Waking in pain and misery was nothing new for Izumi; she had been doing it for years. The familiar warmth of her mother wrapped around her was just as usual. The unfamiliar concerned her; fatigue was not an adequate description. A less proper term would be dead tired. Her bones felt tired; the soreness and tenderness of her arm drew her attention more than anything else.

As that sensation was assimilated, the sound of all the monitors in the room and the smell of sterilization began to fade in. Her mind is ever sharp, relayed that she was in the hospital. Captain Obvious would have been proud. The events from the night before, the attempted murder, her QUIRK. SHE HAD A QUIRK AND HAD NOT ONLY FOUGHT HER FATHER, BUT SHE HAD BEAT HIM BACK. She didn't know if she would beat him, but she had held him off long enough to be taken to the hospital.

The memory of giving her statement to Midnight and Recovery Girl danced in her mind, her mother telling her this was their chance. She desperately wanted to cling to that hope, but it had been ripped from her so many times, but Midnight had been there, and Recovery Girl, there was no way that her father could get to them… Was there?

Opening her eyes, she saw her mom, the hospital room, and everything she had expected and remembered from the night before. What she didn't expect to see sleeping in a chair near her bed was the number one hero of Japan, or quite possibly the galaxy. ALL-MIGHT

-Katsuki Bakugo-

It was odd not seeing the damn Deku not show up to class; as he had taken his seat, he heard some whispers about Fire Breath being attacked in his home. That was that dumb bitch's, old man. He wasn't the most extraordinary hero but tough and didn't take shit from anyone. Katsuki always thought it was a cruel joke that he would have such a useless daughter. At least she stopped trying to slip him love letters—stupid Deku.

In the third period, his name was called out over the intercom system summoning him to the principal's office. Clicking his tongue in annoyance, he rose from his desk and stomped out of the room. A few snickers about him being called could be heard, but the damn extras knew better than to say something he could listen to.

His interest was piqued when he entered the room, and he saw his parents in the room along with what, at first glance, was some hobo, but if he was here, he had to be some pro, probably underground.

"Here he is, Mr. Eraser Head; as you can see, this young man will someday be a good pro. "Is there anything else you need before we begin," the sniveling principal said.

The pro looked at the sycophant, "I am sorry, sir, but would you mind allowing us to use the office privately, as this is part of an active investigation? His parents must be present by law."

The principal had a brief look of annoyance before the mask fell back into place, and he excused himself, telling them to take their time. When the door closed, the pro turned his attention to Katsuki, who still looked annoyed to be there. "Sit down."

"I can stand," the boy responded with an irritated tone.

"That wasn't a request," Eraser Head responded with a tone that left no question that he would not tolerate any foolishness.

Katsuki took his seat more to find out what the hell was going on, he was sure it had to do with fucking Deku, but why it involved him, he had no idea. Profoundly confident in his actions and superiority, he took a seat.

"Are we going to begin?" his father, Matsuo, asked.

"As soon as…" he didn't even get to finish his statement when the door opened, and a police detective entered, carrying a manilla folder that he handed to Eraser Head.

"Allow me to introduce myself: Detective Naomasa Tsukauchi with the Musutafu Police Department. Before this goes any further, I must, by law, inform you that my quirk is a lie detector and is self-explanatory. Now Mr. and Mrs. Bakugo, are you hear of your own volition?"

"Yes," they responded. TRUTH

"Now, would someone please explain what is going on," Mizuki said in an exasperated tone.

The lead detective settled against the desk, taking the lead in the questioning.

"Yes, Mrs. Bakugo, do you know Inko Midoriya formally Inko Shishio?" TRUTH

"Were you aware that she has a daughter?"

"Yes, but we fell out of touch when our kids were very young." TRUTH

"So, you were unaware that her daughter attended this school and was in the same class as your son?"

"I didn't know that," Truth. She looked at her son, wondering why he never said anything or even mentioned that.

