The Servamp of Melancholy and his Eve

by Ren Heart

The USJ attack was under way and with both their teachers out of commission, Izuku brought it upon himself to protect his classmates. But he was too alone weak and needed help. He got exactly that but no from his hero All Might but from someone deadlier. "No one hurts my Eve and gets away with it." A fair warning to all. Never harm or attempt to harm a Servamp's Eve. Or else.

4. Let me fight on my own!

AN: I don't own My hero Academia or Servamp

Let me fight on my own

The rain poured down like an endless stream of tears. There was no sign of stopping. Nor was there a sign of relief. It just kept coming down at a constant pace. There was a deep sadness in these tears from the heavens. Could they call these tears from heaven? Although they came from above they were from an unnatural red sky with clouds of black and grey. This entire world had an unnatural red tint to it. In the centre of this world was a group of students. Three of them had their arms linked together as a fourth sat on top. The expressions on their faces matched that of the red gloomy world around them. Truly, a depressing sight.

You might be wondering how we got into this mess. Well, it's all this guy's fault. The young boy on top shot an annoyed glare at the fox. He sat idly on top of his nest of curls.

The fox laid on his back casually without a care in the world. That is until he felt the heated gaze of his master. He tilted his eyes over to the boy. "What's wrong, Izuku?"

"Are you really going to make us stand here, in the pouring rain, till the cavalry battles end?" Izuku grumbled.

Slyly, the fox grinned as he twisted his two tails about. "But of course. This is the best way to ensure our victory. So why not?"

"Why not? NO ONE CAN SEE MY PRECIOUS BABIES! THAT'S WHY!" yelled the pink hair girl at his master's left. He wasn't really paying much attention to them, but he believed her name was Mei or something or other. The only thing he does remember about her is her obsession with her 'babies'. That's what she calls her inventions. "We were doing so well and left everyone speechless. I could practically hear the investors begging for my number right now. Then in the final clutch, we were sent to whatever this place is! What if my babies get rusty in all this rain," she cried dramatically.

"They won't. It's not even real rain," the fox groaned at her whiney voice.

"Even so this place gives me the creeps," commented the girl on his master's right. A charming young girl that admired his Eve greatly. Something the others should do as well. "Seriously, how did you make this place?"

With a sigh the fox rolled his eyes, "I already told you it's one of my abilities. I can make my own little world in the surrounding area. Technically, we are still in the arena, but no one can see us nor can they come in so easily. Not unless I let them of course."

"This world truly speaks to my soul, but I feel as though we are cheating. This path to victory is as hollow as this world," mildly complained the bird boy in front of them. Although he was very fascinated with the world at first, he also felt it was wrong to stay here. As comfortable as he was in this darkened place, he was uncomfortable at the fact they are no longer having to fight for their…points I suppose. "We should be on the battlefield fighting to our last breath. Not hiding in the darkness of this world like cowards."

"Ugh...stop being too mellow dramatic."

"That says a lot coming from the Servamp of melancholy."

"Don't you sass me child," the fox snapped. He pounced up allowing his hairs standing on end and growled. "If it wasn't for me you lot would have lost the instant win headband to that half and half brat."

"Hey, don't call Todoroki a brat! That's not nice."

"Quiet, girl!"

"What about my babies! They barely had the chance to shine."

"You stay silent too!"

As they group argued among themselves (more so the students verse Izuku's pet fox) Izuku was left to wonder how on earth he ended up in this predicament.

A lot has happened these last few weeks. With villains attacking U.A, the sports festival around the corner and me visiting Shigaraki in prison. You may be wondering why I even decided to reach out to the villain. He almost killed me and my classmates. To be honest I don't really know myself. It's just when I saw that look in his eyes I wanted nothing more than to help in some way. I begged the officer to let me see him, but they all turned me away. It was only thanks to All Might and his friend detective Naomasa Tsukauchi did I even got the chance. But then I discovered something crazy. Something that changed everything.

***Flash back***

"Alright Midoriya, to get started let's get some paperwork sorted. I'll need to set some ground rules before I let you see Shigaraki. That and there are some things I need you to sign." Naomasa said as he tried to sort out his cluttered desk. "Now where could those visitation papers have gone to?" he questioned himself while picking up paper after paper.

Izuku waited patiently for the detective. Of course, he wasn't alone. Beside him was his mentor All Might in his normal weaken form. Curled in his lap was his pet fox Kurama. He sleepily yawned while snuggling back to his beloved Eve's warmth. "I'm sorry if I'm causing you any trouble, sir," He apologised as he stroked Kurama nervously. Not that the fox mind. In fact, he quite enjoyed the contact even though it wasn't as loving as usual. The detective said it was no trouble at all as he scrimmaged through the mountains of papers. All the while he praised the young boy for his bravery and kindness. To try and reach out to a stranger like that. Many would call him crazy, but it was that type of craziness that landed All Might the top hero ranking. As papers started to flutter there why to the floor, one piece miraculously made it to the boy's feet. It was like a strange string of fate was pulling it to him. He took the piece and briefly scanned its contents. It was a missing poster. An old one at that. There was a young child no older than 6 printed on top. Since it was in black and white it was hard to tell the finer details on the boy, but it was clear he had pale skin with shaggy pale hair. His eyes were almost soulless as they stared into the camera. They looked so sad yet…familiar. These features. He saw them before. Just on someone much older. "Shigaraki." The detective soon stopped his search and looked back at the boy confused. "This boy he looks like a younger Shigaraki," Izuku commented as he handed the flyer to the detective.

Quickly, he skimmed it over trying to recall the details of the old case. "Sigh... yes I remember this boy. He was a part of a homicide. We found the remains of an older gentleman with parts of his body deteriorated. According to the neighbours they said he had a child living with him. The child went missing since the incident. We tried to find him, but the trail went cold years ago. However, I like to look at the old files from time to time. See if I can find anything new on them."

"What quirk did the boy have?" Izuku asked with great interest. He had a feeling. A very strong feeling. If he's right this could change everything. For better or for worse.

"Despite the boy's age, I couldn't find any records of his quirk. He could have been quirkless but there were no records saying so either. My guess is that his quirk was quite a dangerous one, so his guardian never registered him. Sadly, that just makes things even harder for us." Naomasa explained disappointedly as he placed down the flyer. "It can't be helped. These things happened from time to time."

Curiosity soon got the fox as well as he hopped down on the table. He carefully circled pass the pile of papers while keeping his eyes on that one flyer. Those young eyes that stared back at him. The emotion they convey was a familiar one. "Such melancholy. His life must not have been an easy one." He then took attention to the printed name. "Tenko Shimura."

In an instant, All Might was standing. His mouth dropped to the ground while his skin turned pale. It looked like he just heard a ghost. "Did you say, Shimura!" His sudden yell frightened his young successor. The young boy was confused along with the fox. What caused such a reaction?

On the other hand, Naomasa was completely calm. He simply sighed, "I was afraid of this. I'm sorry I didn't tell you this sooner. I had this case long before you and I got acquainted. When you told me about your mentor I thought it would have been best to keep quiet. I didn't want you to feel bad." He took the flyer and handed it to his friend. He was all too eager to take it. "I did some more research when I got to know you. This young boy is Tenko Shimura. Her grandson. He's been missing for years. We did our best to find him but no luck."

All Might stared at the old flyer while shaking with an unknown emotion. "I don't believe this. How could I let this happen?"

"It's not your fault. You couldn't have known this would happen. Even before you became recognised as All Might."

"Excuse me." Kurama interrupted with a large amount of sass. "Context. Please."

And so, All Might told the story about the previous One for all user Nana Shimura. How she found the quirkless Toshinori and made him her successor. Izuku was surprised to hear his number 1 idol was once quirkless like he was. However, that just made his idolization grow more. Then he got to the part about how she died to her nemesis All for One. He even when as far as explaining the quirk's history since they were on the subject. Kurama soon complained about how late he was telling this story. The idiot should have done it sooner. Then came the real kicker. The eighth's final will. She said that she didn't want her family to get involved and so completely cut herself off from them. She begged him to do the same. To not interfere in their lives or try to find them. Toshinori respected his master's wishes and even avenged her. He thought it would be enough but now he's not so sure.

Shamefully, All Might dropped his head. "Why did I listen to that stupid request. If I didn't I could have done something. I'm so stupid!"

Izuku never saw his mentor like this. He looked so…helpless. Broken even. This is not how he should be, but he can't blame him either. His sympathy goes out to him, yet he couldn't think of a single word to say. All he could do was watch as ever so slowly the already broken hero broke down even more. It was a pathetically disgusting sight. Especially to the fox. "If you feel so bad about it then do something, No Might." All eyes turned to the fox. Although, he only focused on one pair. His cold yet firm red eyes glared down at the hero's weaken blue ones. It really wasn't a good look on the hero at all. "Don't you see? He's in your grasp. He's just grown up with a new name."

Although the hero and young eve couldn't understand what the fox meant, the detective did. "You're talking about Shigaraki. Aren't you?" The fox was quiet while nodding his head as a yes. It was the opposite to the detective who shook his head in rejection. "Even if you're right there's no guarantee that it's the same boy. We'll need to run a few tests first."

With a coy smile, Kurama simply responded with: "Then run them."

Naomasa didn't take well to the fox's back talk, but he remained professionally calm. "Alright, let's say they are the same person. What then?"

It was All Might's turn to speak. "Maybe I can help. I can talk to him. I can try to get him to turn a new leaf."

With a head shake, Naomasa shot the notion down. "All Might, I highly doubt he'll listen to what you have to say. He wants to kill you, or have you forgotten that."

"Let me do it." Izuku offered without hesitation. Silently, the whole party faced the young boy with gasping mouths. "I've already spoken to him once. I think I got through to him a bit." His eyes. They burn with such fire. The detective felt weak to them. "Please let me reach out to him."

With such resolve staring into his soul. How could he refuse? Naomasa admitted defeat with a sigh. "I'll see what I can do."

***End***

After the tests were run, we found that they were all positive. Shigaraki Tomura was the missing Tenko Shimura. That fact made All Might even more determined to do something. I've never really seen him so angry before. He cursed himself for following his master's final words. If he disobeyed them he could have saved the poor child from a path of villainy. The worst part was the fact that he couldn't do anything to help. He couldn't talk to him as All Might and Shigaraki would be too guarded with a stranger. So, I tried my luck. Thanks to Mr. Tsukauchi I was able to at least try to…confront him in some way. The down side was if I didn't made progress with him, I couldn't continue. It wasn't easy. Shigaraki refused to talk to me for the most part. He hated my guts as much as All Might's. It was a bad start for me. Eventually, I had a breakthrough. A single commonality allowed me to get closer to him. Honestly, it was a lot of fun talking to him about these games I loved so much. It was almost like talking to a friend I've always wanted. I became really excited for each visit afterwards.

I heard from Mr. Tsukauchi that Shigaraki or should I call him Shimura or Tenko? Tomura is fine for now I guess. He did told me to call him that. Anyway, Tomura became a lot less hostile. They become more comfortable for him to mingle with the other inmates without his shackles. At the beginning, he would always fight and try to disintegrate anyone that came near him. Both inmates and officers alike. It got so bad that they just had to isolate him completely. But now he's free. Although, he still prefers to keep to himself. Still, it was great news regardless. All Might was very happy with the progress. If this continues, reforming Tomura might not be as impossible as we first thought. I really hope so. I'd love to be friends outside of…well prison. Maybe we can go to an arcade. He always boasted about his street fighter skills and I'm pretty good myself. I'd love the challenge. Oh dear, I'm going off track. Anyway, I asked him to watch me at the sports festival. Mr. Tsukauchi said it might be a good way to either inspire him or intimidate him by watching the next generation of heroes in action. I don't think I get it, but I'd love to hear his thoughts on my performance. I hope I don't make myself look like a fool. I'd be so embarrassed.

