"How did we not notice him leaving the house, let alone bringing her inside?!" Shōma asked, picking up the rear, as they all quickly ran up the staircase.
"How else? Dad went to help him carry her to the window he snuck out from, after getting her out of the barn and helping Hitoshi with the foals, by using his Black Dust." Yami answered, his eyes no longer red. "My shadows showed me that he went to help Grandpa Hiro, while Yoshi and Natsu distracted the younger boys. And right now, he's helping Hitoshi with checking Pepper and her foals over, for any signs of health problems."
"...You helped him contact Makkuro, when he needed help getting Ra Ra into the house, without us noticing. Didn't you?" Shōta accused, glaring at his first nephew.
Yami simply shrugged his shoulders.
"Maybe I did, or maybe my shadows did it, on their own volition."
Shōta knew that he was hiding, but didn't push him to tell him anything. Standing behind his parents, he watches his dad knocking on the door.
"Dad, we know that you have her with you." Ichiyuu called out, letting out a tiring sigh. "I promise, we're not going to yell or argue. We just want to see how she's doing."
There was a few shuffling sounds going on through the door, indicating of movements. A sign that Hiromasa heard his son.
When the noise settled, did Ichiyuu received a response.
"Have Shōta and Shōya come in. I need to speak with them."
Both of the brothers felt a bit nervous to his words, but neither hesitated to go up to the door and enter the dark-room.
The air was slightly warmer, with the scent of lavender trailing around them. Even with the faint lining of light slightly peeking between the small-gap of the curtain, both can easily see what was going on in the room.
So, when they see their grandfather, in the form of a black-polar bear, with a white-faux fur blanket over his back... With a sleeping Sierra, laying next to his left-shoulder, wearing one of his shirts and covered by the blanket... Both can see the clear sign of disappointment written in his eyes.
Hiromasa let out a deep huff of air, snorting in the process, as he slightly lowered his head.
"...You two caused conflict to be in this household... On a day that's supposed to be a blessed day to meet one of our own Kin, after fourteen years of separation." He spoke, speaking in his Human Tongue, without having to move his jaw, in a calm, but stern voice.
Shōya took a step forward.
"Ojīsan, we-"
The black-polar bear let out a loud growl, mixed with a chuffing, baring his fangs at his older-grandson. He remains laying on the ground, though leaned in a bit to gently urge his great-granddaughter further into his fur and rest against his back and the faux fur blanket.
"Do not place the blame on another, or to the subject, itself." He growled, make slight panting noise that a bear would make. "You are the one who chose to give in to your anger and cause chaos within my den, the territory of our home. -He looked over to Shōta, who kept his eyes on his daughter.- While you, Shōta, chose to give in to your own rage from your damaged relationship with your brother and even decided to use violence within this house. Your father and mother, even myself, had raised you boys to be better than to let some form of grudge, or continuous disagreement to stand in the way of family. And yet, you two decide to cause a fight."
Both slightly blushed at his words, lowering their heads in shame, as they were being scolded by their seventy-five year-old grandfather.
Hiromasa kept his eyes stern, as he turned to his great-granddaughter and nuzzled her forehead with his black-nose, pushing some of her hair off her face.
Even in her sleep, Sierra made a small-moan, unconsciously burying her face into his fur and against his face.
Hiromasa made a soft chuffing sound, before pulling the blanket over her face. He then turned back to his grandsons.
"We shall talk about this, at a later time. But, for now, have everybody get ready to leave for the hot springs. Help Hitoshi with Pepper and her foals, along with checking over the other animals, before you leave. -Both nodded their heads and turned to the door.- Also, have Mimi come in."
Shōta felt the cold trailing down his spine... He has a feeling that he knew what their grandfather wanted their sister to do.
"Ojīsan-!"
Hiromasa let out a grunt of a chuff, glaring at his grandson.
"I already informed Ra Ra what her aunt's Quirk can do, and have asked of her if we can use it. She has given us permission to use Mimi's Quirk on her, but only for Hitomi to see her past that's involved your fiancée's family. -Part of his lips pulled up.- Even though that vile woman can't take her away from us, it's best that we gather as much evidence as possible for Ōya to take to Detective Tsukauchi, so that no judge in their right mind will ever grant her any form of connection to Ra Ra."
Shōta knew that his grandfather was in the right to take extra precaution to ensure that Sierra remains in his care, and their family; even when he knew that Ayano signed over her rights as the girl's grandmother, in exchange to not having to take her into her care, there was always a small-sliver of a possibility that she'll try to re-apply herself as Sierra's grandmother and use the school's inability to protect their student from villains to remove her from his custody.
Because of that, the thirty-one year-old father is able to see reason for his grandfather to have Hitomi use her Clairvoyant Quirk on his fourteen year-old daughter, so that she can pass the information on to their brother, an officer of the law like Detective Tsukauchi, to make certain that everyone will know what kind of woman Ayano Kemuri truly is.
...Still, he didn't like the fact that she'll be looking at Sierra's memories, while she's unconscious... Just as he, Nezu and the others did to her and Izuku, when having Dream Weaver to go through their subconscious and reveal their dark history.
"...Very well," he sighed out. "So long as Mimi only looks into the memories she has of Cici's family, and nothing else, then I won't be against it."
A firm nod from the bear, was all Shōta needed to push aside his fears.
"When she's ready to reveal her past to you and gives you permission to tell others about her ordeal with the ones who branded her with scars and burns, we'll be ready to listen." Hiromasa reassured, before turning back to his slumbering great-granddaughter and dug his nose underneath the faux fur blanket to nuzzle her head.
The thirty-one year-old let out a sigh, very much relieved that his family are more than ready to meet his daughter and welcome her into their family... Though, at the same time, he couldn't help but feel jealous that his grandfather is hogging her all to himself and is keeping her from him for a few hours.
...They may be family, but even he would rather have Sierra all to himself, than share her with the rest of his equally, clingy, loving family.
He turned to open the door, only to stop when his brother said something that made second guess on leaving his daughter with good grandfather.
"Ojīsan, why are her clothes and shoes next to the bed?"
The black-polar bear rolled his eyes.
"They were overheating her body," he plainly replied. "She was getting sweaty. So, I removed her clothes and put her in some cleaner, thinner clothing your sister and mother bought for her to sleep in."
