Oh… boy. Another doozie. Well, enjoy.
Disclaimers: Look at the first page.
Warning: Coarse language… And it's not from Bakugo. Oh, and some no name OC's that I need as target for such language. Don't worry, they won't appear again.
XXXXX
/Past/
"After hearing all these, I feel it is best I pull Izuku from this school." Surprised was an understatement as the Aldera Junior High staffs did not expect this from the parents of their most troubling student… Actually, one of them.
Hisashi Midoriya rarely attended conference whenever his son caused trouble. But that large eyepatch left many… questionable speculations in his wake.
"It's for the best. He would have been expelled for starting so many fights." What the principal suggested triggered something in the bespectacled mother.
"B**l s**t!" It is unsurprising that Inko Midoriya got along well with the Bakugo matriarch. "I taught him better to not start a fight! Just finishes it!" Too bad she did not emulate her friend's parenting influence.
"So, it was your unruly influence! How irresponsible of you, maam!" One of the gathered faculty viciously accused.
"I will be definitely irresponsible if I don't prepare my son to be able defend himself! Considering he's always bullied for being Quirkless!" Some started to back down from the woman, as if they meekly agreed with her.
But there were still those of stronger arguments. "That doesn't mean he can go around starting fight!" The latest confrontation was the most troubling, with young Bakugo looking tensely at his limp arm. But the ruffian was led away by a woman with braids while the parents settle this.
They took a fearful step back when she stood up. "He doesn't! Even if he did, my son wouldn't have to if you louts were doing your d**n jobs by making it not happen in the first place!" She took away her glasses to focus a pale glare towards them.
But a firm hand held her back. "Inko, ENOUGH!"
Whatever he whispered placated the woman to an extent. Her husband calmly got back to them. "I apologize for her outburst." Unlike his wife, Mr. Midoriya appears highly reasonable. Discussions will be easy.
"But my wife does have a point." Or so they thought. "We trained Izuku in martial arts as a form of self-defense."
"Well…, children sometimes lie to avoid trouble. But not for long." One assistant reasoned, no matter how weak it sounded.
Too weak that the father was not convinced. "Then I suppose I have to ask the other students involved of their opinion of this incident." Some started nervously sweating.
"You don't have to do that! The other students are more behave and disciplined with their actions." 'Unlike yours.' Was left unsaid but was loudly implied.
"But didn't you say children sometimes lie? Or only my son?" The reserved tone the man used sounded like he was judging…, taunting even. This triggered their leader's final stand.
"How dare you insinuate that we are the one responsible for the trouble your child cause?! You should be grateful that I considered to not have expulsion in his record! You have no authority to undermine the decision!" They were confident that the couple will cave with the principal's ultimatum. The other nervous faces will understand once these… delinquents know their place.
"I see…" This was not what they expected as they felt dread weighed heavily over their heads.
"Then you leave me no choice." He coldly said as the man reached for the eye-patch. Scars were rare but not uncommon in such hazardous career. But certain blemishes will garner one's attention…, good or bad.
"Now I must bring this concern to one of my… colleagues." They gasped when what was hidden was brought to light. But none as terror-stricken as the old principal. He regretfully recognized too late the legend tempered by fire that is in their midst.
A figure shrouded with mystery and controversy who took to being a hero in the land of the rising sun by storm.
Whose burning passion contested with another fiery rival yet never challenging the spotlight.
Whose final act, if rumors weren't exaggerated, before abruptly fading into obscurity was to give an aspiring hero her wings.
His origin was romanticized for the younger generations but his name was revered and feared by the older.
"As a father: I would do what is best for my child." This was the Scarred Prince…
"And as a Hero: it is my duty to defend those who couldn't…" The Dragon that rose from the East "…even against those who wouldn't."
"F- F-… Firelord Zuko." His companion's unnervingly vicious grin ensured that no one will leave unscathed.
xxxxx
/Present/
"Now Kota. I know you're excited but remember to be in your best behavior." A woman fondly lectured the fidgeting child before turning an embarrassed scowl to her other companion. "Unlike someone who should be old enough to set an example."
"Don't be jealous that I'm the one who he always calls." The blonde cheerily teased with each skip in her step.
