Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Kai wouldn't say he was a stalker. He was more of a guardian angel of the quirkless despite what some might say. People didn’t realize how crucial the quirkless population was and were practically killing them off like flies. He’d do anything to stop it. How could the world see what an abomination and a plague that quirks were. So he found the quirkless and followed (not stalking) them. Protecting them, saving them, and guiding them towards his cause; their cause! They would certainly join happily.

Unfortunately over and over again he was refused, ignored or even reported to the authorities. Kai kicked himself internally for thinking that it would just be so easy to get the trodden down community to trust him. He respected their wishes of course, but he continued to keep some tabs on them. He’d move on to other records and what have you to find more quirkless. In the worst cases he found out that they’d died or disappeared mere days before.

Sitting down at his spotless desk, he pulled up his quirkless spreadsheet as always to fill in the information from the day. A year or so before he could barely keep up with his findings but now finding new people were fewer and farther in between. Today had been quite productive actually, he thought as he filled in the detailed form.

Hiroshi Tanaka, 10 years old, parents didn’t want aid
Aiko Suzuki, 17, wasn’t interested
Ken Aota 37, said the world couldn’t change.

Scrolling back through the chart, he thought maybe that there was someone he could try to contact again. He was met by mostly names crossed out in red. Those that fell victim to this evil world. He hated updating the list like that. Time was running out. Action needed to be taken now.

Why wouldn’t anyone work with him? He didn’t want to use force or violence, if he could avoid it. He wouldn’t become like those people. He just wanted the best for them. Why couldn’t they see that?

He pulled up a new medical record database he’d acquired and began looking aimlessly. Most of the information was null. He might copy it to use it later in his research when looking at the qualities of the quirked. There was almost no way though to get such information on the quirkless.

His heart fluttered a little bit when he saw someone registered or marked as quirkless even if he usually already had their information.

That was a new one! This hadn’t happened in months. He quickly wrote down the base information and opened up a more detailed file. With all the rejection though he couldn’t help but fill a feeling of despair well up inside him. He leaned back in his chair thinking.

Wait… It was a crazy idea but could it work? Yes! Yes! It could. Kai thought. He would just have to make the proper preparations. It would be time-intensive but it would be worth it to heal this broken world. Forgetting the other list entirely, he started to write down all the things that he would need, it was doable.

He allowed himself a small smile. We’ll finally heal this broken world.

***

Kacchan hit him again even after he told Aunt Mitsuki that he wouldn’t.

Izuku started a new school and had hoped that he could make friends, but Kacchan told everyone and everyone ignored him after that, even the teachers. He’d cried a little since he felt so lonely and wanted to just be with Mom and Tenko. But then Kacchan found him, told him to stop crying and being such a baby and hit him.

He never wanted to be quirkless. It hadn’t even been that long since everyone knew. Why was it so different now? He was the same but people ran away from him like he was contagious.

His cheek still stung. Walking home he kept his distance from any other children and adults as well. His big brother went to a different school than him. He wished that they could go to the same one. At least he’d have one person that wouldn’t ignore him.

Mom was always nice. She didn’t care that he was quirkless. Tenko-ni didn’t care either. He didn’t even tease him anymore about that. Tonight mom seemed a little distracted while they ate dinner and she helped him get ready for bed. Tenko got to stay up for another hour, it wasn’t fair. He was happy he had his own room in their new apartment but also he got lonely and scared at night without Tenko.

Mom bandaged his cheek for him while he told her about school before tucking him into bed with a kiss. She made sure to hand him his Lil Might to keep the monsters away.

“Mom, what’s wrong? You look sad”

She seemed a bit startled but quickly recovered, “Oh you’re so sweet Izuku. It’s nothing you need to worry about. I’ll tell you in the morning okay baby.” She gave him another kiss.

Good night.

Good night.

He hugged All Might to his chest, feeling more reassured about school tomorrow as he drifted off to sleep.

***

Kai got into the locked apartment with ease. He’d learned the general layout of the apartment from some blueprints. Ah, here it is, he thought as he pushed open the door.
His heart nearly stopped for a minute. All of that planning and now it was all coming together. Looking around the room he suppressed a sudden urge to destroy all the hero merchandise covering the room. It was disgusting. How could that woman do that to the boy?

His eyes fell in the dim light on a small sleeping figure. Kai couldn’t help thinking about how cute he was. Thankfully he was getting him out of this wretched place that would only end up killing him in the end.

Well the sooner they could get out of here the better he thought pulling out the plastic bag with a wet cloth inside. Kai didn’t want to take his son home this way but they needed a safe, secure and secret return home. The child rolled over mumbling in his sleep, causingKai to step back from the bed. There was no need for him to be jumpy as he was doing what was the best in the child’s interests. He picked up the small sleeping figure, the boy’s green eyes peeking out a little. Before the boy could react Kai held the cloth over his nose and mouth until the boy stopped his small struggles. He had brought a small blanket from home for the boy and loosely wrapped it around him and immediately made his way out.Didn’t want him to catch a cold on the way home. Also who knows what could be on the child’s skin from living in this place.

Perhaps he’s been a little late saving the boy, he thought as he left the complex, the child soundly asleep in his arms.

Oh well, memories were malleable especially in children.

Chapter Text

Kai had been busy in the few weeks leading up to bringing his son home, 'acquiring’ documents, tests, photos, government reports and records, the like. Who knew that Sakaki was a near genius with forgery when he wasn’t drunk? Or rather mostly not drunk. They were going to have to have him do more.

