Chapter 5
Things have been going well for Izuku these days. he's been working and living in the Iron Haven for 2 months now. He has received some tutoring from numerous people and had decently kept up with his studies to his age level. Of course the most obvious improvement is the fact he isn't homeless and he doesn't starve. He is so glad to have people that support him. The patrons have taken very kindly to him. Sympathizing with his situation and would help him. He's also gotten better at learning how to make contacts and broker deals and find information on people and institutions. He's nowhere near good enough to do stuff like this without supervision. So he does simple things like researching doctors and counselors on the internet that could help and sometimes playing messenger and deliver the number to people in the restaurant alongside their food to whoever need it if Tetsuchi was too busy to meet them personally.
And in his time working he has gotten better at socializing. Of course there are some people there who are definitely eccentric. In fact he's talked to quite a few of them now. They seem to be former villains and Izuku is still a bit scared of course but slowly starts to like their talks. If he learnt anything from the short time Izuku has been working at the Iron Haven it is that knowledge is power. It's what leads to contacts and getting people to safety. It doesn't matter to him what knowledge it could be and the ones who were former villains or vigilantes definitely have some of the weirdest knowledge that Izuku loves and is scared by at the same time.
"Hey Broccoli did ya know a body would melt in sulfuric acid in nine hours as long as you heat it up enough?"
"So you see Broccoli the main arteries are located here and here..."
"When you jump over and do parkour it is best to find buildings with ladders or flat surfaces. Also don't look down. You don't need to be reminded that you could fall flat at any moment"
Of course Izuku has no use for this knowledge but it was still fun to let these people talk about it freely without being judged for it and even if they are still technically villains they have proved time and time again that they are trying to be better so he trusts them. He sees this knowledge of a relic of their past life or the life they're trying to leave. In fact the table he is serving has a recent prison release secure himself an apartment and they are celebrating it now.
"Good on you Munch you finally got a place all to yourself!" a plain man with spikes coming out of him exclaimed! "Oh it's great Spike! Finally after so long I have something going for me. Hey Broccoli! Thanks for the number, the landlord on the other end was very understanding." Izuku blushed "Well Munch, Bloodsmith is the one who finds the numbers i simply deliver it" "Ah don't sell yourself short. I know he's sometimes too busy so you helping him out is a godsend. Thanks, it's rare to see a kid so understanding. Kids usually run after seeing my teeth so if you need anything Broccoli just know you can ask me ok?" Munch flexes a wide grin flashing his very sharp teeth to Izuku. "Also here's some money for ya" Spike hands Izuku a few thousand yen. "That analysis you did for me was a god send. Now i can actually control my damn spikes. instead of just ripping through all the clothes i have and before you say no. You deserve it ok. You are special just take it" Izuku stammered blushes took the money and ran "T-Thank you Spike-san!" Spike remarked as he saw Izuku ran back "Ah he's such a good kid"
Izuku has been doing analysis on people's quirks for quite a while now. In fact since a lot of people here have "villainous quirks" they are not very common to see in every day life. Some mutation quirks were easy to guess. While others really challenged him. A lot of them have little to no indication on what quirk they might have. Soon enough though he is starting to notice the small signs on what their quirk could be. The first find is that he noticed those with five point activation quirks typically have something on their fingertips whether it's a mark or some bumps on them. If someone walked in with artist gloves then it was a dead giveaway they had a five point activation quirk that they could not control. Another thing they notice is the type of food they order. People with quirks that have obvious mutations like reptilian or amphibious quirks or any animal that goes into hibernation or people who have quirks that emit cold typically do not enjoy cold food and enjoy food with a lot of flavor the opposite can be said about those who have quirks that emit heat or animals mutations that do well in heat. People who order food that had a lot of a certain type of nutrients can hint at the fact that their quirks need to utilize those nutrients to work. Slowly slowly he started to gather this information on quirks and started to guess what quirks the patrons have and at first he was right roughly 40% of the time but as time went on he was right about 70% of the time. The patrons typically are fine with telling little Broccoli about their quirks since they understand it came from a place of curiousity not judgement and in turn the little Broccoli would offer solutions that can help with them controlling their quirks. Which they are always thankful for since a lot of times the suggestions work and they would in turn pay Izuku for his service. He is still a bit hesitant on taking the money though.
Tetsuchi yelled out from his office. "Hey Broccoli can you come here I need you for some errands" "Right away Bloodsmith!" Tetsuchi gave him some money " There is a package that I need to be picked up give this money to the man at the counter. The package is a new set of kitchen knives that i ordered can you do that for me? You know the one, you've been there before. It's not far from here like less than a 10 minute walk just turn a corner on the park at the end of the street then walk down until you see a little shop. They do package pick up. There should be an old man sitting on the porch" "Yes sir!" Izuku replied before running out. Soon enough Izuku picked up the package of knives from the kind old man at the store and started heading back home but then he started to hear a little girl crying and a bunch of boys laughing.
Izuku thinking someone could be in trouble. Rushed to see a blonde little girl with her hair in buns wearing a school uniform crying on the ground when he saw a sight that made his heart stop.
Kacchan
Izuku couldn't even register the fact that he was rushing towards his childhood bully after fearing that the little girl can be in danger.
"Villain! Run away to your hole"
"Killer! When i become a hero i'll put you in your place!"
"Kacchan!"
Bakugo turned his head to see an absolutely pitiful and disgusting sight. The kid that went missing and ran away. The kid that still thinks he can do good despite being a defect.
"Deku."
"What are you doing to that girl Bakugo?" Was he hearing this right? This useless defect that was missing for 4 months is now talking back to him and his other extras and for what? To prevent them from taking down a villain to be?
He smiled like a rabid dog "Listen Deku I don't know what hole you screwed off to after being such a failure that your parents left you but that doesn't change the fact that you don't get to talk to me or do things to stop me being a hero!" Izuku grit his teeth " What has this girl done! It seems to me that you are just beating her for the fun of it! That's what a villain does Kacchan!" Bakugo snarled "Oh yeah if she's so innocent then why was she carrying this corpse in her pockets!" Bakugo threw a dead bird on the ground. Then proceeded to let an expolsion ring out and blasted at the girl. The girl stammered " I- I need i-it to s-survi-" before passing out.
Bakugo then grabbed Izuku by the collar " See she was a weakling, a few hits and she's out. Like all the villains i'll fight and beat to be the greatest hero!" Izuku grunted "Heroes beat villains to help people not just for the sake of fighting villains!" "Hold him down extras! I need to show him a lesson!" Bakugo's cronies held Izuku to the floor as Bakugo started blasting his body with explosions.
"LEARN" "YOUR" "PLACE" "DEFECT!"
By the time of the fifth blast. Izuku was out cold as well. The last thing he saw was Bakugo leaving the park laughing
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Tetsuchi was normally a calm man but Broccoli has been out for 30 minutes longer than expected. He started to worry. Could he have gotten lost? No way right?
Tetsuchi announced to the bar "I'm going out for a bit don't start shit when i'm gone!"
