Notes: A week late. yep. Work was pretty stressful these last few weeks, which also didn't help injured my wrist slowing down writing. and now realized wont be able to move out of state for another 2 months so figuring that out. But hey, it's here!

special news in the end of the chapter!

Katara ran through the hallway of the school, confused as to why no one was here. Her eyes darted back and forth as she tried finding anyone, throwing the doors open to some of the classrooms to find them empty.

"Where is everyone?" She said to herself, increasing her speed as she made her way through the school. "Hello?!" she shouted out, trying to figure out what was going on. Opening up another door, she was shocked to find it completely in darkness, unable to see anything inside. Despite that, she felt herself needing to go inside, her breathing increasing as she looked around the room. "What is this?"

"Katara?"

The familiar voice made Katara's heart race, turning as her eyes adjusted to the darkness to see Shoto standing there. "Shoto!" She shouted as she ran up to him. "What's going on? Where is everyone?"

"I don't know," He said as he glanced around, "I can't find them either."

The sudden footsteps from the side caught both of their attention, turning and feeling their hearts skip when they saw the bright blue flames illuminate the cold figure standing there.

"Oh, do you want them to ruin our time together?" Touya snickered, his sinister smile causing Katara's blood to run cold. "I've been waiting to see you once more."

"Katara, get back!" Shoto shouted, igniting his own flames as he got in front of her. "You aren't touching her!"

Katara only stared in shock as she saw him there, staring up at his now white hair. She felt herself sweating as she looked back and forth between the two fire users, afraid to say the truth to Shoto. She went to move towards him, but gasped out from the sharp pain ramming into her back. Her eyes looked down to her chest, terrified as she saw the spider leg protruding through her chest again.

"KATARA!" Shoto shouted as he saw what happened, but was unable to move as the blue flames engulfed his own. Katara couldn't even move as the sharp leg lifted her up, her trembling eyes turning to see the bright yellow eyes of the hunter beside her.

"Did you think you were done seeing me? I wasn't finished with you yet." Iktomi snickered as her long fingers gripped her neck. "I'm taking you as my payment."

Katara could only watch in horror as the hunters mouth opened up, revealing the sharp fangs dripping venom. She couldn't scream as Iktomi lunged forward, the fangs aiming right at her throat.

Gasping out, Katara shot up from her sleep. Panting out, she reached up and clenched her chest, her shaking hand holding onto the damp shirt. The injury on her chest seemed to burn to her touch, rubbing at the spot before it finally went away. She then reached up to her throat, swallowing at the sensation she sensed. She closed her eyes and wiped at the sweat on her face, grunting in frustration before grabbing the back of her neck. She breathed in several times, realizing it was just a nightmare.

"Just a dream…" she muttered out, opening her eyes and adjusting to the very faint light. Suddenly, she was shocked to see she wasn't in her bedroom, realizing she was in the main living room of the class dorms. The sudden groan from behind made her eyes widen, turning in surprise to see Shoto sleeping beside her on the couch. At first she blushed in confusion, but then remembered hanging out with everyone after getting back to school, and she must've fallen asleep on the couch beside him which made her chuckle.

"Thank you for keeping me company." she said, reaching down and brushing his hair away from his eyes, seeing the cute face she always liked. As she did, however, her eyes drifted to the white hair he had on his head, reminding her of the dark secret she had inside her. Her heart began beating faster as she remembered his cold laugh, the insane look in his eyes, and the words that he had told her of his plan.

Taking a deep breath, she quietly got up from the couch and made her way to the bathroom, closing herself in and flipping the light on. Washing her face, her mind began replaying the dream she just had, the image of the crazed fire wielder causing her body to sweat. Looking up into the mirror, she suddenly felt the sharp pain in her chest return, and the bright eyes of Iktomi still haunting her. She reached up and grabbed her shirt, feeling the bandages underneath. Taking her shirt off, she stared at the thick wrapping around her chest, glaring and pulling at the tape. Despite being told to leave them on for another day, she had to see it.

The moment it was pulled off, her eyes widened when she saw the red patch below her chest line nearly the size of her palm. The raw skin was surrounded by red, sensitive skin, feeling inflamed to the touch. She turned around to see the similar spot on her back, the star shaped injury shockingly similar to a scar she had seen before… being very close in appearance to the large scar that Aang received on his back from Azula. She turned back around and stared at her chest injury again, taking a deep breath as she saw the scar she was going to be carrying around.

