*So the idea for the opening of this chapter came to me at work after writing it down on my break I just started to work on it more till all the rest just came together. I hope you enjoy it.*
Azrael sat on a rooftop opposite the mission as heroes and police arrived; he watched as Izuku was with Ibara and their group off to the side. With a smile, he saw the girl leaning into Izuku causing them both to blush. He witnessed Toya boarding a bus in the direction of his home, so far things were shaping up nicely. As he was musing to himself, he felt a familiar presence manifest behind him.
You do know that we are not supposed to interfere like this?
Who said?
We did, we all made a vow.
Interesting, and where was this vow when you allowed Rafael to fall? We all know that there was no way he could have beaten you in a fight. You allowed it.
~silence~
It's been quite some time since I last caught up with HIM. As we're aware, he ought to have been taken in by now. I'm not technically violating any regulations; I'm merely guiding the lad in the hope that he'll comply with my wishes.
You didn't collect him.
That is within my purview, I can choose to send someone back. Just as you choose to sometimes imbue people with strength in times of crisis, GABRIEL.
By doing this you are drawing the attention of others, why should I allow this to continue?
Please remember with whom you are communicating. I am a powerful force known as Death, and one day I will come for you and many others. However, you can also see the path that is unfolding before us. Wouldn't it be fascinating to witness the individual's strengths and capabilities firsthand? I am confident that he would appreciate your blessings, and you may have noticed that he is beginning to attract a following. Perhaps one of his followers has caught your attention.
It's important to keep an eye on the situation, but it's worth noting that others may not be as invested as we are in seeing this unfold "peacefully". Conflicts may likely arise not just for us, but also for the boy.
I am aware, but doesn't he remind you of Rafael?
He does, I see it in his eyes and aura.
Did you?
Did I what?
Did you let him go?
Our sibling, who was willing to sacrifice a lot for the woman he loved. He valued her more than his own goals. He confided in me that just being in her presence brought out stronger emotions in him than any act of kindness or healing he had ever done. It made me think how nice it would be to feel that kind of passion.
When I went to pick him up, I initially wanted to send him back, but he pleaded with me to wait for his partner to arrive. He knew she was on her way, and he wanted to be sent on with her. I agreed to his request, and when she finally arrived, the joy on her face was unforgettable. I struggle to find the right word to describe the moment, but "magical" is the best I can come up with. Their embrace and kiss were so beautiful that I now use them as a benchmark for all other displays of affection. Those that come close to what I witnessed that day earn my admiration.
Azrael, please be cautious of the games you choose to engage in. There are many of us who are watching you closely, including some who prefer to remain in the shadows. Some of us hold you in high regard, while others harbor fear and hatred towards you. Please proceed thoughtfully.
Understood Gabriel.
Till next time.
Once again Azrael was once again alone on his rooftop watching the scene unfold. A smile danced upon his lips as Izuku was whispering in Ibara's ear, the girl was blushing furiously and her breath had quickened, unfortunately, or fortunately for her Izuku hadn't noticed.
-Todoroki Household-
The fact that someone was knocking on Enji Todoroki's aka Endeavor's door was annoying enough, but then he heard his daughter screaming. Enji burst from the dojo where he was training youngest Shoto and ran through the halls towards the front door. As he burst into the main area, he saw his daughter on her knees crying, when he looked at the figure at the door, Enji froze.
"Hi Dad," was all the person said.
Never had the Todoroki children ever seen their father faint before, hell they rarely saw him sleep, but today they saw exactly that Enji Todoroki aka Endeavor saw his oldest son standing in the doorway and did exactly that. He fainted, collapsing right on his face.
Enji woke up on the floor, as he pushed himself up to a resting position, he saw Toya there extending a water bottle. "Hey, Old man."
"Toya?" Enji spoke in little more than a whisper. It was his son but there were no burns no marks. His mind immediately jumped to this maybe some villain with a shapeshifting quirk.
"When I was 7, I told you that I didn't care if my fire burned me to ash, I would never stop wanting to be a hero," Toya said. "You are probably wondering if I am a villain in disguise."
"But how? How is this possible? You were dead." Enji rose to his knees.
"You pushed me hard because of your damn obsession, and I pushed to show you I was worthy. Then Shoto came along with the perfect blend of quirks, and I became even angrier. That is why I lashed out at him and the rest of you. I was going down a bad road and I never even saw it, till that day."
"My obsession?"
