Chapter 17: Legacy
[Chapter 17]
Hosu City General Hospital was considered to be a top-of-the-line facility with the most advanced medical equipment and some of the best doctors Japan had to offer. Eri was inclined to agree. Just this morning they'd done another blood test on her, but she'd gotten used to it by now. When the doctors first brought out the needles she was terrified, but somehow they made it not hurt like the bird-people did. They even gave her a lollipop at the end of it!
The people here were really nice, even if they were a little strict. Eri yawned and hugged her pillow for warmth, zoning out as she tried to remember how long she'd been here. A year, maybe? It was all a blur. She managed to finish two entire seasons of the Super-friends TV show, so she'd been here for quite a while. Even when she had the doctors and nurses to talk to, it was lonely here. Koichi and Kazuho visited her from time to time, but still… She wished she had more friends. Well, she'd just made a new one recently, but that was a completely different story.
A quiet knocking caught her attention, the little girl jolting and turning towards the door.
"U-um, come in!" she squeaked.
The familiar face of Haimawara Koichi peeked in, the man giving her a friendly wave.
"Hello, Eri-chan." he smiled.
"Koichi-san! Hello..." Eri said, doing her best to smile back.
He made his way over and sat down on a chair next to her bed, glancing at the TV she'd been watching. Eri noticed his funny-looking fur coat, squinting her eyes at the strange attire. Was that…?
"You've noticed, huh?" Koichi laughed, patting his own shoulder. "Come out, Zwei."
A soft meow resounded from the cloth and a cat phased out of it, the coat returning to normal as Zwei undid his Quirk to merge with inorganic objects. Eri let out a squeal of delight as the feline leaped over onto her lap, embracing it with a warm hug.
"Zwei! Oooooh... Ehehe~" Eri laughed when it purred and rubbed against her. "I love you, kitty~"
"Mrrrrrow."
"He's not supposed to be here but I like to think of it as animal therapy." Koichi said. "He's missed you."
"I've missed you too, kitty-cat!" Eri continued stroking the cat. "You too, Koichi-san. T-thanks for coming to see me."
"No problem, kid. How are things so far?"
"Um, the same as usual. The doctors say I'm doing alright and there haven't been any com-compl—" The little girl's expression reddened whilst she tried to remember to correct words."—difficult things!"
"That's good to hear. Great work, Eri-chan. Here, I brought something for you."
A small lunchbox was placed in front of her and she was rewarded with the mouth-watering scent of homemade apple crumble pie.
"F-for me?" she whispered. "Thank you!"
"Hope you like it. Kazuho insisted on making one since she learnt apples were your favorite food."
It was delicious, causing her to let out a small hum of satisfaction. Eri knew that he was simply trying to make her feel better, just like Kazuho was. She really did appreciate it—after all, he and the others had ventured into the darkness and saved her from that hell known as the Yakuza mansion. Eri found it strange that none of their names had ever been mentioned in the news; they weren't considered heroes even after what they did. Koichi didn't seem to mind at all.
"U-um, would you like to see some drawings that I made?" Eri asked shyly.
"I'd love to." Koichi accepted the stack of papers she offered towards him, grinning. "Oho! Is this me?"
"Yeah! I made one for everyone because, well…" Eri's gaze darted to her lap. "I didn't know how else to thank you guys."
Guilt flooded her heart. They had fought, struggled, and injured themselves all for her. She still remembered that chaotic battle and the terrifying display of power from both sides. Sometimes she even had bad dreams of a birdlike shadow descending upon her, only to be foiled by her rescuers. If not for them, she'd still be experimented and tortured by the Yakuza… She didn't know how to show her gratitude to the vigilantes.
Eri let out a surprised 'eep' when a warm hand rubbed the top of her head. Koichi glanced down at her with that quiet smile that she was so used to, the very same one that made her feel safe when she was rescued back then.
"No need to thank us, Eri-chan. We were just doing what's right." he said.
"B-but no one knows what you did for me. You guys risked your lives to help me, and yet..."
