For the next few month's Toshinori recovered slowly, as he stayed with Izuku in the boy's old apartment. Eda and Luz stopped by every once in a while, and slowly the kids regained the ability to speak, not much mind you, but a few words at a time.

The majority of other beast kids had family come to check on them, but a few didn't. A couple even had a major situation occur regarding their care. The worst was a white cat girl and pink crab who once reunited couldn't be separated again without hurting them, and their parental situation got complicated. A teen with dyed long green hair with brown roots had shown up with two younger kids with natural mint green hair, and insisted they not allow an older woman, the cat's mother, anywhere near her.

When stopped and asked why, the teen had shown documentation that their mother Odalia Blight had sold her daughter to an unnamed buyer for an obscene amount of cash. The teen, who finally revealed herself to be little Amity's oldest sister Dahlia, had made a compelling case for her to act as the girl's temporary guardian until the matter could be investigated. Due to the severity of the claim her request was granted.

When Dahlia learned the pink crab was a girl named Boscha, she was able to partially explain why they were acting so protective of each other. Boscha's parents worked with Odalia, so the girls knew each other, and Dahlia guessed they probably got grabbed together too. Dahlia didn't remember them being particularly close, but after a month of being in a cage and tested on, who knew if that had changed. Effectively Dahlia got Boscha to care for on top of Amity because even if she could manage to handle the duo without being pinched and clawed, not even she could convince them to separate.

That all changed when Luz and Izuku came by the facility/hospital to check on everyone. The whole room got quiet when they walked in, and while a few actually turned their noses up at the duo, all of the others stopped what they were doing to pay attention.

While Luz slithered/flew through the air and checked over all of the other kids, Izuku sat and barked a few times confusing anyone that wasn't a beast, but it made Nexu (who made frequent visits to help) smirk and scoff as he informed the worried attendants, "He's apparently their pack leader, and the barks are him apologizing for not doing a better job of protecting them. Interesting."

When Luz finished her circuit, she landed on Izuku and coiled around his midsection loosely while hissing in his ear. Izuku nodded, and walked to a few other kids including a very irritated bat girl, before letting out a few small whines and barks that they returned before he moved on, eventually making it to one of the groups that had formed over time. Namely the cat (Amity), crab (Boscha), a deer named Willow, and a chameleon boy that always stayed near Willow named Augustus, but the staff had taken to calling him Gus and he seemed to like that.

Unlike the others Willow only nodded to Izuku, but when Amity saw Luz she left Bosha's side (for the first time) to nuzzle Luz's head and purr. Boscha only seemed to roll her eyes, and Luz hissed happily at the contact until Izuku barked making the cat step away and Luz hissed in annoyance, but Izuku huffed and walked to Nezu and the head attendant.

With some difficulty Izuku cleared his throat, "Thank… you. Pack safe now. Have… requests. Luz."

The snake lifted her head and nuzzled his for a moment before taking over, "Talking is still hard for him. He tries really hard to be the leader they expect, but it's a lot to ask." Izuku growled, but Luz rolled her eyes, "Don't get huffy with me." Luz looked back to the attendant, "So, a few of our pack would like to make some requests. They understand if you can't, but they wanted us to ask since we're in charge."

Nezu smiled and snickered, "Both of you? Aren't you a little young to choose mates?"

Luz reared back and hissed, while Izuku whined like he had been struck before Luz hissed aggressively, "We aren't like that! If anything we are siblings, so yuck." They watched as Luz nuzzled Izuku's head until the boy stopped whining. With that done Luz continued, "A few would appreciate their food being left more bloody, but make sure you keep a close eye on Himiko and Chisame… both have blood quirks. Himi is a prankster and needs the blood to clear her head, but Chisame can't help herself and you need to make sure blood is kept away from her. She doesn't mean to be violent. Her quirk came in while we were being 'altered'. It's called frenzy. If she's close to or ingests blood she goes into a rage. Himi said you have her in isolation. Please get her out. If you cook her meat more before you give it to her, it should fix the issue."

Nezu tilted his head, "I'm sorry but which two are Himi and Chisame? I'm trying to learn everyone's names, but it's taking time to put names to muzzles." Nezu tried to joke, but Izuku gave him a disapproving stare.

Luz smiled though, "Himi is the bat girl, and Chisame is the shark. Also, a few would like their dinners changed. Amity likes fish, and canned is fine since fresh would be a big ask. Gus, Setsu, and Rin like vegetables better than meat." Luz suddenly snickered, "Also, if you want Willow to stop kicking people she said, and I quote, 'stop giving me salads, I'm not a rabbit'. She's actually a dedicated carnivore like Izu, when Toshi lets him."

That got the attendants attention, "The deer girl is a carnivore?"

Izuku nodded, and sat back to suddenly let out a howl that caused all of the kids to get up and move into four groups. Luz used her head to point, "The leftmost group likes red meat and bloody. The next group likes fish, and are willing to compromise for canned tuna. The third isn't picky so a little meat and a salad are fine. The last group, the one on the furthest right, only wants salad or vegetables. If you could have someone take note of that, it should help keep everyone more docile."

The attendant nodded and gestured to one of the nurses to make that list, before they bowed to the kids, "Thank you. This should help immensely."

Izuku shook her head, "No… need. My pack… my res-... respon-"

Izuku seemed to be having trouble so Nezu interjected, "Responsibility."

Izuku nodded, "Tired. Take… nap."

Luz chuckled, "He needs to lay down. Mr. Nezu, I'm sure I don't need to tell you, but don't approach us while we do. The pack won't like it." Luz hissed loudly, and a large raven boy flew over, and landed next to Nezu. "Fumi can't talk yet, but if you need us he can get our attention, and the others know he's fine. He delivered messages while we were… being held." The raven bowed to Nezu before Luz and Izuku started heading back to lay down on one of the cushions around the room.

The attendant turned to Nezu, "Why shouldn't we approach them, exactly? I don't understand. Also if you can understand them, why didn't they tell you what they needed instead of waiting for them?"

Neku chuckled, "They are the leaders. I am not even part of the pack, but even leaders need to rest. If you approach, they'll see it as a threat, and get defensive. Those two are the strongest and protect everyone when they can, so everyone does the same while they can't. It's pack dynamics."

When the nurse in charge of making a feeding list finished, the kids separated again into their groups like before, but Nezu realized that one group walked over to join Izuku and Luz. The deer, Willow, nudged Luz, and Nezu watched as the snake girl lazily slithered aside so the deer could lay against Izuku's side with Gus still resting on her head, before adjusting to lay across both of their backs. Amity batted Izuku's face, but without her claws out until he shifted and allowed her to lay between his paws with his head on her back. Boscha the crab scuttled up and nestled in Luz's coils, and soon the whole group were napping like it was as normal as could be.

Over the next five months, the alpha duo, as the staff dubbed them, made frequent visits. At the eight week mark after their rescue, Luz managed to figure out how to start changing back into her humanoid form, something that gave everyone hope. By three months everyone had slowly regained their voices fully, and by the six month mark, everyone but Izuku had enough control to become mostly their old selves. Nobody mocked their leader for not being able to change back. They had all discovered that the secret was feeling safe and calm, and everyone knew what Izuku had lost the day he was kidnapped. Luz still had her Mama Eda to hold her and make her feel safe, but Izuku felt so alone. He liked Toshinori, and the man did so much for him, but he wasn't his dad. They had gotten to know each other over the six months and a part of Izuku knew that if AFO hadn't attacked, he and his mother would have been happy with him, but that was the problem. Izuku didn't know how to feel happy now that his mother was gone.

The pack needed him, so he stood tall and did his best to appear strong and confident, but now they didn't need him. Most were going home to their families, and while Luz, Amity, Willow, Gus, and Boscha were never far away. They had picking up the pieces of their lives. They had started to recover and start moving on, but Izuku was stuck… he felt like he had no pieces left to pick up even if he had the energy to try, so he started to drift away from them. He'd sneak away more often to nap alone. He slowly stopped eating. This continued for another three months, by which time the boy seemed a ghost of his former self, and that was when he could be found at all.

Eda and Toshinori hadn't been idle. Ever since the rescue, they found understanding from each other, a bond formed from mutual grief, and Toshinori eventually convinced Eda to let him help her. Eda hated it, but as the number one hero of Japan, All Might had weight to throw around, and while he wouldn't usually do so, this situation was special. He had a promise to keep to Camila, and he'd do his damndest to protect his friend's family now that she couldn't. As a result, Harpy was retired, and Lachuz became his temporary sidekick while her 'probation' was being worked through. This actually proved a great help to Toshinori since his injury proved more difficult to manage than he would have liked, and Eda could help pick up the slack or slap him upside the head when he was overworking himself. Eda helped Toshinori in another way as well, and it was time.