"Katsuki Bakugo, at any time, had Izumi Midoriya given you letters or notes and asked you to pass them to your mother?"

"No," LIE

"Would you care to rethink your answer?"

"That stupid Deku gave me some stupid ass love letters saying I should give to the hag." TRUTH

"Did you ever read the letters?"

"No, why would I read a stupid love letter from that disgusting quirkless trash." TRUTH

"KATSUKI!" his mother yelled, half rising out of her seat.

"WHAT SHE IF NOTHING BUT A FUCKING DEKU, WHOM THE HELL CARES?" TRUTH

"Katsuki Bakugo, those were, in fact, not "love letters," but they were cries for help; Izumi Midoriya was trying to get a message to your mother. In the past years, Inko and Izumi have been victims of extreme domestic abuse."

Suddenly a loud commotion could be heard as the shouts of police could be heard and someone being tackled to the floor.

"Do not be alarmed. That is simply the police raiding the school," Eraser Head said as he continued reading the file's contents. "Do you mind if I take over detective?"

"No, sir, go right ahead."

"Katsuki Bakugo, have you ever used your quirk on Izumi Midoriya?"

The supreme confidence began to fade. "NO" LIE. The detective just raised an eyebrow.

"YES, BUT I HAD TO PUT THAT DUMB WHORE IN HER PLACE." TRUTH

"Were your parents aware of your actions?"

"NO." TRUTH

"Were any of the school faculty aware of your actions?"

"They understood she needed to be put down; it wasn't just me. Many people did it; it would have been better if she had just jumped off a bridge." TRUTH

His parents gasped, and even the detective was surprised. Eraser Head leaned forward, "In my hand, I have a medical report showing Izumi Midoriya had detectable and noticeable traces of Nitroglycerin in her bloodstream and burn marks constant with being exposed to close-range explosions. Not only that are signs of multiple concussions and Pulmonary Barotrauma or Blast Lung. Not to mention a nice handprint on her back containing foreign DNA. Katsuki Bakugo you are under arrest."

"No," his parents said, rising to their feet.

"YOU CAN'T ARREST ME; I AM GOING TO BE THE NEXT NUMBER 1 HERO. THAT WORTHLESS BITCH WILL NEVER BE ANYTHING BUT A USELESS DEKU. SHE DOESN'T EVEN HAVE A QUIRK, FOR CHRIST'S SAKE."

"When I am done with you, you will be lucky to be able to use your quirk to light a campfire." Eraser Head said.

The detective stepped forward and restrained the boy, securing the quirk suppressant cuffs. "Katsuki Bakugo, you are under arrest for assault and unlawful use of a quirk. Mr. and Mrs. Bakugo, you are welcome to follow as he will not be transported to Musutafu Child Detention Center."

Katsuki was dragged out of the principal's office screaming and raving like a madman, demanding that he be released as the next great hero, that Izumi had gotten whatever she had deserved, that he was superior, and that this was a great mistake. His parents watched in horror the monster they had raised and let run rampant. Mitsuki was breaking down, her son had taken after her so much, and she had paid no heed to his demeanor and behavior, stepping in to defend him and his attitude from her husband. She had failed Katsuki; she would have to do everything in her power to try and save him, even if she had to keep him from himself.

-An extraordinary hospital room-

"ALL MIGHT!"

The sudden outburst startled Inko and the number one hero woke up. Inko then saw All-Might next to the bed, and she shouted, "All-MIGHT!". Soon both girls were struggling to get up and make themselves presentable; the hero was flustered momentarily before he could get them calmed down. Inko was now standing beside the bed while Izumi was sitting up.

"I apologize for startling you ladies, Recovery Girl and Midnight have returned home to get some sleep after the long night. I volunteered to watch over you till they returned, and I am ashamed to say I fell asleep myself."

"There is no reason to apologize, sir; I can only thank you for taking the time to watch over Izumi and me; I know you have much more important things to do," Inko said, bowing several times.

"I am sorry that you had to waste your time on someone like me, sir," Izumi said weakly.