He ran out of the Iron Haven and started to head towards the shop. However when he got to the park his heart stopped.
Broccoli was out cold with a girl lying next to him. They both seem to have been burned.
Tetsuchi quickly ran towards them. Trying to wake them up. "COME ON PLEASE WAKE UP !"
After no response. Tetsuchi quickly picked them up and carried both of them back towards the bar but he didn't enter the bar instead he went past it to a building behind the bar and banged the door
"How's the catch?"
"Scarce! Now open the fuck up! I have people that need help now!"
Sensing the urgency in his voice a woman behind the door quickly. She had pale skin and had short hair and had sunken eyelids with a red glow from her seemingly hollow eyes. She opened the door before finishing the safety code protocol and her jaw dropped as she saw two children barely clinging on to life. She quickly called down some more people and they carried them to two beds and started to try and heal them. The woman opened a cage and grabbed two rabbits. She held one of the rabbits in one hand and held Izuku's hand in the other. In a few moments. The rabbit struggled but then fell limp. Seemingly dying. While Izuku shot his eyes open, tired but alive. This process was also repeated on the girl. Then after confirming that they are alive. She then injected some anesthetics. Before passing out Izuku heard some conversation.
"Rest now both of you just sleep, you're safe. The Cove protects it's own I'll try to heal your scars."
She then turned to Bloodsmith and told him
"Bloodsmith these two are safe. I'll try to heal the scars with my crew but I'm not sure how much can be covered but right now i need you to leave so i can heal."
"Of course Necra thank you for this"
"Anything for our little Broccoli and after this we're gonna try to contact this girl's parents. Next time you do an information drop off try to tell the heroes what happened I'll try and get some details out of him when he's ok"
Izuku then passed out on the bed.
Back at the bar
"Hey Bloodsmith! a bottle of whiskey for us please! Also where did Broccoli go is he alright?"
"Yeah man you don't look too good everything good?"
Bloodsmith then proceeded to sit down on a stool then sighed before he said somberly. "Broccoli was attacked. He passed out alongside a little girl. Knowing him he was probably trying to help and protect the girl from being attacked by some bastards. I'm guessing they have some fire quirk or at least a quirk that can project a lot of heat since there were first degree burns across his body and some second degree. He and that little girl is at Necra's place right now. She said they'll be fine. She's trying to heal their scars now."
When that sentence finished everyone in the bar stopped eating and drinking even the happier ones who were playing music on the stage stopped playing their music. It was so silent. The tension amongst the bar was so thick you could cut it with a knife. After realizing Bloodsmith wasn't joking. Voices rang out across the bar.
"So who we killing! Did Broccoli say!"
"I'll gut that bastard. Who the fuck attacks a kid!"
"We can't let this slide Bloodsmith!"
"Someone's gonna die tonight!"
As the people were yelling someone came through the bar.
"People people! I'm with Necra. Broccoli and the girl's fine. Broccoli's fine but he's asleep. The girl is awake but i think she might be in the same boat as Broccoli when Bloodsmith first met him. I think she's homeless. I called their parents and they said they don't have a daughter. Even going so far to say we insulted them by insinuating that they could ever give birth to a demon. I think she might have a "villainous quirk" and get this. The attackers were fucking kids. They were kids. Some kid with an explosion quirk and his cronies. They left a few marks but nothing too serious. They're scars are mostly healed. Anyway that's all i'm here to say. Bloodsmith do whatever you want with that info. Also everyone side from Bloodsmith don't come visit! They're still recovering. Bloodsmith, the girl wants you there."
Bloodsmith left with the assistant immediately. The bar's atmosphere was less tense but still a bit somber.
"Those kids need help man."
"How bad has this society got when even kids are quirkist!"
"If anything that explosion quirk kids is villainous! It's tailored made for terrorism! What are they on about!"
"Does that mean we have another kid living in the bar now?" "Maybe?"
.------------------------------------------------------.
Back at the clinic. Tetsuchi sat next to the girl watching over Izuku together.
"T-Thank you sir. What's your name?"
" You can call me Bloodsmith. What's your name girl? ."
"H-Himiko Toga, c-call me H-Himiko though I-I my p-parents didn't w-want me... so i don't w-want their n-name..."
"I see Himiko. Can you tell me what happened? Why those boys attacked you?"
"M-My quirk. I-I need to d-drink blood or e-else I'll starve. I killed a b-bird so t-they called me a villain. Bloodsmith... Am i a villain?"
"No, no Himiko. You're not a villain just because of your quirk. No one should be attacked for their quirk"
"T-That boy protected m-me. Will he hate m-me for my q-quirk?"
"What, Broccoli? Oh no he is a sweetheart he won't hurt anyone because of their quirk. In fact he loves quirks he loves studying them."
"H-He won't hate me? He g-got hurt because of m-me though"
"No no no. You and her are hurt because of that boy. If anything he's the villain. Listen Broccoli here is similar to you. His parents also left him. He's quirkless. People think he's a defect so he can sympathize with you."
Himiko looked surprised. Such a kind soul being abandoned. Would he really not judge her?
Himiko then asked him "Bloodsmith. That's not your actual name right? Why is it your name? And why is his Broccoli?"
"Because it's my quirk. I can use blood to make weapons. It was considered villainous so i was left alone as well like you. And i did do bad things in my life. But i've put it all behind me. As for why that's our names. Me and Broccoli here are part of a support network. It's called The Forgotten Cove or the TFC for short. Normally it's kept a secret but given your circumstances I think you could use our help. People in the network usually have nicknames. You don't need to use one if you don't want but i recommend it almost everyone has one. Anyway the network is for people with mutation quirks "villainous quirks" or quirkless people. We even help people who are just being treated badly by society and even former villains by giving them access to healing, food, jobs, schools or just any problem we can help with. Broccoli here is a special case. Since he's the youngest person we have ever accepted to help us. We tried to get him caretakers or foster parents but no one would take him so slowly he became one of us. He lives in the rooms above the bar i own. Also i have to ask this, given the fact that your parents don't want to take care of you anymore. Do you wish for us to find you foster parents. We can help you. The network's people are more than happy to take care of you. Anyone or anyplace in the TFC would be willing to take you no doubt in my mind.
Himiko's world was turned upside down in those few sentences. There were people like her and they were willing to help. She thought of the offer. However much she wanted to have parents to love her. She knew they gave up on her. While these people although they just met were showing her more kindness than she has been ever shown. So it wasn't a hard choice. " I want to be with you p-people"
Tetsuchi smiled. "Alright then girl. I think i can find you foster parents in fact if you want to see Broccoli again you can come to the bar It's rare for him to have someone his age. Oh i actually have something i need to show both of you. Wait here"
As Himiko saw him leaving the room. She looked at the boy who tried to protect her.
She whispered to him "Thank you... Broccoli...."
Chapter 6
Izuku slowly opened his eyes before seeing the girl he tried to save looking at him and he can't help but blush a little.
"H-hi, thanks for trying to help me from that evil boy..."
"A-ah no worries, I just did what a h-hero would do after all and hey what's your name you can call me Broccoli!"