"It's because Sifu Toph can't use the phone well enough…" Another woman lamented which a large man nodded in agreement. This group would have been recognizable, but decided for more casualwear as this was just friendly visit.
Anymore argument was stopped when they heard a greeting from behind the wall. "Ryuko! It's so good to see you!"
"HAH! SEE?! I told you he's into me!" The now named blonde haughtily cheered as she raced towards the entrance.
"OH, Zuko! It's so grand to see- EHHH!" The others finally caught up and found the reason of their friend's distress (to their amusement).
Because enjoying that warm embrace was a younger blonde who shares her name. "It's great to see you again, Sifu Zuko." She even had the audacity to blissfully lay her head on that chiseled chest while strong yet gentle arms surrounded her lithe figure!
Before they are noticed, another familiar voice was heard drawing closer. "…Thanks again for fixing the wall Thunder-thighs sat on."
"You shouldn't be so hard on her… or rude."
"Maybe you're right, Blocky. Hard to fake an apology with a head that big." A recognizable woman rounded a corner followed by essentially a sentient block of cement.
"Oh, it's you." Knowing her, that was the fakest surprise they have ever heard. "Hi, Mud and the Hairball Brigade."
"Sifu! Why?!" She heartily laughs, somewhat expecting only her fellow earth-user to react in embarrassment.
"MEEP!" Everyone's sight turned to the sound. And they were met with a wide-eyed blonde whose large tail stiffened in surprise and a redhead who has her large hands around a very nervous boy. "What are you guys doing here?!" Izuku thought they had plans for today.
They did after remembering that their friend is no longer grounded. But what stuck in the foremost of their mind was their unexpected guests. "Izuku! Why didn't you tell us that you personally know all these Heroes?!"
Ojiro was calm enough to wonder why the greenette was in the verge of panicking. "I-… Uh-… I'msorryItsukaandOjiroIwasafraidoftheattention-?!" And how he's panicking too.
Piecing some of the words that were understandable, the tailed boy immediately intervened. "Hey, Izuku! Relax! We're still your friends."
Itsuka quickly released him, realizing what is going on and profusely apologized. Social media tends to be very aggressive when one has… friends in high places. "Oh… OH! I'm sorry, Izuku! We didn't mean it that way!" The girl was amazed and worried that her friend can be so forgiving. Though confused, she's glad that his parents looked at them… favorably?
"But you still have to admit that this is quite shocking!" Ojiro tries to act disciplined considering someone from his prospective Hero school was present.
"I know you said your parents used to work in a Hero Agency. But I didn't expect them to know the famous mountain rescue team, a UA teacher and the Number 9 Hero!" She said in awe as some coolly waved and others posed upon the recognition.
"Well, Knuckles! Back in the days, I was okay going solo. But these guys made me leader after seeing how awesome I was." Toph bragged, to a blonde's annoyance. The Wild Pussycats did a different pose, though Tiger tried urging his former male teammate to join.
Cementoss shook his head in amusement before adding his tidbits. "Toph-san also trained me and Ryuko-san with our Quirks before we went our separate ways."
The boys barely held Itsuka down as The Dragoon Hero approached them. "And Sifu Zuko was my mentor when I was just starting my Hero career." Ryuko- Ryukyu, proudly shared.
"Though inactive members, they are still connected to the agency. Sifu Zuko officially works as a consultant, but he sometimes participates in some covert operations." Those not in the know are unaware how the man… masked a hidden chuckle.
"In fact, he and Toph were the founders of the Ryukyu Agency, officially named 'The Dragon's Keep'." The young trainees looked to their teachers with newfound admiration.
"Nah, Sparky here deserves all the credit for doing all the legal stuffs. All I can do was basically grunt works." It was hard, but some detected self-loathing in that humble admission.
Zuko was about to console, but his student reacted faster. "Don't sell yourself short, Sifu Toph. You're still an integral part of the agency as time and time again your skills proved invaluable. And you always looked-out for the new recruits, even offering them additional trainings and advices… no matter how blunt they were." Even the other Ryuko begrudgingly admit that she was someone to be admired.
It was hard to feel down for so long with those honest praises. "Maybe you're right. But you got to admit it, Dragonshy. You didn't want Papa Dragon to leave." The younger ones looked in disbelief while the older in amusement as said father awkwardly blushed.