The sport's festival started well. Besides Kacchan's opening speech saying that he'll win everything. And the fact the Todoroki nearly froze everyone in the start of the race. Everything went well. I mean I did win the first challenge. Kurama might have helped in that regard. He did jump on Kacchan when he was gaining on me at the last stretch. He completely freaked out by the way. He bashed into everyone else behind him trying to get away. I guess he's still a little scared of Kurama…Either way, I won and that was my problem. The next challenge was a cavalry battle and whoever gets the most points in the end wins. To get the points you had to seal another team's headband which is where my problem starts. Since I won the first challenge I had the instant win headband of 100000 points! Insane! No one wanted to team with me since everyone will be coming after me and my points. Well almost everyone. Uraraka was nice enough to join me. She's always to nice. Then this techy girl named Mei volunteered. She created some amazing things like a jetpack similar to the Buster Hero: Air Jet. Ahem, sorry about that I got a bit off track. I tried to recruit Iida as my last teammate, but he was already joined with Todoroki. I was disappointed sure but Kurama took it too much to heart. He even called him a traitor and pounced him. It took all three of us to pull him off. Luckily, Iida wasn't hurt that badly. It was only a minor scratch. In the end I chose Tokoyami to join me. I thought his quirk would help a lot with the defence we lacked, and I was right! Together we were able to outmanoeuvre almost any team. That was until Todoroki cornered us using ice walls. There was nowhere to run. We had to fight but Kurama had other ideas. As soon as Todoroki's team charged at us we were teleported to his gloomy red world. I don't know how he did it but Kurama somehow had the ability to create these pocket dimension. No one can come in without his permission so we're pretty much invisible to everyone outside. The best thing about it was that time flowed almost the same as the outside world. No one can hurt us so long as we hide in here. It's ingenious but cowardly really.

Izuku sighed as his teammates complained about the situation, they were in. Calling it cowardly and such. He couldn't really blame them either when he thinks the same way. But he also knows he's wasting his breath by arguing. Kurama was stubborn to a fault. Once he decides on something he would never change his mind. He'll always have some reason to defend himself. As for his reasoning now, it's all for his precious Eve. It's always for him. He'll do anything to ensure his Eve's victory and that's the problem. Izuku felt as though he was piggybacking on Kurama's strengths. He may be his 'quirk' but he still wanted to see how far he could go. However, with Kurama's continual interference, he fears he might not be able to see that limit. There's only one thing to do.

"Shut it all of you. The time is almost up anyway. So, such smile pretty for the cameras. You are the winners after all," Kurama sniggered. Eventually, the children's complaints died down. The red world disappeared to colour as soon as the rain stopped. The pitter patter of endless raindrops was replaced with gasps of cheers.

Regrettably, Izuku raised his arm in victory and the crowd when wild. This was not how I wanted to win.

---

Proudly, Kurama walked alongside his eve. Oh, how he loved him so. He'll do anything for his Eve's happiness. I thought he was doing a great job, but that glum looks in his eyes says otherwise. "what's the matter my Eve? Aren't you happy? You won after all." Kurama couldn't wrap around his head what's wrong with his precious eve. He should be smiling yet here he is sulking. Why?

Before the boy could even speak, a booming voice called out to him: "Young Midoriya!" Suddenly, All Might in his hero form came rushing in. He planted his massive hands on the boy's shoulders and smiled. "That was fine work you did out there. You managed to win two events in a row at the top score. That is a very impressive feat, although I must ask. Where were you at the last stretch of the game? Your whole team completely disappeared. You were almost disqualified."

"That would be my doing," Kurama stated proudly. "I can create little pocket dimensions in a selected area. We were still there just not in a place that can't be easily reached."

All Might nodded at the fox's explanation. "I see so that's what happened. I suppose since you are technically Izuku's quirk they can't say you did something wrong. The rules do state you could use your quirk however you wish. In any case, the induvial battles are coming up. You think you're ready my boy?"

Without hesitation, Izuku nodded at the question. Although his face didn't have the same determined look as his usual manner. It was more instinct than anything to say yes even in his disappointed mood. Quickly, he took a glance at his fox staring at him with a wondering expression. Then he glace back to his mentor still holding that signature smile of his. A sudden light bulb came to mind. He scooped up his fox, much to the Servamp's surprise, and pushed him into his mentor's arms. "Can you please take care of Kurama for me during the tournament matches?"

Needless to say, both the hero and the Servamp were in utter shock. They just stared at the child like that was the craziest thing they have ever heard. Though it didn't take long for little Kurama to blow a gasket. "Are you mad? Why are you leaving me with this smiling idiot! I'm your quirk. We're supposed to fight together."

"Not that I don't appreciate you helping, Kurama, but I think your help is too much. I just what to see how far I could go without you bailing me out when things get a little hard. So please let me fight on my own. Please," Izuku begged with praying hands and giant green puppy dog eyes.

It had no effect. Kurama was too blinded by rage to notice or care. "No, I will not let you go out there alone! What if you get hurt? As your Servamp, it is my duty to assure your safety I refuse to let you go out there alone without my protection!"

That's what got All Might's attention. He thought back to the previous events each one the little fox was a key component to his young student's victory. Don't to get him wrong, he knows the boy did his absolute best to obtain those victories. He was sure that he could have won on his own. But how could he fully know that if Kurama constantly helps at the last second. He understood where his succour was coming from and he couldn't help but...begrudgingly agree. Tightening his hold on the small fox, All Might gleamed his signature smile. "Not to worry, Young Midoriya. I'll keep Tsubaki out of trouble." This did not sit well with the fox as he started to shoot insults. Calling the hero an idiot among other things. So really nothing new. "Now, now, Tsubaki. Young Midoriya wants to win the tournament using his own power. If you keep hand holding him, he can't grow stronger. So, let him go."

"NO! NO! I WILL NOT LET HIM GO!" Krama screamed before chomping on the hero's muscle infused arm. "I won't let him get hurt. I won't. I won't. I won't," he growled with every bite. He was hoping the pain would be enough to make the hero drop him but no such luck.

The two watched the Servamp continually biting the hero's arm, creating new bite marks as he went. Shamefully, Izuku sighed. "I'm so sorry about this All Might. You're the only one I can trust to keep a handle on him. I hope it's not too much trouble."

"No trouble at all. For better or for worst I've gotten used to the little guy biting me. Good luck out there my boy! I'm sure you'll make us both very proud." With a reassuring thumbs up All Might turn his heels away with the little fox tightly he his near unbreakable hold. Sure, he's losing a bit of blood with all the teeth marks now embedded in his skin but it's nothing compared to his other injuries. Once the little guy eventually stops, he'll just wrap them up or have recovery girl kiss it better. "Now come along, Tsubaki. I have this quiet private setting area with some of the other teachers. I'm sure they won't mind if you join us…or maybe it's best to go somewhere a little more private. I don't want them to make too much connecting with me and young Midoriya. Maybe I should as Nezu."

"Oh no. Not with you. Anyone but you. I rather sit with the human megaphone and mummy."

"I don't think Mic or Easerhead would appreciate that."

"I don't care. Even the dominatrix is better than a smiling idiot like you."

"Now I know Midnight is an R rated hero, but there's no need to call her that. Besides what's wrong with me?"

"Well for one, you're not letting me do my job as a Servamp. Now let me go!"

"No."

"…I hate you."

"I know."

Sighing heavily, Izuku turned away from his bickering mentors and started to make his way to the student seating area. That's when abruptly he bumped into someone unexpected. His shock was obvious in his eyes as he greeted them. "Oh hey, Todoroki. I didn't notice you were there." The other boy just stared at him in complete silence. It was like he was analysing him from top to bottom. It made the young hero feel uneasy like he was caught doing something wrong. Eventually, the silence became unbearable. He had to break it. "Hum… you need something?" It was the only thing he could think of.

With a few more seconds of silence, Todoroki finally responded. "You were with All Might. You gave him your fox."

Now he defiantly felt like he did something wrong. He gulped back his shock and decided to play along. It's not like he said anything about One for all. All he did was ask his teacher to take care of his pet fox for him. Nothing strange here. "Uh…yeah...Kurama was being kind of a hassle and since All Might was around, I asked him to take care of him. He said it was ok so…yeah."

"He called you 'my boy'"

It was an odd thing for Todoroki to point out. With an arched eyebrow, Izuku tilted his head confused. "Yeah. He said that. He says that from time to time to all the guys. Is there something wrong with that?"

"You two seem close. A little too close." Now things were getting serious. The air in the room became far more intense. It almost suffocated the other boy. Did he figure out their secret? No that's not possible. How could he figure it out with just that conversation? Izuku's legs became weak as Todoroki stepped closer with such power. The next thing he knew he was up against the wall. There's no running away. Especially when his aggressor is right in front of him. He shivered at the closeness as they both stared in each other's eyes. "You look nothing like him. Do you take to your mother?"

"Huh?" Again, another odd thing to say. Just where is he going with this? "Hum… yeah. Everyone tells me I have her eyes and hair colour."

"Hum…" Todoroki began eyeing the boy again. It made him even more uncomfortable and panicky. Soon his dual eyes landed on hair. The smaller boy yelped when they regained eye contact once again. "You do kind of have his curls. Your hair is so messy."

Slightly offended, Izuku hunched his head down and covered both his arms. "Hey, my mom says it's charming! It remains her a lot about… dad." There was an obvious sadden tone in his voice. It was almost heart-breaking like a broken melody.

Unfortunately, Todoroki was too dense to pick it up. He was more concerned about what he said rather than how he said it. "So, you are the son of All Might."

That sent a lot of mixed emotion. Should he be angry that he was mistaken for All Might's son or flattered? Should he be confused about how he came up with such a ridiculous notion or should he just call him downright stupid? He doesn't know. There was too much going on in his head to think straight. "Wait, what! What makes you think I'm All Might's son? I'm not his son. Though that would be super cool. Not saying that my real dad isn't cool. He's amazing. Always really kind to both me and my mom form what I could remember. Even though he was always away because of work. Not that I'm angry about that! He needed to support us and all. But he was always so absorbed in his work. He still makes time for us! He would always tell me the craziest of stories about mythical creatures. He was obsessed with them. He loved to study them and ancient runes and a bunch of other stuff. He's just as obsessed with that as I am with heroes. And I know he loves me and my mom a lot…"

"Enough!" Todoroki demanded. If he wasn't going to say something the other boy would most likely go on and on for who knows how long. "I suppose it doesn't matter whether you are or not. There's still a connection between you two, right? Something that can be made public." Now that's something that he couldn't deny. Izuku wasn't much of a liar anyway and his silence was more than telling. "I see. Either way, you know my father, Endeavor the number 2 hero. If you're connected to the number 1 hero, then that's even more of a reason I need to beat you."

Taken back by the boy's word he could only ask one thing: "What do you mean?"

And so, Todoroki began his tragic story. How his father blinded by ambition bounded his mother into a quirk marriage. All to make the perfect offspring. One that could surpass All Might himself. He talks about how his father would train him relentlessly and make his mother cry oh so many times. One day the poor woman couldn't take it and turned her aggression to her youngest son. In the spur of the moment she poured boiling water on his left side forever scaring the poor child. Both physically and emotionally. Since that day he hated his father. That won't change anything time soon. "I won't become his tool. I'll show him. I'll reject his power and win this tournament using the quirk my mother gave me. The connection between you and All Might is clear. So, I'll beat you only using my right side. Izuku Midoriya."

There was silence. Utter silence. How was the young Eve supposed to respond to a story like that? No words could possibly help him now. It's not like her could change the past.