Shōya raised an eyebrow at their grandfather, folding his arms over his chest.
"If that's the case, why is she wearing one of your shirts? Also... You changed her out of her clothes, by yourself?"
...To the second question, Shōta had to use all of his willpower to not activate his Quirk; Hiromasa may seem strong, but his human body is growing old and don't want to risk either he or Sierra to get hurt if he's forced to morph back into a human.
And, when their grandfather gave them an answer, it's made the thirty-one year-old father more than happy to not have activated his Quirk.
"Why else? By the rules and laws of the Animal Quirk Users, I'm the alpha of the Aizawa Clan. And, as such, to ensure others that she is part of my family, she needs to carry my scent. That, and it's to help make her feel more welcomed into the family... As for me changing her clothes, I would have either Mimi or Sumire to help do that task, themselves, but you were all having a discussion that took your attentions from pushing back your prides and made the house to hostile for her to meet the rest of the pack."
Both blushed at his words, already ashamed for causing conflict within their family's home.
"Besides, I don't see the problem with me changing her. After all, I did the same for you five brats and your children, when you were all infants and/or children, yourselves."
...Both got over their embarrassment, and glared at their snickering grandfather.
"When we were children... NOT, as adolescence and/or adults." Shōya replied.
Hiromasa let out a snort.
"...I still don't see the issue, let alone the problem, with me changing my great-granddaughter into something more comfortable, when she needs to heal properly."
...The two brothers both facepalmed themselves.
'Of course, he doesn't see the issue. Animal Quirk Users, and their lack of modesty.' "Forget it, Ojīsan." Shōta replied. "Just, don't mess with her bandages and only help her, if she needs help getting dressed."
Again, their grandfather rolled his eyes.
"I know how to be careful with an injured loved one, Shō." He grumbled. "Now, both of you, out. Have Mimi come in, inform the rest of the family to get ready for the hot spring, and Shō, go see Pepper and aid Hitoshi on caring for them, if nobody is there to help him."
They know that he wanted them to leave, so that he can spend time with Sierra, without either of them trying to take her away from him... Even when he's her great-grandfather and already had children of his own in the past, paternal instinct doesn't allow old age to prevent seventy-five year-old males to not act like parents to fourteen year-old teenagers.
...Still, they knew that they have to do what he tells them to do and, this time, they left the room as they were instructed to do.
The moment they were gone, Hiromasa turned to his great-granddaughter... His eyes taking a sadder, solemn look.
He gently pulled part of the faux fur blanket aside... Then, he laid his head on top of Sierra's head... He didn't bother to greet Mimi, who silently came to him.
"...Forgive us, my White Wolf-Pup."
A Few Hours Later: Five in the Afternoon...
She felt something running against her left-cheek... It was warm...
...And wet!
She snapped her eyes opened and sat up, turning to the source... Finding herself being licked by the black-polar bear, laying against its side.
She immediately recognized him as her great-grandfather and, feeling him grooming her, along with the gentle nipping to her hair, made her relax, almost instantly.
The black-polar bear chuckled at her response, pulling away from her hair to nuzzle his nose with her own.
"You finally decide to wake up, Pup." He whispered, letting her reach out with both hands and wrap them around his thick neck, as she rest her head on top of his. "Are you feeling better?"
She still feel a little bit warm, but not burning hot like she did, earlier, when in the barn with Hitoshi and Pep-
Sierra's eyes widened at remembering the roam-colored horse going through the birthing process... How she was able to push out her second foal out of her, before Sierra suddenly felt faint and ended up collapsing on the hay, morphing back into her human-form.
...
...She barely recalled Hiromasa coming out, pulling her into his arms and telling Hitoshi to help Pepper clean her second foal until Hakkuro comes in to help him, before she backed out and soon, found herself in a dark-room.
She pulled away from the black-polar bear, then, with a hand, stomped the ground as a horse would do.
Hiromasa understood what she was trying to say.
"Pepper and her foals are all right," he replied. "They're going to be staying in the barn for a day or two, before we introduce them to the herd."
Hearing they were okay, Sierra nodded her head. Then, to her realization, found herself wearing a small-sized black pajama-shirt and small black pajama-shorts underneath the large white-shirt, instead of her pants, turtleneck and sweater.
She opened her mouth to speak, only to have the bear gently but firmly push her jaw close with his nose.
"Let your voice rest for a day or two, before you try and speak." He gently told her, before setting his nose on her forehead. "You've already pushed yourself, for helping Pepper and getting Hitoshi to aid her by cleaning her foal. While you truly are an Animal Quirk User, you must focus on getting yourself better, if you wish to return to your school at full health."
Knowing that he was right, Sierra nodded her head.
Happy that she was going to listen, the black-polar bear stood up on all-fours. He let out a big yawn of a growling-moan, his tongue curling up like a cat, before snapping his jaw shut.
"Now then, we best get you dressed and ready," he said.
Before her eyes, the mammal slowly changed from a black-furred polar bear to an ordinary seventy-five year-old human male.
She expected him to have grey-hair, but was completely taken back when she sees his hair a complete bleach-white color, spiky and wild and in a ponytail, resting at the lower-half of his back. He, also, had wrinkles on his face. Enough to show his age, but not enough to make him look frail or weak. In fact, in her own opinion, he looks more to being in his mid-fifties than mid-seventies. His skin was more of a lighter grey-color than her father.
...And his eyes... They were pure-silver... As if the moon had gone from white, to glowing a pure-silver, with a hint of blue outside of its body.
He gave her a soft-smile, as he gently laid a large-hand on top of her head... Then, bending his head and pulling her forward, rested his forehead against her own.
...She felt warm from the contact... Just as always felt... Back when they would meet, during the Hunter's Moon Gathering, while in their animal-forms, ever since she was eight.
An arm curled around her shoulder, pulling her to rest her head against the beating heart of Hiromasa's chest, embracing her.
"...I've been waiting, for so long, to do this." He whispered, resting his chin on top of her, stroking her hair. "...My great-granddaughter... My Pup."
She smiled against his black-Yukata, wrapping her arms around him, returning the hug.