Toshinori knocked on Izuku's door, and waited for a response, but none came. After trying a few more times, Toshinori slowly opened the door while listening for a growl of protest or rebuke, but none came. Quietly, Toshinori took a step in trying to be respectful of Izuku's space, but also became increasingly worried for the boy until he saw the boy curled up on his bed. He had his eyes open, but he was just breathing and staring into space. Toshinori noticed how faded and patchy Izuku's coat looked and he felt ashamed. How had he let this get so far? Did he even deserve to go through with this? Toshinori shook his head. Now was not the time for worries or regrets. He was there, and he would do everything in his power to save this boy, his boy.

Sitting down next to Izuku, Toshinori started to pet the boy's head the way he knew he enjoyed, and slowly Izuku's eyes focused as he raised his head tiredly, "Hey, Toshi. Is it time for dinner? I'm sorry, but I'm not exactly hungry, and I'm not feeling great, so is it ok if I just get some sleep?"

To Izuku's surprise, Toshinori wasn't smiling, and it looked like he was about to cry, but he was trying to stay strong, "Izuku, I'm the one who should be sorry. I've been failing you the last few months."

Izuku looked at Toshinori in horror, "No! You haven't done anything wrong. You've never once pushed me away, or not made time for me. You take care of me. What else could I ask for?"

Toshinori scooped the wolf up into his arms and held him as he started to tear up, "But did I make you feel loved? Did I hold you, as I am now, and help you when you were crying? Izuku, I'll never be able to love you like your mother did, but I want to do better than I have. I love you, and I want you to be a part of my life for however long I have left." Toshinori reached into his pocket and pulled out a folded paper, and Izuku's eyes widened when he saw what it was. "Izuku, I want to adopt you. I want to be your dad. I want to teach you how to be a better man than me, so that when you find the person you want to spend the rest of your life with, you won't make the mistake I did, and wait too long. I love you, Izuku. Would you like to be Izuku Yagi? Will you let me call you my son?"

Toshinori felt Izuku start to cry, and his own tears making his eyes too blurry to see, but Toshinori felt the form in his arms shift and move until he felt a pair of hands hold on to him and refuse to let go. He heard Izuku say through his tears, "Yes. I want to be Izuku Yagi. I want to be your son. I love you too Dad."

Toshinori chuckled through his tears and just held his son, his precious little boy, and Izuku did the same, finally feeling safe for the first time since his mother was taken away from them. It took nearly twenty minutes for them to break their embrace, but when they did Toshinori dried Izuku's eyes and then his own, before he smiled, "It's a good thing you have hands again then. Signing this document would have been hard with paws." Toshinori pet his head again, and found two little wolf ears still on top of his head, but he didn't care. Izuku was his son, and he was perfect just the way he was.

Suddenly Izuku's stomach rumbled and he blushed, "Dad, I think I changed my mind. Dinner actually sounds really nice right now."

Toshinori stood up with Izuku still held protectively against his chest as he laughed, "To the kitchen then, my boy. I had a friend drop off some katsudon to celebrate if you said yes, so lets gooo!" Izuku giggled as his dad ran out of the room. Today had ended up being a good day after all.

It took a couple months for the paperwork to be finalized, and during that time both father and son were oddly absent from their friends' lives. Only Eda knew why, and nobody was allowed to visit during that time so they could keep Izuku's return to his humanoid form a secret until it was party time. The facility was throwing a party to celebrate the one year anniversary of them being freed, and how far they had come since.

Nearly the whole pack was present when Toshinori arrived seemingly alone much to everyone's surprise. A few rushed to ask where their fearless leader was, but the adults watched as a shadow behind them rose and consolidated into the green haired boy as he let out a happy howl and everyone turned and stared. A few actually getting a bit misty at seeing him not only human again, but truly smiling.

Before they could rush to hug him, Izuku raised a hand and got everyone's attention, "Regrettably, Izuku Midoriya is gone." That announcement caused a few confused mutters from the pack, but Izuku continued, "I would like to reintroduce myself. My name is Izuku Yagi, Leader of the pack, and…" Izuku's form shifted as his hair grew longer and he got a bit taller and bulkier as he took on his hybrid form and shouted, "I am the Emerald Wolf. I'm going to become a hero, and make sure nobody ever goes through what we did again!" The whole room exploded into cheers and animal noises as the pack celebrated.

When everyone settled back down, Izuku shifted back to his human form, and found himself being hugged by all of his friends. Toshinori on the other hand found himself being congratulated by Willow's dads, Gus's dad, and Dahlia. Since last they had talked, Dahlia had been awarded custody of all of her siblings and Boscha who had been basically adopted by them at that point. Dahlia was having some issues providing for her siblings, but she wasn't giving up. Dahlia was going to give them a better childhood then she had, and nothing was going to stop her. That's when Toshinori got an idea, and he smiled, "So, Lia. You have a business degree right?"

Dahlia looked at him confused, "Among others. Accounting, and business with a minor in law and public relations. My birther might have been a heartless monster, but she made sure I got an education."

Toshinori laughed, "I could use your help. My agency needs a new director to make sure that the checks clear and the reports get done on time. Do you think you might be interested?"

Dahlia blushed, "Mr. Yagi, I-I can't. You and Izuku have done so much for me and my siblings. I can't let you do this too."

Toshinori chuckled, "Actually you'd be doing me a huge favor. I really do need the help, and… my son needs you. He needs his friends. Amity and Boscha are special to him just like Luz, Willow, and Gus are. He feels safe with them, and I trust you. As my agency's director you'd basically be my personal assistant, and as such I might need you to look after Izuku when I can't be there. I don't want just anyone looking after him. I need someone I can trust implicitly. I need you, Dahlia."

The young woman looked overwhelmed, "I can't… I'm not… Toshinori, I'm not worthy of your trust. I watched my mother do horrible things for years, and said nothing. I'm not-"

Toshinori put his large hand on the girl's shoulder, and when Dahlia looked up it wasn't into the face of the oddly buff man she thought she knew. The face looking down at her belonged to All Might, the symbol of peace, and Number one hero. When he spoke it was with a confidence and conviction that washed over her and steadied her with its strength, "Young Dahlia, you have the heart of a hero. Just like those kids and my son. You found out what your mother did to Amity and you did whatever you had to in order to protect the twins. When Amity was saved, you rushed over to protect her as well. When young Boscha needed a home, you offered yours. You are worthy. You are not your mother's daughter. Now stand tall, and take my hand. Help me take care of my son, and I'll help you protect your family. Now what do you say?"

Dahlia didn't take his hand, instead she gave him a tight hug, "Thank you Mr. Yagi. I promise, I won't let you down." The rest of the party was fun, and all of the kids had a blast, even if the fact that a few were missing bothered Luz and Izuku.

The next year had a few more surprises in store. Eda survived her probationary period and became a licensed hero, something that felt hollow now that Camila wasn't around to see it. With that taken care of, Lachuz became a household name. Her work as Harpy had earned a lot of begrudging respect from police, and multiple communities remained her avid supporters even with the shift from vigilante to hero. A big part of that was that Eda refused to change, she hadn't been much of a lethal fighter before, but she didn't take any lip, and she wasn't afraid to speak her mind. All Might was the hero of the masses, but Lachuz became the hero of the underdogs and everyman. Eda might have been constantly snubbed for a top ten placement, but being ranked eleventh wasn't so bad. Multiple people implied that her close rates were impacted by working with the number one, but whether it was to her gain or detriment was heavily debated.

During one of her regular patrols Eda came across a toddler with some kind of bone mask. Eda sighed and looked around for a parent, but there was nobody around. While she looked, the little guy curled up and fell asleep in Eda's arms. Eda looked at the toddler and smiled, but headed to the nearest precinct to report the kid. Unfortunately for Eda, they didn't have the supplies to care for him, so begrudging Eda brought him home with her. Walking in and shifting back to her off duty form, Eda went and laid down on the couch, the toddler curled up and napping on her chest.

The next morning Eda went to stretch, but then she noticed the toddler was missing. Eda started tearing the house apart looking for any sign of him until she heard clapping and giggling from Luz's room. When Eda peaked in, her heart started to melt as she saw Luz partially shifted so she could wrap her tail around the boy while she read to him. In the end Eda decided to just let them have fun, but that fun didn't end as week after week there was no news about who the kid, whom they had taken to calling King, was. The name had stuck after Luz read another of her picture books to him, and he seemed to really like the title, but Eda started to get worried about how close they were getting. If King had a family, it might break Luz's little heart to let him go, so while he was napping Eda pulled her owlet aside to talk.

Luz looked at Eda's worried face and poked her nose, "Mama, you need to relax. All that stress will give you wrinkles, and natural good looks can only go so far." Eda balked in faux offense, but after a minute they both started to laugh, the stressful atmosphere ruined.

Eda wrapped Luz in a hug before she started tickling her, making the little girl giggle, "Now don't go thinking you're smart, kiddo. You've still got at least five more years before you out fox this old bird." After another minute or two Eda stopped tickling Luz and gave her a sad look, "Luzura, we need to talk about King."