"We weren't looking for any reward or any sort, if that's what you're asking." Koichi chuckled lightly. "Look, Eri-chan. All that matters is that you're safe and sound."
"O-okay. If you say so…" Eri said. "Um, here's one I made of Kazuho-san. Could you please give it to her?"
"I will. Whoa, these are really good! Did you learn how to do this yourself?"
"Sunshine's been teaching me! She says she used to be a painter."
"Sunshine?" Koichi raised an eyebrow at the unfamiliar name.
"She's a new friend I made. Here! This one is Valkyrie-san." Eri thrusted a sketch of a snow-white featureless woman at him.
"Ah! I'll try to pass it to her when she stops by. Whoa, you really did make one for everybody…"
Eri continued to show her drawings to him, feeling proud when he nodded with an impressed look. Sunshine's lessons had really helped! Koichi looked increasingly amazed with each sketch, commenting on her remarkable skills at her age.
"I'll do my best to give it to the others when I meet them again, but… You sure you don't want to keep these here with you?" Koichi asked. "They're really good, y'know."
"I want you guys to have them. I made them for you, after all. D-do you think they'll like it?"
"I'm sure they'll love it, Eri-chan. Especially Kazuho, she's always so fond of you…" The man blinked, remembering something. "Speaking of her, there's something I'd like to show you."
Koichi pulled out a tiny box from his pocket, holding it atop his palm for her to see. Eri peered over, still stroking Zwei's fur while she leaned closer for a better look.
"What is it?"
"Well, I'm… I'm thinking of proposing to Kazuho." Koichi smiled nervously, opening the box. "Would you like to see it?"
Inside was a beautiful silver ring adorned with a single diamond, glimmering under the bright fluorescent light. Eri's eyes widened when she examined it, finding it to be just like what she saw on those TV dramas that played in the evening.
"Whoaaaaa~!" she squeaked in awe, her gaze darting from the ring to Koichi. "Does this mean you guys will get married?!"
"Well, I suppose so—"
"Can I be the flower girl?" Eri asked excitedly. "Will Gold—I mean, Snipe-san be there?"
"Of course you can, kid." Koichi smiled. "I'll even buy a dress for you, if you'd like. As for Snipe-san, I think he'd be able to take a day off."
"T-t-that be awesome! Con-congratulashuns!" Eri said happily, practically bouncing on the spot. "Does she know?"
"Not yet. I'm currently planning it with a few friends I trust." he winked at her, emphasizing she was part of that group. "They'll play the first song that I danced to with her while I get down on one knee and bring out the ring. 'Can't help falling in love with you'. A little corny, but eh."
"I think it's real romantic!" Eri giggled. "Like one of those movies."
"Mrrrrrrrrow." Zwei agreed.
"You're so lucky, Zwei. Now all three of you will be one big, happy family~" she cooed, stroking his back.
Koichi paused for a moment, the briefcase shifting on his lap.
"Eri-chan…"
"Hmm?" Eri looked up at him, her large, innocent eyes still filled with a quiet happiness.
"...It's nothing, dear." Koichi glanced at the clock. "Alright, I've got to go for now. She's waiting for me."
"I'm sure she is." Eri said, handing the ring back to him. "Bye-bye~"
"Goodbye, Eri-chan." he nodded, giving her a small hug which she returned. "I'll see you again soon, okay?"
"Mmm. U-um, tell Kazuho-san I said hi!"
"I will." Koichi said, Zwei leaping back into his coat. "She'll come with me on my next visit, so what I've just told you is super-secret, okay?"
"Super-secret!" Eri repeated, cupping her mouth and nodding eagerly. "See ya!"
Koichi smiled and left soon after, but let out a sigh once he made it a few steps down the corridor. He hadn't been able to ask her. Next time, he promised himself.
The adoption papers in his briefcase continued to weigh him down.
[x]
"Sunshine?" Eri asked quietly, looking up at the ceiling. "Why couldn't Koichi-san see you?"
