Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

"Cale-nim!"

"Cale!"

"Human! No!!!"

Cale turned his eyes and looked at his family once last time. His Raon, On, and Hong were already crying pitifully in Eruhaben's arms.

He regretted that he wasn't able to have a slacker life with his family after the war as he planned.

And now, as he slowly turned into stone, he cast them a smile. For he can feel that even him, the undying Kim Rok Soo, death's clutches.

He engraved his children's faces to his record before darkness took over him.

.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.

Or so he thought.

✧✧✧

✧
✧
✧
✧
✧
✧

95 words

Chapter Text

Cale opens his eyes to darkness. He turns his gaze to his left and notices the same before turning to his right to confirm his thoughts that he is surrounded by darkness.

' It's cold.'

He tried to take a step forward before he felt something strange. He can't feel anything. He looked down at his body and his eyes widened in shock to find that his body did not exist at all.

'Is this what death is...?'

"No dear, it is not what death is."

Suddenly hearing a foreign voice in this quiet void made Cale 'jump' in shock.

"Oh dear, I apologize for frightening you," the voice giggled, seemingly amused with his reaction.

' W-who ?'

He frantically moved his 'sight', trying to find the source of the voice, when a light glowed in the void and spread everywhere.

Cale blinked his eyes when he was suddenly seated on a couch in what seemed to be a study room. He silently observed the room and noticed a woman sitting on an office chair. He stared at her as she gracefully placed her cup down and spoke to him with a small smile on her lips as she laced her fingers together and propped her elbows on the desk.

"Hello, Kim Rok Soo. I have been wanting to meet you for a very long time."

Cale stayed silent and studied the woman. Her beauty seems to be on par with the dragons. She has violet wavy hair cascading over her shoulders and a pair of blue eyes that change shades the longer he looks at them. And not to mention, the very noticeable fox ears on her head pointed in his direction.

He looked at her a bit more before starting in a calm tone. "I'm Cale Henituse, I believe you got the wrong person."

The woman looked at him with amusement in her eyes at his answer.

"Oh my, isn't that so? It seems I have forgotten that you have discarded that name. Let me rephrase that. Hello, Cale Henituse. I have been wanting to meet you for a very long time." She replied with mirth in her voice, looking at him as if she had expected him to respond like that.

Cale narrowed his eyes at her and said, "I can't say the same to you, however."

'She's suspicious, how did she know that name.'

The woman looked at him blankly before covering her mouth with one hand and giggled. "That is right, no? I haven't even introduced myself. Oh my, where's my manners." Cale raised a brow in agreement, causing her to stifle her laugh once more. "Allow me to formally introduce myself, I am called Alis, a Goddess worshipped by the Fox Folk."

At this, Cale looked at her in confusion.

"Don't you Gods use a modifier to state what you rule over? What do you mean by being worshipped by the Fox Folk?"

'Like the God of Death, the God of War, and the Sun God, why don't she have one?'

She looked at him again in amusement, tilted her head, and asked him back, "You are not shocked that the one in front of you is a God?"

Cale deadpanned at her before replying, "I have more things to think about rather than why a God is talking to me. And I met my fair share of you guys to not be shocked anymore."

'It's annoying, honestly.'

At his response, Alis couldn't help the laugh that slipped out of her as she said, "Fair point."

Cale watched her try to stop her laughter with confusion. He doesn't understand what is so funny with what he said.

'She's crazy, better stay away from her.'

It took a few more seconds before Alis was able to calm herself down. She smiled at him before replying to his question, "Yes, we do have modifiers, I just do not see the need for it to be said. And as for being worshipped by the Fox Folk, it is as said, I am the God worshipped by them, that is all."

Cale narrowed his eyes at her as he asked the questions that had been on his mind since arriving here.

"And what does the God worshipped by Fox Folk want with me? Because as you can see, I am not a Fox."

"Oh? But you are?" she said as she tilted her head.

Cale looked at her with confusion, he realized he had been confused the whole time he was there. "And why may that be?"

Alis smirked at him before replying playfully, "Because you are a Tibetan Fox, my dear."

"..."

Cale deadpanned at her once more.

"Pfft-"

Alis now covered both of her hands to her mouth, afraid that she would be squealing out loud at his cute reaction.

She coughed to her clenched fist before speaking once more.

"For your questions regarding why you are here. It is very simple."

Cale sat straighter as he felt Alis' aura change. He looked into her eyes as she seriously stated,

"Cale Henituse, let's make a deal. You won't lose anything, that I promise you."

Silence descended. The two stared at each other's eyes for what felt like an eternity.

A few minutes of tension passed by before it was broken by Cale Henituse himself.

"Let me hear it."

Alis smiled at his answer

"Follow me," she said as she stood up and headed for the door.

Cale rose from his seat and followed her as she left the room. His steps stopped as he gazed outside through the window. His eyes widened as he took in the view.

Outside was a cluster of stars. It was like those space movies he saw before the apocalypse.

"Beautiful isn't it?"

He turned his head to his right to find Alis standing beside him.

"...yes. Yes, it is," he quietly replied.

Alis merely smiled at his answer before proceeding to walk the corridor. Cale stared at her for a moment before following her.

It was silent for a while before Alis spoke.

"First of all, I would like you to know that you are not dead."

She kept her head forward even when Cale walked beside her.

"...really?" he hesitantly asked.

"Really. You almost did, honestly."

Cale didn't reply for a few seconds before asking.

"Am I alive because of you?"

At that, she finally looked at him.

"Partly."

"Partly?"

"Yes, partly. You do know the God of Death, yes?" she asked with a smirk.

"Unfortunately."

Alis tried to stifle her laugh as she replied, "Pfft-, well, ahem, Death secured your soul before it was sent to purgatory and hid it somewhere in my void."

"Your void...? Was it that place where there was nothing?" he asked as he recalled that cold, silent place.

Alis turned her head forward once more as she continued walking at her graceful pace. "Yes, that place. I was supposed to retrieve it before you awakened your consciousness, but alas Balance intervened. However, color me surprise, you have not gone crazy in that place."

Cale whipped his head at her. He couldn't help but think, '...this vicious woman, what kind of scary place did you put me in.'

And as if she could hear his thoughts, she said, "You see, time runs differently there. It can be faster or slower, or it might not be there at all. You would also not know what is up, down, left, and right. Is it the front? Or is it the back? Such questions usually go through the mind. You think and think and think because, honestly, that is all you can do."

"..."

Cake took a few steps away from her, 'Wow... just, wow.'

Alis took notice of his actions. She playfully placed a hand on her cheek before continuing her words, "Oh my, I got sidetracked. As I was saying, after I retrieved you, here we are to the present. Do you have any questions?",

Cale looked blankly at her, he couldn't help but ask, "Why?"

"Why what?" she said back.

"...why would you save me?" Cale mumbled to himself.

"Why won't I save you?" Alis asked.

Cale fell silent at her reply. He looked at her face as it was illuminated by the stars.

"We have never met. What would you gain from this?"

Alis looked at him and raised a brow.

"You saved people you haven't met before, might I remind you?"

'But I gained something from it!'

Cale frowned at her answer. Silence took over as they continued to walk and reached the garden outside. He took in the mystical sky and observed how different the plants were from what he knew. He followed her as she strode towards a gazebo that seemed to have a table for two.

He couldn't think of any reason why this seemingly carefree God would help someone like him, so he asked, "Is it because of the God of Death?"

"Well, should I say partly?" she smirked playfully as she looked back at him over her shoulder.

'She keeps saying partly-!'

His deadpan face seemed to amuse her even more.

Alis regarded him for a moment before she sat at a seat. She gestured towards the other, which he promptly took.

At once, snacks and tea appeared on the empty table. The utensils seem to have a life of their own as the plates and utensils are set on their own on the lavender tablecloth. The teapot poured them both a cup before Alis continued her words,

"Death made a deal with me, he told me to preserve your soul until it is ready to return. But you see, doing so would cost me a lot. I already fought Balance just by twisting fate."

Cale stared at the strange sight of a cookie dancing in front of him. It was oddly amusing.

"..."

Alis watched him before raising her cup of tea. She took a sip and said,

"That is why I'll repeat again, Cale Henituse. Make a deal with me, and I'll return you to your family."

He tore his gaze away from the singing cake and replied, "...tell me what I need to do."

"I would need your permission and cooperation.", she simply said.

'What's that supposed to mean?' his expression seems to say.

Alis took a sip again and nonchalantly said, "You see, to balance the backlash that you will receive once you return, your burden needs to be passed on to other people."

Cale shot up at her words. She couldn't possibly-

"Do you mean-!"

"No, it is not that. Well, not forcefully, at least. That is why I need your permission," she rebutted.

Cale stared at her face. He observed her eyes for any falsehood. He can't seem to find any.

Either that or she is just great at hiding her real intentions.

So he sat back down and asked carefully, "For what...?"

Alis watched him watch her. It amused her immensely that this mortal could make eye contact with her, something even her fellow Gods have trouble with. That is why she honestly replied, "Your memories, stories, or records, whatever you call that. I would need to show it to those close to you so they can share the burden of your body."

"..."

At his silence, Alis placed down her cup as she said, "It would have been easier, yes, if you pass it to outsiders, but do you want other people to know your innermost thoughts?"

Cale silently looked at her before asking what was bothering him, "...what about them?"

She smiled at his answer. It truly wonders her how he could care about others in his current predicament, "I will need their permission too, yes. Taking on another's burden isn't as easy as it sounds."

"Then no", he immediately said.

Having expected that, she told him, "That is for them to decide."

"..."

He fell silent because he knew that they would agree, for he too would if any of them were in his position. He once again stared at the strange sight of cookies doing waltz and cake singing acapella.

'What the hell?'

"Oh, don't worry, it is not alive. These are just the works of my chefs. They said it's for entertainment and consuming their art as it would be boring. Do have a taste; they would be very sad if my dear guest did not enjoy it."

At her words, he noticed a few shadows lurking in the hall, silently watching them through the window.

'...how vicious. Is this a new threatening technique? Gods truly are different.'

He silently took a dancing cookie before taking a bite. And he was shocked.

'This is better than that White Radish's cookies!'

He then cut himself a slice of cake and took a bite.

"...delicious."

"I will deliver your words, I'm sure they will be jumping in joy.", she replied with a smile.

Alis watched as he calmly ate and drank tea. It was as if what she just said was of no importance. She watched him in amusement before copying his actions.

For a moment, they quietly had tea.

After Cale had his fifth cookie, Alis broke the silence and said to him, "I can show you their decision if it helps you decide."

Cale looked at her and mumbled, "...sure."

'I can at least look at them.'

Alis smiled at him and took a sip of her tea.

"Very well then. We will be teleporting right after."

✧✧✧

Cale observed the room he was in once the light surrounding their body faded. He seems to be in an observation room as he sees what seems to be a cinema through the floor-to-ceiling window.

He looked at Alis in confusion and asked her his silent question.

Alis merely shrugged and told him to wait before sitting on one of the couches facing the window.

He watched her actions in confusion before silently following her.

Moments later, lights appeared all over the cinema, and to his shock, his whole family and friends were there.

Cale whipped his head to Alis, almost making her worried he'd get a whiplash as he asked, "What...?"

Alis looked at the chaos down below before answering his question, "This is what Death thought would be the best way to transfer your burden."

"Watching it like a movie? Really???" he deadpanned, to which Alis merely shrugged.

Cale shook his head slowly, much to her amusement. "...that guy is a disappointment."

"Pfft! Oh, come on now, pfft, he's not that bad.", she unconvincingly said, not even trying to hide that she was forcing herself not to laugh.

Cale scoffed at her words, "Hah, I'd rather believe that pigs could fly."

"My son, that's so mean!" came a new voice behind them. Cale does not need to turn his head to know who it is.

"I am not your son.", he stoically replied.

"Pfft!" Alis couldn't stop the shaking of her shoulders at their interactions.

Death took notice and said to Cale in embarrassment, "Gah! Son, not in front of-!"

Alis glared at him, making Death cough awkwardly.

"Ahem. Anyways, I'm glad to see you fine, my son. Now, I must explain everything to those down below. If you'll excuse me."

And with that, he vanished with a bow and appeared on a stage down below.

"...why is he acting like that?"

"Like what?" she turned he head at him and raised a brow in inquisition.

Cale tried to formulate words and gave up, "Like- never mind."

'I have a feeling I shouldn't ask that,' he nervously thought. 'Vicious woman.'

And they silently watched as the God of Death explained to his family and friends his situation. Cale looked at each of them, taking note of their disheveled appearance. '

They look... thinner.'

"They have been like that since you turned to stone.", Alis quietly said.

She turned her gaze to him, "Now, what will you do? They have already agreed to share your burden."

"...they won't see everything, right?" he mumbled, still not taking his eyes off them.

Alis nodded her head.

"Yes, they will only see what is needed to be seen."

Cale observed his children. He remembered his last memory of them before he came to the void.

Their faces with tears running down their cheeks, and shouting at him with pain in their voices.

And seeing them slowly calm down and allowing Ron to groom them made his decision firm.

He turned his head to her as he asked, "What do you mean by saying you need my cooperation?"

She raised a brow, "Ho? You thought it was separate from this?"