Luz smirked, "Ew, full name. You must think this is serious."

Eda rolled her eyes, "It is serious, kiddo."

Luz sighed and moved to look her mom in the eye, "It can't be that bad… unless you got bad news about King's mama and papa."

Eda shook her head, "No, still no news, but I'm worried about you. How you will take it if King's parents are found."

Luz tilted her head before her eyes lit up in realization, "Oh, I get it now. Mama, I think you messed up." Eda gave Luz a confused look, but just listened to what she had to say, "Mama, as much as I love acting like King's big sister, I'm not dumb. I know King might have a Mama out there just as scared as you were when I disappeared, and I'd never want to keep them apart." Luz gave Eda a hug, "Mama, I remember how scared I was when it happened, and the only reason I stayed strong was because Lucia was with me, and Izu told me help was coming. I just needed to stay strong, but I wasn't. I was weak and afraid. Maybe if I had been stronger Lucia would still be here."

Eda felt her chest get wet as Luz's tears soaked into her dress, but she just reached up and stroked her little girl's hair, "You miss her, don't you?" Luz nodded, but kept her face buried in her moms chest. "Luzura, I'm going to tell you a secret. The people that leave us… they never really do. They might not be around to talk to anymore, but the effect they had on us and the memories will be a part of us forever."

Luz contemplated for a moment before she held up her hand and two orbs started to dance above her palm, one of light and the other darkness. After a minute, Luz smiled even though her eyes were still damp, "Mama, my quirks… I got one from Mami, another from Lucia, and I have a copy of yours too. If I become a great hero like you and Uncle Yagi… do you think that would make them happy?"

Eda sighed, "Kiddo, as long as you're happy, I think they will be too. I love you kid, and I'm proud of you."

Luz coiled around her mom and gave her a hug making the older woman creek and her bones pop, but Eda just bore with it. After a moment Luz released, and Eda could breathe again, but that's when Luz asked a question that had been bothering her, "Mama, what if King is like Izu? What if he's alone?"

Eda sighed, "I'm not going to lie, Luz, it's possible."

Luz shook her head, "No. If King is alone then I'll just keep holding him. When Izu was sad I couldn't help him, but I can help King. If he doesn't have a family, we can be his family, and I'll take care of him like a good big sister should. I'll protect him like Lucia protected me, and make sure he never feels alone. If his mama is looking for him then I'll be happy to help him find her, but if she's not…"

Eda sighed, "Ok, Owlet. I'll look into it."

True to her word, Eda looked to see what she would need to do to become King's guardian semi-permanently. Eda knew how it felt to lose a child, but after four months with no news it was time to bite the bullet, so after a long conversation with both Toshinori and Dahlia to make sure she wasn't making a mistake… Eda became a mother of two again. When Luz introduced King to the rest of her pack she was happy to see how quickly they accepted him, but seeing Amity and Boscha gush about how cute he was made Luz feel warm inside, even if seeing Amity cuddle King made her stomach lurch. Luz just ignored it.

A few months later the Yagi's were hit with bad news. Inko's lease had run out, and the landlord had already signed a contract for the apartment. Since it was all done legally, Toshinori's hands were tied, so Izuku, Toshinori, and all their friends and family got together to clear it out and transport everything that remained of the Midoriya's to Toshinori's estate. It had been a gift when he was first named number one, but in truth Toshinori didn't really use it much. He usually lived out of his office at his agency until he met Inko, and after she was gone he had stayed with Izuku to keep him company. While all of the no longer Blight kids felt nervous approaching the estate, it triggered a lot of old memories they wished they could forget, for everyone else it was an awe inspiring view. Toshinori tried to show them around, but it quickly became clear he had no idea where anything was either.

Once they got to Izuku's room, the one next to Toshinori's so that his dad was never far away if he needed him, they unloaded all of Izuku's stuff inside, and all of Inko's in another close by room after over hearing the the Yagi's talk about setting up a 'remembrance room' for her. When Boscha looked confused, Eda leaned down and whispered that a remembrance room was like a shrine to someone who had passed, filled with precious memories by way of items and pictures along with things they loved in life. It's a special place set aside so that anytime you missed them or wished to visit them, you could without needing to worry about service hours or time of day.

Wanting to end the night with a bit of fun, they ordered a small mountain of pizza, and proceeded to play games and chat the night away. Eda managed to find Toshinori's liquor cabinet, and was found the next day in a room Toshinori kept locked. It was a grand remembrance room, but instead of being dedicated to a single person there were a dozen smaller shrines around the room, each dedicated to a different friend who had passed away, and Eda was found passed out before one… one dedicated to Camila. Sighing, Toshinori scooped up the unconscious woman and left, relocking the door behind him.

The next spring all of the kids returned to school. Unfortunately, due to the move Izuku had to return to his old school, and by extension Katsuki, but after discussing it Luz chose to go with him. Sure it meant less time with Amity… and the others, but Izuku needed her while the others could handle themselves since they had each other. For the first few weeks everything was fine. Most of the other kids avoided Izuku, but Luz was new and interesting so she received a lot of attention. The ones who tried to pick on him soon learned that the boy was not the stammering mess he had been before.

This Izuku was just as bright and kind, but he was also confident and unafraid to growl and snap at those who tried to push him around. Even worse, Luz never seemed far enough away. No matter where or how far she was, as soon as Izuku would start to snarl or god forbid let out a howl, the winged snake just seemed to appear at his side as they growled and hissed at those who dared challenge them.

Unfortunately, the day finally came where she couldn't be there for Izuku. There was a nasty case of the flu going around, and Luz was one of its multiple victims. Thanks to his new reputation, Izuku almost made it through the day unscathed, but then an explosion went off behind him, and Izuku was thrown forward. Looking back, Izuku saw his oldest 'friend' standing over him superiorly, "I knew the scally girl couldn't protect you forever Deku." Katsuki stopped for a moment before he smirked contemptuously, "Now that I think about it, you're not completely worthless anymore, but what to call you now? You still aren't important enough for your name, so I guess Mutt will have to be good enough." Katsuki chuckled, "Just like you! Only barely good enough."

Izuku tried to fight back, but he never really trained with his quirks. He'd learned how to control and suppress, but never really had the time to learn to use them, and while he could snap at people and look intimidating that's all it really was. He'd seen people fight, but he'd never learned how to do so correctly. Katsuki on the other hand trained constantly, and was constantly improving in one way or another. In the end, Izuku managed to hit Katsuki a few times by luck, but he ended up getting severely beaten up in exchange.

When Eda came by to pick up Izuku, she was immediately on edge and furious. She might not be the kids mom, but he was still her daughter's best friend, one of her kids, and nobody messed with Eda's kids. Eda tried every trick she knew to get a name, a description, anything at all out of the boy, but he remained adamantly unmoving that 'it was nothing'. If it didn't frustrate her so much Eda might have been proud of how stubborn Izuku was. Once again, Eda regretted not getting to know Inko better. If Izuku was anything like her, and all of Camila's stories had been true, she might have really liked her… and it wouldn't have been the first time the two friends had 'experimented'. They'd never get the chance now, or do anything else. Thankfully, those thoughts distracted Eda enough that she stopped pressing Izuku, but the boy might have preferred it if she had. Izuku didn't like seeing his 'Aunt' Eda so sad.

When Eda arrived at the Yagi estate, she intended to try one more time to get Izuku to talk about what happened, but she was cut off before she could start when Izuku wrapped her in a hug. "I don't know why you're sad, but I hope this helps. I'm sorry," whispered Izuku, and the care Eda heard made her snort as she hugged him back.

Eda sighed, "Fine. Keep your secrets, but if you need help, your Dad isn't the number one for nothing, and you know Luz and I will always have your back." Izuku nodded before he ran into the estate. Eda smiled, "Damn kid, I swear you and Luz are going to make me go soft." Eda took her harpy form and flew off to pick up more cough medicine for Luz. Maybe she'd look for a present while she was out. Izuku's birthday was coming up after all.

When Toshinori got home he started looking for Izuku. Ever since he had moved in, Izuku had turned mapping out the estate into a game, and his dad found it so cute that he only made Izuku agree to three rules: No entering locked doors, be careful, and when Izuku was done Toshinori wanted a copy. Toshinori might not have used the estate for much before Izuku became a part of his life, but he did store some things in a few rooms… rooms he kept locked for good reason. In the end though, Toshinori knew this was just who the boy was. He needed stimulation, something to keep his mind active, and Toshinori was proud of his son, so he did his best to encourage him all the way.

When Toshinori found Izuku it was in the last place he expected. Izuku was beaten up, and looked exhausted as he wailed on one of the punching bags in his personal home gym. For a moment he just watched his son in bewilderment and anger. Someone had hurt Izuku. That much was clear, but why? Was his son getting bullied?

