MHA: A King's Legacy (BNHA x AOT)

The bus ride back to UA was filled with chatter, laughter, and lingering adrenaline from the day's chaotic events. The students were still buzzing with excitement, each recounting their individual experiences and near-misses with the villains.

In the middle of the bus, Aiden sat comfortably with Toru lying across the seat, her head resting on his lap. She seemed content, her eyes half-closed as she listened to the ongoing conversations. Mina and Celeste had claimed the back row, animatedly chatting about the fights they'd witnessed, with Mina occasionally sneaking teasing glances at Aiden and Toru.

Aiden absentmindedly ran his fingers through Toru's hair, his other hand drumming lightly on the armrest. The atmosphere was lively until Bakugo, clearly wrestling with his pride, made his way toward him. The entire bus grew quieter, heads turning to watch what the fiery blonde was up to.

Stopping in front of Aiden, Bakugo crossed his arms and looked away, his expression as sour as ever. "Tch. Look, I'm not gonna say it again, so listen up," he began, his voice low but still carrying its usual intensity. "You're strong. Way stronger than most of these extras. I'll admit it. But don't think for a second I'm gonna let you stay on top."

Aiden tilted his head, a smirk playing on his lips. "Wow, Bakugo, was that… a compliment? Should I mark the date?"

Bakugo's eyes twitched, and he glared at him. "Shut it! I'm just saying it how it is! Don't get cocky!"

From the back, Mina couldn't help but burst out laughing. "Oh, my gosh, Katsuki actually gave a compliment! Someone write this down! History has been made!"

Celeste adjusted her glasses, her tone dry but amused. "Indeed, a rare occurrence. Aiden should feel honoured."

Deku, sitting nearby, looked like a deflated balloon. "Kacchan… you've never said anything like that to me..." he mumbled, visibly disheartened. His muttering drew pitying looks from Iida and Ochaco.

Aiden leaned back, his grin widening. "Thanks, Bakugo. I'll take that as a win. But don't worry—I'll make sure to keep the competition interesting for you."

Bakugo scoffed, stomping back to his seat with a string of grumbles. The bus returned to its lively chatter, though a small laugh escaped Aiden as he glanced toward the front. Shoto, sitting alone by the window, looked out at the passing scenery, his usual stoic expression firmly in place.

Aiden noticed the slight furrow of his brow, a sign of contemplation. Deciding to take the opportunity to bridge the gap, he gently nudged Toru. "Be right back," he said softly, carefully shifting her so she could rest against the seat. She mumbled something incoherent but gave a sleepy nod.

Standing up, Aiden walked to Shoto's seat, plopping down next to him with a casual air. "Mind if I join you?"

Shoto glanced at him, his expression neutral but mildly surprised. "Not at all."

"Cool." Aiden leaned back, folding his arms behind his head. "Pretty wild day, huh? You handled yourself well out there."

Shoto nodded. "It was... eventful. You were impressive as well. Your quirk... it's unlike anything I've seen."

Aiden chuckled. "Thanks. Gotta admit, though, I wasn't expecting you to keep your cool like that. Most people would've freaked out."

Shoto's gaze shifted back to the window. "I've been through worse."

There was a pause as Aiden considered his next words. "Y'know, I noticed you keep to yourself a lot. That by choice, or just how things worked out?"

Shoto glanced at him again, his mismatched eyes thoughtful. "I suppose it's a bit of both. I don't see much point in unnecessary interactions."

Aiden smirked. "Unnecessary, huh? Well, consider this a 'necessary' one. Friends are good to have, even if it's just to mess around with and blow off steam."

Shoto's lips twitched, almost forming a smile. "You're different from most people."

"I'll take that as a compliment," Aiden said with a grin. "Stick with me, Todoroki. I'll show you there's more to life than just training and brooding."

Shoto didn't respond immediately, but there was a subtle shift in his demeanour, a small crack in his usual stoic façade. "I'll think about it."

Aiden patted him on the shoulder before standing up. "Good enough for me. Don't be a stranger."

As Aiden returned to his seat, the bus drew closer to UA, and the students began preparing for their arrival. 

As the bus pulled into UA's parking lot, the students disembarked one by one, their exhaustion finally catching up with them after the adrenaline-filled day. Some stretched and yawned, while others shuffled off in groups, heading toward the dorms or waiting for rides home.

Aiden, as usual, was a standout in his presence, walking casually with Toru and Celeste by his side. He waved to a few classmates as they split off in different directions. Toru, still recovering from her earlier ordeal, clung to his arm, her usual vibrant energy slightly subdued but her smile intact.

Celeste walked beside them, adjusting her golden-trimmed glasses as she reviewed her mental notes of the day.

Kaela was already waiting for them in the sleek car parked at the gate. The trio climbed in, Aiden taking the front seat while Toru and Celeste settled in the back.

Once everyone was buckled up, Kaela smoothly pulled out of the school grounds, the hum of the engine filling the quiet moments.

As they neared Toru's manor, Aiden turned to her with a soft smile. "You hanging in there?"

Toru nodded, her head resting against the window. "Yeah, just... a lot happened today. But I'll be fine. Thanks for everything, Aiden."

"Hey, anytime," he said warmly. "That's what friends—" He hesitated, his gaze softening. "—or whatever we are, do."

She gave a small laugh, a faint blush colouring her cheeks. "Whatever we are, huh? Smooth as ever."

The car pulled up to Toru's family estate, and Kaela parked by the gate. Aiden got out, walking Toru to the door. Her parents were already waiting, relief evident on their faces as they embraced her briefly before turning to Aiden with gratitude.

