It was now the third day of training camp and Izuku had just returned from his early morning run around the facility and partially in the woods, heading roughly a mile outwards and going round in a circle three times at a continual pace. He got back just as the sun was rising, breathing steadily. As he stopped his run/jog, ending in a walk to cool down, upon entering the kitchen, he spotted that Aizawa had just gotten up and was drinking coffee, along with Tiger. The tired hero peered at his nephew with an eyebrow raised. Tiger nodded to him before making his own drink, yawning a little and rubbed his eye from just waking up.
"Morning." Izuku acknowledged as he grabbed a cold bottle of water from the fridge.
"Morning. Did you just go for a run?"

"Yeah. Clears my mind and also gets me ready for the day."
"Fair enough. Are you going to get changed?"
"Yes. I'll have a quick shower and change. Do you want me to wake everyone else?"
"Not yet. I'll wake them soon. Let me enjoy at least two coffees before I have to deal with ignorant children and the Ragtags." He nodded with a snort and disappeared into the cabin his group were using. Quietly closing the door behind him as to not wake anyone up, Izuku grabbed a clean set of training clothes, and went into the shower. He let out a contented sigh as the hot water beat down on his shoulders. Honestly, that was heaven. Nothing beat a good shower after a long run, that's for sure. Ten minutes later, he was out, dried and dressed. He brushed his teeth and donned a new mask. Walking back out, none of his group had woken, so he left. He did smile at seeing Eiji cuddling his pillow though. In the kitchen, no one was there but that didn't deter him. 

He donned an apron, washed his hands, then quickly set about making breakfast, but enough to feed both classes, the teachers and the kid who was barely seen. Twenty minutes later, there was a hearty meal made and the smell drifted outside, drawing attention to everyone that was now at the tables. He'd done thick porridge with various fresh fruits, grilled fish, tamagoyaki, natto and a vegetable side dish. Just as he had put the last of the dirty dishes in the dishwasher, the kitchen door opened and Tiger walked in, who stopped short upon seeing the vast amount on the centre island ready to be dished out.
"Do you want any help?" He questioned.
"Sure. If we dish it out and make them come to us with their bowls while in a line."
"Good idea. What about the drinks?"

"I've got fresh juice in pitchers, along with coffee brewing and tea ready to be made." He pointed to the other side, showing just that.
"Ok. I'll start everyone coming in for their meal."
"Sure thing." He watched the hero walk out the building.
"Right everyone, breakfast is served. Izuku has graciously cooked, so form a line and you'll get your dishes. I do not want to hear any arguments, or snide remarks about not wanting anything, because if you don't eat this, then you'll not get anything at all. We are not wasting food as you want to act like an immature brat." Tiger clapped his hands, and he heard people start moving. Mandalay and Ragdoll entered the kitchen, donning their own aprons to help him.
"How do you want us?" Ragdoll asked, giving him a genuine smile.

"Wherever you'd like to be. You can choose which section you want to do." He answered, before passing over a fresh mug of coffee to Mandalay, and freshly squeezed orange juice over ice to Ragdoll, who preferred that instead of hot drinks.
"Thank you, Izuku." They chimed, taking a sip before they got into the rush of dishing up the meals. Thirty minutes later, everyone was served, and Mandalay took a bowl of porridge, some fruit and a drink out, and Izuku spotted her giving it to the kid, who thanked her and withdrew from view. He gave Aizawa his own food, along with a mug of coffee, but from his own personal stash, which meant that it was strong as fuck, considering it was one of the strongest brands of coffee beans you could buy. Sure, he didn't drink it that often, but he liked a mug now and again.
"That's perfection. Thanks giant problem nephew." Aizawa smirked as Izuku chuckled.

"No problem." They all settled, and bellies were soon filled with the hearty meal. No one spoke during this, but truthfully Izuku preferred it. He sat at the end of the table, scribbling down some notes on ideas he wanted to try out with his group as he quickly finished his food. Maybe have Tiger and Aizawa join too as they knew what they were on about for training. Extra help wouldn't hurt.
"What are you doing Izuku?" He heard and glanced to the side. Kendo had shifted into the empty seat beside him and was peering at the papers.
"Working on some rough ideas for training quirk wise for my group and your lot who have joined us. Here, have a look and see what you think so far." He handed them over and she skimmed over what he'd written. He just waited patiently, watching as his group finished and took their dishes to the kitchen while chatting excitedly about what they'd be expecting to learn today. Kendo tapped his arm, drawing his focus.

