Chapter 11
It was 10am, Izuku and Himiko were watching from afar as Tetsuchi talked to a man on the bartop. Apparently he a contact has seen Touya near Kokai but before that He had to make some deal with someone. They were observing the exchange going down secretly while hiding under a table. They wanted to hear more clearly so they moved closer, barely raising a sound. Courtesy of their stealth training with Hare. They were whispering to each other
"They look so suspicious even though we know what they're doing is probably fine?"
"Well Himi, to the heroes and normal people. Two strong men in a shady bar talking to each other doesn't seem too nice."
"That man looks so weird! He's wearing full black. His hair looks messed up, He has with weird long scarf an goggles. Who is he?"
"Oh i think i might know who he is. He's an underground hero. I think his name's Eraserhead."
When close enough they listen to the deal going on.
"Hey! How's the job hunt going. Got something better than this bar yet?"
"Doing fine, you got the money back from your friend yet? He should pay you back by now."
"Oh yeah look I bought myself some shoes because of it."
Tetsuchi brought out a shoe box from under the bar and the other man opened it.
"These are some nice shoes Bloodsmith"
While he was saying that he silently dropped an envelope into the shoebox.
"Yeah man, I'm gonna place this box outside for now though. Need a drink?"
Tetsuchi grabbed a pair of shoes from the box with the envelope and walked towards the exit and placed it near the entrance.
"No thanks I'm just here to check up on you"
The man left while picking up the shoebox before leaving
As the man leaves the bar he picked up the shoe box and left.
"What was that Bloodsmith?" Himiko asked
Bloodsmith seemed to jump a bit when he saw Himiko and Izuku from under the table.
"Ah- that was uh an underground hero. I gave him info on some drug deals. It was in the shoebox"
At the mention of heroes. Izuku's eyes shined "Was that Eraserhead? I see him come around sometimes. Never orders or stays for long though. Sometimes he comes with a really tall man with white hair. With like a red jumpsuit. He has teeth like Himi's. I did some research. Is that guy Vlad King? He has a blood quirk but it says he retired. Do you know why? Couldtheyhavebeeninjuredormaybe..."
"Woah you're at it again kid. Slow down" Tetsuchi chuckled. Izuku slapped his hand over his mouth in exasperation while Himiko snickered in the background.
"You're right in that man was Eraserhead. The tall white hair man you see him with sometimes. Is indeed Vlad King, guess you're not our resident hero nerd for nothing huh" Izuku slightly blushed after that comment. "Well the reason Vlad King retired is that he got a better job offer. To teach at UA he teaches one of the hero course classes. Same with Eraserhead."
"W-Wait! You're telling me those two might be my sensei one day?!"
"You're right! Hope you didn't mess up too much in impressions did you?"
"W-well I've never interacted with them much! They usually go to you and don't stay for long. Also the TFC handles drug deals?"
"No! You see the heroes have their own networks of information and if they can't find anything they will go find some outside sources. We are one of those outside sources. They don't know about the TFC at all and what we do they just know we're a group that can get information for them. We are used sometimes but not a whole lot. They usually ask people like me to see if they can find any information on something and I can arrange the people to go find it. We do good so they trust us enough to use us. Since some of the people here were involved in some crime organizations. We typically have some information or are able to get some information from a lot of the more well known groups."
"Wow..." Himiko and Izuku stared at Tetsuchi starry eyed
"Well, that is a story for another day. Now we should go to Kokai to try and find Touya. You guys can follow us and meet with the people there. You guys should know about some of the customs of the coves by now right? You will try to talk to our contacts and observe us trying to talk to Touya and bring him to his mother. The point of this is for you to get used to the coves' customs and try to learn how to talk down someone. You guys have experience with that whenever someone gets mad or too drunk at the bar but this is a bit different. Touya is most likely traumatized so you will be going with me to Kokai to go find him. We are hoping to talk him down. You guys remembered the code words and the slang used in Kokai right?"
Izuku and Himiko nodded. When Tetsuchi gave them the booklet with all the codewords and slang. They have looked over it and memorized it. They have actually never been to one of the dedicated coves set up, this will be the first time they go to a cove. Today will be the first time they will get to use it! In this case Kokai is near the harbor so a lot of the words will be sea related. Izuku thought.
"Alright people the meeting will happen soon, get Frost down here and we can go"
"Alright Frost we're here." Tetsuchi said in his car "Now you're positive the photo I showed you was Touya."
Rei nodded " Yes I'm positive. It's him, my god the scars he has..."
"It's gonna be ok Frost we're getting closer to the buildings now." He parked his car at the side of the road "Broccoli Carmilla can you handle that guy there? They're the contacts. Everyone who lives here is TFC."
"Really? Does no one even bother to check on this place? Not even underground heroes?"
"Well, legally it's abandoned for years now. No one uses it so we repurposed it. No high profile villain would want to run their operations from places this run down, There are much better places for them to operate. So the heroes don't have a lot of reason to check here. Therefore our people can live here.
Izuku and Himiko nodded before approaching a man with three big holes on the side of each arm. Wearing only a vest and a pair of shorts and a cap leaning on a lamp post. Izuku asked while showing him his sigil
"Hey we're looking for the small fry, the fishwife's there."
"How small we talking."
"Just enough to swim the low tides."
"Alright what breed?"
"White scaled, with history of living to fire coral." Himiko replied
"Alright I know who you talking about. You can find him near the old shipyard. In the white ship with a yellow stripe. He's a hard catch though, you sure you want to reel him in?"
"The fishwife wants her fish so yes."
"Alright then, good luck on your trip. call me Cannon by the way. I heard of you two kids Broccoli and Carmilla? One of you is a scapegoat and the other's a baseline right?"
"Oh i'm the scapegoat. he's actually a latecomer. Don't worry he won't be some hotshot." Himiko replied
Cannon nodded "Good for you kid. You do quirk analysis right? You learn from Insight, I heard your records are coded so they're safe right? do you mind if i ask for one?"
Izuku smiled. "Sure just come down to the Iron Haven, I'm always there and don't worry they are safe and locked in a lockbox."
"Alright sounds good. Goodluck on the catch."
Izuku and Himiko walked back to Rei and Tetsuchi. Tetsuchi nodded. "Good job! seems like the codeword usage is very good. What did he say?"
"He said the white ship with the yellow stripe on the old shipyard, come on let's go!" Himiko exclaimed.
"Um... excuse me I heard some parts of the last bit of conversation what's a scapegoat, a baseline or a hotshot? and what's this about Broccoli doing quirk analysis?"
