I do not own MHA
It was telling of how used she'd gotten to Toshi's presence in her house that she didn't even raise an eyebrow when she saw him talking to her mom in the kitchen. Almost skipping into the house, she grinned at them happily. Part of her knew she was supposed to be weirded out by her mother dating the top hero but if they were both happy then she couldn't complain. During her weeklong sleepover at Momo's the two had officially started dating, or at least that's what they told her. Personally, she was sure that they started dating three months ago when she first invited Toshi over to meet her mother, but she wasn't dumb enough to bring that up. Especially while watching her mother chop vegetables into tiny little pieces.
"Hello Izu, how was school," Inko asked putting the knife down when she noticed her daughter. Toshi smiled widely as he moved to stir the broth on the stove.
"Good," Izu said. Well, everything but the situation with Monoma was good; she did not, however, mention that to her overprotective mother. Not after the incident with Mineta's mother who Inko had verbally torn apart for slapping her daughter.
"That's nice honey, do you have a plan for the sports festival yet," she asked. Seeing her daughter tilt her head in confusion of how she knew about that, Inko grinned saying, "Toshi told me all about it. He even offered to get me a seat next to him in the stadium."
"Really," Izu asked excitement in her voice.
"Unfortunately, I have some adult things to take care of during that time, but I will be watching on tv," Inko stated. Internally she cursed the stack of documents she'd been hiding from her daughter. Still, if her appointment with her solicitor was that day, she couldn't put it off again. At least all the paperwork would finally be filed. Seeing Izuku pout she said, "why don't you go put your stuff away and get ready for dinner?"
Nodding Izuku tried to ignore the disappointment she felt. Walking to her room she didn't notice the secretive look shared between the two. Tossing her backpack on her bed Izu sighed. She had no idea what her mother was up too and usually, this was when Frost would cut in with her theories. Sitting at her desk, Izu ran a hand through her hair before she pulled out her notebook. If they had two weeks before the sports festival, then she might be able to strategize.
Dinner that night was amusing. Toshi was still nervous about them eating his cooking and due to the fact, he could burn water, it was a proper reaction. Hiding the amusement behind her cup, Izuku giggled silently as he chatted with her mother. Both of them were naturally anxious people. It wasn't long before her mother was taking the plates back to the kitchen leaving the two alone.
"I have every confidence you'll do well at the sports festival," Toshi said softly. The words caused her face to heat up only to pale when he said, "as my successor, you have every reason to succeed. I know you'll make me proud and announce your presence to the world."
Yeah, that was no pressure or anything. Sitting in bed hours later she couldn't get the words out of her head. How was she supposed to announce her presence to the world when she got frightened by simply talking to new people? Falling back, she laid staring at the ceiling. Trying to think of happy things her mind turned to her class. When she lay awake that night in her room remembering how defensive her class was, she giggled. It was easy to realize that she wouldn't trade her class for anything. Not even Monoma's words hurt as much as they should. Closing her eyes, she let herself drift asleep entering her mind with a singular purpose. Everything would be okay again; she wouldn't give up until it was.
She didn't expect Frost to be waiting for her or for everything to look so dark. The trees seemed to have gotten closer to the clearing. Frowning at the black flowers beneath her feet she turned her attention back to the white-haired girl standing right in front of her. Unlike usual Frost wasn't smiling instead she was emotionless. Spinning a spear in her hand Frost studied the other girl. Unlike before there was determination written on her other half's face; seeing that she knew it was almost time.
Clenching her fists Izu tilted her head back making sure to keep Frost in her sights. She could deal with the state of her inner world later, right now there was something far more important for them to solve.
"I want to see the memories," she said. The cold tone surprising Frost only a little. For a moment she had the same feeling that she got in the USJ. Letting a smirk drift across her face the white-haired girl leaned on her spear.
"I said no," she stated. Usually Izu would start whining but now the girl was glaring at her in annoyance.
"I don't care," she said a spear appearing in her hand. Unlike the white design flowing down Frost's weapon, Izu's was green and covered in vines.