She reached up and rubbed her face to calm herself, seeing the damage she had taken during the intense battle she had experienced with Bakugo and Kendo. She really did understand now how close to death she was, the only reason she even lasted as long as she did was because everyone else helping her, along with the power she had discovered inside herself. But she also knew the only reason she was here was because of Endeavor and Mirko, who came in and stopped Iktomi's finishing blows and defeated her, along with the former closing up her injury before she bled out. And now she was here… with a revelation she didn't know how to explain.

Turning the water back on, she bended a handful of water up to her palm and activated her healing. Placing it to her chest, she winced momentarily before the soothing sensation ran through the injury. After close to a minute, she pulled her hand away, seeing some of the redness cured but ultimately the large patch still there. She looked from that injury to the scar on her shoulder, and then down to the burn on her arm. All of these scars she had received since being here, and she certainly knew that wasn't going to be the last of them. Sighing, she slipped her shirt back on and left the bathroom, seeing the time was close to getting up anyway and went up to get dressed.

Even as the day went on and she went to class with everyone, it all just felt like a blur to Katara as her mind was far too preoccupied with what she was thinking about. And since she had been gone for so long, she was excluded from the test Aizawa gave to everyone else, which meant she had to sit quietly as everyone did theirs. Unfortunately, this meant her mind was completely focused on the incident she experienced, replaying everything she saw and heard over and over. Even after the test, Aizawa talked about some festival taking place, but she could barely take it in as Touya's laugh replayed in her head.

She glanced over at Shoto beside her, seeing the white hair on his head. She inhaled deeply, turning away and clutching at her arm. She felt her heart tightening as she began thinking about what to say, and what would be his reaction to everything that had been discovered. In some way, she almost didn't want to tell him, worried about what it would emotionally do to him.

But she couldn't hide this revelation.

Sneaking her phone out from her pocket, Katara sent out a text. After a moment, she felt it vibrate from the incoming message, ignoring the question she was asked and sent another message before putting her phone away. She breathed hard as she forced herself to sit calmly while the school day continued on, still enjoying lunch with her friends trying to catch up with what they missed over the last week. She truly did like having a calm day in life after what happened. As school was over, however, she knew it was all going to change.

After class had ended and everyone was leaving, Aizawa got the waterbenders attention before she left her row. "Katara, can you stay after for a minute?" he asked.

"Yeah, sure." She said, a little surprised at first as she looked over at Shoto, nodding to him she'd be alright. As everyone walked out of the room, Katara made her way up to the desk in front. "Yes?"

Aizawa leaned back in his chair and gave a quick look up and down the teen. "I will say it's good to have you back, but I want to make sure you are fine after what happened."

Taking a breath, Katara gave a small smile and nodded. "Yes sir. I'll be alright."

Aizawa raised his brow at her answer. "You sure? Because you certainly looked lost through the day." he stated, making Katara's eyes widen.

"It's just… I've had a lot on my mind since I came back," She said rubbing her arm. "I just need a day or so to get back to the feel of things and-

"Is she here?!"

The door to the classroom bursting open made Katara yelp out, turning to see a huffing figure she didn't expect. "All Might?!"

Breathing hard, Toshinori coughed a few times as he composed himself. Since he had been busy and away from the school for the last day, he hadn't heard the news of her return until just a few minutes earlier. Now that he was here, he felt his heart jump at the waterbender standing there. "I can't believe it… you're awake." he said with a smile as he came into the class, "I heard the news and had to come see as soon as I could."

While at first surprised, Katara let out a sigh and smiled up at the retired hero. "I got back last night. I was…. A little surprised to find out how much time had passed."

"It was a truly scary situation," Toshinori admitted, clenching his fist momentarily before patting the teen on the arm. "But I'm glad to see you're alright now."

"Thank you," Katara answered with a nod. "It was scary hearing how lucky I was. But I was happy to hear everyone else was alright."

"Still," Aizawa interjected, "from what we learned hearing from the others, you in fact were the main target in everything that had happened, with the league of villains behind the attack as well."

