It only takes a few seconds to realize how to take advantage of this opportunity.

"To be honest, while I've gotten better over the years at minimizing its negative impacts, I believe my biggest weakness is my Dragon quirk," you explain to Cathy. "Sure, I've rehabilitated, adapting to my new body, and I've even been able to contribute as part of my school's cheerleading team. But my coordination is nowhere near where it needs to be as a pro hero. I can't control my tail properly, and despite the wings, I can't fly either."

"Wow, that was fast," Cathy says, impressed. "You've already put a lot of thought into this, haven't you?"

You nod. "To be a good pro-hero, you must know how to use your quirk. And sure, the claws are excellent, and the scales will help with unarmored defense, but they'll just be a hindrance until I learn to properly use all of my abilities. My tail can trip me up if I'm not careful, and others have perfect control, like the proper fifth limb that it is. If I'm going to succeed, I need to master my abilities and use of my appendages."

"That seems like an excellent starting place," Cathy praises. "Do you have another thing you would like to work on?"

"Heroes are supposed to play to their strengths, right? And the best offense is a good defense. Being able to outlast your opponent is integral; you're no good to anyone if you're dead."

"That's a blunt way of putting it," your counselor chuckles.

"I've had a quirk that I got from my friend Benimaru that I've had for years. It was the second quirk I ever copied. But I haven't been able to really practice with it. Yet, knowing how it works, the kinetic barriers I can form with it… well, it could really be my ace in the hole. Really plays into my strengths."

"Of having a good defense?"

"Exactly," you nod.

"I think this is going to be an enjoyable summer then. You girls ready to get started?"

"Never been more ready," you say, determined.

"Just what I wanted to hear," Cathy smirks. "If you don't know how to fly before we're done here, then I've failed as a teacher."

"You mean, without slamming her head into a tree trunk," Himiko giggles.

"That was one time! When I first used your quirk to turn into a bird! It's totally different."

"Sure," Himiko rolls her eyes playfully before grabbing a blood pack and drinking from it like a juice box.

Cathy doesn't judge. "You mind if I have one."

"What?" you question.

"I have your biology now. And I'm thirsty."

"Sure," Himiko chirps, tossing one to the pro-hero.

"You'll seriously drink blood?" you say, unbelieving.

"I want to live a day in your shoes, see the world as you see it. I can't help you to the best of my ability unless I understand who you both are perfectly. And that begins with understanding why you and Himiko need blood."

"I never said blood. We need DNA. It's just that blood is the most efficient resource."

Cathy picks up on the implications quickly. "I see. It's got the most 'nutrients,' so to speak."

"Exactly."

Cathy doesn't hesitate to take a sip, and her eyes widen. "How is this the best thing I've ever tasted?"

"Horie would be happy to know you like the taste of her blood," you snark. "Though you better find a way to replace our supply if you get addicted to them like us."

"I wouldn't call it an addiction, based on how you worded it. Sustenance sounds more correct."

"Probably."

"Well, I'm looking forward to getting to know you better," Cathy says seriously.

"I'll hold you to that, girlfriend," you tease.

"That's not funny. At all." Cathy puts her foot down.

"I'm just trying to get the point across," you shrug. "Himiko and I are together."

"You'll get some time to be a couple," Cathy reassures. "Just give me a fair warning to not be in the room."

"Who said we'd be in the room?" Himiko blinks.

"Are you saying you'd do it outside?" Cathy looks appalled. "This is a camp! With children!"

"Huh?" Himiko is genuinely confused. "Of course, we'd do it outside. Why wouldn't we?"

"Is that supposed to be a joke?" Cathy presses. "Because I don't find it very amusing."

"I'd never call going on picnics with my girlfriend a joke!" Himiko puffs out her cheeks. "It's beautiful out here. We have nothing like it at home! And there are so many animals too! They're so cute! I just wanna play with all of them. Eating outside is way better than that stuffy cafeteria."

"You mean…."

"Himiko's still a minor. We only do dinner dates and nothing else." you chuckle. "What did you think Himiko was referring to?"

"Yeah," Himiko gives a goofy smile.

Cathy was still not amused.

Worth it.

Cathy huffs. "Just for that, we're gonna push you past your limits tonight."

"Plus Ultra, you mean?"

"Sure, whatever." Cathy shakes her head. "Today's teens are the worst."

"Wow. Coming from a teenager. You're a kid, too, so get used to being obnoxious. Should we sign you up for the camp, by the way?"

"I still have one more order available."

The threat was subtle, but there nonetheless.

"And I shall stop talking now."