"Even if they tear you apart," Frost asked her voice softening for just a moment. She'd known this day was going to happen for years. Ever since she'd first taken Izu's memories she'd been worried that her other half would hate her. However, choosing to take them hadn't been something she regretted. Even if Izu chose to hate her forever, she wouldn't apologize for protecting her.
"I'm stronger than you think I am," Izuku snapped. Shifting into a battle stance she tensed slightly. She didn't want to fight Frost, but she hated the secrets being kept from her. Secrets themselves were something she hated. Mirroring her movements Frost kept the smirk from her face; even if Izu didn't win, her choice to fight meant she was ready to see the truth.
"Prove it," she said before lunging. Stumbling back Izu managed to block the downward arc of Frost's spear.
She'd never been good at sharing her feelings; it was what separated her from Izu. It was why she got along with Katsuki so well since neither of them wanted to acknowledge that feelings existed in the first place. As she parried Izuku's attack, she hid a grin. UA had made Izuku stronger; it was easy to see that she was no longer the girl who flinched every time she got attention. The villain attack had been the first time Frost had seen Izuku fight for something with enough determination to win without her help. She wanted that to continue; she wanted Izuku to be strong.
Leaning back to allow a slash to fly over her head, Frost lashed out at Izu's feet causing her to stumble back. Stabbing the blade of her spear into the ground she kicked out at Izu's chest and was surprised when the girl sidestepped. Following Izu with her eyes, Frost landed on the ground once again. She couldn't, however, stop what happened next. Twisting on her heel, Izu slammed the pommel of her spear into Frost's stomach. Stumbling back the white-haired girl didn't notice Izu's spear heading for her face until it was touching her nose. Seeing the hesitation mare Izu's face, Frost snarled as she grabbed the spear and tugged. The force of her action causing Izu to fall forward right into the punch Frost sent at her face. Watching her other half sit on the ground with a hand pressed against her cheek, Frost couldn't stop her anger from bubbling.
"Why do you always hesitate, if I was an enemy you would be dead now," Frost snapped her rage was almost sizzling from her skin. Izu flinched at the tone as Frost began to pace; at that moment she reminded Izu of Katsuki when he was on the edge of breaking down. Frowning she stood slowly so she wouldn't draw the other girl's attention and narrowed her gaze. Had Frost been testing her? It sounded like something her other half would do. Still though having Frost call herself the enemy was not a statement Izu would leave unanswered.
"But you not! Your Frost and you would never be my enemy," Izu shouted drawing her attention. Grabbing her shoulders Izu resisted the urge to shake the other girl until she started listening. Seeing Frost look away Izuku frowned saying, "Frost, no matter how angry I get at you, I will always love you."
"That's weakness," Frost snapped although the words lacked any real anger. Shifting slightly, she glanced up at Izu before looking away quickly. She would forever deny the fact that Izu's words made her feel slightly better.
"Liar," Izu said. She couldn't resist the teasing tone in her voice that caused Frost to relax. Sighing in defeat, Frost blinked before she nodded slowly. She knew what Izuku wanted now and she knew the girl would hate her afterward.
"Alright," Frost said softly. Shrugging off the other girl's hands, she ran a hand through her hair before turning toward the trees. Hesitating for a moment Izuku stared after her the last time she'd tried to enter the forest had led to the trees attacking her. Walking after her she didn't expect the trees to part around her other half or for Frost to stop next to a locked cellar. Kneeling Frost hesitated. She'd been protecting Izu for so long that simply bringing her here felt as if she'd failed. Gathering her courage, she touched the lock gently causing it to vanish. Standing she clenched her fists before sighing, "there are four memories."
Watching Izu nod and move to open the cellar Frost couldn't stop herself from wishing there could have been another way. Tensing she moved just as Izu collapsed the open cellar seeming to taunt her as she caught her other half gently. Frost barely felt the trees around them shiver as she ran a hand through Izu's hair.
(two months after Izuku's sixth birthday)
Joy brightened her green eyes as she rushed down the stairs, she'd found her Quirk! Everything would be okay now and mama could stop fighting with papa. Her bright green eyes shined with hope as she stepped into the living room only to freeze. They weren't fighting but instead her father was holding a pile of documents while her mother shouted at him in rage. She'd never seen her this angry before and seeing it now scared her. Gripping the stair railing she stilled her eyes flickering between the two. It was easy to move into the shadows so she wouldn't be seen.