"Oh me, oh my. He does not carry the gift." Sunshine said. "Blind to my presence."
The entity unfurled itself like a newborn butterfly, its single eye opening slowly. It now looked more like her than ever with a mane of bone-white hair flowing from its head, taking a lithe yet featureless adult female form as its new appearance. A long, curved horn so very much like hers was on the right side of her forehead.
"But I wanted to introduce you…" Eri pouted. "The doctors couldn't see you either."
"What good would that have done?" It floated in front of her, blinking. "He would not have believed you, a mere child."
"Koichi-san's different, Oji." Eri huffed.
"Sunshine. That is the name you have given me, and I request that you continue to do so." the being said. "The name gives me strength, like it does to you. Grants you control over your gift."
She looked down at her small hands, and brought one up to feel her horn. No longer did it tingle when she was distressed. All that destructive power within her had quieted down, held back by her will. Eri glanced down at a small slice of the pie that Koichi had gifted her and plucked a piece of baked apple from its surface.
After a few seconds of focus there was a fresh apple in her hand. Eri bit down, enjoying the juicy new treat she pulled from thin air.
"Sunshine? Who were you before you met me?" She asked, still munching. "Also, are you a boy or a girl?"
"Since this form is female, address me as such. It matters not." Sunshine floated around the room like a majestic koi fish, her hair rippling as if she was underwater. "As for me, I was many things. A painter. A craftsman. A liar. A thief."
"You were a bad guy?" Eri asked, sounding a little frightened.
"I was a kleptomaniac. Something I couldn't control, you see." Sunshine loomed over her like a wraith. "I stole only in an attempt to create my masterpiece—my greatest creation. For that they called me a thief… a peerless thief."
"B-but you're good now, right? You helped me!"
"Who knows, poppet. Perhaps I'm still using you, just as you are using me."
"That doesn't make any sense." Eri mumbled, cheeks puffed out.
"Many things don't." Sunshine said ominously before turning to the gift package Koichi had dropped off, eying the watercolor paints. "That is why I create; to give things meaning. Shall we paint, Eri? I will guide thy hand."
"Sure, but…" Eri thought for a moment before her eyes lit up. "Today I wanna draw flowers!"
"Flowers?" The entity blinked. "I could teach you so much more—"
"Flowers!"
"...Flowers it is, sweetling."
[x]
"The first thing you need to know is that we Ascended are not really that special."
"Dude, you just said that we're one in a million." Monoma said flatly. "Plus, didn't the two of you pull some powerup nonsense from out of nowhere during the U.A tournament?"
"Yes, but that was a technique. For me I've named it: Dark Shadow: Gimme Shelter."
"Sounds like something I would come up with in middle school."
Tokoyami and Monoma stared at each other from across the table, Izuku looking between the two with worry. He could tell that his classmate's patience was being tested, while his new acquaintance wasn't too pleased about discovering that he was now a part of some different caste of humanity. Frankly, Izuku was having trouble accepting it too.
Then Naoto yawned in Monoma's arms and the tension seemed to dissipate, leaving the boys in a quiet but awkward silence.
"If you'll allow me to continue…" Tokoyami grumbled. "Documented records of the Ascended have been around since the Dark Age, but they were often dismissed as pure lunacy or rumors. It's not hard to imagine why—the concept of a living Quirk is hard to grasp unless there's actual evidence. Most of those records back then were just gathered whispers of people who claimed their Quirk could talk to them. These living Quirks were called many things; Guardians, Spirits, Passengers, you name it."
Izuku nodded with interest, jotting it all down in his thoughts and planning to transfer it to one of his notebooks for later speculation.
"The thing is; their Quirks weren't all that special, or even stronger than normal Quirks. As I recall one record even stated that all the Quirk did was encourage the host and nothing more. As such, it seems that Ascended don't actually have stronger Quirks compared to regular people; it's just that they have the added benefit of an intelligent Quirk which in turn understands how to utilize its power at maximum efficiency and effectiveness. Remember, the key factor that sets us apart from normal humans is that our Quirks are self-aware."