As he watched from the entryway, Toshinori noticed a few things. Izuku's hands were cut up and probably hurt him a lot from punching wrong, but Izuku didn't stop or slow down. Izuku's eyes were full of determination and looked like emerald embers even if he was crying too. His form was terrible too, but Toshinori was awash with so many emotions: pride for his sons' determination, rage at whomever hurt him, and sadness at the clear display of just how lost he was.

Without a word, Toshinori walked up behind Izuku, making the boy let out a surprised yelp, and corrected his form before stating, "When you throw a punch you want to start with with your fist turned like this. As you throw it, turn your fist like so. You'll know you did it right when you feel your elbow pop. Sometimes you can even hear a little snap like a whip. Now give it a try." Izuku nodded, and punched the air, feeling the difference and seeing his dad smile. "Also, don't tuck your thumb inside. If you do, you're likely to break it." Izuku nodded, and Toshinori continued, "When you throw your punch, think about what it is you want to do. If you hit straight on it will disperse the power, and make it less hurtful, but be less taxing on your hand. If you want to end a fight or maximize the power you need to hit with your knuckles like a spear point. You're more likely to hurt yourself, but the trade off is potentially knocking out your opponent or doing real damage. You understand?"

Izuku turned around and hugged the large man, "Ya, thanks Dad. I'll remember that."

Toshinori smiled, and led Izuku over to the benches nearby and pulled out a bottle of sports drink from the ice chest he kept stocked nearby. As Izuku rehydrated, Toshinori sighed, "I'm not going to press you for what happened. You might not be mine by blood, but you're definitely just as stubborn as I am, so I'll just ask once. Please, my boy, tell me what's wrong and what happened? I promise I won't get mad, and I want to help you."

Izuku looked down, and really thought about it before he admitted, "I don't know if Kacchan is my friend anymore. Mom and Aunt Mitsuki were really close friends for a really long time. Dad, do you remember the blond lady with the red eyes and short hair from Mom and Aunt Camila's funerals? That's her. We've known each other our whole lives. As far back as I can remember… Kacchan was there. He was my best friend. We planned to become heroes together. A dynamic duo that would rise to the top and become number one." Izuku chuckled darkly, "We idolized you, or more specifically All Might, but everything changed when his quirk came in, and mine didn't. I somehow stopped being his partner Izuku, and became his punching bag… nothing but a Deku." Toshinori clenched his fist, but Izuku didn't notice.

"When I was kidnapped… part of the reason I was able to endure as much as I did was because of Kacchan. As messed up as it sounds, after getting blasted so often by his quirk, I just had a higher pain tolerance, or that's what I heard from that Doctor guy. When you rescued me, I was afraid to show myself to Kacchan. I didn't know how he would react, so for the first time in my life… he wasn't a part of it. When he saw me at the funerals, he looked horrified and angry, so I stayed away. He avoided me ever since… until today. Luz has the flu, so she wasn't there to watch my back, so he blasted me. It was just like it was just before I got grabbed." Izuku realized he was crying, "Dad, I used to dream about the day he'd finally stop calling me Deku, but… Mutt isn't any better."

Toshinori couldn't do it anymore. He scooped up his son in his arms and held him close, and for a while they both stayed quiet until Toshinori asked, "Why didn't Inko tell me about this? I could have done something, anything? I'm sorry."

Izuku laughed, "Thanks Dad, but you're the first person I ever told, except Luz. Mom never knew. It would have broken her heart, so I always just cleaned myself up before she could see. Dad, I don't want you to do anything to Kacchan." That caught Toshinori off guard, but Izuku just kept going, "I need to take care of this myself. I want to be a great hero someday, like you and Aunt Eda. I want to be the hero my pack deserves… the hero Mom said I could be. I need to get stronger, better. I need to learn how to use all the power that's been given to me. I might not have had a choice in how I got it, but I do in how it's used, and I made a promise. Nobody will ever be hurt like my pack was again, but I can't do it on my own. I don't know what I'm doing. Dad, train me, please."

Toshinori looked into Izuku's eyes and saw the fire still burning in them, "In that case… get up."

Izuku looked at him confused, "Dad?"

Toshinori threw back his head, taking his signature All Might pose as he laughed, but the smile on his face was genuine (Izuku could tell the difference now between those and when his dad is forcing it to give people hope). With absolute confidence Toshinori stated, "I'm going to do all I can, but first… I need you to show me what we're working with. Time to let your power run wild. Are you ready?"

Izuku beamed, "We're going to need to go outside then." Together they headed outside to begin.

The next day, Luz was feeling better, and together they landed on the Yagi estates front door. Luz loved flying, and since Eda was a licensed hero, they could use the trip from their home to Izuku's each day to train her wings. When they arrived they noticed the front lawn was in shambles. Burn tracks, puddles, odd plant growths, and ruts criss crossed it, and it caused Eda to panic. Had they been attacked? Was she about to lose another friend?

Viewing this as a potential emergency, Eda pulled out the key she was given and rushed in with a battle ready stance and Luz on her heel. All that worry vanished as they found a battered sleeping Toshinori on the couch with a seemingly just as beat up Izuku napping on his dad's chest. Both Clawthorne's snickered and each pulled out their phones to take pictures from different angles. They had prime blackmail, and they were not going to squander it. Once they were done, Eda let Luz do the honors. Luz created a chunk of ice in her hand about the size of a basketball, and chucked it into the air before shooting fire at it to melt the ice, but not enough to warm the resulting water.

Both Yagi's shot up in combat stances as they dripped water from their impromptu cold shower. Luz laughed, but Eda noticed how similar the two's stances were, and she smiled, "So excuse me, but your yards a wreak, what the fuck happened?"

"Mom!" Challenged Luz.

Eda groaned, "Fine. What the fuck happened, please?" Luz just rolled her eyes. It was too early for this.

Toshinori laughed as he ruffled Izuku's hair while the boy looked sheepishly away, "Oh that. We were just doing some training, and I'll say it again my boy. You are truly amazing. I'm so proud of you."

Izuku blushed, "Thanks Dad, but we only just started. I don't want to stop until I can beat you."

Toshinori gave him a noogie, "Don't get ahead of yourself little man. You're still years away from getting me to break a sweat, but I can't wait. Until then, I'll protect my position jealousy… if anyone's going to take the top spot I want it to be someone I can trust…" Toshinori flicked his nose, "Like Luzura over here."

Izuku pouted, making everybody laugh until Eda looked at her phone, "Sorry to break up the fun, but if these two want to get to school on time we'd better hurry."

Izuko ran to get some clothes that weren't singed and damp, and after a few minutes Eda was driving the kids to school. On the way Eda asked, "So I'm guessing you talked to your dad about what happened yesterday?"

Luz gave Izuku an irritated look, "What happened yesterday Izu?"

Izuku just focused on Eda, "Ya, we talked and I feel a lot better. Thanks Aunt Eda." Feeling the angry glare drilling into the side of his head Izuku relented, "Lu, It doesn't matter. Trust me… just no matter what, don't come if I get in trouble today."

Luz reared back like she had been struck, but seeing the look in her best friend's eyes she relented, "Fine, but so help me, if you end up getting hurt, I'm putting a leash on you and a collar with a tag that says Moron."

Izuku gave Luz a hug as he laughed, "Never gonna happen. I'm a wolf, and I refuse to be anybody's pet."

That day at school everything seemed normal until Izuku stood up during recess and asked Luz to stay back. Luz watched Izuku walk confidently up to Katsuki and his gang with his ears tucked down, but his back straight and Luz heard a little snarl leak from his lips as he walked. Luz used her tongue to taste the air and didn't like the amount or aggression in the air.

Luz watched as Izuku said something to Katsuki that made his eyes narrow before the blond tried to punch Izuku in the face only for Izuku to catch it with a smirk. Katsuki shouted for his gang to give them room while he educated the 'upstart Mutt'.

In seconds a ring of students formed around them, but people moved for Luz, expecting her to intervene, but she just stood on the sidelines with her eyes glued to Izuku. Katsuki smirked at that and he tried to sucker punch Izuku with an explosive right, but Izuku dipped and slammed a green flaming fist into Katsuki's gut knocking the wind out of him. Before Katsuki could react, Izuku shot his other palm forward sending a burst of wind into Katsuki's chest leaving Katsuki sprawled out on his back panting for air.

Izuki walked forward and to the surprise of everyone he reached out to help Katsuki up, but Katsuki slapped the hand away in disgust. Izuku sighed as he said, "Kat, I'm sorry. I'm sorry I wasn't a better friend. You were right, I was worthless, but not because I didn't have a quirk. I was worthless because I didn't help you. I saw you becoming the bully that you are now, and I did nothing. Instead of standing up for myself, I let you beat on me. I'm not going to do that anymore. I'll fight you as often as I have to because I'm not going to stop until my bes-... until my brother Kacchan comes back." With his task done, Izuku went to start walking away until he heard Katsuki start to rage.