"Oh a baseline is what we call quirkless people, scapegoats are people like me, people with so called "villainous quirks". A hotshot are referred to people who have big powerful quirks that are mean to people. You also have Chimera for people with mutant quirks and Turncoats for recovering villains. As for the analysis. Since he studies under someone called Insight who was a former quirk counselor for the HPSC he taught him a lot about quirks and analysis. He's practically a prodigy. I learnt more on how to accomodate people with quirks like mine where they need a special diet requirement or other things. So i'm not as good as him at it. People talk to him and pay him if they need help with controlling their quirks."
"Oh i see... Do you think you can maybe help with Touya's quirk?"
"Sure Frost let's go see him first though!"
As the group walked down the street. There were people looking at them through windows on some rundown buildings before promptly ignoring them. The buildings although some seem renovated to a certain extent. They still look rundown. However the streets are surprisingly clean and all over there are small lamps shining from poles acting as makeshift lampposts. Some people were also walking around with the sigil tied on their hips. Although it's a black and white color scheme with a light blue dot on the points of the hexagons. There are some shops that seem open but they look run down as well. The only indication it's a shop are some signs outside saying what they sell. It seems that although not ideal. The people around here do take care of the area they live in. It seems like the coves also have their own flags, a flag split into two parts horizontally. white on top and ocean blue on the bottom, with the bottom part seemingly having three poked up spots like a curved pyramid, resembling a wave.
Rei asked Tetsuchi "These places seem surprisingly clean and the fact that there are shops here are surprising and are those people with the black and white sigils like guards?"
Tetsuchi nodded. "Yes, although it's a bad place to live. People still try to make their best with what they got and for your other question. They're not really guards. More like volunteers. A group of them is called a regiment. In this case, see the light blue dot, the regiment from Kokai are called the Aqua regiment. A lot of the time. They are trusted enough to have those sigils. Every few months a meeting of the people who live here will happen near the harbor. Talking about what they need, Talking about how they improved in their lives and maybe leaving or introducing new people into Kokai. It is there people are nominated and the others will decide if they are worthy of the sigil. If they are then locals could ask for their help or report someone doing a crime, usually small villains thinking they could harass or steal from some of the people here. The prerequesite is that the people need to be calm and kind and they're usually people with quirks that help with combat or individuals who are trained in weaponry in case something goes bad. Some even have fire arms but they are in a specified location only certain people know and are used in dire situations. Otherwise they won't be used. It's already hard to get guns already in Japan. We don't want to waste such armaments on people who aren't that dangerous."
"I see" Rei nodded. Soon enough they arrive at the white strip with the yellow stripe by the old shipyard.
"Stand back, go behind that destroyed wall, Let me try first" The rest complied. Tetsuchi said before knocking on the ship. "Hey is there a Touya in there?"
"Who the fuck is asking and why are you here?!"
"We have people here that want to meet you. We want to help."
A figure pop out from the hole of the hull from the ship. Out came a man with white hair, blue eyes and scars all over. Most noticeably on his neck and there are signs of some light scars under his eyes. He held his arm out in a blue fire aiming it at Tetsuchi. "Listen I don't know who you are but if you think you have a right to call me that then you are mistaken. People around here call me Dabi, get the hell out of there before i cremate your ass!"
Tetsuchi startled at the movement and his arm cut itself before the bloody goo transforms to a shield.
"I was told to look for you! Someone told me that's your name!"
"No one who knows that name should look for me! I don't want them! They'll take me back!" Touya raised his arm preparing to strike
Rei, standing behind the wall couldn't take it anymore. She stepped out and yelled "Touya!"
"Mom?!"
Touya stopped his strike before blinking. That was his mom in the flesh standing there. He grit his teeth.
"Why the HELL are you here, don't even bother taking me back to father! Has the great Todoroki family fallen so low to use such people to find me!"
"I'm not taking you back! I don't even want to go anywhere near him after what he done to me and Shouto just please stop and let's talk!"
"Fuck do you mean you bitch! Isn't Shouto supposed to be your new best thing! All my life all you two wanted was for me to be a hero! Now since that little eugenics projects of yours worked out. You think you can throw me to the curb!"
"I-I'm sorry Touya..." Rei began sobbing. "I knew it was wrong for him to continue what he did to you but I did a lot of thinking in the mental hospital and I want to make amends please... Just one chance..."
"What the fuck do you mean mental hospital?"
"After you left... your father blamed me for not controlling you and got mad at me, our relationship got worse and worse. Until one day I lashed out on Shouto. He put me in mental hospital after that for so many years... I escaped so I'm with these people. I'm not here to take you back to him. I just want a new chance of life and I want you to be with me... We won't be under his influence anymore I swear it! I want to do right by you. I failed as a mother and I want to be better!" Rei was crying on the ground at mentioning that.
Izuku walked out with Himiko "It's true. She came to us and wanted us to find you. Don't worry, anyone related or sent by your father does not know of this. We haven't told anyone about this. We have gave her a new identity and even a place to live."
"H-How the hell do i know you guys aren't lying to me!" Touya replied, though noticeably a hint of shock and guilt
Rei looked up at him, tears streaming down her face. "Touya, I understand why you don't trust me. I failed you, and I failed Shouto. But I need you to believe that I'm trying to make things right. I want us to have a new chance at life, away from his influence. Please, give me a chance to prove it."
Izuku stepped forward, his expression earnest. "Touya, we're not asking you to trust us blindly. We're asking you to take a small step of faith. Come with us and see for yourself. If you decide you don't want to stay, we'll respect your decision. But at least give us a chance to show you that there is more to life than being a hero under your father."
Himiko added, "We've seen what this life has done to you, and we don't want you to suffer any longer. There are people who care about you, who want to help you find a new path trust me I know that feeling.
Touya now wavering a bit yelled back "Who the hell are you people anyway! How do you know i was here!"
"We are a support network" Tetsuchi replied "We help people who are shunned by society for their quirks or people who can't access help for multitude of reasons. Including your mother. Considering the fact that the number 2 hero is legally her husband. It's clear that any official way to report him is gone. That's why she reached out to us. She heard about us in the hospital."
"As to why we know you're here. This run down harbor you see. A lot of the people who live here are part of the support network and when asked have they seen a random newcomer with a blue fire quirk. It's obvious to know."
"So that's what they meant... Some guys around here stopped me using my quirk and told me that a group of people will come looking for me soon. They told me not to worry about it. I thought they were wannabe vigilantes like me since they also use my quirk . Trying to warn me out of some code I guess..."
"So as you have heard... you should know we aren't here to hurt you right." Himiko hesitantly asked.
"Some people I don't know came with my mom to offer me a new life. That alone is suspicious as hell but if you're serious about the new life then I'm willing to give it one shot and that woman one chance. I'll come with you, but if this is a trap, all of you are dusted! You hear me!"