'If I could talk right now, I would ask how he was able to keep quiet about this, when he knew before the others, that I was his. -The thought, itself, had her immediately puzzled.- ...How did he know that I was his, when I didn't carry the pack's scent and never knew of my birth, like the rest of Dad's family?'
A pair of lips rested against her forehead, pulling her out from her question, followed by a gentle chuckle from Hiromasa, before he pulled away and pushed himself to his feet.
He offered her a hand.
"Come," he gently urged. "Your grandmother left you something to wear, when we go to the hot spring. You're gonna need help to put it on."
Very much surprised that they were going to a hot spring and not wanting to hold her father's family back, she took his hand and got herself to stand on slightly shaky legs.
Hiromasa pulled his great-granddaughter to him, allowing her to lean against him to gather her bearings until she can center herself to walk on her own, as he guide them to the door, after she had him give her to get clothes to get her phone.
...
...The moment they were out... Both heard nothing but the silence within the house. Their noses picked up the scent of their family fading, indicating that there's nobody within the household with them.
Sierra looked up at Hiromasa, as he leads her to one of the ten rooms of the second floor. There, they found a Japanese Kimono on top of the bed. It's white, with blue blossoms curling around the sleeves and the middle. On top of the Kimono, a white obi belt.
She stared at the Kimono in awe, as her great-grandfather patted her on the head.
"Come on," he said. "Let's get you undressed. I'll help you with the obi, when you get the Kimono on."
In just five minutes, both great-grandfather and great-granddaughter got her out of her sleep wear and into the new Kimono her grandma and aunt got her, which was slightly big on her but fits her comfortably to not irritate her bandages.
Hiromasa helped her on tieing her obi around her, but let her do the rest of the changing, all the while standing close by if she needed help to undress.
While some teenagers wouldn't be comfortable enough to have their grandparents help them with changing, especially right in front of them, Animal Quirk Users don't really care about modesty... So long that it's only their closest friends and family. Plus, because of her time living at the Midoriya Family and having to bathe with Izuku since they were toddlers, she didn't feel embarrassed in the least that her great-grandfather was the one who had changed her out of her clothes or to in the same room when changing.
...With his back turned and the bandages wrapped around her midsection of her body, he never get to see the serious state her injuries are... Though, Sierra knew that he would still be able to smell the burns and ointment.
Hiromasa beamed down at his great-granddaughter. Her Kimono more than prove to be very fitting and bringing out more of her beauty. Even if it was slightly big on her, which was decided to be when she starts to put on some weight, it made her more adorable in their eyes, as if she were a small-child trying to play dress up by using her mother's clothing to pretend to be her.
Sierra, staring at a body mirror, blushed at her reflection. She may not have worn a Kimono for most of her life, but was a bit nervous on wearing a new Kimono that belongs to her father's side of the family.
...And now that she reminded herself for the special occasion on wearing a Kimono, made the butterflies in her stomach to act up.
Hiromasa laid a hand on her left-shoulder. His smile offering some comfort.
"We best be going," he gently announced.
Silently, she nodded her head, allowing the seventy-five year-old to guide her down the stairs and out through the front-door.
Once they were both outside, Hiromasa pulled away from the fourteen year-old.
She was confused by what he was doing. And, seeing there was no car parked out of the house, she assumed that they were going to drive to meet up the rest of the family.
...
...She was taken back when Hiromasa let out an exact roar of a dragon, the same sound she makes when she would be in her dragon-form... Then, her shock turned into complete awe, as she watches her great-grandfather turn into a dragon, before her very eyes.
He grew to the size of a school bus. His scales, a pure-black color, instead of grey or white that she expected him to be. Instead of two horns, he has four, grey and think as elephant tusks. Two slightly curled down at the top of his head, and two smaller, straight horns to where his ears would be. His wings, the size and length of a paraglider and a neck, the same length as a twenty-three foot python. From the top of his head to the end of his tail, black spike-like scales, with larger ones growing on his back and shorter ones at his tail and neck.
The large lizard let out a deep breath into the air, before turning his massive body to the girl.
...He flashed her a dragon-version of a smile.
"Are you surprised?" He asked, speaking in the Tongue of the Animal. "I hope this form doesn't frighten you. I can be smaller, if you want me to be."
In response, Sierra quickly shook her head. Even if she were to talk, she would be at a loss for words on how her great-grandfather can turn into a dragon.
She quickly typed up the message on her phone, and held it up for him to read.
Have you always been able to turn into a dragon?
Hiromasa chuckled at her question, slowly shaking his head.
"I was only able to turn into a dragon, when hearing you roar while watching you compete in the Sports Festival." He answered. "My Quirk allows me to turn into animals, after mimicking the sound they would make. -He leaned his massive head forward, gently pressing his snout into her chest.- ...I am truly happy, blessed, that at least one of my great-grandchildren gained an Animal Quirk... To gain a Quirk, from me."
A light flash covered her cheeks, as she raised both her hands to hold his jaws, leaning forward to lay a light kiss on the middle of his snout.
A low rumble of a purr was made from Hiromasa's chest, as he raised his head to go over her head and gently nudged her to him.
"Get on, Pup."
Sierra's eyes widened, taking a step back. She shook her head. She didn't want to ride her great-grandfather; whether he may have some form of health problem or could not be physically capable to carry her, even if he appears strong and well built in his dragon-form.
She didn't want to ride him, as if he were some mindless beast... Like how everybody believe Animal Quirk Users to be.
Sensing her unease and refusal to ride him, Hiromasa nudged his beak-snout against her head.
"I am strong," he gently rumbled. "I won't allow us to fall... Please, give me this chance to embrace and hold the great-granddaughter I never knew was given to us... My White Wolf-Pup."
Sierra can hear the urgency in his voice. The desire to imprint memories of the two of them forming a bond... To help her in her current life, that will aid her in the unknown future that awaits for her.
...She has no right to deny him of the rights on wanting to do what a great-grandfather wish to do with his great-granddaughter.
...
...And so, she nodded her head and, with some help from Hiromasa, got on between his neck and shoulders.
Knowing for certain that she's in the perfect spot and won't fall, Hiromasa turned his body to the dirt-trailed driveway... Then, slamming his claws into the earth, forced himself into a full sprint.
In the process of his running, he opened his wings, gave them a few flaps to warm them up.