"Uh.. Oh right you guys use nicknames... I don't have one but you can call me by my first name, It's Himiko. I d-don't like my last name since my parents gave it to me and t-they didn't want me..."
Izuku frowned and sighed. He couldn't believe that another girl his age is going through something so similar to him. He won't wish what happened to him to happen to everyone. Not even Kaccha- Bakugo. It's Bakugo now. He lost that nickname after attacking both of them.
Izuku replied "I see... I'm the same as you. My parents didn't want to take care of me because of my quirk s-status..."
Himiko looked at Izuku " Oh yeah Bloodsmith told me you were quirkless.. My parents think my quirk makes me a villain"
Izuku stammered before replying "W-well yeah I'm quirkless... I holding out hope that I might be a late bloomer but im not seeing much signs of i-it..."
Himiko replied "O-oh i see, It's fine by me. You're one of the few who actually tried to help me so i could care less."
"Thanks Himiko, but what's your quirk? You never said" Himiko looked panicked for a second before breathing in and out Relax... Bloodsmith said he'll be ok with it besides I'll might be seeing him more often now that i'm part of this... He's gonna find out one way or another so might as well get it over with... "
"My-My quirk makes it so that if i drink the blood of someone i can turn into them for some time. The more blood i drink the longer i can transform I copy their voice as well but it causes me to rely on drinking blood to survive...."
Himiko closed her eyes expecting judgement only seeing Izuku look at her in wonder "Wow that's amazing! Can you copy their quirks? How would mutation quirks work? What'stheratioofbloodtotime..."
As Izuku started mumbling. Himiko blushed... Wow he really didn't care. In fact he looks... fascinated?
Izuku noticing his mumbling quickly stopped himself. Before asking "Can i see you use your quirk Himiko pleaaase?
Himiko's mind had to take a stepback. There was someone in front of him not only not scared of her quirk but now wanting her to use it
"But i need the blood of someone Izuku..."
"It's ok use mine! I noticed your canines are pretty sharp those are for you to suck blood right? You can use mine!"
If Himiko wasn't confused then she sure as shit was. Not only was he not scared, he was offering her blood?
"Aren't you s-scared of what I'll do to you, do with your identity after i have it and a-aren't you scared of feeding someone blood"
"Well that depends will you go do bad things after transforming into me?"
"Of course not! Especially after you helped me!"
"Then i have nothing to fear! No quirk is villainous, only the person wielding it can be villainous. As to your question before. No i'm not scared I worked at the bar Bloodsmith owns and i have seen people brought their own food that were way weirder than blood. Someone came in with a cage of rats! Bloodsmith told me to look away and after a while the rats were gone and the person was licking his fingers. Although I couldn't see it. I knew what had happened so no. I get it that some quirks change people into ways they or other people find bad but if you don't do anything villainous then you're not a villain! In fact you could be a hero if you wanted to!"
Izuku then raised his arm and offered it "Go on, I won't bite" he chuckled a little to himself at that joke.
Himiko could feel some tears going down her face as she went ahead and bit his arm. The taste of human blood tasted so good after so long... She relished in the feeling for a moment before letting go. Moments later a carbon copy of Izuku was sitting next to him with a school girl outfit on.
"That's so cool!"
"T-Thank you so much!" Himiko started to cry, though to Izuku it just looked like him crying which is suffice to say, very weird.
"People have judged me so much and I just can't believe that someone doesn't find my quirk dangerous..."
"It's ok we can find people to adopt you soon enough, Bloodsmith is super good at what he does he'll find people who love you for sure!"
"W-well Bloodsmith offered me to find me people who will take me and and look after me and i took on his o-offer"
"Oh that's great! I bet he can find you the right people. Wait do you have a nickname yet. If you are involved in this you should have one. We can use Himiko if you want or do you want one?"
"I kinda want a vampire nickname since I drink blood but i'm not sure... I'm thinking of Carmilla. Uh because of the book from Le Fanu, sorry i know it sounds dumb. You probably don't know that name anyway."
"No it's fine! If you like that name then you should go for it. Though i don't know Le Fanu sorry. Are you a fan of literature Himiko?"
"Ahh yes! It's probably my third favourite thing i like the most after blood and gore movies! No doubt my favorite is Dracula!"
Himiko felt a large weight off her shoulders but she shocked herself. She just revealed how much of a weirdo she was to this boy she just met.
"Ah that's nice of you to have things you like! I personally like quirks and analyizng them. I've also been wanting to ask some people in the bar to teach me instruments but i've always been a bit hesitant and shy to ask them. I'm thinking i want to learn the piano. I just like how it could be used in beautiful classical piece or in upbeat and even intense songs."
Himiko's weight was lifted once more. He didn't judge her and she was starting to feel a lot more safe in his presence. "Bloodsmith told me about the cove I want to help do you know much about it?"
Izuku replied "Well I'm still young and mainly my way of helping out is just by helping around in his bar where people will tell me of their problems. I would tell Bloodsmith their problems and he helps them by getting people who can help like doctors or therapist or people that can get them food and houses!"
Himiko looked on in wonder "Wow... do you think i can help around too after he finds me foster parents? I want to help too!"
Izuku grinned "Definitely! Bloodsmith would love to have you helping out!"
Himiko's disguise started to melt away revealing Himiko. It was at that moment that Tetsuchi returned
As they were talking Tetsuchi walked in with what seemed like a large scroll of paper.
"I heard everything, Himiko are you sure you want to help and stay with us? When i usually find people parents they are usually 4 years old or less. Don't you want to live a life without the whole drama of the TFC?"
"If I have the ability to help then i want to help. There are so many people like me being treated bad for their quirks and i think it's wrong!"
Tetsuchi nodded before sitting down next to them.
"Listen up kids I'm gonna tell you something more about the cove. I was hesitant at first but after seeing this happen i think you guys need to know" He unfurled the paper showing a map. It was a map of Musutafu on one half while a map of Japan as a whole. "Do you see these coloured in zones across Musutafu? Those are the "Coves" part of the TFC, they are essentially little zones in the city like townships that are sympathetic to or are majority owned and lived in by members of the cove. It's pretty run down and practically abandoned by the government. So practically no one knows the fact people live there. We have managed to fix it up just enough for it to be comfortable for humans to live in. There are four in Musutafu on the outskirts of the city one in all four of the primary directions. The west one is called Hinode, the southern one by the harbour is called Kokai. The east one is called Yuhi and the northern one by the country side is Ryokuno. The reason i am telling you this is because in the future if you guys are not anywhere near the Iron Haven then you should go to any one of these if you need help. Also these dots all across the city are places that work with us. Although our members are spread through out Japan and through out this city, our services will be most concentrated here. Do you understand so far?"
Both Himiko and Izuku nodded
"Now as you can see here." Tetsuchi pointed to the map of Japan "There are many coves through out Japan. I'm not gonna go in depth today but if you are curious or if you ever want to venture outside of this city. It will be wise to remember these places." He hands Izuku and Himiko two amulets. It was hexagonal in shape with a seigaiha with a koi fish jumping over it with a red and white color scheme. "This is a sigil. Show it to anyone in the coves then you will be recognized as one of us and gain access to their services. Here's also a list of code words and responses to give to them. Alongside made up words used amongst cove members. Kinda like a secret language. That's all i wish to tell you any questions?"