Unbeknownst to the both of them, there were two others listening into their conversation. At some point, Kurama managed to escape All Might's or should I say Toshinori's hold. Now back in his true form, he held the fox tight in his arms while planting his back to a nearby wall. They were tucked away in the shadows out of view of the two boys. Good thing too. Who knows how they would react if they knew they were there. "To think Endeavor would go that far just to beat me. I can't believe it," the wounded hero was in shock. How should he go about this? He couldn't very well interfere. That would surely end up messy. Then again, he couldn't ignore this either. What to do?

"I sensed melancholy from that child when I first saw him. However, I never thought it would be to this extent." Anger was racing through the small fox's body. "How despicable. We should destroy that man."

"Tsubaki, it isn't that simple," Toshinori whispered at the blood hungry fox. "We don't have the right nor the proof to do anything to him. That and he's the number two hero. Something like this would ruin him if we could prove it. That and Todoroki's mother still in mental care. Who would take care of her if he goes down. I can't even begin to imagine the repercussions this would put on hero society. It would be chaotic."

"We can't very well let him go on knowing this," Kurama growled quietly. "There has to be something we can do. You, humans, have a legal law thing. Can't you use that to take him down? I'm sure there are plenty of wannabe heroes that can take his place if he's gone."

Toshinori argued back in a whisper tone. "Well yes but I don't know much about it. I'm a hero, not a lawyer. In any case, we can't do anything right now. A case like this would take months to get checked out before it could be taken to court."

"So, you're just going to let that guy go. Some symbol of peace you are."

"Tsubaki…"

"Todoroki!" The bickering duo was silenced as they here Izuku called out the other boy. "Just so you know I'm entering the tournament with a handicap as well, but not for the same reasons you are." He clenched his fist and stared at his Servamp mark wrapped around his hand. He could feel the tingling sensation of Kurama's fangs from the first time he bit him. He can't deny he was a big reason he made in this far in the sports festival. It was almost effortless. And for that reason… "I'm really lucky to have so many people in my corner pushing me to be my best. They helped so much to get this far. In some cases, a little too much." He thought back to the times where Kurama had saved him in the last second. When they were fighting against that Nomu, getting Tomua to talk to him, fending off Kacchan in the race and protecting his instant win ticket form none other than Todoroki. "They've helped me so much, so I need to return that kindness by helping myself. I can't keep improve myself if I keep relying on them. So, I'm going in this alone. I want to see just how far I can go by using 100% of my power, not anyone else's."

The stuck a cord with the small fox. He was beginning to understand. If that's how his Eve truly feels then he will submit. "Let's go. There is nothing else to do here."

Toshinori was shocked by the fox's sudden cooperation. "I thought you wanted to fight with him."

"If he wants to see how far he could go without me then so be it." I just hope I don't live to regret it. The Servamp kept that last piece to himself as both him and the weaken hero walked away with heavy hearts and uncertain thoughts.

---

This is it my first match of the tournament. I'll be facing off against a general education student, Hitoshi Shinso. From what my classmate, Ojiro, told me he has some sort of mind control quirk that activates when you talk to them. He used it on him to get far in the cavalry battles. It for that reason, he bowed out of the torment. He didn't want to continue without knowing how he got that far. It's noble really. Maybe I should have done the same. It's too late to turn back now. I must keep moving on for my sake and theirs. I can't disappoint All ight and I need to prove to Kurama I can fight on my own. I don't need him to hold my hand. There's just one problem. How I'm I suppose to fight him without talking? Wait a second….

The young boy glanced at the mark across his hand in wonder. He gently stroked it with a wave of his thumb. "I've never tried to do it outside of the training sessions with Kurama. But if it works, I can probably win this fight." The speakers called out his name and he lifted his head to the light before him. With clenched fists, he took a deep breath and sighed. "Well now's a good as time as any to test it out." He marched out into the light as the crowds cheered for action. He kept those cheers at the back of his mind. Right now, he needs to focus on the enemy ahead.

He was a lean boy for his age. Not much in the muscle department but nowhere near skinny. His lilac eyes had large black circles over them. Izuku would have thought it was a weird makeup style but form closer inspect it would seem he haven't slept in weeks. His hair was like a mad scientist from the 90s cartoons spiked out in curls of a bluey-purple. Lazily, he walked on to the area staring him down with a bored expression. Before the match could properly begin, he started talking: "So, you can just give up like that? I just think that monkey is an idiot for throwing away his chance like that."

Izuku looked physically hurt. How dare he make fun of one of his classmates like that. To make things worse the other student was just smiling gleefully. It rubbed him the wrong way. He just had to growl. Opening his mouth, he almost yelled at him then stopped. Calm down Izuku he's just trying to get under your skin, so he can catch you in his quirk. You need to be smarter than that. They're watching after all. With that in mind, he gazed over at the crowds and spotted his mentor among the general public. He sat close to the front holding a stoic Kurama in his arms. He couldn't make a fool of himself in the first match. Now while they're watching. His rage simmered down as he calmly held out his arms. Suddenly, his tattoo glowed a mossy green and out came a black pen and a notebook. The other student looked at the green haired boy confusedly as he wrote in the notebook with lightning speed. It read as so:

Don't you dare talk about Ojiro in that way! He worked hard to get into the hero program and got as far as he did. He didn't want to continue because he thought it was unfair that he got here without knowing how. I thought it was very noble of him.

He stared at the page nervously. He hoped it would work. With a flick of a pen, the message was gone.

Bewildered, Shinso just stared back at the green haired child. Just what on earth was he doing? What kind of weird quirk is this? Then he heard a voice in his brain that made his heart skip a beat or two. "What the hell was that?"

Izuku's eyes lit up. Form the expression on his face that must mean that the message was sent. Therefore, he could send messages to others and not just Kurama. This would work well on gathering intel and sending it off to someone else. But how? Does he need to physically see the person the message was intended for? Or could it be done another way? An experiment for another time. For now, he needs to confirm his current suspicions. So, he wrote a new message.

You can hear me?

"Ok, now I'm weirded out." Shinso glared at the only person that it could possibly be doing this sorcery. "You're that voice in my head just now. Aren't you?"

With a giddy smile, Izuku nodded like a nodded head like a puppy getting praised. His anger from before was crushed by the happiness of this new discovery. Oh, the things he could do. He needed to run tests on this right after the festival. Maybe he could as All Might and his mom as test subjects. He could even try long distance messages with Tomura. Then again it would be hard to get a replay from him. Not like he could send a message back… or can they. Maybe if he rips a sheet form this book, they could write it in. Is it even possible to rip a sheet out? So many questions.

"Ok well… what are we supposed to do now?"

With his train of thought ruined, Izuku turned his attraction back to his opponent. He tilted his head at him wondering what he meant.

Sighing at the sight, Shinso faced palmed himself and shook his head. "Are you an idiot or something? I can't active my quirk without you talking to me so we're kind of at a stalemate here. Our quirks cancel each other out. So, what do we do now?"

He had a point. He couldn't use his quirk if Izuku keeps using his lead like this. So, what now? I guess I could use my shield and sword to fight him off but that sounds extremely unfair. Unlike Mei, he doesn't have any gear to fight back with. It would be a one-sided battle. The Eve would like to at least give him a chance. That only leaves one option. Quickly, Izuku wrote down his suggestion.

We fight hand to hand.

Shinso tired eyes widened at the suggestion. I mean it really is the only option right now. If they can't use their quirks, then they hand to just brawl it out. There was just one problem. He doesn't really know how to fight. He was so used to using his quirk to get there he never really thought of a case that he couldn't be able to use it. So even with a simple suggestion like that this was going to be a one-sided battle. He could dwell on those thoughts for long. Not when Izuku was rushing right at him. "Whoa." He just barely managed to dodge the first punch, but he couldn't prepare for the second one right after. It was a direct hit on the nose that forced him to fall back. With a scream of pain, the poor boy cupped his bleeding nose. "Shit." No time for a break. Izuku was still on the attack. Shiue rolled away to miss the punch. He jumped back to his feet and walked back as far as he could making sure he never stepped out of bounds. He may not win but it not like he'll give up trying.

With an arched eyebrow, Izuku re-summoned his book and pen and wrote:

What's wrong? Why aren't you fighting back? You can't win if you don't punch me you know.

Shinso scoffed at how to know it all the boy sounded in his head. "Well excuse me. I'm not a hero student. I've never been taught hand to hand combat. Oh, lucky you to be blessed with a quirk that not only bypasses mine but was good enough for the hero course. God damn it all!"

Izuku's heart dropped. He began to see just how one-sided this battle was. Shinso wasn't properly trained therefore he couldn't really fight back. He should have called that form his body type. He didn't really have any muscles to speak of. It really was even more unfair than he previously thought. With a sad smile, Izuku spoke for the first time in this battle. "I really am such a bad matchup for you, huh? You can't even show off your quirk. I'm sorry…I guess I should just end this quickly."

With wide eyes, Shinso growled back at the young hero. "Oh, so you do have a voice. For all this time I thought you were mute. Don't you dare give me those pity eyes! It's not my fault I was born with a villain's quirk. I never asked for this!"

Shinso. He really couldn't help how he feels. It really was bad luck he was paired with him. If it were someone else, he'd have a better chance. But he couldn't change it. Setting his legs apart he crouched down to rush him. I really am sorry. With that one thought, he sprinted towards his opponent as fast as his legs could take him. In no time at all, he grabbed his shoulders and pushed him almost effortlessly.

He's going to push me out of bounds. Unfortunately, the gen ed student was too physically weak to go against him. However, that doesn't mean he's not going to try. "Let go." With his free hand, he punched the boy as hard as he could. It slowed him down a bit, but it wasn't enough. He was still going. Time to change tactics. "I said let go!" This time he kicked the boy in the shins. It disrupted his balance and caused the Eve to trip. Now it's time to get the upper hand. "You want a hand to hand fight. Then fine I'll show you my hands." He dropped himself on top of the boy and tried to punch his face repeatedly. It was like a typical delinquent first fight before quirk. It was barbaric.

Too bad for him, Izuku had dealt with beating much worst. Compared to the number of times his bullies would punch he Shinso's felt like pillows. That and taking any one of Bakugo's explosions was no cake walk. It was easy to catch both his fists and rolled to dominate him. Weakened by how much effort he put to those wild punches, all Shinso could do was pant. He was under the mercy of Izuku and luck for him Izuku had a lot of mercy. With another sad smile, he apologised once again. Then he lifted the boy by his shirt and flung him right off the arena like he weighed nothing.

"AND THAT CONCLUDES THE FIRST MATCH FOLKS. NOT REALLY EXCITING BUT LET'S GIVE IT UP TO OUR WINNER IZUKU MIDORIYA!"

Izuku didn't bother to bass in the glory. Instead, he rushed over to Shinso. He was flat on the ground hiding his eyes covered thanks to his arms. "Are you ok?"

"Why did it have to be you," he hissed spitefully. "Out of all the people I could have matched up against. Why did it have to be the guy who counters my quirk? And why did he have to be so jacked! Life's not fair." He removed his arms to reveal his tear stained eyes. "I failed miserably. This was supposed to be my chance to show I'm more than just some guy with a villain's quirk. Ha, maybe this is a sign for me to give up."

"Don't be like that." With a smile the rivalled the sun Shinso was staring into, Izuku reached out for his hand. "Your quirk is amazing or, so I hear. Can you really control anyone just by talking to them?" the sudden questioned stunned the fallen boy. All he could do was nodded while mindlessly accepting the hand. "That's so cool. You could do a lot with a quirk like that. I mean you can defuse any situation so easily. I mean if a villain tries to rob a bank all you need do is say something like: 'why show we give you any money' and they'll be putty in your hands. Or if villains have a hostage you could just tell them to give them back with a problem. Or if you're outnumbered by a group could turn them against each other. Which begs the question can you control multiple people? How far do they need to be so you could control them? could it work through a phone…"

As Izuku dragged on with his onslaught of questions, Shinso had a question of his own. "Why couldn't you be this talkative in our fight? That would have helped a lot."