Sierra leaned in against his neck, keeping her arms around his thick throat, her body following the movement of her great-grandfather's running as if riding a horse on a racetrack.
To the left of them, their ears picked up the thundering rhythm of hooves galloping through the grass. No doubt, even if they didn't hear the cries and whynning, they knew that it was the herd, running with them, calling them off and encouraging Hiromasa to take to the sky.
...All of them calling him, not as Hiromasa Aizawa, but as Rajnish... His Animal Name.
When he gathered enough speed, he put in all of his strength to launch them into the sky and, with the aid of his wings, the two found themselves in the air.
...Her breath was instantly taken away, as she finds herself soaring in the air... As a human.
The wind blew through her hair, stroking her skin with wind and, when they reached the clouds, a dash of mist and water.
She smiled at the feeling of the wind and water around them, as she rested her head against her great-grandfather's neck, staring down at Hinohara Village and the mountains.
"Such an amazing experience as a human, compared to having to be the one to fly as an animal. Huh?" Hiromasa questioned, keeping his eyes in front of him.
She smiled softly at his words, knowing that he knows what her answer is.
'It doesn't matter if I'm a human, or an animal... Because, no matter what, it will always be the same feeling.' She thought, raising her head to the sky and closed her eyes, taking in a deep breath of the wild.
The dragon-formed Hiromasa gaze behind him, seeing the calm expression on his great-granddaughter's face and feeling her be so relax in the air. It made his heart flutter in joy, happy that she was enjoying the moment between them.
"When you are in better health, we'll fly, together." He swore to her, hoping that the time will be very much soon.
Sierra liked the thought of that; she never flew with anybody, let alone a fellow Animal Quirk User. So, the thought of her flying alongside her great-grandfather in the air, made her heart beat rapidly with excitement.
'...I would like that very much... Papa Hiro.'
After being in the air for about half an hour, Sierra finds them flying over an Onsen, in Kusatsu, Gunma Prefecture.
She and Izuku had heard on the many positive comments and reviews about this onsen; it becomes a perfect Summer Resort in the warm season, and a Ski Resort in the Winter. Not only that, but it their hot springs has a great high level of sulfur, making it very relaxing and good for himself skin.
Like many other people, they always dreamed about going to their onsen. Mostly, wanting to take Inko and give her a special vacation to relax, for all that she's done for the both of them and overworking at the hospital... If not for the high prices for rooms, food and transportation, and that she would definitely refuse to ever go to such an expensive place.
To be here... It made the butterflies in her stomach grow restless, as Hiromasa landed in the closest parking area that was big and strong enough for him to land on and, after helping her off his back, morphed back into his human-form.
He let out a big yawn, stretching his arms over his head. His back let out a few pops, wincing from the feeling of his bones popping.
"After that, I'm more than happy to be at the springs." He muttered, firmly pounding a fist at his left-shoulder. "Pretty soon, I'm going to be too old for flying."
Sierra didn't make any remark to his words, as she follows her great-grandfather from behind, having to never be in Manza.
'They say that the lighting from the onsen can make the clouds in the sky look a calming purple. If it's true and if we do get some clouds in, I should take some pictures of the sky and send them to Izu... He really needs to get a different background on his phone, that isn't about All Might.'
"Honey?" Hiromasa's voice pulled her out from her thoughts, extending a hand. "I wish for you to walk beside me. There's no need to be shy, or embarrassed, on walking with your old great-grandfather."
She rolled her eyes of him calling himself old, knowing it was a lame attempt to convince her to walk beside him. Nevertheless, she came to his right and allowed him to pull her against him, keeping an arm over her shoulders.
Five minutes later, and the two soon found themselves before the entrance of the Manza's onsen... Where, just inside of the hot springs, Sierra knew her father and the rest of his family are waiting for her and Hiromasa.
Just the thought to finally meet the family from her father's side, the blood she never knew were still alive or not, made the butterflies in her stomach multiply.
Unconsciously, she grabbed part of Hiromasa's Yukata in her left-hand.
Hiromasa sensed a change in his great-granddaughter's demeanor; her body slightly trembled in his hold. Her steps faltered a few steps behind his, starting to fall back.
...He knew what was going on.
The two stopped before the shōji doors. The seventy-five year-old Aizawa got down on one knee, laying both his hands on her shoulders.
...He flashed her a reassuring smile.
"There's no need to be scared of anything," he assured her. "This is a moment for celebration... Of welcoming you into the Aizawa Family... My pack. -He leaned forward, laying a light kiss on her forehead.- I swear, by blood, you will not be shunned... Not like the pack of your mother's, that forsaken their ties to you."
Sierra had a gut feeling that her father had told his family about her mother's family. She may not know just how far in details her siblings and/or godmother gave him, but it seems to be just enough to tell her father's family that the Kemuri Family won't ever be missing her few presence she made.
She gave him a small-smile, nodding her head in gratitude for cheering her up.
Hiromasa kept his own smile on his face, getting back to his feet and gently urging her to the entrance.
Just as he opened the door to the onsen...
...
...Sierra found herself being pounced upon by two, happy, cheerful women who both, in the process, shoved her great-grandfather off of her.
"SWEETIE!"
"YOU FINALLY CAME!"
She recognized one of the voices being her aunt. But the second woman, she doesn't know... However, after a few sniffs and, when both pulled back to beam down at her, she saw some similar resemblances that the older-woman shares with her father and aunt.
...Indicating that this woman, is her grandmother.
"What? I don't get a hug, too?" Hiromasa replied, not sounding in the least upset that he was being picked over his great-granddaughter.
Sumire looked up at her grandfather-in-law, giving him a good stare.
"You took too long to get here," she scolded. "And don't try to deny it. You had your moment to bond with her. It's our turn! -She stared down at the still stunned fourteen year-old, who remained still and showed to being unsure if she should hug one or both of them, or to move at all.- Were you okay, getting here?"
Sierra lowered her gaze to stare at the ground, nodding her head.
Sumire and Hitomi can see how nervous and shy she was with them. Neither of them know why she appeared somewhat unease to be hugged by them.
A pair of footsteps came to them, followed by the feelings of arms pulling her away from the two Aizawa women, towards a larger body that carries a calming scent.