Izuku looked up and nodded. "Yes, Bloodsmith i heard the white pale lady and you talking and she said something about telling the heroes about this?"
Bloodsmith's mouth opened a bit before closing. "Well yes sometimes heroes will come to us and want us to get some information for them. In fact a lot of our income comes from the money they pay us. It's not as common as you'll think but still enough to get us going and I know you want to ask to be involved but for now, no. Definitely no you haven't even handled the services we provide normally like getting people doctors or food. Until you're older ok? I promise."
Izuku looked saddened but understood and nodded.
"Lastly, Himiko, I get that you would not like to be taken by your parents, but I got two people who are willing to take you in. They live a ten minute train ride away so if you ever want to come back here to help out or visit Broccoli here you can, they will be here tonight. I will let you meet them. If you don't like them I can get you other people. Their names are Rina and Daichi Chizue. If they ever abuse you in the future. They will be removed and you can decide what to do next. but if you accept, then you can sign the adoption papers, Sounds ok?"
At this point, Himiko was smiling and nodded quickly "Yes sir! Thank you, but since they aren't here now. Can i help out Broccoli and also why who's his caretaker for now?"
"Well, that would be me but I'm not officially his foster parent or anything, nor can I find anyone who has the time and effort to adopt someone. The reason I can get the Chizues to do it is because they did have a child at one point, but they were taken away from them in an attack... since they both have blood quirks, they want to adopt someone who has a blood quirk as well, that you fit..."
"Oh... I see... why doesn't Broccoli get adopted, why don't you adopt him?
Tetsuchi scratched the back of his head "Well... I just find it really daunting you know. I mean recognizing someone as your son and besides I'm really busy with the whole cove stuff so I'm afraid i can't take him not now at least and the Chizues can only take one child. They already struggle a little bit with their jobs. Two children will be a big load to off on them and despite how we accept quirkless people here, it's still hard to find someone who is willing to adopt a quirkless kid. No offense Broccoli."
Izuku smiled. "Don't worry Bloodsmith! I understand. Everyone here is so welcoming already! I feel like I'm part of a family in the first place!"
" I see well thanks kid and by the way. Himiko of course you can help out now. Do you have a nickname or do you just want to go with Himiko?"
"I want to use Carmilla! Since she's a vampire and i need blood for me to survive."
"Oh a fellow blood quirk user! In that case I'll add that to the list of things need around the bar. I'll the Chizues to get some blood ready too. Shouldn't be too hard. Rina is a surgeon after all."
Himiko grinned wildly "Yay more blood and i can help Broccoli!"
Tetsuchi " Slapped his head and asked "Oh right i came here to ask as well. Carmilla, Broccoli, Do you want to enroll in an actual public school? I can get you tutors if you want, actual long term ones not the ones that come and go. I know your feelings about this world Broccoli but i think it would be good for you to go out a bit and try to interact with society. What about you Carmilla?"
Izuku looked down in disappointment. "I'm still scared Bloodsmith. Bakugo already attacked me and Carmilla for our quirk status imagine if i met that at school also from everyone around me... I'm a bit scared he was still in elementary school. Imagine when I'm older! Those teenagers will be even meaner to me!"
Himiko also looked down "Sorry Bloodsmith I'm with Broccoli on this one. I also don't feel comfortable with going to school i remember attacking someone because i wanted blood so badly"
"No worries. I can get you both tutors that can help you long term. They are university graduates so no worries about the quality alright I got you both. The cove will watch out for you."
Tetsuchi then got up to leave "Alright You two, Broccoli you can come back to the bar after you feel rested. Carmilla you can join in a bit later. Imma go back to the bar for now."
"Thanks Bloodsmith!"
As Bloodsmith left and closed the door. He saw a bunch of Necra's assistants run back downstairs or back to their desks to do work
"Alright you guys were listening in weren't you? Why you interested?!"
An assistant turned her chair around and smiled. "Come on Bloodsmith! Two lost souls meeting together in a twist of cruel fate and she sounded so excited to help out with him! It's a romance novel in the making!"
"Yeah but that's just because you're single and watch too many k-dramas but still they look cute together"
"Alright cupids put down your bows. Both are still 7 for crying out loud. I'm going back to the bar make sure they don't get any worse"
.-----------------------------------------------------.
Back in the patient's room Himiko and Izuku were having a conversation.
"Yeah and then they cut his head off to kill him. It was so cool! There was blood everywhere!"
"U-uh heh heh yeah Carmilla sounds great..."
Izuku didn't know how to feel about Himiko's obsession with blood. He understands why she is though and is just happy for her finally being able to talk about something she loves but he didn't realize she was normally this chipper and playful. Guess that's how she acts when she has enough blood. Like a happy go lucky girl.
"Uh hey Broccoli do you mind telling me your first name?"
"Really? why?"
Himiko blushed "W-well you did save me but i don't even know it! My full name is Himiko Toga by the way. Though hopefully it'll be Himiko Chizue soon!"
"Oh t-then in that c-case I'm Izuku Midoriya"
"Nice to meet you... Zuku~~" Himiko then hugged Izuku.
"A-ah Himiko!" Izuku blushed
"Hehe don't worry we can always call ourselves by our nicknames for each other. Besides we're friends now right? That's what friends do! Come on give me one as well!"
"W-well then I-I guess I can call y-you Himi?"
"I love it! Yay we have friends now Zuku!" She started nibbling on her neck.
"Ahh yeah I guess so H-Himi..."
.------------------------------------------------------------------.
Tetsuchi walked back to the bar. As he did everyone looked towards him expectantly. He smiled before announcing. "Broccoli's fine! And that girl is safe as well in fact i got her parents already. She wants to help out as well. You can call her Carmilla. They're the first two kids they're age that we have who are a part of the cove. The kids we used to get are four or younger after all. They're the first ones. So treat them well alright! Because if I don't get you someone here will!"
The bar cheered at the news.
Chapter 7
Izuku returned to the bar with Himiko soon. Izuku has told her what he usually does at the bar. Taking orders, giving food, how the omamori system words etc.
The patrons looked surprised to see Himiko there but quickly welcomed her to their community of outcasts
But when Izuku returned the first thing he heard was Tetsuchi calling out to him. He started to rush towards him before stopping in the kitchen seeing Tetsuchi grin at him.
"Alright kid now that Camilla is here to pick up do some work i want to teach you how to make drinks. Non-alcoholic of course! That would come later but what i mean is stuff like teas and coffees. Think you're up to the task?" "Yes Bloodsmith!"
"Alright, Carmilla! Do you know what to do?"
"Yes! Bloodsmith, Zuku already told me!"
"Good! Let's get this show on the road!"
.----------------------------------------------------------.
The night was going well, Himiko made a few mistakes here and there but thankfully the patrons were understanding, until a seemingly plain man came in. He sat down but scowled when seeing Himiko, drinking a half empty blood bag.