"Thank you for looking out for her," Toru's mother said warmly, her expression kind.

"Always," Aiden replied with a polite bow. He then turned to Toru, handing her a bag she had forgotten on the bus. "Don't forget this."

She took it with a grateful smile, hesitating briefly before leaning in and giving him a light peck on the cheek. "Goodnight, Aiden."

He smirked. "Night, Toru. Rest up."

Returning to the car, Aiden climbed in, letting out a content sigh as they headed toward the villa. Celeste, now fully alert, gave him a knowing look from the back seat.

"You're quite the charmer, aren't you?" she teased, her tone playful but affectionate.

He chuckled. "Hey, I don't know what you're talking about. I'm just being me."

Celeste adjusted her glasses, her smile sly. "Uh-huh. And 'being you' happens to involve becoming the centre of everyone's attention, doesn't it?"

Aiden shrugged, leaning back into his seat. "Can't help it if I'm a people magnet."

They both laughed, the atmosphere light and easy. Kaela listened quietly, a small smile playing on her lips as she navigated the darkened streets. When they arrived at the villa, she parked and helped unload the small heap of items still left in the car.

Aiden used his quirk to lift the bulk of it, earning an amused shake of the head from Celeste.

As they entered the villa, Celeste gave him a wave, heading off to her room with her usual composed grace. Kaela bid him goodnight as well, retreating to her quarters. Aiden made his way to his own room, greeted by Nimbus, who pounced onto his chest the moment he sat on the bed.

"Miss me, buddy?" he asked, scratching the chinchilla behind its ears.

Nimbus chirped in response, snuggling into his chest. Aiden leaned back, the events of the day replaying in his mind. Despite the chaos, it had been a good day, one filled with growth, camaraderie, and a renewed sense of purpose. 

With a final yawn, he let his head hit the pillow, Nimbus curling up beside him. Peaceful silence enveloped the room as Aiden drifted off.

-

-

The morning after the USJ incident, news channels across the country were ablaze with reports detailing the villain attack. Footage of the chaos at USJ played on repeat, with journalists analysing every detail and speculating on how the students and faculty had fared against such overwhelming odds. 

Inevitably, Aiden's name came up. Clips of his battle against the Nomu and Tomura, though partially obscured by dust and debris, had leaked to the public.

His golden suit, radiant attacks, and unconventional fighting style were subjects of widespread discussion.

Some debated his unorthodox methods, while others praised him as a rising star and questioned why a mere student had to step up to such a powerful enemy. 

In the villa, Kaela sat at the kitchen counter, sipping tea and scrolling through her phone with a raised eyebrow. "Looks like you're trending again," she said, sliding her phone toward Aiden, who was lounging in his chair, Nimbus perched lazily on his shoulder. 

Aiden glanced at the screen, a smirk tugging at his lips. "Yeah? What's the headline this time? 'Teen King Takes Down Nomu'?" 

"Close enough," Kaela replied. "But it's more about how you keep sticking your neck out when you don't need to." 

Celeste entered the room, adjusting her glasses and carrying a stack of books. "He lives for the drama," she teased, sitting across from him. "And he thrives on attention." 

Aiden grinned. "You know me so well." 

The week moved quickly. Classes resumed, though the events at USJ lingered in the minds of students and teachers alike. Security around UA was heightened, with faculty members more vigilant than ever. 

Mina and Kaminari spent most of their free time gossiping about the media coverage, while Bakugo trained ferociously in frustration, swearing he'd outshine Aiden in their next encounter.

Deku was glued to his notebook, muttering furiously about quirks and combat strategies, occasionally stealing glances at Aiden in awe. Shoto remained silent but observant, his piercing gaze often directed at Aiden, as if sizing up a rival. 

Toru, now fully embraced by her classmates as her visible self, was more energetic than ever, joking and spending time with her friends. She and Aiden continued to grow closer, with Mina playfully teasing them at every opportunity. 

Celeste, ever studious, focused on honing her abilities and analysing potential weaknesses in her quirk. She and Aiden often trained together, discussing strategies and techniques to complement each other in combat. 

Kaela, though technically not a student, maintained her role as Aiden's bodyguard, occasionally overseeing his training sessions and ensuring he stayed out of trouble—at least to some extent. 

By Friday, life at UA had returned to a semblance of normalcy, though whispers about the villains and their motives persisted.

During homeroom, Aizawa, bandaged but stoic as always, leaned against the podium. The class quieted down as his voice cut through the chatter. 

"Alright, listen up," he began, his tone as dry as ever. "The UA Sports Festival is in two weeks. Consider this your official notice." 

The room erupted into a mix of excitement and nerves. 

"The sports festival?" Kaminari said, leaning back in his chair. "That's huge!" 

"Yeah," Mina chimed in, practically bouncing in her seat. "It's where pros scout future heroes!" 

Aiden leaned back, his arms crossed and a mischievous grin on his face. "Looks like another chance for me to shine." 

Toru rolled her eyes, but a smile crept onto her lips. "You're impossible, you know that?" 

Aizawa raised a hand, silencing the room. "This isn't just for show. This is your chance to prove yourselves—not just to the pros but to each other. Take it seriously." 

The weight of his words settled over the class. The festival wasn't just a competition; it was a stage, a proving ground for their potential.

As the bell rang, signalling the end of the day, the students left the room, their minds already racing with thoughts of the challenges to come. 

Aiden lingered behind, looking out the window at the training fields. The UA Sports Festival was more than just an event—it was an opportunity to show the world what he was capable of.

And this time, he planned to leave no doubt and dazzle them all.

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