Wow! This story really blew up with a huge wave of favorites, follows, kudos, etc. Along with some returning readers, I also see a lot new people. Regardless, I am happy to have you come aboard and continue on this journey with me. I'm humbled to have such numbers even though we are still early in the story. Thank you all again, for your support as it truly means the world to me.

One thing I need to bring up is some possible changes in the foreseeable future. Without going into detail, I am planning to leave the company I've been working for the last...welp...it's just say, it's been a long time. While my job pays decently, I find myself at impasse with what I want to do and where I want to go in life. I've been working on a fantasy series for the last few years alongside working on this fanfic projects.

My job tends to be physically and mentally taxing to the point that I would occasionally go a couple weeks without writing because I was so tired. Between work, trying to hit the gym, dating, hanging out with friends, writing and having some free time to myself. I'm finding myself stretched too damn thin and really I want to start focusing on my passions and see if I could get my first novel published soon. I've been looking into a new career that while it pays less, would allow me a massive amount of flexibility so I can pursue these projects with a new vigor. Of course, I'm not going into this willy-nilly, I need to square away a few things. (Namely pay off the last of my student loans, which is very close and building my savings up just case things don't go exactly as planned.)

The only reason I am bringing this up now is because it may impact the upload schedule as I begin to my moves. (My new possible career requires me to attend a few classes and an examination to get licensed.) In addition, I'm aiming to renew my First-Aid and CPR certifications, which again takes time and money. So I simply ask for your understanding if a chapter gets delayed by a day or two in the coming weeks as I begin to start my career change that I hope will lead me into the future as a writer.

Now, on to the new chapter. Out of the new chapters exclusive to this version of this story, I would argue there was one I needed to tell the story properly. I mentioned before that there was a character up to where I was in the previous version that I had not introduced yet and how that royally messed me up.

In the story's first version, she was planned to be introduced in Saga II.

In the second version, I had hinted at her vaguely, and was supposed to be introduced in Arc: V. However when I got to the Sport's Festival in the last version and began writing it...I basically ran face first into a brick wall as I realized my mistake. I can't go into why, (because spoilers) but I ran into some issues in terms of pacing and finally realized that she actually should have been introduced in the first Arc since I would indeed consider her a main character.

I'll go into a little more depth in the author's commentary, but for now, let's welcome the final main character of this story.

So please, enjoy the new chaper.

My Hero Academia Untold: The Knights of Fafnir

Saga I: Dusk

Arc I: Origins

Chapter V: Echoes

"What is history? An echo of the past in the future; a reflex from the future on the past."

-Victor Hugo

'Okay, just keep calm and see what kind of answers you can get from the man,' All Might pondered as he was careful to take deep, calming breaths to help with the pain he was feeling at the moment. It had been a few months since his battle, and he was only recently permitted to return to action. Still, the pain lingered, only getting worse the longer he remained in his transformed state. Thankfully, when taking his recently discovered time limit, All Might could stay in his transformed state for up to eight hours(*1), assuming he wasn't actively crime fighting.

Ever since Naomasa told him about the committee's decision, All Might was determined to correct this injustice and get Draco Knight's name cleared. However, between his time in recovery and how swiftly things changed in the government, All Might found himself in a difficult situation for a Pro-Hero.

So, All Might resolved to travel to all of the different police headquarters and speak with each of the Chiefs who had voted in the committee. Unfortunately, he was stonewalled by everyone, even the ones who voted against the measure had refused to cooperate with him. This brought him here, at the headquarters of the recently promoted Kai Doumeki. The man responsible for pinning the whole thing on Draco Knight. This allowed a previously minor political faction known as The New Conventionalist Movement or Neocons (*2) to gain strength after an intense fear-mongering campaign, using Draco Knight as the poster boy for a new buzzword infecting the populace.

Volatile Quirks.

While the term was coined many years before the Neocon Alliance, originally used to describe individuals with Quirks with elements that were out of the user's control, it is now being used for many different types of Quirk features. This looser definition of the term was only the beginning of the pot stirring that the Neocons were cooking up ever since their empowerment in the National Diet. Fears of the new legislature would begin to draft new laws that could discriminate against several vulnerable individuals, including heteromorphs, which were on the rise with the rhetoric being spouted.

In short, a recipe for disaster, all for the sake of law and order.