"Bloodfreak, stop drinking that!" and slaps the blood bag out of Himiko's hands, Himiko, seeing the wasted blood bag, started to exude a terrifying aura. The rest of the bar seeing this, some pulled out knives and bats, some readied their quirks, but before they could even do anything, Himiko lunged at the man and started biting him, Izuku seeing this, started to try and pull Himiko away, some people in the bar joined in as well, A man with a body made of rope broke up his body and pulled both of them away, when brought away, Himiko's face turned from one of anger to one of shock, seemingly not believing what she did.
The man was thrown out by the patrons, and as they did Himiko rushed up to the rooms upstairs.
The rest of the bar looked on in worry.
"I'll go talk to her." said Izuku.
.--------------------------------------------------------------------.
Izuku knocked on the door of the room Himiko was holed up in. "Can I come in Himi?"
"I'm sorry..." he heard Himiko said from inside. Izuku pushed on, realizing the door was not locked, he entered, seeing a sobbing Himiko in a corner.
Izuku gently closed the door behind him and slowly approached Himiko, making sure to move calmly so as not to startle her. "Hey, Himi, it's okay," he said softly, kneeling down beside her.
Izuku stepped inside, closing the door gently behind him. He walked over to Himiko and sat down beside her, giving her some space but making sure she knew he was there.
"Himi," he began softly, "it's okay. You don't need to apologize."
Himiko looked up at him, her eyes red and puffy from crying. "But I lost control, Izuku. I hurt someone. I couldn't help it, he just made me so mad..."
Izuku nodded, understanding. "I know, Himi. What he did was terrible. He shouldn't have treated you like that. But you're not alone in this. We can figure it out together."
She shook her head, tears streaming down her face. "You don't get it, Izuku. I'm a monster. I crave blood. I scare people."
Izuku reached out and gently took her hand. "You're not a monster. You're my friend. You don't scare me because of that, and friends help each other, no matter what."
Himiko sniffled, looking at their joined hands. "But how can you help me with this? It's not like I can just stop being... this."
Izuku squeezed her hand reassuringly. "We'll find a way. There has to be a way to manage it, to make sure you stay in control. And I'll be here with you every step of the way."
She looked into his eyes, searching for any sign of fear or disgust but finding only genuine concern and determination. "You really mean that?"
"Yes! Of course! That's what a hero does for people!"
It was at that moment Himiko felt as if something changed within her, her heart skipped multiple beats.
"Can you stay with me here for a while..." Himiko asked
"Ok..." replied Izuku as they both sat down and felt safe in each other's presence.
.---------------------------------------------------------------------.
Soon enough. Night has fallen. Izuku at this point has tried and learnt to make so many different drinks. He still has a lot to learn but it's not bad for a beginner. It was at this moment that two figures enter the bar. A woman and a man. The woman had beady eyes. They had yellow irisis. Almost cat like. Almost the same as Himiko's eyes. She had long red hair and a small mouth. She was wearing a suit. Similar to an office lady and had a slim build. The man was well-built and stood tall. with black hair he tied into a bun. His eyes were red and exuded a sense of calm. He wore simple T-shirts and jeans and he did not have any note worthy traits on his body. Except for his forearms where his veins look like they are on the verge of popping out. Tetsuchi called them over and Himiko was behind his leg looking at the new couple wearily.
"Himiko. This is Rina and Daichi Chisuke. They will be your new foster parents."
"Really... would they hate me?" Himiko whispered.
Daichi heard the little girl then he kneeled. "Of course we aren't little one. I heard about your quirk and what you parents did to you. It's not right but more importantly, It's not your fault. Both me and my darling here have blood quirks. We also don't feel right without blood. Rina is a surgeon. She can get blood for you. I promise everything is gonna be okay. Tell me what's your favorite bloodtype?"
"O Negative..."
"Ah that's great then I'm O Negative. My quirk makes it so that i make a lot of blood and sometimes have to extract it. If i ever get too much blood. You can help me. Your quirk can help me."
Himiko looked in awe not believing the fact that her quirk can help.
"Can i ask a few questions before taking you in Himiko?" Himiko nodded slowly "Can I ask what happened and what you did before you met Bloodsmith here?"
Himiko looked down and started to tear up
"Oh no you don't have to talk about it if you don't want to sweetie. Can i hug you?"
Himiko nodded as she was embraced and started saying "I-I was told t-that i can't drink blood. I w-wasn't normal. I thought why wasn't I born right? I couldn't drink blood so for so long i k-killed little rats and birds to s-survive. Everytime I see blood I just f-feel like it's so pretty. Sometimes it's too m-much and I just attack people. I t-try not to I swear! I run away each time b-before they can see my face. Why couldn't i have been born r-right? " After that sentence she started crying.
At this point Rina joined in the hug. Izuku as well Tetsuchi kneeled down to her level.
Rina said "It's ok sweetie. It's not your fault. You have us now alright?" You can always come back here if you want to. We won't stop you."
Himiko nodded and said in a muffled voice on Daichi's shoulder. "Can we go now Chizuke-San?"
"Oh of course dear. We can continue this at home. Come on let's go"
Himiko starts to leave before looking back and saying "Goodbye Zuku..."
Izuku blushed before replying "Bye H-Himi..."
Tetsuchi was off to a side smiling to himself
.------------------------------------------------.
Later that night around 12am after Himiko left Izuku was in Tetsuchi's office
"I want to learn how to fight"
Tetsuchi almost spat out the tea he was drinking. Izuku was in his office before he said he wanted to ask some questions but he didn't expect this.
"Kid what do you mean by that?!"
"I want to fight. I know some of the people here were villains or vigilantes. So some people here definitely knows how to fight."
"Why do you want to fight kid? Don't tell me you're wanting revenge? I understand why but that's a really stupid nonetheless, You shouldn't fight someone over something like reve-"
"No! I want to fight because i don't want to just sit there and take hits... I want to fight back... I saw what they did to Himi and me and I don't want to just get bullied anymore so I'm asking you to find people to train me. I hope they are tough and really know how to fight."
Tetsuchi sat there in contemplation for a while and said "I understand. I think I have a great candidate for you" He got up and whispered to Izuku's ear "He's a father of a pro hero" When Tetsuchi looked at Izuku's face. He saw a face of absolute wonder and a smile that could blind a man. Tetsuchi looked away before he succumbed to it "Oh wow you must be really excited huh kid! Don't get to excited yet he might not accept but even if he doesn't there are multiple more people i can get for you, sounds good?"
"Can I learn how to use weapons too?"
Tetsuchi did another spit take before calming himself "Why kid?"
"I'm quirkless! I need something to make me strong. I want weapons so i even have a chance against people with cool quirks!"
Tetsuchi fell into a deep silence. Realizing what Izuku said had a point.
"Alright but you can only train under supervision ok? Until we can trust you with a weapon. I can get you weapons easy enough. My quirk literally makes them."
Izuku nodded before Tetsuchi asked "Is there anything else Broccoli?"