He narrowed his eyes at her, "You did say you need my 'permission' for this. You never said 'cooperation'. That means it's an entirely different one."

Alis smirked at him as she confirmed his words, "Oh my, you sure live up to your reputation, Young Master Silver Shield." Cale visibly cringed at her words. "Yes, what I would need for your cooperation is different. We need to go somewhere for this."

Alis snapped her fingers, and a glow surrounded them once more.

✧✧✧

Cale found himself surrounded by shelves of books. He raised his head and found some books floating to and from the shelves and seemed to be traveling somewhere.

He squinted his eyes, and he saw a purple glow that was emitted by the place.

He stared at a floating quill before turning his head to Alis, "This is...?"

"The Akashic Library. It is where everything is recorded." She answered as she started to walk.

Cale followed her and walked beside her. His eyes followed the trail of purple shimmer the books trailed after.

'It's like a road.'

He asked as he skimmed the titles on the books, "Everything?"

"Everything," Alis affirmed.

They turned a corner, and Cale's eyes widened as he took in the sight. Countless books are open on the desks, and floating quills write on them. He saw some books land on desks and open themselves, and some closed and floated away.

Alis led him to a couch by the window facing the desks. And like last time, a teapot and teacups appeared and floated in front of them. The pot poured them both tea, which they calmly took.

'I'm getting used to the strangeness of this place, ' he was amused by his thoughts. He moved his gaze to his left and asked, "If I let go of this cup, would it float? Or would it fall to the floor?"

Alis' gaze turned to him. She seemed to be contemplating something as she answered, "It would float."

Cale hummed in reply and stared at her.

Alis took a sip and continued talking, "Now, let me explain what I would need your cooperation for. The connection between the body and soul is immediately cut off once a person dies. Fixing this connection is a very long process. The world would reject it and attack it."

Cale frowned at her words, "Is that why you said the burden must be shared?"

She nodded her head and replied, "Because a single mortal cannot hope to endure the world's wrath with their body. But by sharing the burden, the world's rejection would lessen until it vanishes. You, sir, especially need a lot of people because your body is very weak without your ancient powers," she twirled her finger as she pointed at him.

Cale's eyes widened as he asked, "You only mentioned the body; does that mean the soul-?"

Alis nodded her head and looked him in the eye, "Yes, because your ancient powers reside in your soul, and once it was removed, your body would crumble."

Cale fell silent at that. For a moment, only the sound of the quills writing was heard.

Cale fumbled with his teacup before he mumbled, "...what about the soul?"

"For the soul to return, its level of prestige must rise," Alis replied as she watched him.

Cale thought of the meaning of her words.

'What did she mean by prestige?'

He turned his head to her and asked, "How will I do that?"

Alis smiled at him and opened her mouth to say, "There are a lot of ways to raise it, become a star, an inspirational figure, or a historical figure that will be remembered for years to come. But honestly, you are already higher than most mortals in level, the problem is that the required level for the transfer is ridiculously high for a mortal. Only 2 were able to do it across the multiverse."

Cale blinked at her words, 'Only 2? How ridiculous is that.'

Alis didn't seem to be done as she continued her words while staring at him, "That is why, Cale Henituse, you would need to reincarnate to another world."

He blankly looked at her. His mind and mouth seem to be one, '...what?'

"...what?"

Alis smirked at him, "Haven't I already told you? It is ridiculously high for a mortal to achieve in their lifetime, much less you, who are in need of time. What else should you do but reincarnate?"

Cale blinked and frowned at her, "Why should I?"

Alis averted her eyes and looked ahead of her, "For you to start early on in raising prestige. And starting from 0 would make prestige rise faster than starting at 50."

Cale contemplated her words. He frowned as he found something obvious, "...for how long?"

Alis continued to stare ahead as she said quietly, "...give or take less than 30 years."

"What? But-", he hastily said.

Alis cut him off before reassuring him, "Do not worry. By the time you are done, only 30 days since your 'death' will have passed. And I know you have not forgotten, but it was said earlier in the showroom that time in your world was stopped in consideration for you and your comrades."

"Which means time would be stopped until me and my family returned to our world?" he said as he leaned on the couch.

Alis nodded, "That is correct."

He kept his eyes on her and asked, "But 30 days would pass for my comrades?"

She nodded once more, "Yes. They would need that much time to take in your burden."

Silence came. Cale seems to be studying the being beside him. He watched her body movements, her eyes, and her ears as it moved towards his direction atop her head. The way she didn't look at him as she said it all. He contemplated everything before stating his answer, "Fine."

Alis smiled at his words and proceeded, "A wise decision, now-"

Cale cut her off, "However," watched her whip her head toward him as he said, "The venerable and great Goddess would help this mortal in this other world, yes? The honorable one wouldn't leave this pitiful soul alone, no? The wise and most reverent being, who protects and guides us pitiful lowly mortals-"

Alis looked at him with her mouth agape. She couldn't believe this human. She massaged her temple and said, "Enough. Hah."

Cale dared to smirk at her.

Alis frowned at him as she said, "I already told you I'll help you, you don't have to do... that."

Sigh

She looked tired as she shook her head and continued, "Moving on."

Alis snapped her fingers, and something opaque appeared in Cale's vision. Cale squinted his eyes and observed it.

A game interface appeared before him, and words were written on the screen,

[Welcome, Host Cale Henituse.]

Alis looked at him as she explained, "This is called The System. It is an automated system programmed to help and guide you to raise your prestige."

Cale tore his eyes away and looked back at her, "How exactly does it work?"

At this, Alis smirked at him. She chuckled as she said to him, "Now where's the fun in that, my dear? Do unearth its functions during your stay in that world."

"..."

Cale clicked his tongue, 'Petty.'

Alis ignored him as she said, "And there will be someone who will personally protect and help you there. You'll meet them once you arrive."

"I see, do you have any information regarding the world I'll reside in?", he replied with a brow raised.

Alis' eyes crinkled with amusement as she asked him, "Ho? Why would you think I do?"

"You wouldn't bring me to the library that records 'everything' if not for that," he deadpanned like it was obvious.

Alis smiled at him and laughingly said, "That's true, no! Pfft, oh my, I now understand why Death is so fixated with you."

She tried to stifle her laugh as she confirmed his words, "I do have information regarding that world. Say, what do you think were my reasons for picking that specific world?"

'This woman seriously loves beating around the bush.'

Cale looked at her blankly before replying, "If what you said about needing to raise my prestige is true, then you would pick a world that has at least the same technological capabilities as Earth. So that my 'prestige' would spread far and wide faster."

Alis applauded him and snapped her fingers, "Correct, here's a candy."

Cale looks at the chocolate candy that appeared on his palm. He looked back and forth between the candy and Alis.

He thought incredulously, 'The heck?'

Alis looked at him with mirth as she continued, "Yes, what you said is right. There is also the fact that the world is a bit dear to me, you see. That is why, Cale Henituse, help me save that world, and I will help you return faster to yours."

Cale narrowed his eyes at her once she confirmed his thoughts, "...what we talked about earlier is the deal between you and the God of Death?"

"Yes.", she nodded.

Cale let go of his cup. 'It really did float', he absentmindedly thought as he crossed his arms and asked her, "What would I get from that?"

Alis smiled at his actions, she seemed to be always amused at him for reasons he could not fathom, "Ho? Haven't I already said?"

Cale snorted as he replied, "But that's between you two, this is different."

Alis chuckled at him as she replied, "Fine then. How about I block the people you people call 'Hunters' from illegally entering your world?"

"..."

Cale's face remained blank on the surface, but her words caused turmoil in his mind. How can she do something the 3 Gods can't?

"...you can do that?" he hesitantly asked.

Alis merely smiled at him as an answer.

'Vicious woman.'

Cale felt goosebumps at her smile, he studied her as he thought of the pros and cons of this deal. And after a while, he said,

"You have yourself a deal."

Alis smiled brightly at his agreement. She let go of her cup and stood up. She turned to him as she said happily, "Excellent. The information that you will need will be sent to you. Do you need anything else, my dear?"

Cale stood up as he said, "No."

Alis clapped her hands once and told him, "Then it's settled. I believe Death has a gift sent your way; you may receive it along with your information."

Cale nodded his head in understanding. He saw the same purple shimmer surrounding him as his body slowly became transparent.

Alis placed a hand on her chest and bowed her head slightly as she said to him, "May Wisdom and Luck be with you."

'Is this a type of greeting?' Cale copied her movements as he vanished in a purple glow.

✧✧✧

Alis walked back to her office. Only her steps echoed in the quietness that returned once the guest left.

She continued her walk and quietly called, "Oliver."

In an instant, a black-haired male appeared behind her. His onyx eyes carefully watched her as he replied to her call, "Yes, Your Holiness?"

Alis did not halt her steps as she continued to talk, "I would like you to accompany someone for me."

Oliver's eyes held a glint, his fox ears resting on top of his head twitched as he stopped walking and bowed, "Your Holiness' wish is this servant's."

Alis looked at him over her shoulder for a moment before continuing her walk, "Thank you, Oliver. Do assist and protect him. May Wisdom and Luck be with you."

"May Wisdom and Luck be with you," he placed a hand to his chest as he bowed reverently.

He then vanished as a purple mist surrounded him.

✧✧✧

What greeted Cale as his consciousness returned to him were the voices of multiple people.

A gruff voice said tearfully, "Dear, he's beautiful! He took after you the most."

"He only had your red hair, Brother," the second voice snickered. It then continued with, "But I guess that's fine? Just imagine a small Edward frowning at us. Ugh, the nightmare."

The first voice huffed in indignation, "What did you say-!"

A third voice cut him off, "Quiet now! You'll awaken, Cale!"

The second one continued to snicker as the first voice replied, "But Dad! Your voice is the loudest!"

Before the two could continue bickering, a fourth voice shushed them, "Shut it, everyone out! Let the poor mother and son rest!"

"Wife!" "Mom!"

The fourth voice stood its ground, "I said, out! Let my daughter-in-law rest!"

"It's fine, Mother," said a fifth voice, which, oddly enough, calmed him down from his panic at hearing the voices.

'Who...?'

Cale opened his eyes with difficulty. What greeted him was a black-and-white world.

'Why the hell is everything large-'

A young woman peered at him, making his eyes go wide.

"Is my dear Cale awake?" The woman, he noticed it was the fifth voice, said to him with a motherly smile.

Cale looked blankly at her before he noticed a screen in the corner of his eyes. He tried to reach out only to notice that-

'Is this... my hands?!?'

That his hands shrunk.

He turned his eyes back to the screen to read,

[Welcome, Host!

I am  T3S14  (◕ᴗ◕✿)

I will be accompanying you throughout your journey here on Earth 17.

We hope you have an amazing adventure as you raise your prestige!✧◝(⁰▿⁰)◜✧]

Cale blanked once more. What happened to the serious system from before?

'That woman! She told me everything and nothing!'

[A mission arrived!

Mission: Smile at your new family. Depending on the level of satisfaction, rewards may vary.

Failure: ???]

'She turned me into a damn baby!'

✧
✧
✧
✧
✧
✧

5092 words

Chapter Text

Cale had a headache.

If he ignores it long enough, it'll disappear on its own, right?

[ Mission: Smile at your new family. Depending on the level of satisfaction, rewards may vary.

Failure: ??? ]

Apparently not.

He couldn't help the sigh that escaped him as he tried to ignore the violet screen flashing on his left.

'First a transmigration, now a reincarnation? So this is what she meant; I  should have seen it coming. Sigh, is it a regress-,  no nope , we will not continue that. And what did this thing mean to smile? Why is something like that the first mission? It's damn vague!'

He blankly stared at the ceiling of his new room. This would have been the perfect slacker life if only he was not imprisoned in a crib and had his motor and verbal skills taken away from him.

Yes, a crib.

Because he is a damn baby.

He let out a sigh once more. He chewed on his pacifier as he recalled the past month. He mostly slept due to his baby body, not that he was complaining, but he was able to gather bits of information from the nurses and the occasional doctors doing their rounds of check-ups.

And, well, the system may have told him.

His name here is Cale von Henituse, funnily enough (it must be the work of that witch, Alis), and he was born on November 8th, the same as his birthday back when he was Kim Rok Soo.

(A/N:  OG Cale Henituse's birthday technically wasn't revealed, right??? So Imma roll with Rok Soo's birthday.)

He surmised that he was back on Earth, or a similar one, since that was what he and Alis agreed upon. But if the small robots following doctors around are taken into account, he is probably in a more technologically advanced world than his previous one. And definitely not in an apocalypse with monsters running around everywhere.

Thank G-, wait no, he's not thanking those fuckers.

A similarity with his previous world, though, is the existence of these... Quirks. Well, not exactly. Compared with the Abilities from there, the Quirks here are more diverse in variety and uniqueness.

Imagine when he saw the nurse's finger suddenly change into a syringe and a scalpel. It scared the shit out of him.

So he concluded that the two Earths are the same but different. If that makes sense.

[ You are correct, Host! ]

Ignoring T3S14, he returned to his thoughts. He is not sure what country he's currently in, but from the language the people around him speak, he can more or less deduce that he is in a European country. If the accent in their language is not enough of a giveaway.