He’d scoured through a few parenting books as well as online blogs and forums. Though most of the information he found conflicted with one another. How hard and confusing could raising a child be? The seemingly endless preparations and precautions started to wear on Kai. At one point he thought he should just give up.

But then, there had been that glorious day when he saw his son for the first time in person in Mustafa’s children’s park. His smile was even more radiant than in the photos Kai had. The other children seemed to avoid the boy despite his friendly demeanor. Seeing all of this and hearing the gross comments from parents about quirks strengthened his plan to bring the boy home with him.

There had been a lot to take care of, but this was perhaps the most important as well as risky at least to Kai.

The boss, Kenichi Chisaki, the man closest to a father he would ever have, needed to know.

“So what you’re telling me, Kai is that you got a girl pregnant and you never told me.”

“Yes.” Kai dully replied. He just had to be honest and straightforward.

“And...?”Kenichi raised his eyebrows in search of an explanation.

It was a one night stand and that’s about it. She didn’t want much if any contact after that. I’ve just been listed before as an emergency contact when he was a baby.
I see. That’s why the hospital knew to contact you after suspecting abuse.

“Yes, because I was a parent it was easier for me to submit a case. There was more than enough evidence. I was awarded full custody and the mother is barred from having any sort of contact.”
He waved a hand to the various documents and photos laid out in front of Hiroshi. “I’m upset at myself for being so cowardly we could have stopped this from happening a long time ago.”

Now Kai don’t beat yourself up about it. Though it is unfortunate…”

“I apologize for not telling you sooner. I was embarrassed of my mistakes and didn’t want to upset you with the court details especially if things went wrong. I wanted to bring him home through legal means.”

The man was silent. Only picking up a photograph to examine it more closely as well flipping through doctor’s notes. “It’s alright Kai. I understand but I’m tougher than that you know. He said setting down the documents and reaching for another photo. He smiled softly, without looking up and said, “So when is he coming home?”

Kai’s eyes sparkled as he looked up, “So you’re fine with all of this...? “

“Of course Kai! You’re my son all but in blood, so that makes this little boy my grandson.” Kenichi said pointing at the picture he was holding.” “He needs a happy home and a family who will take care of him. Well we better get busy preparing a room for him… perhaps near yours and mine. There’s that empty room that’s a bit off to the side, not a lot of foot traffic, right next to one of the private gardens. It should be nice and peaceful while he recovers and adjusts to his new home.”

“I think that would be best.”

Kenichi suddenly said with a concerned expression, “Where is he right now? He’s not with his mother, right?”

“He’s actually in the hospital right now. He has a severe head injury inflicted by the mother. But I’ll be able to get him and bring him home tomorrow.”

“That’s good to hear! That little boy needs to know that we’ll never hurt him and that he’s safe here at home,” Kenichi said solemnly before grinning, “He also needs to know that his grandpa’s going to spoil him silly. You’re probably going to regret telling me Kai.”

Kai let out a huff and smiled behind his mask. But then the guilt came back tenfold. “I’m sorry again about this.”

“There’s no need to be so formal, Kai. I’m not upset about this. We make foolish decisions especially when we’re young. I just wished you told me sooner. Maybe we could have had someone here a little sooner,” he said with a wink.

Hiroshi set the stack of documents off to the side, “Well in the meantime is there anything else he needs? What can I get him? Does he have enough clothes? Toys? What does he like to eat? Is he allergic to anything? I can have some of the men go out today and buy anything he needs.”

“I have everything he needs immediately ready. We’ll see after he comes home.” Kai said as he began collecting the documents into the crisp folder.

“You’re right. It’ll be much more fun taking him to pick out his own toys… oh Kai, does he have any skin sensitivities? Should we get him looked over by the family doctor? Perhaps we should set up an appointment with a private dermatologist or rheumatologist? Have they checked for any of that?

“I don’t believe he’s showing signs of anything but I’ll make sure to keep an extra eye on things. I’ve already scheduled a quick checkup for him tomorrow after I pick him up.”

“Thorough as ever Kai. What would I do without you?”

Now Kai was more than ready for anything.

It had only been yesterday but it already felt so long ago. Now here he was, looking done at his son’s sleeping face.

The few items he had bought in preparation had been moved into a room in the ‘family’ part of the base. It was just a bookcase, a few toys, and a low table stacked with some paper and crayons. All the while, a smaller futon (probably Kai’s old one) was aired out in the garden for the rest of the day.

He’d considered a bed frame however Kenichi was insistent on the tatami matted room that was tucked away in the corner of the residence. But Kai was worried. He didn’t think his son could properly put it away due to its size. He wanted to instill good habits as soon as possible. Hopefully the child could at least fold it on his own.

The car ride home had been uneventful. Kai sat in the back absentmindedly looking out the window while listening to the boy’s breathing and occasional mumble. So cute. He was mentally checking off and revising everything that needed to get done before the morning. Well before the boy woke up.

The boy was just… his son. There was no doubt about it. it. Kai thought, brushing some of the hair out of the boy’s face. “I’ve been waiting so long for you little one. I’m so happy you’re finally home.” he whispered. The doctor had checked him over and said everything was looking great. Everything would be perfect now.

“He’s not up yet?” Kurono said, walking into the clinic’s small room.

“No, not yet. He should be awake soon though,” Kai said. There had been some blood work and a few scans that needed to get done that would have been far too difficult with a conscious five year-old. So naturally Kai gave him something to keep him asleep until all of that was finished.