"These are honestly brilliant and highly thought out. Do you truly think Kaminari could do something like that with his quirk?" She motioned to one idea.
"Do what?" Their gazes shifted to collide with Aizawa's. Ragtags just slightly behind the pro.
"An idea I have on how to make Kami go even faster." Izuku answered.
"What? Faster how?" Kami tilted his head slightly to the side, face scrunched slightly in confusion.
"Run and even move faster than before. Don't worry, I'll do it with you so that you're safe. I'll help you tap into your full potential almost. I'll help you like I've been helping Eiji with both of his." Izuku reassured the yellow blonde. The whole group knew that Eiji had two quirks, obviously, but they'd stuck with the same story as what they'd told Rae, Taegan and Bella. He'd been struck with an unknown needle, resulting in a forced quirk that they were trying to help him handle, and the rest of what it was is unknown for now. It was a possible maturity one, but they would wait it out for now and if something else happened, then he'd be right there to help Eiji.

"You reckon I can do that?"
"Yes."
"How exactly?" Bakugou queried.
"In using Kami's electricity as a booster. It'll be easier to show after we practice." He stood up and Kendo handed the paperwork to him, which he took with a nod.
"Let's try it. Izuku, you stay close to him." Aizawa demanded and he nodded. Kami attached himself to his side, eyes bright with excitement. He was eager in learning something new in how to harness his quirk even more. They went to the clearing from the first day without a single word, then he gave his uncle the papers. The rest of the classes had gone to the other side, not wanting to be close by. Only Aizawa and Tiger stayed with them, while the others went with the rest, even though Izuku barely had to stop the snort as Pixie-bob grumbled about having to deal with whiny little bitches. As Todoroki passed, Izuku grabbed his wrist, stopping the teen, who peered at him in puzzlement.

"You stay with us today as I've got some ideas for you as well to help as I noticed that you're being ostracized by the others these past few days. Also, Aizawa, those are some ideas for the group. I'm going to work with Kami for a little bit, then I'll help Todoroki. Everything else is written down that you and Tiger can manage, along with Rhyki." He stated and the man nodded. His gaze was flicking over the notes, sharing them with Tiger, who was clearly impressed.
"Can Tokoyami join us too please? What's been happening to me has happened to him too." Todoroki questioned, motioning to the teen who was standing at the side, with no one near him – student wise that is. Dark Shadow had his head on Tokoyami's shoulder, arms locked around him in a hug, looking downtrodden as his holder gently patted the side of his head.

"Do you guys mind with him joining as well?" He turned to the others, who shook their heads. The decision wasn't entirely his despite being the leader. He wanted to make sure that they were comfortable with it too. They were fine with Todoroki, having seen Izuku talking to the dual quirked user yesterday for a bit with Ragdoll, answering some questions and bits. They'd been like that for a good hour or so.
"Nah. He never was one of those who fucking badmouthed us or done anything. He just stayed silent, most likely on thinking of not wanting to lose his new friends or some shit. I have no objections of him joining today." Rhyki shrugged.
"Go get him." Tiger said to Todoroki, who nodded and did just that.

"Why did you say that Rhyki?" Mina asked.
"I have the fucking suspicion that Tokoyami has actually been on the receiving end of fucking quirk discrimination and other forms of shitty bulling due to his looks and the fact his quirk is part sentient. He didn't say fucking anything as he probably thought that would happen with the new 'friends' he made in joining UA. I have noticed that he did look rather apologetic and upset every time they said some shit about us though."
"Good enough for me then. I know exactly what that feels like with the discrimination." Shinso admitted, which meant Kami, Mina and Sero tackled him in a tight hug. Todoroki reappeared, with Tokoyami in tow. What surprised the rest though, but not Izuku as he'd been watching, was they also had Setsuna and Yanagi with them.

"Why are you two here? I thought you didn't want to engage or speak to us, as it was 'beneath you' to even join or speak to us or something?" Kendo remarked, staring at the two girls from her class, who shifted their gazes to the floor. Hands clasped tightly in front of their hunching forms.
"We're sorry. We never should have been like that at all. We should never have listened to what everyone else was saying without getting to know you guys or the Ragtags first. Please accept our apologies." Setsuna said, with Yanagi nodding.
"Izuku?" Kendo peered at him.
"I have no reason to not accept, considering I've never spoken to them before, so no idea why they were even like that towards all of us. Just use this as a learning experience as there is enough hostility and bullshit in the world, that we don't need that shit anymore. Don't just blindly follow the crowd who don't even know half the damn story." He remarked and the girls nodded, thanking him profusely and agreeing with what he said.

"Todoroki, why am I here?" He heard Tokoyami query.
"We wanted to offer you to join us in training." Sero piped up.
"What?"
"We noticed that you've been pushed to the side from those over there, and Todoroki asked if you could join us. We have no objections to it." Mina replied.
"Oh. Well, thank you, kindly. Also, I wish to say that I'm truly sorry that I've never said anything or stopped the rest of the class for what they all say to you. I know it isn't your fault, as you've done literally nothing wrong. This entire mess was started because of Uraraka and Iida." Tokoyami bowed low in apology, as did his quirk, before said shadow shifted and got close to Izuku's face, who just raised an eyebrow. He wasn't scared of the shadow being, considering he manipulated shadows expertly and could easily counter Dark Shadow without much problem.
"Yes?" He asked.