Even as she was fighting her own blush, Ryukyu didn't shy-away. "The others won't admit too, but they also missed Badger Mom because of your tough love."
Now it's Toph's turn to hide her embarrassment as she gave a hearty 'pat'. "Hahaha, finally the dragon girl got claws!"
From outsider's perspective, this was something new. They always thought Heroes were these all-powerful guardians upon pedestals that they can only look up to as inspirations.
But this wholesome gathering is amongst friends and maybe… family. Heck even Izuku doesn't look out of place when Ryukyu gifted him rare collectibles of his parents to his unbridled joy. Seeing them so… human, was truly an eye-opener.
"IZUKU!" They finally noticed a small boy with a red cap stalked towards said person. Izuku seems not to notice that scowl.
"Kota! It's good to see you! How have you be-AAAHHH!" "KOTA!" "Why that little-!" What happened was a scream that resonated phantom pain and empathy through every man present.
Izuku fell to his crumbling knees, but was distracted from the pain when his slightly watery eyes met a very tearful glare. "That hurts, right? That means you're here and alive, right?!"
Then the small boy embraced the teen with all his might. "When I saw you on TV, I was scared! Because you could have- could have-!" They understand now that Kota was afraid to lose another love one.
It took a while before Kota was consoled after he made Izuku promised not to do anything stupid again. His mother didn't help by mentioning it was the hardest promise anyone can make. But he consented to try his best anyway.
Eventually everyone was invited into the dojo. Back then it was an abandoned structure suited for their budget when the pair moved to Japan, the extra space suitable for their training style. It was planned to be a training facility for their Hero Office but was decommissioned when they had Izuku. But the idea was reopened when Ryukyu decided to make it a shared investment. But it is legally maintained and furnished under the Midoriya name.
Tall walls surrounded the property. The front yard has a lawn and the errant rocks, Toph's rock garden. A tree stood over a small pond, probably for fishes or water fowls but decided otherwise. There is an 'office', a 'breakroom' and a bathroom with lockers for the students if they want. The indoor training area is quite sizeable but the backyard was a bit larger to compensate for more students or more volatile Quirks. All in all, it feels kinda homey.
"Sifu! Sifu, I did it-EEP!" A woman called from down the hall. She was soon followed by her white-haired brother who almost knocked over the bowl in her hands. But he did get thrown into a dogpile by more people.
Most of the senior members were out for the day. There are new faces who are just here to try-out before committing. But after recognizing all these famous guests, their class might just get bigger.
When Sifu Zuko asked how's her progress, Fuyumi was tongue-tied as her brother guided her back in. Then the next thing the glasses-wearing woman knew, she was standing over a bowl of water in front of all these people.
Fuyumi felt self-conscious with the gathered audience, but she didn't want to disappoint her patient teacher. "Relax, sis. Like Sifu said: Breathe." Her brother gently urged.
With a short nod, she closed her eyes and did just that. Her posture loosened and held a determined gaze. Her hands danced in slow swirls as those gathered felt the dropping temperature. Then they noticed the liquid following the same motion. The movement slowed until it stopped in its new frozen state.
"You did it, sis!"
"Well done, Fuyumi."
"She made snow!"
"It's more of shaved ice." Was her meek response. Then she softly sighed. "And learning this move took far longer than Natsuo's."
"Come on, Fuyu-nee! All I can make is a cool breeze for a hot summer day." Her brother said as he waved his hands to make cold gust of air.
"But those are progress nonetheless." Everyone paid attention to their teacher. "Remember: Some may use others as a measurement. But every destination is reached at different pace by different travelers. What is important is how far you have come from when you started and how far you're willing to keep going."
"Hai, Sifu!" Zuko offered a small smile at their uplifted spirit. He didn't know how take Toph's compliment of being their 'Uncle Iroh'.
"Hey! That looked like the Waterbending Sifu made me do." Kota said as he mimicked the move on the earlier bowl with water.
"Wait a minute! He taught a Waterbending form?" After getting a nod from Fuyumi, Ryuko- Pixie-bob turned to her brother. "And you, Airbending? But Zuko's Fire."
