a friendly-looking woman in her twenties greeted us with a bow.
"Hello, miss," Mina began politely. "We were wondering if you had a free room for six people?"
"Yes we do," the receptionist replied with a professional smile. "It's 3000 yen per person for two hours, though we can provide three beverages and some snacks each which costs just 200 yen more per person."
"That's perfect, thank you!" Mina replied enthusiastically.
Wait... yen? Money?
The realization hit me like a truck. In all my years as a vigilante, I'd never needed money, I didn't need food, water or sleep because of Avalon after all, and when I moved into U.A. I had even less need for money as Nezu gave me a roof, delicious food and anything else I might need.
I grabbed Kaminari's arm and pulled him slightly aside, lowering my voice to a whisper.
"Dude, I don't have money on me."
"You don't?"
"I don't."
"Why don't you have any money?"
"Never needed it before."
Kaminari stared at me for a moment.
"Oh man, that's... that's actually pretty sad. But don't worry about it, I'll pay your share," he said, reaching for his wallet. "Just pay me back when you can, okay?"
"Thanks a lot," I said, genuinely grateful. "I really appreciate it."
"What are you guys muttering about?" Kirishima asked, leaning in close until our three heads were almost touching.
"He doesn't have money," Kaminari explained quietly.
"You don't?"
"I don't."
"Why don't you?"
"Never needed it before."
"Are you guys having a group hug or something? Why are you all so huddled up?" Tsu asked, which made us quickly separate and look at the girls, who were watching us with amused expressions.
"Nah we're fine," Kaminari laughed nervously, pulling out his wallet and handing the receptionist the money for both of us. "Just guy stuff, you know?"
Kirishima paid for himself, followed by the girls. The receptionist then led us down a hallway lined with numbered doors, the sound of various songs and laughter echoing from within the occupied rooms.
She stopped at room seven and handed Mina the key. "What would you like to drink?" she asked, pulling out a small notepad.
"I'd just like a Coca-Cola," Mina said.
"Same here," Kirishima added.
"Lime Fanta for me," Tsuyu requested.
"Coca-Cola for me too," Toru said.
"Pepsi, the superior beverage for me," Kaminari declared with mock seriousness, which earned chuckles from the group.
All eyes turned to me. I felt a bit overwhelmed by the choices, having never really had to make decisions about beverages before.
"Do you have water?" I asked uncertainly.
The lady nodded with a kind smile.
"Then water please. Thank you."
As the lady walked away, closing the door behind her, I noticed Mina giving me a curious look.
"Water, seriously?" she asked, not judgmentally, but with genuine interest, okay it was a bit judgmental.
"Uh, yeah," I replied, suddenly self-conscious about my choice.
"Okay, I don't judge," she said, judgementally of course. "Everyone has their preferences!"
We all settled onto the comfortable sofas arranged around a large screen and sound system. The room was cozy, with soft lighting and decorative elements that created a welcoming atmosphere. I found myself sitting between Kaminari and Toru.
"So anyone wanna start?" Tsu asked, looking around the group expectantly.
"Horn buddies go first!" Mina announced enthusiastically, grabbing Kirishima by the shoulder and pulling him toward the microphones at the front of the room.
She quickly scrolled through the song selection on the touch screen, chose something upbeat, and handed Kirishima one of the microphones. The opening notes of what sounded like a popular rock song filled the room.
Not that I had ever heard it before.
In one word, their performance was... chaotic. Chaotic in the best possible way. They were both clearly having fun, dancing around and encouraging each other, even when they missed notes or forgot lyrics. Their enthusiasm was infectious, and I found myself smiling despite having no idea what the song was about. Even if their singing was pretty bad.
Halfway through their duet, the lady returned with our beverages and a tray of various snacks, chips, nuts, small sandwiches, and candies. She distributed everything and left us to our entertainment.
I opened my water bottle and took a sip, but then felt someone gently touch my arm. Looking down, I saw a can of Coca-Cola floating next to me, Toru was offering me some of hers.
"Wanna try some?" her voice asked kindly.
I looked at the fizzing, caramel-colored liquid with curiosity. I'd never had soda before, but I didn't want to seem rude or ungrateful for her offer.
"Thanks," I said, accepting the can and taking a cautious sip.
The sensation was immediate and overwhelming, the bubbles, the sweetness, the sharp fizzy feeling on my tongue. I literally felt my pupils dilate as the sugar hit my system.
It was incredible!
"It's delicious!" I exclaimed, maybe a bit too enthusiastically, as I handed the can back to her.
"Really? You sound like you've never had soda before," Toru laughed.
I realized my reaction had probably been more intense than normal, but decided honesty was the best policy. "I haven't, actually. This is my first time. At least the one I can remember."
There was a moment of surprised silence from the group.
"Seriously?" Kaminari asked. "How is that even possible?"
Before I could figure out how to explain my unusual upbringing, I was already standing up. "Uhm, sorry ma'am!" I called out, opening the door to catch the serving lady who was still in the hallway. "Could you bring another Coca-Cola, please?"
She turned to me with a professional smile and nodded.