"I know…" Toshinori growled, frustrated as he thought back to All for One's words in the prison. "The other league members must know about your powers as well, hence why they created this ploy to capture her, while going after the others as a bonus to their time."

Katara felt her heart tighten as the two teachers began creating reasonings for her being a target for the hunters. But their theories for her abilities were completely wrong… for the one who hired them wanted her for something else entirely. Seeing the frustration on her face, Aizawa sighed and clasped his hands together. "This makes things more confusing on what comes next. But for now, you should rest and get your head clear. If you need anything, make sure you tell us."

"Actually…" Katara said as she looked up to her teacher, thinking back to her message she sent. "If possible, there's something I need later this evening."

Making her way back to the class dorms, Katara exhaled as she saw the sun setting over the horizon. Rubbing her arms from the light chill in the air, almost as if to prepare her for what was coming later that night. But she couldn't beat herself up about it any longer, knowing this would be far better to let the truth be known. As she made it up the stairs and inside, she quickly made up to her room and changed into more comfortable clothes, sitting on her bed for several more minutes before heading back down.

In the living room, practically everyone was gathered around the living room, seemingly discussing ideas for what the class was going to do for this festival that was going to occur in a few weeks. Luckily for her, they were all so focused on getting ideas out they hadn't noticed her yet, taking the time to go to the kitchen and grab some water for herself. She sat for a minute in there, enjoying the cool water's taste before putting the cap back on the bottle. Sighing, she made her way into the room as they all turned to see the newcomer.

"Oh Katara! Perfect timing!" Mina said as she came in. "We are going over ideas of what kind of performance to do and need another opinion!"

"Alright, sounds good." Katara said with a smile as she sat on the couch next to Shoto, noticing the look he had on his face. He was obviously curious to what she spoke to Aizawa after school. In fact she could sense the slight tension in the air from everyone for the same thing, especially from Tenya, Kendo, Momo, and even Bakugo. Yet nobody asked her what was said; They all figured this was her business, and after what she went through they figured to give her a little more space for now.

Something she certainly needed at this moment, because she could barely focus on the entire discussion here.

For the next hour, she vaguely listened to the many ideas going between the classmates of hers. The topics ranged from a singing competition, a quirk battle, or of course a maid cafe suggested by Mineta. A few of the other suggestions had sounded good, yet the class overall just couldn't come to a full agreement. While she was amused and added in input here and there, Katara… just wasn't there mentally. Everything said kind of went in one ear and out the other, her mind too preoccupied with Shoto.

Speaking of him, she was truly surprised to see him come up with the idea of a music performance to do, the suggestion becoming an instant favorite with most of the class.

"Ohh that's perfect! It would be so fun to do that!" Uraraka agreed.

"That's a great idea. It would really make everyone so excited!" Tenya exclaimed.

She glanced over as he sat back down, raising her brow in surprise. "What made you come up with that?" she asked.

Giving a small shrug, he leaned back into the couch. "It's something I've seen on TV before, and I always saw the crowd so excited seeing something so loud. I figured that is something all of us together would be able to do."

Smiling, Katara rubbed his arm as the class continued debating the idea, leading to them picking who should lead the performance. Despite her trying her best to enjoy the debate, however, Katara simply couldn't get her mind off the secret she had inside. Perhaps because if was something involving the one she cared for, or because it was something that involved herself. Either way, she had her chance as many of her classmates got up and went to the side of the room, taking a breath as Shoto got up to follow them.

"Shoto wait…" Katara stopped him before he got up. "Look. I… I really need to talk to you about something. Something really important."

Just seeing the look on her face and the tone of her voice made Shoto's hair stand on end, his heart beating faster as he turned back around. "What's wrong?"

Taking a quick glance around, Katara made sure no one else was paying attention to them as she stood up, grabbing and squeezing his hand. "This is something we have to talk about somewhere else."

Shoto was completely confused as Katara led him out of the living room towards the exit, walking out the door and away from their dorms. The darkened night enshrouded the pair as they walked down the sidewalk, only lit by the occasional light poles around. He had no idea what was going on, but judging by the way she way squeezing his wrist, he knew it was something bad. "Katara…" He whispered as she stopped, grabbing her hand off and making her turn his way. "What's going on?"