"YOU SELF CENTERED FUCKING MUTT. I LIKE WHO I AM. I'M GREAT. I'M UNSTOPPABLE. YOU'RE NOTHING BUT A FAKE. A QUIRKLESS FAKE. YOU ONLY BEAT ME BECAUSE SOME PSYCHO DECIDED TO MAKE YOU SOMEONE. YOUR PATHETIC, AND… I WISH YOU'D DIED INSTEAD OF AUNTY."

The silence was deafening and Izuku stopped, his fist shaking. After a moment, Izuku let out a long breath as he turned with tears in his eyes, "Katsuki… Sometimes I do too, but she's gone, and now I have to make sure I become a hero. I have to live and become the best or she died for nothing. There's one thing you're wrong about though…" Izuku let his hair burst into emerald fire as he held up his fist, "This power. This quirk is mine. It wasn't gifted or forced on me… this is the fire my mother gave me, and it's the fire that will light up the top spot some day." With that, Izuku turned and walked away ignoring the shouts and swearing of Katsuki. Once he was out of sight, Izuku started to cry until he felt a strong pair of arms wrap him in a hug, and Izuku let Luz hug him until he felt better.

Both boys ended up getting in trouble, but neither boy really cared. Over the next two weeks, Katsuki challenged Izuku five more times, and to the surprise of everyone who saw the fights, they only got shorter with time. Despite admitting to having other quirks, Izuku only fought Katsuki with his fire, and as little of his beast quirk as he could. That simple fact seemed to drive Katsuki so wild that it made people start to wonder if Izuku was really the one with a beast quirk.

That is… until the day Katsuki tried to take his frustration out on Luz by blasting her in the face. That was the day Izuku showed his hybrid form to everyone, and Izuku became a massive (compared to his usual size) werewolf with emerald green fur that released wisps of verdant flames. In moments, Izuku had Katsuki pinned on the floor with the arm Katsuki used to protect himself in Izuku's red stained mouth.

If not for Luz shifting into her own version and coiling around Izuku to hold him and hold him back, Katsuki might have ended up seriously hurt. That's not to say Katsuki didn't end up with a broken arm or stitches, or that Luz didn't get a black eye, but Izuku got it worse. The Bakugo's stayed silent, and didn't press charges or ask for Izuku to be punished, but the principal and school board forced a punishment on him anyway. It was barbaric, but Izuku had to wear a muzzle at school from that day on. Toshinori and Eda wanted to fight it, but Izuku didn't want them to, so they didn't.

When Izuku's eighth birthday rolled around everybody met up to throw him a party, and a few new faces came by to meet him or wish him a happy birthday. First to arrive with Eda was a tan skinned teen with red eyes, white rabbit ears, and long white hair. Izuku blushed when he saw her, and Luz snickered as she introduced him to 'big sis' Rumi Usagiyama also known as Eda's new sidekick Mirko. In a whisper, Luz explained that Rumi had actually worked with her mom for years on occasion while she finished highschool, but now that Eda was a hero and Rumi had graduated they could make the partnership official. Rumi seemed unimpressed, and in a sour mood. Something that just made Luz giggle as she finished, "Don't worry Izu, she's actually really nice. She's just cranky. She lost a spar with Mom this morning, and had to take the day off because of it. Should have known better than to make bets with my Mama."

Rumi's head snapped toward the kids, and she walked over, "Oy, Hebi imo-chan, what did I tell you about telling people my business?" Rumi gave Luz a light tap on top of her head with her knuckles.

Luz stuck out her tongue at her, "Sorry Usagi nee-san, but you know I'm right, and Izu isn't 'people' he's Izuku Yagi, my best friend."

Rumi chuckled, and leaned over Luz using the girl as a leaning post and pushing out her chest a bit making the boy blush, "So you're the Koinu everyone's so excited about." Rumi reached out a hand to shake, "I hope you're as tough as Hebi says you are and not just cute."

Izuku shook the offered hand, but before he could answer Luz groaned, "Nee-san! Get your big butt off! You're crushing me!"

Rumi snickered and teased, but got up, "My bad Hebi, but you're just the perfect height to lean on. How's a boy ever supposed to like you if they always have to look down to see you." Luz pouted, but Rumi saw Eda waving her over so she dashed to see what the older woman needed.

Izuku got introduced to a few other people, like a short old man his dad called 'Torino-sensei', but once his friends arrived they snuck off to hang out. They got a few hours of fun and laughter, before his Dad called out to them that it was time for cake and presents. The first gift was from Luz, and it was a new stack of notebooks for them to fill up together with their 'hobby'. When asked what the girl was talking about Izuku raced off and came back with a couple already filled out notebooks containing thorough analyses on the top ten, border ten, and the twenties of the hero leaderboard with detailed sections on quirk capabilities, preferred tactics, and even a theory section on possible gear suggestions to aid them with artistic images for each.

A few of the heroes blinked and looked at the kid shocked until Eda laughed, "Couple of nerds, these two, but their analysis is second to none, and I'm not just saying that as the artist's proud Mama." Luz blushed, and that broke the tension, but the few top thirty heroes present made sure to remember to ask if they could see their entries later. Something both kids were happy to allow in exchange for an autograph.

There were a few more gifts like a game system from Gus, or some rarer books from Amity and her family, but the big one was saved for last. Izuku watched as his Dad and Aunt moved to stand with Mr. Torino and Luz's Aunt Lilith before Toshinori spoke, "Izuku, my boy… I'm afraid I can't keep teaching you to fight." Izuku's expression fell, but then he continued, "... At least not alone. Izuku, I'm sad to say, teaching is not my strongest suit, so I found the best around to help us out and you're looking at them. Together we're going to help you become as strong in body as you are in spirit."

Luz gave Izuku a hug, "And don't think you're doing this alone. We made a promise, remember, and I'm going to be a hero too."

Izuku hugged Luz back, but whispered, "You don't have to do this Lu."

Luz's grip got tighter, "Yes. Yes I do."

Izuku broke the hug, and noticed people were dispersing to return to their previous conversations, so Izuku pulled Luz to a quiet corner and sighed with a frustrated look, "Why? Why do you keep trying to help me? It's really nice of you, but you don't need to."

Luz looked away with a pained look on her face, "Yes I do. If I can help you… I-I have to try." Luz said the last word with some trembling. Luz looked up and Izuku saw tears in her eyes, "I keep messing up. The pack chose us to lead them, and I need to do what's best for all of us, the same way you do. You're always there for me. When that monster grabbed me, you held on to me and never let go. When I was trembling in a cage, you're the one who told me we'd be ok. When Lucia went away, you were there to reach out and help me not fall apart. You nearly bit off Katsuki's arm when he tried to attack me. Izuku, you helped me so much, but when you needed me… I failed. I couldn't help you after Aunt Inko died. I wasn't there when Katsuki attacked you. I just can't-"

Izuku put his hand over her mouth to force her to stop, "You're an Idiot." Luz flinched, but Izuku just gave her a stern look, "You don't need to do anything. We don't keep score. When you need me, I come… because that is what I want to do. It's what family does. I lost my father, I lost my Mom, and I lost Kacchan, but I gained Aunt Eda, our pack, and… I got you, sis. Luz, you are my sister, and I would do anything for you, but not because I have too. I choose to stand beside you, so what is it that you want?"

Luz sniffled, and after a moment she smiled, "I want to stand next to you, too. I want to get stronger and help people like my Mami and Mama. So get ready Bro… cause I'm going to push you as hard as I can in training."

They hugged each other again as Izuku chuckled, "Finally, a worthy rival." They laughed together before returning to the party.

It had been four months since Izuku's birthday, and of all the teachers Izuku had gained, he was dealing with the one that pushed him the hardest. Izuku had noticed that over time he was getting better at controlling his beast quirk, and as a result he was starting to be able to let it remain 'on' more often. At the beginning he had needed to metaphorically chain, cage, and lock away the beast in order to remain in control, but as he got older and even more so now that he was training, that wasn't necessary anymore. It remained chained, but it was no longer caged, his Aunt's training had helped immensely with that, and as a result Izuku had learned to trust his instincts more. With his quirk now always active he started noticing things he hadn't before. Smells he hadn't been aware of, sounds he could now pick up on, and he loved it.

"DON'T GET DISTRACTED PUP OR I'LL PUNT YOU OUT OF THIS GYM… AGAIN," shouted Torino, dragging Izuku out of his thoughts just before a jet kick slammed into the eight year olds gut. Izuku managed to roll with it so it didn't hurt as much, but as he rolled he managed to hit the old man with a burning emerald claw.

The elderly man used the momentum from the blow to flip and land on the wall a few seconds before a bolt of purple lightning struck him and tossed him across the room smoking lightly. Amity, who was watching from a bench, gasped, and went to move to check on the old man until she heard him start to laugh.

With his arm still smoking Torino raised his fist, "Nice follow up, Noodle, but don't hold back. This is full contact, so hit me like ya mean it."

Amity saw Luz slither out from her hiding spot near an air vent, "Thanks gramps, but are you sure? I wouldn't want to give you a cold…"

"Or you break your hip," added Izuku with a smirk.

