Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Izuku listened as the evening’s symphony fell into play. The cricket’s songs, the wind in the trees, his mother’s soft breaths. He knew all of them intrinsically, the sounds of his home. Normally, he would rest easy, allowing the world to lull him to sleep. But he couldn’t do that tonight.

Tonight, he was going on an adventure.

Quietly, he waited until Inko’s breathing evened in sleep, her tail’s hold on his torso relaxing. Izuku opened his eyes, peering out to the night sky beyond the cave’s confines. Carefully, he uncurled his tail with hers, letting the Naga reposition just enough for him to ease his way from her warm coils and slip out into the tall grass.

He darted quickly through the underbrush, his green and black scales glinting here and there under moonlight. While the young Naga would sometimes sneak out to watch the shooting stars and listen to the whispers of the wind through their desert oasis, today there was something new that attracted him. He'd seen the lights three nights ago- a camp with travelers had been made not too far from their home! Each night, he'd gone to watch the orange glow of the fire reach up to the sky, two figures sitting quietly. And tonight was no different.

His mother had been very worried about the strangers despite never laying eyes on them. The Naga knew his mother’s wariness had something to do with her life before she had found this sanctuary. She had told him there were once many Naga like them, but over the last several centuries they’d slowly been killed off. They were meant to be a quiet race, living long but peaceful lives. However, they had been gifted with strong scales and powerful venom- if they were not killed for the fearsome appearance, then they were slaughtered for pieces of their body. Worse, there had been a terrible Naga who had forced many to fight his wars, inciting fear of all Naga in the realms to satisfy his hunger for power. Most had died off from poachers or had been sold as fighters in the realm’s wars. But Inko had been careful. When she realized she had been with child, she had escaped into the desert and found their Oasis, giving birth to Izuku where he could grow up safe. She hoped if they could stay hidden long enough, Izuku would grow into his second form- in about a century or so- and they could safely walk among man like the other hidden Naga. For now, though, it was safest for the snakelet to stay hidden.

Being within their paradise was no true burden. While meat was scarce, they’d carefully cultivated the fruits and edible plants that grew around the spring. Even the rocks formation at the center where his mother had built their den acted as protection against the desert winds and sandstorms. They had a few travelers visit, at least twice in Izuku’s nine years; friends of his momma who were Naga shifters (centuries of living had given them the ability to look like two-leggers). The young Naga had liked them, and hoped they visited again. But these humans that had come did not look like the poachers or killers described to him- he didn’t understand, what if these humans were nice? What if he could make new friends?

 "We don't know their intentions Izuku." Inko had explained, her emerald coils gently sliding against his after he’d rushed to her with the news, wanting to meet the strangers. "Let's leave them be until they pass. You're still too young a Naga to face a human that could mean harm."

Personally, Izuku doubted that. His fangs had come in just last year! And while his bite wasn't nearly as powerful as his mother's, he's sure it'd spook any two-legger who tried something funny. Besides, he wasn't actually going near them- he trusted his momma when she said that people would hurt Naga if they could. But he was just watching! It was always him and his momma- and he loved her and his home- but since the strangers were there, he liked to pretend he could hear their stories, or that they were sharing their meals with him around the fire. When they finally settled in for the night, he'd return to his mother, just as before. And nothing has happened yet- what was one more night?

He eagerly pulled up to the edge of his home’s borders, his scales whispered quietly against the ground as soft dirt gave way to sand.

Just beyond the safety of the jungle’s edge, a taller man was reclining against his packs, the picture of ease as he spoke quietly with the other. His cloak was a soft gray with shimmering embroidery around the border, reflecting golden against the evening flames. He was dressed like a tradesman, clothing well maintained and pockets full of interesting little things Izuku wished he could see. Sometimes he would pull them out- a yellow rock with a face on one side, a red bag with what looked to be sweet meats that he’d eat from time to time. The most interesting thing, though, was his little book. Izuku’s seen a few from his momma’s friends, and one had even been left for him and Inko to practice his letters, but it was worn and brown. This man had one that was black with shiny embossing, and Izuku had only seen a few pages, but there were symbols all across it, filled with information he wished he could see.

The smaller human was strange. He always seemed to be hiding beneath a hood, even once it grew dark. Unlike the man, the younger’s hair grew longer, almost scraggly. And if Izuku didn’t know any better, there was something about the way he moved that felt… familiar. Like just now! How the head tilted into the air, sniffing with a flat nose curiously before looking towards the Oasis. It was like when Izuku’s mother smelled the oncoming sandstorms, or when the little Naga had first realized there were visitors to their home.

He watched as they exchanged a few words- too quiet to hear. Izuku nodded as the larger being smiled, pretending like he was a part of the conversation. He watched their mouths move, adding what he thought they might be saying. Fellow traveler, aren’t the starts bright this evening? Izuku looked back to the younger one, who nodded. Yes, a perfect evening. You can hear the water splashing in the distance-

Oh! The larger human was doing something different tonight. He was pulling something out of his pack- a stick? No, the coloring was too pale. It was carved in a funny way- and he held it in a careful manner. He said a few words to the younger, who seemed to fuss with something inside his hood before looking up again. The elder brought his lips to the top and blew.

A noise burst across the desert, high and reedy. Izuku paused, his breath catching when he realized what it was- human music! His mother’s friend had brought a small lyre that played sweet tunes, and this must be like that! The elder's fingers moved across the hollowed instrument, blocking and opening the different airways as the notes grew to a song, twining through the air with a piercing, spellbound call.

It's beautiful.

Something in the sound seemed to drown out his senses- the world becoming muffled and unimportant around him. Nothing mattered but this song, and how it called to him. Izuku's eyes glazed over, not even noticing as he completely left the oasis, his body steadily rocking to the rhythm, slithering closer and closer to the hypnotic sound. In the back of his mind he thought of his mother, how much he'd be scolded for this- but he couldn't help it. The music was unlike anything he had ever heard. The notes trilled and danced through the air, calling him closer, closer, until the orange flames began to glow across the scales on his torso and face.

Both seemed to freeze, the notes stalling at his appearance. There was a gasp from the smaller form- it hadn't seen him approach- but the taller man with white hair and red eyes recovered and continued to play, making some signal at the other. The naga child took no heed of this, eyes still unseeing as the music entranced him, holding him captive in its tune. Now that he had drawn so close, he could see the lines crinkling along the elder’s red eyes, wide and excited. His fingers were long, hands calloused and scarred from years of working hard. He trilled out a repetitive series of high notes, playful, and Izuku felt a smile curl onto his face. So beautiful.

The smaller being had approached from behind, his robe dragging across the sand. Izuku didn’t really notice until something brushed against his neck before clicking in place. The sensation of cold metal made him jump, blinking awake slightly, but the music crescendoed, drawing him immediately back in. The large man kept his eyes pined on Izuku as he played on, rising without pause and accepting a rope that the smaller brought over. He started to move, and Izuku was helpless to watch as he walked past Izuku, gently tugging.

The Naga felt a corresponding tug from the metal around his neck.

With the music acting as encouragement, he followed the will of the player. They moved slowly, at pace with his swaying rhythm, until the towering being (he was so tall, now that Izuku was up close) gestured once more and a large woven basket was taken down and set before the naga, turned on its side so he could slide in. He felt a moment of hesitation, the thought of his mother briefly worrying him, but again the music swooped in as the complicated run of notes clouded his mind. His scales rubbed against the dry reeds making up the large vessel, adjusting without thought as it was tipped upright so only his tail still hung just over the edge. He instinctively curled along the walls within, the song deepening into something slower, calmer. Beautiful… Izuku blinked up drowsily at the two pairs of red eyes watching him before falling curled onto his coils, hearing clasps shut the lid tight just as the music ended.

Even though the music had passed, his body felt incredibly heavy- like when he had been a young Naga and his mother carried him after being worn out from a long day of play. He couldn’t stop himself from drifting off, the elder’s words barely echoing back to him.

“Well, this is certainly a surprise.”

~

The ground beneath Izuku jostled, making him realize he was moving. Izuku blearily opened his eyes, taking in the warm tans and browns of the walls around him. He groggily tried to sit up, but found his movements limited by the lid- forcing him to stay hunched over. Where was he? What had-?

"I know you're curious, Tomura, but leave him to sleep."

The young Naga ceased moving, listening to the voices coming from his left. That had sounded like the man who had played the music! He must have been speaking to the younger one.

"He's even smaller than me,” came a rasping reply. “I didn't think there were any new Green Mamba's in the realms. You said that's what made the rumor's worth following- it was too rare a chance to ignore."

"And I certainly stand by that, young one. I had thought you would be my rarest find, but if my hunch proves right, we'll come across something even more precious than this hatchling."

Hatchling?! His body still feeling strangely uncoordinated, he hit at the lid of his prison, a hiss escaping him in frustration. "Let me out, humans! I'm no hatchling- I'm nine years old, I'm a grown Naga!" While he was very put out by the treatment of these new faces, it hadn't really sunk in until he spied a peephole in the basket. Daylight. He'd been gone the whole night. His mother was going to be so angry! "Let me out!" He demanded again.

The two had gone quiet at his outburst, which only irritated the young mamba further. Pulling at the sides, he tried to tear the braided material apart, but found no give. He fell back, breaths coming out heavy from the exertion. His tail was coiled very contently, and if he’d had a choice in the matter he’d consider this nest thing soothing. As things stood though, it appeared that the humans had somehow tricked him, and now were not letting him go!

He bit his lip, remembering what his mother had said about the fate of their people. But he’d watched them multiple times and they didn’t seem mean or scary then! And why had the man’s music tricked him into leaving his home?

Finally, after some words were exchanged that he couldn't catch, he listened as a form slid across the floor, grabbing the sides and unclasping five- no- seven fasteners. The lid opened to let the afternoon sun blind him. Izuku let out a hiss again, covering his eyes.

"His fangs are so tiny."

The green-yed child blinked up, zoning in on the smaller figure and bearing his fangs more. "No they're not!"

With a grin, the smaller human shot his head inside, red eyes glowing as he revealed his own fangs in a threatening response. Shocked, Izuku tumbled back getting caught in his own coils. It- it wasn't a human! It was a Naga like him!

The other Naga grinned at his reaction, beaming. "Yes. They are- Just like you! The tiniest Naga in any realm."

Frustrated, Izuku clamored back up, leaping to clear the basket and tackle this enemy Naga, but was stopped just short, his breath choked out of him as the forgotten shackle's rope was pulled taut. He fell into the prison again, coughing as the other snickered above him. He looked back, seeing the rope was tied against the braiding behind him and preventing him from truly leaving this cage.

“Aw.” Wincing from the pain, the green eyes looked back to red as the Naga cooed teasingly at him. “Did you get hurt, baby Mamba? Not strong enough to break a measly rope?”

"Tomura."

'Tomura' stiffened- the tone sounding like a reprimand. "Sorry, Sensei." He moved to the side, eyes now downcast, though he glanced to Izuku one last time. Before the captured snakelet could start hissing at him again, the elder approached, blocking his line of vision as he peered in.

