Izuku's mind was running a million miles a minute. This kid, who barely looked older than him, wants to teach him?! "But- How- What?!" was all the boy could spit out. His mother wasn't faring much better, Izuku swore he could see smoke starting to come out of her ears. Yagi burst out laughing, clearly enjoying the pair's reaction.

Ashton let out a chuckle as well, though he kept himself much more composed. "Confused? Perhaps I should elaborate." The boy gave a cordial bow. "As stated, I am Ashton Fawkes, but please, feel free to call me 'Ash'. I am the founder and headmaster of the Phoenix Institute for Heroic Development."

"I have dedicated countless years to the pursuit of educating and training some of the finest heroes America has ever seen. Our friend Yagi here has told me about your, unique situation, and how U.A rejected you because of it. Well, I simply couldn't sit by and watch such potential go to waste, so I decided to offer you a spot in my Institute."

Well, that just raised more questions than answers. He founded this school?! Just how old was this guy?! How does he know All Might?! Does he know about One For All?! "Wait, America?! But, that's so far away! He can't go there!" Inko cried. Izuku's eyes widened at her words. Surely, she wouldn't just brush this off like that, would she?!

"You're hesitant. And rightly so. However, I must urge you to properly consider this decision, Mrs. Midoriya. Come, let's have a seat, and we'll talk some more." Ashton replied, his tone soft and patient. And so, the group went into the living room, taking a seat at the dining room table. "Now then, why exactly can Izuku not attend my school?"

"Because it's on the other side of the world! We've never been that far apart from each other. I have no way to make sure he's safe." Inko replied.

"So, you're concerned for his safety, as you should be. However, you'll be pleased to know that we cut no corners with student safety. Our facility is safe-guarded by myriads of hi-tech security systems, designed by yours truly. In addition, we have a brigade of trained soldiers on campus at all times to act in defense of faculty and students." Ashton explained.

That last part confused Izuku. Since when did the military get involved with heroics? Governments typically tried to keep heroes separate from police and military. "Well, that's…somewhat comforting." said Inko, still a bit unsure about the whole soldier thing. "But, still, I can't just send him all the way over there."

Izuku glanced at his mom worriedly. His heart was racing, he could feel it in his chest. He desperately wanted to open his mouth and plead with her to let him go, yet every fiber of his being was screaming at him to keep his mouth shut. It was agonizing, almost painful.

Ashton caught a glimpse of the shivering boy beside his mother, having a rough idea of what was going on in his head. The American headmaster let out a sigh. "Mrs. Midoriya, I know why you are so hesitant. You love your son, and you want to protect him. However, at the risk of sounding blunt, I must implore you to consider what declining this offer would mean for him."

"I'm not going to pretend to know what it's like being a parent, because I don't. But if there's one thing I do know, it's character. And even just sitting here, I can tell that your son has some of, if not the best character I have seen in a long time. And that character, combined with his miraculous Quirk, makes for great potential. I simply don't want to see that potential go to waste."

Inko stared at the table for a moment, before turning to face Izuku, her little boy not having the strength to look her in the face. A memory came flashing into her mind at that moment ("Do-do you think I can be a hero, too, Mom?" "I'm sorry, Izuku."). Tears began to form in her eyes as Ashton spoke again, "If you will allow me to train him, then I will give you my word as a Hero, headmaster, and a man, that no harm will come to your son while he is in my care."

Inko wiped her tears away as she hung her head with her eyes closed. "When we learned Izuku was Quirkless, I didn't know what to do. I wanted to support him, but I also wanted to keep him safe. And when he needed me most, I crushed his dream without even meaning to." she said. Izuku's eyes shot over to her. He was about to say something in response, but she cut him off.

"Ever since then, I've been desperately trying to find a way to make it up to him, to right my biggest wrong." She lifted her head, locking eyes with Ashton. "If this is what I have to do to make it right, then so be it." She held her hand out.

Ashton smiled, and shook it. "Thank you, Mrs. Midoriya." As soon as she let go, Inko immediately turned and hugged Izuku, who gladly returned the favor. The two men smiled. Ashton stood up from the table, reaching into his suit pocket. "Well, as much as I'd love to stick around, I need to get back to the hotel and get some rest. I'll likely be back in the air before sunrise." he said as he pulled out a white business card and handed it to Inko.

"That card contains my phone number and email address. Feel free to contact me with any concerns or questions you may have. That goes for you, as well, young man. I hope to see you come August." With that, he gave a cordial bow, before turning to leave. All Might gave his protege a thumbs-up and a smile, before following the young headmaster.

After they left, the two Midoriya's broke away from their embrace. "Izuku, honey, I'm so sorry for everything I said that day. I never should have reacted like that." said Inko.

"Mom, it's okay, you-"

"No, it's not okay. You were counting on me to lift you up, and I failed. I've been beating myself up about it for years." She looked at the small card in her hand, emblazoned with a phoenix logo. "But no more. From now on, we're gonna make things right."

Hey, guys, SVS here. I don't usually do these author's notes, because, well, I never really know what to say. But, today, I do have something to say. You might have noticed that the paragraph styling in this chapter is different from the last one. Well, as it turns out, I'm trying out a new writing style, thanks to a very helpful criticism on the last chapter.

SSJ-Jolt, if you're reading this, thank you for helping me grow as a writer. You were right, this is more enjoyable to read, and I hope you continue to enjoy this work, and any future works of mine that catch your fancy.