[ Currently, you are residing in a country this world's inhabitants called  England, Host. ]

Cale's brow twitched.

'And you are late to inform me because...?'

[  Tehee! (. ❛ ᴗ ❛.) ]

'Don't just ' Tehee ' me!'

Cale concluded. This system is unreliable. And annoying.

'It's harder to control my emotions. Is it because I'm a baby? Damn it.'

Cale sighed as he glanced around the extravagant and luxurious room. Starting from the way too detailed furnishings on the walls, all the mahogany, glittering gold embellishments, and were those diamonds he sees? Who puts diamonds in a month-old kid's room? He must have been born into a rich family (thankfully).

Speaking of family, the people here are too... lively for someone like him. They always fuss around him, make vicious(?) faces, and kept poking his cheeks.

Like, why???

The only saving grace was the limited visiting hours and the woman who gave birth to him, this life's mother. She always visits when the doctors allow her to leave her room. Although now that both of them had been discharged after two weeks of stay at the hospital, the loud cooing at him became a constant thing.

Cale bit his pacifier in irritation and defeat. That's when a voice suddenly spoke, "Do you need anything, Young Master?"

Cale flinched when a black-haired man appeared and leaned over his crib. His question was of concern, and he would have been believable if not for the screen atop his head.

[ Name: Oliver ☐☐☐☐☐
Current State: Amused ]

'This bastard!'

Cale glared at him and shut his eyes. He would have also turned away, but alas, his current body isn't capable of something as simple as turning over.

Cale first met that guy, Oliver, when he was in the nursing room of the hospital a few hours after he was born. The minute the nurses left, the guy just popped up beside him and said in that annoying sing-song voice that he was sent here by that woman to torment his poor soul (aka help him). And since then, that bastard had resided in his shadows.

Literally.

He said something along the lines of being a Shadow Fox, but he zoned out somewhere along his long monologue about the amazing Her Holiness. It was like looking at a second Clopeh, albeit a saner one(?), which gave him goosebumps.

He'll have to ask T3S14 about it again. Maybe. Should he thank Alis for this? Absolutely not. That Oliver is a vicious person, he can feel it.

Cale signed for the umpteenth time. At least the system has some functions he found useful... even when it is a bit unreliable.

'When will I finally get my slacker life?' he laments.

✧✧✧

Oliver looked at his young charge.

He finds it amusing every time he sighs like that. It reminds him of his elders back on his homeworld. How a young soul displays similar actions is beyond him.

Tail swishing to the side, he craned his neck when he heard unfamiliar footsteps headed their way.

' Hm?'

He observed his charge and noticed that he had already fallen into a deep sleep. He pushed back his glasses and returned to the shadows, his body taunt as he prepared himself.

'Only the Young Master's family, the wet nurse, and some guards are allowed on this corridor. Is it another one?'

Thud

Sounds of bodies hitting the floor resounded. It didn't take long before the door clicked open and a woman wearing a maid uniform entered. The woman glanced around the room, spotted the crib, and very carefully approached it to avoid making a noise. She slowly raised her hand, and with a glint, a dagger made its appearance.

She swung her arm down, but before they reached the sleeping child, a claw intercepted it.

Oliver flicked his clawed hand to deflect the dagger and reached his other arm to clasp her neck.

He raised his arm as he gripped her neck, making her choke as he quietly snarled at her with his fangs bared.

"Who sent you?"

✧✧✧

Cale opened his eyes when he felt gentle hands raise him. He panicked, only to calm down when he saw the screen and knew it was his mother.

[ Name: Shiori Henituse
Current State: Worried ]

He tilted his head in confusion when he saw her brows scrunched up in worry. Did something happen while he was asleep? He blinked when he felt her place a kiss on his forehead as she asked, "Did you sleep well, my prince?"

Cale blinked once more as she gently brushed his cheek with her thumb. He was about to succumb to the warmth when the door suddenly slammed open.

Bang!

"Cale! How is Cale?!?"

"My nephew! What happened to my nephew?!?"

"Is my grandson alright?!?"

Cale blankly moved his eyes when 3 tall figures rushed to them. They frantically fussed around him, making his confusion grow. What exactly happened for them to fuss like this?

"Ahem."

A stern voice sounded by the doorway, making the trio whip their heads towards it. Instantly, and rather comically, the three paled at the woman standing in the doorway.

She glared at the men before saying, "What are you doing crowding my Cale for, you buffoons!"

Almost cringing at her words, he silently thanked her in his mind as they stepped back. Cale turned his eyes and observed the three men being scolded.

The man nearest to him is his father in this life. He has red hair and amber eyes and wears a three-piece suit on his bulky body.

[ Name: Edward von Henituse
Current State: Ashamed ]

The young man beside him is Edward's younger brother. In contrast to the former, his lean and slender build is dressed casually and paired with golden hair and emerald eyes.

[ Name: Carter von Henituse
Current State: Nervous ]

The middle-aged gentleman on the far right is his paternal grandfather. He also had red hair, although it had streaks of gray on it, the only indication of his age as he stood straight with poise, nonchalance, and confidence only the head of the house exuded. However, his emerald eyes are lowered to the floor.

[ Name: Arthur von Henituse
Current State: Intimidated ]

Last but not least, his paternal grandmother. She stood before them with her hands on her hips, and even though the men towered over her in height, it felt like they were the ones beneath her. Her golden hair, also with streaks of gray, is tied in an elegant bun, her amber eyes glaring at them fiercely.

[ Name: Ji Ahn Henituse
Current State: Furious ]

She pursed her lips and, with a squint in her eyes, scolded, "How many times do I have to remind you? Are you all incapable of understanding? Huh?!?"

"But-"

"No buts! You three act worse than toddlers! Shame on you!"

Cale listened for some more before deciding to tune it out. Ji Ahn is scary, she is the real master of this house.

'How vicious. Better not get on her bad side.'

Making a mental note to himself, he turned his head back and tilted his head towards the woman holding him in her arms. His mother looked down and smiled softly at his attention. Her green hair and reddish brown eyes seemed to glow as she looked at him with warmth.

Cale glanced at the neglected floating screen and thought back to his conversation with the system.

✧✧✧

Cale is currently a week old. It was one of the rare moments that he could stay awake, so he decided to study the system.

[ Mission: Smile at your new family. Depending on the level of satisfaction, rewards may vary.

Failure: ??? ]

Cale contemplated the pros and cons of his decision. The reward and failure are unknown, will the reward help him? Or would the failure cost him? He cannot die, he must- no, he needs to return. So he cannot risk the unknown.

'Why is it like this? Isn't the system supposed to be a guide?'

And as if it waited, the response came back immediately.

[ We highly suggest you complete the missions, dear Host!

Completing said missions is only to the Host's benefit, for we cannot give it with nothing in exchange.

The W☐ ll  of the W☐r☐d will detect the ☐☐☐☐☐☐☐ and ☐ tt ☐☐k. It is the only way for the Master to bypass the b☐☐☐i☐r. ]

Cale observed the system as it filtered and glitched. He noticed this with Oliver's name and planned to ask but decided against it. He heard before that names have some sort of unknown power, and guessed it was like that. But this is a different situation altogether.

'...why are you glitching?'

[ Apologies, it is classified information. ]

With that, Cale became more suspicious. But he had more pressing matters, for he did not know when he'll fall asleep again, so he decided to let it slide. For now.

'Then I have a question,' he began.

[ T3S14 will answer to the best of my abilities! ]

'If the missions are just a formality to give me something, why is there a possibility of failure?'

[ ... ]

It was silent for a while before the screen flashed away from him making him dumbfounded.

' Wha -'

[ The missions are at the Master's discretion. T3S14 does not have the authority to cancel or create one. ]

Cale confusedly looked at the screen, 'Huh? Explain-'

[ Meaning, all of the rewards are predetermined by the Master and the Admins. However, the content of the mission and the consequences of failures are decided by the Master...

Spontaneously . ]

Cale shut his mouth. It didn't mean as he thinks it is, right? That's why he asked with a bit of hope, 'Spontaneously?'

[ Affirmative. ]

Only for that hope to shatter.

[ The contents and consequences are at the Master's... discretion.

However, fear not, Host!

The Master is not someone who finds joy in others' misery! ]

At that, Cale scoffed, 'You think I'll believe that?'

[ Everything will be fine, Host. You can  trust Master .
.
.
.
.
.
Probably. ]

The system was quick to reassure him but failed as Cale exploded.

'THAT WITCH!!!! She didn't explain anything!!! So what happens if I fail to accomplish the mission?!?'

[ The reward will be delayed for a bit. And, your worst fear will be given- ]

'What.'

Now he does not want to do it anymore.

[ The bright side is it will not be something extreme like death. Or pain.

...Just something you greatly dislike, Host. ]

'And what could I possibly- Oh.'

Cale felt his heart drop. It's not that, right? RIGHT???

[ Your thoughts are correct. It can also be something extremely embarrassing for the Host. ]

'Fuck.'

Cale felt his world crumble. So, even when he's in a different world, that abomination will still follow him?

'I have no choice, huh?' he sulked.

[ I have faith that the Master will not give you anything you cannot accomplish, Host.

And the Master did not give a time limit for the first mission in consideration of you. ]

Cale sharply looked at the screen, as sharply as a newborn could, and thought back to their interaction. He felt like something was missing, why would Alis go through all this trouble just to stay undetected? Fearing that the Will of the World will attack? He doubts that woman will care for something like that. That's why he asked his next question in suspicion.

'Was that all? I feel like you are hiding more.'

The system was quiet at his question.

He tried to fight back sleep as the silence stretched. After what felt like ages, T3S14 finally responded.

[ The ☐☐☐ might detect Master and come to this world.  ]

'Who?'

[ Someone you must avoid at all costs. ]

That was what he last saw before he fell into slumber.

✧✧✧

Once he remembered again, he couldn't help the bout of frustration. He had tried to ask about it again only to be bombarded by information regarding his situation and his current world.

He does not like knowing troublesome things, but he feels like he should know why Alis was going through such lengths.

'Damn it.'

Signing, Cale decided to just be done with it and returned his gaze to his mother to smile.

He gave the brightest smile he could muster. If he was given the opportunity to milk them dry, why not?

'I'll make you regret reverting me into a baby, witch', he thought evilly.

He was so lost in his thoughts of revenge that he didn't notice that the room had gone quiet. He didn't notice his mother's eyes widen, nor the quick appearance of a camera in Carter's hand.

He blinked when he heard the snaps of the camera. He turned his head and was met with a-

Snap

'What perfect timing,' he absentmindedly thought. It felt like he was waiting for this. He probably was.

He blinked when the screen flashed.

[ Mission Accomplished!

Achieved Maximum Level of Satisfaction.

Calculating reward...

3...

2...

1... ]

Cale's eyes gleamed. Maximum satisfaction means the best reward, right?

But why does he have a bad feeling about this?

[ Loading...

Calculations Finished!

Reward: ☐☐☐☐☐☐'s Blessing! ]

Cale blankly looked at the violet screen. He questioned why the reward was filtered. And so, with a doubtful mind, he looked at its description.

[ ☐☐☐☐☐☐'s Blessing:

Favorability is the extent to which somebody/something is liked or approved of.

Those blessed by the ☐☐☐☐☐☐ can easily raise and quantify a target's favorability. ]

He was understandably confused. What did it mean by favorability?

[ To be blessed by the Master, you are very lucky, Host! ✧◝(⁰▿⁰)◜✧ ]

He instantly regretted it when the screen flashed once more.

'What kind of bullshit is this?!?'

✧✧✧

Cale once again fell asleep. He got tired of the constant pleading for him to smile once more. And the shock from the reward added to it.

He decided to let his future self agonize with this headache. The current him needs sleep. Once he closed his eyes and his breath evened, his mother lowered him to his crib. It was only then that the snaps of the camera ceased.

The remaining people exchanged glances and left the room.

Oliver, the only observer, followed through the shadows. He left a few shadow spirits in his place to guard Cale.

The five (plus a hidden one) entered the room adjacent to the nursery. Carter, the last to enter, closed the door and joined them at the round table. He just sat when he was called by his father seriously, "Carter."

He turned his head and matched his serious expression, "Yes, Father?"

Arthur stared at him, his gaze seemingly piercing into his soul as he bluntly asked, "How much?"

Carter smirked.

"I cannot and will not put a price on it, Dear Father. It is simply too priceless for anything to be of the same value."

Arthur stared at him while the others watched in amusement. The silence lingered as the two stared at each other. After a while, Arthur sighed and declared, "I will invest in that drama you have been whining to me about."

Carter's face lit up as he returned Arthur's words, "How much?"

To which Arthur merely states, "Blank check."

Carter blanked before he gave his businessman smile, "It's an honor to do business with you, good sir!"

Ji Ahn shook her head at their antics. She couldn't believe that they had just made a deal regarding her grandson's photos. She watched as her husband gave him a signed blank check before turning to her joyous son.

"You wouldn't mind sending it to me too, would you, dear?"

Carter smiled at her as he said with a wink, "Of course, Mother. I'll give you the family rate."

Ji Ahn amusedly smiled as her husband jumped at his words, "Am I not family, you unfaithful son?!?"