Rei looked up and clasped her hands. "Yes... Thank you Touya..."
Tetsuchi relaxed, putting down his shield. "Alright then... let's go to your mother's new place then. Let's get to my car."
They arrived at Rei's apartment. It was a fairly modest one, a simple 3 room apartment with a corridor connecting the entrance to the dining room, to their right was the kitchen and walk a bit further was the living room and there was a corridor that connected to a series of rooms with the bathroom at the end of corridor.
Touya was slack jawed. "You guys weren't bullshitting me..."
Himiko smirked "See~? We just wanted to help you is all!"
Touya looked at her before muttering out "Thanks..." under his breath. Though people barely noticed it.
Tetsuchi was on the phone with someone before he returns. "Alright your mother's name is now Shimo Risa, if you decide to stay with her and be her son they your name would be Shimo Toki. The rent of this place has been paid six months in advance Do you accept this? Do you want to live with your mother in the first place?"
Touya looked at her mother who was fidgeting in her seat before replying "Yes... I still do want a family of some form... even if it's only my mother"
Rei grabbed his hand "Trust me Touya I will make amends to you I swear upon it..."
"Ok mom... can i go into my room for now..." Rei nodded in response
After Touya left Izuku added "I trust you can tell him more about our network later Frost but for now let him cool down. Also get used to calling him Toki in public. We don't want people to be suspicious. If that's all then we should leave now... the Iron Haven needs us"
Rei got up and kneeled and bowed her head low. "I-I can't thank you enough for this... I wasn't kidding when I said I'll repay your kindness tenfold... I'm still technically a Himura. I still have access to some of the money... A monetary gift won't be enough but I already have an idea of what I want to do. I hope by then you will accept my token of gratitude."
She finished off saying
"Endeavour could never measure up to what you two did. You are my heroes."
Izuku and Himiko's heart fluttered at the praise. Seeing how this was their first time helping someone with a code red. Being thanked was a great feeling to enjoy.
Chapter 12: Chapter 12 (Slice of Life Chapter)
"I'm telling you right now. Endeavour can beat Hawks!"
"No he can't! Hero rankings don't mean everything!"
Izuku and Himiko looked on from the bartop in amusement. Izuku polishing a glass and Himiko sucking on a bloodbag. Not wanting to interrupt the debate they whispered in English to each other
"They've been going at it huh"
"Yeah, the only times I get that heated is when I don't get enough blood. I have been this close to attacking someone if it weren't for this bag of sweet cow blood."
"I thought you liked O negative."
"Eh beggars can't be choosers I guess. It's pretty hard to get blood in the first place. Dad doesn't have infinite blood. Besides you might not understand this but sometimes drinking different types of blood can make me feel certain ways!"
"Really? How do you feel right now?"
Himiko paused, her eyes narrowing thoughtfully."Hmm, right now? I'd say... content but a little antsy. Cow blood is good, but it lacks the... zing of human blood, you know?"
Izuku nodded, even though he didn't fully grasp the nuances of blood preferences. "That makes sense, I guess. It's kind of like how different foods make you feel different. You looked cute and content when you drink O negative. I guess that's how i feel about katsudon."
Himiko's cheeks turned a deep shade of red, a stark contrast to her usual demeanor. She almost choked on her blood bag, her heart racing. "C-Cute?"
Izuku, oblivious to her reaction, continued polishing the glass, a small smile on his face. "Yeah, I mean, it's interesting. You're so passionate when it comes to these things. It's kind of adorable."
Himiko fidgeted with the blood bag, her mind a whirlwind of emotions. She glanced at Izuku, who was still engrossed in his task, completely unaware of the effect his words had on her. She bit her lip, trying to calm the fluttering in her chest.
"Thanks, I guess," she mumbled, hoping he wouldn't notice the blush creeping up her neck.
Izuku finally looked up, catching her eye. "What was that?"
"N-Nothing! Just... glad you think so," she stammered, quickly turning her attention back to the debate at the other end of the bar.
Izuku shrugged, going back to his glass. "You're welcome, Himiko."
"Hey why does Carmilla's face look red. Did Broccoli say something?"
"Who knows it was in English and i can't speak it.
"Please Zuku just play it!"
Izuku sighed, running a hand through his green hair as he looked at the digital piano on the stage. Himiko was practically bouncing on her toes beside him, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
"Please, Zuku! Just this once!" she pleaded, her hands clasped together in front of her. "It'll be so much fun, I promise! Both of us love that song!"
"Himi, it's just... it's a silly joke," Izuku replied, shaking his head. "I mean, playing that song in front of the bar just because of the date?"
"But it's not just any date!" Himiko insisted, her voice taking on a sing-song quality. "It's the night! Come on, Izuku, you know the song. It's perfect for tonight!"
Izuku hesitated, glancing at the piano again. He had to admit, there was a certain charm to the idea. The thought of making Himiko happy with something as simple as playing a song was tempting.
"People here barely know about pre-quirk era music."
"But it doesn't matter does it? As Wave always says as long as it's good, people will love it!" She grabbed Izuku's arm and nibbled on it slightly while giving him the biggest puppy-dog eyes.
"Alright, fine," he said finally, unable to resist her puppy-dog eyes any longer. "I'll play it. But only because you're so insistent."
"Yes!" Himiko cheered, grabbing his hand and practically dragging him over to the bass. "You won't regret it, I promise!"
Izuku let go and walked towards the piano Himiko rushed to grab the violin.
"Hello all, under Carmilla's insistence I will be playing a pre quirk era song because it's sooo funny that the song just so happened to have today's date. It's in English but I still hope you guys can enjoy it"
He shot a small grin at Himiko before receiving a massive grin from her back.
Izuku started the to play the keyboard and started to sing.
"Do you remember? The 21st night of September?"
As Izuku was singing. Himiko looked to her phone on a tripod and it filmed her look of absolute fondness on her face.
"Listen man I'm telling you this bar's food is so good."
"Alright I'll trust you dude. You sure this place takes people like me?"
There were two men walking down the alleyway towards the bar. One was a plain looking man with one eye like a cyclops while the other had a bear mutation quirk that made him quite large. Soon enough they arrived at the surprisingly big door of bar. Made to accomodate people with quirks that made them large. When they stepped in they heard some glass shatter. Everyone looked towards the sound before promptly ignoring it.
"What was that!" Said the bear man
"Just usual here." The cyclops replied. "I think Crystal there is getting his meal."
The bear man and cyclops approach the sound only to see Izuku feeding someone who has semi transparent glass skin. His skin getting clearer the more glass he eats. While Himiko was breaking used glass bottles against the table.
