My eyes stare forward as I fidget my fingers nervously in front of me. Blue flames continue to flare as blasts hit targets up ahead, completely engulfing them. I watch as Touya weakly stands, panting as he's growing tired.

"I've almost...got it…" Touya breathes.

His arms flare up with blue flames again as he aims at the targets that are at least a dozen yards in front of him. The targets continue to burn as he hits them. I stare at him from behind, seeing his skin is shaded with burnt spots as it steams around his bare torso. My shoulders hunch while I continue to fidget my fingers.

"Touya…" I call out to him. "I think that's enough…"

He flares his arms up again, shooting at the targets. I stare closely at the skin on his arms, some blood dripping out of his burnt spots.

"Touya, please!" I plead. "That's enough!"

"No...I can keep going…" he pants. "I have to…"

He flares his arms up again, the flames reaching his shoulders, upper back, and even his white hair.

"You're hurting yourself!" I cry out.

"If that's what it takes to show my dad..." he breathes. "That I wasn't a mistake."

The flames erupt even more around his upper body. I watch in horror as his skin continues to burn, not able to take anymore of this. I run to Touya, embracing him from behind. His blue flames continue to flare, burning up some of my clothes.

"Touya...please…" I cry into his back. "That's enough…"

Touya stays quiet, his blue flames slowly dissipating.

"You're enough…" I continue to cry into his back. "You're enough…"

I slowly open my eyes, gradually coming to my senses. After blinking a few times, I remember I'm sitting in front of my desk. Enji stands some feet to my left.

"Akira," Enji says. "It's time to go."

"Go where?" I'm still drowsy.

"To go home. The agency is closed."

I sit up and glance around the office floor. It's dim as all the lights are off except for the lamp at my desk with no one else in sight.

"What time is it?" I rub my eyes.

"It's about to be 9pm…" Enji replies. "Seems you dozed off for a while."

"Ah, sorry…" I scratch my head. "Didn't mean to sleep on the job...how embarrassing."

"It's fine. It's surprising considering you've never fallen asleep at work...Though you must be exhausted and the winter is taking a toll on you."

"Yeah, probably…" I nod.

I'm getting up but suddenly feel a bit light headed. I quickly catch myself by putting a hand on my desk and another on my chair, tripping back a bit. Enji reaches for me and steadies me by holding my shoulders.

"Are you alright?" he asks.

"I got up too fast…" I palm my head. "Guess I need some sleep."

"I'll drive you home."

I give Enji a nod. He grabs my jacket and helps me slip it on. I wrap my scarf around my neck as Enji turns off my desk lamp. We head to the elevator, take it to the lobby and walk to the black limousine where Untenmaru is waiting. Enji opens the back door and lets me in, following after me. I rest my elbow on the armrest of the door, staring out through the tinted window as we're driving off. My mind wanders back to the dream I had while napping in the office. It was a memory of Touya's training on Sekoto Hill some time before his disappearance. Because he was going through puberty, it seemed that his flames were affected and changed into blue. His body was developing at a rapid rate that it seemed to affect his quirk, his flames being directly connected to his emotions. He was so thrilled about it that he was brought to tears. He kept training until he was ready to reveal his blue flames to his father. I remember him always pushing himself, striving to become the hero his father wanted him to be. His body prevented him from improving his quirk, which always devastated Touya, both psychologically and physically. All he wanted was to prove himself worthy, to prove to Enji that he wasn't a mistake. I clearly remember him collapsed on the floor as he lowered his head in severe distraught. He'd often pull on his white hair as he was devastated.

"Anything on your mind?" Enji asks. "You seem awfully pensive."

"Oh…" I slowly blink. "No...I'm just exhausted it seems."

"You've been working yourself too hard. Maybe you need a vacation."

"Heroes don't get to take a break...not with villains always on the move."

Enji stays quiet at my response. Truth is, I've been depressed and devastated about Touya and the situation with the Paranormal Liberation Front. Touya being involved with the Liberation means I'll have to confront him on the battlefield.

'Would I be able to put a stop to the man I love?' I think to myself.

Being torn between Touya and my life as a pro hero is slowly tearing me apart, taking an emotional toll on me. I'm also keeping Touya a secret from everyone, not able to utter a word about him, not even to his family. It hurts the most keeping him from Enji, knowing that he blames himself for what happened to Touya. At the same time, I wonder how Enji would react if he were to find out Dabi is actually his lost son.

'Would he be able to handle the fact that his eldest son is a villainous murderer?' I think to myself.

I glance over to Enji, who's staring out the tinted window into the city streets.

'I'm afraid to even find out,' I continue to think.

"I'm sorry, Akira…" Enji breaks me away from my thoughts.

"For what?" I ask.

"For separating you from us...from Touya."

I'm surprised that he's bringing this up.

"I made the decision with the President to separate you from my family all those years ago…" Enji says. "I still feel bad...maybe Touya would still be here."

"Enji…" I begin to say.