'I wonder how long they will keep me waiting?' All Might wondered as he finally managed to get the pain back under control and sat up straight. Being the number one Pro-Hero in the country had its perks, even with the police. The staff was more than willing to accommodate his requests for privacy by letting him have one of their more isolated conference rooms for his meeting with Kai. That being said, where all of the previous police chiefs had quickly answered his summons, Kai had been making him wait for almost an hour now. Thankfully, it wasn't much longer as the newly created Chief Superintendent would finally appear a few minutes later.

"My apologies for the wait, All Might," said Kai as he entered the room alone. I've been in meetings all day, and my secretary only told me about your arrival about twenty minutes ago."

"That's quite alright," said All Might as he quickly rose to his feet and bowed out of courtesy. "It's my fault for calling for this meeting so out of the blue, especially with a man of your position."

"No, no. I should have known that this was going to happen," Kai answered as he returned the bow and gestured for All Might to take a seat. "After all, you've been busy visiting the other chiefs for the last few weeks."

'So, he already knows why I'm here,' thought All Might as his smile disappeared.

"Now, we are both busy men," Kai continued in a flat voice. "So, let's cut to the chase and get to the heart of why you are here."

"Very well," All Might answered with a hard stare. "I suppose it really only boils down to one question: Why? Why did you do it, Doumeki?"

"It was simply the best option the committee had," Kai said automatically, maintaining the same flat tone and stony expression.

"By selling Draco Knight down the river?"

"It was an unfortunate side-effect, but a necessity one in the interests of national security, to keep your image as the Symbol of Peace untarnished, invulnerable and unbeatable secure..."

"You ruined him...you destroyed his legacy despite everything he had done..."

"Draco Knight's legacy was always on a razor's edge, even from the very beginning," Kai repeated in the same flat voice, yet his hands began to shake ever so slightly. "He was far from a saint and had already been given multiple chances throughout his career. In this case, his luck finally ran out."

"How is that fair to him?" All Might managed to say through gritted teeth.

"Come now, All Might," Kai said with an inadvertent scoff. "Both of us are old enough to know that life isn't fair and never has been. There are those born rich and those born poor, those blessed with beauty and those born ugly, those born with Quirks and those born without."

"As a hero, one of my jobs is to combat that injustice and unfairness," All Might stated firmly as he kept his anger in check.

"And you've done an abysmal job at it," Kai responded as he adjusted himself in his seat.

"Yet, despite my poor performance in your eyes, you still decided to ruin Draco Knight instead of letting me face the music for my mistakes."

"Do not get things twisted, All Might," Kai retorted with a long, tired sigh. "I still remember the Social War..."

All Might paused as he looked at the strained expression on the man's scarred face.

"You were the one who finally ended that insanity years ago," Kai followed up as he removed his cap and ran his fingers through his long, wild, peppered hair. "Your work as the number one Hero, as the Symbol of Peace, is vital to keeping that insanity I know that still lurks in people's hearts down. Yet, while your work against villains is unrivaled, save maybe for Endeavor, you have made little effort to correct the side effects of the Social War."

"Japan has been rebuilt from the ashes," All Might started with a more somber tone. "I have worked tirelessly and donated millions to benefit the poor and downtrodden."

"And with that answer, you've confirmed why you have failed in my eyes," Kai said with a disappointed look and a shake of his head. "You are only looking at the surface and failing to see the true face of injustice in the modern era. And it is because of that that I have aligned myself with the Neocon cause. Because they can see what many haven't, and with that knowledge, they will pave the way for genuine change in this country for the better."

"And I'm sure your recent promotion, despite the blemishes on your record, has nothing to with it, huh?" All Might countered as he crossed his arms.

"You. Know. Nothing. About. Me. All Might," said Kai with a wave of cold, quiet anger as his finger tapped the table to punctuate every word. "My promotion was long overdue, and now that the right people are in places of power, those corrections have been made. And now, in my new role, I can make some long overdue changes that the Police Force needs."

"Then it seems like our conversation is over," said All Might as he rose from his seat.

"Only if you decide to end it here," Kai responded as he remained seated but met All Might's stern glare with his stony poker face.

"Considering that I won't be getting anywhere with you," All Might answered with that same stern tone. "It would be impolite to continue wasting your time. After all, as you said, you are a very busy man, Chief Superintendent."

"A hasty decision made without actually listening to me," Kai responded flatly as he shook his head.

"I've heard enough."

"Very well," Kai said with one last sigh as All Might turned heel to make his exit. "Just one more thing, All Might."

The man stopped just before he reached the door, turning his head to see the man was still seated and looking at the blinded windows.

"This conversation and your conversations with the other police chiefs would technically be a breach of the gag order we are bound by. You know there are consequences if someone decides to report your recent actions, right?"