"Will you be willing or at least try to help Yami and I in working together better? Or help Yami become better in his hand to hand fighting, please?"
"I have no problems with that. But the real question is whether or not you both agree to listen to what I suggest. I do not half arse training. Either you're all in or out." He stated firmly.
"We're in entirely." Both said together.
"What about you girls?" Pony asked.
"Same with us, please." Yanagi answered, with Setsuna nodding once.
"Let's start then. Well done for owning up to your mistakes, you three. Izuku, you can take Kaminari a short distance away now and we'll get started here and go off your notes in a while too." Tiger announced. He agreed and led his little electric giggle bug away. They stopped on the opposite side of the spacious training ground, far enough away from others but not entirely distant.

"How are we doing this Izu-nii?" Kami asked.
"Stand there and close your eyes, control your breathing and keep it steady as you can. Listen to everything that I say and don't be startled when I touch you to position or guide you properly."
"Got it." Kami closed his eyes, giving his full trust to his brother figure, who moved to stand at his back, hands lifting to rest on the shorter males shoulders. He turned him to face their group, not that he knew of that just yet. He stepped to the side to observe better.
"Start your quirk up, but I want you to stay exactly where you are. Don't panic of it hurting me, as it won't. Then I want you to lower the output until it's as low as you can manage without turning your quirk off." He remarked. He kept his voice calm and soothing, knowing that would help.
"Ok." Kaminari did just that, with sparks of rich yellow electricity flowing around him in wild strikes. It dwindled down about five minutes later, until only tiny sparks danced across the teens skin. Izuku was impressed and insanely proud of how he did that so fast.

"Well done giggle bug. Ok, next. Think of that electricity inside of you and feel it travelling through your system as it's part of your quirk, so it'll be in your veins. What do you feel?"
"It's like a small shock with every pulsing beat of my heart. It's not bad and doesn't hurt, but I know it's there."
"Good. Next time that happens, grab it and don't let go. Big deeper until you find the core and tell me what that is like. How you picture it." He saw Kaminari scrunch his face slightly.
"I got it. To me, it's like an orb, that sparking in a mixture of lightning and electricity. It's warm and inviting, almost like I want to sink my hands into it and draw on its power." The change happened almost instantly. His hair floated a little and lit up like it was one giant array of electricity flowing through. Izuku peered over at the group, who had stopped, and jaws were dropped seeing Kami standing there all lit up, but no wayward sparks like usual. 

He smirked and motioned for them to move, which they hurriedly did without complaint, although he could hear Shinso ask Rhyki what was happening, and she explained that he'd helped Kaminari tap fully into his quirk. He needed a clear line into the trees for what he had planned next. Even the others of the camp had stopped to see what was going on, and the teachers were gobsmacked. Izuku even spotted the kid hiding in a tree, staring incredulously at what was happening. He focused back on Kaminari, placing a hand gently on his shoulder.
"Good. I'm proud of you. Ok, open your eyes and tell me what you feel." Kami slowly lifted his eyelids, which resulted in many gasps of astonishment. His eyes were nothing but solid glowing gold, even covering the usual whites. Streaks of bold yellow lightning zapped out of the corners.
"Oh, this is incredible. I feel alive, if that makes sense?"

"Yes, it makes sense. You've essentially tapped into your quirk core properly. You were basically just harnessing the sparks that came off the orb, making it rather unstable, hence why you go into your 'whey' mode when using too much. Would you like to try it out?"
"Please!"
"Sure. I want you to send the electricity throughout your entire body, but don't let it out, keep it below the surface of your skin. It has to come out somewhere, so send it out through your feet. You've got your custom shoes on, which helps a lot. I reckon the more power you send through your system, the faster you become. But be careful, as you could become brain dead from overusing it or doing it way to quickly right from the get-go. Be careful and we'll find the perfect balance together."
"Got it. Should I start at a normal jog first?"
"Yes, to about halfway then we'll get faster. Let's go little brother."

"Yes Izu-nii!" Izuku activated his own quirk as Kaminari set off. Sparks quickly shot from the bottom of his feet before vanishing into nothing and becoming harmless when he was two steps ahead. As he got to halfway, Izuku caught up.
"Let's go. Kitsune Speed!" He shouted. Both then seemingly vanished from sight, leaving a torrent of wind behind that whipped over people's faces, ruffled clothes and bent tree branches as they shot past. Izuku chuckled as they raced through the forestry. He noticed that Kaminari was keeping up with his thirty percent speed, grinning as he weaved around the tall trees with child-like glee. It made Izuku's heart soar seeing that. He loved that he was so happy. They slowed about twenty minutes later, before coming to a complete stop, skidding along the dirt floor and kicking debris up slightly. Kaminari instantly collapsed to the floor on his hands and knees, panting furiously as he turned his quirk off. 