"Give her some space. -It was her father who came to her aid, which she was more than happy to have at her side. She leaned against his own black-Yukata, decorated with white-silhouettes of birds flying.- She needs to meet the rest of the family, before she can even get comfortable around you two and the others."
The two girls pouted at his words, but knew that he was right. Though, both weren't ready to let him take her away from them.
"But, Shō, we need to get her hair done!" Hitomi whined.
Shōta and Hiromasa both raised an eyebrow to her words, as Sierra instantly knew what they wanted to do, slightly tightening her grip on her father's Yukata.
"There's nothing wrong with her hair." Hiromasa responded. "It may be a little wild from the wind, but it isn't anywhere near terrible."
Both of the girls smirked at his opinion.
"Of course there's nothing wrong with her hair... We just want to make it pretty, before we go to the festival!"
Hearing the news that they were going to a festival, was very much surprising to the fourteen year-old.
'A festival?'
She looked up at Shōta, gently tugging at his sleeve, before forming some sign language.
If we're just going to a festival in Kusatsu, why are we meeting here?
Shōta rubbed the back of his head, shrugging his shoulders.
"It's been a tradition, for the Aizawa Family, to come to the festival in Kusatsu, on the day after the Sports Festival, and spend a day or two in the onsen. -He sent a glare at his grandfather, who came over to stand beside him and his daughter.- I still don't get why you have to make this a tradition, Ojīsan, when it's just a waste of time and money to do this every year."
Hiromasa chuckled at his grandson's remark.
"Because, you need to learn to lighten up and everybody wants to have a good time. And besides, this is her very first festival, with the family. Speaking of which, -He turned to Sumire and Hitomi.- Where is everybody?"
Both of the girls smiled at the seventy-five year-old.
"Ōya, Ōma and Makkuro are still trying to get the twins ready, and need Dad to help get them to stop using their Quirks. You know how much they like to put up a challenge, when it comes to dressing up. Hibiki was lucky to get out of there, and to avoid helping them with his little brothers." Hitomi reported, giggling from witnessing Ichiyuu and Shōya having to chase Hanzō (Split/to hide), after splitting in two and Shōma trying to convince Kenji (Strong, Healthy) to stop turning his body into diamond to make his Yukata not be able to fit him, until their father can assist him. Luckily for the family, Yori (Rely), Makkuro's youngest child and the youngest Aizawa child, is being much more cooperative and is waiting with his older-brother and older-cousins: Yami, Hitoshi, Hibiki, Natsu and Yoshi.
Hiromasa turned to Shōta.
"And I reckon you didn't try to help, because?"
The thirty-one year-old shrugged his shoulders.
"Dad was persistent that they can handle it... Plus, I don't really want to deal with their screaming."
The seventy-five year-old shook his head, a smile on his face.
"Yeah, that sounds about right. -He looked up at the wall, seeing the time being at around a quarter till six.- Well, I guess there's still some time, before the street gets packed. So, it seems you'll have plenty of time to do her hair."
Sierra's eyes widened at her great-grandfather's words, and soon found herself already being dragged off down the hallway, in-between her aunt and grandmother.
"MAKEOVER!" Hitomi squealed.
"Time to turn Ra Ra into a beautiful woman!" Sumire cheered.
When the girls turned a corner and are out of their sights, Shōta glared at his grandfather.
"...You just had to let them take her away, didn't you?" He growled, folding his arms over his chest.
Hiromasa gave him an apologetic smile.
"...Forgive me, Shō. But, you should know, as well as I do, that it's best to give in and make your mother happy. Also, when Mimi is siding with Sumire, there's no point but to give in to their demands."
Shōta really hates it, when somebody makes a valid point that he, too, has no choice but to agree... Even, if it's from his own family member.
Half an Hour Later...
"Are they still not done?!" Shōya growled, sitting with the rest of the family at the lounge of the onsen. "Seriously! Does it really take that long to put on lipstick, and eyeliner?! Ayame (Iris) doesn't take that long to put on her makeup."
Sitting to his left, Makkuro slapped him upside of the head, earning a low curse.
As an Aizawa, he, too, has black-hair. However, unlike his brothers, he has three, large bangs that rested on the right-side of his head and extended down, diagonally, covering his left-eye. He, also, keeps it in a ponytail, as it rest in-between his shoulder-blades. His dark-purple eyes are exactly like Sumire's, with white-skin.
With him sitting across from their father, the two almost looks like they could be brothers, instead of father and son, with Ichiyuu being the older-brother, because of his hair.
"You know Mom and Mimi; they want to take their time, to ensure it's exactly as it goes. Now, shut up and stop whining." The thirty-three year-old replied, giving him a sharp glare. "And if I hear you swear, one more time, in front of the kids, I won't hesitate to have sand shove up your Yukata and straight up your-"
"We're here!"
Before the oldest Aizawa sibling could finish his sentence, a giggling Sumire popped right out of nowhere, kneeling to give Ichiyuu a big hug.
Her husband, having a conversation with his father and Shōta, smiled at his wife, returning the embrace. He knew not to kiss her, when she just finished putting makeup.
"You two decided to finally return our Ra Ra to us?" He playfully asked, getting to their feet.
Sumire gently slapped him on the chest.
"Not even a chance," she answered.
"Sorry about the wait, you guys." Coming from the hallway, Hitomi greeted everybody, who were all getting to their feet. "Mom and I were having a little trouble to agree on which color makeup we wanted Sierra to wear... We finally were able to decide."
None of the males dare try to complain or say anything negative to the reason the girls took so long.
...Then, when Hitomi stepped aside, turning to the gentle sound of footsteps from behind her, they all gaped in awe.
There, still in her Kimono, but with dark-green eyeshadow, lipgloss on her lips and some makeup on her face, wearing a traditional Kanzashi on the right-side of her head with red and white blossoms curled against her head, is the one Aizawa everybody has been dying to meet.
Sierra Aizawa.
She felt very nervous and unease at the feeling of eyes staring at her, having her grab for her sleeves to relieve some of her stress on the material.
...Eventually, someone finally broke the ice and the tension... Which left the fourteen year-old being hugged by a beaming Shōma.
...With his arms coiled on top of her back.
"You're so adorable!" He commented, tightening his grip on her.