"Is that a threat, Chief Superintendent?"

"No, sir," Kai answered as he looked at the windows, the sun's rays poking through the narrow blinds. "It's a warning. There are ambitious fools far less lenient than myself who wouldn't mind taking a crack at you."

"And you're not one of them, Chief Superintendent?"

All Might watched as the man turned his head to look at him with that same stony mask.

"No."

All Might could almost see the man struggling not to say anything else despite clearly wanting to. Regardless, he refused to follow up on the Chief Superintendent's response. It was time to take matters into his own hands. Without another word between them, All Might opened the door and exited.

'As much as I hate to admit it...Nighteye was right...well, we better get started on Plan B.'

"So, have they finally figured out what's wrong with him, Inko?"

"Every specialist we have visited has all said the same thing," Inko answered while planning the meals for this week. Her new job paid well, but the hours were very demanding, not that she was complaining. Especially considering that the stain of Hisashi's disgrace to her family's reputation would typically make her unhireable, she'll take what she can get. However, this left little time to make anything fresher for her son. "Izuku has what they call a Traumatic Quirk Block(*3), likely caused by the trauma of Hisashi's death and the fallout from the incident."

"So he can't use his Quirk anymore?"

"He's tried...repeatedly," Inko responded quietly, not wanting Izuku to overhear her. "Even scaring him doesn't trigger it anymore. He is, for all intents and purposes...Quirkless."

"And there is nothing they can do about it?"

"The only known treatment is therapy. Unfortunately, between my lack of free time to try and book appointments and all of the debt leftover from Hisashi's last battle..."

"I still have my lawyer looking into that bullshit. Between the fact that your Heroic Insurance Company dropped you before any of the claims were formalized, it was shady as hell. There are precedents for stuff like this, so you could end up suing the shit out of them, Inko."

"I know, Mitsuki, I know," Inko sighed, doing her best not to yell in frustration. The fact that the insurance company dropped their plans due to apparently not disclosing additional risk factors was ridiculous! The Agency had done everything she could think of by the book. Still, somehow, those crooks managed to weasel out of paying out for the remainder of the Drake's Den liquidation. "And I truly appreciate you trying since I can't afford a lawyer myself now."

"I'm not like the rest of those uptight bitches who left you high and dry."

"I will always be eternally grateful for all of your support."

"It's no problem. It's the least I can do...So, how has Izuku been since the diagnosis? He hasn't come over despite Katsuki's invitations."

Inko turned to see that Izuku was still in the living room, watching a translated debate between a panel of American Quirkologists discussing the possible origins of Quirks. She knew that her son was still keeping his Quirk journals and was still doing physical training, perhaps hoping he would be ready on the day his Quirk returned. That gave Inko some semblance of hope that Izuku hadn't given up despite the setback.

The boy expected that his Quirk would return someday.

"He's better, but I think he just needs a little bit of space for the time being, okay, Mitsuki?"

"Just remind him that my door is always open to him, come hell or high water. He's like the second son we never got to have, though the gods know that we've tried before and after Katsuki was born."

"I know, Mitsuki, I know," Inko said gently as she had been told in confidence that Masaru had a few genetic issues that made it difficult, but not impossible, for the pair to conceive. It was a condition she could relate to as there had been difficulties in getting herself pregnant as well. She and Hisashi had once even considered using a surrogate for another chance at the child before his untimely death. Meanwhile, Mitsuki had flat-out refused such an option despite wanting another child. "Katsuki is also like a son to me and Hisashi when he was still alive."

"You should see how much he brags about how you make curry. But it was always comforting to know that if the shoe was on the other foot, I'd be happy knowing that there was someone to could keep him happy if the worst was to ever happen to us."

"And I feel the same way," said Inko with a renewed smile, happy to know they still had some kind of support network outside of Ryūko and Daigo.

If anything were to ever happen to her, Izuku would still have a family who would love and support him. Considering that Ryūko was currently busy forming her own agency from the ashes of the Drake's Den, and the Daigo was on I-Island. They might not have the time to devote to Izuku development. That being said, Daigo's offer to have the Midoriyas stay in his home on the artificial island was always in the back of her mind. Inko once did have to seriously consider the offer when she couldn't initially find a job after all was set and done. Considering they had largely been abandoned by several of their so-called friends in the Pro-Hero Community.

"Anyway, Mitsuki, I have to go. I'm going to be busy for the next few hours."

"I understand, take care, Inko."

"You too, Mitsuki."