This one had to be a human- but he had also assumed that of the younger, so now he wasn’t so sure. The smile held no fangs, nor could he see scales. Still, there was something even scarier about this one- maybe the way it's gaze seemed so intent, like a predator judging it's prey. Or a poacher examining its prize. "Well, little Naga. We've been wondering who our mysterious viewer was these last few nights. It's quite the reward, finally meeting you." His voice slid lower, eyes dancing over the shining green and black coils. "You can call me Hisashi Shigaraki- and you've already met my young ward. Did you say you were only nine summers?” He reached in fingers gently grazing the recoiling scales. “So young…”

“I-I’m plenty old!” The Naga huffed, glaring at the threat.

Hisashi’s eyes lit up, amused. “Of course you are. What should we call such a big Naga?"

Izuku was starting to feel worried. The music maker hadn't raised his voice, nor said anything mean, but the tone left him unsettled, afraid. He was Naga- there was never anything for him to fear except getting in trouble with his momma. "I'm..." He bit his lip, knowing these people certainly shouldn’t know his name. He puffed out his chest, trying to look authoritative. "How did you do that, with your music? I’ve heard songs before, but they didn’t magically trick me.”

The man raised an eyebrow, allowing the diversion. He reached back into a side pouch, scrounging around till he pulled out the recognizable white instrument. “Naga are very strong creatures, but they have one weakness. The music of a bone flute.”

Izuku scrunched up his face. “Bone flute? Why a bone?”

A shark’s smile fell over the elder’s features. “Who knows why the gods chose such a thing? But if you take the bones of a Naga, carve it, and play it to their kin, the Naga will be hard pressed not to listen.”

“N-Naga?!” The child retreated from the offending object, horrified.

“Of course! But few know how to make Naga flutes anymore; even less know the songs to enchant.” He tucked the item away, grin softening. “Now, what name should I call you?”

The captive shook his head, shaken and unwilling to cooperate. “I don't have to tell you! Unlock this circle and let me out!" He tugged aggressively at the metal around his neck, further unnerved when he found no opening. How had it been placed on him?

"Hmm,” The man withdrew, a calculating look crossing his features. “That is true, I suppose you don't have to say. But then, I only share my meals with those I know- I cannot offer you any food or drink until then."

"I don't want your stupid food! I need to go home!" The lid bounced off his head as it came back down, knocking him back into his coils as the clasps sounded again. "HEY! I said let me out! Let me out right now!!"

 He pushed up against the top, once again finding no give. He called again and again to no response, listening as the steps retreated and the carts movement resumed.

Izuku sank back into his coils, glancing out the small hole as they slowly passed the sand dunes. Getting further and further from home.

What had he gotten himself into?

~

The captured Naga had watched through the woven material as the sun gradually set and the world grew cold once more. He'd given up yelling after the first hour or so and focused more on getting himself out- but his fangs weren't strong enough to chew through the rope tied to him, and his fingers were only cut by the dry reeds when he tried to make a way out. Now he was hurt and shivering from the desert chill that crept in through the small openings, fighting the urge to cry.

Izuku listened as the two unpacked and set up camp for the night, only a brief word spoken between them. He wasn't sure of which way he would have to take to get back to the Oasis, but at this point he was starting to wonder if he could even risk escaping. The desert was not a place to be unprepared, and after a whole day of no food or water, even if he managed to get away, one wrong turn would leave him lost and food for the scavengers. If they went to a city, could he find a Naga that would help him? Or his mother’s friends? Maybe they can get me home…

He startled when the clasps were gradually undone above his head, but stayed low in his coils, not willing to lose what warmth he'd retained. It took another moment before the familiar presence of the Shigaraki human could be seen. He smiled when he located the green eyes peering up distrustfully from the dark interior.

"You've been awfully quiet these last few hours." Hisashi threw the top fully off, watching as the Naga shivered. Slowly, he reached down and stroked a warm hand over the shimmering scales. Even while part of the child wanted to bite him for the audacity, his serpent side was already shifting, trying to encircle the new source of heat. "Are you cold, little Naga?"

Don't answer him. The young mamba burrowed his head away, closer to the basket floor.

"Cute," The glee in his captor’s voice was uncalled for. "You've become shy! Perhaps I could tempt you with this?"

Something dripped onto his tail, falling down till it reached his hair, sliding over his cheek. The Naga’s tongue flicked out instinctively, eyes widening.

Water.

Sitting up, he found the man holding a flask, now dripping the precious liquid slowly into the sand beneath the cart. "I'd love to share." The man cajoled, expression knowing.

The snakelet watched as the water slowly fell to earth, already half-way emptied. His mouth was so dry- he needed water if he was going to survive. Biting down his ire, he recalled his mother’s lessons when talking to her friends. “Can you… please share?”

Red eyes glimmered with reflections of the fire a ways off. "Well, I would certainly like to. But first- what is your name, Naga?"

 "I'm…" he hesitated once more, wracked with indecision. He looked up to the captor, pleading. "Sir, I'm not supposed to say..."

The human paused, tilting the flask up just enough so no more of the precious liquid fell. "Oh? Who told our strong little Naga not to say his name?"

Biting his lip, the Naga sunk down again, thinking of the warm arms that had protected him his whole life. "My momma." He shivered again, the night wind biting. He was a little surprised when the flask was brought to his lips, but felt too greedy to push it away. His small hands clasped the ones holding the water skin, desperate to keep it from being taken away once more.

"Easy, now- too fast and you'll throw it all back up."

Izuku knew he was right, but he was so thirsty. He’d never felt this desperate need for water before, the oasis always had plenty. It was over too quickly, the snakelet barely biting back a whimper that wanted to escape as the empty flagon was taken. The human tutted at him when the young Naga tried to reach for it once more- what if he had missed a drop? But his captor walked away towards the fire. He briefly checked if he could escape the basket, but the rope again halted his progress. Another gust of wind hit him and he crossed his arms over his torso, trying to retain warmth now that the lid was taken.

The elder leaned down by the fire, talking with Tomura. The captive could briefly make out an order for the other to go off somewhere, to wait for his call. The younger left as requested, and the trapped Naga watched keenly as the human returned, holding a plate of steaming meat and another full flask. Izuku gulped instinctively, eyes widening in predatory focus on the food. The man served himself first, taking a bite and chewing slowly, the Naga keeping quiet all the while. Finally, he tore a small piece, barely a bite's worth, and examined it before looking back to Izuku. "I suppose you’re only trying to be a good son, listening to your elders. So you can keep your name for now, little Naga.” He held the piece out, but pulled back just as Izuku tried to take it. “Your mother... Would she happen to also live in that nice oasis with you?"

Izuku bit his lip, eyes darting between the morsel and the powerful man's satisfied expression. "W-why do you want to know?"

Hisashi shrugged, smiling at the noise the little Naga made when the captor brought the meat to his own lips and ate it. He tore another piece, smaller, and raised it for tempting once more. "It’s a curious thing, finding a little Naga so far from known dens all by himself. And a Green Mamba at that! Did you know most people think your kind no longer exist? Which makes me curious to know, are you the last one?”

Izuku’s heart sunk at his words. “The last?” His momma had said it wasn’t safe for Naga’s out there, but no other Green Mamba’s like them? He… he hadn’t known. Was this why she had kept them hidden? Why she had only wanted him to meet her friends? Because others weren’t safe?

“Ah.” The man’s expression became slightly sympathetic, “So you weren’t aware. And why would you be- I’m sure your mother hoped there were others out there too.” He fully extended the meat, which Izuku took, hunching as the man laid a large hand on his small shoulder. “It’s a terrible thing to be all alone. Perhaps… we are not so far from the oasis. If your mother is there, we can go back, search for her?”

The green mamba faltered. Izuku wanted to return to his mother so bad. If he could, he'd race right up to her, coiling around her tail and never let go. He’d apologize for not listening, and they could stay safe at the Oasis. He'd never leave her side again if he could help it. But his mother had been cautious for a reason- she'd known that humans shouldn't be trusted. He recalled Hisashi's words from earlier- "If my hunch proves right, we'll come across something even more precious than this hatchling."

His eyes brimmed with tears. If we’re the last, then he’s probably going to do what momma said and take pieces of me. I can’t let him do that to her too. "No. I'm a big Naga. I can- I live all on my own." He shivered once more, the evening's chill getting worse. He felt his face flush as the man laughed. "It's my oasis, no one else's!"

Hisashi quieted at his yell. “Are you telling me the truth, little one?”

Izuku sunk further into his coils, avoiding his gaze. “Are you…” He tried to blink away his tears, realizing he couldn’t go back to his momma. He was alone. “Are you going to cut me up in pieces?”

That drew an unexpected snort from the taller form, but instead of answering, he extended the now cool morsel in his hand, pressing it right to the child's lips. Izuku snapped the meat up, chewing as he furiously wiped away the tears and fought down the sobs that wouldn't stop. "You're fussing so much for a big Naga." He teased, tearing another piece and letting the snakelet take it from him. "Come now, don't be upset." He hummed a tune under his breath as he passed the food over, waiting until Izuku settled. “Naga are a noble breed, and I have no need to kill silly little ones like you.”

The mamba sniffled. “’m not silly.”

 There was only one piece left, but the man paused. “I think Naga that are only nine summers old should be silly. But I need to ask you one more time, hatchling. Are you telling me the truth- are you really the last Green Mamba?”

Izuku hunched defensively. “I already said! I-It’s just me!”

“Hmm.” He held the piece out, and the child stubbornly reached. "Well, I suppose there’s only one way for me to be sure."

 Izuku hadn’t seen him draw the knife, nestled as it had been around his many pockets. But he felt the shock of pain as metal bit into the soft flesh of his baby-scaled arm, the hand that had been holding the last piece of meat letting go to grab his wrist so he couldn’t pull away from the flashing danger. He sliced twice across Izuku’s lower arm, blood bursting warm against the night air.

The young Naga shrieked, wreathing as he was held trapped against the chain around his neck and his hurt arm still held by the monster. He was doing it! He was cutting him into pieces!! The scent of iron drifted into the night air, red splashing across the reed prison. "Let go! Let go!"

"Easy, don't struggle too much." Hisashi murmured, the knife already tucked away once more as he stubbornly held on. They’ll heal fine, we just need to get your scent on the wind."

"MOMMA!" Izuku screamed, too frightened to think. "MOMMA, HELP!"

"That's it, little one." He squeezed briefly on the wrist, crimson flowing out into the open. "Call her to us."

It hurts! The searing pain of the open wound was driving him mad; he'd never truly been injured before, not when his mother had been so careful with him. "We don't know their intentions." She had warned him, warned him that these were bad people. Heaving for air, he registered that the man was making soft comforting sounds, to ease the pain he had caused. Growling, Izuku struck, pulling towards himself just enough to sink his small fangs into the man's arm. He bit deep, screaming into the attack, but only heard the man hiss before giving a breathy laugh.

"Little hatchling. You'll have to grow a bit more before that venom of yours stops the great hunter All For One." Vaguely, the little Naga registered the title- it had been the name of a monster Naga who’d schemed against the realms for power, leading to their kind’s downfall. A large hand came forward, digging into Izuku's hair till he let go with a cry. "My, what a fierce fighter you’ll make all grown up."

“You said…” Izuku gnashed his teeth, crying and unable to struggle against the superior strength of this monster.