"The point of introducing you and Touya to each other was to help both of you. Touya needed a friend to distract him from the foolish ambition of mine he inherited...and you needed to make bonds… I'd hoped that it would help you both...but it seems it only made things worse for Touya. And I ripped you away from him...the only friend he had."

"But I also played a role in his ambition… If I'd understood from the beginning where his mind was, I would've helped him more… Instead, I encouraged him."

"As a friend should...while I didn't as a parent."

Touya had gotten out of hand with his behavior back then. If I had truly understood from the start that his ambition wasn't healthy for him, I might've been able to help him better. That's why I'd felt at fault for his presumed death. The fact that it happened after we'd been separated made it even worse.

"If I had been a better parent back then…" Enji says. "Things would've been different."

My hand grips at my jacket as I feel emotional, recalling the separation.

"Despite all that…" I say. "I forgive you."

Enji turns his surprised stare at me as I meet his gaze. He lowers his eyes in guilt, still feeling unworthy of my forgiveness. My gaze returns out the tinted window, peering out into the city night lights.

I enter my apartment, closing the door and hanging my jacket and scarf.

"Hey," Touya sits on the couch. "It's about time ya got home," he jokes. "Seems that bastard gave you a ride. How noble of him," he snarks.

I keep my gaze lowered, tossing my purse on the coffee table and making my way into my room. I make my way into the bathroom, slowly undressing myself and walking into the shower. The cold water showers over me, causing my body to shiver. My gaze glues to the tile floor as I feel tears mixing in with the cold stream. I can't help but think of the Liberation and its preparation for war against hero society. The dread that's yet to come if a war does break out. Thoughts of Touya being locked away for the rest of his life, thoughts of him being killed, race through my mind. The possibility of losing my loved ones, the only people I have in my life, may possibly happen. I grit my teeth as more tears flow down my face. My legs go weak as I drop down, holding my knees up to my chest as the cold stream of water showers me. Steam forms off my skin as my naked body heats up. I break out into a sob as I'm no longer able to hold everything in. I hear Touya run in.

"Akira!" Touya enters the shower. "Shit, the water's freezing."

I continue to sob while Touya quickly turns the shower off, pulling me into his arms. He flinches a bit at the warm touch of my skin but continues to embrace me.

"What's wrong?" Touya is worried.

"I'm scared…" I cry. "I'm scared of what might happen…"

"With what?"

"A war is about to break out...I might lose everyone...I might lose you."

"Akira…" Touya continues to hold me close.

"I'm tired, Touya...I'm just so tired…"

Touya continues to hold me, trying to comfort me as I continue to sob.

Enji is escorted by a guard to the President's office at the Commission training facility, Touya close behind him.

"Can't I just go to Akira already?" Touya pouts.

"You already know, Touya," Enji sternly says. "We have to follow proper protocol when we come here."

"Whatever…" Touya grumbles.

Enji opens the office door and lets Touya enter first.

"Good morning," the President says.

"Good morning," Enji replies.

"Oh, it seems that white hair of yours is really coming in," the President comments on Touya's hair.

Touya's hair is almost completely white at this point. He furrows his brows at the President.

"Hmph," Touya keeps his gaze away from her.

"And it seems he continues to train," she refers to the bandages on Touya's face and arms.

"Yes…" Enji glances down at Touya. "He's as stubborn as I am…"

The President stares at Touya for a moment as he gives her a stern stare.

"How's Akira doing?" Enji asks.

"She's improved quite a lot since being with your family," the President replies. "Because her socialization skills improved, she's doing well with the new boy in the program."

Touya perks his attention up to the President.

"I cannot disclose any more information on him, but his name is Keigo," the President says. "He's just two days younger than Akira."

"So they're getting along?" Enji asks.

"It seems so. They're in the atrium as we speak."

Hearing that, Touya makes a dash out of the office, ignoring his father's calls. He makes a run for the atrium, pushing through the doors. He races through the hedges until he halts after spotting a new boy playing with his only friend.

I laugh in wonder at the bright red feathers that are flying around me, tickling at my sides.

"Your feathers are so cute!" I exclaim.

"Ya think so?" Keigo smiles.

I laugh and then turn my attention to Touya some yards away. He's staring at us in disbelief.

"Touya!" I call out to him. "Come and meet Keigo!"

Touya only stares with a serious gaze as Enji walks up behind him. He then turns around and begins to head away, confusing Enji.

"Huh?" I'm confused.

"Touya!" Enji calls out to him but is ignored.

Enji follows Touya and they leave the atrium.

"Who's that?" Keigo is curious.

"That's my best friend and his dad," I reply.

"Whoa! His dad is Endeavor?" Keigo exclaims.

"Yup!"

"I really hope to get to know him then!" Keigo says. "His dad saved me!" He holds his Endeavor plush toy.

"Oh yeah, you have his dad's plush toy."

"But...why did he leave like that?"

"Like what?"