"That's all? Then I don't really see the significance…" Monoma said.
"You misunderstand the proficiency and mastery at which an Ascended can exercise their abilities. Take Dark Shadow for instance—"
"Hmm?" Dark Shadow asked, his mouth still full of cheese fries.
"Nothing, brother. Carry on." Tokoyami said. "As I was saying. For example, were I not an Ascended, Dark Shadow would be a simple shadow-absorbing and shaping Quirk. I suppose I would only be able to form basic shapes; shields, blades, et cetera. But with his intelligence I can communicate with him via thought, he's able to alter his own shape and size…"
"He's also able to fuse with you to become stronger." Izuku mentioned quietly.
"By feeding off the darkness of my heart, yes. Pushing it to the limit. Personally, I think it's not about raw power but rather the creative application and usage of power."
"Fascinating…" Izuku spiraled off into a cycle of muttering.
"That's not all. It seems that normal people are capable of becoming like us if they have the potential. At least, that's what the sacred texts tell me."
"Sacred texts? All these weird chunni terms… You mentioned some sort of ceremony earlier too." Monoma frowned before hugging his daughter protectively. "You're not part of some sort of freaky cult, are you?"
"No. Look, it was a different time."
"Going back to what you said earlier; the potential?" Izuku asked. "It's genetic?"
"It seems so. Fact of the matter is, the past few decades have seen a large upward spike of Abnormalities, Mutations, and Quirk Instability. I guess the Ascended fall into that category too but like I said before; some individuals are completely normal until they experience a process known as Ascension; where their Quirk becomes self-aware. I suspect this is what happened to Monoma-kun during the tournament."
Monoma gave Izuku the stink-eye while the green-haired boy coughed apologetically.
"The Ascension process is similar to the "Quirk Evolution/Awakening" you mentioned earlier. The Quirk and host both undergo a drastic change due to an outside factor; this can be a perceived threat or trauma…" Tokoyami said slowly. "...Or it could be the result of interacting with an Ascended."
"So it's the latter in my case." Monoma grunted.
"Precisely. The records show that the Ascended have a way of recognizing their kin, but so far I haven't seen a trace of it. Dark Shadow, however…"
"It's a feel!" Dark Shadow announced cheerfully. "I feel my kin's presence when they are nearby. Strong… stronger or just as strong as me, then I can feel them! If they're weak then I am blind to them as they are to me."
"So it's a feeling of familiarity?" Izuku mumbled.
That made sense. Back during the Sports Festival Kiri knew Tokoyami was nearby when he was sitting up in that tree. She probably detected Dark Shadow since he was connected to his brother, Izuku reasoned. Then there was Naoto. She was able to track him down and pinpoint his exact location in Musutafu City. That was perhaps due to her remembering his emotional signature, which was something Kiri could do as well. But familiarity?
Where had he heard that before?
"Yes. Dark Shadow identified you through that feeling. He was able to see your siblings." Tokoyami continued. "The strange thing is that Ascended are somehow drawn to each other, one way or another. Almost as if they are bound together by the red thread of fate."
"Fate? I find that hard to believe." Monoma looked dubious.
"Yet here we are." Tokoyami countered. "The universe works in mysterious ways."
"It sure does." Izuku said, looking at Dark Shadow munching on his fries shamelessly. Wait a minute. One was usually calm and moody while the other was rash and excitable. "Um, Tokoyami-san… is it me, or is Dark Shadow's personality the opposite of yours?"
"I'm glad you mentioned it. The records show that although an Ascended's Quirk has a mindset similar to its host, some tend to have an opposing personality. Dark Shadow is a reflection of me." Tokoyami said. "Have you heard of the 'Idea of the shadow'? It's all the parts that one ignores and buries in their subconscious. Through denial, or ignoring those parts of you, they influence you throughout your life without you being aware of them."
Izuku gulped but continued listening intently. He held both sisters closer to him.