"Uh yes... would it be possible for the tutor you are hiring aside from knowing basic stuff like math and science and stuff could the also have experience in quirk theory or quirk counseling? As you know from my analysis I find quirks fascinating and would like it if i knew more... and I'm still hoping to be a late bloomer... My diagnosis said i had quirk genes but my family never bothered to do a further check..."
Tetsuchi smiled "Of course kid thanks for telling me I can get you a good fit"
"Lastly I want to um learn some instruments..."
"Oh ho now that was unexpected. What instruments do you want to learn? and why do you want to learn in the first place?"
"Well i like the piano or if it's too expensive then a keyboard. I like the piano cause it seems so versatile! So many people come and they can play slow pieces or be used to play fast songs. Besides when I see people play in the bar all the time and everyone around them seem so happy. I want to make them happy too!"
"Oh it's completely fine kid. In fact Carmilla asked me during the shift if she could find someone that could teach her violin. I think it's to play into the whole medieval vampire thing but hey I won't deny a kid a dream but you can't help out at the bar as much will that be fine?"
"Well this place opens around 3pm to 12:30am and there aren't usually many people before 4:30, I talked to the Chizues and we have talked them into an arrangement where Carmilla usually helps out and then goes home at 9:30 to have some time with her family and I have quite some free time in the morning and early afternoon even after the tutoring lessons so yeah i think I should be fine if a sacrifice some time in the early shift."
"Yeah I hope Himi can help out to.
Tetsuchi looked at him with a raised eyebrow "Himi?"
"That's what she asked me to call her..."
Tetsuchi looked at Izuku, "You like her don't you"
Izuku waved his hands in front of himself, blushing "Not l-like that! I mean s-she's nice and doesn't m-mind my quirklessness and besides s-she's the only I've met who's my age around here!"
Tetsuchi looked at him and acted like to flutter his eyelashes a bit. "Well... do you think she's pretty?"
"Oh look at that! The kettle is done!" Izuku says as he rushes away.
Tetsuchi smirked "Don't worry kid! I'll get on it!"
"Thank you Bloodsmith!" Izuku yelled back.
.---------------------------------------------------------------.
"I want to cash in a favor Hare"
"What is it Bloodsmith"
"I want you to train a kid"
Tetsuchi was now on the phone with a someone named Hare on the other side.
"Why me? You know I don't fight anymore."
"Oh that's crap Hare. I know you can still fight even if you are 50 by now and your hero days are behind you, You'll get paid for it. It's gonna be ok"
"Listen here Smith. I am still 30 at heart and besides why should i train this kid."
"Well 1. You owe me, you said it yourself multiple times. 2. This kid doesn't want to be a bitch anymore and wants to stand up to bullies. 3. Isn't that literally what you taught your daughter? and look how she turned out."
"Oh gosh don't remind me. But yeah i guess I do owe you. Only so many times you can bring ask someone for life-saving information so many times before he asks for something back and yes I have respect for people who want to stand up to bullies and idiots. But you serious about this kid? I mean is he serious about this at least. You know I trained my girl hard. And I will train that kid as hard.
"Oh trust me. He wants this bad. He even asked for weapons training. He is tough and resilient at least in heart."
"I'm surprised he didn't even ask me for quirk training."
"Oh that won't be neccesary. He's quirkless"
There was a silence on the phone
"I'm fucking taking this job"
.------------------------------------------------------.
"Hey i got two kids that i want you to tutor for the long run"
"Really? This kid must be very interesting if you're willing to contact me for his education"
"He is, I know you already teach the normal school subjects well but he wants to learn about quirk theory and I know you at least worked as a quirk counselor before and have a degree on it. Not to mention he does analysis on the customer's quirks and I know how you always say it's a damn shame kids these days only care about flashy combat quirks and how heroes already undervalue it and that quirk theory is a field that has been lacking talent and neglected so I thought that you would be interested. The other girl is a bit of a special case. She doesn't feel comfortable going to public school so she would rather be tutored by someone 10:15am to 4:15pm. Think you can do it?"
"Done deal Bloodsmith, done deal. Can't wait to meet this kid already."
"Also, there's this girl here that suffers from quirk drawbacks, she got a special dietary requirement, it's blood, there's a good chance that just making her drink blood would be fine but still take a look wouldn't you? Do your quirk counselor magic, would you?"
"Ooh.. yeah I'll cast a spell on her.... Nah but seriously though I'll take them both. See you there."
"Thanks Insight, old age hasn't killed you yet."
"Hmph I'm still up and going"
.----------------------------------------------------------.
"I'm in"
"I didn't even finish my question?"
"No all i need to hear was "Broccoli, Carmilla need help and you already have my full attention. So what do they need?"
"Well it's nothing too complicated I'll hammer out the details for you later but they want to learn instruments. Broccoli wants the piano while Carmilla wants violin and I thought you could teach them Wave."
"OH MY GOD YESSSS! I AM SO IN BLOODSMITH!"
"Alright glad to hear it Wave i'll send a schedule to you if you have any questions just ask me you'll be paid for it of course The times would be a bit late. like 4:30pm to 5:15pm."
"OH THANK YOU THIS WILL BE THE BEST! I'LL GET MY DIGITAL PIANO AND VIOLIN I"LL SEE YOU THERE!"
.-------------------------------------------------------------.
After a week. Izuku started his lessons. The first being the fighting class starting at 7am.
Izuku walked into a warehouse near the bar. He entered to see a table full of weapons and a man inspecting them all. He was tall with broad shoulders and yet he had lean muscles. He had slight wrinkles on his face with brown eyes and short white hair but the most glaring trait is his bunny ears and rabbit like feet.
"So you're the kid I need to train"
"Y-Yes sir" Izuku replied
"Call me Hare, I'm here to train you in weapons and in close quarters combat know that I will not be easy on you. You got that?"
"Yes Hare-Sensei!"
'Just Hare now give me 50 sit ups, push ups lunges and 10 laps around this warehouse as a warmup to start with I wanna see what i'm dealing with. Also no need for the honorifics just Hare is fine"
"Ok Hare!"
Izuku started to get down on the ground and started to do the sit ups, push ups and lunges. Then started to run the laps around the warehouse. Hare looked at him in interest. It wasn't that bad of a warmup but a lot of people would be quick to give up by now. In fact when he trained his daughter at this age. She practically gave up after the warmup and yet although the kid was tired. He still kept going. Ok so he at least has some decent stamina. He thought to himself. When he's done Izuku ran up to him and asked what was next. He responded by throwing a punch at the kid. Which he was able to dodge a majority of it but not before it slightly grazing him and knocking him to the ground
"Next up is fighting training. Listen squirt for the next hour I want you to throw punches and kicks at me. All you need to do is land a hit on me. I won't attack you back but Every 15 minutes you don't hit me. I will stop you and you have to drop and give me 50 pushups. After next 15 minutes it's 50 squats we keep changing back and forth either until you hit me. Pass out in exhaustion or it's until 10am. Got that?"
"Yes Hare!"