Inko sighed as she gingerly placed her phone on the table and began getting to work on their meals for the week. Thankfully, even on a tight budget, Inko had proven resourceful regarding deals and coupon hunting to ensure they wouldn't go hungry. It reminded her of when Hisashi opened his agency months after graduating from UA...out of their tiny flat with no one else but themselves. Inko had to stop chopping vegetables briefly to wipe a few bittersweet tears from her eyes. She shook her head and even focused on the audio from the program to keep her mind off those bygone days.

'I don't think I've been this grateful to have learned English in school.'

"While the current theory of the development of Quirks during the 21st century is due to several new viral strains that were frozen and hidden during the ice age that were uncovered during the height of the climate change crisis. I maintain the theory that Quirks have always been part of our evolutionary path and that we have always had Quirk users all throughout history."

"Dr. Thomas, the problem with that theory is that we have found no conclusive evidence, even though we have repeatedly re-examined several ancient remains, looking for evidence of Quirk factors in the gene samples we have available."

"I will be the first to admit that the theory needs more evidence to be sound. However, it is without its merits in the minds of historians and even some religious scholars. If the theory is true, it could re-contextualize several historical events. For example, while this might be controversial, could Jesus Christ simply be one of the potential thousands of isolated examples of an early Quirk user? His miracles simply the results of his Quirk's powers? Another example could have been the possible thousands of so-called witches during the time of the Inquisition simply have been misunderstood Quirk users who were persecuted, believing their powers to be a form of witchcraft?"

"I think Christians and the Followers of the First Light might take issue with those comments. The Third Vatican Council in 74 Q.E. under Pope John Paul IV settled the matter of Quirks to their followers...though not without some initial and, in some cases, extreme resistance."

"My concern again is the lack of evidence, with your examples being simply conjecture. While yes, this theory could be possible, the current consensus among Quirkologists is the Viral Theory of the Mid-2010s, just before the start of the Quirk Era."

"I could say the same with the Viral Theory, Dr. Walker. The first known Quirk user was a completely healthy child with neither parents having any known conditions that could cause birth defects, or in that case, the first confirmed Quirk in the world. The theory became popular due to the COVID-19 pandemic that followed six years later, which caused an explosion of Quirk cases in those who recovered from the disease and the generation that followed."

"The common argument is that viruses such as H1N1 Influenza and Ebola that were noted to be very infectious in the late 2000s and into the mid-2010s apparently jump-started the initial mutation into the human genome. However, it would also take some time until the conditions with the right parents are met and a child with the first known active Quirk Factor is born. Now, there is some evidence to support this theory-"

"It currently has the most evidence for the origin of Quirks, Dr. Thomas."

"Yet, it doesn't explain the evolution of the human form since Quirks began. New hair and eye colors that previously only designer babies could have? Additional streamlining of the human body that removed vestigial organs such as the appendix and wisdom teeth? Or how most human skeletons today have fewer bones and fewer joints than those of the Pre-Quirk era? (*4)The Viral Theory could explain individual mutations, but a widespread jump in human evolution that still have scientists debating if we still count as Homo sapiens and not a completely new species of human? Now, that is quite the stretch!"

"You haven't found anything?"

"The answer isn't that I came up empty; it's that there was nothing to find to begin with, Kenji."

"Naoe...how long have we known each other? I can tell when you're lying to me. I've covered several of Draco Knight's cases. The damage officially reported by the media doesn't match up to any of my previous records logged with the man."

"And why does it matter, Kenji? I just don't get why you're so determined to question the facts for a dead man."

"Let's just say I owe that the dead man a favor, and I'm not happy with the so-called facts. Now, again, I repeat. Naoe...what did you find? I've spoken to Hyuga, Karasuma, and Koushiro. None of you bastards have been straight with me since I called in my favors. Do I have to remind you what you owe me, Naoe?"

"Okay...listen...I'm going to say this once. And once I tell you what I found out. You keep quiet, if not for your sake, but for your family's sake."

"Is that a threat, Naoe?"

"It's a warning, and it's not from me, just so we're clear. The truth is...we all got blocked from accessing the archives regarding your friend. The brass clammed down hard when we started asking what we thought were perfectly innocent questions. "

"A cover u-"

"Don't finish that sentence...But I see you get the gist. It's like I said. There was nothing to find, and I'm pretty sure they're keeping tabs for leaks. You might not be a DAM anymore, Kenji. But that doesn't mean the Feds can't screw you over if they want. I don't know why the powers that be are acting this way. But at this rate, it's enough to say that it doesn't add up to what I owe and would instead put you in my debt...with interest.