"Only when you face that shadow in your heart can you gain a better understanding of yourself, and this leads to becoming a more complete and powerful person." Tokoyami whispered. "One must learn to accept oneself."
Izuku did some quick analysis, thinking hard. Kiri was brave but reckless, facing every threat without regard for herself. He rushed towards the sludge villain to save his friend.Mimi was caring but self-destructive, even having to destroy her own form to use her Quirk previously. He broke his own arm in order to win that first battle. He could see that they were like him, but what about the parts that weren't?
"So that's how it is, huh. We're officially a different type of human with living Quirks and we can also sense others like us. It's like something from an anime." Monoma said incredulously. "Homo Novus. That's just lovely."
"That is simply one of the running theories, but yes. Careful not to think yourself superior to others, we're just different." Tokoyami said.
"What's that supposed to mean?"
"Well, you're always blowing hot air in front of our class like you've got something to prove…"
"Excuse me?!"
Izuku let them bicker for a bit, not minding as long as Naoto didn't feel frightened. To the contrary, it probably was like she was at a buffet meal with all those heavy emotions in the air. Emotions… something that fueled Quirks like theirs.
"Putting that aside, is there anything else you can tell us? I find all of this to be utterly amazing." Izuku smiled to defuse the situation a little. "Why didn't I find any mentions of the Ascended in any medical journals or articles?"
"First of all; Dark Age. Many records were scrubbed and the Ascended are already a rarity. Wouldn't be hard to have lost all information regarding people like us. Second; the chance to become one of us seems to be completely random. There's a record of two Ascended marrying and having children, but none of their offspring's Quirks gained self-awareness. Perhaps their descendants somewhere down the line would become like us. Then there are the legends."
"Oh boy, here we go." Monoma said. "Legends?"
"Of what happens after an Ascended passes away. There were… uncertain reports of the Quirk remaining alive even after the host's death. That in itself seems unbelievable, even to me. I mean, life after death? Inconceivable."
"Haha. Y-yeah." Izuku mumbled.
Despite his nervous front, Izuku was deeply worried. What would happen to the twins once he was gone? Would they fade away, or remain wandering the earth after his death? The matter was complicated further when One For All was brought into the picture. He glanced down at his siblings. Kiri was staring dreamily at the remnants of her parfait, while Mimi was paying rapt attention to everything Tokoyami said. They had the right to live their own lives, but were they still bound to him even after the end? It was concerning.
"Then there are the more nefarious rumors and stories." Tokoyami continued.
"More good news. Wonderful." Monoma said dryly, about to retort further until Naoto tugged at his shirt collar. He began feeding her again, letting her suckle on the milk bottle.
"As Ascended, we generally have a more in-depth understanding of our Quirk. Greater control and skill. However, this goes both ways. I've read about cases where instead of the host being the dominant one, it was the Quirk. The Quirk controlled the host." Tokoyami said gravely, turning to his brother. "Dark Shadow has controlled me before once, though it wasn't his fault."
"What happened?" Izuku asked.
"Power outage when I was six years old. Everything went dark and I…"
"And we rampaged. My sin, alone." Dark Shadow admitted, bowing his head low. "One that I have atoned for."
"It's alright, Dark Shadow. Accidents happen." Tokoyami said calmly, rubbing his brother's back.
Accidents happen.
Izuku really didn't like that word. He refocused, analyzing the newfound revelation. Dark Shadow had lost control in complete darkness… could the same happen to him and the siblings when they were exposed to extreme emotions?
Watch your mouth, blondie. You'll be eating those fucking words when I make you scream like a pussy.
Who are you to say that, machine man? With your machine mind and your machine heart?
His eyes widened. Maybe it already had. Then there was the memory leak issue, a result of One For All mixing with his Quirk...
"So, what? The kid might be able to possess me or something?" Monoma tilted his head.
"Maaaa~" Naoto gurgled.
"It's possible. Fact of the matter is; there's too little information available, even in the Tokoyami family archives. That's how rare people like us are. There's also a visual method of identifying another Ascended—" Tokoyami closed one eye and tapped at his cheek. "—they usually have some sort of 'one-eye' aesthetic. I'm sure you've already seen Midoriya-kun in action during the Sports Festival."