Izuku immediately threw a punch at Hare only for him to jump to his side. Izuku spun a kick to hit Hare only for him to step back and dodge it with no effort. Izuku kept going for who knows how long but just can't seem to hit him. Until Izuku suddenly received a shock of pain to his left shoulder and stumbled down.
"Your form is sloppy! You're too predictable. You are so desperate to hit me you end up just flailing wildly. Fighting is about efficiency. Don't waste your energy on wild swings. Be precise. Every movement should have a purpose. You're too rigid. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent. This gives you balance and allows for quick movement. When you punch use your entire body rotate your hips and shoulder for more power and speed. You got that? Now give me 50."
"Yes sir!"
Izuku then continued the exercise. After what seems like thousands of pushups and squats. It took an hour and a half before he physically could not get back on his knees again. He was spent, Hare tried to get him back up but he fell down quickly after. Hare seeing how he was exhausted let him take a break. They started to talk.
"Broccoli, before we continue, there are some principles that I want you to learn when it comes to fighting. Listen closely."
Izuku focused up before Hare continued "Always, and I mean always, be efficient and logical in a fight, what I'm saying is, people tend to use big attacks or put a lot of power in their attacks, don't, if you can deal with your enemy with small precise attacks, do it, only use more power if it is needed. Always go for someone or something's weak points, For example a throat punch or a liver shot, Second, don't reveal all your tricks at once, keep people guessing what you can do, I have trained people with quirks before, and they never got it, some of them have very versatile quirks and yet they reveal their limit of what they can do almost immediately, the less your enemy knows about you, the better. Lastly, if you are going to fight someone, catch them off guard, use stealth before trying to go all out, I'll train you in both of course but did you get all that? Get that drilled into your head."
Izuku started muttering and repeating the advice Hare gave him. Only to be broken out of his focus by Hare.
"You see all those weapons on the table. I plan to teach you every single one. Do you have a preference on what you want to learn first? If not then take a look at this plan and tell me your thoughts. "
Izuku looked at it and was amazed. There were some standard stuff like a bo staff and throwing knives and dual short katanas and a standard two handed one and even bows and arrows. He planned to teach him things like how to walk silently, how to listen for people trying to sneak up on him.
"Where did you learn all this Hare?"
Hare saw this and smirked. "I was a vigilante turned hero. I never got into rankings since i was underground but that was when i learnt how to do all this. All those skills and rules I said, I got it from being an underground hero. If you want to learn more you can ask for some specific weapons"
Izuku looked puzzled "What's an underground hero?" "Oh right well underground heroes are heroes that stay out of the spotlight. We don't really interact with the hero rankings at all and we avoid the media like the plague. It's as simple as that really. The other difference being we usually do our stuff in the night. While we do work with limelight heroes. We only credit ourselves in official government documents. If a crime has been solved then our names will be kept out of the media."
Izuku looked very interested before Hare continued "I retired shortly after my daughter turned around 5. I was nearing 40 at the time and decided it was a fine time to retire I had the money to live a good life and now my baby girl is starting out her hero career. She was really rowdy growing up, always getting into fights and going into fight clubs but she just graduated from a hero school in Hiroshima. You might know her. Her hero name is Mirko."
Izuku nodded enthusiastically. "Yeah i recently saw her take out a bunch of villains trying to rob a bank! She's also one of the most prominent rising stars! One of the few graduates that broke into the top 100 in her first year! Wow knowing that you helped train such a powerful fighter makes me feel so honored sir. Actually why did you decide to train me?"
Hare smirked before saying "Ah so you know how strong she is, I will train you as I did her and teach you her moves. As for why I want to train you, you got spirit kid. My daughter was considered weak because she had traits of a timid shy bunny. She wanted to prove everyone wrong so i trained her to not take disrespect from anyone. Now Bloodsmith recently told me you got bullied and then he told me you want to fight back. To stop acting like a bi- I mean coward. Coward i mean... So i respect your drive and determination despite your quirklessness and given the fact that even with such a bad hand in life you still want to help people and fight. I respect you for that kid so that's why."
"Can you tell me more about underground heroes?"
"Well we usually deal with the nitty gritty things like gathering information, trying to break in to places, limelight heroes can do it too but they need to disguise themselves well, besides they're famous so it'll be hard to go undercover. We also deal with information networks like the TFC. They usually aren't the first place i'll go to find information but i know it's reliable. So sometimes I use it. Actually, now that we're on the topic,tell me kid what do you think of limelight heroes like All Might, Endeavour and Edgeshot."
"I thought people like them can save anyone. People like All Might seem so strong but after I became a part of the cove, I realize they can't save everyone, so many people here have lost their homes or people they knew to villain attacks so I know that unlike what every other kid seems to think, All Might is only human, he has limits, we rely on him too much, He's already starting to slow down in the past years and I asked Bloodsmith about this before. That was also the time a lot more reforming villains appeared around places that are with the TFC. Meaning just one man letting go can cause more crimeand something I also learnt is some heroes will save who they think is better and not save who they can. That's not a true hero. Not to mention as a quirkless. I think they put too much focus on flashy quirks. I think it's way cooler if someone had a "weaker" quirk and made good use of that to be a great hero. If we didn't put such a focus on quirks and more on the people themselves then dad and mom wouldn't have left me. Not to mention we can avoid heroes like Endeavour. He seems cold and aloof and all he cares about it seems, is power. Besides I've seen some people come to the bar and they have lost their houses because Endeavour burned them. He catches a lot of villains but I'm not sure if it's worth it. I just hope there will be a hero that can talk about the people like us."
Hare looked on in interest and in fascination. Someone his age having such a view on hero society is rare.
"I like what you're thinking kid. So many kids these days just think heroes can do it all. When in reality so many things can't rely on heroes and can and need to be done by other people. We burden and rely on them too much."
Izuku nodded along his answer, Hare continued "If you're lucky kid you could meet some heroes if they come to the bar. Most but not all are underground heroes. You might get lucky and meet some who are in the game and not some old man like me, Ha! Anyway it's been long enough up you get! Let's try again!"
"Yes sir!"
By the time the session was over, all Izuku got were a sore body, especially in the thighs, but a smile on his face.
.-------------------------------------------------------.
Izuku and Himiko are now sitting in a chair with his hand writing fast across his notebook on the desk
"Alright noting patterns in the individual's actions and reactions in various situations can give clues to their quirk's nature. If someone reacts badly to certain sounds that you don't find problematic then it could be a clue their ears are a part of their quirk. Secondly many emitter quirks manifest with unique physical traits or anomalies. For example, an individual with a fire-based quirk may have a higher body temperature or heat-resistant skin. Or someone that manipulates air might have bigger pores on their skin. Did you get all that Broccoli, Carmilla?"
"Yes Insight!"
"Alright take a small break for now. I must say Broccoli, Carmilla. Both of you are learning much faster than i expected. Good job! Bloodsmith was right about you."
Izuku scratched the back of his head and say "Well sir I was always quirkless so I guess I was just fascinated over things I could have gotten I guess. Besides it helps people on how to better use their quirks so it's a good thing!"