Sweat gleamed on his body, hair wet and sticking to his scalp a little, and his eyes went back to normal. Izuku kept his going, as he was used to running for much longer and faster than this, so he was completely fine. Not even so much as a single bit of sweat yet.
"T-that was a-amazing!" Kami cheered as he rolled onto his back, staring up at the bright blue sky that peeked through the dense leaves.
"I'm proud of you. You did that much better and quicker than you realise. Well done for your very first time. We'll get you training that more and see what else we can find for you." Izuku remarked.
"Yes p-please."
"How much do you think you were using during that run?"

"About s-seventy-five p-percent." Came the answer after being thought about.
"Not bad Kami. You also kept up with my thirty percent kitsune speed. That means you're now the third fastest in our class."
"Third?"
"Me, then Rhyki, then you. Iida is now fourth, but I reckon even that will change soon as Eiji is no slouch on harnessing his new power and becoming much faster too."
"Amazing! But how am I g-going to get b-back? I can't r-run!" Kami whined, sitting up and rubbing his calves that were incredibly tensed. Almost tightly like the end of having a painful cramp. Izuku bent and scooped him up into his arms, earning a squeak in reply.

"I'll carry you. Hold on and close your eyes, as I'm going to go much faster."
"Ok." He did as requested.
"Kitsune Speed 50%." Izuku shot off, blurring over the ground. Feet almost barely hitting the floor, but not once did he lose his grip on the male in his arms. Within five minutes, they were back at the training ground, and he skidded along the floor to stop, thankfully no one had been in the way. He walked back and plopped Kaminari down and they were swiftly surrounded by their family and friends as his quirk switched off.
"Izuku, what the hell was that?" Aizawa demanded, while Shinso passed his lover a bottle of water then wiped the sweat from his forehead with a rag.
"I helped Kami tap into his quirk core. That's the result of first using it properly. Turns out, he's been using it wrong, meaning he's been using just the end sparks, which caused him to overload his system and go 'whey' mode due to not using it properly. I wouldn't suggest using that again today, as it could very well make him brain dead from the overload." He answered.

"That's what you had on your notes for Kaminari. I can't believe that it worked." Tiger gawked.
"It was more of a theory I had, but it was proven right. Now that we know, and Kami knows what it feels like, we can focus more on training helping him train it more."
"What else do you think he'd be able to do?" Momo pondered, before handing the blonde some food to regain his energy as he slumped against his boyfriend's side.
"Well that was about seventy-five percent he used. Meaning he kept up with my thirty percent kitsune speed."
"That is impressive. How fast were you coming back?"
"Fifty percent."
"Thought so. Ok, take Kaminari back to camp and get showered. Could you start lunch?" Aizawa asked, as he scribbled something down on the sheet for Kaminari.

"No problem. Give me an hour and it'll be ready."
"Sure. We'll head back in about thirty to forty minutes." He carefully picked Kaminari up, who groaned from pain. Understandable as he'd just used muscles that he probably hasn't used for running in a very long time. They headed off and quickly got back to the cabin. He entered and took Kami straight to the showers. He helped his little brother strip and ushered him into a stall after turning the dial to heat it up. Thankfully, they had built in seats, so Kami slumped on that, groaning as the hot water rushed over his head and onto his shoulders. Izuku gathered shampoo and body wash, passing them over, then left, giving him privacy and waited for him to reappear. Ten minutes later, Kami peeked around the door sheepishly, water dripping from his head.
"Izu-nii?" He peered up from his phone.
"Yes?"

"Can you get me a towel please?"
"Sure." He got the required bag and pulled out a large fluffy yellow towel, quickly passing it over. Everyone had their own coloured towels, so no one got mixed up.
"Thank you." He disappeared again and got changed into the clothes Izuku had left near the door. As he emerged, Izuku put his phone away, as he'd only been playing a game to pass the time, and they walked out after Kami had put his dirty washing into the right bag.
"Feel better now?" He asked once he'd locked the door.
"Much. I didn't realise how much that would exhaust me though."
"I'm not surprised. You did use muscles you aren't used to, plus it took a lot of your energy. Next time we'll do it gradually, so your body gets more used to moving at excessive speeds."
"Sounds good. What do we do now?"