"Alright...I understand. I appreciate you guys trying."

"Just don't say anything that can point back to us if you decide to dig deeper, and we're square."

"Deal."

"Alright, hey Kenji, I'm calling it a night. Tell the missus and the princess I said, Hi, okay?"

"Will do; you stay safe out there, Naoe."

"Later."

Kenji Uraraka sighed as the call hung up and pulled into his driveway.

The man slowly eased into the seat, letting the car run while parked in front of his home. He took the time to process everything he had been told by his former colleagues who still worked as DAMs for the government. His experience in that line of work had told him that the Draco Knight story reeked of a cover-up, but he didn't realize to what extent it had gotten to. Usually, he wouldn't have been interested in looking into such a thing, but the fact it was Draco Knight who got pinched was what surprised the man.

While Kenji had usually kept things professional with Pro-Heroes to avoid any conflict of interest, Draco Knight was among a handful of Pro-Heroes with whom he had occasionally shared a drink and swapped a tale. It didn't hurt that he was one of his daughter's favorite Pro-Heroes. Yet, what really set the man apart from the rest of the Pro-Heroes was his son.

The boy who had helped his little girl in a pinch a few years back.

The adorable story had been relayed twice, once from Ochako's point-of-view and the second from Draco Knight, who spoke on his son's behalf. Ultimately, however, due to their immediate futures, the families went their separate ways; Kenji had recently inherited his father's construction company and had to return to Mie Prefecture to take it over. Both fathers had decided not to let their children see each other as they would likely be unable to continue a friendship due to the distance that would shortly separate them for a very long time, possibly forever.

In addition, there was the fear of the media that could twist something so innocent into a shit storm, such as the Iida-Todoroki marriage a few years back that many were convinced had been a pre-arranged Quirk marriage. While the resulting investigation had cleared the couple of any wrongdoing, the stain of the accusation was still there. There was no way in hell either of them wanted even the most remote chance of their children going through such a thing. That being said, while they both lamented the idea, they agreed that it was simply the safer option for children to remain as part of each other's childhood memories.

"I'm sorry, my friend," Kenji spoke solemnly to no one. However, he hoped the message would somehow reach its intended recipient in the next life. He remembered the last time something like this happened. 'That whole mess with Lady Nagant...Then again, she went rogue...But you, my friend? Who did you piss off so much to end up pinning this whole mess on you?'

Once Kenji had finished collecting his thoughts, he exited his car and went inside his house. His wife, Tenma, quickly welcomed him home with a kiss while the living room wafted with the familiar yet appetizing smell of curry. However, Kenji was quick to notice Tenma's foxy face, looking more than a little concerned.

"What's wrong?" Kenji questioned as he quickly entered his private office to secure his briefcase while Tenma returned to the kitchen.

"Ochako had a run-in with some bullies at school today," said Tenma with a deep frown as she stirred the large pot on the stove to keep the food from burning. "Apparently, they didn't take kindly to the Draco Knight charm she likes to hang on her school bag. Is a large plate fine with you?"

"Yes, please," Kenji responded as he managed to keep his anger in check. "Is she okay?"

"She's fine," Tenma answered with a grateful sigh as she began prepping more rice in the rice maker. "According to Tosuke, it looked like she was about to smack those girls into next week. Thankfully, he stepped in and managed to keep things from getting physical since you know how Ochako is."

"My little spitfire," Kenji said as he relaxed and smiled proudly. While they had raised their little girl to mind her P's and Q's. They had also raised her not to take crap from anyone. That being said, he still appreciated their neighbor's son for stepping in before things got worse. "Where is she right now?"

"In her room, feeling a little down," Tenma retorted as she kept an eye on the curry. "You know how she's been since Draco Knight died."

"Not the best way to be reminded of one of your favorite heroes," said Kenji with a deep frown before giving his wife a knowing nod and began making his way to Ochako's bedroom. "I'll go speak with her."

"Please do, but try not to take too long, or the curry will burn," said Tenma as she set up their plates. "I already tried, but you always seem to have a knack for getting through to her."

"Only when it comes to heroes," Kenji quickly reminded her with a warm chuckle. "She goes to you for almost everything else."

"Fair enough."

Once Kenji was in front of his daughter's bedroom door, he gingerly rapped on the wooden door.

"Hey, sweetie," Kenji called out. "I'm home!"