Almost as if on cue the boy’s face scrunched up while making a soft sound.

Kai’s full attention whipped back. This was it. His heart was beating so fast. This was the first time meeting his son. Talking to him. What should he do? In theory, it was so easy but… how was he supposed to do anything like this? He was not ready for this.

The boy slowly opened his luminous green eyes.
***
Inko Midoriya woke to a scream and subsequent distressed sobbing. She immediately jumped out of bed, pulling on a robe. She recognized it as Tenko’s crying. He probably had another nightmare. They’d been lessening over the years but, he still got them. Almost like a routine, she headed for Tenko’s room. As she was passing Izuku’s room she got a glimpse of light hair and heard quiet sobbing. That was odd. Inko thought, stepping into her younger son’s room and knelt down and scooped the boy in her arms. He was getting too big, she thought.

“Tenko baby, what’s wrong?”

He was heaving in great sighs. And started sobbing even more. “Auntie I’m sorry, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to, I didn't, I didn’t. I-I-I,no. Don’t put me in jail. I’m sorry.”

Inkowas tempted to tease the older boy but a growing pit was forming in her stomach. He hadn’t cried like this in years. She pulled him into a tighter hug. “Tenko what’s wrong, I can promise that whatever it is you won’t go to jail and there’s nothing you could do that would make me hate you.”

It took another moment for him to respond. “I think… I think… I think I killed Izu,” He finally choked out before his tears returned ten-fold.

Inko felt a sudden lump in her throat. While rubbing his back she looked around the room. Tenko didn’t know but she’d seen the aftermath of what happened to her brother and the rest of his family. There were no traces of any of that. No dust, no blood. There was also no Izuku. She reached out with one hand to the bed and touched the mattress. It was stone cold.

“Tenko you didn’t hurt Izuku, I promise. Can you tell me what happened when you came in?” Inko said, bringing him to face her. She took his hands and slowly rubbed them.

“I came in to wake him up cause I wanted to play mario kart with him before school but- but- his bed was empty. I thought I was remembering bad again.”

“You’re so brave for telling me Tenko. Everything’s going to be okay. We’re going to figure this out.”

“Sorry I cried so much.”

“You can cry as much as you want silly. You’re still my baby.”

That got a small laugh out of the boy.

Inko tried to stay calm as she got Tenko some breakfast and looked a little around the apartment for any sort of clue. She remembered that there was a baby-cam in Izuku’s room from forever ago. They hadn’t used it since Hisashi was here. Was it still on?

After messing with a few of the controls, Inko let out a sigh of relief. The camera had still been on and as per it functions had an automatic record of the past twenty-four hours. She shakingly scrolled back to last night. She almost missed it. A tall figure entered Izuku’s room, picked the boy up, stopped her baby's small struggles, draped a blanket over him and left.

Inko couldn’t breathe.

She closed the door to her room and immediately called her husband.
“Inko? What’s going on? It’s nearly midnight”

She thought she could do this but hearing just his voice made her waver. She suppressed a quiet sob.

“H-Hisashi”
Yes love?
She took a deep breath, she could do this, anything for her baby. “Hisashi, Izuku's missing. He’s gone. Hisashi it looks like someone took him and I don’t know what to do.” Tears freely fell down her cheeks.
“Inko, are you serious? Inko what’s going on?”

She couldn’t bear to say the words again, “... Just… just watch the footage last night from the baby-cam.”

“Inko I’m contacting my boss. I’m trying to see if I can buy a ticket home right now. I’m going to the airport now. There’s a red eye in two hours. I’ll be on that okay. Take care of yourself and Tenko. It’ll be okay. ”

Inko barely processed the words as she sank to the floor. How could she have not known? How could she haven’t saved him? She was a terrible mother, she thought, and then finally allowed herself to cry.

Chapter Text

Izuku had a lot more dreams than usual. Normal ones of memories of him playing with Kacchan or Tenko-nii all the way to neverending nightmares. He couldn’t remember most of them now, except for one with Kacchan and this weird, short one that felt so real he almost didn’t think it was a dream.

He felt… sick. Everything felt heavy and hazy.This didn’t feel like his bed. On top of that it smelled like the doctor’s . What was going on? Maybe...

“Miku... Mikumo~, are you awake?” An unknown voice broke through his thoughts. Izuku slowly opened his eyes. It was so bright. The bright lights were reflecting across the stark white walls.

He was in some sort of doctor's office. There were two figures in the room. One by the door and the other was sitting on the bed he was on, looking towards him. When his eyes finally adjusted and focused, the first thing he saw was the person’s yellow eyes. The rest of their face was covered by a black facemask. He had short dark hair. He didn’t recognize the person behind him either. His hair was the same color as nii-chan’s but was arrows? Maybe it was part of his quirk. Izuku wanted to ask but that train of thought faded to other questions.

Why aren’t I in my room? Where was mommy? Niichan? He pushed back into the thin, hard pillow and his breathing quickened.

The man reached a gloved hand out and took one of Izuku’s hands. “Mikumo it’s alright. We’re here. You’re safe.”

Izuku’s nerves were calmed slightly but he kept searching the room for a shred of familiarity.

“Do you not remember again?” The man calmly said after Izuku’s eyes fell back on him. “I’m your daddy. I’m sorry I was gone for a long time.”