Taking a breath, Katara looked down to his hand, rubbing her thumb across his knuckles. "It's just… so much stuff happened when I was gone. So many things that… I have to tell you about."

Furrowing his brow, Shoto squeezed her hands between his. He had so many questions as well, and he had to make sure she was alright. "Okay then. I was-

"No…" Katara shook her head. "Not here. We have to go somewhere private for this. I know a place to go." Holding onto his palm, she once again led him through the school campus in the dark. On a normal night, this actually could've been very romantic, reminding the pair of their walk before dinner they had weeks back. That's if there wasn't the awkward tension hanging over the two of them right then.

For Shoto, he was utterly confused as his girlfriend walked him through the school campus. He knew after what happened to her on the raid, there must've been serious thoughts going through her mind after everything. But not only was she choosing to talk with him outside of the class away from everyone, she was taking him further out of sight? What could've been so serious that she was doing this?

For Katara… she had her reasons. With what she was going to discuss, she knew it was something she didn't want the others to hear about until Shoto himself was ready. Not only that, she didn't want to risk some other random student to walk by outside and overhear what they were talking about. That is why she led Shoto into the UA main building, leading him to look at her with his head titled in confusion. "Where are we…?"

"I asked Aizawa sensei if we could use the class as a place to talk,"She said as they walked through the empty halls, reaching their homeroom door and pausing. "Look, I know this is strange, but I need you to trust me, alright?" she asked, earning a nod from Shoto.

"Of course I trust you, Katara." Shoto confirmed as she opened the door leading him inside and… before freezing in place when he saw who was there. "What the…"

Waiting inside the classroom was his father Enji, the flame hero standing there in casual clothes with his flames missing from his face. Seeing the waterbender there made the hero's heart relax from the worry he'd been feeling for the last week, for he had been waiting to see her up and okay after her condition. "Katara…" he muttered out and stepped forward, only to stop when he saw the look of rage coming from his son.

"What the hell are you doing here?" Shoto growled out and clenched his fists, only for Katara to grab his shoulder.

"Because I asked him to come."

"Wh-what?" Shoto asked in shock. "Why would you bring him here for anything? He's the reason you were hurt!"

Shoto…" Katara squeezed his arm making him look her way. "...Please trust me." as he continued his glare, she shut the door behind them, she walked towards the silent flame hero standing there. She had heard about the scar he received, almost like it was a strange form of karma that his left eye was scarred like his son's. But she shook off the feeling and gave a nod. "Thank you for coming here."

Enji's eyes widened slightly when she said that to him, certainly being the first time he had heard her say those words to him. "When you messaged me, I had to come here. Hearing you were awake was beyond reassuring to learn." he quietly stated. "How are you feeling now?"

Katara gave another small nod to him. "I feel much better. And… I remember what happened before I passed out. I didn't get the chance before, but I needed to say thank you for saving me."

Both Shoto and Enji's eyes widened to the girl's sentence, neither expecting her to be speaking like this. Shoto especially felt twisted. He knew her life was saved by his father, but the fact she had been injured in the first place was because he had failed to protect her. He couldn't look past his own anger, wanting this man to be gone from his sight. "You heard her thanks. Now you can get on out of here." he growled out.

"Shoto, I've tried to explain to you…" Enji huffed out, "If I had known what was going to happen, I never would've allowed her to join that raid."

"And yet you didn't, and she was almost killed." Shoto hissed. "You were so occupied with trying to get famous from capturing these villains, that you let Katara and everyone else face those monsters on their own."

"There was no way we could've known that was going to happen." Enji's scowl began to grow at his sons accusations. "There was no warning that the league was involved with those criminals!"

"If you had simply looked past your own pride, then you could've-

"Both of you, shut up!"

The Todoroki pair jumped from Katara's shout from the side, the furious look on her face making both of them tense up. Breathing deep, she rubbed her forehead for a moment before glaring at the two. "Look, I know there is so much tension between you two. Believe me, you are not the first father and son I've met with a horrible connection, but right now, there is something bigger than you two right now."

While both felt the tightness in their chests from the first statement she made, they both took notice of what she said in the end. Still managing to cast a harsh look to one another, both Shoto and Enji separated, his son sitting on one of the desks while the father leaned against the wall. Exhaling, Katara stepped back and leaned against Aizawa's desk. Now that she was here, she felt her heart tense up for a moment, now realizing how hard this was going to be. Rubbing her arm, she blinked several times before nodding.

