Juno was expected to be a villain or a monster. Even since day one. So imagine everyone's surprise when she became one of the top heroes of the best hero agency.
When she was born, her own mother thought she was a monster. Evil.
First, she looked beautiful. Chestnut hair, fair tanned skin, round nose- however when she opened her eyes, something was different…
Juno's own mother screamed in horror at the sight of the child. For when Juno opened her eyes, they were not brown or blue or even green. No. They were far from normal…
Red. Dark, bold, crimson. The color of blood and evil.
As Juno grew up, the more she learned how others viewed her. Why? Becuase only a freak or a monster would have red eyes.
She learned at a young age to ignore them. Humans don't like what is different. So, they fear it. At least, that's what Juni told herself starting sixth grade.
However she was now in eight grade. The last year of middle school. Puberty had hit like a semi-truck but at least the pain was over… right?
She was finally satisfied with her life. She was happy. She had learned about the sciences of the world. And she was good at it. She enjoyed learning about it and had even more fun doing the experiments. She had decent grades, a fun science hobby, and learned to ignore the comments about her eyes so she didn't get upset each time. That, in her mind, was a win for Juno.
Then, one day at school something was amiss. It felt off. Like there was something or someone present who shouldn't be…
During third period that day, an announcement came on the loud speaker.
"Would Juno Kanlian please go to the front office"
Juno, despite being confused and in utter disbelief, went to the office.
Once there, she saw the principal, her mother, and two men in matching white uniforms. For once, Juno's mother looked happy to see her. Which, was news to Juno.
"Juno, sweetie, you never mentioned how well you were doing on your test scores…" Her mother said with held back venom. Which, was never a good sign.
Juno looked confused for a moment at her mother. She then finally answered, "you never ask about my tests or school. So why would I?"
That caused a few gasps in the room. Which, Juno didn't anticipate. What are you supposed to say in that situation?! "My mother doesn't usually give two shits about my school work most days"? In front of the principal? Yeah, no. She'd get expelled and then a slap by her mother later in private.
To her relief, the principal cleared his throat.
"Juno, we have noticed your hard work and dedication to science. Is it something you'd like to pursue in the future?"
Juno nodded her head slowly. Careful not to look the wrong direction with her "evil eyes".
"Yes, sir… I very much enjoy Science. And if I can.. I'd love to try to go into a science field in the future- o-or STEM in general…" she said hesitantly.
One man in the white uniform stepped forward. He held out a business card.
The card was professional and clean. It had the text
"H.A.U. Hero Agency Universal"
Juno's eyes widened. That was the hero agency… the best and biggest in the world. The one who all the best heroes, local and global, work for.
"Th-this is…"
The second man in the uniform nodded. He spoke in a low but steady and polite manner.
"We are currently looking for some candidates for the next generation. Our current heroes won't be in the spotlight forever. Even they grow old too. So, what do you say? Will you use your science and drive for knowledge to help the greater good?"
Juno couldn't believe it. For once a adult not only looked past her eyes, but looked at her hard work. She was absolutely ecstatic. She nodded excitedly.
"Yes! Yes! Absolutely! I'd love to!… uh- ahem I mean… I'd love to accept this opportunity. Thank you." She said, trying to be as polite and respectful as she can. Although she went a bit over board…
She never went back to class that day. Instead she packed up her locker and her backpack and left. She wouldn't be going to that school. She, instead, would be attenting the hero agency's program to train future heroes. No one would make fun of her again. She'd make sure of that.