Chapter 14: Momo's Birthday Party — Hero or Villain?
Luke had no idea how in Mr. Fool's name his stepsister, Aina, convinced their father.
That man wouldn't let Luke go to the bathroom alone if it wasn't for the decency born out of his lifestyle.
So, as Luke sat in the limo with his entire family on 23rd September, he was still having a hard time believing it.
They all were dressed normally. Nothing extravagant.
If there were signs of wealth, then they were subtle.
The platinum earrings that Mrs. Saionji wore… The custom-tailored suit that Mr. Saionji donned… The neatness that Rikuya held… The coldness that Aina wielded…
Luke had been forced to dress in a black suit and pants over a white shirt, matching the dress code with his father and stepbrother.
Misaki and Aina wore plain, blue gowns that brought out the shine of their black hair.
As his father and mother chatted, Rikuya, seated between Reijirou and Luke, put his hand on Luke's thigh. He squeezed.
"If you did anything… to humiliate us…" he said, looking at Luke and Nyx. He left the rest unsaid.
Rikuya was unlike all the young heirs of wealthy families Luke had read in the books. The boy was just too serious. All the time.
He was 170 cm tall; still growing. He had sharp facial features and a headful of black hair, his black eyes holding a constant look of contemplation, exactly like his father.
Rikuya squeezed once more, making Luke press his brows. Then, he let go.
Luke noticed that Aina was watching it all play out with one of her eyes, the other one closed to maintain the coldness.
That… felt so good… Luke thought. My muscles are so sore…
…
[Ewwwwwwww!]
…
Miss Justice's reaction brought out a smile on Luke's face.
Opposite him, seeing the smile on Luke's face, Aina snapped her eye shut.
"We are here, Sir," Sand said, opening a slit from the front. He winked at Luke and then closed it up.
Luke took a deep breath.
"Don't go nuts after seeing her…" Nyx whispered in his ear. "Just follow the lead of this old empress…"
…
"Momo!" Nyx cried out her lungs. "… No! Let me go!!"
Luke grabbed Nyx with all his might as he felt eyes on him. From his side, Mrs. Saionji and Rikuya were glaring daggers at him.
And it was when they hadn't even seen Momo…
Luke pinched Nyx's beak and hurriedly apologized in all directions, bending his waist as low it was possible.
Then, his heart pounding, he rushed to a corner.
As the people got busy, sharing fake smiles, Luke suddenly realized something, taking deep breaths.
Much had changed since his regression, but some things still felt like deja vu.
Here he was — once again in a corner, feeling stifled by so many people…
Nyx squirmed in his chest, a few of her feathers falling out. "Let… me… go…" she hissed. "I can… make her understand…"
Luke snapped. "I thought you were the smarter between us! Get a hold of yourself!"
Nyx stared at Luke angrily, tears streaming down her dark feathers. Then, her body softened. "… I miss her… I couldn't even… say goodbye…"
Luke's eyes misted. "… stop… they are watching us…"
He couldn't see anyone, but you could trust Sand to always have an eye on both of them.
Suddenly, the hubbub died.
Luke and Nyx looked up and saw her coming toward the towering birthday cake, pressed between Mr. and Mrs. Yaoyorozu.
Momo was wearing a simple, red gown, her dark eyes shifting left and right.
As the children sang Happy Birthday, the background music enlivening the atmosphere, the 14-year-old Momo cut the cake.
Luke couldn't see her, though.
They had celebrated only one birthday together. Still, he knew how much she disliked this fanfare… He remembered eating the cake with her. Just the two of them… Nyx diving deep into the cake, spattering it everywhere…
Luke licked his lips, his throat going dry.
When he came back to the present, they were already taking away the cake.
He saw as Mr. Yaoyorozu pulled his father away. Mrs. Yaoyorozu and his stepmother chatted, joining other ladies. Aina and Rikuya congratulated Momo as other children surrounded her, presenting gifts.
"Hello!"
Luke almost jumped, looking around.
"Down…"
Luke stared at Mr. Principal. Remember… you are 14 years old… "Umm… hello?"
Nezu smiled. "You aren't going to congratulate her? That's why you are here, aren't you?"
"Ah… yes," Luke smiled ruefully. "I will go… now?"
Mr. Principal nodded.
Taking a deep breath and letting it out, Luke marched away, feeling eyes on his back. Tonight, Nezu was as important to his plans as Momo. If he wanted to change his fate, then he must accomplish all his goals tonight.
But first, he needed Momo to create an Ingredient.
He approached the children and stood at the back, sharing a glance with Nyx.
Nyx sighed. "Alright…" she whispered, closing her eyes. When she opened them again, she had already buried the emotions. "Let's do it…"
Luke ignored the Rikuya's frown and pressed forward. He was much calmer among children, it seemed. Seeing them from a grownup's perspective was quite helpful.
He was also a head taller than everyone, with blond hair and blue eyes… that had always worked against him before.
"Ms Momo," Nyx said, making all children look at the bird with fascination. "Big fan!"
The sounds of Os and Ooooos surrounded Luke and Nyx.
"… Thank you," Momo replied. Then she looked at Luke. "Is she your Quirk?"
Luke hurriedly shook his head, feeling a coldness seeping into his bones. Sand was definitely looking dead at his back. "I have no Quirk."
The children shifted on their feet as if they were afraid of catching a disease.
Nyx cleared her throat, bringing attention to herself again. "I have a gift for you… an interactive one."
Momo's eyes lit up. "Interactive?"
Nyx slapped the back of Luke's head. "Take it out."
Luke took out a sheet of paper from his pocket obediently and handed it over to Momo.
It took Momo one look to understand what she was looking at. "It's… a crystal's composition…"
Nyx giggled. "If you can create it, it's yours…"
Momo's Quirk wasn't a secret among the children in this circle. How it worked, though, was a different matter altogether.
Luke knew Momo was a curious girl. If he showed her an Ingredient composition, she wouldn't hesitate to create it just to give herself another challenge.
The children also began nudging her, hoping to see her Quirk in action.
Behind Luke, both Rikuya and Aina frowned, for different reasons.
Opposite them, Momo smiled and nodded, going through the composition again.
She lifted her right hand and immediately a blue crystal began materializing within her palm, dotted with twinkling whites.
Stellar Aqua Crystal!
The moment Momo created the crystal fully, Luke's hands trembled. It was now or never.
He looked at Momo's joyful face as she admired the crystal. He noticed her innocence… He felt at the peace around her…
As he closed his eyes, he heard her screams…
He saw her lying inches away from him… burning…
Nyx pressed her claws inside his flesh, urging him to hurry.
Hero or Villain… Luke let out a breath, putting his hands inside his pockets… What does it matter what I am… without you…
Booooooooom!
Crashhhhhhhhhh!!
ROARRRRRRRRRRR!!!
Villains had arrived… with a snap of Luke's fingers.
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AN: Image of the scene as the Villains arrive is available on Pat
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