"You tried to sell our daughter," her mother roared the volume almost shaking the walls. Shrinking in on herself Izuku couldn't stop herself from biting her lip. She didn't really understand what her mother meant.
"It will be the best thing for her," her father stated. It was strange that this was the first time he'd been home in two years; he was practically a stranger to her. Wincing at the condescending tone he was using she looked at the ground when he said, "This new study might even tell us why she was born without a quirk."
"She's our child, not a lab rat," her mother said. She wasn't yelling anymore; which was much scarier than when she shouted. Shivering Izuku leaned back slightly.
"She's useless," her father snapped. At the words, she felt like she was breaking into pieces. This was the man who was supposed to be her father; he was supposed to love her.
"Get out," her mother said the words barely reaching Izuku's ears. For a moment the entire world was quiet as Izuku stood there clinging to the railing like a lifeline. Legs shaking, she didn't realize she was barely standing.
"Inko I d-"
"GET OUT!"
(one month before Izuku's seventh birthday)
Entering her house quietly Izuku could hear the yelling. Clutching the straps of her backpack she was already shrinking in on herself. Her father was back again and already he was fighting with her mother. With only a month until her seventh birthday she didn't quite know what she should do about everything. What could one six-year-old do against a man who could breathe fire? Nothing.
"Inko just listen to me, they're offering half a mil-"
"No! I will not sell my daughter you bastard," her mother snapped. They were fighting in the kitchen again. This had become almost a daily thing; she was almost ready to move in with Kacchan. Shrugging off her backpack she tossed it on the couch before heading toward the kitchen.
"She's mine too," her father said. Watching from the doorway, Izuku could see the tension in his shoulders as he practically boiled with frustration.
"Really? Last I checked you wanted a son with a quirk," her mother said. The mocking tone was something even Izuku could recognize.
"Why does everything have to be a battle with you," he asked. Frowning as if he was the victim he sighed. He looked like her teacher when Kacchan decided to be difficult; which was every day now. His next words, however, caused her to flinch, "You can't honestly love the brat."
"I love my daughter, you're just the bastard that wants to sell my child," her mother almost screamed. The words filling Izuku with warmth. For a long moment, her father was silent his hands shaking at his sides. He reminded her of a boiling kettle about to blow. Shifting nervously Izuku reached up her hands gripping the door frame tightly.
"WOULD YOU JUST LISTEN TO ME, YOU BITCH!"
Idly her mind noted that he spit when he shouted. Slamming his hands onto the counter he snarled at her mother in rage. Kacchan was nothing compared to the way he was looming over her mother. She saw his hand raise off the counter in almost slow motion; her mind registering the way her mother flinched back.
"STOP SHOUTING AT MOMMA!"
She didn't know when she moved; all she knew was that she was between them her arms outstretched to protect the one person in the world that meant everything to her. His hand had stopped just before it could touch her skin. Looming over her tiny body he looked like a monster. Her mother's horrified whisper of her name broke the silence. There was a war being fought in his eyes before something seemed to snap in his gaze.
Izuku screamed the sound swallowed by the iron grip on her neck. The world had shifted so quickly that she almost didn't know where she was. Some part of her mind took in the current situation with deadly clarity. Shaking, shivering, her small body pressed against the wall as her father screamed in her face. Tears leaking from her mother's eyes as the woman desperately tried to pull him away. Frost snarling like a wild animal as she lashed out her nails creating bloody lines down his face.
Crashing to the ground she was coughing and sputtering; her eyes fading back to rich vibrant green. Later she would notice that this was the first time Frost materialized but for now, she held her bruised neck tightly as her father howled in pain. Blood dripping onto the floor from his wounded face and smearing from her now blunt nails.
(one day after her father's departure for America)
It was her first time meeting her mother. Staring at the woman almost four months after the incident in the kitchen she didn't hesitate to keep her chin up. Her father had left yesterday; she just wished her nails had gotten his eyes rather than his cheek. Shifting nervously, she watched the woman closely her golden eyes drinking in the sight of her mother.