"Alright… Now so much has happened. I don't know where to start," Katara muttered. "When we went after the hunters, we had thought it was because they were after Burnin. But that wasn't true. It wasn't even going after everyone there for ransoms, that was something they just did for themselves. The real target in this entire situation…" Katara squeezed at her arm as she remembered the cold truth. "... was me."

"By the league of villains…" Shoto hissed out, "They've been after you since the summer camp attack."

Katara squeezed her arm even tighter, frowning to herself and shaking her head. "No… it's not the league itself. It's the one who hired the hunters. Dabi."

Enji recalled hearing from the reports how the flame user Dabi had led the attack on the summer camp, and how he had been there in the cave, the one behind hiring the mercenaries in the first place. "But why? What does he have a grudge against you?"

"It's because of you…" Shoto growled, glaring up at his father. "Whoever he is, he has a vendetta against you."

"Me?" Enji frowned in confusion. "I don't even know who he is. I've never even seen him before until recently."

"You sure about that? Because he certainly knows so much about you." Shoto grumbled. "Everything he is doing he says is because of you and how I…" he gritted his teeth thinking about those words. "... How I was your prize."

Enji grimaced at the venom in Shoto's voice, the harsh memories he kept trying to avoid coming back to him. "That has nothing to do with him. I assure you I've never come across him before in my life."

Katara's hands came to her knees as she took a deep breath, feeling her body shake slightly. "He knows everything about you, more than you could ever know." she murmured out. "Everything that happened was aimed towards you; the hunters capturing and defeating so many heroes, a failed raid led by you… he wanted you to take the downfall for all of what happened."

Enji's mouth fell open to that, confused by that statement before glaring. "I don't know who he is, but I promise you that I will end this the next time he shows his wretched face again."

A tightness enveloped Katara's chest, looking down to the ground as blue fire ran through her mind. "It won't be that easy for you."

"And why is that?" Enji glared her way. "Because he got the drop on us? It was a mistake I swear will never happen again. After what happened to you, I will make sure he faces the same fate as the rest of those damn hunters."

"No, you don't understand. This is different!" Katara's voice raised as she squeezed at the pants she wore. "He isn't just a villain!"

"What?" Shoto now looked at her in confusion. "Katara, what are you talking about? He tried to kill you multiple times! He had you by the throat when you were bleeding out in the forest!"

"There is nothing else to say about this. I swore I would make sure he is brought down the next time he and the league of villains appear. Never again will I allow what happened to occur again!" Enji clenched his fists in anger, not getting why she was saying this. "And what makes you think this will be different this time? All for One is rotting in prison now, and what makes you think I won't do everything that I can to do the same for this man?!" Katara's nails nearly ripped through her pants as she squeezed, her stern eyes looking up at him.

"Because he is your son!"

…

…

…

…

The air itself seemed to freeze when the words Katara said left her lips. Both Shoto and Enji felt their hearts skip several beats to the statement made, the elder Todoroki's eyes widening in disbelief. "Wha… what did you say?" His hands trembled before he clenched his fists tight. "Is this some sick joke?"

Katara took several breaths as she brought her hands up and rubbed her face, the tension of holding that in finally gone. She shook her head and looked at the two of them, their faces mixed with a range of utter confusion, shock and anger. "This is not a joke. It's true… he told me everything as he tried to capture me, how you made him to be your successor. He said when he didn't reach that potential, he was cast aside for the next kids…" she felt her throat tighten when she looked over to Shoto, the pain in his face making her heart hurt. "... and he said when Shoto was born, you put all your focus into him."

"What are you…?" Enji's throat tightened as his mind began spinning a mile a minute at the words he heard. He couldn't believe any of it. It was impossible. The only children he had was Natsu, Fuyumi and Shoto. And his first was…

The sickening feeling ran through Enji's chest as his mind suddenly realized something utterly disturbing. His mouth fell open as his eyes burst open, the cold sensation crawling across his skin making him shiver. His mind replayed the night he saw the inferno in the distance, engulfing Sekoto Peak and where he had believed his first child and burned to death. "He…. He is…"

Katara gave a very slow nod, seeing he knew it as well. "He is your son… Touya."