"Nonsense. Both of you raise your heads, It is not my place to speak, but I want to tell you that I will do everything in my power to keep that man away from the both of you."

The girls were in stunned silence; hope had been dancing in their minds, afraid to come to light as if doing so would cause it to fade away. Yet, now here was the number one hero telling them he was on their side and would do everything to protect them. It was too much, and soon the tears exploded from the two. All-Might tried his best to placate and calm them, but the raw emotion for the mother and daughter was too much. Just knowing that it was now a real possibility that the nightmare might be coming to an end was too much.

When mother and daughter finally composed themselves, Inko finally asked the question. "All Might not say that we aren't grateful you are here, but I have to ask why you are going this far for us."

All-Might paused, "Do you know your birth mother?"

"I have some memories of her but not a lot, she gave me and my brother up for adoption when I was very young, and my brother was but an infant. What does she have to do with this?"

"Your mother was Nana Shimura, the hero Sky Gal; she is the one that trained me before her death. I was young and unable to save her. I never knew what had happened to her children, knowing that you and Izumi have suffered in such a fashion." He took a deep breath. "I feel like I have failed her all over again. I know that not knowing gives me an excuse, but I consider it an excuse. I ask that you allow this fool to do all he can to help to alleviate his conscience.

Inko was lost for words. Her mother had trained thee All-Might, and now the number one hero was asked to protect her and her daughter. Inko was an unselfish woman; she never wanted a lot, she never asked for much, and the thought of being this selfish tore at her core. But, Izumi. She was Inko's world; her daughter had suffered, and she wanted to see her bloom and grow. See her dare to dream for something more than a day without violence, see her have an absolute dream and be able to achieve it, whatever it may be.

"We are in your hands All-Might," Inko said, lowering her head to the number one hero.

"Yagi Toshinori," he responded as the two girls looked at him, slightly confused. "That is my name; please call Yagi or Toshi if that is too much."

The trio sat in silence for a moment. "Mr. Toshi?" Izumi asked softly.

"Yes, young Izumi?"

"What happens now?"

"When Ms. Midnight and Recovery Girl return, we can discuss your options. The first thing will be to find a safe place to live and replace your possessions."

"I did tear up the house, didn't I," Izumi said with a hint of sadness.

"You did so to save yourself and your mother, recovery crews are already hard at work, and I promise I will make sure any sentimental items are recovered and returned to you."

"I don't know how we will find a place to live; we have very little money. HE made sure of that," Inko said.

"Then I will provide you with all the money you need," he could see Inko immediately going to protest. "Please, Inko, years of being a hero have made me quite wealthy, and I have nothing or anyone to spend it on, allow me to use some of it for you and Izumi."

With that, they waited, making small talk which didn't last long when Midnight and Recovery Girl returned; the two heroes stepped off to the side as Recovery Girl went into Doctor mode, examining her patients.

"The both of you are extremely malnourished, but I congratulate you, Inko. You managed to keep Izumi from any lasting harm. I think we can get her on track with a proper diet. We need to ensure that she is eating right and getting some exercise to help rebuild her. Eating properly and resting safely will do both of you wonders."

"Speaking of which," Midnight said. "After speaking with All-Might, I was wondering if you two would like to come to live with me?"

Inko and Izumi just blinked.

"Fire Breath has already been released, but rest assured he will not be allowed anywhere near you; the restraining orders have been granted, and I delivered them to him personally," Toshi said.

"My place is safe and unlisted; this way, I can help keep you two safe like I promised." Midnight added.

"I can always give you your place if you would like, but I won't be there as much to watch over you. Midnight can solve that issue, and I have offered to help with any financial needs. Also, I am sure it will give you peace of mind that she is there looking out for you both."

"And It would also help me; I could use someone to help me at home. Being a pro and a teacher, I hate to admit that having someone to make sure I eat right alone would be worth its weight in gold. I figure I could pay you to be my housekeeper, and that will give you time to adjust and maybe go back to school to finish your degree or whatever you choose to do. We could help each other out."