"Good, you're learning," Cathy says, grabbing a change of clothes from Himiko's closet. "Though maybe this just means you got a lot of pent-up energy. Energy that would be better spent on training than jokes. Now, drop and give me twenty."

The next several weeks are challenging for you but absolutely worth every second of torture. Cathy divides her time between Himiko and you, making you truly understand the meaning of 'Plus Ultra.' Your entire body is sore from all the training, though you can't give up. You can't let Cathy get away with kicking your tail with your tail!

"You've almost got it," Cathy encourages as you attempt to lift yourself off the ground with your draconic wings. "You've got the basics; you must maintain your concentration!"

"I'm trying!" you complain. "You yelling at me is only going to make it worse!"

"Most people only have two arms and two legs. But you have seven limbs. You didn't grow up with them, so you're just not considering the new additions. All you have to do is think of your wings as a second set of legs. It's basically all about relearning to walk!"

"Don't call it something so demeaning! Especially when you can do it so seamlessly!"

"It just takes practice," Cathy insists. "I didn't have wings but learned how to use them."

"Just because you knew how to fly without them," you protest. "It's just learning the same method of doing the same thing."

"Which is exactly why I had you learn how to fly as a bird first," Cathy rolls her eyes. "Just ignore your arms. Think of your wings as your arms. Come on!"

"For the last time, it's not working!"

…

Looking down, you notice your body hovering off the ground, your arms lying limb at your sides.

"Oh, I'm flying," you realize.

With the shock to your system, you lose control of your adrenaline, falling on your rear.

"Ow," you bemoan.

"Hmm," Cathy scratches her chin. "Guess you took my advice literally. It's a good start."

"A good start?! I have to put my entire concentration into flying and lose the use of my arms just to get off the ground."

"Everyone has to begin somewhere. The more you work at it, the easier flying will be. You'll get faster, maneuver easier in the air, and, most importantly, learn how to do other things in the air besides flight. I might be the number one hero, but even the proficient fliers still have trouble mastering the art, and most are born with the ability and an inherent understanding of how to use it. Your copies seem to lack a certain… consciousness. Like it's more your quirk trying to replicate other quirks than actually creating a copy."

"That's oddly specific," you mumble.

"That's how copy quirks tend to work. Copy quirks aren't taking a copy of the quirk; they're copying it onto themselves. That's why with stockpile quirks, most don't also get the original copy's built-up fuel."

"I've heard that before," you sigh. "Though you have an interesting way of putting things."

"Take a seat on the log for a water break," Cathy demands.

"Shouldn't I practice before I forget the feeling?"

"I'd agree if we hadn't been at this since four in the morning," Cathy shakes her head. "And it's currently four in the afternoon.'

"It is?!"

"Yeah," Cathy chuckles. "What time did you think it was?"

"Nine," you admit. "Ante meridiem."

"Speaking in Latin doesn't make you sound smarter. Quite the opposite, actually. Especially when you force it into conversation."

"Whatever."

Off in the distance, you notice two squirrels playing. Since spotting Himiko's impression of a dog, you've gotten perceptive at pointing out Himiko, even when she takes on the form of an animal.

"I noticed you've been spending the days training with me. But you haven't spent nearly as much time with Himiko training. You've either let her run free in the forest or attend the group sessions."

"I have," Cathy doesn't deny.

"Why?" you press. "You barely spend any time with Himiko."

"That would be incorrect," the woman-turned-teen harshly responds, looking exactly like you now. "I spend a lot of time with Himiko. But what she needs isn't training."

"Huh?"

"I know you've tried your best," Cathy explains. "But the more I've learned about her family situation, the more concerned I've gotten."

"It's bad," you bluntly say. "Himiko's parents don't even acknowledge her anymore. It was so bad I once begged my parents to let Himiko stay with us. The moment they learned about our relationship, they shut that down, of course."

"Of course," Cathy bumps your shoulder before her face becomes more serious. "She's a sweet girl."

"Most adults don't see that."

"Weren't you the one who said I'm a teenager now?"

"I'm not in a joking mood when it comes to Himiko's family. I swear the only reason she's going to U.A. is because I'm going to U.A.."

"Himiko is," Cathy reveals. "She told me that."

"She did?"

"We've… gotten close."

"How have I not seen it?"

"You spend sixteen hours a day minimum training, with the rest divided between time with your friends Jason and Pony, taking care of your affairs back in Japan, and getting proper rest. The only time you spend with Himiko is during joint training or those nights you've shared a bed thinking I wasn't watching."

"We didn't…."

"Do more than cuddle, I know," Cathy reiterates. "The point is that you two haven't been attached to the hip lately like you assumed. Not that she doesn't rely on you greatly. You don't know everything about her because you assumed you did."