Red eyes glowed down at him, and Izuku realized his features were shifting, transforming slightly as the freckles on his face became black scales. “I don’t want to kill you, sweetling. I just want to meet-”

Both froze as a terrifying roar echoed behind the man. Blinking through the pain, Izuku's eyes rolled until they connected to familiar green- but narrowed and fierce in a way he'd never witnessed. Her face was frozen in a snarl, hair swept back as she rose till her emerald form towered over the man, fangs and claws elongated in fury.

Hisashi smiled, triumphant as he released the younger and faced the enraged serpent. "Ah. Here’s our 'momma'."

“All For One.” One moment the man was before him, the next he was flying across the sand, briefly thrown into the fire before hitting the packs on the other side. The green tail that had whipped him snaked protectively around the basket holding Izuku. “You dare to harm my child?”

The man- no, serpent, he was Naga too- one of the oldest alive, rose without so much as a wince, barking out a laugh. “I had thought this venture likely foolish, when rumors came of a Green Naga lurking in the desert.” His form rose into the air, lower body extending into shiny black scales with a white underbelly, the glow of red magic pulsing just under his scales. “Imagine my surprise when I sought Inko Midoriya Naga, last of the Shimura guard, and your little hatchling is the one I entranced?”

“Entranced?” Her scowl grew deeper when he revealed the bone flute. “You monster; trapping Naga with the bones of your own kind!”

“Momma.” Izuku hiccupped, shrinking down in fright. “I’m sorry, momma.”

The woman looked briefly over to her baby, expression concerned, but turned back as the enemy flashed forward. Izuku could barely follow, the two Naga fighting for dominance. Hisashi struck quick, fierce, but Inko’s form dodged and wove like she was dancing on air- her fury at the treatment of her child making her blows have more power than she would have had just fighting for herself. The black Naga didn’t try to go for the kill as Inko did, gradually leading her towards the cart, further from her child’s location. At one point he got the upper hand, his tail wrapping tightly around hers and toppling them, forcing her to let go of the basket and wrestling for control on the ground. “Have a care, beloved.” His arms shook as he fought to keep her contained. “I don’t want to hurt you- despite this betrayal.”

“The only one betrayed was me and my people after you helped destroy them when they refused to fight for you!”

 “On the contrary.” They tumbled for a moment, clashing as Inko rolled to land above him. “You carried the last of my line, the future of our people, and you hid him from me. How can I not see this as betrayal?”

“And what a fine father you make.” Teeth flashing, she bit deeply into his shoulder, hard scales and bone breaking under the pressure.

Izuku let out a scream as the man roared from the pain, but instead of trying to get away, Hisashi held Inko’s head against him, pining her. “Tomura!” He called, voice strangled from pain.

There was a flash of white from under the cart, and before the captive Naga could call out a warning to his mother, Hisashi’s ward zipped forward, biting into the woman’s bicep with a flash of venomous fangs.

Inko cried out, releasing her hold on her opponent. The snarling features of the angry Naga receded with a gasp as the toxin quickly moved through her system, numbing her.

“Sensei!” The younger enemy moved forward, staring in horror at the mangled red and purple shoulder of his master.

“It will be fine, Tomura.” All For One hissed, a hand of red magic moving to cover it and accelerate the healing process. “I’ve grown an immunity to Mamba venom. Besides, I expected nothing less from a mother protecting her child.” He kept his tail entwined with hers, carefully now, as she slumped against her will, the paralytic nature of the enemy Naga taking hold.

“A white… cobra…?” Her green eyes were horrified, words starting to slur.

“Much like you, Tomura is the last of his kin.” Hisashi flashed a smile. “It appears Nana failed to tell her guard all her secrets, before her tragic death.”

Izuku didn’t understand what they were talking about, only knowing that his momma had been bit by that nasty Naga while trying to save him. This was his fault- all of it! He pulled as hard as he could against the shackle, neck bruising, air being choked from him, but he had to get to his momma. “STOP IT! Leave my momma alone!”

Inko looked his way, eyes widening in fear as she saw her baby boy, crying and struggling for all he was worth against a shackle around his neck. “Izuku… don’t…”

“Leave my momma alone!” Izuku gasped, twisting and fighting to reach her, blood splattering from the still open wound. “Stop hurting her!”

Tomura eyed the struggle, unnerved by the frantic child. “Shall I subdue him as well, master?”

“No. Your venom would be too potent for his age.” Groaning, All For One rose, hand falling away to reveal clear skin, the only evidence of his mother’s attack from the redness of the renewed skin. Gently, he carried the paralyzed woman back.

Izuku reached, sobbing until one of his bloodied hands could clasp hers, grabbing on and hugging her close. “Momma, momma can you hear me?”

“She’ll be alright.” The monster soothed. “In a few hours, she’ll be awake enough to speak with you again.”

The child ignored him, crying and holding onto the unconscious woman for dear life. “I’m sorry, I’m so sorry, I’m so sorry momma…” He looked back up to the horrible man, watching as he carefully placed the elder Mamba in restraints. “W-why? Why couldn’t you just leave us alone…”

The Naga- now reclaiming his human form, sighed, expression going soft. “Naga are not meant to be alone. Your mother felt she needed to protect you by hiding.” A glowing hand reached out before Izuku could pull away, covering the cuts with a brief flash of heat before he let go, showing soft pink skin. “Perhaps she was right.” He murmured to himself. “But I will not leave my family behind.”

“W-we’re not your family!” Izuku argued, curling around his mother, growing frantic when her arms were taken from him again, tied behind her back.

“Perhaps not right now.” Hisashi moved forward, blocking Izuku’s line of sight from his mother and watching the child hiss, cowering. “But nine summers is very, very young for a Naga. I’m sure I can change your mind.” With those words, he brought out his flute once again.

And began to play.

Chapter Text

Izuku shivered against the artic wind that cut through the bare trees. His cloak would normally help stave off the icy chill, but he’d had his shirt torn to nothing but rags, his pants faring better but his shoes lost entirely. He’d escaped his captors two days ago, having been trapped after his initial capture for almost two weeks, up until now unable to evade the dangerous pack.

There’d been no warning, before his abduction. He had left the village to return home for a visit with his mother, a nice break in his studies with the other would-be guardians in training. But he was waylaid well before he could reach Inko’s humble cottage. While he’d struggled, he was no match for the beings of superhuman strength. They’d straight to their den, presenting him to that monster- their smiling leader.

“I’ve waiting so long for this, little one.”

Izuku should have known, after his mentor All Might had all but declared the boy of mixed blood as his protégé to the world. Of course others would target the up-and-coming guardian- and he’d already been aware of All Might’s nemesis having a keen eye for him. There had been one too many strange times where the beast’s apprentice, Tomura, had sought him out, trying to coax him away from his calling and consider what All For One could offer.

Apparently, they had given up on him making this decision willingly.

Since he’d initially been taken, they’d left little room for error. The pack had constantly been on the move, keeping him restrained and blindfolded as they covered miles of terrain each day, placing distance between the home of the Guardians and those who would try to rescue their captured prize.

Eventually they were forced to settle in one location, several miles out from a town they could gain necessary supplies from, but deemed safe by the rushing river protecting their back to the cave found within the ancient stone formation. It was luck that they’d moved positions here, placing Izuku in a new cave that had a crawl space just big enough for him to escape through unnoticed, out the back and into the river that had helped mask his scent during the escape. He’d been unable to retain his sword and backpack, left forgotten in the road when he had first been abducted, but once he’d resurfaced down river and crawled out, he focused on drying his cloak and building a sturdy wooden Bo staff with the help of his mother’s magic.

(As someone with a minor connection to her druid roots, she’d been able to teach Izuku the shaping of wood. He’d never realized how much of a blessing that had been until now, or Aizawa-sensei’s insistence on knowing how to fight with more than just a broad sword.)

Another blast of wind hit Izuku, bringing him back to his present situation. The weather had only grown worse in the last two days- the gusts almost blowing him over before he recovered his footing and kept on. His toes should have frozen off by now. In fact, while he may have been able to make a fire to dry the cloak, he’d found no true shelter from the cold the last day or so since his escape- and he’d been loathe to stay in one location long anyway. It would have made sense for him to die from exposure, even infection by this point.

But it hadn’t happened, and he knew why.

Guardians had to know what types of fierce beasts and foes they might face, and Izuku had always been astute in his learning. So as much as he didn’t want to think about it, he understood how his body he didn’t seem to recognize the cold. How it constantly ran hot now as if with fever, or his ears ringing as they occasionally caught sounds too far away, or his vision giving him headaches from the uncontrollable blurring and intense focusing. The early stages of transformation had begun, and it was driving him half mad.

(It’s why Izuku had been left alone, briefly, by his kidnappers. The onslaught to his senses adjusting made everything that much more overwhelming, and the pack leader had recognized his hesitance to let down his guard near the others. Perhaps All For One had hoped giving him space in would help calm him before the inevitable. Transformations were hard enough in the best of circumstances.)

He’d been unable to prevent the bite, the start of the curse.

But Izuku wasn’t one to give up, and he could only hope his attackers learned to regret underestimating him.

Which is what brought him to his current predicament; trekking across a barely perceived hunter’s trail, following a new innate sense of south to try and find the city he’d heard mention of during one of his hearing fluctuations. Izuku knew the situation was dire, perhaps even unsalvageable, but surely there has been someone in his position? Surely there was a way to reverse this.

If I can just get back to All Might, Aizawa-sensei…

The wind quieted for a moment, the orange lighting of the sun painting the woods with brilliant flames of gold. It was to be a full moon tonight. He wasn’t likely to find a cure in the next few hours, but if he could find a quiet place to hide, even a fortified basement of a villager’s home, he’d be able to avert the most dangerous part of the change-

He froze for a moment, not daring to breath. Far off, too far off for a human to register, he heard it. A long, powerful howl. A chorus of other howls joined in, almost igniting the growing instinct within Izuku to join.

The pack was hunting him. And they’d caught his scent.

Izuku needed to run.

Stumbling, he moved into a sprint- one hand holding fast to the cloak to prevent it from flying away, the other having a white-grip on his simple weapon. Don’t give up! There may be a way to throw them off the trail-

The problem wasn’t just the wolves, but his own inevitable count down that led to their tracking. It was too much of a risk to scale a tree like he normally would; or climbing down a ridge. Some of his fellow students were shifters; both born to it and changed in their youth. While he didn’t want this, they stood as an example that it wasn’t the end of his pursuit in being a Guardian. Some with stronger animal traits came with a strong sense of bond to their ‘pack’, or the group that the shared connection was with. For most shifters, this was a bond that allowed a sense of safety, of knowing when another was in danger or in need. But the oldest foe of the Guardian’s, the werewolf that almost destroyed All Might, had a stronger gift than most.

While some may have come to his pack willingly, any sense of self seemed to be stripped away, their independence locked under a bond so strong, a pack member would do whatever the alpha ordered. And the only way to prevent this, theoretically, was to be born into his second form without the werewolf present, to establish his shift without a connection. It would be that much harder- and it wouldn’t entirely free him of the allure his alph- the alpha may have on him.

But it was the only chance he had.

These woods were an endless maze of unknown. He was sure if he could get far enough south, he’d find a main road, signs of civilization, maybe even a cottage-

A black blur came from the left- paws almost silent against the flying snow. Panicked, Izuku veered off the trail completely, barely registering the rough texture of stick and rock beneath him.