...Resulting her to let out a forced out, painful yelp.
Shōta and Hiromasa came to her side, immediately, pulling her back to make sure that her uncle's hug didn't cause the poison to trigger, while Shōya stood beside the youngest-triplet, scolding him for pouncing on her.
Ichiyuu, Sumire and Hitomi were busy reassuring the smaller boys that she was okay... Hitoshi, with his older and younger cousins, was explaining to them, while whispering, how serious her back injury really is; having to be at the Sports Festival, when the poison had triggered after the Calvary Battle, still haunts him and doesn't want either he or his cousins to risk hurting her.
"Oh my gosh! Honey! I'm so sorry!" Shōma cried out, getting worked up and nervous, not sure what to do and completely forgetting to not touch her back.
Sierra, wincing from the pressure for a moment, eventually fought off the pain and gave him a small-smile.
Shōta, however, gave his brother a glare, but it soften when he knows how terrible Shōma was feeling for hurting the girl, unintentionally.
"Is Jūshi (Older female cousin) okay?" Four year-old Yori asked, pulling on his grandmother's Kimono to get her attention.
The Eraser Hero gave him and his younger-nephews a reassuring smile.
"She's okay," he assured him and the others. "Just don't touch her back. She's still sore, and is still recovering from the Sports Festival."
It was convincing enough for the three youngest Aizawas to no longer be concern and to nod their heads, showing they understand to not do the same thing that their uncle just did. Though, for Hitoshi and the other boys, they knew that their uncle was putting on a front for the younger-boys.
Wanting to be the first to break the ice, Yami slowly went to Shōta and Sierra.
...He gave the girl a kind smile, which she, after watching him with animal-like curiosity and still shy on how they were going to react, returned the smile, in a more shyer version.
"...Glad to finally meet you," he told her. "I'm Yami, your older and much more awesome cousin."
Hitoshi, coming up behind their older-cousin, firmly punched him in the shoulder, rolled his eyes but having a smile on his face... The Aizawa smile.
"We get it, you're the first born. You don't have to keep rubbing that in," he chuckled.
Yami flashed the purple-haired teen the family smile.
"You're just jealous, because the others look up to me and all voted you out on who has the better Quirk."
Hitoshi, still smiling, gave him a glare, in a form of a challenge.
"Well, now that Ra Ra is here, perhaps she can be the judge to decide who Quirk is better."
Sierra can sense, while they were somewhat trying to start an argument of their own, that we're really just playing, acting more like rivals.
"Don't worry about them, Cuz."
To her right, another boy with short-black hair came to view... However, unlike the others, he has clear-blue eyes and has a slight tan-color on his skin.
He gave her a smirk of a smile.
"They're not really trying to cause an argument, or anything... This is their way on wanting to tease my father and Uncle Shō, every time we do a get-together. -Both Shōta and Shōya glared at the twelve year-old, who gave them a smug of a smile.- Consider it payback, for all the times you two would fight, when we would gather for the Family Gathering."
Sumire and Hitomi laughed at the blushes on their brothers' faces, while Hiromasa, Ichiyuu and Makkuro chuckled, as they nodded their heads to the preteen's words.
It was then that the twins, Hanzō and Kenji, ran to Sierra and each grabbed her by the hand, pulling her towards their grandparents, both of which had started leaving the onsen.
"Come on, Jūshi!" Kenji, who has a Platinum-Pearl eye in his left and Ruby-Violet in his right-eye and spikey black-hair, cried.
"Let's go! Let's go!" Hanzō, with a Olive-grey in his left-eye and light-purple for the right-eye, cheered.
Realizing that everyone was leaving, Hitoshi and Yami instantly stopped their 'quarrel' and followed their younger-cousins. After that uncle touched her back, they want to be more than ready to be there, should Sierra need them to help her.
The only ones left, are the Aizawa Triplets.
...The three could only turn and stare at one another... Then, in a silent agreement to drop the subject and catch up with the others, they ran out the shōji door.
Throughout the whole thing, the workers and staff members of the onsen had big smiles on their faces... All are very happy for the family, for being reunited with their missing family member, after over fourteen years of separation.
A Few Hours Later, at the Midoriya Residence...
Izuku was watching TV... More specifically, watching the recording of the Sports Festival, which his mother recorded for him.
He was studying his performance on the Obstacle Challenge, for the thirteenth time in a row, after he and Sierra separated when the Zero-Pointers came out of nowhere. He was, also, trying to keep track on the other students' performances and Quirk usage, scribbling notes down in his journal on their Quirks.
'I knew that I won't always have enough time to think, but it seems like I took a bit too much time to react.' He thought, watching himself grabbing for the piece of metal to take down two of the smaller-robots. 'Sis always say that it's good to follow your instincts, and it's a good thing that I chose to take it with me... Still... Why did I waste time forming a plan to get through the robots, when I could've forced some of them to fall and break from the weight and strength of my body?'
Either adrenaline was traveling rapidly in his body that so many thoughts was coming in at once, or was too worried on the possibility on triggering One for All if he strikes and damaging his body, Izuku didn't know which of the answers was the right one.
Though, by following his own instinct, he was able to get through the last obstacle, without taking any form of injuries, and win the first game of the Sports Festival.
Then, when he got to where he used the bombs to get over the minefield, his phone vibrated.
His thought went to his sister; while All Might may at times text him to meet him at the beach, it was only when it was later, when his mother would be asleep.
Izuku picked up the phone and clicked on the link to send him to his text... He was surprised to see the text coming from a number he doesn't know.
Midoriya, it's Hitoshi. My uncle gave me ur number, from Ra Ra's phone... I want 2 let u knw... My family n I, even Uncle Shō... We're 4ever grateful to u n ur mother, 4 looking after n caring 4 Sierra. R Grandma is hoping 2 meet u n ur mom, the next time she n the rest of r family plan 2 come 2 U.A... Also... I wanted 2 ask u something:... Do u... Wanna hangout, during or after school? When u're not busy, that is.- Unknown Number
In all honesty, Izuku never thought Hitoshi would try and contact him... But, to have him ask if that wanted to hang out, he had to double-check the text, before he allowed himself to be shaken up... In pure excitement.
Smiling down at the text, and saving the number to his contact list and giving him a name on his phone, the fifteen year-old replied to the message.