"Oh."

"You haven't neglected her. It's just that things are different. You've been so overwhelmed with being stronger that you haven't noticed the lack of real quality time, the little moments that matter so much in a romantic relationship."

"I see. Thank you for letting me know. I'll try to do better with Himiko."

"You better," she huffs. "She adores you. Maybe a little too much."

"What does that mean?"

"I'm pretty sure she sometimes mistakes me for you, every sense I took your form."

"No way," you deny. "A shapeshifter can always point out the difference between a non-shapeshifter."

"Not always," Cathy counters.

"You might miss the subtleties occasionally because it's not your primary use of New Order, but Himiko's quirk is all about transformation. Not once have I noticed her mistake who is who, even the few times I've asked you to help with my pranks."

"God, I can't believe I agreed to that," Cathy seems disappointed with herself.

"Come on. I know you enjoyed it."

"I'm supposed to be the adult."

"Yet you're not; you're more fun for it. Besides, Himiko never failed to spot the difference between us together. I doubt she would when having one-on-one time."

"Then… why?"

"I wish I could answer that. But… you're trying to teach Himiko what it means to be a hero, right? So that if she follows this dream, it's because it is her dream and not just because of me?"

"That's been my goal, yes."

"Then maybe do it as an adult," you suggest. "She… I think Himiko would appreciate it. Getting to know the real you. No offense, but you're only an 'okay' actor."

"Harsh, but… fair advice."

"I know my girlfriend better than anyone. She might have friends and a girlfriend, but authority figures? She really lacks that in her life. If you want to get through to her, that's how to best do it."

"You don't mind? Me… taking what little time with Himiko you have away from her?"

"As long as you're not stealing her from me…."

"I would never," Cathy firmly responds.

"Then help her in a way that I never could. Please."

"I'm a hero. Helping is what I do."

"Thank you."

"And Kazuha?"

"Yeah?"

"Himiko will make a great hero."

Cathy's smile is incredibly genuine. "I'll make sure of it."

Another few weeks go by, and you notice more and more that Cathy is spending you on the general courses to take Himiko out on field trips. While you'd love to go out with them to get the best pizza in New York rather than eat this dry cafeteria food, you can't help but see how Himiko's eyes sparkle with life when she returns from adventures with Star & Stripe. Part of you even wonders if Cathy feels the same way, considering the smile she's been wearing during practice. In some respects, you'd argue that despite spending less time training, Himiko is becoming more robust and spending that time more efficiently, in correlation with her deepening bond with Cathy. You're happy for them. Sure, Himiko's progress has slowed compared to yours, but you can sense she's far more satisfied with herself than she's been since you first adopted Violet.

You're hoping today can surpass. Tomorrow is Himiko's birthday. When she finally becomes an adult legally, you can take your relationship to the next level. So when Cathy comes to you the night before, you're surprised. You think it's about one thing… but your assumption is far from the truth.

"Kazuha?" Cathy asks, wearing her own skin. "Can I ask you something?"

"What is it?"

"Tomorrow is…."

"I know," you confirm. "I've been planning this for months. Rae and Melissa helped me pick out the gift shortly before the I-Island incident. It has to be perfect. You don't mind if…."

"You're getting tomorrow off," Cathy allows. "We don't have many days left, but you deserve it. You've grown a lot. I just wish…."

"Wish what?"

"That I could keep training you," Cathy admits. "Can I tell you a secret?"

"Like your identity?"

"More important than that."

"Seriously?" you say, shocked, unable to hold back your curiosity. "What is it?"

"Do you know why I decided to start teaching at Central Park Hero Camp?"

"No, actually. You never said."

"I don't get shore leave often," Cathy explains. "And as the number one hero in one of the world's largest countries, I have responsibilities. Those responsibilities and my secret identity prevented me from ever considering starting a family."

"Did you want one?"

"Of course, I always considered it. My little sister lets me babysit occasionally, but it's not the same. But my job has always been more important than anything else. Because I don't want people to worry…."

"If I'm not there," you finish for Cathy, causing her to nod. "Hence, working with the next generation when you get shore leave, helping kids pursue their dreams."

"You hit the nail on the head," Cathy does a mock surrender. "But you and Himiko are… special. Especially Himiko."

"How so?"

Cathy avoids the question. "So I've been considering what to get Himiko for her birthday."

"And you want me to help you find something," you conclude. "Well, it's a bit late, but…."

"Not really," Cathy shakes her head. "I'm… when you become a legal adult, you take on some legal rights. And one of those rights is… adoption."

"Huh?"

