Yeah… This happens… Just because I went back for a bit of A:TLA. And need a bit of muse. Whatever.

Disclaimers:

Avatar: The Last Airbender belongs to Nickelodeon.

My Hero Academia belongs to Kohei Horikoshi.

And it's my fault for the OOC's. Enjoy.

XXXXX

All men are not created equal. Izuku Midoriya has heard it a million times yet it never loses its sting. Even if he wants to leave that train of thought, the world sees fit to remind him every day of his life.

And now… Even his greatest idol… sided with the world.

Some would unfairly have thought that this would be the boy's breaking-point and most would callously have been right. That is if Izuku hadn't remembered that he wasn't alone. He remembered that those who matters also were dealt a bad hand.

His mother…, who bore a glaring handicap since birth. And the harsh past of his father, who was deemed 'lucky to be born'.

They stumbled... They fell… But… they rose.

Their journey was never easy as society tends to be to those less fortunate. But they persevered, finding strength in bonds and meanings they found along the way.

So, now the Hero enthusiast had to reevaluate his idol, changing the one who was admired from afar to the ones who were closer to home. They're not perfect but that makes the respect for them more grounded… More relatable… More genuine.

He envied them… But they understood… They were the same. Thus, his parents became his rock and guiding light. They promised him that they will always be his hero. And his father then made him promise: "To never forget who you are."

Which was why despite their rocky history, Izuku can never ignore the unheard cry for help of his past bully. And now he's going to die risking to save his former friend.

That was before he felt a strong grip. "I got you! Hold on, Izuku!" Izuku heard an equally strong shout before being roughly pulled from his slimy captor. The boy tried getting back his bearing before that was challenged by an earthquake. He looked at his fellow escapee in relief when the shaking stopped.

That strong grip pulled the greenette to his feet to make him look up to a sight more terrifying than what happened earlier. "WHAT WERE YOU THINKING-?!" A fairly tall woman looked over him with a dizzying mix of worry and relief in her green eyes that was shades paler than his own. Her usually neat hair bun has some sticking out, coupled with the rapid tapping of her bare feet conveys the anxiety she usually had under control.

Izuku might have heard it so many times when others criticized him for being Quirkless. But when he set his tearful gaze to those pale unseeing ones, the boy knows that statement carried far more weight.

His mother was the strongest woman he had ever known. She was one of those who stood by him when many left due to his condition. Because despite her own disability, she never backs down from any challenges.

But seeing those pale eyes water in frustration and relief instead of the usual confidence was disconcerting. Not that his mother is against showing affection. She just reserves them for those close to her heart. For those who sees yet accepts her vulnerability behind the stone wall she erected herself.

For everyone else, they see this strong, confident and maybe at times stubborn woman who won't take any of your… pardon the language but it starts with a 's' and ends with an 'it'. And like a loving and worried son, Izuku wants to protect that image if nothing else.

"Mom! You don't have your lenses!" Contacts or glasses, it was a ruse that was needed if she wanted anyone to take her seriously… She hated wearing those things but she disliked more the perceived pity for her disability…, especially if it concerns him.

"Screw that! Let the bystanders see that I am worried for my son's life!" It backfired spectacularly because now he felt much worse. Of course, his mother will toss anything aside just for his wellbeing.

All Izuku could do was apologize. "I'm sorry, mom." Her face softened before quickly hardening as she moved the pavement that he and Katsuki were standing on.

They were caught by Kamui Wood's branches as they watch her tear apart the street to keep the Sludge villain at bay.

"Hold still! So, I can squash ya!" She shouted while throwing another rubble.

"HAHAHA! Your Quirk is good! But it won't stop me!" Izuku's analytical mind fearfully figured that out. His mother's earth manipulation is powerful, but it's not enough to stop the semi-liquid body of her foe. She may try to contain him completely, but the amount of earth to be used will destabilize surrounding structures. Which she is aware of with all the surrounding spectators.

This problem allows the villain to flow freely through all the obstacles tossed his way. "What good is it if you can't touch me?!" His ensuing monologue was cut-off when he was set alight. One rescue Hero prepared his team for collaterals as everyone looked around for the notoriously flame-wielding Hero.

"But you still burn." The calm voice threw everyone off with unfamiliarity. "Toph! Box him!" …most anyway.

The woman grinned as she took a stance. "You got it, Sparky!" With a stomp of her foot, the pavement rose and surrounded the villain. To the utter amazement of those watching, the fire in the burning buildings were slowly diminishing. But some flew and became burning bars.

The villain violently thrashed, trying to extinguish his burning prison as the voice called once again. "You have no escape. Surrender."

"Bite me, fuckers!" he cursed his captors, hidden or not.

The flames bristled as if alive. A fiery trail was drawn to a figure who directed the blaze to the sky. His hands commanded the element to take shape. The villain and everyone stopped in their tracks as the draconic maw bared its fangs and fierce glare.