Sure! We can hang out! How about during lunch? I don't know if u have a schedule or a curfew to follow, after school. Also, did Aizawa-sensei gave my mom's # 2 ur family? So, that way, they can get ahold of each other n plan a day 4 us 2 meet.- Barloc
A few minutes later, he got a response to his text.
We can hangout during lunch. My mom has me 2 b home b4 8, when on a school nite. So, any time before then, is fine wth me... I was wondering, if u have time, 2 train wth me on hand-2-hand combat. Also, sign language, 2 help me communicate wth Ra Ra, when she can't speak. I think Uncle Shō had, already, given my folks ur mom's #. He, also, gave them ur godfather's #.- Mind Sweep
Izuku chuckled at the news.
'Better inform Uncle Rai about this. Wouldn't want him to think some random caller was bothering him.'
He went back to typing on his phone.
I can't promise 2 b there every time u want 2 train. I still need 2 train, myself, 2 better perfect my Quirk, after my performance during the SF... But, I do promise 2 assist u, as much as I can, on ur training. Knwing Sis, she'll, also, help u on training, when she's at full health. She may appear frail as a human, but she can still hold her own, either as a human or animal. As for SL, Sis n I, along with another fellow classmate in r class, can teach u, during lunch n/or hanging outside of school.- Barloc
A minute later, Izuku received another text.
Thx. I really appreciate it... B4 I leave u alone... Here's a gift, 4 u n ur mom... Consider it as a thank u gift, from the Aizawa Family.- Mind Sweep
The text was very confusing.
'A gift?'
...
...
...
...A couple minutes later... Izuku found that Hitoshi had sent him many pictures on his phone.
...
...
...
...
...All of which, having pictures of his sister, wearing a white-Kimono with blossom patterns and having a Kanzashi in her hair... Appearing relaxed... Even smiling! Either with at least one person that he assumes to being an Aizawa Family, excluding his teacher and Hitoshi, or even by herself, all the pictures has the fourteen year-old doing something that made Izuku very happy to see.
A tear ran down his face... A happy tear, which he didn't wipe away from his face.
'She's, actually, having fun.' He thought, slowly scrolling down the pictures Hitoshi sent him. 'She's really enjoying herself! And most of all, she's bonding with her family...! Her family, that truly wants her!'
Clicking on every picture and saving them to his photos, Izuku sent a quick text to Hitoshi.
...Thank u, Hitoshi... Thank u, n ur family... 4 accepting my sister into ur family. I'll make sure my mom gets these pictures, if u hadn't sent them 2 her, yet... Can u tell her that I said "Hi!", n that "I love her"?- Barloc
He received a response, a litter over three minutes.
...She's family, Midoriya... We don't abandon r own family, no matter the circumstances... Also, u can text her that, urself. She's been checking her phone 4 a while, waiting 2 hear from u... N Midoriya... Bcuz u n ur mom r her god-family... My relatives n myself... Yes, even Uncle Shō... Have come 2 view u both as family, just as much as Uncle Hizashi n Aunt Nemu r. So, don't think that u'll b excluded from Ra Ra's life. Bsides, nobody can replace u, as her bro, nor ur own mother as her mother-figure... Even though we, her cousins, will do all that we can 2 steal her from u, n bcome her new brothers ;)
Anyways, have a good nite, n make sure 2 give Ra Ra a text. I'll send u some more pics, later on.- Mind Sweep
Izuku's heart rapidly pounded against his chest... A wavy-smile spreading on his face, as more tears streamed down his face.
He pulled his phone to his chest, holding it to his heart.
'...Sis... You don't have to wait on me, if you wanted to contact me.'
He pulled his phone away from his chest and quickly went to sending a text to Sierra.
Hey, Sis! R u doing better? I hope u're not overexerting urself... Also... U look very beautiful in that Kimono! Mom will surely pick out new outfit wear, so she can brag 2 every1 at her work on how beautiful u r... Hopefully, somewhere tmw or sometime on the weekend, we can hangout. We never got the chance 2 celebrate r performances in the SF.
...I, also, heard about Moo... He'll get better. U know that. He'll probably b miserable, having 2 b stuck in a wheelchair 4 a month or 2 n some physical therapy 4 a few weeks, b4 he fully recovers n can get back 2 work...
...If u want 2 talk, give me a text. My phone will b on, n I'll b waiting 2 hear from u... 3 u, Sis!- Barloc
He expected to not hear from her until it would be later at night. So, he placed his phone back down and pressed the play button to the TV, resuming to where all forty-two students crossed the finish line and proceeded to the Calvary Battle.
...Only to jump in shock, when his phone vibrated again.
He was certainly surprised, when he brought his phone back into view and see that Sierra had, indeed, texted him back... It was very puzzling to him.
'She looked like she was occupied with bonding with her family, that I didn't think she would immediately reply to my text so soon.'
He grabbed his phone and clicked on the text... He was surprised by what she texted him.
...Izu... Have u talked 2 Ten, lately?- Baby Sis
He glared down at her message... An unsettling feeling making his stomach very upset, as a growing fear to spread in his heart.
Back at Kusatsu, Gunma Prefecture...
"Yay! We got another one!" Hanzō cheered, as Sierra scooped another fish into her net made of paper, before it could rip, winning a third goldfish for her little cousins, from playing Kingyo Sukui.
Smiling brightly at the vender of the game, who returned the happy smile as he handed her the third goldfish in a small-bag, she handed the animal gently to Kenji.
The twins and Yori, each having a goldfish in their hands, beamed up at her.
"Dōmo arigatōgozaimashita, Jūshi!" All three said, in unison.
She nodded her head, accepting their thanks, before she found herself being pulled towards another vender by the twins, with Yori taking the lead, off to look for Hitoshi and their other cousins at the Wanage Vender to show off their fishes.
Behind the children, Shōta, Shōya, Ichiyuu and Hiromasa followed them.
Ichiyuu smiled in pride at how three of his grandsons are being careful with their older-cousin, while still being able to have fun and bond with her.
"Looks like somebody's gonna need to buy some fish stuff, since he lost the bet to the deal he made to his sons." He teased his second-oldest, knowing how much Shōya hates to lose.
The oldest-triplet glared at his father.