"Tomorrow, Himiko could sign adoption papers without her parents' consent. She could cut off all ties with them."

Cathy shows you the adoption papers, all filled out except for the blanks that have to be signed by Himiko.

"You're serious?"

"Only if she wants it," Cathy acknowledges. "I know she's not a little girl. Maybe she views me as an older sister rather than a maternal figure. But even if I can't be there for her in person except during shore leave, I want to…."

"You don't have to say anything more. Himiko will love it."

"You're sure?"

"Absolutely."

"I hope you're right."

"You're a great mother," you reaffirm. "Even if you look like a teenager most of the time."

"Enjoy the jokes while you can. I won't be a mirror image of you for much longer."

"You think I care? If I wanted a dress-up doll, I have Himiko."

That gets Cathy a laugh. "Let's give her a happy birthday then."

The next night, the restaurant is empty, except for a few people. You're not sure whether to thank Cathy or Julius for this, but everyone who could make it to the party has arrived. You, Cathy, Julius, Pony, Jason, Gary, Ava, and even Miles, who left after the appetizers. At this point, everyone else besides you, Himiko, and Cathy are left, slowly digging your way through the remnants of the cake while overlooking the New York skyline.

Himiko smiles as she opens your gift, a blood-red ruby tear necklace, a heart etched into the locket. It's absolutely stunning.

But even that could never match the symbolism of Cathy's gift, which Himiko signs immediately. "Thank you, Mom," she immediately calls Cathy, bringing her into a hug. "Thank you so much. I love you, too."

As the two weep happily, you almost find it strange to realize that your girlfriend is no longer Himiko Toga; she's Himiko Bate.

And in my opinion, it's a much prettier name.

You excuse yourself to head to the restroom to give the two new Bates space. However, as you get ready to depart and return to the table, you're intercepted by Himiko.

"Kazuha, I need to talk to you."

"What is it?"

Himiko gulps. "I actually overheard your conversation with Mom last night."

"You knew?"

Himiko nods before pulling out a vile.

"I think she got the idea… because I called Mom… Mom. I've called her that for a while, at least when she's not wearing your skin. It just feels right."

"I see," you say, nonjudgemental.

"There's something I learned about my quirk. You know how we can turn into other people temporarily with Transform?"

"Go on."

"Well, our bodies produce DNA, too. Our DNA is temporarily altered based on the amount of blood, but… I accidentally turned myself into a copy of you entirely once."

"You're sure it's not because you consumed so much of my blood on the regular."

"Yes," Himiko stresses. "The only reason it wasn't permanent was because I used a blood pack containing my own blood to reset it. The problem is…."

"You can't go back."

Himiko nods. "It doesn't seem to affect Transform, or… maybe that's only because you had Transform. I don't really know."

"You haven't experienced any drawbacks since, right?"

"No."

"Okay, good. But why are you….."

You look back at the vile and gasp. "Himiko."

"I'm Cathy's daughter, now. I want to show her how much she means to me, and I'm sick of being a Toga anyway."

"But…."

"I'll use this vile to mix Cathy's DNA with my own. I won't override it entirely for Cathy's."

"What if you…."

"This is important to me, Kaz. I have to do this. Even if there are risks. I doubt it would happen, but even if this led to me losing Transform, making me quirkless, I'd have no regrets. Because I just want to show Mom how much I appreciate her."

"Himiko…."

"I won't change who I am," Himiko stresses. "I love you. I'm still going to Yueii University in Japan. I'm still your girlfriend. I'll just look different. Maybe take on a different name. But I don't feel comfortable doing this if you think it's a bad idea. So please, Kazuha. Am I going too far? I just want to make Mama happy."

What is… best for Himiko? Should Himiko follow her heart, or is it too much too soon? And what will happen if she does change her DNA? She could still use Transform, but was that only because she was me? As long as we keep a vial of Himiko's DNA around, it should be reversible if she can still use her quirk, assuming she'd even want to do so. There are so many unknowns about this process. She's thrown so much at me at once… I don't have time to think! I just have to tell Himiko the truth. She clearly wants to be Cathy's daughter. But to what extent can I allow that? How much should I get in the way of Himiko's wish?

Decision Point: What Should Kazuha Say To Himiko?

A - "You Shouldn't Change Your Name Or Your DNA. You're Amazing The Way You Are."

B - "You Can Change Your Name, But Don't Change Your DNA. I Don't Want To Risk You Losing Your Quirk."

C - "You Can Change Your DNA, But Keep Your Name. Because You'll Always Be Himiko To Me."

D - "Follow Your Heart. If You Want To Change Both, You Don't Need My Permission."