Shoto couldn't move. He could barely react hearing the news Katara just told him. He thought this was some sort of fantasy just heard, thinking back to the few memories he had of his oldest brother. He didn't want to believe it, but he knew Katara would not make something up like that.

Enji felt like there was a knife digging into his stomach, a sickening sensation crawling through his gut as he struggled to stand there. His legs felt wobbly as he fell downward, catching himself with his hand before he stumbled. His breathing felt impossible as his heart hammered in his chest, unable to accept what he just heard. Suddenly he fell forward to his knees, catching himself as his shaking eyes stared at the floor. He remembered the look of his son, and knew that villain Dabi was no son of his.

"No… It can't be…" He stuttered out, his shaking hand clenching onto the ground. "He died all those years ago… Touya is gone…" he furrowed his brow as he dug through his memories, seeing the face of his son once more. "It can't be. His quirk… his hair is different!"

"He had dye in his hair that made it that color. It came out when I fought him off." Katara explained, looking at Shoto once more. "When it washed out, it was the same as Shoto's right side."

Shoto's hand subconsciously reached up, pressing onto the white hair atop his head. He took several breaths as he felt completely lost, thinking back to the words Dabi was saying to him back when he faced him. He remembered the emphasis he kept putting towards his father, and how he seemingly knew so much about himself. He was obsessed with going after both he and Katara, to the point the other league members were confused with his actions. The taunting, the threats, and the anger he felt, it was more than some villainous drive. It was something personal and vindictive, a clear hatred bleeding through his words as he attacked them.

Breathing hard, Shoto clasped his hands in front of his face. "But why… how is this possible?" He muttered out. "He can be lying… what if he…"

"He said how he was cast aside, just an experiment…" Katara exhaled and looked away. "He said how he and the other siblings were failed experiments, until you were the perfect blend of fire and ice."

That was the breaking point for Endeavor, feeling his throat contract as he heart continued to ram inside his chest. The words she just said… were exactly the sick thoughts that used to overtake his mind. He crawled off the ground and stumbled towards the door, slamming it open and running out of the room. Neither of the teens said anything as he left them alone, unsure what they could even say to him. The pair sat in silence for several minutes, Katara rubbing her arm and looking over to Shoto staring blankly at the ground. The look on his face was hard to read, for it was a blend of so many forms of confusion and pain.

"I'm sorry, Shoto…" she whispered. "I can't even say how sorry I am for you." Shoto didn't say anything as he stood up from his spot, making her heart tighten. "I can't imagine what you are-

"You should leave…"

Katara's eyes widened at his words, watching as he slowly moved towards the door. "What? What do you mean?"

"You should leave me…" He quietly said, the shakiness in his voice matching the trembling of his body. "Get away from someone like me."

"What?" Katara's mouth fell open to his suggestion as she stood up after him. "Why would you say that?"

"I'm nothing but a curse for you…" Shoto breathing shuttered as he spoke, clenching his eyes closed since he never wanted to say these words, "...I'm nothing but trouble to be with. Just get away from me."

Glaring, Katara stomped forward and grabbed his shoulder. "And what, forget what we feel for each other and just run away? How could you say that?!"

"I'm nothing but a burden for you!" Shoto snapped out, his fists shaking in utter rage. "Look what you've been put through because of me; you were almost killed twice, targeted by this crazed man because you care for me! And now you say that he is my brother I thought was dead?!"

Katara gasped as he pulled away from her grasp, her eyes widening at the look of utter frustration on his face. She then felt her heart twist at the few tears forming in his eyes.

"You've only suffered being close to someone like me. You've been attacked by our family, targeting you just because we are together. All of this… this curse on my family has done nothing but suffering for you. All your injuries… that burn on your arm," he cursed out as his eyes drifted to the scar he had personally given to her in the sports festival, making his blood run cold. "Anytime you are around me, you just end up being hurt. You don't deserve any of this."

"And you're going to make that choice for me?" Katara glared at him. "I can make the decision of what to do for myself."