"I'm going to make lunch for everyone, as Aizawa asked me too."
"Can I help?" Kami peered at him shyly, but he could tell he really wanted to help.
"Sure. Let's go see what we can find." The duo entered the kitchen and searched for ingredients. They found plenty of beef mince, potatoes, rolls, and frozen vegetables, so would use those. He however, also pulled out joints of pork from the freezer, about five, and put those in pans and shoved them into the oven to slowly cook for dinner. They'd be ready in about six hours, which was plenty of time to do more training, clean up and let him prepare something to go with the meat.
"Ok, fresh burgers, homemade chips and bowls of mixed veg for lunch." Izuku announced, making Kaminari nod rapidly. He spent the next thirty minutes teaching the younger how to cook, who listened intently to every instruction and carefully used the knives to prepare things. They soon heard people arriving, which was good as they'd finished buttering the rolls, veg was cooked and mixed and put in bowls, along with fresh salad too. 

They carried the last of it out and put it onto the tables. Teachers stopped the students from rushing over to stuff their faces and made them go clean up first, making Kami giggle who sat in his own seat. Large pitchers of ice-cold lemonade with ice cubes was put down to go with the meal. Izuku however handed the pros a fresh mug of coffee each, which was graciously accepted, except for Ragdoll, who had her usual fresh orange juice, only it was mixed with lemonade this time. Students came back and sat down.
"Now you can eat." Mandalay stated and they dug in after thanking for the food. No one spoke as they were more eager in filling their stomachs with food to regain energy they'd lost. Before long, everything was eaten, and dishes taken to the kitchen and put into the dishwashers. Back to the training field, despite grumbles of complaints as they'd not long finished, an hour later, Izuku was at the side of the clearing, watching as his group carefully tried the ideas he'd jotted down, along with Kendo's bunch as he'd given them some ideas as well, which they'd thanked him for. 

Rhyki was teaching her boyfriend some takedowns that required little energy but were highly effective. Once again, he saw the boy from earlier, just as Tiger approached him.
"Hey Tiger, who exactly is that boy?" He motioned with his head to who he meant. The male followed his gaze and sighed as he vanished from sight again.
"That's Kota. He's Mandalay's nephew."
"I take it by that sigh, she's his legal guardian?"
"Yes, as Kota lost his parents almost two years ago during a villain attack. They were the Water Hose and were ruthlessly overpowered and killed almost instantly by what the reports say that Mandalay was given. It might have been quick, but they weren't without injury before the killing strike."
"Who did that?"

"It was a villain called Muscular. He wasn't without damage himself though, losing his left eye. I've done a bit of research that I can find on the bloke but haven't found much. All I know is that he's almost 6ft 7, has sandy blond hair and dead black eyes. I found out that he is very sadistic, brutal and bloodthirsty with zero care for anyone but himself. He also doesn't care who he hurts either, be it man, woman or child."
"When we leave here, I'll hunt him down and take him out myself." Izuku stated.
"You will?"
"Yes. You already know I'm an underground pro hero as Aizawa confirmed it for you to swear in secrecy, so I can use my own high-end resources to find out what I can about him and bring him fully to justice, not only for Kota's parents, but everyone else that's sadly fallen victim to the brute."

"Well, we would all appreciate that. I know how strong you are, so I'm sure if anyone can, then it's you. I think once Muscular is incarcerated, then Kota could start to heal more and maybe not hate heroes and villains as much as he does, or even quirks for that matter."
"In a way, I can understand where he's coming from. He lost his parents at an incredibly young age, so he's going to have resentment of the world for that unfairness. If I manage to talk to him, I will and see if I can help him a little. Hell, if I lost my mum like that, despite her being a hero and is badass, I'd be just as angry and resentful as Kota is, but I'd do worse and rampage brutally."
"Yeah, we don't need that." Tiger shuddered, making him snort.
"No one does. Anyway, enough of that, you came over to talk to me about something?"
"Yes, thanks for reminding me. Mandalay and Pixie-bob wanted to know why you already have pork joints in the oven, cooking away."

"For later. I'm going to make a simple stir-fry using the pork, so they're on a low heat to cook slowly, meaning the meat will cook more evenly and pretty much fall apart from being so tender."
"Oh, that sounds amazing. We've already enjoyed the other things that you've made."
"Thanks."
"No problem. I'll let you carry on and talk soon, as I better go help Mandalay with the others for a bit then I'll rejoin you lot for some more quirkless combat as I was asked earlier."
"Sure thing." The pro left and he was tackled in a hug by Eiji.
"Hey hubs." Eiji beamed at him.
"Hey baby."
"Can you help me with some boxing styled moves please?"
"Sure." Eiji cheered and they started to practice after Eiji had wiped a bit of sweat away and raised his clenched taped fists and Izuku slid on the boxing pads to his own hands.

x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x

Izuku was sitting at the outside dining area, enjoying the peace and quiet before turning in for the night. His group was already in their beds, discussing what else would be done during this trip or what they'd think would happen, while also nursing sore muscles and aching bodies from the training with Tiger earlier while Izuku had teamed with Aizawa for some quirkless fighting, which had certainly shocked the Cats in how he gave as good as he got with his pro hero uncle, even though they weren't truly trying which they'd spotted right away. He heard the faint slapping of feet hitting the dirt floor and peered over his shoulder. Kota was approaching, albeit hesitantly.
"You can join me; I won't hurt you." He softly reassured the boy, who clearly kept everyone at arm's length and had a protective shield built up around himself. He nodded sceptically, and claimed the seat beside him, turning dark eyes to lock with his own.