With glowing yellow eyes, the dark wolf’s fur almost seemed to reflect iridescently purple in the waning light. Kurogiri had been the one assigned to guard him the most. Quiet, almost polite in manner, but lethal the moment his alpha called upon him.

His head began to pound, and he pressed on despite the pain, knowing what was coming.

Little one. The dark wolf’s voice echoed in his ears, even though no words were spoken. Stop.

Surrender to your alpha! Came a snarl to his right, and Izuku barely dodged away as a dirty blue-gray wolf sandwiched him in, preventing any further deviation. It was the red eyed brute- Tomura- the one who had tricked him on the road and brought him before that monster.

“I found him for you Sensei. You were right, I can tell. He’s meant to be pack.”

He realized too late that he’d been corralled on purpose, the trees breaking to show a clifface-

And no escape.

The wolves broke away as they entered the clearing, letting him run to the barrier. Izuku whirled around, thinking to perhaps sprint back and lose them somehow, but found the two had become several more; the entire pack had been called to seek him out.

Gritting his teeth, he watched with a thrill of fear as the leader himself stalking forward right where Izuku had stepped, pawprints burying his small human ones. The pure white predator gave a toothy grin, watching their quarry tremble.

“Stay back!” Izuku growled, releasing the now useless cloak and holding the Bo staff at ready as he’d been taught. This was bad- the sun had already set, the full change could happen at any moment. “Just let me go- I already rejected your claim!”

Tomura snarled, launching forward slightly to snap his teeth, threatening the escaped prisoner. All For One, easily twice the size of any of the others, let out a rumble that sounded like a reprimand. The youngest wolf complied, seamlessly falling out of Izuku’s range as the leader stalked forward.

“I know you can understand me.” Izuku glared balefully at the creature that had so easily ruined everything he’d worked for. “Stay. Back.”

The wolves around him grinned, panting and tongues lolling from the chase they’d just accomplished, and more than ready to engage with their quarry. All For One wouldn’t allow for an actual kill, Izuku knew he’d invested too much time for that, but they certainly weren’t going to be gentle in restraining him.

Fine. Let them come.

Predictably, Dabi moved first, a snarl breaking out as he leapt forward just in his left peripheral. In one fluid motion he stepped back and thrust the staff out defensively, waiting until the eager wolf had clamped his jaws soundly against the wood before bracing himself, using his newfound strength to whip the creature around and into Twice, who yelped as he was tossed aside before ever making contact.

With no time to pause, he brought his staff up again, knocking Toga to the side as she tried to take snap at his exposed arm. He brought the far end down over her head, the impact smacking her full to the ground with a whine. Izuku turned to glare at Spinner, who was circling more carefully. A growl fell from Izuku’s throat as he grew frustrated, some part of him baying for a chance to attack these threats. He ran forward on bare feet, drawing the staff in a move to attack before parrying to the side as Spinner lunged to intercept, kneeing the creature against the side and spinning his bo so he gave a sharp uppercut to the other’s jaw on the end. The wolf was sent sprawling, but rose immediately, teeth bared.

Dang it! He had been hoping for Spinner to move away, leaving enough of an opening for Izuku to bolt, but the damn creature was too loyal- he stood his ground long enough for a recovered Twice and Dabi to flank , blocking the exit path.

He backed up, Bo staff a whir as he forced them to keep distance, while scanning any loose spaces in the circle and fighting down fear. All For One was close, but not engaging. Toga was still recovering, and Tomura-

Izuku leapt to the side just in time as the smaller wolf slashed at his heels. He spun, ready to attack, but was bowled over by the silent moving Kurogiri. He tumbled a distance before stopping- his staff now clear across the circle, which was now closing in.

Don’t give up!

Snarling, he kicked out at Compress, who had gotten close when he saw the child fall. He backed up without the hit connecting, eyes watchful. Fingers scrambling, he grabbed the largest rock he could find, throwing it towards Tomura, who dodges to the side where it hit Twice. A series of growls echoed over the stone formations, but Izuku only felt for more ammo, determined to keep them at bay. Toga made another run, dodging the rocks he’d thrown with an eager fanged grin. Just in time, he managed to grasp the cloak he had previously thrown away, covering her large face and trapping the teeth within. He wrapped himself around her neck, holding on for dear life and she tried to shake the blinder off, yipping as if Izuku was playing with her.

Teeth clamped onto his calf, and he let go with a yell, tumbling as different colored furs seemed to surround him. Izuku panted where he had fallen, unable to hide his tremble. He moved to get up, but a terrible growl echoed just behind him. He looked up to see those huge teeth snap right next to his head.

All For One assessed him with a strange amount of approval.

Submit.

“No!” He bit out, hands clamped tight over ears to stop the voice that traveled outside of sound. It had haunted him ever since the day he was bit- only growing more stronger, more powerful by the day. Now it felt almost impossible not to physically react to the order.

Listen to your Alpha, Izuku.

He struggled instead, groaning at the physical onslaught his denial of the demand caused. “Y-You’re not…” He let out a cry as the first rays of the full moon fell to their clearing, his muscles burning in pain at the contact.

The alpha let out a disturbingly amused rumble. When in human form, he’d confessed to understanding exactly why All Might had chosen the mix-blood as his successor. All For One had held him that first night after the bite, tied and gagged and exhausted from the initial onslaught of the change his body would begin to undergo.

“You’re such a stubborn pup. At first you didn’t seem like something special, the sort of child who could be stepped on by others. But that fire in you is admirable- you refuse ground to anything you don’t deem worthy. And that loyalty has served you well.” The man smiled as he said this, stroking over the green locks of hair in a facsimile of comfort. “It’ll be a pleasure to watch your hope in that brute of a man turn to me, and me only.”

Once he fully turned, under the pack’s control, he’d lose everything. His dreams of being a Guardian, his hate for All For One. The supernatural bond would leave him trapped under the possession of the white wolf. If the alpha chose to, he could cause Izuku to fight his friends, attack innocent people.

But worst of all- from his own admission- he could make the boy forget everything; his friends, his mother.

Even All Might.

“N-No…” He desperately clutched at his heart as every pound seem to grow more unbearable. He curled into himself, feeling his fingernails start to prick and cut skin, deadly claws forming. Blearily, he saw fur grow rapidly over his arms, letting out a cry as his torso and face reshaped themselves.

That’s it, little one. All For One’s voice broke through the pain, washing over him like a steady anchor in the storm. He could feel the others, too. Their consciousness settling from the earlier bloodlust to anticipation. Not long now.

He couldn’t help the cries and barks that started to escape him, the remains of his clothes tearing as he grew too large. The inner wolf from earlier that had wanted to fight, to attack the perceived threats was now whimpering, an instinctual call being sent in it’s need for safety. Everyone but All For One backed away as the contortions grew worse, his tail and nose forming.

He was out of chances, it was over.

Tears from more than pain fell from his enlarged eyes, already the warm comfortable memories of his friends, his mother, his journey to be a Guardian seemed to fade to the background, thrown in a fog he couldn’t lift. Please, not my memories, give it back…

Seemingly in response, the overwhelming presence of ALPHA washed over him, his inner wolf immediately responding in submission to the connection, grateful to have guidance as the last of the transformation finished.

The new wolf panted from where it lay, breaths slightly weak but gradually regaining strength. Blinking, he raised his head with a whine, curling protectively as All For One came forward, giving a small lick on the bloodied fur before nuzzling against the smaller dark green creature.

Now, now. You’ve made a mess of things, but it’s alright. Feeling the command, the small one shakily rose, stumbling before finding this footing. Senses of pack around him varied- some indifferent, a few greatly curious, the blue-grey beta certainly giving off an air of keen interest…

He let out another whimper- not sure what had happened. He could sense his pack, but he felt to sad, so scared. Why…?

Don’t be afraid, my pup. He looked back to the alpha, uncertain. Everything is fine now. The wolf came forward, nose brushing along the fur along his neck. It’s time to go home.

Chapter Text

Heaven was burning.

Only a short time ago, the small nook of the archives that was his own space to study and relax had shaken with a great shudder, his few belongings falling onto the marble floor. He’d barely had time to register the first strike before another hit, his little window to the outside realm cracking from the impact. Shouts had begun to ring out, and he looked to see the centurions who’d normally led such a quiet life rushing to defend, their holy weapons up just in time to receive the monsters beyond eternal make. Cries rang out, and all the little wingless angel could do was tremble. Heaven was crying out for aid, but he could do nothing.

“Izuku!”

He turned to see his door thrown open, the familiar form of the gaunt archivist filling the entry way. The retired warrior’s wings were frayed and unkept, but they were raised instinctually, thrumming with purpose. “Come my boy- we’re under attack!” He hurried over, tugging his ward along. “It’s not safe; we need to hide you.”

Izuku took one last horrified glance out his window, seeing the holy lands alight with hellfire, before following quickly after his mentor. This had never happened- not in any time of his being, nor any he knew before that. Racing down corridors until they made it to the main hall, where most of their research took place, the elder angel had to catch him when he stumbled- the temple archive trembling from another blast.

“What’s happening?” Izuku whimpered, unsteady. “Why- why is hell attacking now?”

“I- I do not know, Izuku.” Yagi tucked him behind their work desk before racing to the doorway, straining until the never-used locks creaked into place and sealed the door. Will the others be able to find shelter? Their building was the only true fortified area of the hidden sanctuary, meant to protect the sacred texts and history within.

Normally their battles with hell were almost orchestrated- planned and prepared for with purpose. A squirmish on the borders of their realms may occur now and then, but true attacks like this were always supposed to be known in advance. The sanctuary where the archives were kept was peaceful, well out of the way of the civil war between angel and demon. Izuku suspected it’s why the High Commission sent him there; it was not in heaven’s nature to denounce one of their kind, but Izuku’s circumstances made it difficult to allow him near the more aggressive borders of their home.

Cries from the outside only grew louder- the enemy was approaching. The elder angel returned to the boy’s side, his sapphire eyes looked pained, worried. “Those monsters outside are not demons. Heaven’s mercy, there’s only one villain who would do this.” He looked back to the door, his words a mutter. “Even with all the precautions the Commission took; Night-Eye keeping watch on the border for me. How could he have found this place?”

“What do you mean?” The child stared wide-eyed. “All Might?”

The man looked to the ceiling as something hit one of their walls, the building shuttering but not caving. Taking a breath, he knelt before the child, gaunt hands settling on the small shoulders as his wings fluttered protectively over them. “Izuku… I know this is hard, but you need to hide; find somewhere within the archives. I need to help defend our brethren, but I can’t-” He cut himself off, conflicted.

Izuku understood what was left unsaid, though. He couldn’t defend them if he was protecting a wingless angel.

The boy couldn’t remember coming into being- not the way other angels seemed to. For them, they seemed to just be, called into existence for the glorious purpose of serving the Greater Purpose. Each angel was given a strong set of heavenly wings, able to carry them between realms, and from the power stored within those wings, calling upon their holy weapons needed to fight the Great Enemy.

But Izuku would never have a chance to experience that, wingless as he was.

“B-But if I’m left alone…” He tried to swallow his fear, but knew Yagi could read him easily. He managed to get the last words out, whispering them for fear they’d come to life. “… will you come back? You won’t leave me?”