Torino rocketed toward Luz with another jet kick making the snake retreat back into the shadows, but Torino just bounced off the ceiling before coming screaming down on top of Izuku's head, "Don't get cocky you two. I've still got years of fight left in me." Izuku slipped into the shadows like Luz had, causing Torino to crater the floor.

After a second, Amity looked around for her friends, but then she felt someone rise up out of her shadow and wave their hand, coating the floor in a sheet of ice… Luz, and being so close, Amity saw how the light danced off Luz's scales, how the snake girl glistened with sweat, and Amity's feline heart started to race as new urges and feeling awoke in her. Amity's only thoughts were of how beautiful and perfect Luz was, and she heard a small purr in the back of her mind that wasn't words, but Amity understood it as a question asked by her beast quirk and a racing in her heart as an answer. The quirk was satisfied at the thought of finding a mate, and she felt her heart and soul decide only Luz could ever fill the role. Amity had a crush, and it terrified her.

Amity almost missed seeing Torino getting knocked off his feet by a gust of strong wind sent from Izuku behind him, his feet finding no purchase on the thin sheet of ice. In a display of speed and dexterity that only made the hammering of Amity's heart grow worse, she saw Luz fly toward the old man and pin him with a growing claw of light making him laugh and admit defeat, ending the sparring session. Together the duo helped their teacher up before they headed off to take a shower as they always did, but suddenly Amity felt incredibly jealous of Izuku… Why should he get to do that? Sure there was only one locker room (an oversight on Toshinori's part since he never planned for anyone else to need to use it), but he was a boy! If anyone should get to shower with her Luz it should be her! And that thought made Amity freeze, "Why do I suddenly feel this way? Izuku is my friend. I shouldn't think these things… feel this way. Something must be wrong with me." By the time they were done in their separate stalls, Amity was gone, and that made Luz sad, but she just wrote it off as not getting to say goodbye. It's not like it could be something else, right?

Amity might not have gotten an elemental quirk, but between her goo and cat-like reflexes, she didn't feel like she needed one. Her sister, Dalha, was overseeing a smaller hero agency for the day in order to teach the staff a few of her tricks to better manage their duties, and it was only an hour run away usually. Amity got there in half that by running along fences and using her claws or goo to make it over or around obstacles allowing her to move in as straight a line as possible for anyone who didn't have beautiful fluffy wings like her Luz. Amity shook those thoughts away as she grumbled, "Ugh, I need to focus. Dee'll know what to do. She always does."

The front desk lady at the Capt. Kite hero agency was surprised when a small brown furry cat girl came running through the doors on all fours, and up to her desk looking panicked. Worse, the girl was mumbling and yowling as she tried to explain what was wrong, but she wasn't making any sense. Thankfully that's when she heard the Captain and young Ms. Ekibyo coming closer from the back office.

"... Sorry again about the mix up, and thank you for coming by today to help. Your boyfriend seems nice though. I hope you two work out," came a nasally but confident voice that the receptionist knew belonged to her boss.

"It's not a problem, Captain. I'm happy to help. Now I should probably get going before- AMITY! Oh god are you ok!" Dahlia and Amity rushed toward each other and Amity jumped into her sister's arms while crying and yowling even harder. Dahlia turned to the adults in the room, "I'm sorry, but can I borrow the conference room to calm down my sister, and make sure she's ok?"

The older man smiled faintly and extended a hand to point toward the empty room giving permission, and the young woman ran off while still cradling her sister. Captain Kite got a predatory look in his eye, unseen by anyone as he said, "Cute girls. I hope the younger one is alright. Maybe I should check in on her later… alone. Wouldn't want to overstimulate her, and she looked like she could use a little reassurance." The receptionist just smiled. Her boss was such a nice man, and he always went the extra mile to look out for the kids, especially little girls in need.

Once they were alone, Dahlia started to pet and comfort Amity until she was calm enough to explain what happened. "Dee, I think there's something wrong with me. I was watching Izuku and Luz train… and then Luz came out of my shadow… and my heart started to race… and-" Amity started to yowl and whimper again.

Dahlia looked worried, "Are you ok? You didn't get hurt right? Luz didn't hurt you by mistake?"

Amity suddenly froze and looked angrier than Dahlia's could remember seeing her before, "How dare you!? My Luz would never hurt me, even accidently! She's too beautiful and kind to ever even-" Amity blushed and even her fur started to turn pink, much to Dahlia's amusement, but Amity was just horrified. "See Dee, there's something wrong with me! I shouldn't be thinking about my best friend like that. I shouldn't be jealous that Izuku gets to train with her, or see her in the locker room! Help! I'm scared. I love Luz, but I don't like the way these feelings are making me think."

Dahlia reached out and hugged Amity, "Amity, there's nothing wrong with you. Eda warned Mr. Yagi and I this might happen. Amity, you're in love, or at least have a crush, and the beast quirk is making it more intense. A lot of animals have incredibly strong 'mating instincts', and that's why it feels so foreign, but I'm happy for you. Luz is a great girl, and if she makes you happy you should ask her out to see if she feels the same."

Amity looked puzzled, "So I'm not broken? There isn't something wrong with me?"

Dahlia laughed, "No, kitten. You're perfectly normal. If you're worried about Luz and Izuku being close, maybe have a conversation with him about it. He'd probably love to help you with his sister."

Amity tilted her head, "Sister?"

Dahla laughed, "Ya, ever since his birthday they decided their siblings. Just like you and Boscha. It's cute, if you ask me."

Amity's mind turned that information over for a moment and it actually helped. At least now she didn't have to worry about the boy stealing her Luz away. Amity nodded, "Thanks Dee. You always know the right answer." Amity then got a cat-ish grin, "By the way… what's this I hear about a boyfriend?"

Dahlia blushed in a similar way to how Amity had, "I-I-It's nothing. Just a new friend helping me out of an awkward situation." Amity saw her sister look away with a goofy grin, "I wouldn't say no though if he asked. I know most people would be put off by all the scars, but he's so warm, sweet, and funny once you get him to open up. It sucks that he has to deal with such a dangerous quirk, but… I guess that's the nature of fire." Amity just smiled, and nuzzled into her sister finally allowing all of her anxiety to fade. If her big sister could do it, she could too.

The next day, Amity knocked on Izuku's door, and after a few minutes he answered the door looking confused, "Oh, hey Am's. Luz isn't here right now. Did you need something?" Amity smiled and nodded, and he let her in. Izuku was surprised at first, but then he gave Amity a hug. "I promise. I'm not going to stop until you win my sis's heart. I can't wait." This made Amity blush, but she hugged him back. Maybe having another brother wouldn't be so bad.

The next year was a rollercoaster ride of failure on the Lumity front. Luz was a lot of things, but observant of hints wasn't one of them. It was actually impressive in a way. The girl could spot danger and come up with a plan almost as quickly as Izuku could, but when it came to Amity all but shouting that she was in love with her, Luz seemed completely oblivious.

One of the attempts was Izuku offering to include Amity into their daily training, and that had seemed to be working… until Luz invited Willow as well. There had been one other issue, Amity got distracted by Luz… a lot. So much so that Willow eventually pulled the cat girl aside for an explanation. Making operation: Lumity into a team effort between the three of them.

In a brilliant idea from Izuku, they came up with a plan to use sparing to get things moving. They would pair off and spar one on one, with the winner getting to ask the loser to do one thing of the winner's choosing. They figured, Amity could use it as an opportunity to get Luz to agree to a date with Amity without inviting anyone else… like last time. There was only one problem. Amity didn't win, but she did get a prize. Luz asked if she could pet Amity's head for a few minutes, and Amity nearly passed out, but in the end she rested her head in Luz's lap and allowed her crush to pet her head and coo as her 'bestie' purred. Even if Luz didn't realize what she was doing, Amity was overjoyed by the experience. She might not get a date, but she found it hard to complain.

As Luz and Amity enjoyed their prizes, Luz gave Izuku an expectant look. Willow and Izuku hadn't thought about that… now they had to spar, and do so seriously or Luz might get suspicious. Izuku was shocked at how strong Willow had gotten, and in the end that surprise was enough of a distraction for Willow to pin him. Izuku sighed, but he didn't think Willow would ask for much… he was wrong. For the next week, Izuku had to wear a collar that Luz provided with a malicious smirk. Izuku thought he would hate it. He thought it would feel demeaning, and it did, but something about Willow overpowering him… claiming him as hers… it made his heart race, and by the end of the week Izuku could only sigh as he couldn't fight it. He liked Willow, he always had, but now… he knew it went a lot deeper.