Izuku focused on the man’s face as the man started gently combing through his hair. .He couldn’t really remember daddy, he’d been gone a lot! But his daddy did have dark hair, and was tall. This person was both of those things. Who else would he be here with, especially without mommy?

“Where am I?” He quietly ventured looking around the room again, not wanting to think about the puzzle in front of him. There were several interesting looking posters that he normally would’ve read eagerly but everything was still foggy.

“Right now we’re at the doctor. You hurt your head and it’s been affecting your memory.. We’ve been here for over a week actually, but we’ll be going home in a minute. Doesn’t that sound nice?” the man said, brushing Izuku’s hair back.

“Home?”

The man didn’t answer as someone dressed like a doctor came in and said they’d do a quick check-up now that he was awake and after that they could go home.

Where was momma? Where was nii-chan? Maybe they were waiting outside. Niichan hated doctors. A lot. His heart dropped, what if something horrible happened to them.

He was so absorbed in his thoughts that Izuku barely registered the doctor looking person checking his eyes, ears, and mouth until she went to listen to his heart, having him take big breaths in and out. She tried to break the tension of the stale environment “I bet you’re excited to get home, right Mikumo-kun?

Mikumo?What did that mean?

He felt a small prick on his arm and looked down just in time to see the doctor take a needle away and put a colorful animal-themed bandaid on his arm. It still stung.

“Sorry buddy but we’ve got two more. If you’re scared you can hold onto daddy and look away. I promise it will be over before you know it.”

Without thinking he grabbed onto the ma- daddy’s hand again and squeezed his eyes shut waiting for the pain, but it never came. He opened his eyes when he felt the doctor put two more bandaids on. It was over? But he didn’t feel anything?

“You did so good, Mikumo! You’re such a brave little boy. Braver than some adults I know. ”

Again with Mikumo, who was that? Did they think that was him? Izuku furrowed his brow. The doctor tilted her head, noticing his discomfort, “What’s wrong?’

“Who’s Mikumo?” he blurted out

“What do you mean, silly? You’re Mikumo,”The doctor said with a chuckle as she checked his reflexes.

Tears welled up in his eyes as he suppressed a sob. “But my name's Izuku. It’s kind of spelled like Deku so people call me Deku a lot.” He was rambling. He turned to his daddy pulling on the adult’s black sleeved shirt. “Tell them daddy”

He really wished that he could see underneath that mask. Daddy’s eyes looked sort of sad. “Your name’s Mikumo, baby.”

“B-but n-no it’s not. It’s Izuku….right?” he was getting frustrated. “What’s going on? All I remember is mommy tucking me into bed last night.” After seeing the doctor and person in the back’s horrified reaction, he added under his breath looking down. “Why can’t I remember right?”

His questions were ignored as the doctor stood pulled the man who said he was his daddy to the back of the room. They started talking in hushed voices.
He tried to listen in but they were too quiet or using really strange words. Like trauma, restraining order, abuse, permanent, court orders, therapy, something memory.

The other person in the room came over to the bedside and knelt down to his level.
Izuku jumped a little when he started talking. Everything was so loud. “Hey Mikumo, It’s okay I’m a friend of your daddy’s. It must be scary waking up here right? We’re almost done here though and then we can go home.

Izuku wanted answers. “Where's mommy? Last thing I remember was mommy tucking me in, why won’t anyone tell me anything.”

The man flinched a little but the calm expression quickly returned as he rubbed Izuku’s arm. “That was probably a long time ago. There probably weren’t a lot of good memories. Sometimes our brains forget things they don’t like. I’m sure you can ask your daddy or the doctor later. They might come back today though. If you don't, that's okay too. We'll make lots of new, happy memories together, okay?”

“I understand. Doctor, are we good to go then?” Daddy said walking back towards the bed as he swiftly picked Izu-Mikumo? into his arms.

“Yes, just keep a close eye on him. Call the office if you have any concerns or he starts doing worse. Oh I almost forgot, for being such a brave boy here’s your special treat!The doctor pulled out a bright red lolli from one of their coat pockets and held it in front of him.

Izuku took it in his hands before turning into daddy’s shoulder. He just wanted to hide away. He wanted mommy. Maybe this was all a weird dream and niichan was going to jump on him any moment to wake him up.

“Are we going to see mommy now?” He asked as they stepped out into the blinding sunlight.

“No, not now,” Daddy said without looking at him.

“Wha- But When then?”

“Not for a while, Mikumo. I’m sorry.”

“Why?”

“You’re living with daddy now.”

“But why…”

Daddy couldn’t hear his questions anymore though, since they turned down a busy street.

***

Once they walked through the estate’s gates, Mikumo lost it. Kai knew this was going to be a difficult change for his son, so he was surprised by how well he had been doing.

His son was trying everything he could possibly do to get out of Kai’s arms while screaming and crying.

“Stop moving. I don’t want to accidentally drop you.” He tried to tighten his hold but it was useless.

Izu-Mikumo tried to hit him but Kai managed to grab both of his hands in one of his hands and pull them close to his chest. Discipline for trying to hit him would be meaningless right now.

Thankfully after a moment the boy’s struggles slowed, but he reverted to more intense screaming and crying.

Well everyone knew that they were home now.

Kai quickly walked towards his and Miku’s rooms, all the while ignoring the cries and screams. The boy needed to cry it out. He was confused and scared. He opened the sliding door to Mikumo’s room and sat down on the tatami in front of the door with Mikumo still in his arms.