"Wow. For your name spelled backward, you're quite observant if focused enough." Toph didn't bother hiding the smirk after hearing her disgruntle.
"You are correct, Ryuko." Now the blind woman frowned, feeling a strange positivity from her former-student.
Zuko continued. "I am a practitioner-." "Just say master, you modest moron!" "…-of the Firebending art. But there was a saying of knowing your opponent. And my uncle taught me that it is important to draw knowledge from many different places. The princ-."
"Hold on! I have an idea!" Toph interrupted as she told everyone to go outside. She instructed all current members to form a neat pile, newcomers can participate if they want. Natsuo fell behind his teacher's son along with Ragdoll. Pixie-bob told her big companion to go to another line before joining Cementoss and the redhead girl. Tiger wondered how his fighting-style will improve as he lined behind the Todoroki girl and young Kota. Ojiro felt nervous when Ryukyu and Mandalay joined him. The Midoriya couple stood in front while those not participating stayed out of the way to observe.
"We're going to show how it's done here! Get in position!" When everyone stood in attention, she gave the floor to Zuko. He begins with the basic stretching and breathing exercise. The forms were easy enough for those without experience to follow.
"Water!"
It was agreed that Waterbending is the best form to introduce to beginners. Versatile and flexible, the slow push and pull loosen the body, preparing them to adapt through the changing movements.
"Earth!"
Loud footfalls echoed as they took on more rigid stances. Earthbending is to aid build their body… To strengthen their core… To make them stand firm for what they believe.
"Fire!"
Now things start heating up as Firebending focuses on aggressive move-sets. Many were intimidated by this form, but to master this element is to understand one thing. Every punch… Every kick… Every strike… Every breath was done with a purpose.
"Air!"
Finally… the form of freedom; Airbending. Agile… Dynamic… Free. It is more of the ideology than the practice but once they find peace within themselves, the potentials are limitless.
"Again! Water!"
They coursed through another two levels of each form and so far, many were still able to follow though clumsily. But before the last katas were completed, the female teacher stopped and yelled: "Earth!"
This caught everyone off-guard as even the Pro stumbled at the break in sequence. This was one of the training methods the duo came up with so that they would learn to adapt and transition though every form. And one by one, they stopped… including herself.
Toph begrudgingly admits in silence that she was not as good as her husband. She can identify the moves learned from her friends but executing them was another matter. It was another thing that Zuko was lucky to have Uncle Iroh to teach him… even if it took way longer to get through that thick skull of his.
But the answer the 'Earthbender' will give is that she can observed how the rest are following along. And since all but one knew their limit or already stumbled on their feet, she joined in 'watching' the mesmerizing performance of master and student.
To be fair, they had started Izuku's training way before this dojo was repurposed. Toph prepared to tease them later when whispered admirations were heard. Though she had to be wary of that peppy student of hers. He's still off the table!
Izuku's focus never wavered, unaware that he was the only one left following his father. Once the pair cooled-down and bowed to each other, Toph cheered the loudest with parental pride as her son reverted back to the awkward duckling like his father.
Water bottles, towels and compliments were passed as they returned indoor for Zuko to officially start his lecture. "As I was saying earlier: The principle is not to be complacent to gaining only one form of knowledge."
He pulled out a board and marker to illustrate his lecture. The 'Firebender' could have written words, but pictures seem to work better.
"Fire is the element of power, but not what you think. It is this burning desire and the determination to achieve your goal." Two people were a bit conflicted as they compared two well-acquainted figures who shared the same element yet were fueled by so different drive.
"Earth is the element of substance. Strong and enduring, this symbolized your core being. When faced with adversary, do you have the inner strength to weather the storm?" He voiced it like a challenged, but he subtly looked towards his son.
"Water is the element of change. Life is everchanging and you must learn to be flexible and adaptable to foster growth." Mandalay held back a giggle at her nephew's rapt attention.
"Air is the element of freedom. This is far more complex as it is to know one's self. To learn who you are will lead to your own freedom, breaking limits thought impossible." The scarred teacher understood some of their uncertainty, he still wasn't sure how Aang does it.
"Why are you telling us these things?" Zuko held a small smirk, remembering a certain hothead who asked that very same question.