Himiko replied. "At first i wasn't too interested but after learning from you Insight I just slowly gained more interested in it. They are so fascinating! It's quite useful for people like me who need something special to survive and it helps me with my quirk"
"Ah I can't agree more you two!" Insight, an old looking man with short blue hair with glasses and brown eyes of moderate build. "There are so many misconceptions about the whole concept of quirks! The toe joint theory is completely bonkers and just plain wrong! I have seen so many supposedly quirkless kids turn out to be quirked! I'm so glad i have someone to teach my life long passion to! As for people like you Carmilla. It's a shame people have stigma towards you people. Your quirks can evolve into something great! Like a quirk awakening."
Izuku and Himiko's eyes shot up and smiled as bright as the sun You sure these kids don't have a light quirk or something?
"Really?! What quirks have you seen and why didn't they manifest before?" asked Izuku
"What are quirk awakenings?" asked Izuku
"Well i helped some kid find out he had a water manipulation quirk like Backdraft but also he can make water from the mist in the air! Another kid can bend light to make mirages. Then another one had a speed quirk! The reason they are discovered late have multiple reasons. Like the one with the water quirk and light quirk. The way they activate it within their bodies are too different. For example. Normally when someone manipulates light or water. They would try to feel out the thing they are trying to manipulate it and bending it to their will. But instead for the person with the water quirk. His method was way more complicated he needed to imagine sending out vibrations or frequencies that resonate with the water molecules. By adjusting these vibrations, they could cause the water to move or change form. Which would also explain his ability to draw mist. For the person with the light quirk. She couldn't just imagine pulling or pushing the light she had to imagine it as different colors and then do a specific technique with her breathing to manipulate and create mirages. For that boy with the speed quirk the fuel was actual petrol. Yeah, everyone thought he was quirkless because no sane parent would let their child drink petrol and yet after multiple long sessions with me. We discovered that he had to drink petrol to use his quirk so I doubt every single quirkless diagnosis i see. Especially if it's done callously. Like yours you said your diagnosis said you had quirk genes but they never cared to investigate it further? That is irresponsible!"
"As for quirk awakenings. It refers to a significant and often dramatic enhancement or evolution of an individual's quirk. This awakening can lead to new abilities, greater control, or increased power. It usually occurs under extreme stress or emotional conditions, pushing the user beyond their previous limits. It could be met under some circumstances like in situations of high danger. It could lead to a forced quirk awakening. Or if someone feels a very powerful emotional catalyst like love. It could even be achieved with regular rigorous training when done long enough. For example your quirk, Carmilla if went under a quirk awakening can do things maybe like. Not needing someone's blood to transform or being able to use the quirks of the people you transform. Those are some possibilities."
Himiko's eyes widen in wonder aas she wrote it down on her notebook
Izuku beamed in fascination "I know you were a quirk counselor, do you think you could help me find out if i have quirk or not?" Insight smiled "Of course Broccoli! My quirk allows me to get a "feel" on what your quirk might be. It has helped me with a lot of my clients. Do you mind if i touch you?" Izuku held out a hand. "I don't mind!" Insight smiled then touched Izuku's hand. Immediately he felt a hot sensation throughout Izuku's body and that the sensation was moving around. He scrunched his eye brows. Normally hot sensations mean a heat or fire quirk but the pulling and moving sensation could mean something telekinetic. Perhaps a combination of both?
"Ok Broccoli I'm done before we do anything though do you remember what your parents quirks are?"
Izuku replied with a small frown on his face "W-well papa had a fire breathing quirk and mama had a telekinetic quirk that makes her move stuff with her mind. I can't remember much more about it."
Insight grinned "Well Broccoli i think you definitely have a quirk. However it's a latent quirk meaning it hasn't manifested yet. I bet you haven't met a certain activation requirement or you never tried imagining it in the right way. It seems to be combination of a fire quirk and telekinesis. Which is quite a rare quirk combination indeed. I can help you discover more of this and dedicate the last 30 minutes of each session to quirk counselling but remember this could take from weeks to years before we can even see a sign of a quirk. Are you sure you can take it if it turns out to be a weak quirk."
Izuku replied "YES! I don't really care if it's a weak quirk. Just having a quirk means people will be less mean to me and besides I've always wanted to help people. If i have a weak quirk then I can still help people in the TFC like you or Bloodsmith. If i have a really strong quirk then i can be a hero and help people in the TFC also saving people from villains. If i ever become a hero I want to help people like me find help and let other people know that they shouldn't be scared of us!"
"Wow that's inspiring! You want to spread a message if you become a hero! Well I'm sure if you two train hard enough you can be the best hero there ever were. Alright then let's get started! I have so many theories how your quirks could work! Listen up!"
"YES SIR!"
.-----------------------------------------------------.
"What are these CDs Wave?"
The woman known as Wave looked at Izuku with a borderline maniacal grin. She has long brown hair in a pony tail. wearing a black t-shirt with a band name on it and jeans. Also she was adorned with accessories from bracelets, earrings, piercings etc. Just fit the punk chic to a tee.
"These are songs from the pre quirk era. They're pretty rare you know but I think they are as good if not even better than the songs sang today! You want to learn piano right and Carmilla wants to learn the violin. Some of these songs can really help with getting you started! But first let me teach you guys some chords and notes before we do anything alright?"
Wave quickly set up the instruments: a polished wooden violin, and a digital piano on a stand with keys that seemed to glisten under the room's light. She ushered Izuku to the piano and positioned the violin under Himiko's chin.
Turning to Himiko, Wave adjusted her grip on the violin. "Carmilla, the violin is all about precision and posture. Rest it on your shoulder, like this. Your left hand will press the strings, and your right will use the bow. Let's start with a simple scale." She guided Himiko's hand, showing her the correct finger placements.
The room filled with the sound of random notes and the from the piano and the violin. Wave moved between them, offering tips and corrections. "Izuku, relax your wrist. Don't tense up." She then turned to Himiko, "Smooth, steady strokes with the bow. Imagine you're painting with it."
After a while with Himiko, she is guiding Izuku on the piano. "Now, for some piano basics. These are your home keys, C, D, E, F, G, A, B. Place your fingers like this." She demonstrated, her hands gliding over the keys effortlessly. "We'll start with a simple chord progression."
The sounds of piano and violin filled the room. If anyone was at the bar then they would have ripped their ears out at the sound but thankfully the bar just opened and barely anyone comes in during this time.
"Don't get too discouraged kiddos! you guys are still beginners! It takes time to get good at instruments. Let's just try our best each time ok?"
"Yes Wave!" Both Himiko and Izuku replied
Ahh, these kids....
"Wave how did you get involved with the TFC?" Himiko asked
"Oh I fell on hard times, I was a young girl, desperate signed a contract with some producer without reading it, he thought my quirk would be very useful for concerts so yes, I lost the money but these folks picked me back up, right now I teach music for a living at a school, but you two are my favourites, I love what you guys do here! Don't tell my students that though." She said with a wink
"Alright let's move on to the next thing, ready?"
"Yeah!"