Izuku had fuzzy memories, secret ones of being even smaller than before he stood at attention for the High Commission, given his calling. He remembered warm fires, white hair and safety. He thought he could even remember what it felt like to have wings- but these memories were also tainted with a feeling of being so alone- longing for something he couldn’t have. When he had once mentioned that with Yagi, working to rewrite the first legacies of earth, the war hero had pulled the boy close, telling him he must never speak of those memories, to forget them if he could. Izuku may be a wingless angel, but he was chosen for a calling, and mentioning such things would only cause the High Commission to take him away from Yagi, perhaps to never return. So Izuku had done as asked, certainly not finding it to be difficult when his days were spent warmed by the crippled angel’s praise, the solace he took from pouring over history, planning and writing for centuries not yet come into being.

Anything to prevent that feeling from coming true.

“Izuku,” he repeated, pulling him into a fierce hug, letting his scrappy wings fall over them like a soft blanket. “I will not leave you; never.”

Both startled as a hit landed on the doors to the outside.

“They know.” Yagi released him, stepping forward and summoning his holy weapon, the act itself causing him to cough up blood. “Run, Izuku!”

The wingless angel stared at him, frozen. “What? I- I can’t! I can’t just leave you behind All Might!”

He hurried back to the frozen child, pushing him towards the archive doors. “Hide somewhere in the archives until I come for you- hurry!”

“You can’t fight alone!” He’d tried to argue, but both were startled as a BANG! Resonated through the room, the entry door almost buckling under that one hit.

“Go!” Yagi had pushed him back to the passageway, where the great stone doors were. Twice the size of the outer doors, they opened into a cavernous labyrinth of parchment and tablets, making up the history of all time. He pushed Izuku through, despite his protests, and began to seal the library just as another blast took out the door, allowing the threat entry.

The first things to fall in were the black monsters, distorted and mutated beyond any beings known. They shrieked and clawed up the walls, settling against the entry in a barely contained line of attack. Once the last of them were through, a towering demon with giant wings and crimson horns stepped within their home. Izuku had never seen a demon, but there was only one denizen of the underworld known to have white devil wings- and it was confirmation enough for both their fears.

All For One.

Izuku’s eyes briefly met the monster’s, and the air seemed to be sucked out of the room. The devil wings unfurled, wide and terrifying. A crazed glow seemed to enter his eyes, All For One’s smile all fangs. “So my sources were correct, it’s here they’ve hidden you, little one.”

“No.” All Might whispered, horrified as he turned back to the child. “Run!” His beloved mentor urged, raising his holy sword in a defensive stance. “Protect yourself! You must run my boy!”

The demon turned sharply to his mentor, teeth gnashing until he took in the form, before a dark laugh escaped. “So, this is where heaven has tossed it’s greatest warrior? Left lame and grounded to keep watch? How fitting.” He raised his black trident lit by red lightning, mirth melting into a sneer. Red eyes briefly returned to green. “Stay right there sweet light, while I take care of this corpse once and for all.”

Something in the words once again froze the child, terrified and knowing he needed to move, but unable.

Yagi made the choice for him- throwing out some of his magic to push the child far enough in, before slamming the doors on the angry roar of All For One.

The spell broken, Izuku looked up at the shut doors. “Y- Yagi-san?” The fight was on, and he could hear the snarling beasts as well as his mentor’s war cry. He gasped out a sob before picking himself up and racing away from the sounds of battle, his bare feet slapping against cold stone as he passed the maze of shelves, alcoves and ladders. I need to trust All Might. He thought somewhat desperately. I can’t let him down-I need to find a place to hide, and stay until he returns!

It felt as though he had been sealed into a tomb.

The archives were near endless, and he ran as long as he could- playing into the maze he’d become familiar with over the years, taking advantage of any twist or passageway he could.

Instead, he jumped less then a minute later as the sound of an explosion echoed through, shaking dust from the ceilings and shelves.

Panicking, he found himself in one of the deepest rooms hidden in the shadow of the archives, unused in at least a century. The room was cluttered with ancient texts and tomes, piles of books and papers littered almost everywhere. He picked the work desk in the farthest corner, cramming himself under the table and praying that the Guardians came to help Yagi in time, that he would rush in and hold him any second now.

He fought to control his breathing, biting his lip to prevent any sound. It’s fine- All Might needed to force the doors open for some reason, nothing’s wrong!

But Izuku watched from his hiding spot as the crack under the door grew brighter with flickering light, the air violent with scorched smells that made his heart sink.

The archives were burning.

And still he remained hidden. Yagi will come for me. He assured himself, fighting against the tremble in his limbs, the terrible certainty that he was wrong. The battle from outside continued, muffled from within the fortress, but Izuku could tell it was not going well for their people. Where was the High Commission? Why had heaven not been there to save them?

His ears picked up on an unfamiliar whoosh, whoosh, indicating large wings. He was used to the sound being soft, almost gentle in how it beat the air. This sound was nothing like that- abrasive, powerful.

(Tears slipped down his cheeks, knowing what that meant. Knowing how hopeless his situation truly was now.)

The wing beats grew closer, picking up in pace as they briefly stabilized for landing. Then, footsteps. A steady, clicking tread of clawed feet, and the whispering of large leathery wings. The nightmare didn’t call out, didn’t pause- it only drew steadily closer to where the child hid.

The child swallowed hard- the sound painfully loud to his ears. How? How does he know where I am? He knew, somehow, that even the tread was deliberate, that All For One could move silently, but he was alerting the angel of where he was.

This is it. He thought with painful clarity, tears blurring what he could see. This is where I will be unmade, and the only angel who would have missed me is already gone.

Slowly, as if not to startle the hidden angel into fleeing, clawed feet stepped further in. The long, pointed tail brushed against ancient stone- it’s swishing motion almost snake-like. Even though the child held his breath, fought so hard not to make a sound, the demon drew closer, inevitably lifting the muslin and easily finding the boy’s terrified eyes peering from the darkness.

“Izuku,” the demon crooned in satisfaction, tail curling as he came forward and knelt. His form was silhouetted against the flames gradually growing closer to their room, eating away at all the history he’d so painstakingly catalogued. “You’ve led me on quite the chase, though I told you not to move. Now, come out from under there.”

All For One didn’t reach out, but the wingless angel huddled as much as he can into himself all the same, clinging to his knees with bruising force, his fear was too great.

The demon sensed this. “Youngling,” All For One’s tone remained soothing- trying to be a balm to the child’s frayed nerves. It made him think of the soft voice in his memories, safe and trusted. “You don’t need to be afraid, come out.”

Yes I do, Izuku thought helplessly. He killed all the guardians, he killed All Might! I don’t want to die, I don’t want to die…

The demon waited a moment longer before letting out a sigh, not seeing Izuku’s flinch as he abruptly stood. The angel had only a moment of hope to think the Lord of the Underworld would merely leave him there, unworthy of his time, before claws grabbed the sides of the table laden with ancient texts and easily lifted it up and away.

Izuku couldn’t control the distressed cry that escaped him as his only form of shelter was literally wretched away. The demon tossed the piece of furniture aside like it had weighed nothing, was nothing, briefly watching the ancient texts scatter before approaching the angel once more.

“No!” Shaking, panicking, Izuku tried his best to melt into the wall, hands releasing the death grip on his legs and moving to cover his head. “Help! Go away- I- please go away!”

“Ssshhh.” He flinches violently when one of the demon’s warm hands carefully soothes over his- ignoring his pleas. The gesture isn’t violent, it isn’t petrifying like witnessing the Lord of the Underworld in action. It throws him back to how Toshinori had first been with him, gentle and patient. All For One let his fingertips linger on the soft skin of Izuku’s hand, shushing his staggered gasps until the pitiful noise started to settle. Softly but firmly, the hand ducked around the skinny wrist and curly hair, tracing the side of the angel’s wet face until he coaxed the child to meet his gaze.

Even now knowing who he is- what he’s done, the angel can’t help the flutter of comfort that face brings him- somehow. The red eyes were soft rather than blazing with blood lust, his features almost familiar. “Hello, little one.”

His flashing fangs only caused the youngling’s repressed sobs to grow stronger. All For One shushed him again, showing no signs of being swayed either to anger nor empathy for Izuku’s predicament. Run! He heard the memory of Yagi’s last words echo through his mind. You must run my boy!

But the angel was trapped- he couldn’t escape this corner without maneuvering closer to the demon King, so he stayed frozen, part of him hating how comforting the caresses of the fallen being’s clawed hand was.

All For One searched his eyes again- trying to play the calm and assuring presence, but a gleam of something unsettling flickered in the lighting. “I won’t harm you, Izuku. This fear is unnecessary.”

The use of his name once more, the familiarity with which the demon spoke it, made the youngling jerk his head away from his touch. “You’re lying! I saw what happened to the guardians when you called down the hell fire.” The boy gasped out another sob as he relived the moment in his memory, angels crying out in agony, blinding flashes as they were annihilated from existence, those monsters attacking. “W- what you did to my teacher…”

All For One smiled, almost affectionately. “My old friend certainly had it coming, for all these years of opposing me, his betrayal. But they were guardians, fighters meant to face me. Why should I harm my wingless angel?”

“Yours? I- I’m not-” He tried to curl back into himself, but those clawed hands were there, easily retching him arms down to his sides and leaving him unable to hide his face from the monster. Izuku bit his lip to cut off his scream.

“I want you to be honest with me, Izuku.” The maroon gaze held him captive- amused, patiently possessive, desiring. “Do you remember me?”

Rumbling lullabies, the feel of strong horns under his little hands. Laughing red eyes.

“Y-you’re the demon lord.” The child trembled, wishing someone would save him. “Y-you killed Lady Nana, and hurt Yagi-”

“No, Izuku. Do you remember me?”

“I-” He knew, painfully, what the demon was asking. About the memories Yagi told him to never mention. “I-” It was wrong to lie, but the High Commission would have removed him from Yagi had they known. He was selfish, he didn’t want to leave his mentor. But does it even matter anymore? Izuku’s eyes filled with tears, shutting them and feeling the hot tracks run furiously down his cheeks. “I don’t want to remember you!”

He started sobbing in earnest, flinching violently and stuttering through a few protests as the demon pulled him forward and enveloped him in his arms, but eventually gave up and just cried in the killer’s embrace, hating how warm and safe it made him feel. All For One shushed him comfortingly, running deceptively gentle claws through his ash-spotted curls. Izuku knew without seeing that the person from those far away memories had smile of satisfaction on his face, and he understood he wasn’t going to escape this demon.

His panic returned as All For One lifted him up, preparing to carry him out of the room. He struggled instantly, flashes of before spurring his fear into action again. “No, no, don’t take me back there- please, please, I can’t! I need to wait for Yagi- Please, please! Don’t take me back!”

“Sssh, it’s alright my darling boy. I’ll keep you safe this time- you won’t be left alone again.”

Left alone? Again?

It triggered another of the secret memories- of someone who felt like a father leaving him, and Izuku waiting and waiting for him to return, but he never did. He remembers crying, the loneliness of wanting that person back, to be held and be safe and loved. And Izuku only cried more when strangers came, when they recoiled at the sight of him, before a familiar blond figure sheathed his sword, carefully holding him and finally helping the baby calm down.