"All-Might. You are so obsessed with passing him that you drove me to feel that the only way I could be worthy was if could do just that. If I could do that then maybe you would love me. You cast aside Fuyumi and Natsuo because of their weak Ice quirks and have now focused your obsession on Shoto. We are your children, and we mean nothing to you unless we can fulfill something you cannot."
"I am your father, Toya!"
"A father's primary concern is the well-being and aspirations of his children, rather than what they can do for him. It's concerning that Shoto doesn't even utilize his fire ability and that your actions have contributed to our mother's mental health struggles. Additionally, Fuyumi seems to be prioritizing the happiness of others while neglecting her desires. It's worth asking if you're aware of her goals in life. Lastly, Natsuo's academic performance suffered because of seeking your attention."
"Your mother attacked Shoto, she almost ruined…"
"Ruined what, his mental health, his childhood, his life or did she almost ruin your perfect chance to have one of us pass All-Might? You do understand that by the time Shoto graduates and becomes a pro that All-Might will have been a hero for almost 40 years. That he will more than likely retire before Shoto can "TAKE" the title of number one. That I will be someone else that he takes it from. The history books will never read how someone took the title of number one hero from All-Might, they will read "After the All-Might Era ended…"
Enji didn't say anything, part of him wanted to yell but what Toya was saying made sense. He didn't know what Fuyumi wanted; she could have a boyfriend. Or a Girlfriend? Natsuo hated him and wouldn't share anything with him even if he asked. He was damn sure that if he was dying of thirst in the desert the boy wouldn't even give him a sip of water. Shoto was scared, because of Rei and because of him. Rei had wanted counseling after Toya died and Enji would not hear of it. Enji also knew that if word ever got out of his Quirk Marriage, then it would forever taint everything. There were moments when his and Rei's relationship could have blossomed into something real, but he treated her like he treated his children. Property. Things for him to do with as he saw fit.
"We, you, and I have a second chance. We can all have a second chance, the boy that healed me could heal Shoto's face. I still want to be a hero, and I think Shoto does too. But we need to be our heroes, not the heroes you think we should be. What will it be Old Man?"
Enji looked at Shoto who was standing behind Fuyumi with his fist clenched, and Natsuo had his arms crossed and was looking away. Fuyumi eyes were wet with tears pleading and begging him to say yes. Toya was there offering a change; he could see the two paths.
One, he continued the way he had. Lose Toya again, Fuyumi would eventually leave, Natsuo was gone already, and Shoto probably already hated him.
Two, take Toya to Rei and let Rei heal. Get the whole family into therapy and try to be an actual damn family. Something he never had himself and still didn't have now. Toya was right All-Might had already established an era, hell he was the "Symbol of Peace" and he had already started to slow down some.
"Very well then, we should go see your mother."
Shoto looked sad and happy as he touched his face. Fuyumi started crying. Natsuo looked conflicted before he looked at his father and said, "You get one goddamn chance."
Toya smiled, "Thanks Old Man, now I need to get into therapy. I have been given this second chance and I owe it to them to try my damn best."
"Who do you owe this to?"
"Izuku Midoriya."
-2 Weeks Later-
The Midoriya household was alive as the kids were running around the backyard having a grand time. Hisashi and Matsuo were cooking at the grill and drinking a beer, while Mitsuki and Inko were just sitting and talking enjoying glasses of wine. When the doorbell rang Inko didn't think much about it assuming it may be Ibara's or one of the other girl's parents she walked through the house and nearly dropped her wine when there standing in the doorway was Endeavor.
"Hello, you must be Mrs. Midoriya I presume."
"Yes sir Mr. Endeavor, how may I help you?"
"I was wondering if I could have a chat with your son Izuku Midoriya?"
Inko immediately became somewhat suspicious, "Has he done something wrong? I could assure you that if he healed someone, he is a licensed E.M.T. and can do so."
A young man with white hair and beautiful blue eyes placed his hand on his father's arm and stepped forward. "I am sorry that we are disturbing you Mrs. Midoriya, my name is Toya Todoroki. You see your son healed me and I am extremely grateful, but we wanted to ask if he could heal my brother as well."
He motioned to his side, and she saw a Heterochromia boy about Izuku's age standing there with a scar on his face. "I understand the burden that your son takes on to heal people and we wouldn't be here asking this lightly, but please at least let us present our case to him, and if he says no, we will walk away. Isn't that right Dad?"