Embarrassed, Izuku scratched his cheeks. "Sorry about that. I ramble a lot. Still, don't give up! A quirk like yours would be so valuable on the field. So, what if you haven't been able to show it off. You got as far as the first stage and that's impressive in on itself. And there's always next year. Just train up your hand to hand combat skills that would help you a lot trust me. You're not really that strong. Physical I mean. Not that your quirk isn't strong it is. Really game changing really. I'd love to see it in action in a really fight."

"…really?"

Enthusiastically, Izuku nodded. "yeah that would be really cool. I think you'd do great in the underground hero work with a quirk like yours. You can ask my sensei about it! I think he'd be a great help."

"Humph, like that would have."

"Hey you never know," Izuku laughed. His eyes were so earnest as he gazed at Shinso. It always made the other boy hot just be looking at them. "Just don't give up ok? I really do think a power like yours will do well in hero work."

Shinso smirked, "who said anything about giving up."

"That's the spirit!"

"AWE… WHAT A SIGHT OF CAMARADERIE. GIVE IT UP FOR OUR TWO FIGHTERS, SHINSO AND MIDORIYA!"

"See I told you he'd be fine," Toshinori said proudly while looking down at the grumpy fox in his lap.

Kurama gave him the stink eye while whipping his tails. Warning him not to get too close. "Humph. Well, of course, with a weak opponent like that. That fight was just not interesting at all. The outcome was so obvious from the beginning." His eyes wandered down below as he met eyes with his smiling Eve. He waved at them happily before disappearing through the entrance hallways. A smirk touched his lips. "Though I have to say if all the opponents end up being this pathetic then there will be no need to step in after all. I suppose I'll take a nap. It will be a while till my Eve's next match. Let me sleep till then." With a yawn, the fox curled up into a ball and closed his tired eyes.

Meanwhile, Toshinori was a little surprise the little fox would just sleep like that. Then again, he only really cares about Izuku so he supposed it made sense. So he allowed the fox to sleep, occasionally stroking his soft fur as the matches went on. It was amazing to see just how much his students have grown as they fought one another. A sense of pride filled him up knowing he taught these amazing children. They'll do well in the future he was sure. Everything was going well until a certain matchup came up. Young Todoroki against young Sero. It was an extremely quick match. He did his best not to move and wake the sleeping fox, but he didn't have to. The cold did that for him.

"Why is it suddenly…" The fox's sleepy words were stolen once he saw the massive mountain of ice a hair's distance away from them. "Well, that explains the sudden cold…who?"

"Young Todoroki," Toshinori stated absentmindedly as he gazes at the sheer size of the iceberg.

"Yup, he'll be a problem…Bye." Before Kurama could dash off Toshinori caught him by the collar. "Let me go! I can't let my Eve face that monster."

"Young Todoroki is a child and we don't know if he's going up against him yet. Why don't you just calm down? Young Midoriya's next match should begin right after they defrost the stadium."

"How the hell do you expect me to calm down after see that!"

The two then proceed to argue prompting the people nearby to move. They rather not get into that dogfight. Or would be more appropriate fox fight. They bickered one what they have bickered before. How Toshinori should just let him go to his Eve before he gets hurt. As for a counter argument same old same old, the child needs to learn to fight on his own. They argued for so long that before they knew it, Izuku's next match was about to begin.

"ALRIGHT FOLKS I THINK WE CHILLED OUT LONG ENOUGH. LET'S GET READY FOR THE NEXT MATCH. FORM CLASS A, THE BOY WHO STARED WITH THE MOST BORING FIGHT, IZUKU MIDORIYA! AND HIS OPPONENT THE GREEN HAIRED GARDEN BEAUTY FROM B CLASS, IBARA SHIOZAKI!"

The two students walked on two the arena. They faced each other in a heated standoff.

"Ok Toshinori, Fill me in. What's this girl's deal," Kurama immediately dropped the agreement they've gone on two for the last who knows how many minutes.

Toshinori was quick to follow suit as well, as his eyes were fixed at the match below. "Right, that's Ibara Shiozaki she's a B class student so I don't know much about her. From what I could tell from her fight against Kaminari, her quirk allows her to control the vines on her head. She can grow them to any size she desires and moves them at will."

"Ah ha, is that all?"

"Uh, …yeah why?"

Meanwhile, down below Izuku ready his book and pen while Shiozaki held her hands in prayer. She laughed at the boy trying not to sound too condescending. "Ha! What do you expect to do with a book and a pen? Your quirk will be useless against me." Her thorny green hair started to wriggle behind here. They were itching to win. "I apologise now for such a bad matchup." Her hair came to life. Like an army of thorny snakes, they quickly surrounded their prey. They captured the boy easily, roping him up and lifting him off the ground. "This battle is over."

The statement made the boy that. It creepily resembled his Servamp partner. Especially with the way he smiled. It was a fake kind of innocent. Almost mocking. "Do you really think that pen and book is my only trick. If that's so then you're mistaken." Suddenly something poked through the vines cutting way their hold on him. "This battle isn't over yet." Before the vine girl could even begin to process what was happening, Izuku sliced his way free. It was as easy as cutting grass. Now free form his green prison he pointed his blade at his opponent while forming his shield on his left side. "I have more than one trick after all."

"WHOA! WHERE DID THAT SWORD AND SHIELD COME FROM?"

"I'm surprised you didn't ask about them earlier. Midoriya has been using them throughout the entire festival."

"NO WAY! SERIOUSLY?"

"Well yeah how could you not notice them?"

"WAIT IF HE COULD HAVE DONE THAT THIS WHOLE TIME. WHY DIDN'T HE USE IT IN HIS LAST MATCH? IT WOULD HAVE BEEN A LOT MORE INTERESTING."

"It would also have been a lot short. My guess is that he felt bad to use them on an opponent that couldn't fight back."

"Huh… WELL, THAT WAS NICE OF HIM. ANYWAY, LET'S GET ON WITH THE MATCH!"

Gracefully, Izuku leapt cross the field never staying in one spot for too long. If he did, he could get captured again not like it was much of a problem. He could easily cut his way free, so it was more of a minor incontinence. That didn't stop Shiozaki form trying as she slashed out relentlessly. She moved her vines as randomly while trying to find an opening. Although, that was easier said than done when the boy simply cutting her attacks or deflecting them. Not only that but he was unexpectedly nimble for someone of his build. Even when she tried a surprise attack from the ground, he jumped off the oncoming vines and stashed beneath him. It was infuriating trying to catch him for a second time. when the vines became lifeless pieces on the ground, Izuku just laughed in somewhat victory. "As predicted, your vines loss power once they get cut from the main source. They're still plants and plants start to die when they're cut."

Shiozaki Clicked her teeth. "So, what if that's true. That doesn't mean you won yet," she yelled as she launched another attack of vines.

"You're right but I do know what to do." With elegant and precision, he chopped them down in seconds letting the green pieces fall where they may. With his target on sight, he conditioned his body to get dash through more incoming obstacles. "I hope you don't mind me giving you a haircut." He charged died ahead of him cutting all that comes in his way.

Back in the stands, Toshinori watched in awe, "Wow I never knew young Midoriya was so good at swords play."

"Oh, trust me he wasn't but I was still able to teach him the basics."

This sudden piece of information was a shock to the hero. "Wait you taught him swords play? Since when?"

"Since I found out his second stage lead was a blade and shield. As someone who uses a blade, I thought it would be best to teach him." Kurama thought back to those little training sessions. It was like watching him training to be ready to receive All for one all over again. Only this time the reason why he ends up with his face planted on the ground was that he put his face on the ground. As much as he loved his Eve like hell, he would baby him during training. If he wanted to learn he'll learn the hard way. The very, very hard way. It took some practice what with him tripping off his feet, but he got the basic steps down now. That and he can dodge/ parry 10% of the times he attacked the boy head on. Better than the 0% they started with. Honestly, with the number of clothes he chopped up he started to feel guilty for using such a rough training method. Inko gave him a stern talking to about it as well. Believe it or not but she's scary when she's mad. The mere thought made him shiver.

As Toshinori watch his young student masterfully wielded the blade, edging closer and closer to his target. To be frank he was kind of jealous if not slightly ashamed. Other than training the boy to again a body strong enough to handle All For one; he has done any training for him to use it. Now that he thought about it, Izuku hasn't used the quirk for the entire festival. He doesn't know whether that's a bad or a good thing just yet. On one hand, Izuku's body still can't handle the quirk as he still breaks himself when using it. On the other, if he doesn't use it than what was the point in ever giving it to him? "You taught him well," He complimented the fox distancing himself from some unsightly thoughts. "You must be quite the swordsman yourself."

"I am quite good if I do say so myself," the fox gloated with is chest puffed out. Then that sly glint came to his eyes. With a smirk, he glace up at the broken hero. "In fact, I bet I can bet you, all mighty symbol of peace."

"Ah ha ha. I do like a challenge."

"You better prepare yourself then, No Might. I am Sensei's perfect creation."

"Oh really?"

"Really."

"AND WITH THAT THIS MATCH IS OFFICIALLY OVER! IZUKU MIDORIYA ADVANCES TO THE SEMI-FINALS!"

With the interruption of the crowd cheers, the two teachers glanced down to the arena. There were countless broken vines scattered around. Each of them losing their lush green colour. Not too far away, in fact just right outside the boundaries, lay a defeat Shiozaki on her knees. She had a brand-new hairstyle what with it chopped above her shoulders. Then there was Izuku giving her a helping hand up like a proper gentleman. It seemed to touch her quite a bit since her face became flushed. It didn't help much when the boy said this: "Sorry for cutting your hair. If it's any constellation you look really cute with short hair." That made her blush more.

Proudly, Kurama smiled as the two students when on their way and the clean-up crew hopped in to clean up the mess they made. "That's my Eve. Maybe he didn't need my help after all." He'll eats soon eat those words. He witnessed the next few fights silently with Toshinori. He was too giddy watching that god damn Bakugo getting rip apart by the audience. He was going far too hard on one of his eve's closest friend: Uraraka. She was so close to winning too. He would have loved seeing that brat crushed in that pile of rocks but no. The brat just had to be strong enough to blast them away. Damn that Bakugo and poor Uraraka. Her human body failed her so Bakugo was given the win sadly. The next match ended rather quickly as well. Tokoyami was against that girl with the creating quirk. He would have thought the fight would be a more interesting. That was far from true. It was an easy victory with Tokoyami pushing her out of bounds. Then there was the last match. The match that changed his happy mood.

"THAT'S IT EVERYONE. OUR FINALISTS ARE ACCOUNTED FOR. NEXT MATCH WILL BE ARE SURPRISING KNIGHT, IZUKU MIDORIYA AGAINST THE KING OF ICE, SHOTO TODOROKI!"

…

Zoom!

"Oh no you don't" Toshinori caught the fox in the nick of time once again. that didn't stop the fox form trying as he comically ran on hind like but never moving anywhere. "Now I know this seems bad, but I think the boy still has a chance."

"NO! I need to be there with him. I can't let him face that monster alone. Let me go Toshinori. Let me go!"

His wail went unheard as the weaken hero slow dragged him closer to his lap.

"IZUKU!"

---

One more match then I'll be in the finals. But to get there I must go through one person. Todoroki. He thought back to the conversation they had earlier that day. He couldn't get over the cold look in the boy's eyes. They looked so sad yet so full of rage. Honestly, with a story like his, he'd be the perfect MC for a comic book. It made him feel lesser in comparison, but he can't let that get to him. Not when so many are watching him. He'll fight, and he'll win.