Carter raised his hands in surrender before replying cheekily, "Favoritism works wonders, Father." he then turned his head to his sister-in-law, "You get the family rate too, Sis."

"You-!"

Edward grasped Arthur's arm before he lunged at his youngest son.

He wasn't worried that they might go bankrupt. His brother knew the line he must not cross. However, he is amused when he gives his 'family rate' to his mother and wife. It was basically free.

And Arthur knows that.

That's why he was pissed.

Arthur sighed deeply, he lamented the fact that he was scammed by his own son.

He turned his head towards his other son and, with a raised brow, asked, "And why are you calm? Usually, you'd be the first to strike a deal with everything regarding my cute grandson."

Edward merely shrugged.

"I know Carter enough to wait, Father. Besides," and with a smirk he continued, "he gave my wife the 'family rate'. I do not see the need to make a losing deal against that screwed guy. I'd rather use the money to spoil Cale than waste it on him."

Carter snickered when Edward's eyes turned to him. He did not mind the jab. He was honestly surprised his father acted impulsively and proposed a deal. He at first planned to give it for free, but alas, his father is very generous. He'd be an unfilial son to refuse such an offer.

Arthur sighed once more and sat down grumpily. He then muttered, "I can't help it. It is the first time my precious grandson smiled."

At that, everyone at the table couldn't help but agree. In the month that the little bundle of joy came into their lives, he was as still as a doll. If it wasn't for the family doctor's words diagnosing that there was nothing wrong with him, they might have rushed him back to the hospital. They almost did, actually. The only thing stopping them was their trust in the middle-aged doctor and Ji Ahn.

They reached the point where they were very happy when he whined whenever he was hungry or got his diapers dirty. Still, he isn't a fussy baby, much to their confusion and worry. He wasn't expressive and never wailed at night.

However, they did notice that his eyes sparkle whenever he sees glittering objects (gold and gems). Arthur remembered how he laughed when he found out. Even going as far as bellowing a 'He is a Henituse!' before proceeding to cover the baby's room with every gold and gem he could fit.

Arthur sighed as his memories stopped. His brows furrowed when he finally addressed what they came here for.

"It has already been the third time this month that my grandson's life has been threatened."

The atmosphere in the room shifted.

In this tense silence, Shiori, who had been quiet since coming into the room, finally opened her mouth and said, "And three times we are unable to specify who was leaving the assassins unconscious outside the nursery."

Edward held his wife's hand. He knows just how much this distresses her.

The first time it happened, the hospital was in chaos. They found a male nurse lying sprawled by the nursery's door. They thought he was attacked until they watched the CCTV footage from the nursery.

Even though the footage was blurred and glitchy, they were able to see that the nurse tried to suffocate with a pillow their 1-week old baby. If it wasn't for that 'black shadow', he feared the worst.

They later found out that the nurse was bribed to assassinate the youngest Henituse. However, they were unable to find out who bribed the nurse nor the whereabouts of the shadow, much to their chagrin.

They do not know if this 'shadow' is a friend or a foe. It wasn't until Cale turned 3 weeks old that it happened again.

They reinforced the security of the mansion, fired every suspicious individual, and attached guards to the door. Only for their trusted head butler to sneak past it all and try to harm Cale.

And again, the 'shadow' protected him.

And now, for the third time this month, Cale's life has been once again threatened by Ji Ahn's handmaiden, only to be protected by the 'shadow'. Edward can only thank the Gods that his son was asleep through it all.

Back to the discussion, the arguments turned heated as Ji Ahn slammed her palms on the table.

"Enough! We won't finish anything at this rate!"

Everyone took a deep breath and tried to calm down. They knew she was right.

Edward saw his wife clench her fists; he gently pried her fingers and interlaced their hands. He squeezed her hand and smiled at her in reassurance. Shiori looked at her husband before she squeezed her hand back.

It was then a foreign voice appeared by the door.

"The Madam is correct. I truly am impressed with your wise visage."

They all snapped their heads toward the direction of the voice. They saw a black-haired young man standing by the door and immediately stood, Quirks ready to attack.

Time seemed to stand still as they glared at him. In return, he merely smiled amusedly at their reactions. Arthur broke the silence and asked, "Who are you?"

The man's smile widened as he placed his hand on his chest and bowed, "I have been bestowed the name, Oliver, Your Grace. I believe you all know me as...", he raised his head and declared as his eyes glinted, "the 'Black Shadow'."

✧✧✧

Cale will officially be 3 years old in a week.

And Oliver became more annoying as time went by.

That guy somehow became his exclusive butler and guard. What were his parents thinking? Why would they put such a vicious guy on him???

'But then again, he is useful.'

Cale sighed.

'Unfortunately.'

Cale thought of how his grandmother, Ji Ahn, favored Oliver. He does not want to go against the boss of their house. (Even though his grandfather is the head of the house, he cowers before her.)

He also noticed that after he completed his first mission, he didn't receive a new one except for the daily quests to sleep on time and eat healthily. Speaking of the System, he stared at the screen as he lay on his bed.

[ Daily Quests:

1. Achieve 8 hours of sleep | (Completed)
2. Eat nutritious food | (Completed)
3. Play | (Completed)

You have earned 100 gold coins!

Great job on completing today's daily quest, Host! (人 •͈ᴗ•͈) ]

He frowned before moving his gaze towards the 3rd quest, it has been the most exhausting. He played pretend with his Uncle Carter. The guy even made a plot with him as the cheating husband who cheated with the wife's best friend and Cale as the loyal and kind wife who traveled back in time after dying and is now vengeful.

...It was oddly specific.

Uncle said it was the plot of his agency's recent work that Grandpa had invested in. He smelled something fishy there, but he did not pry. He also ignored how Carter tried to teach him his 'methods' in business; he had a bad feeling that somehow Grandpa was not a willing investor.

He closed the screen and opened another. It was his status window.

[ Name: Cale von Henituse (?)
Age: 2 (?)
Quirk: (?)
Level: 2

Attributes: ☐☐☐☐☐☐'s Blessing

Occupation: Youngest Master of the Henituse Household

Strength: 2/10
Vitality: 8/10
Agility: 3/10
Mana:10/10

Status Points: 0

Coins: 108,800 ]

Cale stared at his coins, he couldn't help the satisfaction that rose to his chest at the amount. All those days he did the daily quests for almost 3 years seemed worth it. And the best of it all? The system can convert it into the money of this world. Isn't that just marvelous? He won't be broke wherever he goes.

He then turned his eyes to the word Quirk. He understood that 80% of the human population has one. Quirks are very similar to the Abilities in his previous world as Kim Rok Soo. He sometimes wonders if this world is the future.

He also wonders if he will have one. Was the first mission reward his quirk? But why was it in the attributes if so? Cale pondered for a bit and tried to call internally.

'Everyone, are you there?'

...

No response.

He sighed at the lack of response. It had been a long time since he had heard his ancient powers. And as much as he gets annoyed with their noise, he misses them dearly. Without them, the feeling of being alone in this world gets stronger.

He was so deep in his thoughts that he didn't notice someone appear on the edge of his bed.

"Young Master, are you alright?"

Cale blinked and turned his eyes toward the voice. It was Oliver.

He stared at him as he blankly said a response, "...it's nothing. I'm just thinking about something."

Oliver stared at him. He can see that his charge is experiencing a disassociation once again. That is why he opened his mouth with a gentle expression.

"Young Master, you are not alone."

Cale looked at him with blank eyes. He watched the screen flashing above his head. He's right, he still has this guy, doesn't he?

Oliver continued to smile at him as he continued, "And they will not be gone for long. They will return to you, Young Master."

And as much as Cale saw him as an annoying vicious man, he also appreciated that he's always been there for him since he arrived in this world. Cale clicked his tongue as he finally responded, "Of course I know that."

Oliver merely smiled at him again before continuing on his packing. Cale huffed when he saw him return to his work and remembered that they would be leaving tomorrow. His parents wanted to celebrate his 3rd birthday with a month-long vacation in his mother's home country, Japan.

He shuddered when he remembered his Grandpa and Uncle whining about not being able to be with him, although they did promise they would follow. They had to be smacked on the head by Grandma to stop clinging to him.

"Are you excited for tomorrow, Young Master? It will be your first overseas trip, and to such a far country too."

Cale glanced at him as he shifted to find a more comfortable position, "Not really."

"That's too bad. Won't you use this chance to make friends? You don't have anyone here at your age, but I heard that the Missus's brother has children your age."

Cale frowned at his words. He did not want snot-covered toddlers constantly crying on him. Seeing that his charge wouldn't answer, Oliver sighed. Cale ignored him as he closed the screen. He lay on his bed and stared at the ceiling. He recalled the emotion he saw Oliver hide behind his smile. T3S14 only helped to confirm his thoughts.

'Why is he worried? There's nothing to worry about.'

[ Name: Oliver ☐☐☐☐☐
Current State: Worried
Favorability: 78% ]

With one final look at Oliver, he succumbed to sleep.

'I'm fine.'

✧✧✧

After 13 hours of flight, they finally landed. He mostly slept through it, but finally. Cale dazedly looked at the sights through the window of the SUV.

It is... different from England. Japan looked futuristic and had a different kind of liveliness with the arrays of billboards attached to towering buildings. The various colors mixing create an amazing view.

Shiori smiled at her son, she patted him on the head, and when she got his attention, she dramatically said, "Welcome to Japan, Tourist-sama! I can't wait to introduce you to everyone!"

Cale could feel dread rising in him. He hastily looked at Oliver, who was seated in the passenger seat, who merely smiled at him, amused at his predicament. He then decided to torment him further.

"I hope you gain friends during your stay here, Young Master."

At his words, Shiori practically vibrated in excitement.

"That's true! Onii-sama has four children close to your age, Cale! I'm sure you all will get along great! Isn't it exciting?!?"

Cale paled further as she continued to talk. He forgot that he had to deal with four kids. With desperation in his eyes, Cale turned to his silent father.

[ Name: Edward von Henituse
Current State: Amused
Favorability: 95% ]

Edward had been watching both of their antics when he made eye contact with his son.

'Father, she's kidding, right?'

'She's not.'

'But four ? You think I can handle that?!?'

'I'm sure you'll be fine, kid.'

'No, I won't be! Dad!'

'Just indulge your mother for now, she has been worried you don't have any friends.'

'I have friends!'

'Who?'

'...O-'

'You can't say Oliver.'

'...tsk. Fine, you win.'

Cale could only turn his head towards the window, cross his arms, and pout when even his father wouldn't side with him. He even called him Dad, but he still refused. What use was 95% favorability if he still betrays him like this? The world is against him, how cruel.

Edward smirked at his actions. His son is amusing at times. He isn't even afraid of Arthur, who most children cry at upon meeting, but afraid of dealing with children his age. If asked, he'll only say that they are immature and noisy, big words coming from a two-turning three-year-old kid with Carter as an uncle. But Edward knows he'll be fine because he knows the kid's a softie, much like his father, Arthur.

Shiori alternated her gaze between her husband and son. It always amazes her when they seem to be communicating with just their eyes. It's not even related to Edward's quirk.

Unable to contain her curiosity, she whispered to Edward, "What did you two talk about?"

Edward leaned to her and answered still with his amused smirk, "We just had a man-to-man talk, don't worry."

Cale huffed at his words. He heard that, and he knows that was on purpose.

The group fell into a comfortable silence, lulling Cale to sleep. A 13-hour flight's jet lag was no joke. He woke up when he felt someone patting his cheeks. He sleepily opened his eyes and saw his mother smiling lovingly at him.

"Baby, we're here now."

Cale nodded his head and let her carry him out. He noticed that Oliver had returned to his shadow. He raised his head and stared at the traditional house before them.

And well, if he was a littleee bit shocked at how huge his uncle's family house is, no one has to know.

✧✧✧

Arriving in front of the traditional house, Shiori practically barged inside and shouted excitedly.

"ENJI!!! YOU'RE FAVORITE SISTER IS HERE!"

Cale felt his jaw drop. He hasn't seen his mother this excited. She must have missed her brother, huh? By the way, isn't just barging inside rude?

"How rude, did you forget your manners while away from the country?"

It seems he was right. Cale watched as a huge man appeared. Was this his uncle? He switched his gaze between him and his mother. They certainly do not look alike.

[ Name:  Enji   Todoroki
Current State: Unamused
Favorability: 50% ]

"And you are my only sister, how are you my favorite?"

"That's why I'm your favorite, it's because I'm your only sibling."

"Don't put words into my mouth, woman."

His mother simply laughed at him. Cale sweatdropped at her, please put him down if you're going to anger that huge scary man.

He felt himself stiffen when the man's gaze turned to him.

"Is this the brat you've been blabbering to me about?"

He did not know whether he should be offended or not. But he did not need to worry because it seemed his mother decided for him.

"How dare you call my baby a brat! Do you not see this angelic face?!?"

The man, Enji, merely raised a brow at her and crossed his arms. He then decided to ignore her when Edward entered behind them.

"It's been a while, Ed."

"Yes, it has. It's been almost four years since we last saw you. The last time was when Shouto was a few months old, right?"

"That's right. It was a pity I wasn't able to be there when your kid was born."

"It's fine. It was when Shiori and I had already left the country. We know you can't just leave your post here."