But not as fierce as the burning gold stare held by a sharp feature, intensified by the fearsome scar over one eye. "Care to repeat that?" was his ultimatum.

No one made a sound… "D- Dad?" "Pffft…! Show-off." …most anyway.

xxxxx

Yu knew she was in over her head right now. Sure, her debut was exciting, but she was met with some criticisms … especially the now thought of inexcusable excuse she made. But that's a problem that would be pondered later as the Heroine egoistically believed that she wasn't the only one the public had mixed opinions.

But that's for later as she, Kamui Wood and Death Arms regarded the current hot topic (pun not intended bur the opinion was kept to herself).

After lecturing the two boys (though she felt a bit bad that the green-haired one had it worse), they contacted their guardians. Conveniently the ones who had stepped in and saved the day. Yu at least appreciated them for coming to their child's rescue but she reluctantly has to follow the law and all.

To their shock, these 'Vigilantes' presented their Hero Licenses. That was why all involved were brought to the nearest police station and contacted that one officer with a lie-detecting Quirk. And apparently their claim and licenses were legitimate.

Hisashi Midoriya… Or at least that was the cover name the scarred man used when he moved to Japan, has quite a résumé. Back in China he has a colorful list of aliases: The Banished Prince, The Redeemed Dragon, Firelord… but one name stood out in the files: Zuko.

'Zuko' was involved with a major conflict in China, apparently on the law defying side. But he and others switched allegiance and helped the now China's Number 1 Hero: The Avatar restore order. This granted him amnesty and paved his path as a Hero. But she couldn't imagine how many challenges this guy may have faced before he was no longer viewed as a Villain, that big scar not making it any easier.

After some time, he moved to Japan. Zuko established a small Hero Agency at the time before passing it to a currently aspiring hero (to their surprise, this agency wasn't Endeavour's). Despite still being connected to said agency, acting as a consultant, he and his partner's hero status were marked inactive and on reserve.

The fire-user currently owns many popular tea shops and a local dojo which he instructs with his wife, Inko Midoriya… Or Toph Beifong as she was known.

The blonde tries to look pass that this incredibly tough (again, pun not intended) woman was actually blind. Summarizing what she learned: 'Toph' was a rebel from a prestigious family, an ally of The Avatar, fought in said conflict and has an impressive earth manipulating Quirk.

Yu will admit that history is not her strong point. But a bit of these two's origin story piqued her interest. Tales of women empowerment and a redemption arc sounds so exciting.

Yu will remind herself later as their current discussion with Zuko was almost done. Toph was not present because it was either she looks after her son or raged at them for their inactivity. The former was suggested by the surprisingly awkward fire-user.

So, here he is: listening to the charges and taking responsibility with an experience and dignity of a semi-retired hero in an apron (he may also have a sense of humor, stating it was an honor to be compared with his uncle).

"I understand. I'll be responsible to address my son's rash behavior." His answer somehow satisfied Detective Tsukauchi.

"Not responsible enough…" Though some didn't feel the same.

Too bad in a contained room, even a whisper spoke volume. "I beg your pardon."

Surprised greatly, Death Arms tried to salvage the slip-up by sounding reasonable. "I mean… You should watch your kid more closely."

Miraculously, the father didn't take any offense to the thinly-veiled snide. "Noted. I'll talk later with young Bakugo's parents to come up with a reasonable punishment as well." Zuko calmly suggested.

"Don't trouble yourself. I'm sure the other boy understands the situation." The large man tried to reassure, thinking that problem is already resolved.

Something tells her that is not the case… Not by a long shot. "Hmmm… I suppose." Turning to fellow Hero, Kamui Wood's tenseness confirm her worries. "Which is why I do not understand that his reprimand sounded, care to correct me…, lenient?"

Bristled by his audacity, the Death Arms became very defensive. "Well, he was in trouble! It would have been more manageable if he remained calm. But your son just charged in, putting more at risk!"

In contrast, Zuko kept his cool despite the harsh accusations. "Understandable. But as they were both involved, they would equally be lectured of the consequences of their situation."

"Yes, but-!" Before they can intervene… To try to save any face…, Zuko went for the kill.

"Why was I able to hear a praise while my son had a lashing?" And that, ladies and gentleman, was the match that set off the powder barrel.

"Because he is Quirkle-!" His tongue was not stopped sooner as everyone looked at him with shock at such callously idiotic bias. They can feel ice running through their vein… Or was it the stone-cold façade that was drawing in all heat to fuel his impressively contained rage? Can he set things ablaze with just his thoughts?

"I see… Thank you for your honest concern. You are after all just safeguarding the public by ensuring they are out of your way. Especially those unfortunate to get caught in the crossfire." How can a fiery glare send chills up their spines?

"I will no longer take up any more of your precious time." Why was he still so hot? And why does he have to be married?!