"NOW ON TO THE FIRST MATCH OF THE SEMI-FINALS!"

It's time. With one deep breath, he marched out to the blinding light and cheery crowds. But they all were drowned by the pounding in his chest. He knows how strong his opponent was. he might even have to use that quirk just to have a chance. He if it breaks his body, he'll do whatever it takes to win…no. One look into the eyes of his opponents made him realise something. If he's willing to do whatever it takes to win this fight, then so should Todoroki. He must want this as much as he does. So, if Todoroki will not give this battle 100% of his power then he'll make him by using 100% of own his. With that conviction engraved in his heart, Izuku summoned his blade and shield. This time, instead of pointing his blade out like he did in his last fight, he covered his body with his shield. If his prediction is correct, he should start out with a large ice attack. He was rarely wrong, and this time was no different.

The second they were giving the heads up to go, Todoroki launched a massive ice attack. Like a wave of pure ice in crashed across the arena grounds aiming to swallow him whole in its icy clutches. It will devour him.

But Izuku was prepared somewhat. While training with his leads, his Servamp informed him that they can become anything he imagines so long as they still resemble the original item. Although he hasn't fully explored their capabilities, he knew that it is possible. He did it once in a state of panic during the Nomu fight. In hopes to remake the event, he thrust his shield forward. It shifted and changed as it flowed of energy circled outwards. It quickly races around him in a dome of black and a green aura. It rooted itself to the ground as for its owner's wishes. The impact of the ice was obvious as he felt himself being dragged back. However, thanks to his rooted dome shield he was able to take it at full force. Once he felt the push stop, he lowered his shield back to its original form. with eyes of awe, he looked at the beauty around him. It was an expanded mirror image of himself all around him. the walls were so clear and smooth like the inside of a glass marble. It was cool to the touch of course. In fact, he was freezing. He better gets out of there fast if he didn't want to catch a cold. "Ok well let's see how this goes." He pointed his sword up at an angle. It flashed with a glow of bright green before extending itself. It cracked the surface but didn't go all the way through. "Well, this could take some time." Slowly but surely, it chipped away at the ice prison as the blade extended up and down repeating at a rapid pace.

Meanwhile, outside of it, Todoroki watch as the seconds walked by. He should have won by now, right? But it was way too easy. If Midoriya truly does have a connection to All Might it wouldn't be so easy to defeat him. He was right. There was this chipping sound coming from within the ice dome. No, it was more like a gentle yet constant hammering sound. Like something was trying to break free. Something with a jackhammer. The crowds when quiet as they listened into the ongoing sound.

Tap tap tap tap tap tap!

On and on it went. That's when cracks started to form around the ice. It crackled at the constant vibrations. That it happened. Green and black, sharp object poked out of the ice. It sliced down in all angles with quick swings that could put speeder quirk to shame. Then, one by one, the ice fell to piece. They slid on top of the other till it revealed the whole picture: Izuku Midoriya holding his shield and an extremely lengthy version of his blade. Now that its job was done it shrunk back to regular size.

A cocky smirk formed on Izuku's lips while he proudly pointed his blade at his opponent. "Is that all you got?" he taunted. The shock on the other boy's face switched to one of annoyance. Aggressively, he launched another blast of ice. The young Eve was quick to respond as he held his shield up again for protection. It grew and expanded into a shell-like bubble once more. The ice climbed over, but it appeared to be a weaker blast from the first. It couldn't even engulf the bubble like it did last time. This made it an easy task for Izuku to slice the obstacle away. "You're going to need to do better than that, Todoroki."

The dual quirk user gritted his teeth. He knew it wouldn't but easy, but it didn't even cross his mind that it would be this annoying. "You want more? Fine. Let's see you handle this." And so, began the game of cat and mouse. Todoroki being the frustrated cat and Izuku being the nimble mouse. No matter how many times Todoroki would try and capture Izuku in his ice, the boy always found a way: to dodge, block and even cut his way through. It was near impossible to grab him. It was made harder form the fact he used so much energy at the beginning as attempt to end this match swiftly. The toll on his body was becoming obvious as frost started to appear on his right side. "Damn it." Inching ever closer, Izuku broke through all of Todoroki's defences. It's because of this he was able to land a good hit with his shield right on top of his opponent. The boy yelped out at the sudden rush of pain.

"AND WITH THAT MIDORIYA LANDED THE FIRST KILLER BLOW! HAS THE EVER-POWERFUL TODOROKI MET HIS MATCH?"

"What's the matter, Todoroki? You're slowing down." Then it clicked inside his head the moment he spotted the frost becoming more prominent. "I see." While he was distracted with his thoughts, a fatal mistake in the heat of battle, Todoroki saw the opportunity and took it. Sneakily, he made precise one I blast to this opponent's arm. It worked in his previous match. Perhaps it will work a second time. Izuku never even noticed till it was almost too late. The frost crawled up his blade as well as his arm. Almost like frostbite itself, its goal was to capture him whole in its frosty clutches. "Oh no."

"You forgot I could do precise shots too huh?" Todoroki mocked as his sluggish gathered some distance between them. "Iida made the same mistake and you will pay the same price he did." Izuku watched helplessly as the ice climbed higher and higher but he wasn't done. No way he'll let this be the end. With one forceful strike Izuku was able to cut away free by bashing his shield on the ice's source. However, even with the connection of ice was cut, it was still a perfect opportunity for Todoroki to make another strike. So, he shot another blast of ice.

Everything went slow for the young Eve. So many options swarmed his mind. Should I Block It? I must block it. My shield can take it. But with that size, he could knock me out of the ring. Then I'll lose. I can't let that happen just yet. So, I need to cut it, but I can't. My sword and arm are frozen… I don't have any more options. I said I'll give this fight my all, so I must use it. A sparking sensation and heat built up in his frozen arm. It now or never. His shield disappeared, and his arm sparked with energy. With a holder of pain, he yelled at the top of his lungs, "SMASH!". That single punch was able to shatter that whole blast of ice, but it came at a painful price. "AAAHHH!" Izuku screamed in agonising pain. The arm he used when completely limp as blood sprouted out from small openings. It looked painful. It was painful. His entire arm looked like it was crushed by cinder blocks from the way it was coloured by a sickly bloody bruised colour.

The crowd was in utter shock from the massive display of strength as well as the pain it caused. Who could ever expect that kid from the first match had the ability to cause such damage. "Did I forgot to mention Midoriya has super strength." Announced the lazy announcer.

"SAY WHAT? YOU KNEW ABOUT THIS MUMMY MAN?"

"Well yeah. It was the only part of his quirk I did know."

"WHAT KIND OF QUIRK DOES THIS KID HAVE?"

"Your guess is as good as mine."

"It's easy to forget quirks are physical abilities. So, everyone has a limit even you," Izuku hissed in pain as he tried to move his broken free arm. It was of no use. Still, he continued to try as if proving a point. "Listen we are all giving it our all. I'm even using this side of my quirk. Even though I know it will hurt me. All so I can beat you, Todoroki." Some way somehow, he was able to make a fist and lift his broken arm as high as he could pointing it to the very shocked Todoroki. "You haven't made a scratch on me. Yet you're already starting to freeze thanks to all the ice you were shooting. Stop messing around Todoroki and come at me with all you got!" He bravely declared as his sword materializing into his uninjured arm while his shield strapped itself on his broken arm. It would be awkward fighting like this given he was right handed but that won't stop him. And so, the battle continued. It was a bloody mess of ice as Todoroki did everything in his power to freeze Izuku. But his movements were slow and even with a broken arm, Izuku was still just as fast as before. Eventually, he landed another clean hit. "Fight back will you!"

"I'm trying!" Todoroki shouted back as he shot another predictable ice blast which Izuku easily dodged. It was getting boring.

Baring his teeth like an enraged animal, Izuku shouted back, "You're not trying hard enough!" Once again, he made another sold hit at the boy. At this rate, he will lose and Izuku hated that thought. He can't win like this. Not like this. "Come on Todoroki! Look at me. One of my arms is completely shattered and I'm still beating you. Fight back! Give me something more than ice." He wanted the win, but he wanted to deserve the win. He wanted to make Todoroki understand he couldn't fight with half his strength this forever. "I'm giving this fight everything I got! So, should you!"

The dual quirk boy sees what he's trying to do. It was madness. Downright insanity. He won't do it. He'll never do it. He'll never use that bastard's quirk. He'll become a great hero without it and laugh in his flaming face. He won't give him such satisfaction to watch him use it. "I will reject him. I'll reject him and his quirk. I'll never use it you hear me!" yelled as he stumbled clumsily.

That just made Izuku angry. Angry that this boy was so blessed with power yet was so childish not to use it. He understands why yet he doesn't understand at all. They lived such opposites lives of the spectrum. Him without a quirk and then gaining something he could only dream of. Then there's Todoroki born with everything yet lacked the love in life. Perhaps he could never understand but there's one thing for certain. One fact that will always remain true no matter how you look at it. ""It's your quirk! Not his!" he said it so loudly. So proud. He needs to understand that he needs to hear it. "You can reject him as much as you want but don't you dare believe you can be the top hero without using your full power. Everyone is pushing their selves higher than ever before. So, don't you dare think you're supposed to be any exception! Do you here me Todoroki? Use your quirk!"

Somehow it resonated with the heart of Todoroki. It awakened old beloved memories of his mother and him watching All Might. Him saying that quirk doesn't define a person. He could be who he wants to be. He doesn't need to be like…who was he again? Who cares. Right at the moment whoever it was doesn't matter. What does was winning this match. Suddenly, the ice boy combusted into flames. That sudden burst of flames was enough to completely melt the ice on the boy's body. This is it. Everything he has. He'll give Izuku exactly what he wanted. And the cherry on top? The boy was smiling at him. He was actually smiling. "You're crazy you know that?"

Izuku nonchalantly shrugged his shoulders, "I've been called worst"

"Ah ha ha…well, Midoriya this is it. Everything I got. I hope you don't regret what's about to come."

Confidently, he shook his head, "I won't"

This guy really is crazy. To think he'd go so far to push him. Well there's no turning back now. "Heh…if you say so. AAHHH!" the boy screamed with all his might. His flames grew intense on one half of his body while the other froze him in place. Despite this terrifying and intense fight, Izuku was still smiling. He smiled through all of it like some madman. Todoroki just had to laugh that this boy's insanity. Even so, there is one thing he could tell the boy: "Thank you." With that, he let lose the nova of destruction.

The blast rapidly roared towards the young Eve as he formed his dome bubble shield for what would likely be his final time. He could only hope that it could withstand the power of the blast. However, the sheer power wasn't the only thing he should have been worried about. The heat that came with it was immense. It was too much to bare. The boy felt like he was cooking in an oven. Sweat poured down his red freckled face as his vision blurred. He couldn't take much more of this. He couldn't…he just…

Thud!

Then everything went black.

"IZUKU!

---

Huh? What's going on? There as this cooling sensation around his body. But how? Last, he remembered he was taking on Todoroki's combined ice and fire attack. He was cooking up like a crisp chicken just moments ago. So why does his body feel…normal? It was odd but not as odd as this sudden warmth. It wasn't the scorching heat of a violent flames. It was far more loving. Almost like he was being held in a hug. Steadily he opened his eyes. He saw a rainbow of colours all around him. They swirled in random directions is this bright void. There was a sense of mystical or perhaps spiritual energy around him. His eyes wandered and found he wasn't alone. He laid in the centre of a human chain circle. At least he thought they were humans. Their bodies were encased in shadow like mist with glowing eyes. Each of them had a distinct colour eye set and shape. Although, one of them looked all too familiar. "All Might?"