She saw the number 2 hero tense and then took a deep breath. "Yes, we will walk away, Mrs. Midoriya, I will give you my word that no grudge will be held against your son."
Inko invited them in while she went and retrieved Izuku when she called him from the back door, and he came trotting over with a smile. "Would you mind explaining to me why Endeavor is in our living room?"
Izuku immediately sweat dropped. "I may have healed his oldest son who was believed to be dead."
"Excuse me!"
"He was at the Mission I went to with Ibara, you know when we called heroes and stuff."
"You failed to mention that you healed someone, how bad was it?"
"Before I answer that I feel I should mention in my defense that Azrael led me to him."
Inko stern gaze softened, "We are going to talk about all that now we shouldn't keep him waiting."
Endeavor and his two sons were standing where she had left them when Izuku walked in his put on his best smile before politely bowing. "I am Izuku Midoriya it is a pleasure to meet you, sir."
At least the boy has manners. "I would like to speak with your young man, First I would like to thank you for what you did in bringing back Toya into our life. Second, I would like to ask if you would be willing to heal my son Shoto. He was injured in an accident by his mother, she was suffering terribly after Toya's death, and I did not help the situation. I humbly request that if you could heal him, it would not only aid in his recovery but that of my wife." As Endeavor said this, he bowed deeply to the boy his head lowered.
"Sorry to interject Mr. Endeavor," Inko said.
"Simply Endeavor is fine." He responded as he looked up.
"Please you don't need to bow to me sir, you are the number two hero in all of Japan," Izuku said.
Inko placed a hand on Izuku's shoulder, "Are you aware of how my son heals people?"
"I am assuming through is quirk?"
"That is correct, what I should have said are you aware of how my son's quirk works?"
"Not entirely no."
"When he heals someone, he takes in all the pain that the injury has caused so he feels it himself, he can then heal himself."
Endeavor's eyes widened and he looked at the boy with a measure of awe. "You took in all the pain from Toya's burns unto yourself to heal him?"
Inko raised her eyebrow. "Yes sir," Izuku said as his sweat dropped again. He was going to be in trouble again. Izuku looked over at the one called Shoto, he could see all the pain not only from his face but from other parts of his body there was also some emotional pain but nothing that seemed to border on psychosis. Izuku walked over and stood in front of Shoto, "Do you want me to heal you?"
Shoto looked briefly at his father and Toya, "Yes, if it will lessen my mother's guilt and help to make us a family then I ask that you heal me."
Izuku looked to his mother, "It is your decision Izuku, will your life be in danger?"
"No, not at all."
"I would be more than willing to offer you some financial compensation or anything else that I have in my power to provide." Endeavor said.
"If you could sign some autographs for me and my friends and maybe help out Kaachan with some pointers on his quirk that would be all I would ask," Izuku said with a smile.
"That is all you would ask?"
"Yes sir, I don't heal people for financial gain. I do it to ease their pain and for some give them a second chance." At the last comment, he looked to Toya, before turning back to Shoto. "Are you ready?"
"Is it going to hurt?"
"For you, no, but my quirk manifests as fire, but it won't burn or hurt you," he said hastily. With that Izuku pulled up his white fire, Endeavor watched carefully as Izuku placed his hand over the damaged part of Shoto's face.
"It feels cool and soothing," Shoto said leaning into Izuku's hand after flinching at first. He could feel his face and other parts of him that had been injured or burned from training fading and replaced with a cooling sensation. With his good eye, he watched as Izuku flinched from the pain before he stepped back, and white fire flared from his body.
"There you go, all done."
Endeavor looked upon the unmarred face of his son and couldn't help but let a single tear fall before he composed himself. Izuku ran off and came back with two notebooks opening one he hand it to the flame hero. Endeavor took it and was impressed by the drawings of him that were on the page, what caught his attention was the detailed breakdown of his quirk and even further possible applications. He frowned slightly when he read.
Endeavor is a very good hero, with an extremely successful capture record and case closure percentage.
But he is not very friendly or approachable and seems to lack the ability to smile.
For these reasons alone he will never be ranked higher than he is now. His stern demeanor and lack of interaction with the public will constantly hold him back. It is a pity because he truly is an exceptional hero.
"I am too stern huh?"
"Sorry sir, but yes. You never smile and come across as to stern."
"So, I take it that All-Might is your favorite?"
Izuku looked down, "Yes sir."
"Well, he is the strongest hero of the day."