"It is important to draw wisdom from many different places. If you take it from only one place, it becomes rigid and stale. For a Hero, they risk the exploitation of weaknesses they may not even notice because they never bother to correct." He said as divisions were drawn. Zuko humored some of the younger generation's ideas and references, though he wondered what is a 'Mudkip'.
"Understanding others, the other elements, and most importantly yourself will help you become whole. As all elements are connected in surprising ad interesting ways." He finished by uniting all the divided figures.
Even though it aided in getting their attention, Zuko didn't like lectures to solely revolved around Quirks, especially involving the esteemed career. "I will admit this philosophy was more applicable for Emitter-type Quirks, especially those of elemental varieties."
"However, as time pass. it can be applied to not only other Quirk types, but also to your very development as a person." But it helps direct them once they understand the reason of the true calling of being a Hero.
"As a Hero, you are given free rein to use your powers as you see fit. But you must do so with caution and purpose, lest your passion cause harm to yourself and those around you." He said while emphasizing air and fire respectively. Many were deep in thought realizing the unspoken responsibility they were unaware of.
"Life is an unpredictable journey. You must be willing to learn and adapt to grow as person. But always remember your resolve and find the strength to stand up for what you believe." Excited murmurs were heard as some renewed their declaration of being a Hero.
"But what about Izuku? He doesn't have a Quir-." Shino looked greatly remorseful as she stared at the pair of stoic faces. It was an honest mistake, but what Kota said caused another set of hushed whispers from the background.
"He's Quirkless?"
"-but he did bett-."
"-with parents like-."
"-special privi-."
"-How can he be a-."
"-Hero? Impos-."
Izuku's friends stood closer for support. They sent glares when they discerned the hurt barely held behind by his steeled facade.
"I'm blind, not deaf!" An unbearable silence washed over the room, surprised by this discovery. "Does that make me special?" The crowd awkwardly held their tongue, not sure how to answer the question.
Toph wasn't through as she stood tall beside her partner. "I cannot see it, but does the scar on my husband's face makes him special?" Many turned away, afraid to make unsettling assumptions. But the siblings felt like crying as they paralleled their… father-figure with another member of their family.
"So, what if my son doesn't have anything that makes him special? Do any of you would-be-Heroes have the right to condemn him?!" Now the aggressors knew they were f*****d. They insulted someone in front of his family and friends… Friends who are Pro Heroes, who eyed them with disappointment.
Having enough for them to maybe stew in their guilt, Toph laid down the ultimatum. "The door is open. We aren't training Heroes here. Just human decency. Nothing special."
She was tempted to kick them all out, but Zuko held her hand. Once someone gathered enough courage to speak, Toph was greatly surprised. For she heard and felt no one faking or half-heartedly apologizing. And they actually faced Izuku! 'There may still be hope yet.'
Zuko thought the same as his appearance was no longer severe. His son truly has a big heart, even trying to convince his friends to give second chances.
"Izuku!" This got his son's attention and everyone else's. "Understand that if you still wish to pursue the path of being a Hero, know that you are at a disadvantage." The only reason Toph was not outraged was because she knew her husband did not state to demean … unlike that bastard.
Izuku trusted his father to be truthful. "But also remember: Other Heroes too has a disadvantage that can be exploited if found." The boy may not be vindicative, but it sounded like he was discreetly defended for the earlier slight.
But that got everyone to begin re-evaluating what they thought they can do. "Just as I have said earlier: It is important to draw knowledge from many different places. To only rely on one facet will leave you rigid and stale. To be easily exploited by your enemy."
Their focus was still on their teacher as he took the board to a table that held an assortment of things. "So just like everyone else: Learn and improve yourself, not only as a Hero but also as a person." Varying muffled affirmatives echoed in the room.
They followed his gaze as he looked up a banner with stylized emblems of the elements illustrated earlier. Underneath it was pictures and mementos that made the newcomers curious of its stories. "A Hero is trained that they may be ready to accomplish their goal. To protect others. And face threats, both known and known to ensure the security of those under their protection."
They stood straight as he turned back to them with an intense fire in his eyes. "To face impossible odds… and succeed!" Zuko blushed when even the adults joined the loud cheer. Nonetheless he turned to eye one item in particular, something Izuku tensed in realization.