He needed to calm him down or distract him at the least. Mikumo had been crying for far too long. The boy’s face gleamed with tears and his voice was growing hoarse.
What did parents do? Kai thought. Hmm baths (too early)...songs(Kai was NOT going to sing)....books… books! He would read to him in a moment. It was obvious he just wanted to be held right now.

After a few more minutes, his son’s cries turned to small sniffles.

“How about you look through those books and pick one and I’ll read it to you? Wouldn’t that be nice?”

The boy hesitantly nodded and walked over to the bookcase. Despite his fatigue he was carefully looking through each title in the small collection.

He felt some pride well up in him. His son was so young but so intelligent, meticulous. A small smile crept on his face. The boy had stopped. He was carefully examining a handful of books. Face scrunched up in deep thought.

“We can read more than one, momo,” The nickname just sort of came out. It was perfect for his cute son. Of course Miku probably would get mad when he was older if he was called Momo, so he needed to monopolize on the time he had.

He pulled out a few and handed them over to Kai, before taking a seat in front of him.

“Um… daddy?”

“Yes?” He was going to have to get used to that. He did like the sound of it though. It made his heart squeeze in delight.

“Why do you have gloves and a mask on? Are you sick?”

Oh, he’d completely forgotten, he pulled off his mask and removed his gloves. His son’s room was clean enough. “ I get sick easily. It stops germs so I don’t get sick as often.”

“Germs?”

“They’re like little bugs that make you sick.”

“Bugs!?” Miku near shouted in surprise. “You can stop them from making you sick?” Miku stared up at him in amazement.

“Yes, anyone can. I wear a mask and gloves outside and at work but here at home I don’t wear it. Sometimes though I forget to take it off. Thank you for reminding me, baby. You’re so thoughtful for worrying about me.”

Kai picked up the book on top and started reading. Well tried to. How did people hold these, show the pictures, and read at the same time?

“I can’t see the picture from there. You’re holding it wrong.” Mikumo chimed almost immediately.
Kai sighed. He was just going to read this like a regular book he thought as he dragged the boy back into his lap. No painful/awkward book reading. “There, how’s that?” He somewhat snapped. He was filled with horror. How could he snap at his angel?

The boy was still for a moment. “Fine.”

“I’m sorry Miku, I’m not mad. Did I scare you? It’s okay. You’re safe here with daddy. I’ll make sure that nothing bad happens to you ever again. I promise.”

He wrapped one arm around the boy in a close embrace and held the book up with the other, switching hands occasionally. Iz-Mikumo even started flipping the pages for him.

By the third, Mikumo was soundly asleep. That was okay. He’d been through a lot today, the boy needed his rest. Kai quickly tucked him in and quietly left, checking three times that he’d locked the door. He needed to get some work done but he didn’t want his son to feel unsafe while he was gone. The locked door would help.

Chapter Text

Hisashi didn’t know if it was possible for the police department to be so blatantly incompatent but they were proving him wrong once again. From the time they’d been at the station, he’d personally witnessed a handful of similar cases already being processed and even solved in the same amount of time.

At first they had to fight for hours to allow them to file a missing person’s report despite footage from their baby-cam of a strange figure taking their son as well as security camera footage from the apartment featuring someone waltzing into their apartment, and then returning minutes later with his son in their arms.

After they finally allowed the report they said there wasn’t much they could do. They claimed they couldn’t get a clear shot of the person’s face or car or anything. Hisashi doubted they had even actually tried to look over the evidence.

Adding fuel to the fire, the police decided to be as patronizing as humanly possible to his wife and nephew. Thankfully they could be there for Tenko’s police interview especially since the officer in charge decided that Tenko was the culprit despite literally everything. It took all of the willpower that Hisashi had to not light the man ablaze. Just thinking about it made him breathe out smoke.

“Uncle?” a voice sitting to the side of him said.

“Yes, Ten-kun?” Hisashi looked over to his nephew.

“Why won’t the police search for Izu?” Tenko said, looking up at him with wide wet eyes.
Hisashi looked to the ground, Tenko copying the movement. “They’re doing all they can, don’t worry.” He was terrible in this type of situation.

Perceptive as ever, Tenko completely ignored that statement. “Is it ‘cause he’s quirkless? I know lots of people don’t like him ‘cause of that... b-but I thought heroes were supposed to help everyone.”

Hisashi rested his elbows on his knees while pinching the bridge of his nose, trying to stop the tears threatening to fall. He couldn’t say it but of course that was why. Ever since the diagnosis he’d become more and more painfully aware of quirkless discrimination. He’d overheard their hushed whispers and noticed how their entire attitude changed once seeing the words. Quirkless. This police station was just the same as everywhere else.

“Uncle, I’m scared.” He heard Tenko say gently, pulling on his sleeve.

“I know buddy. I am too.” He said after he brought the boy into an embrace. As Tenko held on to him, Hisashi’s exhausted mind couldn’t help but wander. How long had it been since he’d hugged Tenko like this? Oh…! How long had it been since he’d held Izuku like this? His heart started beating faster. What if that was the last time? He couldn’t even remember hugging h- no no no stop, don’t think about it, Hisashi. He told himself while hugging Tenko tighter.
Across the office, raised voicing could be heard. “How long has Inko been in there? She went in at 4:00 ish and now it’s 5:37…what could even take that long?” Hisashi mumbled to himself.