"You're not Izuku," the woman whispered. Her voice was barely above a whisper and sitting across from her in the living room Frost felt a bolt of uncertainty rush through her body. Would her mother reject her?
"No, I'm Frost," she said bluntly. Raising an eyebrow, the woman smiled slightly at the words. It was almost as if she could see the hidden fear written on her soul.
"But your still my daughter," her mother said. The warm tone catching Frost off guard. Tilting her head slightly she studied the older woman her shoulders relaxing slightly.
"Your Izuku's quirk," her mother asked softly. Nodding hesitantly Frost saw shame enter the woman's eyes. Watching her mother look down, Frost almost couldn't breathe as the woman raised a hand to her face. There was bitter irony in her voice as she said, "Just when my daughter gets a quirk, she's too traumatized to leave the house."
"That's not your fault," Frost said. Her voice was soft despite the discomfort she felt at the muffled sob she heard. Looking down at her hands Frost wished she hadn't let Izu talk her into this meeting. She would rather meet with Kacchan; it would be far less uncomfortable than listening to her mother cry.
"I just wish I could take it all away," her mother whispered. The words were so quiet that Frost wouldn't have heard them without her enhanced hearing. Hands clenching, she struggled not to say anything, but the woman's sobs made her feel increasingly guilty. Closing her eyes, she felt the sting of tears.
"I-I can," she said. The words leaving her mouth without her permission. Looking down at floor she couldn't stand to look up and see the shock in her mother's eyes. Why did she have to speak?
"Frost," her mother asked confusion in her voice. Gathering her courage Frost glanced upward only to find hope in her mother's gaze.
"I can take away the memories, it would be like it never happened in the first place," she said. The explanation making the hope grow. Somehow that was worse than anything else in the world.
"Do it," her mother ordered. The words causing Frost's heart to crack. For a moment she thought of how Izuku would react. True the memories may hurt now, but they belonged to Izuku. They were a part of her and taking them away was wrong. She had to refuse.
"I-"
"Frost she refuses to even leave her room other than to go to school," her mother spoke the words coming out in a rush. There was desperation in her voice as the woman moved to grab Frost's hands in her own shaking grip. Tears flowed down her face as she pleaded, "if you can take away the pain then do it. Please!"
(two days later)
It was raining; their inner world looking more like a swamp than a meadow. Looking up at the sky Frost let the water pour down her face as she thought over her mother's demand. Would taking away the memories help Izu? She hated this; the pain Izu went through every single day was turning their inner world into a nightmare. Even now Izuku was curled among the black flowers sobbing. Moving closer Frost winced when she heard the pleading words leaving Izu's mouth.
"It hurts so much!"
Of course, it did. Her sorrow was turning their entire inner world black. Soon there would be nothing left but darkness. She didn't want that for Izu. Her other half deserved all the light in the world. Hands shaking, she looked down shivering as the cold rain ran over her skin.
"Why did he hate me?"
Because he was weak. He couldn't handle having a quirkless daughter and took everything out on Izu. That was why she hated him more than anyone else in this world.
"What did I do wrong?"
Nothing. He was the one in the wrong. It wasn't Izu's fault; if anything, it was hers. She should have protected her. She should have been better, stronger. Everything that happened was her fault. Protecting Izu was her job yet she couldn't even keep her safe from their father. She was worthless as a quirk. Weak.
"I should never have been born, It's all my fault!"
"NO!"
The scream caught Izu off guard as Frost practically pounced on her. Hugging Izu tightly Frost held back her tears and sorrow. Gripping her other half as they sat there in the rain she realized that Izu was broken. The bright girl who turned the world into rainbows had drawn in the water that surrounded them. It was all her fault. Closing her eyes for just a moment she wished that this wasn't happening. Steeling her resolve she pulled away slightly but kept Izu in her arms.
"I can take it away," she whispered softly. Izu shook in her arms as tears ran down her face onto Frost's shirt.
"Please!"
The plea broke every reservation Frost had. Raising one hand to run through Izu's hair she focused for just a moment. Targeting every memory of their father from before Izu's sixth birthday, Frost locked them away as her other half collapsed. Holding the sleeping girl gently Frost finally allowed herself to break. Looking up at the sky she hoped the rain would hide her tears.