"Ah hey there Cy! Who's that behind you? Need anything special for him?" Himiko asked him
"Nothing too weird just raw meat will be fine for him. I want a beer though."
"Alright coming right up!" Said Izuku as he rushed to the kitchen before carrying out a slab of meat on a tray.
"Here you go sir!" He chirped before placing it down in front of the bear man and giving a beer to Cy before going back to Himiko. "I got you a blood bag as well Himi!"
"Thanks Zuku!"
The bear man looked on in awe. " Ok i know this place is weird already considering there are children working here, but they didn't even judge me... kids usually get scared of me needing to eat meat as raw as this... How did they even get this."
Cy smiled "Oh trust me my first time here, I was shocked, I don't ask too many questions about their sources since their boss handles it and dude you just saw them feeding a man glass and the boy feeding his girlfriend blood so yeah you asking for raw meat ain't nothing special here"
The bear man smiled " I think i'll like it here... Wait those two are dating?!"
Cy laughed "No! but it's only a matter of time honestly, they've known each other for so long and we know the girl likes the boy, it's down to who confesses first. Heck the regulars have a betting pot on it!"
The bear man chuckled. "Oh this place is getting better already."
Izuku and Himiko stood in front of the newly opened teahouse, their mouths slightly agape. The building was an elegant mix of traditional Japanese architecture and modern design, with a serene garden in the front and a welcoming entrance.
"Did she really do all this in two months?" Izuku asked, his eyes wide with amazement.
"I mean, I know she has money, but…wow," Himiko replied, equally stunned.
As they stepped inside, they were greeted by the soothing aroma of freshly brewed tea and the soft murmur of classical music playing in the background. The interior was just as impressive as the exterior, with beautifully arranged seating areas, tasteful decorations, and a calming ambiance that immediately put them at ease.
Shimo Risa, formerly Todoroki Rei dressed in a simple yet elegant kimono, approached them with a warm smile. "Broccoli, Carmilla, welcome! What do you think?"
"It's incredible!" Izuku exclaimed, still taking in the surroundings. "How did you manage to do all this so quickly?"
"Well first things first, you guys helped me get out of that situation. I always wanted to open someplace like this and with your help you managed to get me out of it. So thank you" Rei bows "Also i have a business degree so it wasn't too hard to think that someone like me would open a shop and I said it before I still have some access to that Himura money. Let's just say with help from the cove I managed to get some of it anonymously..."
Izuku and Himiko smirked to each other before shrugging "Good for you Frost!" Himiko exclaimed "What's your specialty here?"
Rei smiled "Well I managed to secure a lot of different tea leaves. You name it I probably have it, Matcha, Gyokuro, green tea, earl grey, people usually like it hot but my specialty here of course is cold teas. My quirk allows my ice to have some small difference of properties and those small differences could really change the tea flavor. Not to mention I can make hot tea really fast with my son upstairs."
"How is he dong by the way?" Izuku asked, Rei gave a small smile. "At first he didn't trust me but we're both trying. We've been meeting regularly with the psychiatrist Bloodsmith set me up with and he still acts a bit distant but i've shown signs of him warming up to me and the concept of people in general. He sometimes come down to make tea, I think it calms him. I hope he keeps getting better. He might start school in a few months also but we'll get there when we get there." Izuku smiled "That's good to hear Frost!"
"Also this is my way of repaying you people." Rei's face turned serious for a second. "What you folks do is inspiring especially for someone as young as you two. I have already asked Bloodsmith. He talked to some people around Musutafu that own safe havens like this and have confirmed it. From now on this place will be a safe haven for the cove. Of course since I'm not experienced in things like quirks the main focus of this place will be abuse victims. That being said I do have a supply of things that are some of the most common special dietary requirements because of quirks like Carmilla's need for blood. But anyways, the victims can be sent here to stay, as people from the cove help them find places to live. I'll start learning from people of the cove to help me with finding them help. Just know that here is safe.
"That's wonderful..." Izuku and Himiko looked in awe
"Know that you helped in the creation of this. Also I know that you two have goals for hero schools. If you need anything, especially if it's monetary, know you can ask me for whatever. Now come sit, I have some teas I would like you to try! We can try some of it as we talk about your goals!"
"Yes please!"
"We should keep it."
"Agreed"
"Do you think Bloodsmith will care?"
"No he won't!"
"Alright then she's ours"
Tetsuchi was definitely a little surprised when he saw a little ragdoll kitten with a green eye and red eye and a fluffy white coat on Izuku's shoulder and literally every patron fawning over it.
They called her Michi for her heterochromic eyes Mi for the beginning of green and Chi for her eyes were as red as blood."
"Broccoli and Carmilla look kinda emotional at the bartop there what are they reading and arguing about?"
"I don't know but I've been here long enough to not ask especially when it devolves into English."
Himiko and Izuku were just debating on the theory of Vlad the Impaler being somehow related to Dracula. While holding a biography of Vlad the Impaler
"No Himi, you don't get it. Dracula was inspired by Vlad the Impaler. He is not related to Vlad at all."
" That's bullshit! Someone who's that bloody has to be related to one of the greatest vampires of all time!"
"Dracula isn't even real! Himi!"
"Wait what..."
Himiko's face dropped before Izuku continued. "He was made up Himiko."
Himiko's face looks like that of a child who was told Santa wasn't real
Himiko looks empty now before saying "I need some time for myself" as she went upstairs and locked herself in.
When the amount of blood it took to comfort her almost drained half of the supply in a day. Suffice to say Tetsuchi couldn't help but be a little pissed.
"Alright kids I have a new exercise for you today!" Hare said while holding some balloons in one hand and a pump in the other.
"Today I want you to train your mental ability to not get shocked or distracted by big noise! So you will be sparring with each other while I pop balloons, if you get startled then get down and give me 50 push ups."
Shouldn't be too hard right? Izuku and Himiko thought
After an hour, Izuku and Himiko could barely get the ringing in their ears and the soreness of their muscles out as they try to serve the food and drink.
"Alright everyone! Welcome back to another trivia night!" Himiko announced to the bar with a borderline manic grin while on stage. The bar was also quite full tonight knowing there would be a special event today. Some new faces even showed up, even Touya who has never been a regular to the Iron Haven showed up as well.
"Tonight's event is a bit special because it will be about music! It's simple Zuku will play a tune on the piano and you have to identify the song played! A lot of them he has played in the past, so the regulars might know them. A lot of them are pre quirk era songs so you might have to reach into your brain to find what you're looking for! Now you might be wondering what's the prize? Well the first person in this here bar to get 25 songs right will get this!" Himiko revealed a black suitcase. "It was found in a warehouse near Yuhi! A baseline called Discover at the back of the bar there who studies archeology says it dates back to 2007! Around 250 years old! Someone with an x-ray quirk says it's a bunch of plastic packages that are thin and have some round shaped things in them. There are around 120 of whatever they are inside of this suitcase! Whoever wins will get this! With that said! Take it away Zuku!"