They’d decided that Inko would be the best person to speak with the police. She was a parent, had been present, and had experience keeping a cool head in extreme situations. It was part of the reason Hisashi had hurried home so fast. Hearing his wife panic like that was shocking. The other factor was Hisashi didn’t have a great view of the police to begin with. He’d been the main one to handle Tenko and his late family’s case. He still was kept up at night sometimes wondering what would have been Tenko’s fate if no one found him. The possibilities were endless and all grim.

Tenko had come so far from when he first came home with them. They were grateful that many of Tenko’s painful memories and dreams had lessened, becoming faint memories. For Hisashi though he remembered it as if it was yesterday.

A next door neighbor that was friends with the Shimuras called the police and the local hero hotline to report odd screaming and yelling. The neighbor tried to call the Shimura’s house a few times and when there was no response they called Inko.

Less than five minutes from getting the call they had been in the car nearing her brother’s home. A horrible feeling was building in their stomachs. No words were said for the fears that could be created. The tension worsened once they arrived to find that the police had just arrived as well.

The officers were frozen in shock seeing his nearly nine-month pregnant wife coming barrelling out of the car hurrying towards the house and disappearing inside in a second. Hisashi was following right behind but decided to explain things. The officers half-listened while looking around at the ground. They said it looked like nothing to them and a pro hero had already checked the area. They were about to climb back into the squad car when Inko’s scream rang out. Hisashi ran towards the house only to almost collide with Inko.

Inko kept running around towards the back garden with Hisashi close behind. The normally pristine garden was destroyed. The warped earth reached over his head.

“Inko wait for me!” He said, seeing her disappear into the mess just before him. That’s when he saw the blood. Blood had never bothered him before but this was so... his head was so light...

“Tenko?” The soft sound of his wife brought him back to the moment.
Hisashi’s eyes snapped forward scanning the area around Inko. There his nephew sat holding his knees, covered in an ungodly amount of blood and grime. His face looked wet but there were no tears. The garden was a deadly quiet. Was he alive? Hisashi let out a sigh of relief when he saw the rise and fall of Tenko’s chest. His eyes were unblinking, staring straight in front of him.

Inko inched closer and crouched down beside the small figure and went to touch his face. The child came alive with the touch. He screamed and jumped back further, whimpering.

“Tenko…” Inko said, kneeling towards him. “It’s okay. It’s me, Auntie Inko. Uncle Hisashi’s here too. Everything’s going to be okay now.”

“A...un...tie…?” A gravelly voice choked out.

“Yes! It’s me.”

Tenko raised his hands to his head, before suddenly sobbing and clawing into his head and neck, drawing even more blood.

“Tenko no stop. Stop it’s okay.” Inko seized both of his wrists, prying his hands away to stop him from hurting himself.

The noises coming from his nephew sounded otherworldly as he struggled in her grip.

“The hell is that?” The officer said, finally making an appearance.

“That’s my nephew, he’s hurt badly and is in severe mental distress. Don’t you have a sedative or something?

“All I have is this but the dosage is for adults, I thi-”

Hisashi didn’t let the man finish as took it from the man’s hand and ran to the pair. He uncapped the shot as quirk as he could and grabbed one of the boy’s small arms and injected it.

What felt like an eternity, Tenko’s movements slowed before freezing and only his eyes blinking at them. Hisashi was cradling Tenko in his arms, whispering reassurances to the boy until the boy slipped into unconsciousness.

Chapter Text

Kenichi had been on pins and needles all morning, pacing around and making sure that everything was ready for his grandson’s homecoming. He’d hoped that he could go along with Kai to pick up Mikumo this morning but Kai argued against it. He gave the reason that they didn’t want to upset him with too many new faces all at once, especially because of his memory problems. Kenichi reluctantly agreed, wanting the best for Mikumo.

Forcing himself to sit down and look through a few reports, for the umpteeth time he brought up the picture of Miku that Kai had sent him this morning. The boy was just too cute. When he opened the photo he got a notification for a message.

New Message:
Kurono-
Done with the doctor walking home right now. His memory’s worse than we thought. No idea who Kai is. He seems really stressed.

Kenichi's stomach dropped. This was literally the worst case scenario. They were going to have to handle this situation more delicately than they had planned. No doubt Kai was beyond stressed. Moving to a new home for a young child was already difficult. But now Mikumo would react the same as a kidnapped child.

He turned back to the reports hoping to take his mind off things until Kai was here. However with the anticipation and worry just kept building he could think of little else.

Shrill screams and crying brought him out of his thoughts. What in th-? He said under his breath, standing up from shock. Oh… Oh no that was Mikumo wasn’t it he thought.

His suspicions were confirmed as the crying drew nearer and he could hear Kai occasionally say reassurances.

He was crushed. What were they supposed to do? Sure he’d raised children but not with situations like this. As they passed the room Kenichi was in, he caught Mikumo mentioning something about his mother amid the sobs. Was he worried she was here? They would never let her near him again.

The cries dampened and calmed down before disappearing completely. The estate was eerily quiet. Only the small electric fan in the room was making noise. After what felt like hours, he heard Kai’s footsteps. He called out to his foster son.

“Kai!”

“Yes?” Kai poked his head in. Maskless.

Kenichi was in shock at the sight. So much so that he almost completely forgot what he was going to ask him.

“How is he?”

“He’s fine. His memory has worsened even more. I’m sure Kurono told you. Everything is new and confusing for him.”

“I heard him say something about his mother? What was that about? Does he think she’s here?”