Inko looked at Izumi, who nodded; Midnight had been the first to take a chance on them and had set all this into motion; she made Izumi feel safe. "We will be in your care Nemuri," Inko said.

-A New Beginning-

Midnight, All Might and President Mic escorted Inko and Izumi out of the hospital through a private exit. They were then taken to their new home in a private SUV through a parking garage. Inko and Izumi were nervous throughout the ride, anticipating a possible trap or unexpected event. Upon arriving at the spacious penthouse apartment, Izumi frantically searched for HIM, but he wasn't there. She returned to the living room and nearly broke down in tears while telling her mother he was nowhere to be found.

The two held each other; having dared to dream, they feared it would be taken away. They knew mentally that there was no way for All-Might or Midnight to betray them, but the fear was deep. All the years of punishment and abuse they had left deep scars on them.

During the night, All-Might slept on the couch while the mother and daughter shared a bed. Nemuri stayed up late discussing plans and actions for the future with the number one hero. All-Might had to depart the next day, but he wished to accompany the group for shopping to purchase clothes and essentials before leaving. A vital operation was on the horizon, and he wanted to ensure they were in a good position beforehand.

The family woke in the morning expecting the nightmare to start again when it didn't; slight trepidation walked alongside their hope. Going out in public was difficult. They were nervous and fidgety, Izumi more so than Inko. Their heads constantly looked for danger, especially as they were outside their regular approved routes and going to places, they had been forbidden. They only managed to handle an hour or two before it overwhelmed them, forcing them to return to their new home. All-Might quietly seethed with anger; he understood how long of a journey they would have, but bearing witness angered and hurt the number one hero. He couldn't punch this into oblivion; the psychological trauma would take time.

While his date with destiny was on the horizon, he would do everything he could to ensure their future would be bright and a place where they could dream in peace.

-Katsuki Bakugo-

Having spent the night in a juvenile detention center or the JDC was spent not in reflection or with life-changing epiphanies but in anger and rage. He had done nothing wrong; it was all that damn pebble's fault. Now his perfect story and perfect ascension were marred by this incident. Here he was, the next great hero dealing with pathetic lowlifes and future villains; being forced to breathe the same air as these rejects was almost enough to make him sick. He had just finished telling some leave what he thought of him when a group of older boys cornered him.

Katsuki readied to blow these damn extras back to whatever hole they had crawled out of, but the quirk-suppressing bracelets quickly reminded him that he was quirkless. The bracelets did wonders on emitter types but could do very little on mutant types, as Katsuki found out. He had always fancied himself a fighter, but he had never been in a fight. It was always one-sided beatdowns, ones facilitated by his extraordinary quirk. Now he was without his quirk, and the ten-year-old would learn a painful lesson. It lasted for 10 minutes before they came and broke it up. He tried to fight but was quickly overwhelmed; in the end, he was on the floor in a ball, covering his head, wondering where someone was to end the attack.

This wasn't a one-off occurrence. On the third night, when it happened again and again, no one came till the guards noticed, lacking any real effort, making their way over to stop the attack with a light verbal reprimand. He sat there wondering why no one interfered, why the others just walked away.

"You are wondering why no one jumped in?" a small voice with a noticeable lisp rang out.

Katsuki turned and saw a tiny boy with purple orbs for hair; he was holding out a damp cloth so Katsuki could clean himself up. Not waiting for a reply, the boy continued.

"I bet you were the top dog in your school and ran everything; you could beat on whomever you wanted and do anything your heart desired. It might make right. No one dared to stand up to you, and those that did wouldn't do it a second time after you taught them a lesson, am I right?"

Katsuki nodded.

"Here you are, dog shit, no one knows you or cares. You have no quirk here, no power, nothing that makes you special. You might as well be quirkless; it sucks when the world decides you are on the bottom, and you can do nothing about it."

"I can get stronger and show everyone who they are messing with." Katsuki snarled.