"Good. With all the openings I gave you, Izuku, there's no excuse to be unprepared." Screams followed as their scarred teacher drew that broad sword. Izuku was indeed ready as he stepped away from the mighty slash.
The teen prepared to move to the weapon racks before catching the sword his mother tossed. After a quick thanks, Izuku drew his own weapon… in reverse. The sheath shot fast but was easily deflected as his father rushed in.
The Pro steered the non-combatants away from the duel. Izuku prepared to sidestepped another overheard slash. But the plan was changed in a second when he noticed a furry appendage. He decided to block and hopefully divert the strike.
*THUD!* It didn't work. "Be aware of your surroundings! You have but a second to retaliate!" Izuku was lectured as he got back up.
His father attack once more. Izuku already made a quick glance for obstacles before executing his new plan. He successfully dodged this time and made light but swift strikes. Some became worried when younger swordsman was being pushed to a corner but he planned this. Setting foot on the wall, Izuku propelled himself to strike high prompting an immediate block.
The boy landed at the open door where he took the battle to more spacious grounds. With the reduce risk for anyone getting caught in the middle, Izuku was now free to use faster and more offensive moves as his father gave chase. "Like Sokka taught you: Use your speed and agility against an older, more experienced opponent!"
The crowd followed as they watched the two battle all over the place. "Is that even safe?!" The inquirer was directed varying levels of skepticism because really? Swords, training and professionals were in the equation.
"Are those at least blunt?!" Fuyumi became greatly worried, remembering someone else who extensively trained his own son. She winced as a strong hit sent Izuku reeling.
"They better be if Sparky knows what is good for him." Toph let out a subtle sigh when she heard a distant 'They are!'. Her flinch was more subdued as she felt a heavy crash. But she trusts Zuko is nothing like that bastard.
Once again, they crossed swords. Then Izuku struck. It may have been brief and appeared light, but the jab in the arm loosened his opponent's grip on the weapon. But it was only caught by the other hand before Izuku was toppled by a foot.
"Wait! I thought this was a swordfight?!" A kid with a lizard-shaped head and tusks, who was greatly engrossed in the clashing of blades, asked in shock when punches and kicks where thrown in.
"He said no such things! Which means anything goes!" Toph corrected, impressed and frustrated with tracking her son's short footfalls.
Some ducked as debris started flying when Izuku tossed that training dummy. "Very resourceful! Using your environment to your advantage!"
"But isn't that unfair? Uh… unmanly?" A boy nervously asked. Izuku was able to lodged the heavier blade to a post but it didn't stop the heavy hit when his father simply released his grip.
"Neither is facing a villain!" The shocked silence was her signal to bluntly bare this unfortunate reality. "You want to fight fair?! Do sports or something! Because there are far too few villains who would care a lick for fairness!"
"Yes, Heroes are supposed to abide and uphold the law. But later you will be asked the big question: Why? Why did you want to be a Hero?" Toph found the lack of answer acceptable, assuming that they are trying to think this through. Their answer will come in time, they just have to be patient.
"And don't ask them! I want to hear it from you!" The Pros jumped, realizing they were the ones being referred. Some wondered if she's really blind… or actually a mind-reader.
"So, you better think it through before the next entrance exam." The blind teacher advised as she felt the duel came to a close.
Izuku was roughly slammed on the ground. Before he can recover, a shiny edge was in his face. With its wielder looming over him, there was no other outcome. "I yield."
His father fluidly sheathed his sword before extending a hand to pull him up. "You did well. You almost had me with that surprise at the end."
"Yes. But I still lose." Izuku's admittance was humble, something Zuko was glad that his son was so early on in his life.
"True. But why?" He allowed his son to think as they returned to the gathered crowd. Along the way, Izuku picked up his training sword and the collapsible baton he thought would have aided him.
It was stated that the second weapon was unpredicted, but the attack was still readily countered. He remembered how proficient his father is with a blade… 'Wait! His Dao-sword is not a blade. It's part of one…'
He was thankful that Izuku's jumbled muttering was short this time. But Zuko kept a straight face as he listened for his son's answer. "Because… I tried matching your skills… Skills you have many years of experience."