As Izuku started to play some songs guesses were thrown out left and right
"Toxic?"
"Correct!"
Izuku played another
"Uh...it was that one by... what were they called? Oh right the Rolling Stones... Jumping Jack Flash?"
"Wrong!"
"Bitch!" Dabi exclaimed in frustration
"Hurtful there Dabi but correct! It was Bitch by The Rolling Stones!"
I didn't think that was an actual answer Dabi thought with a sweat drop coming from his forehead
and another song
"Fur Elise?"
"Wow! That's an old one good job!"
and another
"Pretty Woman?"
"I'm flattered but i have someone else in mind. Correct though!"
Until someone got 25 songs. It was surprising to see that the winner was one of Necra's assistants, Charlotte, she went by
"Alright! Let's see what we got here!"
Charlotte opened the suitcase to find it filled with plastic packaging as described before but they all had beautiful and charming cover art. On them had some English titles "Mario Kart" "Halo 3" ""Skyrim" "Team Fortress 2" "Stardew Valley" "The Sims" "Minecraft" When she opened one there was a round silver disc that had the cover art on it as well with a hole in the middle
"Hey Discover you mind coming over here! See what these things are!"
The archeologist student jogged over and kneeled down his eyes widen in shock and excitement, tears start forming
"These are pre quirk area video games! Creations by my people! I bet they still work with that old computer I have stashed away! I thought all these were lost but my goodness, yes! Finally games where I don't need to see some hero on the screen!"
The rest of the bar was immediately interested. Entertainment from 250 years ago sounded quite intriguing. They have no idea if it would be fun since a lot has changed for technology since then. Not to mention although no one in the bar believed it. There was the general consensus that quirkless people had less developed brains or what not so a lot of pre quirk era media was lost and regarded as things not worth preserving since "nothing good came out of those minds". The sentiment of heroes being everywhere is annoying was shared even amongst hero fanboys like Izuku. He still can't see past the fact that a lot of heroes would genuinely save someone that had a better quirk or looked better. The fact that over his years only 4 more heroes has been added to the list of "Safe Heroes" was appalling to him so he was really excited to see what these games had in store.
One hour later
"YOU BASTARD CARMILLA, WHO PUTS A BANANA PEEL THERE! I'LL HAVE YOUR BLOOD!"
"YOU'RE LUCKY I DON'T HAVE YOURS FOR THAT BLUE SHELL DABI! I WAS DOING FINE!"
The rest of the bar was filled with raucous laughter as Touya, Himiko, Izuku and Discover were playing the first game they found in the suitcase. Mario Kart, Discover has jerry rigged a used pc and put the disc in and connected them to controllers and they started playing. They didn't pay it much mind as they thought the cartoon looking game was for children but when they started the first game everything devolved into yelling and laughing as soon as Discover threw the first red shell at Dabi. At first it was some frustration but as the game went on more threats were hurled and more laughs was heard from the bar. The group playing was looking like a comedy troupe as the other patrons laughed their asses off. Izuku at first found the threats scary but as they got into it he became used to it even laughing along as they were yelled out.
"SHUT UP BOTH OF YOU BROCCOLI'S GONNA WIN AGAIN IF YOU DON"T FOCUS UP!"
Izuku was surprisingly good at playing these games, he has been on a 7 race win streak and as Dabi exclaimed in triumph as he threw a blue shell at Izuku....
It was too late
Izuku drove through the finish line at first place. Causing Dabi and Himiko to yell in anguish. The rest of the bar laughing along Tetsuchi amongst them. Wiping a tear from his eyes he said "OOH boy and Carmilla said there were 120 of them? Oh this is good!"
Izuku wanting to defuse the situation suggested changing the game he took out the Mario Kart disc and walked over a seething Touya and Himiko to reach into the suitcase for a new game. However, still wanting to rub it in a little. He grabbed a game and picked it up.
"How about this one, it's called Forza."
"Isn't that forward in Italian? What's the cover art? What do you think it's about?"
"Well there is this picture of this snazzy looking car..."
"NO!" exclaimed the makeshift comedy troupe.
Izuku giggled before picking up another game
"How about this one? It's called Minecraft"
Chapter 13
A year has passed, at this point, Izuku and Himiko were both 11.
It was Saturday, meaning Izuku and Himiko fortunately didn't have Insight' s lessons, however, unfortunately, that meant more time for Hare to mess with them, right now they were in an abandoned ware house again, Izuku, still reeling in the shock of him actually having a quirk from a year ago has asked Hare for more quirk training, since if he wants to be a hero, he is already behind, others have had their quirks for 7 years, and he only had one year under his belt, for now, they want to increase his mental capacity to lessen his strain bit by bit, so right now, Izuku is trying to solve a rubik's cube while trying to solve a 50 piece puzzle all while using 4 of his tendrils to do so while reciting pi, he's sweating heavily, Himiko sat beside him transforming into multiple people, repeatedly and rapidly, from a dashing brunette woman to a person with a rat quirk, the more dramatic the changes the harder, all of them having volunteered to give some blood of course.
"3.1415926535 8979323846 26..."Izuku muttered under his breath. like a Buddhist monk reciting a chant, Himiko had developed a looked like she was begging for death, they have been going at it for 3 hours.
"All right! Good job kids break time!" Hare declared, with that call, Izuku fell on his back and start slurring his words as if he was drunk, the headache taking a toll on him, Himiko rushed to a trashcan and threw up.
"Oh come on! It's not that bad, toughen up!" Hare chuckled, Himiko snapped a glare at Hare "Shut up old timer, now I know why Mirko always seem pissed on camera."
Hare snickered "Heh, no that's just her, always tried to teach her manners, but guess it didn't get through, I mean one time when she was 8 years old we went to a theme park and she threw a damn tantrum cause the rabbit plushie was out."
"Nirko gaving phlushies?" Izuku managed to slur out. Hare nodded "Oh yes, she has a few, her favorite one is the rabbit one of course, last time I visited, had that on her bed, first time I saw it I teased her non stop!" Hare snickered. Izuku and Himiko imagined a flustered Mirko and having her cuddle a plushie, the sight made them laugh.
"Alright, now before we continue with Broccoli's exercise of trying to make his constructs stronger and your speed exercise, apparently, there's an event in Ryokuno and you two are invited, just letting you guys know is all."