Tokoyami pulled out his phone and presented a screenshot to show them it was true. Izuku's right eye was glowing an eerie green during both his matches with Todoroki and Mei. Swiping left revealed another screenshot, this one showing Tokoyami's right eye shimmering with an intimidating yellow hue.
"What does it mean?" Izuku whispered. "Weird that it would be a visual indicator."
"I suspect that it means Man and Quirk are one. They say that eyes are windows to the soul; perhaps there is truth in these words." Tokoyami said sagely. "There was a most disturbing portrait of an Ascended I found that had the 'one-eye' as well, but he had black sclera instead. It seems that the effect varies from person to person."
"Great, I get to be an edgelord with you guys in case Naoto ever tries anything." Monoma said. "Whoop-de-doo."
"You're not making this any easier for yourself, Monoma-kun."
"I never asked for this!" The blonde seemed visibly frustrated until he closed his eyes and let out a tired sigh. "Sorry. It's just… I don't exactly know how to deal with all of this."
"It's fine. Take your time." Tokoyami nodded.
"Any other mind-blowing reveals?" Monoma flagged down a nearby waiter, switching his attention over to make a new order. "I need a drink. Iced? Yeah, that'll do."
"As a matter of fact, yes." Tokoyami said.
Monoma quickly recalled the same waiter. "Two drinks! Make that two!"
"Riiiiiight. Remember when I mentioned the unusual spike in Abnormalities, Mutations, and Quirk Instabilities? Basically, people having more power but less control? This plays into the radical Quirk Singularity theory that not many people believe in." Tokoyami continued.
"I've heard of it." Izuku said. "I've read on the internet that a Dr. Kyudai Garaki presented this theory according to which, as the generations follow one another, Quirks blend and evolve, producing stronger and more complex Quirks. However, with this increase in power, the Quirks will also become more difficult to control, since the human body doesn't evolve quickly enough to keep up. Eventually, there will come a point when Quirks will become too overpowered and complicated, and no one will be able to control them anymore. I can… kinda see where you're going. The Ascended are another side-effect of this?"
"Correct, but not just that. We Ascended may be one of the possible solutions to this doomsday theory in that we and our Quirks are able to reach mutual understanding…" Tokoyami rubbed his beak tiredly. "But I've also discovered something sinister while delving through the historic records. You see, the Quirks of the Ascended; Guardians, Spirits, whatever you wish to call them—they all share one common theme besides their intelligence."
"And that is?" Monoma asked.
"...The more human-looking an Ascended's Quirk is, the stronger it is." Tokoyami said slowly. "It's why I was a little surprised upon seeing your siblings—unlike Dark Shadow, you can't tell them apart from real humans. They're indistinguishable… and I suppose that means they are extremely powerful as well."
Izuku gulped. That might be a bit of an understatement. He'd like to keep it that way.
"That's not all. Remember; an increase in abnormalities and mutations. More mutants are being born; people with non-human features, directly proportional to an increase in powerful Quirks." Tokoyami gestured to his own bird head. "Then the Ascended and their Quirks. Self-awareness and intelligence. The new generation has stronger Quirks, but also heavier mutations and an increase in aggression. Almost primal, in a way. Some even suggest that those with Heteromorphic-type Quirks are more prone to violence."
"Whoa, you can't say Quirkist stuff like that in public." Monoma hissed, eyes darting around.
"Of course I can." Tokoyami sipped at his coffee calmly. "I'm a mutant. I've personally seen and experienced it myself, and the discrimination that comes along with it."
"W-wait, so it's partially true?" Izuku mumbled, trying not to offend the other boy.