The man paused as he heard some shuffling in the girl's room. After a moment, the door slowly opened, revealing the pride and joy of his life, his daughter, Ochako. Yet, Kenji could feel his heartbreak as he could see the red hue at the edge of her eyes. The poor girl must have been crying for a while.

"Hey, daddy," said Ochako with a faint sniff.

"Hey, pumpkin," Kenji answered softly as he knelt to level and gently ruffled the top of her head. "I heard you ran into some bullies today. Do you want to talk about it?"

Kenji could almost see the gears turning in his daughter's head. Given how headstrong she could be at times, he always preferred that Ochako felt comfortable enough to open up rather than being forced. He and his wife only acted forcefully if they deemed that the situation called for it. Thankfully, this wasn't one of those days, and it seemed like the girl was willing to talk as she slid back into her room, only to open the door wide to leave her father in.

The elder Uraraka breathed a silent sigh of relief as he followed his daughter inside.

Ochako quickly hopped on her bed and grabbed the plush of Thirteen the Space Hero, hugging it tightly while Kenji sat beside her. Waiting for her to speak, but still taking a moment to notice that Ochako had shifted some things around her bedroom. The most notable change was the removal of all of her Draco Knight posters. However, despite this apparent switch up, Ochako didn't remove her most prized possession in her Draco Knight collection from its place of honor. The neck order medal she had won a few months before the man's death as part of the Draco Knight fan club still hung proudly above the head of her bed.

"I see you've done some redecorating," Kenji commented, pretending not to note the lack of most of the Draco Knight merchandise.

"Why are people so mean, Daddy?" Ochako suddenly questioned with a slight whine, her tears welling up with tears again.

"I wish I could tell you honestly, pumpkin," Kenji answered honestly as he drew his daughter into a hug. "Some people are just terrible; others are insecure and use that lash out at others to make themselves feel better. Then there are those who are misguided; their anger is unfortunately given to someone else. Either way, there is no excuse for being a bully."

"I just wanted to keep my keychain...I wasn't hurting anybody," Ochako lamented as she pulled the Draco Knight charm, a miniature version of the man's personal emblem, from her pocket. "Draco Knight was a good guy...I don't care what the others say..."

"I know, pumpkin," said Kenji softly as he kissed the top of Ochako's head and motioned toward where the Draco Knight posters used to be. "But then...why did you change up your room?"

"I just don't wanna make problems for you or ma."

"Oh...sweetie...It won't cause us any problems," Kenji reassured the girl carefully. The last thing he wanted to do was sound dismissive of her worries. However, the last thing he wanted was for his daughter to live like she had to constantly watch her back just for continuing to like Draco Knight and not following the everyday trends.

"You ain't hurtin' anyone, and this is your room in our house. You shouldn't feel forced to change just because some people can't accept a difference of opinion."

"Are you sure?" Ochako asked with renewed hope in her voice. "That it won't be any trouble?"

"Here at home, yes," Kenji answered cautiously. "But at school, that's a different question, but I am proud of you for standing up for yourself."

"Tou-kun told me that fighting those mean girls wasn't worth it. Even though I really wanted to hit them."

"And he was right," Kenji continued with a slow nod. "Defending yourself is alright, but throwing the first punch will only show the bullies that they're getting to you."

"So, just ignore them?"

"To the best of your ability, and only fight back if you have no other choice," Kenji advised cautiously before looking back at the medal. "I know you want to be a Pro-Hero one day, right? Then follow in the example of the best of them."

"Thanks, Daddy," said Ochako with a bright smile. She gave her father the biggest hug she could muster despite the plush being squished between them. "I love you."

"I love you too, Princess," Kenji responded as he returned the hug with a relieved smile. "Now, how about we get started on dinner? I'm pretty hungry."

Ochako nodded silently as the two got off her bed and began making their way to the kitchen. Kenji, however, took a moment to look at the medal on the wall as several thoughts ran through his head, given what he had learned today and what the future could hold for his daughter's career prospects.

'I'm so sorry that I can't do much for you, Draco Knight,' Kenji prayed, beseeching the man from beyond the grave. 'But please...from one father to another...please...watch over her as she follows in your footsteps.'

Are you goin' to Scarborough Fair?

Parsley, sage, rosemary, and thyme...

Remember me to one who lives there...

He once was a true love of mine...

Saiko Intelli (*5)whispered the lyrics to her favorite foreign song almost like a prayer as she walked down the hallow grounds of the graveyard. Her arms carefully cradled a fresh bouquet of Gladiolus flowers as if they were a newborn babe. Today, she was on a mission, a mission to not only honor the man who had saved her life a few years ago. But the man who had inspired her to pursue a different career path than what her family had expected of someone of her status and background.