Himiko and Izuku both looked to each other, "An event?" "Am ebemt?" They said at the same time, Hare shrugged, "Eh, Bloodsmith can update you on the details, let's go! More training to do!"
They both groaned before, their sore bodies start to get up, Izuku made a mace in one hand and extended a green tendril in the other, beating a steel beam, over and over again, before his constructs broke, doing it again, and again, improving his concentration and speed each time, Himiko on the other hand kept dashing back and forth the abandoned ware house, leaping from one point to the other, apparently "It's the same thing I made Rumi do when she was 9!"
When the training session was over after 2 more hours, they dragged each other's sore bodies out of the warehouse, Izuku not needing to drink any alcohol to understand the pain of a hangover.
They were exited the van as Tetsuchi explained to them what they would be doing tonight.
"Tonight , there is a celebration, in Ryokuno, some people have gotten back on their feet and are leaving, we're giving them a send off and we will be helping with the cooking."
Izuku and Himiko looked surprised and pleased at that information, they have been to Ryokuno once, a cove, a safe haven for the people, it was tucked away in a mountain, covered by trees, you had to drive 20 minutes up the mountain just to get there, it was like a large sprawling old Japanese village, no tall buildings just a calm spot of serenity in the middle of the woods. They slowly walked into the village, wearing their classy suits, they approached the outskirts where multiple people came out of their wooden houses, greeting them as they walked past, some even grabbed some vegetables from their gardens and asked them if they could cook it tonight, they took them all in small boxes and made their way further in, small lanterns lit up the way as green banners with a white four point star flown in the air, they made their way into the town square, with multiple small stalls, to the side, a bunch of small campfires, with benches around each of them people barbecuing some food, to the side there was a makeshift bartop made of wood, along with some stoves, it was made of simple materials and looks a bit worn but Izuku and Himiko didn't mind, it was simple and added to it's charm.
Izuku adjusted the cuffs of his suit jacket, glancing around with a soft smile. "It feels different, doesn't it?" he mused, more to himself than to Himiko.
Himiko, walking beside him with a spring in her step, nodded enthusiastically. "Yeah, it's like... I don't know, like the whole place is alive or something. And everyone's so happy. It's nice to be somewhere like this."
They approach the bar top with the stoves and a woman with white hair, incredibly sharp teeth, and pale skin greeted them.
"Ah, you must be the ones Bloodsmith mentioned!" she said, wiping her hands on her apron before extending one to Izuku. "I'm Ghost. It's a pleasure to have you both here. We could certainly use the help tonight."
Izuku shook her hand, his grip firm but gentle. "It's a pleasure to be here, Ghost. We're happy to help in any way we can."
Himiko gave a cheerful wave. "We brought some veggies too! The folks at the outskirts were kind enough to give us some from their gardens."
Mako's eyes lit up as she glanced at the boxes they carried. "Wonderful! Fresh vegetables are always a treat. Why don't you set those down over there? We're just about to start preparing some of the dishes."
They followed her instructions, placing the boxes on a large wooden table nearby, which was already filled with various ingredients—everything from freshly caught fish to rice, herbs, and spices. The air was rich with the mingling scents of garlic, ginger, and soy sauce, all mingling together in a mouthwatering aroma.
"Tonight we have 20 people leaving, most of them'll keep contact, but no matter what they did, I hope they find good lives out there. We are going to have a feast tonight!"
Izuku and Himiko cheered and nodded, and started to get to work, slowly but surely, the woks and pans started to sizzle with meat, the pots of rice gave off a pleasant aroma, a group of villagers all with different quirks and looks, came up to observe Izuku and Himiko cooking.
A couple of young kids, no older than six, shyly approached with a handful of herbs, looking up at Izuku and Himiko with wide, admiring eyes.
"Are you going to cook tonight?" one of the boys asked, his voice barely above a whisper.
Himiko crouched down to his level, her smile softening. "We sure are! And these herbs will make the food even better. Thank you!"
The kids walked on as they saw Himiko and Izuku cook, they have heard of the kids who help out in a bar that was owned by the network they were a part of, but seeing them in person cooking, it was a sight to see.
Izuku expertly moved the wok, making the stir fry come up as if a wave, before crashing back down, Himiko on the other hand was mixing drinks and operating some blenders with the help of an electric generator she plugged it into.
"Broccoli right? People say you make good katsudon, will you make it for us tonight?" One of the girls asked, wide eyed.
Izuku smiled. "Of course anything for you kids." "YAY!" the kids cheered.
A boy with brown hair, around 6 asked "Broccoli, I-Is it true you were quirkless?" Himiko turned her head around to see Izuku giving the kid a thoughtful look before nodding "And you now have this cool fire quirk right?" Izuku nodded as well.
"Do you think quirkless people like me could be useful?"
"Yes", Izuku answered with no doubt in his mind, "Not just in the form of being heroes, you could be a doctor, engineer, lawyer, actor or literally anything you set your mind to alright?"
"P-People always say I spread the quirklessness, is that true?" The boy timidly asked
"No, there's no proof at all, in fact next time, someone tells you that, tell me who, I'll beat them up." Izuku said in a slightly serious tone, though it still carried an undertone of humor.
The kid's eye light up "Thank you Broccoli!" and ran off to play in the square.
"Wow, look who's acting tough~" Himiko teased, Izuku replied "I stand by it, quirkists can screw off this planet." Himiko pouted a little, seeing her teasing attempts foiled, and continued to make food with Izuku
"Bloodsmith, you gotta know what's going to happen right?" Ghost asked Tetsuchi to the side, looking at Himiko and Izuku cooking "They look like a newly wed couple!"
Tetsuchi simply facepalmed, "Why is everyone obsessed with their relationship..."
It wasn't before long before the village was filled with the aroma of cooked meat and with many people having big plates of food, the night seemed to fly past, as many talk with Himiko and Izuku through out.
Izuku was cooking some stir fry in a pan, Himiko mixed some drinks in a shaker as the rest of the village started to turn out. Soon enough, the main event began, the send offs.
One by one, people came up to the square and briefly told their life stories, how the cove helped them and lastly how they will come back and visit sometimes and never forget them.
"I used to rob stores but after I got out of prison, this place was the one to call me home, you guys are family in all but blood, I won't forget this place! I'll visit often, trust me, maybe with my kids one day" say a slightly blushing man.
"I will forever be a daughter of Ryokuno, of the cove, I mean, can't be a daughter of someone that doesn't even claim you can you? But I'm off! To a better place, but don't worry, if I ever make it big, you guys will be the first to benefit!" a quirkless woman laughed.
"I- I luv all of ya! I'll never for get yu all!" A man with a small fly mutation drunkenly declared.