"And then you will go too far and end up back here, or worse. You do you; maybe if you get out of here, remember how you felt and that someone weaker than you in every way possible offered you some kindness."

"What's your name?"

"Minoru Mineta." The boy said as he walked off.

-Flame Breath-

As ordered, he sat in the safe house; the guards watching him didn't interact or offer conversation. On the second day, the news story broke an exclusive video of the hero attacking and fighting his daughter. His stock plummeted; he was thankful they had confiscated his phone, as he was sure it was blowing up.

Umpire spoke up in his defense, talking of how Flame Breath was a great hero and father, constantly working to give his family everything. Nothing from Speed Freak; he had just disappeared. The following day he was presented with a statement that made him just puke. There are no defensive claims of mind control, how his daughter attacked him, or even the infidelity/attempted murder. He was defending himself. When he brought it up to the commission agent, the agent turned on the television and turned up the audio with his voice ringing loud and clear.

Luckily for him, the agent had multiple copies of the prepared statement, as many were burned that day.

-Inko and Izumi-

Nemuri notified them before the news story broke, and Flame Breath was about to release a statement. They prepared as best they could but needed to prepare for what happened. They watched as he stepped on the stage, dressed in his hero costume, a very recognizable stern look on his face. He stepped to the podium as the lightbulbs flashed.

"I would like to thank you for coming today as I address the allegations that had been made against me. They are all true; I have been an abusive father and husband to two people who did nothing to deserve it. I will step away and seek the help I need to ensure that I can become a better person. For those who had put their faith and trust in me, I can only offer my most sincere apologies and beg for your forgiveness and understanding. To my wife and daughter, I offer no platitudes for what you endured due to my actions. I will ask no forgiveness from you and expect none. I ask that you in the media please allow them the time and space needed to heal; I will surrender to authorities to accept and bear any punishment our great legal system lay before me. Thank You." He stepped back and bowed deeply as Endeavor stepped onto the stage and placed his former sidekick in cuffs, placing him under arrest and leading him off the stage."

Inko and Izumi hugged and cried; they could do nothing; the nightmare was over. They were free.

"What now?" Izumi asked Nemuri.

"It is time for you two to heal," the pro-heroine said. "The scars will never be gone, and they will never be forgotten, but things will get better in time, I promise. It is safe to dream again."

-Katsuki Bakugo-

He stood outside the JDC with his parents; they had posted bail for their son. On the trip home he looked at the news reports, how Flame Breath had admitted to everything. The entire car ride was silent; he remembered all the pain and suffering he had already inflicted on Deku and how he had a chance to be a hero and failed. Now his future was up to the courts; his dream of being a hero was dangling by a thread.

-Izumi Shimura-

It had been six months since that terrible but wonderful night. The divorce papers had been fast-tracked, but a stellar legal team and her mother's demands had been met without contention. She no longer had to bear that monster's name; she was now Izumi Shimura, the granddaughter of a great hero.

A healthy diet and a safe place to sleep had done wonders for the little family. Nemuri was a gentle and reassuring presence in their life, giving space and gentle nudges. They had clothes, things they had chosen on their own; Nemuri had taken them to get their hair cut, bought them skin care products, and did all she could to bring them back to life.

Therapy had started at first with sessions in the condo before the girls were comfortable enough to leave the house and attend sessions at the doctor's office. Recovery Girl continued managing their medical recovery; all-might would check in to reassure him.

As Izumi sat with All-Might one evening, she looked at the pro. "All-Might?" she asked, fidgeting with her hands.

"Yes, young Izumi?"

"Can I be a hero?"

"Do you want to be?"

"I think I do; I had always wanted to be before my quirk came in; I wanted to be a real hero, not like the monster that HE was. But then I was trying to survive. But now…"

"I think you can be a great hero with or without your quirk, young Izumi. You have the heart of a hero, and if that is what you desire, I swear I will do all I can to help you become a magnificent hero."

"Then please train me All-Might; I want to be a hero."