Sniffling, he pulled away just enough to look into the demon’s face, lip trembling. “So it was you? You never came back, you left me…”

“No, no little one.” The demon hugged him close, letting the wingless angel sag in exhaustion at the crooning reassurance, burying his face in All For One’s shoulder to hide the ashamed tears of relief, “They kept you from me, I didn’t realize until it was too late. But I’ll never let them get near you again- I’ll protect you.”

They exited to the heat of the fire, and though a distant part of Izuku was horrified by the damage, the warmth of the flames enveloped him. All For One walked right through the danger, the flames licking and tickling as Izuku’s little form, but not burning. From the few places that remained dark, the monsters melted into view, falling silently behind their maker. The demon raised his trident, blasting a hole into the floor beneath them- swirled of black and purple widening to create a portal.

“Hold tight, little one. It’s high time the prince of the underworld returned to his home.”

Chapter Text

Tomura stalked down the temple halls, the dark side of the force fluctuating and swirling in glee as he drank in the terrified screams of the younglings, the sound of sizzling flesh and gasping last breathes. It felt like cheating, to take down creatures so useless. But this was the vision his master had foreseen- the downfall of the Jedi Order, and the rise to the Sith’s glorious power. While most of the Jedi Master’s had been drawn away to the battlefront against the Liberation Army, their precious teachers and children had been left practically unguarded. And as he sent another flank of Stormtroopers past another wing, he couldn’t help but smile at how perfect this all was.

At last, my master’s wish will be realized.

A soldier dressed in dark purple approached with two minions in two, stopping smartly before the blood splattered apprentice. “My Lord,” the faithful servant nodded respectfully, before one of the NPCs cut in.

“Sir!” He saluted smartly, oblivious to the sudden rage in the force. “We need assistance- one of the training centers has been barricaded. We can confirm that there are no Masters within, but the door is reinforced against blaster fire, and our codes are no longer working-”

Red eyes narrowing, the trooper Kurogiri stayed stoic as interrupting minion to his right began to choke, dropping his gun in panic as he was raised from the ground. He clawed at his throat, air supply cut off. Tomura scratched at his neck almost absently, the ridged scars reminding him just how much pain this fool must be going through. “So, my master’s men have been outsmarted by younglings, Kurogiri?” With a jerk of his head, the man was thrown into the far wall, crumpling to the ground. “Take your useless men to the archives. I’ll handle the remaining weaklings on this floor. See if you can find some of the holocubes All For One has been searching for,” His lips cracked in a bloodied grin. “Then burn it.”

“As you command, Lord Shigaraki.” Kurogiri gave a smart nod before pressing on, the trailing soldier risking a moment to grab his fallen comrade.

Sneering, Tomura reached through the force, relishing the fading lights surrounding him- all but one area. He moved leisurely, allowing the darkside of the force to brush against the light users hiding like rats, delighting as they tried to flicker away, to hide. Oh yes, they’d planned to defend against regular soldiers. But these were clearly untrained initiates, who probably still believed the sith to be nightmares.

He would ensure, in their last moments, that he made that belief turn to reality.

One of the life forces, though, seemed to shine especially bright. He felt an instinctive hate for it’s almost alluring power- how even while threaded with fear it worked to stay strong, shielding the smaller forms from Tomura’s dark presence. He pushed against that strong connection in particular, frowning at it’s resistance. Had this one been allowed to live, they surely would become a formidable opponent, one day. You’ll be the first to perish, little Jedi.

Turning the corner, he found the door his men had spoken of. It was marred by dozens of blaster hits, the entry panel destroyed, but still remained closed. Someone within had likely altered the system to separate it from the mainframe, or their override codes would have worked. Still, he can’t say he doesn’t delight in the opportunity this gives him. The dark side swelled, pushing and pulsing around him in anticipation as he approached the doorway. He had not bothered to hide his presence, and could hear a young man calling for someone to take the others and flee. To where? He couldn’t help but wonder. This room was against the outer wall, but there were eight stories between them and the closest walkway. Ah, well. They’d all die, soon enough.

Taking a deep breath, he clipped his saber back to his side, carefully removing one of his specially made gloves. Gathering the force into his palm, he briefly admired as the darkness coalesced into threatening particles, death seeming to radiate from his fingers. Raising it to the door, he pressed almost lightly, watching in satisfaction as the results were immediate.

The force was absorbed into the metal, but like a parasite, it leeched against the strength of the material, corroding and multiplying out while consuming the entry. He heard a scream- his victims had realized their predicament.

Sound began to travel easier, the solid barrier falling apart. “-ut now, Ochako! You need to help guide them down to safety!”

“Deku, stop being a dummy and come on!” The sounds of a little one’s sob punctuated the words. “I’ll be strong enough, I’m sure of it! You can’t face a Sith alone- you’ll be killed!”

“Then it is the will of the Force!”

Pathetic Jedi indoctrination. Sneering, Tomura pulled his hand back, tucking it away in his glove as he drew his saber once more. He barreled through the still crumbling material, scanning the room as he held the red blade at ready. There were bodies in here too, dead that had been left behind. But the far corner- the window had been forced open. There was an initiate clinging from the outside- a round faced girl with tears shining on her cheeks. She screamed as he sprinted towards her, but before Tomura could react, a wave within the force sent him flying back, skidding across the debris strewn ground.

“Deku, no!”

He looks up, furious, just in time to see the one who had attacked him- almost hidden by the shadows, shoved the other initiate out the window. She seems to catch herself with the force, and it’s then Tomura could see she’s not just levitating herself- five or six other bodies from the life forces he had previously sensed were also escaping with her. The girl was still calling for the little hero to jump as well, but Shigaraki could see exactly why the remaining child hesitated. Her connection to the force was trembling from the difficulty of maintaining so many bodies- taking on another would have been too much. As it was, her distraction may still drop them to their demise. Shigaraki reached out with the force, intending to smother the female’s connection and taking care of the problem, but was stopped by an incredible force shield, almost blinding as it fell over the beings, protecting them.

The dark side boiled within him, stoking his outrage. Tomura was not a Sith used to being denied prey. “Well, little hero.” He rose fluidly, ready to flay the being that had allowed his quarry to escape. “I wonder if you can still protect them after your arms have fallen off?” He looks up to face his pathetic victim, and freezes.

The padawan is plain- certainly nothing about him would speak to the surprising amount of power held in one so young. But Tomura has been by his master’s side since he himself was a child, and he recalls the carefully guarded photos of his master’s past, of the things his enemy could not know about.

And yet, somehow, his enemy must have discovered it. Because the fifteen-year-old before him was clearly Izuku Midoriya.

The green-eyed boy was trembling, teeth grit as he fought for calm and focus in the force. (Sensei’s child could use the force. How? He would have taken Izuku long ago if he’d known! This wasn’t possible- not unless…)

“Why did you attack our home!?” The boy demanded, his green saber held at ready, but did not press forward. (Defending the exit to where the other younglings were- buying them time with his own life.)

Tomura masked his disbelief, stalling while his mind raced. His master had sent him here with the orders to kill all surviving Jedi- but he couldn’t know about this, he couldn’t. Sensei would never allow his family to be harmed- which meant this situation just grew a bit more precarious. “Do you mean to fight me from a corner, boy?” He taunted, hoping to draw the child away from the escape access. “What have the Jedi been teaching their precious cretchlings- to cower and hide from true power?”

The Sith Lord watched in disbelief as the force gathered around the child, control far greater and more raw than any master he had yet to face building, softly forming a sense of power through the initiate that surely could only be rivaled by-

By-

Lord Shigaraki pressed against the connection, recognizing it this time, and felt his hatred build. Disgust and fear warred within as he realized who stood before him. The Chosen One, the mysterious apprentice that All Might had taken on, but had never been seen. The very one who would be trained to oppose his master, All for One.

This was going to be very difficult.

Chapter Text

Deku knew he shouldn’t have let Kaachan goad him into the dare. They were the youngest Ewoks in their village, and Izuku had always felt that meant they should be like brothers. But Kaachan only saw him as competition more than a friend- and with how physically weak Deku tended to be, very little could persuade his fellow Ewok cub to view Deku in a positive light.

It made it hard for Deku to not take any chance he could to prove himself to the angry Ewok. And while he was never going to be the best fighter or builder of their camp, Izuku was exemplary at exploring. He couldn’t quite explain it, but he just… would have these intuitions that would be right- and that sense would always guide him to safety, or to what he was searching for. In fact, just within the last year, he had scouted a new grove, helped chart a pathway around a rival Ewok territory, and uncovered a cave with enough chert to mine and arm the whole village! It was the one thing Kaachan couldn’t seem to do better- and he’d finally started to let Izuku hang out with him, if the little green Ewok agreed in turn to try and teach him that ‘sense’ thing and take him on scouting adventures. Izuku had been more than happy to- but Kaachan was sometimes more brash than the elders would like, and it led to situations like this.

Endor was a quiet planet, one of forests, bog and lakes. While there were Ewoks and a few other sentient species speckling the surface, it was largely uninhabited, and preferred tradition to connecting with anything beyond the great sky.

But Izuku had discovered two weeks ago, that beings from the stars had come down to Endor, and were building their own village! Or at least he assumed it to be one. He’d found it while scouting with Mirio and his team- they’d returned to alert the elders, and Chief Toshinori had promptly forbidden them from further contact.

Deku has always admired their great chief, and normally he would never go against the wishes of his elders. But he just couldn’t stay away! The tall creatures were bringing items he’d never seen, building strange homes on the ground instead of the trees- and the material itself is so shiny, so strong! He’d been very careful to filch only the things he could pick up and run with, but already he was sure if they could barter, or find where these strange beings found their supplies, it would be important to the village’s success.

Recently, though, a new metal bird had appeared. Like the first, more beings and supplies had come out of it. But in addition, there was a smaller bird that landed, this one only carrying one occupant- a being towering even above the others, dressed in black with a long cloak, it’s white hair and red eyes a stark contrast to the appearance. When the being had first come out of the bird’s belly, Izuku had sensed something that made him shiver, growing cold even under the warm breeze. That sense, dangerous and powerful, seemed to brush against him, and Deku hadn’t quite manage to duck down before red eyes had met his green. He’d stayed where he was, frozen under the scrutiny of that phantom touch. But eventually, it seemed to direct it’s attention elsewhere, and Izuku had taken that moment to run.

Ever since then, he had needed to be more careful, his ‘sense’ seemed to be heightened to a new degree, warning him of constant danger, of the mysterious darkly clothed being among the white fighters (he’d gathered they were fighters, after seeing all the weapons and attempts to scare him away the few times he’d been seen). Izuku wasn’t sure what would happen if he ever failed to heed his sense, but he was reluctant to find out.

Which was why it was so frustrating that Kaachan had called him a coward, and dared him to race to the small metal bird to see what was inside. His ‘sense’ was warning him that they should just head back to the village, to just go home, but Kaachan had promised if he brought back something special from the ship for him, he’d tell everyone how brave Deku was- how he was as good as any warrior.

And little Izuku craved acceptance far more than he feared for his safety.