As the two men started conversing, Cale noticed a white-haired woman approach them. Shiori started to smile at her when she saw her. She put Cale down and approached her with a hug.

[ Name: Rei  Todoroki
Current State: Delighted
Favorability: 63% ]

"Rei! How have you been?!? It's been so long!"

The woman, Rei, smiled at her as she hugged her back and replied, "I've been fine, Shiori. And I believe you are, too, when I heard you at the yard," Shiori sheepishly smiled at that. Cale hid behind Shiori when Rei turned her gaze to him. "Is this Cale? Look at how much you've grown, you look just like your parents."

Cale nodded at her in greeting. Rei smiled at him before motioning for everyone, "Let's get you all settled before dinner starts. I'm sure you all are tired from the flight."

At her words, they removed their shoes and changed them to indoor slippers. She led them upstairs to a huge room as Enji returned to wherever he came from.

Rei slid the door open as she explained, "We've kept your room here, Shiori. Nothing had changed here except for the tatami and the futons. Feel free to tell me if you need anything."

Cale observed the room. There was a lot of... green. He should have expected that when Rei mentioned it being his mom's room. He watched as Edward entered and placed the luggage down.

Shiori turned to Rei and held her hands. She smiled at her as she gratefully thanked her, "Thank you for everything, Rei. It must have been a lot of work."

Rei dismissed her worries and squeezed her hands, "Oh please, it's fine. It's not like we are strangers to each other."

"But still, thank you. Really."

Seeing as she won't give up, Rei finally said as she patted her shoulder, "You're welcome. Now, I'll leave you three here. Come down for dinner in two hours if you're not too tired. Let's talk more later."

"Sure."

Rei then turned her head towards Cale. She crouched so their eyes met. She gently smiled at him as she greeted, "It was nice finally meeting you, Cale. I hope you enjoy your stay here."

"Likewise, Ma'am.", he politely replied in a small voice.

Rei's eyes lit up in amusement, "How polite. you can just call me Auntie, dear."

Cale stared at her silver eyes. He looked at his mother before returning his gaze to Rei. "Yes... Auntie."

Rei smiled at him once more in delight. She stood up and patted his head. She repeated her words before she turned back and walked away.

"Come down for dinner in two hours if you're not too tired."

Once she was out of sight, Shiori and Cale finally entered the room. They found Edward arranging their things and opening a few boxes. Shiori let Cale wander around the room as she went to help her husband.

Cale swept his eyes on the photos littering the walls. He found one where his young mother wore a school uniform beside an ash-blonde girl. There was also one where he found his younger father hugging his younger mother and smiling at the camera. He noticed that aside from his Father and Enji, there was a constant appearance of the ash-blonde girl and a brown-haired guy. Oh, and Rei is there, too.

They all seemed familiar, it felt like they were the ones Mother tells him occasionally.

The biggest photo at the center of the wall was of his parents along with the ash-blonde girl and the brown-haired guy. His father stood beside his mother and the brown-haired guy to the left of the girl. All of them formed peace signs with their fingers, even the brown-haired man. Behind them stood what seemed to be a school.

Cale tried to read the writing below.

U.A. University | Graduation Day

'Huh, I guess this was when Mother graduated from university?'

Cale continued his observations. One wall of the room consists of photos, while across from it is a door. Cale walked towards it and slid the door open. Correction: There were two doors. One opens up to futons and pillows while the other leads to a bathroom.

He sighed in relief when he saw the bathroom; at least he didn't need to go out when he needed to do his business. (Yes, he had been potty trained. He'll be damned before he let someone change his diapers again.)

Cale then turned his head and observed the furniture. The room had a desk, an office chair, a walk-in closet, a divider, and a drawer. And was that a bean bag he saw at the corner?

Cale walked towards it and plopped himself down. Yes, it is a bean bag. He then watched as his parents arranged their things in the walk-in closet. He decided to check his inventory for now.

[ Inventory (6/25):

Golden Top's Whip | Locked
Supreme Commander's Badge | Locked
Supreme Commander's Uniform | Locked
Spatial Bag | Locked
Beacrox's  Apple Pie | Available
☐☐☐☐☐☐☐'s Candy | Available ]

T3S14 told him that these are the God of Death's gifts for him, hoping that they'll aid his journey. And Cale often wonders when he'll be able to unlock everything. And will there be elementals in this world, too? No use thinking about it, the top's still locked so he can't test out his theory.

With a sigh, he stood up when he saw a small red suitcase along with all their luggage. He walked to it and brought it with him back to the beanbag. He opened the case, took out a book, and started to read to pass the time.

For a while, only the sound of his parents conversing and pages flipping filled the room. Edward turned his head at his sound when he noticed him being quiet and chucked when he saw him reading. However, he almost doubled over when he read the title of the book.

World History Vol. 3

His eyes do not deceive him, right?

✧✧✧

An hour and a half later, Cale was just finishing his book when there was a knock on the door.

Shiori stood up from where she was folding clothes and walked toward the door. She slid it open and was greeted by a smiling little girl.

She smiled as she greeted the girl, "Fuyumi! You have grown! Oh, how I missed you, dear."

Fuyumi giggled at her, "I missed you too, Auntie!"

Shiori couldn't help herself with her cuteness. She bent down to swoop her in her arms and rained down kisses across her face, causing the girl to giggle more.

"Auntie, stop! Ahaha! Mom asked me to call you downstairs if you're not too tired!"

Shiori slapped her forehead as Fuyumi reminded her. She let her down and thanked her, "Oh my, that slipped my mind. Thank you for telling us, dear."

The girl brightly smiled at her before she turned to a boy staring at her. Her eyes widened, and she remembered what her parents had told her and her siblings a few days ago.

-

The  Todoroki's are quietly having their dinner. No one dared to utter a word for fear of  Enji's wrath. That's why they were surprised when it was Enji who broke the tense silence as they were finishing their meal.

"We will be having a guest in a few days," he started gruffly, "I expect you all on your best behavior. If I heard any inappropriate things  during their stay here, know the consequences."

Rei observed his features before tentatively asking, "Who are the guests?"

When his gaze turned to her, she continued, "It is so we can prepare adequately."

Enji contemplated her words. He let out a sigh as he said, "The Henituses." After speaking, he stood up and left the room, leaving the rest of the Todorokis in their silence.

Fuyumi stared at her mother's lit-up face. It has been a long time since she had seen that expression on her. She carefully chose her words before asking her, "Who are the Henituses, Mom?"

Rei turned to her daughter at her question. She smiled at her as she answered, "It's none other than your Auntie Shiori, Fuyumi . I heard that she plans to visit us, I didn't know that it was this soon. How delightful! I haven't seen her in a long time."

Fuyumi and Touya's eyes widened. Even Natsuo can't help the smile on his face. Only Shouto looked at her in confusion.

Fuyumi noticed this and explained to him, "Auntie Shiori is Dad's sister, Shouto."

Shouto tilted his head, he didn't know that Enji had a sister. It was Natsuo this time who spoke, "Dad's really nice when Auntie is here. He doesn't shout as much. And Auntie always has sweets she gives us whenever she visits."

Shouto looked at him doubtfully, he could not imagine Enji being nice and allowing them sweets. He looked at them all smiling before he asked, "Then why did she stop visiting?"

'Dad would have been nicer if she was here.'

His question caused Touya to smile resentfully, "Because she got a kid and doesn't care about us anymore."

" Touya !" "Brother!"

"What? It's true."

"You know that's not true, Touya.", Rei sternly said, "Your Auntie just got busy with her baby, she can't just fly and come here when she can't bring her child with her. And besides, she always calls us and sends gifts for you four, doesn't she?"

" Hmph, if she didn't leave the country, she wouldn't have that problem!" he shouted as he stormed out of the room with Natsuo following after him, trying to calm him down.

Rei heavily sighed. She knew just how hurt her children were when Shiori left. But it's not like Shiori had a choice, so she can't blame her. If only she could tell her children why she needed to leave.

Shouto stared at the door. Was it his fault that Touya stormed off? As he was thinking that, he felt a pat on his head. Lifting his gaze, he saw Fuyumi smiling at him. Somehow reassured he turned his gaze back to Rei and asked, "How old is our cousin, Mom? And is our cousin a boy or a girl?"

"Hmm, he's a boy, and from what I remember, they'll probably come here to celebrate his 3rd birthday. So he's 2 years old now."

Fuyumi and Shouto gasped at her answer. They turned their heads to each other. If he's currently 2 years old, that means-

"I'm older than him!"

"He's younger than you, Shouto!"

They said simultaneously.

Rei chuckled at them. She nodded her head as she agreed, "Yes, you are older by months, Shouto. That means you're an older brother now."

Shouto's eyes shone at that.

-

The last few days have been the most fun Fuyumi has had in years. They helped Rei clean the house and prepare ingredients. Even Touya helped after apologizing to Mom. And Dad never got angry or shouted when they were noisy!

That's why when she saw the red-haired kid staring at her, she immediately ran in his direction and introduced herself while smiling brightly.

"Hello! My name's Fuyumi! Nice to meet you!"

The kid stared at her silently. Oh no, did she scare him?!? He'll hate her now!

She was inwardly panicking when she heard a quiet voice respond, "Hello to you, too."

Fuyumi stilled. Was it he who talked?!? His voice is so pretty! She once again brightly smiled at him as she observed the kid. He had red hair like Uncle Edward and Dad, but he got Auntie's eyes! And he looks like a doll! How is that possible?!?

She didn't know if the kid would be able to answer that, so she asked a different question, "What's your name?"

He stared at her for a bit before he closed his book, Fuyumi glanced at it and was shocked at the thickness, he stood up and placed his right hand above his heart and, while bowing his head slightly introduced herself, "I am Cale von Henituse. It is an honor to meet you, Todoroki-sama."

Fuyumi did not know how to respond to that. Her brother Shouto is also a serious kid, but not this serious! And did he just call her Todoroki-sama?!?

"Call me Fuyumi-Neechan!"

He confusedly looked at her before hesitantly saying, "...Fuyumi-Neechan."

Fuyumi smiled again. Cale is a weird kid, but she is the older sister, so she has to be mature like her Mom!

"Let's have dinner and meet the others, Cale!"

✧✧✧

The next few days passed by in a blur for Cale.

He met the rest of the Todorokis at dinner that night. There was an angsty kid, a hyper kid, a curious kid, and a weird kid. All in that order.

He remembers them from his mother's stories and, of course, knows their names, but until further notice, those are the names in his head. Just thinking about them makes him exhausted. Unfortunately for Cale, for reasons unbeknownst to him, the weird kid kept following him wherever he went like a lost duck.

He asked him once why he followed him, and the kid said that it is an older brother's job to protect their little brother. He had a bad feeling about what he said, so he ran away to the safety of their room.

Cale thought that he would be able to slack off inside their room like back in England, but alas, Shiori and Edward took him to every famous tourist spot, which was a nightmare to Cale. He almost threw up once with the overload to his senses due to the system prompts. It would have been bearable if the pop-ups weren't crowding his sight!

The good(?) news is that he (with a little bit of fainting and threatening involved) found out that he can mute the notifications! Why did they not tell him? It was one of the reasons he didn't like going out!

And the bad news? His birthday party is in an hour. There would no doubt be a lot of people. Again.

'Socializing... while I'm used to it due to banquets at Hyung-nim's ( Alver ) palace and conferences between companies (back when he was the team leader), I still don't like it. Why is a three-year-old's birthday this grand anyway? They do this every year, and it just gets grander..They even bought a mansion just for this... I fear the upcoming years, ugh.'

For now, he sat in a waiting room as he watched through the window as a variety of cars entered the land's premises.

He continued his dazed observation until Cale felt another person's presence. He turned his head and made eye contact with his mother as she entered the room.

Shiori felt immensely worried when Cale fainted on their trip. She immediately tried to cancel all of their scheduled ones, only to be stopped by Cale himself. She can't forget what she said to her when he woke up in a hospital bed.

—

"Mother, I'm fine. You don't have to cancel everything just because of me. And I love exploring your beloved country that you always tell me about before I sleep."

She almost cried then and there. She tried to protest to him, but he used her weakness.

His face.

His cute face and those big doe eyes.

Shiori could only slump in defeat before rescheduling and stating new rules for their trip. First, he can't overexert himself. Second, he will listen to his mother. Third, he will tell them honestly if he feels tired. She then let the doctors do their job and told him they would only continue their trip after the doctors deemed it fine.

Edward can only shake his head at his stubbornness.

—

Cale sighed when he saw her expression. He would love to not go out of the house but... he saw her so happy explaining to him every festival and statue they saw. He can only suck it up and try to endure.

Cale opened his mouth once he saw her walk up to him, "Mother, I'm fine."

"Are you sure, dear..? It's fine to just rest here. I'll talk to your grandma.", she replied as she checked his complexion.

Cale shrugged casually as he stood up, "I am sure. And besides, am I not the host?"

Shiori can only sigh weakly at his words. She held his small hand and led him to the door, "Promise me you'll tell us if you're tired, alright?"

Cale smiled brightly at her, "Promise."

Both of them walked until they reached a grand staircase. Waiting for them are Ji Ahn, Arthur, Carter, and Edward. The others arrived a day ago and fussed around him when they learned he fainted. It was a good thing Oliver was there to explain it to them.