"Who are you? You're not like most of the class of idiots." Kota questioned.
"What do you mean?"
"I heard you talking earlier to Tiger while you took a short break. Talking about the man who took my parents from me. What did you mean by you would get him?"
"Exactly that, Kit. When we're finished with camp, I'll personally hunt down Muscular and bring him in, for the abundance of crimes that I know he's committed in not just murdering your parents. I can do it as I'm actually already a pro hero, albeit a deeply underground one, kind of like Eraserhead."
"Why would you do that?"

"Because he deserves to be taken out and pay for what he has done. I'm just a simple guy, trying his best. I want the world to be a better place, with hopefully no discrimination on quirks etc. But I have to be somewhat careful when trying, due to quirk laws."
"What's that?" Kota inquired curiously. Izuku peered to the left, seeing all four of the Cats, Aizawa and Vlad in the treeline watching their interaction, but out of view that Kota couldn't see them. The six seemed shocked that Kota was even speaking to him. Did the boy not interact with anyone or something? He knew the kid was guarded since they'd arrived, but it wasn't right being this much.
"Basically, they're a set of rules that have been made by the government saying when and where we can use our quirks. Heroes can use them whenever they need to, due to their license, but anyone else who isn't a hero, needs to have a heroes permission to do so."

"That's stupid. What if its needed for self-defence?" The boy scrunched his face up and Izuku let out a faint chuckle at that.
"We know that, and I do agree with you, it is very stupid. Unfortunately, most of the time if its via self-defence, the victim will still get told off for using it, which I think is absurd too. That's why I want to make a difference from behind the scenes. Work in the dark and do it that way so to speak. I don't need the fame, money etc, as a way of changing the way that society looks at everything. I want to do it as it's the right thing to do." He admitted to Kota, shrugging nonchantly.
"Even if you're wanting to do it a different way, you're still a stupid hero." Kota grumbled with a huff, turning his face away and crossed his arms. Izuku reached out and cupped his face gently, turning him back. He was unfazed by that statement. He's heard much worse after all.

"Ok, I've explained a little bit, so now it's your turn to tell me why exactly you hate heroes so much, Kit." Izuku let him go.
"Fine. Mama and papa died fighting a villain as you know. All heroes and villains do is show off their stupid quirks, killing each other for some senseless fame..." He trailed off, biting his lip a bit as tears sprang into his eyes, clearly thinking of his parents. Izuku listened carefully to his words and the way he spoke, hearing the fact that he truly believed them.
"You're half right there." He said.
"What do you mean?" Kota furiously wiped under his eyes.
"Not all heroes wants fame, hence the underground part. Villains do for their acts, that's why they're villains, but it's also much deeper and harsher than that. No one is born a villain, they're created from this warped, judgmental thing we call life. There are those who want to help those who need it, be it from being saved, helped to cross the road safely, or rescuing their cat stuck in a tree. It's simple things like that, in which can also make someone's day better."

"Oh. Then what is the difference between true and fake?"
"That's a big one. The world of heroes is, in all actual honesty, a weird and highly messed up one, and I won't lie to you Kota. I don't lie. Anyway, on one end, you have heroes who want the title to get girls, cash, fame and bragging rights. Also thinking that they're unstoppable and can do whatever they please, when they can't."
"On the other end?" Kota asked hesitantly, wringing his fingers together in slight nerves. Izuku smiled a little behind his mask and put his hand of top of both of Kota's.
"Those are what we call true heroes of heart. The ones who don't care about the fame or the money, or by seeing how many girls, or guys for that matter, that they can get. Sure, the money is a nice bonus to be able to live happily, but their main focus is purely on saving and helping as many people as they can within their means. To be the first in line to do what's right when a villain does something wrong and protect those usually overlooked because no camera is on them. They're the people who do whatever they can for people they've never met before, because it's in their nature. Something that is deep inside, calling them to save people, to let them live."