So here he was, in awe of the strange inside of the metal bird- small paw reaching about at all the colorful gems that glowed or moved upon his inspection.  Perhaps this wasn’t a bird at all- from what he could see, it looked more like a room. Somehow, these creatures made a moving room! But what to take back to Kaachan? He scurried about the space without concern, his sensitive ears able to detect if anyone approached. It took a minute, but he finally discovered a loose rock- shiny and polished with a few gems that could be moved up and down. He pressed the red one experimentally, and it produced noise! He had chittered excitedly at that discovery- sure this would win Kaachan over for good.

But then the cold feeling returned, stronger than ever.

He was paralyzed for a few precious moments, feeling as if the red eyes had turned his way, were looking right through him even though he was alone in the room. His ‘sense’ heightened, and he had one blaring moment of the impression to hide echoing over him. Deku scrambled to get back to the entry, only to see a familiar shadow cross the entry, steadily making it’s way up the ramp. Trying not to warble in fear, the little Ewok ran back to the room full of beautiful gems, looking everywhere until he noticed a loose flat stone against a crevasse entrance. Hurrying, he tumbled into a space filled with colorful vines and sharp metal, quieting himself as he’d been taught when danger was near. I am not here. He chanted to himself, imagining as though he were air. I am not here, I am not here.

Heart pounding, he listened as the heavy steps grew closer, pausing as they took in the room. Deku held his breath, trembling as that cold impression swept over him like a searching predator. He knew, instinctually, that it was probing for him. I am not here, I am not here…

He heard the being let out a hum, the sound as if something interesting had happened. Deku startled slightly as the man approached the array of gems, listening as he pressed and moved some of them. The creature started to speak Basic; and Deku could only understand every fifth word or so, not familiar with anything outside of Ewokese.

There was a strange scratching sound before another voice spoke up, even though Izuku knew they were alone in the pod.

The child stumbled as the metal bird shuttered, a humming sound building steadily all around them. Feeling his stomach sink, he realized the being was leaving, like the metal birds sometimes did. He felt the claws of fear starting to sink into him, and again that dark presence seemed to hunt, as if knowing he was afraid. Fighting the tears, he again curled into himself, trying to push away the intrusive feeling. I am not here, I am not here…

Eventually, the humming and movement seemed to stabilize. Deku was ready to risk everything and see if he could just jump away- surely they had not gone far from the ground yet? But before he could choose the best course of action, his present for Kaachan started making noise. It was scratchy and distorted, like the sounds from earlier, but the poor Ewok had been so high strung from the situation he ended up shrieking, the mystic rock tumbling away and to the tunnel entrance. Realizing his mistake, he covered his mouth, watching with teary wide eyes as the space grew oppressively silent.

There was a rustling of fabric after a moment- before a pale hand reached out, plucking Kaachan’s present from where it had fallen. The silence resumed, and this time, Izuku couldn’t seem to hide from the dark sensation reaching out, observing him, suffocating him with it’s attention. The being spoke again, words smooth and light, but Deku could understand that they were meant to coax him, to alert him that the jig was up.

Trembling, he slowly moved to the opening, peering out apprehensively.

The red eyes were even more intense in person, and at once, Izuku couldn’t look away. Shaking, he once again felt that strange phantom prodding, his ‘sense’ spiking in alarm. Uncomfortable, he tried to push it away, in his mind forming a shield around himself to keep the terrible feeling from connecting. The being’s eyebrows raised in surprise, a small smile softening his features. It spoke more Basic, clearly amused by his fear.

Deku didn’t understand what he meant, but he felt the cold prodding suddenly retreat, instead curling around the white haired being, the ominous nature dampening down to something more manageable, enticing. Curious, Izuku followed it with his sense, reaching out and brushing against the strange power. It connected briefly with him, somewhat muddled, but sending back the signals of come out and safe and trust trust trust.

Hesitantly, the green Ewok stepped fully out, though ready to dive back in if needed.

The creature seemed pleased by this development, and raised the cause for all this trouble- the special rock. He garbled more words at Deku, clearly inquiring.

The green creature hunched into himself, suddenly realizing how foolish this had all been. “T-to show that… I’m brave, like Kaachan…”

The man seemed delighted by his chittering response, repeating the word ‘brave’ back to him. Did he agree with Izuku? Was he… was he not mad?

The strange connection again reached out to him, impressions of come here, closer, safe, trust encouraging him. Deku was just out of the age of being considered a cub, but when the man gently picked him up, he latched on just like he would to his mother (if his mother was five times her current size). The being kept making soft comments in Basic, things like ‘tie-nee’ and ‘lit-ul-won’. The strange compulsion to trust and safe kept coming through, but Izuku pushed back on it, unsure. “I-I’m sorry, can you take me home? I need to go home.” The man paused, looking into his sad eyes, carefully repeating the Ewok word for ‘home’. Izuku brightened considerably- he understood! “Yes! Yes, I need to go home. Kaachan probably already went back to the elders, but momma will be so worried. You’ll take me?”

The man smiled, content, and repeated the word to him again before tucking him close. The strange sense still felt muddled, confused as it pressed the idea of safe relax no fear, but for now, Deku could allow it. He snuggled closer to the tall creature, giving a small purr when the being let out a coo like his mother would. What an adventure this day had been! Perhaps Kaachan would still say he failed the test, but Izuku was just glad things turned out alright in the end.

~

Watching the force-sensitive Ewok curl against his suit, All for One couldn’t help but marvel at the foolish creature. Of course the habitants of Endor would be ignorant of the nature of their outpost, but it had been a long time since something had dared to enter his presence so brazenly, so naively. The captain of the base had alerted him to some local interference by a particularly crafty Ewok, seemingly able to know when and where to sneak around without being caught almost intuitively. And when the Sith Lord had first landed, and seen the green eyes briefly before disappearing, he had to admit he’d only really thought of a lothrat scuttling about, a nuisance that would inevitably be dealt with.

But holding the little being, Hisashi couldn’t help but be reminded of the days when his Utapaun apprentice had first been found, or even his brother; before he died. This creature was curious, not scouting for the rebels or meant for fighting wars within the force. The thought of treating it as a threat felt laughable- and he was tempted to punish the commanding officers for making such a fuss over a cub.

 But with Endor now being claimed by the empire, the Ewok population was sure to face some level of violence and culling to prevent unnecessary conflict for his men. This ‘brave’ Ewok (and how cute, that it had only entered one of the most dangerous places in the galaxy to prove itself ‘brave’) shouldn’t have to face such a thing. While All for One was not known for his mercy, it would certainly be a nice change to come home to something soft and tame that he could hold, protect.

Making up his mind, he pressed the communicator that the child had tried to take, waiting until Tomura responded. “My apprentice, I will be bringing a small… pet, back to our starship. Please have maintenance prepare a suitable habitat for a class C creature.” Waiting till he received the affirmative, he set the communication back down. The green-eyed child looked between the technology and him curiously (and green- he’d never heard of the Ewok species having green fur. This one was a rare find indeed.) softly, it looked up to him, chirping out an Ewokese “Home?” inquiringly.

All for One smiled, making sure to keep his force signature soft and at ease. “Yes, little Ewok. ‘Home’.” By the time his small companion realized the truth, it would be far too late.

Chapter Text

Izuku had waited well past the afternoon to finally emerge from his hiding place, the scent of his pursuers dissipated, but being cautious meant staying alive. The wolf pup had only experienced one full cycle of the seasons- and while the others born from his year were growing stronger and faster, he was still small, and not particularly quick. The pack was only as strong as it’s weakest member, and while his mother had tried to prepare him, Izuku just couldn’t cut it.

He surveyed the pine forest surrounding him once more, trying to keep still so his soft fur could blend into the snow dusted surroundings. There was no movement- no call of alarm from the song birds or squirrels. It had been a week since his old pack had abandoned him, since his mother…

(She’d whined, unable to get up after the fall, after protecting Izuku from that grizzly that had tried to rip him apart. The rest of the pack had hung back, feeling it was more of a risk to protect the pup than defend something so feeble. Inko had clawed out a portion of it’s eye and throat before the beast had staggered away to die- right after taking one last swipe, sending her over the edge. With two legs broken, and unable to move on with the group, she'd tried to comfort her crying pup. His mother had licked away his tears, using her dying breath to urge him to go back to the pack, to stay safe. But they'd only threatened to eat him themselves when he’d made the climb back. He may have survived, but a too tiny pup with no mother was as good as dead already.)

Ever since then, he'd done what he could to survive- but he was too small and inexperienced to take down his own food. The first weak had been a slow game of him never quite finding enough food. Even if he was small, the pup had always been resourceful. He’d figured out the best area for shelter and water, doing his best to stalk prey in a nearby meadow, he’d claimed a few bird eggs and the odd snake or chipmunk- even some plants his mother had shown him to be edible. Izuku had been naïve, thinking the territory could stay his.

Four days ago, he’d caught a scent on the wind, along with a telling howl. Another wolf pack was entering his new territory, and without his own group, there was no way to defend it- no way to stop them from tearing him apart to claim it. So reluctantly, he had run, managing to slip away in the night to try and find another place to shelter. Except, the pack didn’t claim his territory. They changed course, and followed him. Izuku was still young enough that rolling in dirt or wading through the mountain stream could help erase his scent, but every day, the pack seemed to close in, until he had no choice but to hide and try to wait this group out.

At this point, it had been more than two days since he'd managed to eat more than roots that helped his teeth ache less more than anything, the rain from the previous night had been a blessing. The other pack- it’s alpha in particular- had been relentless. Izuku had known about this wolf well before being exiled- leading an alpha pack far fiercer than his own, other clans stayed clear of them on instinct. They were known to destroy any group within their territory. Izuku was being hunted by the worst predator imaginable.

From the old badger den, Izuku had watched as the creature stalked around in the darkness, trying to figure out his location, occasionally letting out a howl as if to warn the young pup he hadn’t given up. The small wolf had managed an uneasy sleep after the alpha had disappeared, only to be awoken by the strong scent of blood in the air. Food. A kill- and one not too far.

His mouth had watered at the scent- it had been far too long since he’d had a real kill. There was no sound of the other pack, no scents on the wind telling him they were still at the source of food. This was the best chance he was going to get. He had to risk going out- despite knowing that another pack was hunting him.

Almost stumbling, the young wolf dodged around rock and tree till he was at the clearing where the rich taste of iron was coming from. Green eyes quickly found the source- the remains of a reindeer carcass. The rest of the forest had already gone to work, the pack clearly long gone, but there was a surprising amount of meat left on the remains. The turkey vultures that were working on striping the ribs were still twice his size, and they ruffled their feathers to be even larger at his approach, not willing to share. Knowing that cowing wouldn't do him any good, he did his best to bristle his fur, a weak growl coming from his thin form.

The vultures were wholly unaffected, but surprisingly a yellow eyed Raven, whom had been sitting on the horns, seemed to have immediate interest in his appearance. Izuku tried to slink closer, but skuttled back with the razor beaks of the scavengers nipped at him for attempting it. Letting out a sharp caw, the raven came over to bully the buzzards to the side- expertly maneuvering them further away, towards the head. Hope weakly rose in the pup- there was an opening! Now that the stronger predators were further down from the little wolf, he darted in and aggressively pulled, the taste of blood and soft muscle giving him strength to wrestle till some of the body ripped away.