The spars became a nearly weekly event. Every fourth week they would rest, and take the week off, but no matter what Izuku did… he couldn't seem to beat Willow anymore than Amity could beat Luz. They all agreed that Amity had to win and earn her date, but it didn't seem to be working the way they hoped. They were all getting a lot stronger from the constant sparing though. It became such a normal thing that Willow had a special spiked black collar made that had instructions along its length that said, 'If lost return to Willow Park' with her actual phone number on it, and a little tag that said 'Good Boy' on it, and gave it to him for his tenth birthday as a joke much to Toshinori's bewilderment, but both Dahlia and Eda found it hilarious. The severe blush on Izuku's face only made them laugh harder… they didn't need to know that Izuku actually liked the gift.

Life was pretty normal for the kids all things considered. Since Katsuki insisted on still challenging Izuku at any opportunity, and the muzzle seemed to dissuade anyone else from antagonizing Izuku it just became a normal thing. The school didn't mandate it, and he could stop wearing it if he wanted, but Izuku actually liked wearing it at this point. It had never made him feel weak or demeaned. In fact he wore it as a badge of honor, a constant reminder that he was strong and not someone to be messed with anymore, unlike when he was little. A good thing since he often stepped in to stop people from bullying others… the Guard Dog of Aldera Junior High.

Something only made more apparent when a group of boys they didn't know tried to hit on Luz their first day of sixth grade making her get flustered, and start to scale up. When they saw this and Luz made it clear she wasn't interested, the lead boy scoffed and started trying to intimidate Luz into saying yes. Luz could have taken them, but she didn't want to get in trouble for using her quirk if things escalated.

Izuku on the other hand didn't care. Resting a green furred hand on the leader's shoulder he let out a warning growl as he whispered, "Are you giving my sister a hard time?" The cocky kid spun around to tell the upstart to back off, but he paled when he was forced to look up into burning emerald eyes. The now five and a half foot tall lupine young man stood over him with his dark blood red muzzle and black spiked collar as wisps of smoke rose from his uniform that was straining to contain the muscular canine beast. He watched as Izuku leaned forward a bit and bared his teeth a bit through the muzzle as he spoke, "Do we have a problem? Because I skipped breakfast and I'd hate to take out my aggravation on some little boys that think they can bother my little sister." Izuku's eyes shifted to Luz and he gave her a subtle wink, "Luzura, are they bothering you?"

Before she could answer the boys backed away as the leader stammered, "Nope! No, we were just saying hello… look at the time webettergettoclassbye!" Luz and Izuku watched the group stumble and fall all over themselves as they ran away from them, making the duo laugh as both returned to their usual forms. They weren't laughing for long though… They were pulled out of their third period classes. There had been a villain fight involving their parents, and they had been taken to the hospital.

The principal didn't get the chance to say more as the duo simply vanished into their shadows with a look of abject terror. Once Izuku was outside, he burst from a shadow and started to run on all fours in his hybrid wolf form, Luz hitching a ride in his shadow. When they hit an obstacle that Izuku couldn't run through or over, they swapped so Luz could fly them over it with Izuku in her shadow. Luz wasn't as fast as Izuku, but by switching whenever they had to they made a straight dash to the hospital the principal had mentioned faster than anyone could have guessed. In the lobby the duo nearly charged in, rules be damned, but Dahlia caught the duo and held them until they stopped struggling and started to cry into the young woman's shoulders as they finally changed back from the large terrifying beastly monsters they looked like and into what they really were… two terrified eleven year old kids desperate to make sure their only remaining parents were ok.

After a half hour a nurse came to guide the trio back to the room the two heroes were sharing, but only Eda was there. As soon as Luz saw her, she started to cry as she rushed and hugged her Mom. The older looking woman had one arm in a cast along with a bandage covering her left eye and side of her face. Eda was smiling though as she hugged her very scaly daughter although she winced a bit as the hug started getting tighter.

Izuku just stood by the doorway with Dahlia as terror clawed and crawled up his back, but Dahlia was there to give his shoulder a squeeze. Izuku appreciated her trying, but until he saw his dad was ok, Izuku wouldn't be able to relax. While Luz cuddled her mom, Izuku was sat down beside the place where his dad's bed would return to… and he waited as his anxiety grew. Dahlia stuck by his side, but from time to time she had to step away to talk with doctors or nurses. Since Tosinori didn't have any living family except Izuku and he was still too young, Toshinori had named Dalia his medical proxy, and to her surprise… Eda had done the same. It was a huge responsibility, but Dahlia was touched they both trusted her so much.

It took two hours, but eventually a doctor came over to Izuku with Dahla, and Izuku could smell blood and exhaustion on him. It did not put his mind at ease. The doctor tried to be positive, but it quickly became clear that Izuku didn't want to be lied to or treated like a child, so the doctor changed their approach. The doctor sighed, "Mr. Yagi, your father is an incredibly strong man. We weren't sure he would pull through, but he never wavered. Sadly, his injuries are going to take a toll. Even with Recovery Girl's expert assistance we could only do so much. He got lucky last time with his abdominal injury, but this time we weren't so lucky. He'll live, but… it's strongly encouraged that he retires from hero work. We'll be bringing him back shortly, but… he's going to be in rough shape. He's made it through the worst of it, but try not to get him too excited or stressed until his stitches heal… At least for the next two weeks if I had to put a number to it."

Izuku nodded, his eyes burning with determination. His dad was All Might, a pillar of strength. They would make it through this. Toshi had promised he'd never leave him behind, and the promise gave Izuku the strength he needed. Toshinori might be a goofball, but he never lied to Izuku. He never treated him like he was dumb or didn't understand. Most of all his dad never broke a promise, not because he was All Might or the number one hero in Japan, but because he was Izuku's dad and his hero first. They were all each other had at the end of the day, and that bond could not be broken.

It took nearly forty-five minutes, but Toshinori was eventually brought back, and he looked bad. Gone was his bulky frame and muscle, leaving him as an emaciated blond skeleton, but while Eda and Luz looked devastated, Izuku wasn't. They saw a skeleton, but Izuku saw his dad's eyes, and they were just like his. While Izuku's were emerald infernos, his dad's were bright and electric blue. What both shared was that unstoppable determination… an unbreakable and insurmountable will that fueled them, and they both smiled as Izuku came over to his dad's side.

"You look like shit, Dad," stated Izuku as he extended his fist, making everyone stare at him in disbelief, then they heard Toshinori start to laugh loudly and strongly.

"And you look like a wreck, my boy," answered Toshinori as he raised his fist to bump them.

They both started to tear up, but their smiles didn't fade and the look in their eyes didn't diminish. Izuku hugged his Dad carefully, "Dad, please don't scare me like this again. I know being a hero is who you are, but I need you… I'm not ready to lose you." Izuku gave Toshinori a hard look, "It was him wasn't it?"

Toshinori and Eda paled, and Eda asked, "What makes you think that pup?"

Luz and Izuku deadpanned and rolled their eyes, but Luz answered, "Mom, he kidnapped us, and held us hostage for a month. We'll never forget his smell."

Izuku sighed, "It smells more mechanical now… like grease and oil, but Luz is right. It was him wasn't it?"

Eda choked up trying to think of a lie, but Toshinori sighed, "Don't try, Eda. Yes, it was him. We wanted so badly to believe he was dead, but he's not, and I'm not making that mistake again. Until I have his body at my feet, I'm going to keep hunting him. Izuku, Luz, He will not get to you again. As long as there is strength left in these old bones, I'm going to protect all of you. The people in this room are my family, and I refuse to let that monster hurt any of you ever again." Toshinori said it with so much conviction that it made everyone feel warm.

Eda looked over at Izuku, "Would you mind?" Izuku chuckled and lightly knocked on top of his Dad's head making him flinch. "Toshi, we appreciate it, and we love you too, but you're not allowed to do that. You aren't leaving me alone to take care of these little beasts on my own, so don't get any ideas. If we're a family, then we'll stand together like one. We get stronger together and protect each other. Isn't that right, kiddos?"

Luz giggled, "You know it Mom. Uncle Yagi, please… trust us."

Toshinori looked around, unable to speak, but Izuku just laughed, "Dad, Aunt Eda is right. We aren't defenseless anymore. We'll work harder than ever, and become even stronger than you." Izuku stepped back so that his Dad could see the others clearly before he took a familiar pose, "Have no fear, because WE are here."

That proved too much for the old man as he bowed his head, "Thank you. I… I don't know what I was thinking."

The adults ended up having to stay in the hospital for a few days, and as a result Luz and Izuku ended up having a slumber party with their closest friends at Izuku's house while Dahlia supervised, but after another week the heroes were allowed to come home, and the kids couldn't be happier. Toshinori's new appearance would take some getting used to, but he could bulk up for a few hours at a time, so everyone agreed the world didn't need to know how close they'd come to losing their symbol. The kids started training with a new vigor, and slowly they got even stronger.

They continued their spars and about eight months after Izuku's twelfth birthday… he finally beat Willow in a spar. It was a rough fight, and it was a narrow thing, but in the end Izuku managed to pin Willow and force her to give up. Their friends looked overjoyed, and Willow let out a sigh. A part of her had dreaded this day. After years of pranks and jokes, Izuku was finally getting his chance for revenge, and Willow prepared herself. No matter what, she swore she'd be prepared, so after a steadying breath, Willow asked, "So what will be your prize, Izuku? Come on, do your worst."