Tell him to make me a cambric shirt...

Parsley, sage, rosemary, and thyme.

Without no seams or needlework...

Then he'll be a true love of mine...

The young girl had wanted to come earlier, but her father had been more than a little paranoid about letting her out and about on her own. It didn't help that the recent news regarding the recently departed man had tainted her visit to pay her respects. Yet, she didn't care; she owed this man her life after saving her from such horrible fiends. Fiends that had stolen her mother's life and destroyed her childhood. Ultimately, she won out, being allowed by her father to visit under the condition that she would go with her family's private security guards, who would remain close by.

Tell him to find me an acre of land

Parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme

Between the salt water and sea strand

Then he'll be a true love of mine...

From school to daily life, Saiko had heard it all. That the man had been nothing more than a demon in disguise, a monster in human form. It was a far cry from the humble and kind man who had saved her from the monsters lurking in society's corners. That one meeting, along with obsessively watching the handful of rare interviews the man would do once in a blue moon, was to convince her that something was wrong. From the bottom of her heart, she knew the man was innocent. He was no monster...he just wanted to do his best.

...Are you goin' to Scarborough Fair?

"Hello, Draco Knight," Saiko gently greeted the man's headstone as she laid out the flowers with a bittersweet smile. "I do not know if you remember me. But I never forgot you and everything you had done to save me from those awful people."

Saiko breathed in as the wind gently blew across the graveyard, basking in the glow in the twilight of dusk. After making sure the flowers didn't get blown away and taking a moment to fix her blue-lavender hair. The young girl continued the speech she had been planning for weeks.

"Please forgive me for not visiting sooner," said Saiko as she knelt down with an apologetic bow of her head. "I wanted to visit as soon as I could. Yet, there were plenty of things holding me back."

"I know rationally you are long gone," Saiko continued with a sad smile. "Yet, I am here to swear before you that your legacy will live on. Against my father's wishes, I have decided to become a Pro-Hero. I am perfectly aware of how daunting my chosen career path is and where it could ultimately lead me."

"Yet, I will carry on," Saiko declared with a determined expression. I may not have the same kind of Quirk as you, but I still hope to use my powers to improve the future. I have a long road ahead of me, but I am more than willing to face it head-on."

"Forgive my arrogance," Saiko whispered as she gently brushed the headstone with reverence. "I know I am quite the unusual heir and likely not the only one. Even now, though we have been hushed, you still have a dedicated cadre of fans who still believe and look to you as their inspiration. I can only hope that you can accept all of us as your successors, regardless of the path we choose in life."

Hisashi Midoriya

"Find comfort and strength within courage and love."

DOB 194 Q.E. - DOD 228Q.E.

Saiko read the line repeatedly on the headstone with a smile.

"Parsley, sage, rosemary, and thyme.(*6) I knew you would understand better than everyone. I do not know if I will find love like you did. You once said your wife was your biggest fan and was in your corner from the beginning, right? I am unsure if I will ever find someone supporting my outlook."

The young girl rose to her feet while brushing the dust and dirt from her knees to look at the setting sun. Having finally spoken her piece, Saiko felt a wave of relief wash over her. She had finally completed this urgent personal mission. It was time for her to move on and no longer be held back by any remaining self-doubt caused by society or her remaining family's disapproval.

"Thank you again, Draco Knight," Saiko spoke up as she turned away from the grave.

"Farewell..."

Author's Commentary

(*1) All Might's time limit: This time limit will be treated a little differently from canon, especially considering the changes made to the story. I'm keeping spoilers vague, but keeping an eye on it as the story progresses is all I am suggesting.

(*2) Neocon: While first mentioned in the previous chapter, I decided to go into more detail here for this note. In this context, Neocon is not short for Neo-Conservative, as is common in modern politics. In this case, Neocon is short for New Conventionalist, which in English isn't exactly grammatically correct in this context but fits in the way Japanese occasionally use English in their lexicon. This movement in-universe ideology is meant to be a common bridge between parties of all stripes regardless of political alignment.

(*3)Traumatic Quirk Block: I always wanted the world of MHA/BNHA to really cover the idea of how Quirks aren't just affected by physical health but mental health as well. Things such as PTSD, depression, and various other mental health conditions could affect how Quirks behave or even deactivate depending on the situation.

This is actually something I am working on in my fantasy novel, where one's mental health could affect how effective magic can be used, let alone even work.