Once Edward spotted them approaching, he turned towards them and gave Cale a pat on his head, "You ready, kid?"

Cale looked up at him and grumpily said, "I'm not a kid," which amused everyone.

Carter was next to them before he noticed. He smirked as he said, "Sure you are, kid."

Cale sighed.

He was already dreading this. Nothing could make this worse right?

[ A mission arrived! ]

He spoke too soon.

[ Mission: Make at least two friends before the party ends.

Failure: Ron's Love ]

...

..?

Surely not..?

'What the hell is Ron's name doing there..? It's not that, right..?'

Cale blankly looked at the screen, he shakily tried to click the description of the failure.

[ Ron's Love:

As an assassin turned butler, Ron Molan finds great joy in serving his Young Master.

However, due to reasons unknown, this loyal butler was unable to provide his Young Master with his favorite drink.

But no worries! T3S14 is happy to help!

Effect : Every beverage you drink will taste like lemon! ✧◝(⁰▿⁰)◜✧ ]

Cale decided he hated the system.

✧✧✧

Cale keeps his facade of an innocent three-year-old even when he hurls curses inside. The party has started, and they have now arrived at the bottom of the stairs. The adults have begun to introduce him to the guests.

He zoned out for the most part, absentmindedly nodding and smiling every time someone talked to him. The shock of the consequences of failure still hasn't left him.

He didn't want to do it, but he had to. He cannot drink that abomination.

He only snapped out of it when he felt a stare at him. Cale raised his head and was met with a brown-haired man who gently waved at him. He did find him familiar as he recalled the photos in his mother's room.

'Mother's friend?'

The man stopped staring at him once he returned his gesture and turned to the woman beside him. They seem to whisper to each other before they head their way. The woman then began to speak in an excited tone, "It's been a while, Fae!"

Cale gave them a confused expression. Who was she talking to? To his surprise, his mother replied to the two with a bright voice.

"Mitsuki! Masaru! You both arrived! It has truly been a long time!"

[ Name: Mitsuki Bakugou
Current State: Thrilled
Favorability: 57% ]

[ Name: Masaru Bakugou
Current State: Pleased
Favorability: 57% ]

Cale turned his head to Shiori next. The names she said were familiar to him. And was Fae a nickname he didn't know? Why hasn't he heard of it?

Shiori smiled at him as she introduced them both, "Cale, meet your Godparents. Guys, meet my son Cale."

Cale's eyes widened. Godparents? Are these two his Godparents? Why did you not tell me, Mother?!?

"Oh, that's right. Where's Katsuki? You did not bring him with you?"

"He was sulking on the way here and has now run off."

"Oh my, I'll ask someone to find him then."

Cale watched with confused fascination as Shiori comfortably conversed with them. They had been here for a while, and this was the first time he saw his mother be comfortable with anyone unless it was Father and their family.

He flinched when the woman's gaze turned to him, so he automatically introduced himself, "Good evening, Sir and Madam. I am Cale von Henituse. I thank you for taking the time to come here despite your busy schedule. We have an assortment of refreshments and appetizers distributed by attendants and a buffet by the tables across the walls. We hope you enjoy your time here with the utmost satisfaction."

He even completed that with a Noble's Bow, leaving the adults baffled. It was silent for a while, making Cale nervous. He fucked up, right?

While he was mentally hitting himself, Mitsuki decided to break the silence as she asked Shiori, "How old is he again?"

"Today is his 3rd birthday."

Mitsuki blinked her eyes at her, "I know that, but you're telling me a 3-year-old just said that?"

"...Well, yes."

Mitsuki huffed at her unconfident answer before turning his gaze back to Cale, "Hey, kid. Are you really this woman's kid? You're too smart for someone like her to get the genes from."

"Hey! What's that supposed to mean?!?", came the offended voice of his mother.

Mitsuki deadpanned, "You would have failed your language classes if it weren't for Ed tutoring you."

Shiori groaned at her words. Mitsuki ignored her as she continued, "I'm even shocked you managed to survive outside Japan, you meathead."

"Rude. And my Cale has always been smart since he was a baby!"

She smirked at her and taunted, "Huh, should we thank Ed for the other half of his genes then?"

Cale did not know what was happening anymore.

✧✧✧

It took a while before the two calmed down enough to talk civilly. Shiori introduced them once more, and after a few minutes of light chatter, he asked to be excused, which Shiori allowed, not without worrying about him though.

Reassuring her that he was fine, he made a beeline towards the desserts, to their amusement.

On the way, he came across the weird kid. He saw him stare longingly at the desserts. He stepped beside him before tapping his shoulder.

"Hey, you ok?"

Weird kid flinched at his touch before relaxing upon eye contact. Cale tilted his head at his reaction. He turned his head to what he was staring at. Macaroons. It was macaroons.

Confused, he asked, "Do you want some?"

He immediately shook his head and denied it.

"I was just looking... I've never seen something so pretty..."

Cale stared at his actions. He pressed his lips as he saw him hesitate in fear. Cale knows a lot of things and he knows that is not a normal reaction of a child. Hell, even he overeats desserts frequently.

So he smiled encouragingly, picked two macaroons, and offered one to the kid.

"Really? Then, would you like to try one with me?"

Weird kid's eyes widened. It's like he never expected it.

"But..."

Seeing him still hesitating, Cale decided to be a little dramatic. So he puffed out his chest and pridefully declared, "It's fine. Besides, it's my birthday. Aren't I the boss for today?"

"Even from the adults?" Weird kid asked in fascination.

Nodding firmly, Cale repeated his words, "Even from the adults."

The kid seemed to have gained courage from his words and shyly took the macaroon offered. Noticing him looking at him, Cale took a bite and was satisfied when he did too. They just finished their macaroons when Rei arrived and saw them standing by the desserts.

She called out in an inquiring tone, "Shouto?"

Weird kid-, no, Shouto flinched when he saw his mother. He had a guilty expression as he turned to her. "Mom, I-"

Cale cut him off before the kid panicked more, "Hello, Auntie. Me and Shouto here are discussing what color of macaroons tastes better."

Rei's eyes widened at his words, she seemed surprised as she uttered, "Did you eat-"

Cutting her off too, even though it seemed rude, Cale nodded his head confidently.

"Yes, we did. How will we judge what tastes best if we don't?" he asked with a tilt of his head.

"But-"

"But it's my birthday, Auntie."

At that, Rei gave up on arguing with a 3-year-old.

"You're correct, it's your birthday. Don't worry, Shouto. I won't tell your father."

Shouto immediately smiled brightly once she said that. Cale took note of this and decided to tell his mother later. He is still a kid, unfortunately, he won't be able to help aside from being there for him.

Rei smiled gently at them, ruffled both of their heads, and patted Shouto's clothes for any crumbs. Once done, she addressed them again.

"I'm sorry for cutting your fun, but we have to return home now, Shouto."

"Am I-"

Rei was quick to deny his fear, "No dear, you are not in trouble. Your father met a colleague of his and wanted to go home now."

"I see..."

Seeing him understand, Rei then turned to the quiet Cale, "I hope you don't mind me taking Shouto from you, Cale?"

Cale slowly shook his head as he answered, "No, I don't mind."

Rei smiled at him, "Thank you for understanding. See you later at home, dear. And again, Happy Birthday."

Rei gently grasped Shouto's hand and waved at him with the other. She led Shouto through the crowd as the boy shouted with a wave as he walked, "Happy Birthday, Cale! See you later!"

Shouto then decided he liked macaroons as much as he liked his mom's cold soba. Especially the red macaroon Cale gave him.

[ Name: Shouto  Todoroki
Current State: Happy
Favorability: 49% ]

Cale waved them goodbye until they vanished from his sight. He pursed his lips in thought before turning his back. He asked an attendant for a plate of dessert and waited.

Once the attendant finished filling his plate with his requests, he looked around and decided to head to the gardens after seeing the crowd. He was eating the cookies as he walked when he heard a splash.

Curious, he changed directions and walked to the fountain only to see a blonde kid soaking wet blankly staring at him. Cale squinted his eyes at him as he asked, "What are you doing?"

The kid averted his eyes from him as he stood up and arrogantly replied, "Swimming, ya idiot. What are you doing here?"

Cale deadpanned at his blatant lie, "This is our place."

The kid froze at his words. He immediately observed Cale from his spot. Red hair, brown eyes, and someone of the same age. Could it be..?

"You're a Henituse?"

Cale nibbled at his cookies before speaking bluntly, "Yeah, so?"

"Hah! So a fancy pants? Should've guessed!"

Cale raised a brow at him. He would've retorted if the kid hadn't sneezed and shivered.

Letting out a sigh, he called out, "Oliver."

The kid confusedly looked at him before his eyes widened. He was sure it was only him at that guy here, where the hell did that dude come from?

Cale didn't bother to explain when he turned around and walked away leaving an order, "Pick him up and take him to my room. Have him change his clothes, I wouldn't want someone from my guests getting sick."

"As you wish."

The kid wasn't able to utter a response before Oliver whisked him away. Cale sighed once he heard them leave. Just his luck in finding the Bakugous' runaway son.

[ Name: Katsuki Bakugou
Current State: Embarrassed
Favorability: 13% ]

Aunt Mitsuki said he likes spices, right? Might as well complete his mission while he's at it.

-

He was peacefully eating his dessert and sitting on a bench when a black mist formed beside him. He shifted his gaze and saw Oliver lower Katsuki to the floor. Judging by the look on his face, the kid was not the least bit pleased with them. And right on cue-

"The hell are you doing, Fancy Pants?!? You don't know consent, hah?!?"

The kid screamed like a banshee. It's a good thing the house is a bit far from here or the adults would have rushed here.

Cale frowned at his volume before simply saying, "You sneezed."

That seemed to tick him off more as he screamed louder.

"Who said I need your shitty help?!?"

Cale is seriously worried about his vocal cords. He didn't know someone could be as loud as him. He suddenly missed the weird but quiet kid.

He sighed as he replied to the agitated bull, "I wouldn't let the reputation of the family be tarnished simply because someone decided to swim at the fountain at night and got sick."

With a huff, Cale averted his gaze. Did that work? He hoped it did. Because he would rather have peace while eating, thank you very much.

When the silence took longer than expected, he returned his gaze only to flinch at the kid's observing gaze. What got into him? To distract him, he pointed to the plate beside him.

"That's for you. You can take it or leave it. I don't care."

Katsuki seemed to have snapped out of his thoughts and sneered at him, "I don't eat sweet stuff."

"I know."

"W-What? How'd you know?!?", he asked baffled.

Cale nonchalantly continued nibbling at his cookies as he continued speaking, "Your mom told me. Speaking of her, your parents have been looking for you for a while now. I told her you're with me so she wouldn't worry. You can stay here until most guests leave if you also don't like crowds."

The kid seems to be contemplating his words before deciding to pick up the plate and plop down beside him. He did, however, eyed Oliver warily. Seeing his actions, he said, "Thanks, Oliver, you can go back now."

With a final bow, he vanished into a black mist. Glancing around, Katsuki made sure he was gone before asking, "What's up with that guy? Was that his quirk?"

Cale shifted his eyes to him. He shrugged as he answered, "Who? My butler? I guess so."

Katsuki blanked for a bit. He forgot for a moment that the kid beside him was an elite's kid. While his family is also part of the upper class, he can't just casually tell someone they have a butler much less an exclusive one, from what he observed.

Sighing, Katsuki decided to just eye the snacks on his plate. He did not know what it was, but it did smell spicy. Taking a bite, he was surprised when he liked it. For a picky eater like him who only eats his mother's dishes, this was a miracle.

His daze, however, was cut off at the snicker directed at him.

"It's delicious, right? Those are ginger cookies, Mexican brownies, and spiced vanilla ice cream. My grandma has been hosting banquets like this for a long time so she knew what to do with catering. She said there will always be people who only eat specific tastes, so she tends to prepare a variety. It's a good thing you returned quickly, the ice cream would have melted."

Katsuki averted his eyes as he mumbled, "'s not bad."

'It's not too sweet, and the spice pops in my mouth.'

Cale smiled at him, "I'm glad you like it. I'm sure Grandma would be, too."

Rolling his eyes, Katsuki huffed, "Whatever, Fancy Pants."

Cale frowned at him, "I have a name you know."

With a smirk, Katsuki declared with pride, "Well, I don't know it so Fancy Pants it is."

"It's Cale von Henituse, Bakugou-san," Cale exasperatedly said.

"Whatever you say, Fancy Pants."

Giving up, Cale stared at him as he bluntly said, "I'll call you Katsuki if you keep calling me that."

"Tsk."

Katsuki found himself not minding at all.

[ Name: Katsuki Bakugou
Current State: Jovial
Favorability: 25% ]

-

They spent the next two hours in bickering and silence. And in Cale's confusion and delight, the mission was declared completed as he spent the time in the garden with Katsuki. He decided to check the reward later in the safety of his room.

By the time the two returned to the hall, there was a noticeable decrease in guests. The two walked towards their families talking by the stairs. Edward was the first to notice them both.

"Did you two have a fun time?"

All adults turned to them as they walked towards their respective parents.

"He's noisy," they simultaneously said, making them turn their head towards each other and point.