"In some cases, yes. As much as I hate to say it, the data doesn't lie. Mutants are supposedly more violent and aggressive, along with having more unstable Quirks." Tokoyami paused to gulp down his coffee again. "Of course, you won't be finding this kind of info on the surface web outside of conspiracy theory forums—it'd lead to a new wave of Quirkism that society isn't ready to handle. With more mutants being born year after year, I had to do something about it. That's why I joined the Hero Course in the first place… to ensure that people like me can still have a positive role model to look towards while also showing the world that we're still human beings. So that monsters like the Creature Rejection Clan can never come to power ever again. I believe that we need symbols now more than ever, because people will engage in violence and lawlessness due to the fact that they feel like they have no place in a society that despises and alienates them. I wanted to be that symbol."
Both Monoma and Izuku looked away, not sure how to respond. The blonde bit his lip and started to apologize.
"Um. Look, Tokoyami-san, I didn't mean to—"
"I know you didn't, don't worry about it." the bird-headed boy said. "'Good children don't judge others by their Quirks' or so the saying goes, but it still happens all the time. It's so much easier to hate than to understand."
"I'm sure we'll figure something out, Tokoyami-kun!" Izuku said, trying to stay positive. "As long as people understand each other, things should work out fine, right?"
"Were it so easy." Tokoyami replied with a quiet smile. "Either way, thank you. Both of you."
The rest of the meeting didn't have any more interesting information for Izuku to take down. He slowly digested and processed everything he'd learnt so far while the conversation eventually devolved to simple chit chat about schoolwork and their classes. Izuku was subject to a fair bit of scrutiny when Monoma soon realized that Kiri looked like a younger version of Yui, but luckily the green-haired boy was able to play it off as it was a simple coincidence.
Soon it was time to leave. Tokoyami paid up for their meals, with Izuku suspecting his classmate was more well-off than originally thought. In his deep thinking he didn't notice how Jiro was taking a picture of them… the siblings did however, and Mimi stuck her tongue out at the camera as if to deny the photographer of a good shot while Kiri made one of her childish, wobbly smiles. They didn't tell their brother, shrugging it off as probably nothing to worry about.
Just as they said their goodbyes and were about to go their separate ways there was a bit of a commotion.
"Daaa…"
Izuku looked down to see Naoto's tiny fingers clutching his sleeve, unwilling to let go. She was looking straight at him, trying to tell him something with her emotions.
"Da." she murmured again, heterochromatic eyes meeting his. Her little face was scrunched up in a frown, sucking her thumb.
The world twisted around Izuku and he was four again, holding on to his father's sleeve. His vision was blurred with tears.
A moment later the memory faded and he was back in front of the cafe with Tokoyami and Monoma. The blonde didn't know what to say while Tokoyami simply watched to see what Izuku would do next.
"She doesn't want you to leave her." Kiri said helpfully. "Little sis…"
"Well, I'm not letting her stay with you." Monoma grumbled. "Not yet, at least."
"Then I shall split this child in two." Dark Shadow proclaimed, earning him a light but firm smack from Tokoyami. "Sorry, I always wanted to say that."
Izuku looked to Monoma. "May I?"
"Careful." the other boy said.
Izuku nodded and held Naoto in his arms. Leaning down he nuzzled against her, gently pressing his forehead to hers. He could feel her breath warming his face, her fingers tugging at his hair.
"I'll see you again soon, okay? I promise, sweetheart." Izuku whispered.
That seemed to satisfy her. Naoto let go, content for now while Monoma cradled her against his chest carefully. He sighed, sending a tired yet complicated look towards Izuku.
"You do have a way with kids, huh?" Tokoyami hummed.
"I guess." Izuku said. "See you guys soon."
"Hm. Farewell for now." the bird-boy said and bowed.
"Bye, Midoriya-kun. For now I'll call up my big sis to help me take care of her or something. Just gimme some time and I'll…" Monoma patted Naoto's back and she burped. "We'll figure something out."
Thus their first meeting ended just like that, the three Ascended having made new friends and forged an alliance. While they left a certain waitress looked through the photos she'd just taken, whistling to herself and wondering what sort of chaos they'd cause in the 1-A girls' shared group chat. Teenage drama was an incredible thing to behold.