"Your friend Touya...he seemed...pretty upset."

"Oh…" I lower my gaze. "It's just that...Touya is the first friend I ever made...and he doesn't have any other friends."

"Not even at school?"

"No…" I shake my head. "So he really treasures me a lot… I guess seeing a new boy with me made him upset."

"So he's jealous?"

"Yeah…"

"Hm. Does he love you or something?"

My brows rise as I blush a bit, recalling Touya's declaration of marriage to me. Keigo notices my blush and peers closer to my face.

"Hm?" Keigo says. "So you love him too?"

"Yeah…" I shyly look away.

"Well...he shouldn't be jealous. It's always good to make new friends."

"I'm hoping he sees it that way…"

"I really do wanna be his friend."

"I'm sure the three of us will become friends!" I'm hopeful.

Keigo smiles back at me, some of his red feathers flying around in joy.

I slowly open my eyes, blinking as I stare up at the ceiling. My gaze turns to my right as I see Touya shirtless while leaning on his arm as he watches over me.

"Touya?" I rub my eyes.

He gives me a worried gaze as he caresses my hair.

"Ya feelin' better?" Touya asks.

"What happened?" I blink hard.

"You got home and broke down crying under freezing water."

I see that I'm only wearing Touya's white shirt underneath the blankets.

"Oh yeah…" I vaguely remember.

"I dressed you in my shirt," he says. "You kept crying until you fell asleep."

"How long have I been sleeping?"

"Maybe an hour."

I'm in thought for a moment while Touya continues to caress my hair.

"I woulda put more clothes on you," he says. "But you looked exhausted."

"It's alright," I smile a bit. "Thank you."

My heart warms up at the thought that Touya has been watching over me while I napped. I've been feeling emotionally exhausted having to keep Touya a secret, worrying about Keigo, Enji and his family, this war that's about to break out - everything. I stare up at Touya, gazing into his turquoise eyes.

"I understand," I say.

"Hm?" Touya raises a brow.

"Your current state is the result of the trauma you experienced growing up...Of course you still need to take responsibility for your actions, but I understand why you've done the things you've done up until now."

Touya stares down at me in thought.

"Despite all you've done, I know deep down inside, you're still a kind person," I caress his cheek.

"You'll have to rethink that…" Touya says.

"Your hate for your father...will only end up consuming you."

"If that's what it takes to disgrace him, then I'll expose him for the true man that he is. I'll destroy him and the hero society he so desperately wanted to shine in."

I wonder what he means by that but conclude that it has something to do with his goal.

"I only hope that you come to realize…" I say. "That you'll only heal when you learn to forgive...Not for your father, but for yourself."

Touya stares down at me in thought as I continue to caress the side of his face.

"Are you sure about that?" Touya asks.

"Hm?" I look up at him.

"Are you sure about me...about who I truly am?"

I stare up at Touya wondering what he means.

"I'm not like you…" Touya says. "My hate for that bastard…"

"You can still change, Touya," I say.

"He put me through hell...and you expect me to just let it go?"

"What good is it holding on to the hate if it'll only make you worse?"

"Because...I wanna make him suffer."

"Just how far are you willing to go?"

"I'll do it...even if it means killing anyone...including myself."

I stare up at Touya. His words take me by surprise, making me wonder that he truly is obsessed with his hate for his father.

"I'm close to your father…" I say. "If you're willing to kill anyone to inflict pain on Enji...does that include me?

Touya's eyes widen a bit.

"You're different…" he replies.

"How am I different?" I ask. "I'm like a daughter to him."

"But you're not his blood."

I remain silent, not able to argue with that fact.

"So what you're saying is…" I say. "You'd hurt anyone who's blood related to Enji?"

"Like I said…" he responds. "He deserves to suffer...whatever way possible."

Touya is holding back what he truly means. I know that based on his answer, he's willing to hurt anyone in his family if it means it'll make his father suffer, so long as they have his blood. My eyes begin to tear up at the thought of Touya actually hurting one of his family members. I cover my face as I begin to cry.

"Besides…" Touya says. "I could never bring myself to hurt you… I'd rather die."

I wipe my eyes as tears continue to fall.

"You wanted to know the truth about me…" Touya says. "Now you know."

"Touya…" I softly cry. "Stop all of this...please…"

"It's too late for me."

I reach and pull Touya into my arms, crying softly.

"When you supposedly died…" I say. "I felt it was partially my fault… I wasn't there for you."

"You weren't there because that bastard took you away from me," Touya says. "He took my dream away...and the girl I love."

"I just wish I could've done more."

"You did enough...but it was my good for nothing father who made everything worse."

The thought of having failed Touya all those years ago, when he'd supposedly died due to his own flames, always makes me feel guilt. I tried saving him - and now I'm trying to save him yet again from being consumed in his hatred.

"Deep down... through all the hatred...I can still see Touya…" I whisper. "I still believe in you."

Touya remains silent, only able to hug me back.