"You're the one who kept talking!"

"You're the one who kept shouting."

"Did not!"

"Did to."

"No!"

"Yes."

"NO!"

"No."

"YES!"

"Heh."

"Wait, you tricked me!"

Shiori watched her son with teary eyes. She still remembered him vehemently refusing to make friends, and now look at him smiling mischievously and bickering with Mitsuki's child.

Masaru smiled at them. He was glad his son made a new friend despite him throwing a tantrum on the way here.

"I'm glad you two became friends."

And again they simultaneously said, "We're not friends."

Mitsuki finds their antics amusing, so she decides to humor them, "Sure you're not."

The adults then started to say their goodbyes. They set up a play date, much to the two boys' dismay. Once at the door, Cale decided to be a good host and said goodbye to the other kid.

"Goodbye, Katsuki. I hope you arrive home safely."

Katsuki glanced at him before stomping out. He did hear him quietly grumble before he was fully out, "Bye, Fancy Pants. Happy Birthday."

Cale smiled at him. He's not that bad, he wouldn't mind becoming friends with him. He almost laughed when he heard Mitsuki ask him where his clothes were.

✧✧✧

It was late into the night when they returned to the Todoroki Estate. Cale already felt himself drooping when Edward carried him out of the car. However, all his sleepiness went away when Shiori opened the door.

There stood Rei and Shouto, wearing the onesie given by Shiori. He watched with a surprised expression as the kid rubbed his eyes. He only snapped out of it when he sleepily welcomed them back.

"Welcome back, Cale, Auntie, and Uncle."

It seems like he wasn't the only one surprised, based on his mother's tone when she asked them, "Rei, Shouto, why are you still awake? It's already so late!"

Rei smiled helplessly as she endearingly ruffled Shouto's hair, "Shouto wanted to wait for Cale to return. He wanted to tell and give something to him."

"Aww, when did you two get so close? How sweet of you, Shouto!"

It was Edward this time who said, "Can you wait in our room a bit more, little guy? We'll just prepare Cale for bed, and you two can have a sleepover, sounds good?"

Shouto excitedly nodded his head and ran off to his room. Rei smiled thankfully at them before following her son. The Henituses proceeded upstairs and prepared for the night. When there was a knock on the door, Edward slid it open and let the kid in. He curiously watched Shouto hide something behind his back.

Edward led him to a futon as they both waited for Cale and Shiori to emerge from the bathroom. It thankfully didn't take long, and Cale came out wearing a matching onesie of Shouto's. Shouto saw Cale approach and revealed what he was hiding once he was close enough. He held out both hands as he shyly presented his gift.

"Here! This is for you!"

It was a card. A birthday card, to be precise.

Shocked, Cale received it. Thanking the boy, Cale sat on the futon with him and read the card. In scrawny handwriting, the words 'Happy Birthday, Cale!' were written in red crayon. On closer observation, he noticed that there was a drawing of two people holding hands below the text. He guessed it was him and Shouto based on the red and peppermint hairs of the two.

Speechless and no doubt moved by the gesture, Cale hugged Shouto and thanked him again. "Thank you very much, Shouto. This is the best gift I received today."

Shouto smiled happily at his words.

That night, the two slept side by side holding hands.

[ Name: Shouto  Todoroki
Current State: Satisfied
Favorability: 61% ]

✧✧✧

The years seem to flash by for Cale Henituse.

At 3 years old, he gained new friends, was pestered by Carter to model his agency's products, returned to Japan on Shouto's and Katsuki's birthday, and had an amicable relationship with Shouto's siblings. He secretly leaves Shouto and Katsuki a phone so they can communicate with each other without getting caught.

At four years old, he and his friends gained quirks, and his ancient powers returned. They all had fun trying to discover their limits. Oh, and he calls them Sho and Kats now. Unfortunately, Katsuki still calls him Fancy Pants, to his dismay. It only got worse when he accepted (was bribed) Carter's proposal to do modeling and some commercials. At the very least, his prestige finally started to rise. Cale introduces them to each other and sometimes escapes Shouto from his house to Katsuki.

At five years old, everything went dark. Shouto's training started. Shiori and Enji fought about it until they almost killed each other. He never knew his Mom was that strong. Now, things are awkward between the two siblings. And then... Touya went missing while there was a forest fire. The Henituses tried to help find him, only to discover... his jaw at the mountain behind the Todoroki Estate when the fire was put out. A few months later, they held his funeral.

At six years old, he learned that his mother was the semi-retired Pro Hero, Fae. He knew his uncle was a Pro-Hero, but it was surprising news when his mother was one too. But he thought he should have expected that with her strength. The cold war between Shiori and Enji worsened when Rei was admitted to a mental hospital. Shouto now has a scar on the left side of his face, he told Cale it was because it reminded his mom of Endeavor. His uncle tried to cut them off from Shouto's life and isolate him; fortunately, he fortunately didn't know about their secret phones. But he can't sneak Shouto out now that he has banned the Henituses from his house.

At seven years old, Cale was at a loss on what to do. Shouto spoke less on the phone, and he felt Katsuki slowly drifting away when he stayed at his house. His mother always apologizes to him at night, saying it was all her fault, but he does not think so. He wanted to help Shouto and talk to Katsuki, but they both refused him. He hated the laws of the world at that moment. He would have punished his Uncle for his wrongdoings, and if it weren't for him being the Number 2 Hero of Japan, the HPSC wouldn't dare to ignore it. Now he felt like he had lost his two best friends because of him.

It made him truly feel like a child.

At eight years old, Cale did not return to Japan.
.
.
.
.
.

For he went missing.

✧✧✧

What greeted Cale as he opened his eyes was darkness.

He squinted his eyes to try and see just anything. He gave up when he saw nothing. He tried to raise his arm, only to stop when he felt the cold metal. Lifting his other hand, he tried to feel his wrists, and sure enough, he was cuffed. He lowered his hand to his ankles to discover that it was also cuffed.

Cale furrowed his brows as he tried to remember what had happened to him, and when he did, his eyes widened.

He and Oliver are at the airport and have booked a flight to Japan. He finally made up his mind and decided to confront Sho and Kats. That was when a man approached them, even when he was disguised. The man said he was just a fan, but he had a bad feeling since all he did was model do commercials for children's products and clothes, why would a grown man be a fan of that?

His was right when dozens of men suddenly appeared around him, trapping him and Oliver in an encirclement. The man was only a diversion. Oliver and some hidden guards he didn't know he had fought back fiercely against the group and did their best to protect him.

But they did not anticipate that a portal would appear behind Cale and pull him.

"YOUNG MASTER!"

That was his last memory.

'I guess I was kidnapped, huh?'

He tried to summon Oliver and T3S14, to no avail. The connection he always felt with Oliver is gone, and while he can still use the system functions, T3S14 is not there. 

'You guys there?'

—We're here.

—**** yeah!

—...here...

—Where the hell are you now?

—There's no normal day for Cale. By the way, do you still have Beacrox's pie?

—Not the ******* **** time!

—Cale, our powers are locked. Be careful

So, he also can't use his Quirk. Sighing, he thought hard about what might help him and perked up when he remembered the reward from his second mission years ago. He pulled up the window and tried to summon it with his open hand.

[ Golden Top's Whip:

An item that once belonged to the Legendary Thief.

Effects: Allows the user to hear the voices of Wind Elementals ]

Cale stopped his actions. What if he was being watched? He did not know his situation, nor if he was alone in this place. Should he risk it? Or not?

—Do you want to sacrifice yourself?

He was mulling over his options when Super Rock suddenly talked. The old man only says that when danger comes his way. And in cue, the room lit up, and a metal door suddenly opened. A red-haired man casually entered and stopped in front of him to stare at him with indifferent eyes. A tense silence filled the room as Cale warily watched him.

It was then the man smirked, "You're not like other brats, are you? They would've started bawling by now."

—'Cause he's not a **** kid!

Ignoring the Crazy Kid, Cale bluntly replied to him, "Heard that a lot."

He didn't know if it was possible but the man's smile grew. It was creepy.

"You're really Shiori's brat, huh?"

He then began to laugh loudly. His demeanor seemed friendly, but Cale was not a fool. He can see the burning resentment hidden in his eyes. He has a lot of questions, but for now, he'll have to focus on the lunatic before him.

—...he seems familiar...

—Damn right, we only see handfuls of lunatics.

Cale agrees with the two of them, he realized his Record might be faulty in this place too, something that never happened before. A few moments later, he seemed to have calmed down from his sudden laughter. He let out a chuckle as he talked, "Y'know, I've been wanting to meet you since you were in your mommy's tummy. I've been sending gifts since you were born, but I guess it's not appreciated, huh?"

Cale furrowed his brows, he did not trust a word he said. The man noticed this and continued, "Y'know, my gifts always get caught. Those useless shits can't do something as simple as killing a fucking brat!"

—What the ****, you dare ******* touch our Cale-

Cale's eyes sharpened at his change in demeanor. It looks like he decided to stop his facade and leak out his murderous intent. He gulped when he saw the madness in his eyes.

He watched the man take a deep breath and calm himself.

"But unfortunately, as much as I want to tear you to damn pieces, the leader ordered me to not touch you and leave you alone. Do you know how fucking frustrating that is?!? Your final goal is right in front of you and you can't even do shit!"

He then smirked.

"It's a good thing I'm an obedient person, yeah? I'm curious about how long you'll be able to survive if left alone here. Impress me, would ya?!?"

The man put his hand in his pocket before bringing out a pair of scissors.

"But first, I'll need your hair. You wouldn't mind right, Cale?"

[ Name: ☐☐☐☐ ☐☐☐☐ ☐☐
Current State: Euphoric
Favorability: - 100  ]

—You just attract the weirdest people, Cale

✧
✧
✧
✧
✧
✧
13,270 words

✧
✧
✧
✧
✧
✧

✧
✧
✧
✧
✧
✧

✧
✧
✧
✧
✧
✧

A/N:

Are y'all curious about what Oliver looks like?

Say no more! Presenting~

✧HIS HUMAN FORM✧

✧AND HIS FOX FORM✧

Isn't he cool? Rightttt?

He frequently changes forms since his Fox Form attracts more attention than the other one, being a 'mutant' and all. Not that it helps much with the attention, but it works a bit so *shrugs*, and it prevents kids from grabbing his tail and ears again, *ahem Katsuki* so there's that too. Mah boy is traumatized. The silver lining is that his forms do not affect his strength and power, yep yep.

Chapter Text

The first time he met that guy was not... one of his best moments. 

It was embarrassing, even.

Not that he will admit it out loud!

That day, his parents told him that their friends had finally returned to Japan and were holding a birthday party for their three-year-old son.

The worst part? They kept telling him to behave! It's just some snotty rich idiot's party, why should he care?

Especially someone his hag always talks about whenever she has the chance. It's so annoying!

The moment they arrived at the venue, he ditched his parents and ran outside.

Now that Katsuki had thought about it, their meeting would have been inevitable because of their parents' connection. He should have just stayed put. Because if he did, Fancy Pants wouldn't have anything to blackmail (tease) him with.

He probably aimed for that and made the fishes glitter for poor innocent kids like him. That sly guy, he wouldn't put it past him to think that far into the future (he did not).

That is how he also met that guy's exclusive butler. That Squinty Eyes. Oliver .

How dare he change his clothes without his permission? In retaliation, Katsuki pulled his tail and ears with every chance he got while his clothes were changed. And he's damn proud when Squinty Eyes never showed his ears and tail, especially in his presence. Serves him right.

Enough about him. 

He didn't know when, but apparently his old hag had spilled to Fancy Pants that he hated sweets. Imagine his shock when he took a bite. He'll never tell anyone, but he found out he liked it very much. Enough to bug the hag into making it at home.

He then found out that Fancy Pants will be staying for the next three weeks in the country. Unfortunately, both their parents thought it was a great idea to have a play date at his house. Every other day ! Which is absurd since he's not friends with that guy! Ever . Like hell he'll be friends with him.

(He enjoys the fact that Cale is not like other kids who constantly cry and are just dumb. That's why he didn't mind when Cale just barges into his room and plops on his bed next to his All Might plushie. Because Cale does not have grubby, dirty hands.)

✧✧✧

He thought that since Fancy Pants returned to his country, it would be the last time he saw him. Thankfully. (He secretly listens whenever his parents talk about the Henituses.)

That's why he was shocked when he returned home to find Fancy Pants plopped down on his bed, staring at the ceiling.

He stood in the doorway as he blankly looked at the scene before him. He rubbed his eyes as he asked in a confused tone, "What are you doing here?"

Fancy Pants turned his head towards him and bluntly said, "It's April 20."

Exasperated, the blonde shouted, "What's that got to do with anything?!?"

To which Fancy Pants simply said, "Happy Birthday, Katsuki."

"..."

That left the Almighty Katsuki Bakugou speechless. The utter nerve of this guy.

"I tried to visit you last January, but you weren't here... your family went to Mt. Fuji, right?" he tried to explain as if that was enough reason for him to understand.

"So you just barged into my room?!?"

On his fourth birthday, Katsuki Bakugou had his first sleepover. Much to his annoyance (he very much enjoyed it and hoped it would be a yearly thing).