The shadow outline of his master said nothing. He just stared back with golden glowing eyes. Now that he thought about it, none of them spoke. They all just stared in silence. Then Izuku noticed something or rather someone outside this circle of shadow people. This person was different from the shadows. It felt like they didn't belong here. They were in all white. He couldn't tell whether they were male or female since half their body was covered back a paperwhite parasol. It had a familiar red flower designs of wisp-like tusnaki flowers decorated around its rim. It was the exact same design embroidered on the white cloak they worn. That wasn't the only thing familiar about them. That cloak was the exact same copy of the one his Servamp wore. Which could only mean one thing.

Angrily, Izuku growled as he marched past the shadow people. "Kurama, is this your doing? Did you put me in another pocket dimension? Look I appreciate the help, but I wanted to fight Todoroki by myself. Sure, I probably would have lost form that final attack but at least I lost knowing I gave it my all. I don't want…" That's when he noticed another strange thing. He was able to move his arms. Both of them! That shouldn't be possible. He knows he's broken one of them. He used One for all on it and even continued to use it to hold his shield. Yet there it is completely uninjured. "What? How could this? Kurama do you have a healing ability?"

The person behind the parasol said nothing. All they did was turn slight and pointed.

Confused, Izuku followed their finger and saw the group of shadows were huddle together. Now that he's got a better look at them, he counted that there were 8 in told. All had various sizes and shapes. Each of them held out a whips arm of shadows. In their palms was a single star of light. They all had individual colours that matched perfectly with their eyes. Then the star-lights fused together and formed one star of rainbows. It was the most beautiful thing he ever saw. Gently, the star hovered over to the young boy as he cupped it in his hands. It felt at home in his hand like he was always meant to have it.

"…"

Izuku flinched at the sudden whisper. "What? Could you say them again?" The whisper was so quiet he could barely hear it. Even though he could have sworn he heard multiple voices.

"…!"

"Huh? One for all?"

---

Meanwhile, "IZUKU!" the little fox was in a panic as he attempted to jump off on the arena floor. The only thing stopping him was a poor Toshinori was half way hung off the ledge. It was only thanks to a few kind crowd members he was able not to fall over. They kept the man anchored on the stable ground. Luckily, he was very light to it was easy to keep him stable. All the while the fox wiggled his limbs about between the man's bony figures. "Let me go Toshinori my Eve needs me!"

"Calm down, Tsubaki. You'll get yourself hurt if you fall down from this height," Toshinori begged as he tried to look down. They were a good 10 meters or so off the ground. A fall from the height could cause some serious injuries. He prayed in his mind it doesn't come to that. He's gone through enough in react years.

"Calm down? Calm down! My Eve got blasted by an ice and fire explosion and you expect me to calm down!" Kurama stopped his struggles and jumped on one of the man skinny arms. Elegantly yet swiftly, he ran up it before grabbing the man's tie with his little paws. He smashed their foreheads together and looked him dead in the eye. "Do you have any idea how stupid that sounds? No Might?" he spat in his face.

Ignoring the angry fox in his face as well as the spit he glanced back down to the arena and saw something unexpected. "hum…Tsubaki?"

"What!"

"You might want to look down."

The fox followed his directions and was equally shocked at what he saw. "What on earth is that?"

The audience was at a loss for words as they gaze in awe at the sight. There was a rainbow dome similar in shape to Izuku's back and green bubble shield formation. It shone brightly with light as the colours swirled around as if it was alive. Soon the dome dropped down to show a curled up Izuku right inside. There was a smirk on his face as he wobbly stood up. He stared at his surprise opponent with a smile. "Thank you, Todoroki. For giving it all you got. Now it's my turn." In his unbroken hand formed a sword of radiant rainbow light like the dome that protected him. He held the blade up as high as he could and as he did it grew twice as large. "Let's end this." A massive swirl of energy appeared on the scene as he said those words. The swords light grew brighter to the point of blinding.

Shielding his eyes from the light as well as the powerful winds, Toshinori yelled out "Tsubaki! What's going on?"

"I was hoping you knew," the fox yelled back as he too was finding trouble holding his ground. They all did. There was this wind. This push of extreme energy that kept forcing the audience back. Such a display of raw power had people almost flying from their seats. The funny thing about that was the fact the boy hasn't done anything yet. All he did was lift his sword high.

Time for the final strike. "ONE FOR ALL!" Izuku yelled as he slashed down the blade. It was an explosion like no other. It was enough to send a couple of people flying out of their seats as well as break the other half of the stadium. Debris flew from all sides as dusk clouds were forced to swirl rapidly with the force of power. It was like a bomb just hit the arena. Then there was quiet. All that was left was a dusk cloud from chaos. The audience waited in anticipation as the dusk fell. There was only one person still left on the final pieces of the battlefield. And that person was...

"GIVE IT UP TO OUR VICTOR! IZUKU MIDOIYA!"

The crowd roared for the boy's accomplishment. Never have any of them seen such a fight of such intensity and power. Not only that but he was able to beat one of the sport's festival's powerhouses. It was a sight to behold. Kurama hand tears in his eyes once he heard his eve was announced the winner. Choir of angels saw in his head as he looked down to confirm it. Sure, enough there he was holding his blade up like the champion he was. It was so wonderful. Emotions welled up inside his heart as the smile on his lips grew wider. "Yahoo!" he cheered as he jumped up on his hind legs. "Did you see that! My Eve won! He actually won! He defeated that half and half boy without me."

Proudly, Toshinori watched the boy as he struggled to keep standing but at least he was standing. His opponent on the other and was completely out of the ring. It was a surprise to see him still awake and seemingly uninjured. Some minor cuts and bruises but nothing serious form what he could see up there. Still, his attention remained at his successor as he socked up the glory of his victory. "Told you he could do it."

Kurama looked up at the cockily smiling man and chuckled. "I suppose you did." They both shared this moment of pride, but that moment was dashed away as quickly as it came.

Suddenly, there were gaps in horror as they watch their young victor crushed down.

"OH NO! LOOKS LIKE MIROIDYA DROPPED DOWN. IS HE ALRIGHT?"

Helplessly, Kurama watched his Eve's lifeless body on the floor. Medics quickly rushed in to tend to both boys, but he didn't care about the other boy. He only cared about his Eve. Nothing else matters to him but his eve. His eve was hurt. He was behind touched by strangers. They're taking him away. His eve was hurt. "LET HIM GO!" he yelled out as he finally managed to fall and drop down to ground level. He rushed into his Eve's side while fending off the medics daring to take him.

"Kurama!" Toshinori looked down at the drop. He could make it in his hero form but that's was out of the question with the public around him. Still, he turned to them for help. "Do any of you happen to have a quirk that could help me get down there. I can't leave that fox alone you see."

They were all willing to agree. "I can help. My hands are detachable, so I can lower you down there pretty easily," they explained while giving a small demonstration of pulling one of their hands out. It was attached by a steel like coil in their wrist joins.

Giving the a small greatly bow, Toshinori felt obligated to thank them for their kindness. "Thank you very much."

They waved the thanks off the like it was no big deal. "No problem, man. If I was a parent I would want to see if my child was ok after a spectacle like that."

That on line made the hero freeze as a red heat ran to his cheeks. "Hold on a second!" Before he could clear up the mix up, he was grabbed by the shoulders and was pushed off the barriers. Slowly, he was lowered to the solid ground. He sighed but soon decided to forget about the embarrassing mistake. He rushed as fast as he could to Kurama who was protecting his Eve like a rabid dog. Or should he say fox. The little guy almost bit a finger off one of the medics. He became so aggressive, Midnight told the medical team to stand back. Let her handle the little demon. "That won't be necessary!" he called out while scooping the fox in his arms. That didn't stop his aggression. In fact, it only made it worst. The fox growled and snapped like a wild animal; his eyes red with rage. "Sorry about this. He tends to get like this whenever young Midoriya is involved."

Midnight eyed the fox then glanced up to Toshinori. "This little brat belongs to you."

"No, I don't belong to this idiot. I belong to that idiot!" Kurama yelled back while pointing his tails to his unconscious Eve. "Listen here you walking wet dream. If you do anything to my Eve, I will tear you to shreds."

The R rated hero giggled at the little fox's threat. She found it oddly adorable; watching his little claws trying to scratch her eyes out. "Feisty little guy," she cooed while wiggling at finger close to him but not close enough for him to take it.

"You have no idea." Toshinori sighed ashamed. "So, how are they?"

Midnight glanced back the two students. Hard to believe the one unconscious was the one that won. "Well, Todoroki is alright. His back is a bit battered but hey that happens when you slammed into a concrete wall. Midoriya in the other hand is a completely different story." They glace at the young boy as the medics finally got the chance to check on him without fear of losing a finger. Or a hand. "From what I could tell that last blow took a lot out of him. He's most likely suffering from quirk exhaustion. Nothing a good sleep can't fix."

It was a relief to here for them both. At least Kurama was no longer trying to bite any of them. "So, he'll be fine?" he asked hopefully.

They were shocked to see her head shake. "As much as I would like to believe that just look at his arm. It's completely mangled. You'll need to get Recovery Girl to check that out."

Once again, Kurama was launched into a panic state. This time was a little different as he wasn't fiercely trying to hurt anyone. Just hyperventilating and looking like he was going to have a heart attack. In an attempt to calm the fox, Toshinori stroked his little head. He talked softly to him, "It's ok. Everything will be ok. Recovery girl is one of our best doctors and has a top-tier healing quirk. She fixed young Midoriya arms before. Remember? I'm sure she'll be able to do it again."

Stabilising his breath, Kurama gulped at the dryness of this throat. "You better be right, No Might."

---

Where am I this time? Lazily, Izuku opened his eyes to a blank world. It was different from the one he was in before. That world was colourful and warm. He could feel life all around him. However, this world was an endless void of nothingness. He couldn't hear, nor could he feel. He was completely numb in this world of blank. Alone or so he thought. There was someone else with him. Someone who was dying to meet him.

Soon his view of this odd world was obstructed by a shadow of a man. The boy couldn't make out his face well. Even so, he still saw his smile. It was a happy smile yet for some odd reason it felt forced. Well, maybe not forced but unnatural. For some reason he felt that this person, whoever he was, doesn't smile all too often. "Sorry I wasn't able to say anything before. They were most like in control last time and I thought it was best not to interfere. I must say it was a wonderful coincidence it was that my little flower chose you."

What? Though he saw the man's lips move he did not hear a word. So strange.

"You're quite the cute one. Aren't you? So young. So innocent. What will you do when you find out about the sins of my children?"

Still, he did not hear a word as the man spoke to him. His word just fell on deaf ears. "What?" He asked again weakly. He didn't release he wasn't speaking before.

The stranger's smile fell. "Oh? Can you not hear me at all, child?"

Izuku tried to nod his head the best he could but he was just so numb. He felt so weak as he tried to move. It was almost impossible.

Still, it was enough for the man to understand. "I see, how disappointing. Then again, I should have known. We've all been trying to speak to you for a while, yet we can't seem to reach you."

We? Just who could this man be talking about? They were the only ones there in this strange world. What is this world anyway? He still doesn't understand at all.

"Well, I suppose it's not time yet. The stronger you become the louder they'll become and so will I. I cannot wait for the day when we can speak properly. There's so much I need to tell you. Though it would be easier if my journal fines itself to you. Oh well, nothing much to be done about it." Then the world got dimmer as tremors shook the void. A faint sound echoed through with each shake. "Hum...sounds like my little flower is quite a concern. Not good. Not good at all." Eventually, the man moved to form his leaning position and started to leave the young boy's sight. "You better answer his call. I wouldn't want another tragedy to happen."

"W-w-wait," Izuku tried to yell. Still, he felt weak in this world. Like he has no control. Like he doesn't quite fit. Yet. Even so, he could hear the distance whispers. He assumed it was him finally hearing the stranger's voice but that was not the case. Something else was calling. Or more so someone.