“It seems he only remembers before the abuse started. He has no memories of the abuse at all. In some ways that’s a blessing but on the other hand I have no idea how to explain that to him. He’s so young after all.”

The conversation paused as Kai glanced out the window and put his cloth facemask back on.

“What’s he doing now ?”

“After he calmed down a little we read a few books together and he fell back asleep. I’m going to go down to the base to get some work done,” Kai said, pulling on his gloves once more.

“I’m more than happy to keep an eye and ear out then. I’ll be staying up at the house for the rest of the day.”

Kai gave a nod in thanks. “I doubt he’ll wake up before I get back. But you never know.”

***

Kenichi slowly became aware of repeated banging. At first he assumed it was one of the bigger birds that lived around here looking around in the rain gutters but it was coming from inside. After a minute or so of it continuing he decided enough was enough and stood to investigate. He stepped out into the hallway, Maybe it was just the wind or something? He thought.

A small whine came from the left and a few hiccups. Oh no Miku! He’d woken up! He nearly slipped trying to get to the boy’s door.

He went to open the door but knocked instead remembering how wary the child must be.

“Mikumo?” He called.

There was a small shriek in response but nothing more.

“Mikumo? Are you okay? Do you want daddy?” He paused, straining to hear some sort of response. “Miku-kun, can you answer me?”

What if he was hurt? Alright Kenichi was going to have to go in.

When he went to open the door he noticed it was locked. Kai??? Why did he lock the door? Sometimes that boy had no sense. He had the right intentions but often chose the worst possible way to go about it.

“Miku, I’m going to open the door okay?”

There was Mikumo, standing just back from the door, tears glistening on his face. When Kenichi met the boy’s green eyes, the boy slowly backed away before suddenly running and jumping into the closet to hide. The sliding screen to the closet was slammed shut.

Kenichi was at a loss at what to do, should he stay here, go get Kai? He didn’t want to upset the boy further. Miraculously Kai was walking back to the room. Kai took one look at the room and seemed to immediately understand what had happened.

“Miku, Momo-chan, it’s daddy. I’m sorry I left. I wanted to get some work done while you were sleeping so we could spend more time together. Grandpa came to check on you, why don’t you come out and say hi?”

The door slowly opened and a tuft of green hair could be seen before immediately shrinking back into the closet.

“It’s fine Kai. He doesn’t have to. Grandpa will always take care of you Miku, okay? We’ll play later when you’re feeling better.” He called out before leaving the room wanting to give the child his space. Now that Kai was here Mikumo would be fine.

***

Izuku woke up with a start. He kept having the weirdest dreams of someone taking him away from his home. He nearly panicked because he couldn’t recognize where he was. Oh that’s right, this was the room that he’d fallen asleep in. Everything was the same as it had been earlier except now daddy was gone. Daddy had said it was his new bedroom but it didn’t feel like it at all. It was strange having bare walls with no hero merch in sight. Maybe daddy would let him get some. He wished he had his little All Might plush that he slept with and would hold tightly whenever he was scared.

Spotting the paper and crayons on the low table across from him, Izuku decided to pass the time making his own hero posters. In the end though he’d switched to just coloring one of the coloring books. Drawing heroes was hard! After a while his hand was sore from coloring so he sat back to take a break. His thoughts switched back from heroes to his current situation. How long had he been here? He felt his lungs breathing faster. Where was he? He didn’t remember how he got to the room. His heart was beating so fast and his hands were all clammy. Where was daddy? Had he left him? He thought with despair looking towards the door.

Izuku couldn’t sit here in this room anymore. He was going to go find daddy or the man with the weird hair or someone, anyone! At first he mistook the closet door for the one that led into the hallway. The handle was slippery but at least he was able to turn it.

The door wouldn’t open. Maybe it was stuck? He kept trying over and over until saw the bolt in between the door and door frame. He was locked in. He looked around his room for some sort of clue or idea. Maybe the windows? Windows went outside. But looking at the windows in his room he saw they all had special looking, complicated locks. Besides that they were too high for him to reach.

With that he turned his attention back to the door and kept trying to open it. He couldn’t just sit here and do nothing. Why couldn’t he get out? Finally after what felt like hours he let out a cry of frustration and sniffled as tears filled his eyes. He was going to be stuck in here forever, wasn’t he?

Then there was a voice calling out for him behind the door. Izuku backed away not recognizing the voice. Now he wished that he wouldn’t be found by someone. He didn’t like this at all.

The person opened the door and looked poised to run and grab him.

They made eye contact.

Before he knew what he was doing he’d pulled open the closet door and dove into the extra futons. Pulling the screen closed as fast as he could. Maybe he’d leave him alone? Where was daddy?

After a few tense moments a voice he recognized was calling someone’s name. Mikumo? He tentatively opened the screen a few centimeters, only to go right back in. He wasn’t taking any chances.

The unknown man said he was his grandpa before Izuku heard him leave. Or at least it sounded like he left the room. He panicked when he heard footsteps approach his new sanctuary. Someone knocked on the screen before pulling it open.

A familiar masked face was crouched down to his level. “Daddy?” he said before being pulled out from his hiding place by the man and brought into a tight embrace followed by whispered reassurances and apologies.

The rest of the day was spent with his daddy. He let him color and play as much as he wanted. Every few minutes Izuku would look over to check to see what the man was doing out of fear of him leaving again... Or maybe there was another reason.

After another storybook, Izuku decided to try his luck again. Daddy was nice but he wanted to know where mommy and Tenko were and he hadn’t heard his questions earlier. Maybe now he could get some answers.