"That is not why he is my favorite, it is because he always smiles, and makes people feel safe. He takes time to speak at hospitals and schools and gives people some encouraging words. Sometimes that is what people need to keep on persevering. I don't think you have to run around smiling like him or anything but if you could speak to people more softly it would help you. With the public that is."
"Well let me meet these friends of yours so I can fulfill my end of our bargain."
"Shoto, would you like to come outside and play some?"
"Is that ok father?"
"Yes, that is fine." Endeavor said with a slight head nod.
"You should come also Toya so I can introduce you guys to Mizuki, she can blow stuff up with her mind!"
Toya blinked a few times as he followed them toward the backyard, "That's Insane!"
"I know right," Izuku said with a smile.
Once the boys had left Endeavor to hand over a rather thick envelope to Inko, he could see that she was about to protest.
"Madam, your son has a pure heart and wishes to use his quirk for good reasons. However, the world can be a challenging place. I would like to offer this gift to you on his behalf. Please keep it in an account for him to access in the future. Your son has given my family a second chance, and although this gesture is insufficient to express my gratitude, please allow me to offer it as a token of appreciation."
Inko nodded, "I will take it then. Your generosity is greatly appreciated."
As the two of them stepped outside, "HOLY SHIT ITS FUCKING ENDEAVOR!" Katsuki yelled.
"WATCH YOUR DAMN MOUTH YOU BRAT!" Mitsuki shouted back.
Inko shook her head, "Welcome to our home."
Endeavor did as promise after signing some autographs before taking Katsuki aside for some quirk counseling and even a little training. Shoto was mobbed by the group, but he found he did not hate it. The other kids were running and laughing. It took some time but eventually, Shoto was running with them with a thin but growing smile on his face. Toya watched and smiled as he was dragged into their game of tag when Mizuki ran up and tagged him to be it. The only thing that saddened Shoto was he didn't have a cell phone to trade numbers with, he was happy when they all wrote their numbers down for him so he could call them from home.
Hisashi and Inko walked them out and offered Shoto the invitation to come back anytime and play with the group.
Once they were gone, they returned to the back yard the kids dragged Izuku over to them, he may have muttered something about them being traitors.
"Ok, Izuku out with it."
"Which part?"
"The part where you have been seeing Azrael again?" his mother said. Everyone was visibly tense.
"Before anyone freaks out and beats me up, I haven't done anything that killed me or anything. Though now that I think about it healing Toya should have or at the very least could have. But remember when you found me in the NICU Mom?"
His friends looked at him questioningly. "Ok well let me back up, it started with me feeling like a pull, something would call me…. Then I found Ibara, and we notified the authorities."
Ibara and Himiko were the first of his friends to wrap their arms around him as they struggled to get their emotions under control, most of his friends and the adults were shedding some tears when Izuku was talking about the children especially Masaru and Mitsuki as they remembered the miracle that Izuku performed for them and Mizuki. The fact that Izuku had done that multiple times pushing through the pain until his exhaustion had prevented him from doing more elevated the boy even higher in their eyes and his friends.
"Azrael is doing something like he is testing me, I don't understand it completely."
"You said Toya should have killed you? How bad was he?" Inko asked.
Izuku pulled out his phone and showed him the picture. "I think that by healing people it is making me tougher, like a possible aspect of my quirk. Like how Kaachan's quirk seems to reinforce his shoulder and arm muscles to handle the push back from his explosions, or Cami can expel much larger breaths compared to what she takes in."
Kaachan nodded, "The more you use it the tougher you get so you can heal more people. That makes sense, that makes me feel better in some way. But that doesn't explain the fact that the oldest son of Endeavor was in some shelter's hospital wing."
"Yea this is even more concerning, when I ask Mother about the medical wing, she doesn't talk about it and tells me not to worry that it is being taken care of. I know that it is there for those who can't afford a normal hospital, but it is for minor things not treating burn victims." Ibara added.
"You are so amazing Zuzu," Himiko said hugging him tight.
"I wouldn't say that Himi, but if I can help, I want to."
"Well let's all sit down and eat," Hisashi said. The group cheered and moved over to begin filling their plates, the conversation turned to happier topics as soon as their laughter filled the evening air.
*Shoto will more than likely be the last to join the worlds largest Deku squad till after they start at U.A. I kinda wanted to leave Endeavor as the horrible P.O.S that he was in cannon but then I thought about the whole Second Chance and maybe it someone giving him the vision of what could be. So instead of the usual with Shoto we see a million times I decided to do something different. Let me know what you think.*