✧✧✧

Fancy Pants gave him a phone before he left last year, saying that he should call him if he needed help and to stay in touch with each other. Ha! As if he would need his help!

The guy just stared at him when he said so and then proceeded to teach him how to use it as if he hadn’t heard a word of what he said. (Of course he secretly listened to the instructions, what if that guy needs his help? As the great person that he is, he needs to be perfect in everything. And mastering a stupid phone would not hinder his flawless track record.)

Fancy Pants occasionally sends him messages and random photos for various reasons, stupid reasons. Why would he care for holidays? Of course, he never replied back. Well, until the annoying guy decided to spam him with calls and messages in the middle of the night. For days. That menace.

So now he at least reacts to his messages or sends one-word replies. (He tried sending long messages to show how annoying he was being but realised he didn't know how to read and write. So he studied. And as expected, he learns fast. He's just waiting for the chance to show off to that guy.)

That was their form of communication until he came back to Japan for his birthday this year. 

It has been exactly seven months since the two of them saw each other face to face. The last time was when Fancy Pants barged into his house on his birthday. 

He's curious if that guy has a quirk now since his quirk manifested on his 4th birthday. He bets his quirk was better than whatever that Fancy Pants will have.

(He found Cale's quirk awesome.)

✧✧✧

On Fancy Pants' birthday, he met Candy Cane.

Another rich kid that won't leave him alone.

He tried to shake the both off and ran off to the playground but the two (one reluctant) persistently ran after him. He had no choice but to stop as he remembered whose house this was, he didn't want to unnecessarily encounter Squinty Eyes again (he trained his grabbing for the off chance that he did ).

He then found out that Candy Cane's dad was the Number 2 Hero, Endeavor. While that was kinda impressive, he also didn't care about any hero unless it's All Might so he just scoffed at him. 

Unfortunately, that seemed to make the kid like him more for some reason. And he was never able to shake off the two again (not like he wanted to).

✧✧✧

The year after is what would Katsuki refer to as the year all-shit hit the fan, as he quote from his old hag.

Starting from when they first met, the trio usually escapes and play on their own. They'd usually get out of the house with Squinty Eyes' help and run to either the playground or Katsuki's home.

They continued doing that whenever Fancy Pants returned to Japan or they would talk to the phone, teach Candy Cane to read and write (he would listen to that too), and sometimes just lay on the tatami floor of Candy Cane's room.

Fancy Pants even gave them a nickname that he reluctantly(?) accepted. 

He didn't like it, no no.

Katsuki found out their quirks and would usually demand them to show it to him when they are at the playground.

And then, a few months after Fancy Pants 5th birthday, an excited Candy Cane told them over the phone that his dad had decided to start his training to be a hero.

Katsuki was quietly jealous of that so he boasted that even with all his trainings, he would still be the strongest. It was then he decided to start his training too, he didn't want to fall behind. He asked Fancy Pants on what he should do, and he gave Katsuki a list of things to do while warning them to not overdo it as they were only 5 year olds.

(Distantly, Katsuki remembers Fancy Pants being oddly silent when Candy Cane announced his training. It was only when he told him to do his training plan did he seem to broke out of his thinking.)

If only Katsuki knew, he wouldn't have been jealous of Candy Cane's training.

And then—

The forest fire happened.

✧✧✧

One day, when Katsuki was seven years old, that incident happened.

The day Izuku Midoriya dared to look down on him. That quirkless Deku.

Katsuki mulled over it for days. On one hand, he remembers the times Fancy Pants always tells him that they should protect the weak as they want to be heroes when they grow up; on the other, he feels this burning feeling in his chest that itches for him to do something.

It was the first time he felt this urge to hurt.

How DaRe He!

But Katsuki Bakugou can’t do that. He can’t listen to the ugly voices rearing in his head.

Because if he did…

Cale would hate him.

And he does not want that.

So, he endured. And endured. And endured. For months.

But fate seems to be testing him. Destiny seems to abhor him.

Because it was at that moment that Katsuki Bakugou hit Izuku Midoriya with his quirk.

No one expected it to happen.

Neither Izuku.

Neither his band of followers.

Not even himself.

But Katsuki will not lie.

He felt dread envelop his entire being.

Because even though the hit wasn’t that fatal, nor was it a large one. The fact remains that he broke his promise to Cale.

‘Cale can’t know.’

Who can blame a terrified seven-year-old going extreme in anxiety?

And so.

To ensure that no one will know.

To ensure that Candy Cane won’t know.

To ensure that Cale won’t know.

Katsuki Bakugou, for the first time in his life, threatened and hurt the people he swore to protect.

It was the first and, unfortunately, not the last.

And Katsuki Bakugou started to avoid talking with Fancy Pants. He still talks to Candy Cane at times since he knows they are the same. They are both avoiding the perceptive red-head.

They both can’t face their favourite person. Different reasons, same actions.

And how they regretted their actions because in the next few years.

Even if they want to, their messages won't reach him.

✧✧✧

-Cale!

-Is he alright?!?

-I’m working on it… *sobs*... stay strong Cale…

-There’s ******* too much **** blood!

-Cale! You can’t lose consciousness!

-I’m gonna kill those fuckers!

-Cale, you can’t die!

✧✧✧

Shouto Todoroki’s world is simple.

His mother is white.

His siblings are grey.

His father is black.

Shouto Todoroki’s world is simple.

The TV is grey.

All Might was white.

And his father was black.

Shouto Todoroki’s world is simple.

Until it wasn’t.

✧✧✧

The first change was when his father announced they would have guests. It was the first time his mother and siblings' faces lit up with such pure happiness.

He was curious. Who were these people that his family were so happy to hear about?

Turns out, his father had a sibling.

Shouto didn’t know that. If they are siblings, does that mean she’s like Dad? They said Dad was nicer when she was around.

Shouto can’t imagine that. His father, nice?

But it was his mother’s words, so it must be true. And amazingly, he found out he was an older brother now.

Shouto can’t wait for them to arrive.

✧✧✧

The day they arrived, he had to stay in his room. His parents told them they could only meet them at dinner.

Later that evening, at dinner-

Shouto Todoroki’s world became red.

He never saw anyone that bright.

So, he was curious and followed him everywhere.

A big brother protects their little brother, right? Then he will protect this bright but frail looking child.

Following Red was fun.

He always reads large books and sometimes teaches him the contents. He found out that Red's native tongue is not Japanese, but he was so fluent in it! He learned a new word that day. Bibliophile, a person fluent in many languages (He got it wrong, but Red patiently corrected him).

Following Red was fun.

He never had anyone to talk this long with. And his father seemed to be allowing it, so he dared to bask in Red’s presence. 

They'd sneak out and go to the nearby park. He would look at the swings and slides in awe while Red would sigh as he followed him around.

Red would always give him an exasperated look, but! He always played with him even though he looks unwilling!

It was Red who taught him how to play at the playground, Shouto was so amazed by that. Red was so much younger than him but more experienced!

Following Red was fun.

On his third birthday, Red gave him a macaroon. It was the first time he had something so pretty and sweet. It was like him, red and pretty and sweet. And he likes it, like how he likes him.

Shouto was so happy that he forgot to give his gift! 

Fortunately, his mom allowed him to wait for Red to come back.

They had a sleepover that night. (Shouto wants to do it again!)

Following Cale was fun.

Their sleepover was the best. He and Cale read stories and slept together. He found out his dream was to be a slacker. He never heard of such, is it because he grew up in a different country?

But!

It is his younger brother's dream so he will do his best to fulfill it!

Following Cale was fun.

Because Cale is now his favourite person. And because of Cale, Shouto Todoroki’s world seems to be filled with colors again.

And he wouldn't have it any other way.

✧✧✧

A day before Cale left to return to his country, he left Shouto with a... toy?

Cale called it a phone and he said it is used to communicate with people, even when they are far away. Shouto's eyes shined at that.

Does that mean he get to talk with Cale everyday?!? Even when he's sooooooo far away?!? 

Shouto was so amazed by that that he held it in his hands carefully, as if he was holding the world's treasure. Cale looked weirdly at him, but proceeded to explain to him how to use it.

There were a lot of adult words there but! Cale said he is smart so tried his best to remember everything the red-head said. He then demonstrated and tapped on the phone, while tilting it so Shouto could see what he was doing.

After that, Cale made him promise that he wouldn't tell anyone about it. Not to Dad, Touya-nii, Fuyumi-nee, Natsuo-nii, and even Mom!

But Shouto is a good boy and he pinky promised, he wouldn't break his words to Cale. He hid it inside the wedge of the tatami in his room, and his room has in its own socket so he charged it when everyone's asleep. It was a good thing that he was allowed to sleep on his own now, he just needed to be careful when his mom and siblings come around.

✧✧✧

Today was January 11th.

It was Shouto's birthday.

The house was awake even before the sun rose up. His mom woke him up with a smile and said, "Happy Birthday, Shouto."

After that, his siblings barged into his room and sang him the birthday song. His day couldn't be any better! Even Dad was nicer and patted his head when they went to the kitchen for breakfast. (He did not notice the glint in his father's eyes as he did so.)

Everything was perfect. He got gifts, hugs, and soba! But strangely, Shouto felt like something was missing. 

The day went on however without Shouto making sense of it. 

His mother took him out to shop for new clothes, she said he is growing fast and needed new ones. Shouto let his mom try on him a bunch on shirts, shorts, pants, shoes, and a kimono. Although, he didn't know why they had to go out when the shop lady was the one who usually goes to their house. But he stayed still and behaved even when he was confused, he didn't want to wipe away the smile on his mom's face.

It took a long time, but they finally when back home when the sun was about to set. 

And what a surprise it was!

The garden was decorated, balloons where everywhere, and there were sweets on the table. And best of all! Cale was standing in the middle of everyone, wearing a kimono just like everyone else, and was holding something wrapped in a gift wrapper.

Was that his present?!? 

Shouto couldn't contain his excitement and ran towards the red-head despite his mom's warning about tripping in his kimono. He didn't even glanced at the present held by him, he just smiled and hugged his younger brother tightly.

Cale was taken aback by his actions and worried he would trip, but eventually he just sighed in exasperation and caught him.

Cale adjusted his hold of him and the gift before letting him go to give it to him.

"Happy Birthday, Sho."

Shouto didn't know it was possible but his smile just got brighter.

This was the bestest birthday ever!

✧✧✧

They were four when they got their quirks.

They were also four when Cale introduced him to his other friend.

He said his name was Katsuki Bakugou, but weirdly enough, even though he told him his name was Shouto Todoroki, he kept calling him Candy Cane. Was it a type of nickname? Or an insult?

But Cale doesn’t seem to mind when he calls him Fancy Pants.

Maybe it is a nickname.

Shouto didn't mind, he quite like candy canes although not as much as macaroons and soba.

He did find Bakugou amazing, he always seems to have the energy to go around and around the playground.

It was fine though, because as much as he adores Cale, Cale does not like playing outside much and prefers to play board games or read his books.

At least now, he has someone to play with on the see-saw!

✧✧✧

They were on their usual escapes into Bakugou's house (his parents didn't know that he wasn't given permission) when Cale suddenly appeared on the TV screen. 

Everyone froze for a moment before they (except the dreadful Cale) scrambled towards the screen (even Bakugou's parents). Bakugou started laughing loudly and then pointed his finger at Cale with a shit eating grin.

"Hah! And you said you didn't want to be famous!"

Cale groaned at him, but flinched when Bakugou's mother cooed at how cute he was. Everyone had gone to Cale and teased him about it but Shouto was left to stare at the screen in a daze.

Usually, the people he sees in the screen are famous adults or heroes.

Like All Might.

But Cale he–!

He's inside the screen! Does that mean he wants to be a hero too!?!

Shouto turned his shining eyes at Cale who shuddered.

✧✧✧

It was another normal day for Shouto when his father approached him and told him that they will begin training tomorrow.

Shouto couldn't contain his excitement at that and at night before his friends could even get a word in, he excitedly told them that he would start training to be a hero tomorrow.

They seemed happy for him and that is all he could ask for. He couldn't wait for tomorrow!

✧✧✧

Slap! Pak!

"Get up."

Endeavor's hoarse voice rang inside the dojo. Before him knelt a young five year old who held his cheek with wide eyes. As if he couldn't believe what had just happened.

The man seemed to not like his unresponsiveness as he held the boy's arm and yanked him up.

"I said GET. UP!"

Shouto didn't know that it was the day that everything started to fall apart.

✧✧✧

It happened when his two friends visited him at the hospital.

When Cale and Kats entered his hospital room, he was staring out the window.

He barely heard what they were saying until he turned his head to Cale, and all he saw was red.

Red like blood.

Red like the other half of his hair.

Red like his father.

So, he screamed. And screamed.

And screamed.

His quirk went out of control. Flames erupted and ice froze the room. He didn't know that the two never left the room despite this and instead rushed to him to calm him down.

It only stopped when the doctors came and sedated him.

That was the last time he saw Cale.

Shouto had avoided him.

Avoided his Red.

He didn’t know at the time that it’ll take years before they meet again.

(Shouto cried silently when he saw the news. And the world turned more colorless as the years went by and Red was not found.)

✧✧✧

✧

✧

✧

✧

3527 words