“Daddy, where’s mommy? Why can’t I see her? Is she hurt?”

The man didn’t look like he was going to answer him with his head turned the opposite direction. Izuku hung his head in defeat.

“Well, it’s hard to explain, baby. But your mommy wasn’t taking care of you like she should. She was mean to you and hurt you a lot... The hospital and school noticed and contacted the police and me. The government has me taking care of you now so that you stay safe and happy.” Daddy quietly said, looking him in the eyes.

“But I don’t remember her being mean.”

Daddy started stroking his hair. “Sometimes when bad things happen to people their brains make them forget the bad memories of it. That’s what happened baby. Your brain blocked it out to protect you.”

“B-but mommy would never hurt me…” Looking in daddy’s yellow eyes he realized he couldn’t rely on his memory. He still wanted answers. “Why was she mean?”

The man said nothing, lifting his head towards the ceiling. Meanwhile Izuku desperately searched his memories for some sort of clue. But there was nothing. Plenty of other people were mean to him though.The last thing he could remember was mommy tucking him in and kissing him good night. She seemed upset though. Maybe she was upset with him. But why?

“Daddy, was it ‘cause I’m quirkless?”

The man gave a sigh, “You’re so smart baby. Yes, that’s why. Lots of people have been mean to you because of that, right? But don’t worry daddy doesn’t care that you’re quirkless in fact I love it. It makes you special. I wouldn’t trade you for the child with the strongest or best quirk in the world.”

Mikumo rammed into his father with a hug, stretching his little arms as far as he could. No one. No one had ever said something like that to him. Did daddy think he could be a hero? As he was about to ask he remembered something else.

“But daddy, if mommy hurt me and I got taken away, what about Tenko? Did he get taken away too?”

“Who?” the man said, cocking his head to the side.

“Tenko! My big brother.”

There was that sad look in the man’s eyes again. “Mikumo, you don’t have an older brother.”

“Yes I do-”

“Sometimes instead of forgetting, our brains make new things. I think Tenko is that.” Daddy interrupted while wiping his tears away.

“N-n-o ...but… he… he has a decay quirk and his four years older than-”

Daddy held both sides of his head gently, while looking him directly in the eye. “Momo, you don’t have a big brother. Remember how you thought your name was Izuku, your brain’s just really confused. It’ll all make sense soon. I promise.”

Mikumo was stuck in his thoughts. Looking back he couldn’t remember a lot of details. It must be like daddy said. It must have been really scary for him to forget and to make up Tenko. He didn’t want to remember whatever happened.

After their talk, Mikumo was led by his father to another room nearby that had little tables and then a bigger table. One side of the room was open to a small garden. It was growing dark outside and he could hear crickets chirping. Daddy told him to stay in the room and that he’d be right back. Part of Izuku wanted to go after him.He didn’t like being here all alone. But daddy said he would be right back and daddys didn’t lie. Quickly, he returned with a tray of steaming white rice, grilled fish and pickles. He was so hungry he’d eat anything, even pickles.

After dinner daddy said it was time to get ready for bed. He needed to take a bath. When he was shown the bathroom, Mikumo stood in shock. It was huge. He could probably swim in the bathtub.

The water was hot and stung his skin. He copied the man’s movements in order to wash himself. Izuku couldn’t believe he’d been ignorant. These germs were serious business. He didn’t want ANY on him.

After rinsing off the soap, he got into the tub and started wading around. He really could swim in the tub and even hide beneath the surface.

After a few minutes he was abruptly pulled out.

“Hey!” Mikumo protested.

“It’s time to go to bed.”

“Can’t I stay in longer?” It just felt so warm and now he was freezing, even though he was being wrapped in a large towel.

“Not today. It’s not good for you to be in hot water for so long. You’ll get sick”

“Oh… so I’m a frog!”
***

Kai was baffled... “Oh you are?” What the hell. He knew children often pretended to be animals but this didn’t match what he’d read at all.

Miku was already giving an explanation. “Yep. I was a frog swimming. I heard someone say something about boiling frogs so I thought of that. But you saved me!”

“Yep that’s right I saved you, '' he chuckled while nuzzling Miku.

Kai tucked him in after making sure everything was put away and that Miku’s hair was dry. Just as he was about to leave, a quiet voice stopped him.

“Wait. I don’t like the dark.”

“There’s a nightlight right there,” he pointed towards the other side of the boy’s room.

“Daddy? I’m scared.W-what what if I forget again? I don’t want to forget again.”

“The doctor said you won’t after this. I promise it will be okay.” Kai saw his son give a small nod. “If you need me, remember my room’s right next door.”
“Good night Momo-chan, sweet dreams.”

“Good night, daddy,'' he shakingly said.

His son was really worried about all this. It made sense, it had been a confusing and emotionally taxing day. This was also the first time he was really going to sleep in his new room. He almost looked like he was shivering in fright. Kai couldn’t leave his little angel all alone.

He turned off the overhead light and sat down next to Miku. “Here, daddy will stay until you fall asleep. How about that?”

Miku nodded. “... can I hold your hand?”

“Of course.”

After taking hold of his hand, his son relaxed and was soon fast asleep. Kai stayed a little longer not wanting to leave the boy. It hurt to see his baby in so much pain today. That was a thing of the past now. He’d saved Mikumo from a cruel world and would give him the life fitting for one who wasn’t touched by the hero disease of society.

Kai had never felt happier.