(*4) Streamlining of the human body: Oh boy, I might ruffle some feathers with this one. This is basically covering the "Red Shoe Theory" that some fans subscribe to and I heavily disagree with. The theory goes that Izuku needs to wear his trademarked red shoes because the extra joint in his feet is somehow debilitating and is a way to mark him and others as quirkless and a mark of shame.

I always point out the scene with the doctor at the beginning, it boils down to the fact that Quirkless people are still baseline humans. (Pre-Quirk humans, like you and me, have that "extra" toe joint at this moment, but for most of us, it's the norm.) Humans with Quirks apparently have more streamlined bodies that removed things from our bodies because they are no longer needed. (And Izuku wears his lovable, goofy ass shoes because that is what he likes)

(Fun fact, in real life, I am a prime example of this in action. My right hand is a modern example of a more contemporary "streamlined" human, as I do not have a vestigial tendon on my wrist, and my thumb is a single joint. While my left hand is the opposite, I still have that tendon in the center of my wrist, and my thumb is double-jointed, a holdover from our ancient ancestors.)

In this universe, while like the concept, of using a random toe-joint to show the continued evolution of the human form. I also wanted to included additional details, such as more humans no longer having wisdom teeth. (God, I wish this was the case for me. Getting my wisdom teeth removed was horrible. Imagine getting all four massive molars removed in one sitting and you're awake for the whole thing. That was my experience years ago.) Along with a other vestigial organs to expand on the idea, Horikoshi laid out.

The rest of the text covers the next idea of the canonical viral theory versus the direct evolutionary theory discussed within the story. This is also my in-universe explanation for the classic unnatural anime hair colors because I like little details like that.

(*5)Saiko Intelli: Introducing the main reason why I rebooted this story.

For those who don't remember this character, she's the anime-exclusive character from the Provisional Hero License Exam Arc that Momo, Kyouka, Tsuyu, and Shouji battled against in the second phase. I found her to be a very underrated character, and I genuinely enjoyed her antics despite her brief appearance. And after reading one fic (I can't remember the name.) I was convinced of her potential in a long-form story.

I won't go into her role for now, but she's here for the long haul, and I hope I will make an exciting addition once things get settled. (Fun fact: for those who use AO3, look at the discontinued version and look where individual characters are tagged. You will find Saiko was tagged even though she hasn't been introduced to that version yet; she's even tagged before All Might! That's how important I see her in this story. And she was tagged again in this version from the very beginning.)

Without going into direct spoilers, you can say that Saiko will be going on a parallel trajectory with another character.

(*6) Scarborough Fair (with an older variant known as "The Elfin Knight") is based on a traditional Scottish/English ballad that dates as far back as 1670 and was made into a song by Simon & Garfunkel in 1965~1966.

(However, this version is from the anime adaptation of the light novel series Shūmatsu Nani Shitemasu ka? Isogashii Desu ka? Sukutte Moratte Ii Desu ka? Translated into, What Do You Do at the End of the World? Are You Busy? Will You Save Us?, often shortened to WorldEnd or Sukasuka, sung by Tamaru Yamada. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND YOU LISTEN TO THIS VERSION BECAUSE LORD HAVE MERCY, IS A BEAUTIFUL YET HAUNTING SONG.)

If I go into depth about the meaning of this song, it will likely spoil part of Saiko's journey. Still, the key part of the lyrics, Parsley, sage, rosemary, and thyme, align with "Find comfort and strength within courage and love."

Parsley=Comfort

Sage=Strength

Rosemary=Courage

Thyme=Love

Yes, I made Hisashi a fan of this song, which will be relevant to the story in a narrative and thematic way. (You can almost say the song perfectly fits Hisashi and another character.)

Wow, that was a lot to unpack. Still, like I said before, I honestly feel that this was a crucially missing piece of the puzzle from the previous version that was set to royally screw me over once I got passed the Sport's Festival Arc. Now that I've brought her into the story, I can show a side of the story that was sorely lacking from all of the previous versions, as a Pro-Hero Student outside of UA and a second-year student. (As opposed to most of our heroes being from UA and only giving a spotlight to the first and third years.) Saiko fits all of my needs for this story. I felt I could expand upon her character beyond simply being a (non-villain) antagonist or part of Izuku's harem. (The two most common roles she has when featured in a story at least in the fic I found.)

Mind you, this isn't to knock on other authors; I just want to do things differently.

Welp, that covers everything I have for now!

Keep an eye on the upload next week as we return to familiar territory!

With love,

-ZX