He nodded in approval of the self-evaluation. "Don't try to match your opponent's skills. Overcome them with yours." Izuku returned a nod of understanding.
Before anyone can applaud the thrilling performance, they heard clapping from… above? "Bravo, Firelord Zuko! Even after all these years, your skills with the blades are still sharp as ever. And you have such a promising student." Izuku tried holding back his joy with that praise.
"Sorry to intrude, but I can't help but admire such impressive display of swordsmanship." Even the other Heroes were a bit awestruck by the presence of the winged figure standing on the roof. "So, what do you say? Care for a spar?" He pointed a feathered blade, many holding their breath at the challenge declared.
One however… "Oh, for the love of… Hey, Fried-chicken! Tell Dust-bunny that she still owes those mooncakes!"
xxxxx
/Past/
Even if she cannot see, the way this guy keeps shifting focus between her family is making her dizzy. But it may help distract the nervousness that is being shared when Sokka decided to drop by their home on his somewhat 'shore leave' in Japan.
"How…?" And so, it begins. She loves Sokka, she really does. And they basically had a bromance going on with her husband.
But the warrior had a history of getting into trouble when he ran his mouth. Not to mention the not-so-good first impression between the former enemies.
But out of courtesy of their friendship, they will give him a running-start if something offen-. "How did the two most stubborn people I know made a fluffy Aang?" Their faith was well-placed.
"I suspect it was the marshmallow and cabbage pork chop." The jerk had the gall to chuckle even after that punch.
Little Izuku became excited at the mention of another renowned Hero. "Do you mean China's Number 1 Hero and Avatar of Peace: Avatar Aang?!"
Sokka chuckled as he ruffled the soft green mop. "With your hair, I would have thought you would have befriended a yak." He guffawed when told that a cow almost followed them home.
But the mood quickly shifted when the kid looked down. "But… I'm Quirkless. I'm not special like him."
Sokka held a stern expression for a second before comforting in his usual… or unusual way. "Bah! I don't know what hullabaloo people here preach. But back in my village, Quirky or not, everyone pulls their weight. Especially during the war. Why, when I embarked on an adventure of a lifetime-." Heroics or not, the child still enjoyed a good story.
"Please tell me he didn't pull out that stupid beard." The mother was just miffed that she didn't readily have a melon for her storytelling.
"You know I can't lie to you." He dryly responded. But they still allow it if it entertained both children.
"Now then, from a taste of the epic of Ol' Uncle Sokka, what do you think is my Quirk?" What followed was the beginning of a habit far too… quirky for words as Izuku tried to rapidly recount all of his parent's friend's past escapades.
Somehow, Sokka was just as… quirky to go along with the boy's amateur but shockingly intelligent analysis. "Oh, you would have been so unbelievably right if you weren't so unknowingly wrong."
Before the small child becomes sadden by his failure, he dramatically made his reveal. "Because Chief Sokka's Quirk is… nothing! Surprise, I'm Quirkless!" The showstopper, no matter what age, never gets old.
"Really? I thought it was endless sarcasm." But did Toph had to be a killjoy?
"But-but! You were one of the Heroes to end the Hundred-Year war!" The boy's young mind tried to understand these contradicting facts.
"Meh, all that is hush-hush because they can't take back that Team Avatar, with yours truly, had already saved their sorry butts. And they would have been a bigger idiot if they even think of messing with my brother-in-law." It was far more complicated but the adults later agreed that it was something for when Izuku is older. "But yeah, I did all those and more with my wits, charm and luck."
"He got two right." Toph is a bad influence to his buddy!
Sokka showed a rare look of understanding back to this impressionable child. "The thing is Izuku; among all those talented people, I also thought I wasn't special."
He had such good friends to even defend from his own self-criticisms. "But we wouldn't have been able to get half those plans done if it weren't for you."
"You're just as MVP as everyone of Team Avatar!" That was all the acknowledgement that no amount of bragging can top.
"I know it's rough buddy…" Toph narrowed her eyes at the timed snorts. Getting over their inside joke, "… Anyway, some may not see how special you are. But to those who matters the most; you are and that is all that matters." His heart tightened when all it took for such teary smile was little words of encouragement.