I closed the door and turned back to find a microphone being thrust into my face.
"Your turn, Art," Mina said with a devilish grin. "Let's see how well the famous vigilante can sing!"
I took the microphone, feeling suddenly nervous. The weight of five pairs of eyes (well, four visible ones) on me was more intimidating than facing down villains had ever been.
"Can I sing in English?" I asked, hoping that might give me some advantage.
"Sure, why not?" Mina replied, already pulling up the English song section on the screen.
Narration POV
Toru looked at Arthur as he took center stage, gripping the microphone with an almost reverent care.
She didn't know exactly how, but she felt as if he could see her, not in some vague, he could see her like nobody else could feeling type of way, but actually see her.
It was the strangest thing; throughout her life, her invisibility had been absolute, but somehow this boy seemed to perceive her in ways others couldn't.
She had first noticed it when they were walking to the karaoke place. While others would occasionally bump into her or look confused when she spoke, Arthur consistently oriented himself toward her actual position when she talked.
It was impossible, and yet it kept happening.
So she decided to test it more deliberately. She decided to hand her coke over to him and when he handed it back, he didn't miss a step, he reached out to her invisible hand perfectly.
No fumbling
Her breath caught in her throat.
How was he doing that?
She watched as he gripped the hilt of his sword, his knuckles turning almost white with the pressure. The gesture seemed to calm him, like a security blanket or a good luck charm.
She really couldn't tell if the sword was actually a she like he claimed, but there was something undeniably intimate about the way he held it, which made her feel...
However, her train of thought was completely derailed when a song started playing and a voice echoed through the room, a voice that made everyone fall silent.
[Song Softly as I leave you by Frank Sinatra] (I recommend you guys put the song on for the next part)
"Softly, I will leave you softly
For my heart would break if you should wake and see me go
So I leave you softly, long before you miss me
Long before your arms can beg me stay
For one more hour or one more day"
The voice that filled the room was unlike anything Toru had expected. It was rich and melodic, with a maturity that seemed beyond Arthur's apparent age. There was something hauntingly beautiful about it.
She felt captivated by the sound, completely mesmerized, and she wasn't alone in her reaction.
"The guy can actually sing," she heard Mina mutter in amazement, her usual energetic demeanor subdued by the unexpected beauty of Arthur's voice.
"After all the years, I can't bear the tears to fall
So, softly as I leave you there"
"And pretty well at that," Kaminari whispered, his usual joking manner replaced by genuine awe.
Even Kirishima, who normally commented enthusiastically on everything, had gone completely quiet, his mouth slightly agape as he listened.
"Softly, long before you kiss me
Long before your arms can beg me stay
For one more hour or one more day"
She noticed how the hilt on his blade, loosened bit by bit until his hand was hanging loosely at his side.
"After all the years,
I can't bear the tears to fall
So, softly as I leave you there
As I leave you there
As I leave you there"
They had all quieted down completely as he sang, the usual chatter and laughter of the karaoke room replaced by something approaching reverence. So when the final notes faded away, the silence felt all the more pronounced.
"Sorry if it was bad, it's been a few years since I last sang it," Arthur muttered nervously, his earlier confidence evaporating as his hand once more reached out to the hilt of his blade.
A few years? Toru wondered. How old had he been when he learned this song? And why had he stopped singing it? She wanted to pry but couldn't since at that moment, perfectly timed.
The door to the karaoke room opened and the receptionist appeared with a fresh Coca-Cola in her hand.
"Oh thanks, I'm parched," Arthur said, his nervous energy immediately shifting to gratitude as he walked over to accept the drink. "Thank you so much."
The lady bowed her head slightly with a professional smile and closed the door behind her, leaving them once again in their private little world.
Arthur tilted the bottle back and drank the entire thing in one go, his adam's apple bobbing as he swallowed.
"God this is so damn good," he said, releasing a pop as he smacked his lips together with genuine delight. "This has got to be one of life's true delights."
He looked around at his still-stunned classmates with a bright smile, apparently oblivious to the impact his performance had made on them.
"So who's next?"
A/N: Not gonna lie, my autistic ass is hyperfixating hard on this shit, like I just want to sit down and write the 250 chapters I have outlined of this story (that number isn't fixed, it can change depending on how I see the story develop but it's there), but while I know many of you would love it if I wrote day in and day out, I would get the biggest fucking burnout I've ever experienced lol. This is the longest chapter I've written so far, as you can probably tell, it was also inccredibly fun to write.
However I am hyperfixated enough to write the one bonus chapter you guys deserve, without getting burnout, so here you go. Oh I was also thinking of starting a secondary fic, but again my autistic ass would hyperfixate so like Arthur is learning, I must restrain myself.
Oh if you guys ever have any questions, while I won't make a discord server of my own (unless you guys want to) I do normally lurk around Bleap's server (author of Fate/World, Fate/Fisted, A Song of Grace and Fury, the great yet sadly deleted A tumultuous second life...) in case you guys wanna ask me questions about this story. That is all.
Thx for reading. I hope you all enjoyed reading this as much as I enjoyed writing it. Author out.