"They didn't win any of the fishes," he argued. "Ra Ra did all the work!"
"True, but you didn't say that they couldn't have help." Shōta reminded, joining in the fun at teasing his brother.
Shōya shot a warning glare at his brother.
"I didn't think she would, actually, be good at this game!"
Hiromasa let out a heartfelt laugh.
"Was that before you lost to her in Shateki, or after she got the boys Ningyo Sukui?" He questioned, smirking at the blush spreading on Shōya's face.
...That time, Shōta... Laughed. Alongside with his father, and grandfather.
Of course, Shōya was fuming... But, underneath his embarrassment... He was really happy of the outcome.
...He got to spend time with his niece... A child he new, only briefly, when rescuing her at the near age of five.
...
...
...
...The first, within the family, to knew about her existence, despite not knowing she was his younger-brother's child at that time.
"This comes to show, out of the five of you brats, Ōya is the last of you five to have any patients." Hiromasa proclaims, patting the oldest-triplet on the back.
Shōya sent him an annoyed look.
'Just wait, Old Man. I'll get back at you for that. Just you wait.'
Either he doesn't know what his grandson was thinking, or that he knew what Shōya was going to plot, nobody can tell. Hiromasa simply flashed him a smirk of a smile... As if challenging him.
"Well, we best get a move on and follow them." He suggested, already being the first to head for the direction the boys and Sierra went. "There's no telling what other games they'll want our White Wolf-Pup to play, just to get them more prizes."
Shōta and Shōya gave him odd looks, while Ichiyuu gave him a raised eyebrow.
"'White Wolf-Pup'?" The fifty-four year-old grandfather repeated. "Is that her title, in the Animal Quirk User Society?"
The two brothers turned to one another. Clearly, neither of them know anything on the conversation.
Hiromasa nodded his head at his son.
"Her first transformation, is a wolf. More specifically, a white wolf. Therefore, until she gains her Animal Name, to other Animal Quirk Users, she's the White Wolf."
Shōya raised an eyebrow.
"Okay. But, why add in 'Pup' to the title? Also... 'Animal Name'?"
Hiromasa gave both of his grandsons a sarcastic sigh, shaking his head.
"I swear. For having such intelligent grandchildren, only Ōma and Mimi show to truly care enough to pay any attention on the matter that involves the society we Animal Quirk Users live by. -He sent a somewhat disappointing look okay Shōta.- I'm, also, greatly surprised at you, Shō, for not taking any accountability on how to prepare your training and education for some of your students. Especially, when some of them are Animal Quirk Users, like Ra Ra."
Shōta glared at his grandfather.
"Just answer Ōya's question."
The seventy-five year-old let out a deeper, heavier sigh, before he complied to good grandson's demand.
"Since she's a minor and is known as the White Wolf, the 'pup' is added to the title, until she reaches the age of twenty-one. As for Animal Name... It's something very important, and special, in the Animal Quirk Users Society."
"Grandpa! Uncle Shō! Papa! Daddy! -All four of the male adults turned to the voice calling out to them. It was Hanzō, who jumped right in front of them, smiling big.- Jūshi's beating Yoshi and Yami at Wanage! You gotta see! Also, Grandma want us all to meet at the Dango Stand, before the parade starts!"
Then, as if by magic, Hanzō vanished in a poof of smoke. Indicating, it was a clone of Hanzō that was talking to them; he's never far away from his twin-brother, when out in public.
The four adults turned to each other.
Ichiyuu was the first to break the silence.
"We'll discuss this, at another time." He announced, before continuing through the crowd of people to meet up with his wife, daughter and grandchildren.
The remaining three didn't say anything, as they followed the same direction the fifty-four year-old Aizawa went through.
Hours Later; Eleven at Night...
"No."
"But, Daddy, we're not-! *Huuuaaahhhhh...* We're not sleepy..." Kenji replied, rubbing his eyes with his little fists, being carried by Shōya. While his twin-brother his being carried by their big brother, Hibiki.
Behind them, their grandmother giggled at the five year-old's denial to being tired, as they all entered the onsen.
"You sure, little guy?" Shōma questioned, walking up to his brother and gently poking his nephew against his cheek. He chuckled, as the child turning away from his uncle, burying his face in the crook of Shōya's neck.
"I'm not little, and I don't want to sleep." The boy pressed on, even though his words are being muffled against his father's Yukata and being taken to their room. "Want to stay up longer... Wanna keep playing with Ra Ra..."
Most of the adults smiled at the boy's desire to bond more with Sierra.
In the back of the group, Hitoshi had a smirk spread on his face... As he looked over his left-shoulder, staring at the sleeping face of his cousin, Sierra Aizawa, as he gently hauled her a bit higher on his back.
Through the near ending of the parade, she was already dosing off and, unintentionally, laid her head against his shoulder.
...He didn't minded, in the very least. Instead, he gently pulled her against his side, letting her rest against him... To rely on him to keep her steady and to lower her guard, so she can entrust herself to be watched over by him and the rest of the family.
By the time the parade ended, Natsu helped him get Sierra on his back, before getting his younger-brother, Yoshi, to lean on him and to walk back to the onsen, together.
Hitoshi turned his head to the right when he felt a presence come up beside him, having to be Shōta, and feeling his cousin slowly being removed from her back.
Carrying her bridal-style, with her head resting against her father's left-shoulder, Shōta calmly and quietly lead the both of them to their room.
Makkuro, following his brother, patted him on the back.
"...Today turned out to be a great day for us, Shō." He whispered to the Erasure Hero, before he laid a hand on top of Sierra's head, gently stroking her hair. "...We are all happy to have her in the family..."
Shōta's face remained blank... But, in his olive-grey eyes, Makkuro can see the joy of his own on watching his family embracing his child into the family and welcoming her, with no sign of hesitation or reluctance.
Before they left and everyone went to their rooms, Hitoshi ran to Shōta... There, being less than an inch shorter than his uncle, he gently turned her head to face him and rest his forehead against hers.
...
...
...
...A single thought ran through his mind, as his eyes closed... A smile spread on his face.
'Welcome to the family, Cuz... And may you never have to feel like an outcast...'
TBC
...Do you guys think that we'll ever know what kind of job Inko does?
R&R