So, he assumed another advice would go a long way. "So Izuku, if someone tells that you are not special: Find out their Quirk and tell them how they can be beaten ten ways 'til Tuesday." This would also have been the inspiration for Izuku to start his Hero Analysis.
"But if you ask me: Quirk is not everything." Sokka uncaringly waived. This was whole-heartedly agreed upon by the boy's father.
"He's right, Izuku. When I was younger, I was not proficient with the use of my Quirk. To make up for that weakness, I had to learn a different form of combat-." If she guessed right, he's pensively looking at the wall where his 'decorative' swords were placed. "Sokka. Are you thinking what I'm thinking?"
After looking at the items as well, it finally clicked. "If it makes me the best uncle; You bet I am!" The twin grins would be so unsettling if Izuku wasn't sharing his own.
"Izuku, what do you say of being trained to wield the greatest weapon since the dawn of mankind?" This was those rare moments again Toph wished she could see the smiles of those that meant the world to her.
But hearing the excitement in their voice was just as good. "Hehehe… Boys."
xxxxx
/Future?/
"That's it!" Izuku apologized even as they admire the shimmering fractals in the sunlight.
Fuyumi's surprised 'blizzard' drew far more people than he expected. But the Hero enthusiast was too excited to share his discovery. "Now I know why those moves are familiar! The swirling movement is similar to that of the Norwegian Hero: Snow Queen!" It appears they now know who Fuyumi's favorite Heroine was as she barely contained her glee.
Zuko pensively recalled that particular event with his former team. "I remember asking Katara to help her in control-." This became an opportunity to hear another of his parents past escapades. Others sat to intently listen of the adventure in a Hero Summit their teachers attended in Europe.
The highlights of the news where how Heroes, like All-might and the Avatar, were able to find the perpetrator and saved the country from 'an eternal winter'. A battle of epic proportion against beasts and warriors of medieval times. And the cherry on top was the 'damsel' to be saved was also a powerful 'sorceress'.
But hearing more involved narratives was far more exciting. Especially how they… or he had a connection with the wrongfully alleged 'Villain', who was manipulated to use her Freezing-Quirk to cause the incident. The Firelord consoled her during the aftermath, understanding fully how it was to be scrutinized.
"You two even had an impromptu therapy session." Toph added her commentary. Zuko agreed that he did try to help as he empathized with the young noblewoman. But the saving grace was that despite it all, her intention was still noble. Which was why they cheered upon her Heroic debut.
"But boy, did she have a good set of lungs." The way his spouse said it triggered a very different implication if those blushes meant something.
"When she sings!" Zuko quickly elaborated as mentioning the hidden talent was another reason that made her so popular.
"At the end of the summit, we became good friends." He plainly concluded. But the dreamers thought differently. It was how a scarred lord offered warmth to a cold queen, thawing her frozen heart.
Zuko was unaware of the romanticization when he felt eyes boring into him. "What?" He was not sure what to make of his wife's blank scrutiny, her student's frustrated expression and his student's mischievous smirk.
"Good friends… Right…" Toph unconvincingly drawled. What they didn't know was they left a wallowing mess with her tubs of ice cream, lamenting why all the decent and hot ones were taken.
Very traitorous thoughts passed through the Todorokis' mind. Fuyumi fantasizing of a very different union of fire and ice. And Natsuo wondering if Sifu could also thaw another frozen heart. But both wished that their own father was even half the man their teacher is.
XXXXX
The good thing about Toph's nicknames is that you can put all cameo you want without even stating the name. And I made it that Zuko edit his uncle's lesson for a different set-up.
Now as usual: ideas and suggestions will be taken into consideration. Keyword: Consideration. So, some thoughts for the readers:
-Was the agency name too on the nose? Couldn't think of an Earth element to include.
-What would we call Toph's old crew? What would you call Zuko and Toph's hero team-up?
-Can anyone try a MHA Quirk Intro for Zuko and Toph? I might need it later.
-Do you have a better Hero name for Sokka? Could have called him Warchief… And while we're at it: Toph and Katara? I doubt it would go well to be called the Blind Bandit… Then again, there's Death Arms.
-On the fence with OFA. Also, not sure where to put Izuku in UA.
-Again: WHY? The last part was supposed to be short one. How did it become THIS? And to coincide with the latest episodes!