They warily watched as Zuko calmly stood up with a trepidation for an erupting volcano and stiffly excused himself. Ironically, the frosty ambiance was dispersed when they opened the door to a very heated argument. They felt a bit of pity as the sole adult male looked on helplessly between the pair of strong-willed women who were comically held back by their sons.

"-Mitsuki. I love you like a sister. But keep that Chihuahua away from my kid!"

"He's not a Chihuahua! The brat is at least a Pomeranian!"

"What's that, you old hag?!"

"M- Mom, I'm sorry! It was me who approached-!"

"Hello, Masaru-san. Mitsuki-san. Quite a predicament we got dragged into." How can this serious guy also be so awkward? But compared to what happened earlier, this almost seemed wholesome. That was before the other tough woman confronted the scarred man.

"Alright, hot-stuff! I heard Inko's… Or is it Toph now that the cat's out of the bag?" Her pale eyes uncaringly rolled, not really minding whichever. "But why did you up and left?! The brat may be stupidly brash, but they're friends with Izuku."

"Maybe they were." Silence washed over them as they tried to comprehend what he is implying. Zuko sighed knowing that this complication was far from over. "I want to hold on to that hope. But until I see him prove otherwise, I can't have my son deal with such toxic relationship. I'm sorry." But for now, they need to go their separate ways to process.

"We better be off now. It was good seeing you all again. Masaru. Mitsuki." When the scarred man set his sight on the explosive teen, Katsuki quickly made a comparison.

Deku's eyes were not pitying him back then…, but his is. "Katsuki." The blonde boy doesn't know what was keeping him from lashing; pride for himself or shame of… this.

If he was aware of the boy's inner turmoil, Zuko did not speak of it as his family were ushered out the station. When they passed a less populated way, the patriarch broke the tense silence. "Izuku. We will settle an appropriate punishment when we get home."

The boy shamefully kept his head low while mumbling a soft apology before feeling a firm yet gentle hand on his shoulder. Izuku can't help but tear-up when looking at the understanding warmth in his father's eyes. "But know this: We will always be there for you. When you fall, we'll help you back up."

Izuku turned when he felt something on his other shoulder to find the soft features his mother reserved just for her loved ones. "And we will always listen. Remember that we love you, Izuku." And he truly felt blessed in this imperfect yet beautiful world.

xxxxx

They did not immediately go home. But later Izuku would have thought that it was his father's intention. Because as they entered the family-owned tea shop, the frantic boy was comically smothered by concerned employees and patrons.

His heart feels like bursting, scolding himself for forgetting that others did not see him any different just for missing a toe joint. If anything, they were amazed of his inner strength despite how the world keep pointing-out his supposed 'disadvantage'.

Something to reevaluate again later after the discussion he is having with his father in a private booth over tea. His mother was not present as they already had their talk of how she will beat up those who bothers him for no good reasons. "But if you're such a big boy now: I'm going to have to teach you how to beat them up yourself."

Contrasting his mother's tough love, his father was more insightful and thought-provoking. He understands that his action would not go unpunished. But Izuku takes comfort that his parents deemed that he learns something from the mistake.

His father reassured him that he had in no way dishonored them, that any failure is an opportunity to start again. For that, the boy will always be grateful for their strict yet fair judgement (and also for his grand-uncle's teachings). "It's time for you to look inward and start asking yourself the big question: Who are you and what do you want?" his father regarded him seriously.

This resurfaced a memory that the boy was afraid of. Of finding what he doesn't have. Of hearing her mother crying behind closed doors, blaming herself for causing his disability. And of his father looking so lost.

But Izuku can never fault them. Because they never abandoned him. Despite their own weaknesses and shortcomings, they were the strongest people he had ever known.

Izuku was never given a clear answer a long time ago when the teen asked if he can be a hero… No… He was given the reassurance that no matter what route he takes, it was the job of the parents to believe. So, his father threw his own challenge: "Can you be a Hero?"

Despite of his own hidden doubts…, they never abandoned him. His mother supported him to the best of her ability. And his father taught with unimaginable patience and unquestionable love. Growing up, he wanted to be a hero just like them.

With their love and support, Izuku now knows the answer he has been seeking. "I am Izuku. I am Quirkless. But I am not useless. And I want to be a Hero." There may have been more to be said, but that alone says everything.

The light from the setting sun may have helped the gleam in his father's eyes as he took in his steadfast son's determination with pride. "Then we must prepare. Tomorrow… We rise with the sun."

From behind the closed booth, someone allowed a small smile while leaving them be for now. "He's just like Twinkle-toes. This is going to be fun." Toph fondly mused as she strode and plopped unceremoniously on a chair across a startled customer.

She rested her chin on a knuckle and leveled a serious expression to her quarry. "So, what do you want? Toshinori."

XXXXX

Well, there's an idea. There was more, but I feel like a one-shot is enough. But who knows? Now as usual: ideas and suggestions will be taken into consideration. Keyword: Consideration.