"Go, little one. We will talk one day but for now go. Go before he starts crying again. Oh, how I hate it when that happens."

Though the stranger's words were nothing to him. The whispers, on the other hand, grew louder. As they do the world enclosed itself slowly to black. With each word. Each shake. The empty white became darker and darker.

"I-z! I! Iz-k! IZUKU!"

The world collapsed to darkness.

---

The dark blurred to colour as Izuku's vison became clearer. There was this distinct shock from his right arm. It hit him so suddenly like a herd of rhinos just stumbled over it. They fractured every bone to pieces. He never realised the amount of pain he was in. Not until now. It hurt like hell.

"Izuku!" Soon a pair of arms wrapped around his body. Although they were careful not to harm his injured frame, they still held him as tight as possible. "Don't ever act that reckless again! You nearly gave me a heart attack."

"I'm sorry," he said as loudly as he could while returning the hug with his unbroken arm.

"It's ok, you're alive. That's all that matters." He held his Eve as carefully as he could. Lovingly he stroked his Eve's soft curls as his eyes wandered down their frail body. He's relieved to see that most of his minor wounds were gone. All those unsightly cuts and bruises. He really needed to thank that old lady. But then his eyes found thief way to his broken arm. Even though that old lady was an amazing healer, she couldn't fix his arm. It was far too damage and Izuku was far too weak to use his own stamina to heal it. Recovery girl had no other options but to conduct sugary. How he hated the thought. He could only imagine how much pain he was in. The pain he could have prevented if he was only by his side. He should have been there to protect him from such pain. Damn it. His bloodlust became known quickly. The Servamp couldn't be bothered to hide it. "That boy did this. He scared your body." That aura he gave off gave made the weaken hero and elderly heroine go on edge. Both were tempered to get the jump on the man before he did something drastic. "That boy..." a flash of Todoroki completely unharmed come to mind. Yet here's his Eve broken. "He will pay."

The menacing tone he gave out was enough to make the heroes freeze. What should they do? Should they fight and subdue the Servamp or should they leave him be? After that display of malice, they couldn't possibly leave him be. Fortunately, or unfortunately, Izuku won't let them make either decision. "I don't regret what I did. It was my fault anyway." He stated firmly.

Kurama frozen at his eve's words. With eyes of disbelief, he met with the eyes of determination of the young boy. He always loved those eyes but right now they disgusted them. His mouth curled up in an uncomfortable smile. "Your joking, right? Look at you. You can barely move. YOU BROKE A FUCKING ARM!" He yelled as his eyes boiled red. "For what? For some stupid brat with a sob story. Awe my father is a big meanie and made my mother pour boiling water on my eye. I'll never use my fire side ever." He whined with the fakest childish impression he ever heard. It was mockery. "Who cares it's not your problem!"

"I care!" Izuku snapped back with an unusual amount of aggression. "He needed help, so I tried to make him understand."

"He's not your problem! You don't even know him." Kurama argued spitefully.

"I didn't know you and I still helped you!" Izuku argued back.

"I looked like a helpless animal, of course, you'd help."

"And Todoroki is a helpless child in pain. Of course, I'd help him."

"He didn't seem so helpless when he exploded the field."

"I just wanted to help him understand that he should be using the full extent of his power instead of wasting it. Is that so wrong?"

"It is if you have to break yourself. Are you crazy?"

"Maybe I am. But I will never regret what I did. I'll do it again if I have to."

It was then Kurama realised there was no point fighting his Eve. No matter what he says his resolve won't waver. Usually, he admired this resolve. It's what kept him alive for all these years. To keep going even if the world turns against you. To overcome every obstacle of melancholy. It was the reason why he chose him but now, at this moment, he hated it. He hated how it caused his Eve to brake himself for a meaningless child. He hated that his Eve insisted it was ok. Essential even. "You're such a fool!" Kurama spat out before storming out of the room. But worst of all, he hated himself for letting happen so easily. He is a Servamp. It is a Servamp's duty to protect their Eve's from harm as well as help achieve their desires. If he can't do that. What good is he? "Stupid foolish Eve!"

On the other hand, Izuku was shocked at the Servamp's sudden outburst. He's never seen him so mad before. At him no less. He made him feel like he did do something wrong. Perhaps his actions were to rash as well as reckless. Even so, he will not bend his conviction. He refused to regret it...maybe there is a smidge of regret. He must forfeit his next match after all. He won't be allowed to fight...he couldn't win the tournament. The sudden realization slapped him across the face as a cold chill ran down his spine. If he doesn't win does that mean he failed All Might? Tears soon ran over his cheeks. "I'm sorry All Might. I'm sorry. I failed you." A warm hand rested on his curls. The sudden touch was calming in a way.

"It's ok, my boy." His mentor said with an earnest smile. "You did admirably out there. You still made it to the top 3 regardless if you can fight the last battle." He patted the boy's curls affectionately while wiping away a few of his tears. He hated to see his young successor this way. Especially after he did such an incredible job. Sure, he couldn't win the entire festival, but he did make an exceptional first impression debut. "You did what you I asked you to do. To tell the world you were here. I couldn't ask for anything more. Now you rest up. I'll leave you with recovery girl. She'll brief you on what will happen to your arm. I'll deal with Tsubaki."

The boy sniffed weakly as his tear stained eyes met his teacher. "Are you sure? I know you two don't get along."

"I'm sure." With a big grin smile, the weakened hero pointed a bony thumb at himself. It's not exactly his go-to catchphrase but it was still a relief to hear. "I'll take care of him."

Meanwhile, the Servamp stormed through the halls in a hissy fit. He's angry. He's angry that Izuku was so careless. Although, he was even angrier at himself for not stopping him. "Foolish boy," he hissed to himself. "Just what were you thinking out there!" He yelled aloud not caring for his volume nor for anyone in earshot distance. He just wanted to hit something. Anything to release this pent-up rage. Soon he found his target. Oh, what a perfect target. The world was coloured red as his bloodlust overflowed. Following solely on that instincts he charged. His clawed hands met with a young supple neck. It was so small that he only needed one hand to wrap around most of it. It would have been so easy to squeeze it till its owner's eyes pop. What a delightful sight that would be. But first, he'd like to hear them plead. Oh, how long has it been since he last heard hysterically panicked begged from a human? He almost forgot the thrill. " Are you proud of yourself, boy?" He asked in a creepily calm tone. "Are you proud for what you have done to my Eve?"

With restrained force, he hoisted the poor boy off his feet and slammed him to the nearest wall. Then with a massive thud, the boy squeezed in pain. He tried his best to pull the vice hand off his neck but to no avail. The Servamp was just too physically strong for him. He couldn't fight back.

"What's wrong child? Aren't you going to burn me, freeze me, break me like you did my Eve?" Aggressively, He slammed the back at the wall. The poor boy as well as the wall. Cracks started to show an imprint of the boy. "You miserable excuse for a human. What gives you the right to treat my Eve in such a way? He could have permanently damaged his arm because of you! Are you happy with yourself!"

The boy couldn't say a word. Not with his pipes being crushed. All he could do was babble nonsensically. He pathetically thrashed his legs and claw at the Servamp's hands. It would have been so easy to kill him. Only a little tighter and pop goes the boy's eyes. But where's the fun in that? No, the Servamp will prolong his suffering as much as possible. It was the least he could do after what he did to his Eve. Just a little more.

Soon, a muscular hand gripped his shoulder. It forced him to loosen his deadly hold on the child's neck. "Let him go, Tsubaki," All Might said demandingly. Borderline threatening. It was amusing. It earned him a small chuckle from the Servamp. Eventually, he did as demand and dropped the boy carelessly. The child gasped for his air deprived lungs filling them as much as he could. The hero rushed the boy's aid prompting him up helping him breathe better. "Are you ok, young Todoroki?"

The boy coughed violently while he rubbed his abused voice box. "I think so," he barely managed to croak out. It was a relief to hear the boy's voice even if it was weak. At least he could still talk.

"What's going on here?" Boomed a rough voice. Things got from bad to worse as heavy footsteps echoed through the bear halls. The temperature of the hall skyrocketed. It was like a molten heatwave blasted the area. It was a very familiar feeling to the young Todoroki as well as All Might. However, unlike All Might who could take the heat with relative calm Shoto couldn't. His heart rate raced fast once that voice entered his ear. "What do you think you're doing to my son?"

"Oh...Endeavour. I didn't notice you were there." Although All Might tried to play cool. That didn't stop the fountain of sweat from running down his forehead though. What was he supposed to say? I'm sorry my student's pet fox was going on a bit of a temper tantrum. Why? Well it's because your son may have caused reversible damage to his body. Please forgive him for almost strangling your son to death. I'm sure he didn't mean to. Yeah like that would go well at all. If Endeavor and Kurama don't start a fight, then they might run into legal issues instead. How could the symbol of peace get out of this one?

On the other hand, Endeavour was bored of the other hero's silence. He couldn't care less about what the idiot had to say. Heck, he couldn't even care about what was going on. Thankful he didn't witness Kurama's aggression towards his son. Only his bitter rival coddling the boy on the floor. How unsightly. Endeavour glared down at his son who glared back with as much detest his weak body could muster. It was laughable. "Stand up, Shoto. You look pathetic down there."

That hit a nerve in the Servamp. This man. This asshole dared call this child pathetic. That's... that's... "Haha... ha ha ha... HAHAHHAHAH! HOHOHAHAHAHAHAA...!" It was never-ending. He just laughed and laughed and laughed. Like a psychotic broken record. All they could do was watch. It wasn't like they couldn't do anything. It's just that they didn't know what to do. It only got worse as time went on. The hall seemed to become distorted as if the aura the Servamp was giving off changed it and not in a good way. The world seemed like it was spinning as a dizzy feeling sank in all three of them. It was stomach turning. "You! Call him! Pathetic? Ha ha ha hahahahahahahaahahaaha ha... Why don't you drop the hypocrisy and look in a mirror?" Kurama's tone drastically changed to whimsically psychotic to menacingly chilling. With eyes sharpened with burning malice, he glared down at the flame hero who seemed to be just as petrified as the others. Not interesting at all. He would expect some fire back. "You call yourself a hero, yet you can't even take care of your own family. How stick is that. You save people. Complete strangers, yet you can't lift a finger to see the amount of pain that goes on under your own roof. I'm surprised you're even allowed to save others when you can't help your own children! I've never seen anything more pathetic. And that's saying a lot with the things I've seen. A child forced to lie about his sibling's death only to be forced to die not too long after. Disgraceful parents. So-called comrades abandoning their own for dead just to save their own skin. Such cowards! And who can forget the smiling idiot himself that proclaims the message: 'I am here' like he'll be there forever even though he's crumbling! There are other heroes! You don't need to save everyone when you're barely able to save yourself! Idiot! My Eve would be devastated."

Kurama's suppressed anger was boiling through other thoughts that have been eating him. There was no roundabout way of saying things. There were no half-truths. He wasn't hiding anything and making them figure it out. Just pure truthful rage. For some strange reason, All Might felt touched. Even though he couldn't tell whether he was angry at him or not. The fact that he thought about him at all showed that he cared. Even if it's just a little. "Kurama."

With each sentence, Kurama stomped closer and closer to the shaken flame hero. Even though he kept a brave face his body language betrayed him. Especially when his wobbly legs stepped back with each step the Servamp took. Eventually, Endeavour was at a wall. He had no choice but to face the Servamp's rage dead on. "What? Are you so blinded by your own ambitions that you can't see the misery that's happening right before your eyes?"