More villagers followed, each with their own story, their own connection to the cove. Some spoke of how they had arrived at the village with nothing, broken and lost, and how they had found not just shelter, but a true home. The houses might be broken down, and yet their spirits weren't.
The 20 villagers gathered, and a member of the regiment stepped forward, carrying an intricate box, opening it to reveal 20 rings, made of silver, with a koi fish in the middle, connecting the two ends, it's eyes adorned with the same verdant green on the flag of Ryokuno.
"This is a tradition we do for all the ones who leave here, remember, if you need anything we won't hesitate to provide, in return we ask you help us in the future when you are able, may you never forget your roots and may your future be bright!" With a cheer from the crowd, the 20 people bowed, almost like a graduation ceremony.
Soon after, music started to play from a speaker, some of the villagers started to bob their heads, some started to dance.
However, soon the peace was broken by a large bang, a member of the Ryokuno regiment came running in.
"There's a villain attack going on a few blocks from the foot of the mountain, they're getting closer!"
At that moment, it was like everyone knew what to do, some people who had mobility quirks quickly moved, a woman quickly telekinetically pulled a bunch of vans towards the road from a garage a man with a bird quirk flew up high and flew out, a few minutes later, he came back and shouted what he saw.
"Some dude that can make fire, fighting... some sidekicks! I think they're Majestic's? Why is he here?"
"Don't matter get back down Falc ! If they ever make it close we gotta be ready, they can't get to Ryokuno!" another man shouted, preparing his rifle and swords, alongside him, many people readied their quirks, some people made constructs around the village such as walls and barriers, with their quirks, trees were uprooted to form pillars, dirt was reshaped to form mounds, some retreated into their homes. Many members of the regiment quickly got into the vans.
Tetsuchi quickly grabbed Izuku and Himiko and made his way into a house.
"Wait we need to help!" Izuku yelled
"No! You two can't go let the regiment handle this!" Tetsuchi exclaimed.
"We're training to be heroes damn it!" Himiko protested.
Tetsuchi pondered as his hand hovered over a doorknob. "Fine but only help set up the defenses, the moment you step out of the village, you're getting spikes through your legs!"
With that said, Izuku and Himiko grabbed weapons from one of the crates, Izuku grabbed a naginata and Himiko a pair of sais and strapped to their back and hips, they helped some of the villagers get back to their homes and carry supplies into safe houses, and calmed down people who were too scared because of the noise.
"It's gonna be ok, follow me." Izuku whispered to a boy, cowering in fear, then, a sharp sound was heard in the air, a fire ball appeared from above, about to land on them, Izuku manifested a green shield to block it, using a new technique he tested, in simply imaging the construct glowing, instead of there being fire flickering, the fire ball made impact and cracked the shield.
Multiple people of the regiment returned, showing up at the entrance, sensing that Ryokuno has been caught in the crossfire, and seeing Izuku blocking a fireball, proved their suspicions.
"The goddamn sidekicks lost sight of him, he even took one of them with him! He's coming up here!" the bird man, Falc yelled out.
"All right then! Everyone, take him down!" A man with a pistol rushed into the woods alongside other people, Izuku and Himiko rushed after them, "Hey wait!" Tetsuchi yelled out, but it was too late, they were out of his range.
They ran through the forest towards a large glowing flame, there, they saw a man, holding one of Majestic's sidekicks by the neck, he was tall and gruff, with literal fire in his eyes and from his legs, without another word, one man shot at him with a rubber bullet, nailing him right between the eyes, when he stumbled, Izuku alongside many others, went towards him quickly, Izuku manifesting a gauntlet and punching the man in the stomach, Himiko raised a foot and kicked him in the jaw, other people came forth as well, wings, tails, hands, even a water construct came crashing towards the villain, beating him to a pulp. In a moment, he was down.
Tetsuchi alongside other people rushed to the clearing.
"Thank God! If you two kids were hurt I don't know what I'll do, don't do that shit again!" Tetsuchi yelled.
"Sorry..." Izuku and Himiko apologized sheepishly.
"Alright, people, you know who you are, someone get him far away from here as possible." Someone commanded, a few people, walked forward, one placed a hand on the body, and the man flattened, then folded him and the sidekick like paper, then passed it to a man, his arms recoiled back in a curve and threw the "paper men" towards the city, after a while, the man with the folding quirk announced that they have stuck the landing safely.
After that whole fiasco was over, Izuku, Himiko and the rest of the regiment went back and announced the crisis was done, the entire village sighed in relief, they got back to the food, but it was clear that the atmosphere has dimmed greatly.
"Ok, so they released the news story, classic hero journalists, apparently, this shit happened in the next city over, how the fuck did it get here?" Falc asked exasperated.
"Also, those were Majestic's sidekicks, but where was he?" a woman in the same table asked.
"I don't know, but at least they're long gone, I guess call it a night?" the head of the regiment asked.
Murmurs of agreement rang out, and Izuku and Himiko went back to the van with Tetsuchi, a bit shaken by what happened, but glad it was dealt with.
"In other news, the Magic Hero, Majestic is facing a fine up to 20 million yen for negligence, apparently letting his sidekicks face a villain alone in the downtown area, though cases like these are common amongst lower rank heroes, those on the higher up are rare to see, now we pass to our hero analyst Tanaka, Tanaka, how do you think it will affect his hero ranki-"
"That's so bullshit!" Dabi yelled in the teahouse, where Izuku and Himiko was visiting, they raise their eyebrows at the sudden outburst, Rei also peering her head into the living room at the back.
"Yeah, I get it, the fact that he only got off with a fine?" Izuku asked.
Himiko, who had been listening quietly, nodded in agreement. "It's like they're untouchable. It's true what they said, any other hero messed up like that, they'd probably lose their license or worse."
"Yes! Like my old man, son of a bitch got away with a lot of things, if you can't tell, just because he's number two people don't give two fucks! He's untouchable!" Dabi growled, however, Rei sighed with a content tone at that remark.
"What's so funny woman?!" Dabi yelled.
Rei waved her hands dismissively, "No, it's nothing, just you saying that makes me think back to the times he got in trouble with the HPSC, you know before he became number two."
"What do you mean, the HPSC barely does shit to him." Dabi said with a frown.
"He wasn't always the number 2 you know, when I first married him the law absolutely put quite a few dents in his career." Rei remarked, she continued, "All those stories of him getting buildings burnt? Those were during his early days, he trained a lot since then and has a lot of precision, I mean otherwise, he wouldn't be number 2 now would he? However, the very first incident was during a capture during a typhoon, he tried to throw fire at a villain running away, but the wind was too strong, the fire strayed off course and a civilian got his arm burnt pretty bad, there was a lot of blood, I'm pretty sure he lost some nerves during that."