"What is that something called?"
"Many would call it courage, hope or faith. Or even as simple as having the heart of a hero." He answered. Kota stayed silent, thinking over his words.
"Is that what my parents had?" He whispered as a lone tear rolled down his cheek after about five minutes of silence that surprisingly wasn't uncomfortable for either of them. Izuku wasted little time and pulled the weepy boy to his lap, wrapping his arms securely around him. He sank into the warm embrace, silently crying into his chest. Izuku didn't care if his top became damp, he just wanted to reassure the boy that he wasn't alone in this fucked up world, even though he had the Cats.
"They had the heart of a hero, undoubtably. Your parents went in fighting, planning on coming back home to you, but unfortunately, the villain was too strong for them that day. They didn't want anyone to die if they could help it, that's why they became heroes, Kota. But you had one of the best things you could ever hope for, and it isn't something to overlook or take for granted." He pulled his hat off, placing it on the table and brushed his fingers through the thick black messy locks. 

To the six watching, he looked like a father consoling his upset son, and it made the females hearts melt. More so with Mandalay, who had tried desperately to get Kota to open up and talk to her.
"What was that?" Kota queried.
"You had their love. You had two parents who loved, cherished and adored you unconditionally. Kota, I promise you, they did not want to leave you so early in your life, but you at least had those precious memories of fun times with them." He mumbled quietly, causing Kota to peer at him quizzically.
"What do you mean? Do you not have that?"
"What I'm about to tell you, stays between us, ok? Our secret. Only those I deeply trust know this, and I know that I can trust you, Kit."

"Why do you call me kit? Also, I promise to keep it between us." Kota scrubbed his eyes, removing the tears and gave Izuku his full attention.
"Kit is an affectionate term of endearment as one of my quirks is called Elemental Kitsune. Which means that it's a fox, and a baby fox is called a kit, or pup, so it isn't anything bad. I'm glad you'll keep this secret. So, what I mean, is that I had none of that until I was five and went into the loving care of my mum. From the age of almost two until five, I was held captive in a steel container, chained to the wall like a contagious, feral animal. I was beaten and tortured every day, as well as starved and barely given water to stay alive. I was forcefully given quirks too as for some reason, they had it in their head that I was quirkless, despite not being old enough to even have it activate. I was their plaything to do with whatever they so pleased, regardless of the pain or suffering that I was in. I was treated as nothing more than an experiment they could tinker with." Kota's eyes flooded with tears as he told him his story of his earlier years, and Izuku rubbed his hand on the boys back in a calming manner.

"Who did that to you?" Kota sobbed, gripping his top tightly.
"My birth parents." He admitted.
"W-what?!" Kota gasped, black eyes going wide in shock.
"My birth parents did it. Along with a group of scientists who worked for villains and had zero regard of anything but their experiments. The night I was rescued, in the facility that I was being held in, out of one hundred kids, I was the only survivor. The others' bodies had rejected the quirks forcefully given to them. They burned out fast and very painfully, and they sadly died as a result of people's selfish greed and ignorance."
"I'm sorry that you went through that, Izuku."

"It's fine Kit. It was a long time ago. But once rescued, and I got adopted by my mum, everything changed. I was finally happy with amazing people who became my family. It didn't feel like I was on my own anymore, waiting for the next bout of torture, or locked away like some kind of feral animal. Now I'm an underground pro hero despite being only sixteen. I'm at U.A. I have my incredible mum, Nemuri, amazing uncles, Rhyki who is pretty much my sister in all but blood, my badass and chaotic group of friends who've become family. Then my amazing boyfriend, Eiji, and his family."
"You've been through a lot."
"I have, and I most definitely wouldn't wish it on anyone else to go through what I did, but that doesn't stop me from pursuing to be the best hero and person that I can be, because that's my dream to be like that."
"There is that I guess. But can you explain to me why everyone always tells me that I should love heroes and that I should be happy that my parents died saving people?"

"Really? People say that to you? Before I answer those questions, how you do feel about that? Like how you truly feel and not what people 'expect' you to say. I also don't think it's childish that you have a different opinion on heroes either." He watched as Kota's eyes widened at being asked that. Had no one seriously asked him how he felt? Just expecting him to be happy and accept it like it was nothing and move on with his life? Hell fucking no.
"Well, no one has asked me how I feel about it all. I'm so angry that it happened, and people have called me selfish for being so when my parents have saved people, but I wish they were here with me instead. I know that I shouldn't hate my parents, but I do. I hate them for leaving me like that. Why did they have to save other people instead of trying to keep me safe? Did they not care that I'd be left all alone? Yes, I have auntie Mandalay, but that isn't the same thing!" Tears of frustration leaked, mixed with sadness and he swiftly pulled the boy into his arms more, letting him cry to his hearts content, which soaked the front of his top, but Izuku didn't care a single bit. 