The Servamp's lit a flame inside the fire hero. It was strong enough to burn his fears to rage as he finally snapped back. "What right do you have to lecture me? You don't know what've gone through. You don't know the shame and frustration of always being behind some else's shadow. The whole world comparing you to this figure. Telling you: 'you're not good enough' and 'you'll never be good enough'. You don't hear the voice and whisper day in and day out about how I'll never reach his level. How I should just give up trying. Like hell, I'll give up so easily. Those slackers can do it if they want but I won't. I'll reach the pinnacle and prove the world wrong!"

Slap!

The sound of skin hitting skin echoed through the halls. It was a shock to witness. The mighty Endeavor slapped off his feet by a man barely half his size. Said man glared down at the fallen hero with cold red eyes. "With a mindset like that you'll never reach his level. He may be an idiot but he's a heroic idiot. Unlike you with ulterior motives he has none. He saves simply because he wants to save. That type of crazy spirit is what attracts your kind to him. Made him the symbol of peace. That much I understand." Ever slowly, he crept his hand to where his heart should be. He clenched the area tight as it sang a painful melody. "Although I may not be able to comprehend what It's like for the whole world to compare me to him, I don't care about their opinions. Only one matters to me. Yet even he is entranced by your symbol of peace. I can't change the fact he's the reason why he smiles as well as why he fights so hard." The aura that surrounded them with such hostility weathered away to sadness. To... melancholy. "No matter how many times I wipe away his tears it's always the smiling idiot that brings back his smile. He's his hero...not me." He turns his back away not wanting to see any of their pathetic expressions or whatever they looked like. "I'm tired of this conversation. It's just not interesting at all." Enough said he walked away bringing that aura of melancholy with him.

Awake from his trans, All Might rushed over to his fellow hero. "Are you alright, Endeavor?"

Annoyed, Endeavor slapped the helping hand away from him. " I'm fine!" He hissed back. Then he stroked the red handprint on his cheek. "I can barely feel it." His eyes then wondered to where the Servamp matched off to. No one has ever talked to him in such a way. He didn't know whether to be insulted or... something else entirely. By all means, he should be flaming with rage but he's not. He felt strangely calm and curious. "Who was that man?"

"Oh him?" All Might glance back to the Servamp as well. He's seen him angered before but not to that extent. It felt like he was going to kill the man but surely that's not the case. Right? But then there was that sadness. That melancholy. He was beginning to see why he was given that name. "That's young Midoriya's quirk Kurama Tsubaki. I suppose it's kind of like young Tokoyami's dark shadow only they can separate...it's complicated. He's very protective of the boy you see. So, with what happened between him and your son it caused him to snap. I suppose." Despite how earnestness the Servamp was All Might still isn't sure what to make of him. Form things he was witnessed he seems quite villain like. Then he saw sides like this and his love towards his Eve. He's just rough. That's all. "He's...um...a special case. We're not entirely sure how the quirk works just yet. But still please forgive him. He was just acting on instinct. I'm sure he didn't mean any harm." At least I hope so, the hero thought to himself.

"Whatever," Endeavour spat bitterly. Quickly he rose up from his undignified position. He then gave his attention to his son. The poor boy caught in this unusual tense situation just felt exhausted. He didn't want to deal with his father right now. Not like he had a choice. "Shoto, I'll be leaving early. Something has come up in Hosu that requires my attention. Tell your sister I'll be late home tonight. Eat dinner without me." Just like that, he marched away.

With a sigh of relief, All Might then turned to the young Todoroki. "Are you alright?"

With a small nod, he rubbed his neck. Despite how roughly he was treated there didn't seem to be any marks. Light bruising but nothing that requires medical attention. "Yes, I'll be fine, All Might." His eyes wandered to where the fox walked off to. Never has he seen his father ripped apart like that by anyone. Not even his own family. Mainly because they mostly fearfully hate/ respect them. The only one to ever openly speak up to his father was his oldest brother. He feared nothing and was prideful much like his father. It runs in the family. Still, he couldn't help but feel a little curious as well as fearful about the fox. Then there was his brother's warning. It wasn't Midoriya he should be wary of. It was his pet fox or whatever he was. "Is it ok to just let him go like that?

Nervously, All Might played with his hands. Although it seems Kurama as cooled off a bit, he rather not leave the Servamp alone just yet. "Well, it seems like he's got that anger out of his system, so I hope so. I better still go check on him just to be sure. Take care of yourself young Todoroki."

Just like that, the hero was gone in a flash leaving the boy alone and confused. "What just happened?" He glanced at the varies routes he could take. One on the side he could follow his father and see how he was doing. But he hates him and doesn't care at all. On the other side, he could follow All Might. Maybe then he could learn more about Midoriya's quote on quote 'quirk'. However, one touch of his neck and he immediately discarded that idea. He rather not face that man too soon. Especially, in the mood he was in now. All Might could handle him surely. That left one other option. Go down to see how Midoriya was doing. He was complete knocked out from the fight as well as gravely injured. Perhaps he could see how he was doing…

"Go along you lot. Shoo! I need to conduct surgery."

"Surgery!"

He stopped in his unconscious tracks as he saw quite a few of his classmates pushed out of the medical room by recovery girl. It wasn't long till she slammed the door in their faces. Seems like visiting the boy was out of the question as well. Before he could get noticed, he walked away. He didn't know were too he just needed a place to think. He just needed to answer one question: "What should I do now?"

---

"Tsubaki! Tsubaki! Slow down!" All Might bellowed out while rushing through the empty maze of hallways. He didn't think the Servamp was that fast, but it was surprisingly so. They just speed through the corners as if he was walking at normal speed but form the amount of distance that was growing between them it was obviously not so. "I said wait." Finally, All Might caught up with him and latched onto his shoulder. Something the other man was clearly not pleased with.

It was obvious in the eyes that glared back at the hero. "Unhand me this instant." Although the glare wavered the hero's bravery it still wasn't enough. Instead, he did the complete opposite and forced the Servamp into his arms. He held him tightly in a desperate embrace. It took Kurama completely by surprise. He couldn't comprehend what was happening. He just froze the moment he was pressed into the hero's chest in that ridiculously warm embrace. Soon he heard the pounding of the hero's heart. It was enough to wake him from his shock. "What the hell do you think you're doing," he growled.

"You looked like you need a hug," The hero said simply.

It just made things worse, however, as Kurama tried punching him with the minimal movement he could make what with his arms bound tight in a forced hug. "Stop it! You're crushing me, you idiot, with your damn muscles! And stop smiling too! I know it fake. It's an eyesore to look at." All Might said nothing as Kurama went on with his little rant; trying to do as much damage as he could. Which really wasn't much. "You're always smiling like it's all going to be ok but it's not. Things happen. Humans are cruel and barbaric. There will always be someone you can't save and yet there you are inspiring fools that they can. They follow and praise you like you're some sort of god. You're not! You're human! You bleed! I will outlive you and laugh at your grave!" The angry waved to whimpers as his struggles weakened. A dampness formed on the hero's shirt as he saw a face he didn't expect to see. Kurama's tears. "Yet he follows you as well. He wants to be like you. It's always about you. You're the reason why he has a quirk. You're the reason why he made it into the school of his dreams. And you'll be the reason why he becomes the top hero." His struggling stopped as he dropped his head onto the hero's chest not wanting to look at him anymore. "Where do I fit in?"

All Might gazed at the unusual sight before him. On this day alone, he has seen many faces of Kurama. Some terrifying and some more than a little concerning. But this one…this was special. He'd never thought he'd see the Servamp this valuable. Form the day he met him he seemed like the type to keep it together most of the time. The type to never give a straight answer as well as hide many secrets. This was the opposite. He was vulnerable and open. Like a child. "Ha ha ha…" he laughed in his heroic voice.

Annoyed, Kurama snapped a look at the hero. "And what pray tell is so funny?"

"That you believe all that." All Might responded like it was the most obvious thing in the world. "Granted I did give me my quirk, but you gave him a powerful gift as well. He barely used my power out there today. He used your gifts and teaches. I dare say you're a better teacher than me. Call me jealous at that. Also, Midoriya got into U.A on his own merit. I had no influence in his enrolment. And who said I'll be the only reason my he'll become a hero. You'll be there with him, won't you?"

Kurama gave his own laugh, "well of course. He's my Eve." But that little chuckle was quick to fade. He dropped his eyes unable to look at the hero's smile. It looked too much like his Eve's. "But I wasn't there for him today. He got hurt because of it."

With a gentle hand, All Might guide the Servamp's face to meet his eyes. Kurama could feel this sincere warmth form those shining blue eyes. A feeling that melted his doubts away. "Everyone makes mistakes from time to time. Just look at me and Shigaraki. We just need to learn from them and that's how we grow. Who knows they might end up being happy mistakes. Like today. Young Midoriya's fall could make Young Todoroki grow."

"You say that like everything's going to be ok,"

"Everything will be ok! You know why?"

"Because you're here?" The Servamp mocked.

"No." In a puff of smoke, All Might returned to being good old Toshinori. He gave the Servamp the most earnest and true to heart smile he has seen from him. Then he grabbed one of his hand firmly and said confidently: "Because we're both here."

---

AN: and so, ends another chapter. I don't know why but I feel like this chapter was a bit weak. Still I loved making those last few scenes. There was just something about them when I was writing. Oh well, let's move on to the reviews:

Guest 1- I too see our Shigaraki as a child of circumstances. So, let the adorable angel known as Deku rescue him. As for the possible asking out said angel. Todoroki would have to go through a certain yandere protective fox. That and I don't think it will end up with what you are thinking…more on that next time.

Guest 2 – These chapters will come out whenever they come out. I have a pretty busy schedule and have other fanfics to write. Though currently I'm focusing on two of them one after the other. Add that to the fact these chapters can get lengthy, I have no idea when they'll be ready. I try to show their progress on my profile page (if I remember to do them at least). Still it's anyone's guess when they'll be ready.

Shadow Phoenix 16 – Wait did I accidently wrote Licht breaking the 4th wall? There's only supposed to be one 4th wall breaker and she's…something. I'm reusing a…I suppose you can call her a character of mine form one of my other fanfics. Since we don't know who the Eve of gluttony is; I thought she would fit well into the role.

Rychan6 – Yes! Deku is an angel and I wouldn't be surprise if that was his hidden quirk. Blind villains with that smile!

MakiFox – Well here's another gift hoped you liked it. It took a really long time to get this done.

Star-The-Writer – No one can deny how angelic izuku is! That and I think Shigaraki can be adorable when put in the right scenario. He is a man child after all.

Leafeon12 – Izuku X Tomura is such an interesting ship. I wished there was more. You know some with more fluff and less pain and agony. Anyway, Kurama will forgive him eventually… more on that next time.

foxchick1 – Glad that you do… and sorry for kind of forgetting about 'Assassins, Hitmen and an Octopus Oh My!' My hero academia as stolen my heart. And Yen is no longer by my side to remain my constantly (different schools)

general zargon – Sigh it's ok. I know there's a lot of mistakes. I fine English really challenging yet somehow, I'm here writing. I try to proof read as much as I can, but I still end up with mistakes. Oh well when I fine the time, I might be able to fix them. If I can spot them that is.

Sousie – Yay! This ship was more accepted than I thought.

Wildtrance – Yay! I made someone to watch the Servamp series. Honestly, I know it's not great but it still a fun anime to watch. Although I would highly recommend the manga for anyone who's interested. It's good. The characters as more flushed out since the anime cut some things out and did some major changes. That and the current arc that's happening is crazy. Just down right madness.

Wolffang1795 – Oh we will get to see the sub classes as some point. We'll see them far sooner than see Izuku meeting with any of the Servamp pairs properly. One of them much sooner than you think. Unfortunately, it won't be our favourite magician…or am I telling a lie? Heh heh heh. More on this in the future. Maybe sooner than you think chapter wise.