"Woah... " Himiko looked with a surprised face,
Wonder what burnt blood tastes like.
"What happened next Rei? Tell us!" Himiko bounced up and down a bit on the couch, asking for details, always loving a good story of a bad hero being taken down.
"Well, the HPSC didn't care much for him at the time, so a fine of 60 million yen alongside heavy compensation for the civilian was issued, it was paid off easily, both our families didn't want to let that get too much attention, as the TV said, he should have lost his license but he didn't since the Todoroki family have a history of great heroes, alongside my family being rich as well, but that was the first, but then more incidents kept happening, to the point where if I saw him scowling at the bed, I knew the lawyers had something to do with it, but eventually as he rose the ranks, he got better at his quirk, and grew his own legal team, now not even the smallest infraction can get to him but those early days are very rough when it came to the law, you need one hell of a lawyer today and a stack load of evidence to even touch him." Rei shook her head disappointingly.
Dabi however was looking forward, with a hopeful look the bordered on predatory, "So you're saying that all this time, the only people who can serve him any sort of consequences was the law?"
Rei nodded "Yes, the last time I saw him he's still annoyed at it but the charges aren't that common, nor do they stick, they usually get dropped, a few property damages charges here and there but nothing too serious. I hope Shoto, Fuyumi and Natsuo are doing fine though, whenever the law pressure got too much, he usually lashes out."
Dabi had a calculating look on his face, Himiko and Izuku noticed, "Touya, what are you thinking?" Himiko asked in a confused sing song voice.
"Wait... You're thinking of becoming a lawyer now aren't you?" Izuku crossed his arms, his eyebrows raised with amusement.
"Touya seriously?" Rei said with a sudden upbeat tone, and had a look of hope on her face. Izuku and Himiko noticed this, "Rei, you look very happy at that information. Surprisingly so. Why?" Izuku asked.
Rei pulled the both of them to a corner and whispered to them "Ever since Touya came back, he's still obsessed with fighting, becoming a hero all that, still sneaking out to train, but if he finally finds something else, maybe he can let go." They all glance at Touya who's still staring ahead like he suddenly knew what his life's purpose was, Himiko whispered back, "Look, I don't like a lot of heroes too, but becoming a lawyer out of spite?" Rei looked back with an exasperated look, "Listen, I'm taking anything right now, anything to get him off the track, besides I rather he destroy heroes with laws, subpoenas and revoking licenses, instead of burning everything down. Besides, the lawyers I've met might as well be made of spite, they are not pleasant."
Izuku and HImiko nodded, and glanced to Touya, his mind seemingly made up and nodding.
Well the heroes just made another headache for them to deal with
"Focus your fire! Damn it! just imagine it in your fingertips!"
"I am bookworm! Shut up and let me do my thing!"
"Broccoli, doing great there, just focus on not burning the wood."
"Thanks Insight."
Touya and Izuku was in a clearing in a forest, Touya was training to control his fire to a smaller scale to not burn himself, Izuku not suffering from that drawback trains to make his fire precise but big, shooting flames into a forest, where it bends left and right avoiding trees, he'll keep going until his mind can't take it anymore and stop, then try it again, trying to increase his range and precision, Touya was trying to make it so that his fire would be small, only appearing on his fingertips, but every time, it just bursts into an inferno.
"Goddamn it! Why am I here?" Touya exclaimed, "Because, your mother, being a good mother, doesn't want her child to suffer! And I'm trying to help you here!" Insight yelled.
Touya aimed a hand at Insight "This isn't working why are you insisting it does book for brains!" Touya clenched his fists, the flames on his fingertips flaring up in response to his agitation. "I don't need a bookworm to tell me what to do! I need results!"" growling at him.
Insight pulled out a pistol and aimed it at Touya "Back down, I don't have a combative quirk but I can still put up a fight. Don't doubt my abilities."
Izuku got into the middle of them both and manifesting two fire walls, separating them, nervously laughing, "Ok... How about we all calm down for a second."
Touya begrudgingly put his hand down, and Insight holstered his pistol, Izuku suggested "Touya, I think you should calm down, whenever I try to use my fire when I'm mad, it's goes out of control, also, try to imagine a ball of fire flowing inside you and it growing smaller and bigger, I waited 10 years for my quirk you can't rush results, ."
"What the hell do you mean! I am perfectly fine!" Izuku and Insight looks at him with exasperated looks. "You have been doing nothing but complaining please at least try the suggestion."
"Well sorry! I've literally been trained to take my fire to the max! Forgive me if I can't light a small one!" Touya yelled in a sarcastic tone.
Izuku reached out to hold his arm. "Touya, please, if not for your mother, then at least for yourself, it's not good for you no matter what."
Touya kept his scowl, but kept his composure, with one more glare, he took a deep breath, and followed Izuku's advice, he calmed down and imagined a fire in his chest and it grew smaller and smaller, and when he opened his eyes, his hand was on fire, but it was steady, controlled.
"See? A calm mind gets you results, I suggest you try meditating." Insight said.
"S-Shut up man!" Touya yelled, making his fire combust, lighting a tree on fire.
"Damn it! Broccoli get the fire extinguisher!"
"Broccoli, Carmilla, please, let me introduce you to Jin! or his nickname Twice! My new employee!"
Beside Rei, a man who wore a gray and black mask, wearing a simple black obi, his demeanor is shy, a bit awkward.
"Hello there! I hate you!"
"I'm sorry! No i'm not!"
"Shit stop! Keep going man!"
Rei showed the confused Izuku and Himiko a smile, "Twice was the person the support network referred to the hospital, and the one who referred me to the support network, and I offered him a job here, he's not comfortable with meeting people, so he'll be focused on making tea, but I feel in some way indebted to him since he told me about you guys so I want to help him as well.
"Thanks, I've been getting better but it still happens." Twice sighed, "Thanks Rei, Screw youbitch!" after that he clamped his hand over his mouth.
Rei smiled. "Its ok Twice, I know you don't mean it." Rei placed a comforting hand on Twice's shoulder, helping to ground him. "Twice has a condition called Dissociative Identity Disorder, which means he sometimes struggles with conflicting thoughts and emotions and does the thing where he talks twice, thus his name. It's a result of some very traumatic experiences he went with his quirk in the past."
Izuku and Himiko nodded, Himiko walked up to him "It's ok Twice! We don't judge, glad you're here! You'll be very happy!"Himiko grinned, Izuku to her side also said "If you ever need help you can tell Rei or one of us."
"Wow, she was right you kids do understand, Brats!"
"Now, how about let's have some tea shall we?"