He softly ran his fingers through his messy hair as he reassured Kota that everything was alright and let it out as much as he wanted to. His gaze skimmed to the adults watching, and saw the females have tears of their own, but the cold glare from him made them stay where they were. Izuku would help this boy, and he didn't need their interference. Yes, he respected them as pro heroes and as people he'd gotten to know but that didn't mean shit right now. Izuku was in his protective mode as Eiji and Kami called it, and fuck if anyone tried anything right now. He'd fuck them up and have absolutely zero care of the consequences either. Kota continued to cry for another ten or so minutes, until it gradually died down, so he was sniffling and letting out little hiccups. Izuku lifted the boy's head to make him look at him, running his thumbs under his eyes to wipe the remaining tears away. He looked a lot less tense and a bit happier now that someone had listened to him.
"Feel a bit better?"
"Yes." He rubbed his eyes and nodded with a faint smile.

"Good. Now I want you to listen to what I'm about to say, ok?"
"Ok."
"Kota, I don't want you to listen to what anyone damn well tells you. If you're angry that your parents died, then that's ok. If you don't want to be a hero, then you don't have to be, or even like them. I don't wish to speak ill of the dead, but your parents could have either stopped their hero work, or stopped as a duo and made sure that one of them would still be alive so that you'd have at least one parent. No one can tell you how to feel either, as it's your emotions and feelings, and they're damn valid! Look, I don't want you to hate quirks either, but I know that they can cause a lot of damage but they're wonderful too. I already know that you're a good kid and you'll achieve something amazing when you're older, regardless of if you want to be a hero or not."

"Thank you. You're the first person that's ever told me I don't have to like heroes. Or that's its ok to be angry, and that my feelings matter."
"Of course they matter, Kit. Your feelings deserve be acknowledged and not disregarded completely. You're human just like the rest of us. Your feelings and opinions are relevant, and knowing those already is incredibly important for a kid your age to know and understand so they're not a bag of confusion while growing up. Just promise me that you'll talk more to your aunt and the other Cats if you need to know something. Before I leave, I'll also give you my number so you can contact me if you want to know something and don't want to go to them, ok?" He reassured.

"I'd like that. So, I don't have to be a hero if I don't want to be?"
"No. No one can make you do anything you don't want to be. You be what you want to be. Just not a villain, or I'll hunt you down and ground you for eternity Mr." He sassed, making Kota chuckle.
"You don't have to worry about that. Thank you, Izuku."
"You're welcome. Now, it's getting late, so you best head on to bed Kit." Izuku ruffled Kota's hair before putting his hat back on.
"Sure. Oh, erm, tomorrow, can I hang with you for a bit? Maybe get a few tips on how to use my quirk better?" Kota grinned.
"Yeah, that's perfectly fine with me Kit. Now to bed with you. Don't forget to say goodnight to your aunt who's just appeared." He motioned to the woman, who'd thankfully cleared her face from the tears. Kota nodded and hopped off his lap. He ran to the woman and hugged her as she crouched."Night auntie. Night everyone!" He shouted to the others and bolted for his bedroom without looking back at all. Once he'd disappeared, the others joined, and Mandalay turned to him.

"What did you say to him?"
"That his feelings, emotions and opinions matter. He told me that everyone is shoving it down his damn throat that it's alright that his parents died, but in reality, he hates it. Stop projecting that shit onto him as it isn't fucking right. Before you say any shit Mandalay, know damn well that I couldn't give a shit right now in what you have to fucking say to me. That boy is entitled to express his emotions etc, and you damn well fucking take it. He's six years old, already lost his parents to a psychopath and being told that he should just be happy they died a 'heroic death'. Not a fucking chance. Before being a hero, they're his parents! How is it alright that others are allowed to be sad, angry, happy, upset etc, but he's not? Bullshit. Kota is human, just the same as us so he's just as much right. He deserves to be fully acknowledged and not disregarded as a temperamental kid that's angry at the world. He's just as relevant as you lot. If you have any problems with me saying that he has all rights in saying that he hates them for leaving like they did, then you can write that shit down, and send that letter right down shit creak because I couldn't give a fuck when I let Kota know he's valid. Now I'm going to bed. Goodnight." Izuku didn't bother waiting on an answer, leaving the frozen and slightly terrified woman alone and went to bed. 

He entered the cabin and saw the group were asleep as he quietly closed and locked the door behind him. He changed and brushed his teeth before getting into bed, mask discarded on his luggage for tomorrow. As he settled onto his back, Eiji rolled over and curled into his side.
"Are you ok?" Eiji whispered.
"Why aren't you asleep love? I'm ok. Just have some very intense words with Mandalay about Kota this evening."
"Ah, you went protective mode, didn't you?"
"I did."
"Then she deserved whatever you said to her for you to enter that mode. Let's sleep now hubs, as we have a busy day tomorrow. I love you."

"I love you too." He leaned over a little and kissed his male, who happily returned it before settling down and drifted off to sleep. Izuku wasn't far behind him, although he had a slight bad feeling settle in his gut but wasn't sure on why. Fuck it, that's a problem for future Izuku to worry about. Instead, he rolled onto his side, gathered Eiji properly into his arms more and drifted off to sleep.