"And what, continue to get hurt? All you do is suffer around me!" Shoto clenched his eyes as he wanted to scream in frustration. "I care for you so much, Katara. I feel so happy every time you're around me, and I almost can't even think when you aren't beside me. I've never felt this way about anyone before, and I only wish we could be together…" His breath caught in his throat as he didn't want to say what came next. "...But I can't let you do this any longer, Katara,"

"Don't say that," she growled and grabbed his shoulders. "I don't care what you say!"

"You should care! I'm nothing but a burden for you!" Shoto couldn't keep the few tears that fell from his eyes. "I can't even keep you safe when I need to, and now… my brother who I thought was dead is after you. Everything that has hurt you is because of me and my family. I don't deserve to have you in my life if it means you must suffer through my family's sins!"

Katara didn't answer with words, instead pulling him towards her and embracing him. Shoto watery eyes opened as buried her head into his chest. "Katara, you don't deserve dealing with these horrible things! I need you-

"I told you I don't care!" she shouted, her own eyes watering seeing him so hurt. "You may think you are trying to protect me, but it doesn't matter. You are the one suffering and trying to face this on your own, and I can't accept that! You mean so much to me too, and I can't sit by and let you be in pain on your own."

"Katara…" Shoto gritted his teeth as he felt her squeezing him, unable to keep his arms from coming up and wrapping around her. "I just… I can't have you hurt any longer. All of this…"

"The same goes for you," She said as she rubbed her hands across his back. "I made a promise to myself I'll never turn my back on someone who needs my help, and I certainly am keeping that promise for someone I care about!"

Shoto felt his throat tighten to her words, closing his eyes and pulling her deep into his grasp. One of his hands came to the back of her head as he caressed her hair, laying his head against hers as he soaked up the warmth she gave him. He knew it would be safer for her to simply get away from him, to distance herself from the troubles that seemed to crawl out from the depths of hell itself with his family. She didn't deserve to have to deal with all of this. But damn it… he couldn't imagine living his daily life without her now. He truly had fallen for her, and he didn't want to let her go.

Katara herself snuggled closer against his chest, breathing in hard as she let her tension dissipate. She knew now her relationship with Shoto meant the danger on her life would continue, a target on her back with what she had discovered. The dark secret of Shoto's brother would only bring more danger for her, knowing he certainly would be coming for them when he was ready once more. But she didn't care. The feelings she had for Shoto outweighed the threat, and she would be there to help him fight the demons that tormented his mind.

And it didn't matter who those demons were.

Stumbling out of the UA campus, Enji could barely breathe as he reached the car parked beside the grounds, struggling to even open the door before falling onto the back seat. His hand clenched at his trembling face, the panic causing him to shiver all over.

"Sir?!" the personal driver asked in concern. "What's wrong?! Do I-

"Home…" Enji muttered through his raspy breaths. "Take me home…"

Seeing the condition of the flame hero however made the man hesitant. "S-sir, you okay? I can take you to-

"TAKE ME HOME, DAMN IT!" Enji screamed out, causing the man to gasp out and quickly turn the car on and drive. Staring blankly, Enji couldn't even register the ride back to his home, barely able to walk straight as he pushed himself through the door and into his house. His breath came in deep gasps as he blindly fumbled through the hall, unable to truly process what he heard. "It can't… I can't believe it…" he stuttered out.

He wanted to refuse to believe what he heard was true, it being too unbelievable to be true. Touya had died on that mountain top, the blaze far too powerful for anyone to have survived. But… what Katara had said rang in his ears like a curse. What Dabi had told her was something no one else would've known, the thought almost causing Enji to vomit from the sick feeling rising inside him.

As he moved through his home, his body froze when he came by the lone door in the end of the home, his blood running cold as he subconsciously slid the door open. He couldn't even breathe as his eyes fell upon the shrine made inside, with the single image of his first born Touya smiling. He collapsed to his knees, staring blankly at the image of the son he had thought had died so many years. His senses all went dull as he stared and stared, not even noticing the several tears running down his face.

Notes: the Todoroki's know... they know the dark secret of their lost family member.

little by little, the changes made in the world are cascading, leading to new developments to our heroes and villains.

Special note, new manga artwork is complete and live on deviant art! go to my profile and find the link at the bottom of the artwork!

please leave your thoughts on what you thought of this chapter and what comes next. I love reading comments from you amazing fans!

Till next time