Izuku smiled, but it wasn't malicious or vindictive. It seemed almost hopeful and tender much to Willow's confusion. Izuku just tilted his head as he answered, "All you have to do is close your eyes and stand there. You're not allowed to move until I tell you otherwise."

Willow gave him an unimpressed and incredulous look, but did as she was told. After a minute she felt a finger poke her shoulder and then her cheek, but Willow stood strong… then she felt something warm and soft on her cheek. Willow froze, but on instinct her eyes flew open, and she saw Izuku pulling away… his lips still puckered, but his eyes closed. Willow quickly shut her own again, but then she heard Izuku whisper in her ear, "Willow… I really like you, and I've wanted to do that for a long time. I'm not going to ask you to go out with me, or be my girlfriend. I wanted to be your first kiss so bad, but I can't do that, so I settled for a cheek, but… I'm happy you're my first. If you don't feel the same, that's ok, but if you could think about it, and let me know, I'd really like to go out with you some time." Izuku stepped away and turned to leave, a heavy blush on his face. "You can move now." And with that Izuku walked away and left, leaving a befuddled Willow behind.

Luz and Amity rushed over to hug their friend and ask questions, but Willow wasn't paying attention to them. Her mind was spinning, "What just happened? Why did he do that?" Willow reached up and touched the spot where Izuku had kissed her and she smiled.

For the next week Izuku seemed on edge, but Willow acted like it never happened. It made his chest hurt, but Izuku wouldn't be one of those guys. If Willow wasn't interested in him, that was her right, and he would respect her decision. It took another week of sad moping, but Izuku was able to force himself to not let the pain show when he looked at his crushes' beautiful face, and hid how his heart raced when she was near. It was hard, but Izuku was strong.

When his thirteenth birthday finally rolled around, Izuku wasn't as excited as he knew he should be, but he got dressed and headed down to have breakfast with his Dad as they always did. Toshinori went over their plans for the day, but Izuku couldn't force himself to pay very close attention. He loved his Dad, and he appreciated how much effort he put into each of Izuku's birthdays, but he just wasn't in the mood this year.

Around lunch, his friends and the people important to Izuku started showing up… except for one. Willow was nowhere to be found, and it only made his chest hurt worse. Had he ruined everything? Had his desire for more ruined their friendship? Izuku wanted to cry, but he kept it all locked inside. He wouldn't ruin the party too.

One by one, he received gifts. A new set of weights to train with from Grandpa Torino. A gift card to a restaurant so he could go have dinner with his dad at a nice restaurant from Amity and her siblings. A new suit from Gus. A set of nice combs for his wild unmanageable hair from the Clawthorne's, of course. It all just blended together, but then Amity and Luz came behind him and held his shoulder's to keep him in his chair as people made way, and Izuku's heart fluttered. Willow was walking up to him in a green sundress with a bow in her hair and a small nervous smile. When she got close enough she reached out, and handed Izuku a card. With a slight tremble he started to read…

Izuku, I thought about what you said, and at first I wasn't sure. I care about you, and you're definitely important to me, but I really had to think about it. Did I feel the same about you, that you do me? And I found my answer…

Izuku looked up at Willow with hopefully eyes, "What was it?"

Willow chuckled before she leaned forward and gave the boy a kiss on the lips. Everyone watched as flowers started to bloom on Willow's antlers and Izuku's hair burst into green flames, but everyone just stayed back (Eda and Dahlia having to physically restrain Toshinori). After a minute they separated, and they both laughed. Willow smiled at Izuku, "Zuzu, my canine love, would you go out with me?"

Izuku leaned forward and kissed her again, "Nothing would make me happier, my deer." The party cheered and Toshinori teared up as he realized his little boy was growing up. For the rest of the day the new couple were utterly inseparable as they walked around hand in hand. Feeling bold, when they all sat down to eat, Izuku scooped up Willow and placed her on his lap making the deer girl blush and sputter while their friends snickered. Izuku knew she'd get her revenge during their next training session, but Izuku didn't care. He just wanted to hold Willow for a bit, and Willow wouldn't admit it, but she liked being held by Izuku.

Willow still got her revenge, but after she was done beating Izuku up in training, and proving that just because they were together it wasn't going to change their rivalry, she took her turn to hold her partner while she kissed his bruises and took care of him. Now that they were together they agreed that they didn't need to win to get what they wanted… they just had to ask, and Willow blushed when Izuku admitted he never intended to take off his collar again if he could… he was hers, and proud of it.

The next year, Toshinori took Izuku and his friends on a week-long trip up in the mountains. It was a small vacation, but more than that, Toshinori had come to a decision. He wanted to pass on One for All, to one of them, and make them his successor. As such he gave each teen: Amity, Luz, Izuku, Willow, Boscha, and Gus a chance to prove that they were the most worthy to take the position. At breakfast on the seventh day, the skeletal man smiled, "You all are amazing kids, and regardless of who I chose, I'm going to continue training all of you to master your individual talents. With that, a toast, no matter what happens, I'm proud of all of you."

The teens cheered and downed their drinks, only to notice Toshinori was smirking. Izuku sighed, "Dad, what did you do?"

Toshinori chucked, "I just passed on my quirk." All of the teens blinked in confusion, so he continued, "One of you had an extra ingredient in your drink. This way, only I know who received my power, and when it's absorbed they will know too. For the safety of all of you, I'm keeping it a secret and they should too. That man is crafty, and I don't know any other way to hide it from him."

Gus grinned, "You're pulling a shell game scam?! That's amazing!"

Luz snickers, "Sounds like Uncle Yagi has been spending too much time with my mom."

Toshinori looked away, "No comment."

Amity scoffed, "That confirms it. Ms. Eda totally gave you the idea." Toshinori just walked away to hide his embarrassed blush.

After breakfast, Toshinori guided them all to the edge of the forest, "Each of you only has a year to train for the Yuuei entrance exam, and while I know two of you aren't entering the hero program, Principal Nezu and I have come up with an experimental new option open to only those of the pack… class Z. Regardless of course, those who take part will have a separate dorm just so the pack can stay together. This does not mean there are necessarily more spots open in the hero course, but this way you can still stay together, as a pack should. For the next year, your trainers and I are going to push you harder than ever. What do you have to say about that?"

All the teens gave each other determined looks, before turning to Toshinori and shouting together, "PLUS ULTRA!"

Breakdown: So I'm willing to admit this chapter might be a bit all over the place, but I didn't just want to handwave the ten years between chapter one and three. I didn't cover everything that happened, but I tried to pick a single event each year to create a progression of all of their lives, and show how connected everyone is after the trauma of chapter one. With that out of the way let's get to the actual breakdown…

Say hello to Dahlia. She's my take on an Ameila like character for this shared universe, and this isn't the story she was created for, just the first one we see her in. I will show how Luz and Izuku managed to gain the respect they have eventually, or show why they are considered the leaders, but for now it wasn't a priority. Also Chisame the shark girl… wonder if she's going to be important. I love Willow the carnivore deer, because that's just a horrifying image, and making the plant empowered girl eat exclusively meat is a fun character quirk. Yes, a bunch of odd animal traits and quirks about the pack are going to be handwaved under pack dynamics, but I'm going to try to not over indulge in the excuse, and I do my best to make it make as much sense as possible.

The Eda and All Might dynamic is an interesting one. In a very short time they go from very different people, to unlikely allies, to actual friends, and it's all because they have one trait in common… a soft spot for their kids. Both have something the other needs, and after working together the way they did, they learned they could trust each other. Toshinori has no idea how to be a dad, and Eda suddenly has to step up and take care of Luz on her own. Both need help, and the other can do the job.

No matter how many times I read the adoption section I still get choked up, and it's worded in a way I'm really proud of. Toshinori shares how he feels, and what he'd like, but in no way does he force those wants on Izuku. He stays true to his promise. He gives Izuku the choice, and allows him to make it. Maybe I'm a big softy.

So looking at Dahlia's degrees, Odalia was grooming her to be her secretary, and later her successor as CEO, but that also makes her uniquely qualified for the job Toshinori has for her too. Also, the first signs of darkness creeping back into their lives… missing packmates.

After that we have a bunch of normal kid things, bullying, first crushes, and starting to figure out who they want to be. Sure there's the outlier here or there like Katsuki's seven year old cruelty, but he's seven and he lost someone he deeply cared about. He's just a little kid in pain. Toshinori's injury, and the passing of OFA, are covered here, but I want to see who you think got the power. Feel free to leave a comment or review with your thoughts and I'll send you a p.m if you get it. I'm going out of my way to make it obvious and each teen has an equal chance, so let me know when you think you know.

Anyway, back to the writing room. Till next week, shine on beautiful readers. Shine on.