Eager, he took his mouthful and darted back to the cover of the forest, away from the vultures and raven- the latter having flown away once he claimed his piece. His teeth still found it tough to chew against the cold flesh, but he'd swallow it whole if he had to. His mom had wanted him to survive, and he would do his best to fulfill that. There was a small spot hidden behind a row of boulders and debris- he would likely be able to eat there in peace; then perhaps grab more and move on.

Izuku managed to chew through a few bites, feeling his stomach finally settle for the first time in days. He had missed the taste of mammal- strong muscle and chewy fat. It made him lax- he didn't notice as the woods grew quiet, or the near silent steps that approached. He only startled when the fluttering of wings came before him, and he looked up to see the yellow-eyed raven from before landing in front of him, letting out a shrill cry.

Izuku's first instinct was to snap at the creature, not wanting to share. But it was because of this bird he even had a chance to eat, right? Coming to a decision, Izuku pulled and yanked until a strip of red meat tore away. He tossed it over towards the Raven, who briefly flew up in surprise before resettling. It twisted it's head around, eyeing him from different angles as if trying to discern his game. Izuku wagged his tail hesitantly, trying to show he meant no harm. Maybe... it was silly, but maybe the raven would be his friend? They could help each other- Izuku wouldn't have to be all alone...

The sound of claws against rock finally caught his attention, and he turned to look, scrambling away from his forgotten meal.

 It was a wolf. The wolf who’d set his pack to hunting him. Bigger than any in his previous group, the arctic predator towered above him, red eyes gleaming as they surveyed the lone pup.

He watched in disbelief as the raven moved to fly and land just a bit behind the wolf, unbothered by the predator. It took a moment before he let out a betrayed whimper, realizing the truth; he had been tricked. The carcass left with more meat than normal- the raven keeping an eye on his location- this had been a trap set to catch Izuku. The pup backed up even further, shaking as he hit the boulder that had previously been cover, now blocking any escape.

He tried to let out a threatening bark, useless as it was, but the beast in front of him only gave a slow tail wag, entirely unaffected. The abandoned pup listened in horror as more paws approached- apparently the white alpha’s pack had been nearby. They were here to kill him. Why? Izuku hadn't meant to trespass, he’d tried to leave without causing any trouble! Did they really need to tear him apart? He wouldn't even be two mouthfuls for this monster!

He let out a startled yip as another head appeared, this time walking between the legs of his pursuer and looking down at him, tail wagging excitedly. It was a grey-blue pup, only a little older than him, though certainly much larger. It flashed it's teeth, tongue lolling out as it bounded down towards the cornered wolf. Izuku immediately curled defensively, letting out a weak growl as the other approached. It stopped at the noise, ears perking up in curiosity, but the amused tail wagging told Izuku that it didn't take his threat seriously.

The raven let out another caw, and the pup looked up to see the tundra wolf descending down, approaching much more slowly. Izuku wanted to lash out, to get in one or two good bites before this predator took him out for good like his mother had. But the words of his pack kept echoing through his head- the weak don't survive. A too tiny pup with no mother was as good as dead. The young wolf had only been fooling itself with the dream of surviving; but nothing as weak as him could make it in the tundra alone. Resigned, he closed his eyes and curled against the ground, hoping the predator would make a clean kill.

He shook as a large wet nose sniffed him curiously, nudging along his neck and belly. Trembling, even though it wouldn't do him any good, he tried to stay hunched as a tongue ran over his fur, matting his head and back as if... as if...

Izuku looked up, wincing as the tongue pushed against his right cheek. The alpha was... grooming him? But he- why would he do that? Was he trying to comfort him? The wolf paused, noticing he now had the small one's attention, and flashed a fanged smile, once again nudging the small form with its nose. The push made the tiny pup tumble over, but he managed to rise on shaky legs, just in time for the older pup to move forward and inspect the scenting placed on him.

Izuku couldn't stop trembling, letting out an unsure whine. This didn't make sense- this pack was made of wolf killers, why was he being treated like... like...

Like pack?

The white wolf nudged him forward, and Izuku managed to stumble only a little before moving where he was being led. The young grey wolf yipped in encouragement, trotting ahead before coming back, trying to direct the younger to follow it's lead. The raven flew up into the trees, watching as the group progressed away from the pup's previous hideaway.

Izuku still felt frightened, still unsure what was happening. Surely he couldn’t trust this dangerous group. But his mother had wanted him to stay safe, had wanted him to survive. And maybe, as the pup gave a hesitant wag in response to the older littermate's encouraging bark- he could do that. Maybe the little pup wouldn't have to brave the world alone.

The arctic wolf kept a steady pace behind them, red eyes watching contently as his eldest led the new pack member back to their den.

Chapter Text

(borrowed from Raysart for snippet)
-*-*-*-*-

Suns controlled by the humans burst into light, making the dinosaur’s eyes wildly dilate as they adjusted. A threatening noise rumbled from it’s throat, keeping it’s balance as the catch they’d thrown him in began moving forward.

“Ladies and gentlemen, please be warned, this is the perfect blend of the two most dangerous creatures that have ever walked the earth. We call it… the Indoraptor.”

The creature snarled against the assault of burning lights, the scent of prey surrounding him but unable to pursue. He listened as the creatures made sounds of alarm at his appearance, some excitable chitters. It only served to infuriate him, pacing as a lowly beast zapped at his confines, ensuring he could not sit at one end of the cage too long to check for weaknesses. It was no matter, they were no matter.

He did not know how long he’d been trapped like this, all he knew was that this was not his purpose. He was to kill, to dominate. To ensure only the worthy live. Ever since he had hatched, he’d felt his understanding steadily grow. From the instinct to feed, to hunt, to analyze and decide what was and wasn’t worthy prey. Now, he could understand far more than his captors believed him to. He knew that he was ‘Indoraptor’. That the one who watched him most was ‘Garaki’, and he and the ones that smelled like him were ‘investments’. He let out another snarl as one of the louder creatures began speaking again, gesturing here and there. The creature knew these prey were demonstrating their control in keeping him contained, that they were showing off his prowess as if it were their own.

Well, it would certainly not last.

“We have managed to create two, this being the superior proto-type from the gene sequence AFO, and the original prototype using the gene sequence OFA. While both bear an intelligence quotient higher than that of a velociraptor, Indoraptor AFO.’s biospecs include a heightened sense of smell, enhancing it’s ability to hunt and track prey in a complex environment-“

The creature watched as a far barrier opened, revealing the more challenging prey Stygimoloch. Curious. It was amusing to watch as the feebler species lost all confidence, their happy chittering destroyed by fearful yips and cries. He watched in anticipation as they fled the herbivore’s instinctive ire, waiting for one of them to come within his reach. But- oh, here came one now. He recognized this scent- this pathetic form had been the one to injure his packmate, his beta, the one he knew as ‘First’.

The one who had zapped him was busy with the other reptile. Deftly, he maneuvered his tail to move and turn the mechanism keeping this cage shut. They were foolish to make it so simple.

In seconds, the Indoraptor was free, and the chaos became a bloodbath.

“Brother!” The Indoraptor called, chuffing. Once the prey-thinks-they-are-predator were removed, he’d raced to where is brother had been left. He knew there were still threats, other predators like him, other prey to kill- but the instinct to gather his pack was priority. “Brother!”

“Hisashi?”

The killer zoned in on the trill his packmate specifically used to address him, enhanced eyes seeing through the gloom to where the thinner, paler Indorapter stayed hidden in the shadows.

“Yoichi.” He crooned in greeting, relieved to have found him alright. The Indoraptor moved at once, senses sharp as he checked for threats- there were too many scents lingering- too many animals with fear and anger, leaving the air practically rancid. Still, the smell of ‘pack’ was a beacon.

He let out a hiss seeing that his brother was still within the barrier, understanding Yoichi would not have been driven to free himself and attack the prey that paraded them. With a careful bump of his snout, he unhinged the doorway, stepping back so the thinner Indoraptor could step out. The other warbled worriedly at his red jaw and claws, but he responded proudly that none was his. Immediately, the other rubbed it’s head against his neck and shoulders, letting out small chirps as Hisashi returned the gesture in kind. They had not been allowed to touch in months, the creatures attempting to control them having separated them to limit the possibility of escape. Fools.

Hisashi was the first to pull away, circling the other to draw back his focus. “This is not good territory- we need to move on.”

Yoichi flicked his tail in agreement, falling in line behind his brother. He seemed so weak compared to Hisashi- the Indoraptor recalled the times he was left without a full stomach to force certain behaviors- had they been doing the same to his packmate?

Snarling, he scented the air. Perhaps some of the prey creatures were still lingering, like the ones he’d cornered in the barrier. They needed to move, but even a body to snap a few bites from-

The Indoraptor’s eyes widened, scenting again. This couldn’t be right- Yoichi was next to him, but somehow, he could smell his packmate elsewhere. Head swiveling, he called as he had before, beginning to follow the trail. There was no answering call, and Yoichi only trilled in confusion, senses not as acute amidst all the stench of other creatures. But Hisashi knew, knew there was something else, something them, lingering in this place of cages.

“Yagi?” The young raptor called, green skin briefly illuminated in the lightning as a storm raged on outside the strange cave. He’d previously seen his packmate earlier- his alpha, the one he called ‘Yagi’, who had called him Izuku. Yagi had come back, had been there with other ones who were prey-but-not-prey, releasing creatures from the barriers they’d been trapped in. He’d meant to stay close, but in the confusion, he’d been separated again, his too-small form easily being tossed amid the frightened tramples and chaos. Yagi had already left him once, when the other prey-but-not-prey had taken Izuku away from the den and his alpha, and the little raptor didn’t want it to happen again. “Yagi?”

As he stepped around the strange area- full of shiny surfaces and strange objects where he knows his alpha had come previously, a new smell came to him. There was a creature- two. They were predator, like him. They were-

They were big.

Letting out a small trill in fear, he quickly scurried under one of the elevated surfaces, trying to keep low under his cover as his focus zoned in on the approaching scents. Perhaps they would pass by…

He quavered as a snout twice his size and full of sharp teeth stuck into the far entryway he’d passed through, watching the nostrils breathe in the air carefully. Green eyes hyper focused as the rest of the creature entered- far too big for the little raptor to take on. The second one was no less formidable. Trying not to shake, he stayed quiet as the threat moved soundlessly through the room, only the lightest of clicks from it’s claws and the rumbling of the storm overhead being heard. It scented the air again, adjusting it’d trajectory, and the green youngling realized it was hunting him.

Calling out to his alpha wouldn’t help matters- Yagi was prey-but-not-prey, and didn’t have any form of defense unless he carried his strange sticks. Besides, his scent had faded now- it was unlikely he’d be close enough to hear Izuku’s call, not before the bigger predator got him.

Still, the killer came too close, so close that the claws as big as Izuku tapped mere feet in front of him, next to the shiny surface. Instinctively, Izuku couldn’t help the warning growl he let loose.

The creatures froze. The second, thinner one let out a questioning call, which confused Izuku, but he didn’t have time to think about it before the larger threat lowered itself on all fours, it’s head curving to look directly at the frightened green raptor.

Izuku watched his reflection as the eyes dilated, hyper focusing on him. Defensively, he let out another warning growl at the eye contact- never mind the hunter was bigger than twenty of him. It let out some kind of croon, it was- it was smiling at him? The snout came closer, as if to smell him better, and Izuku moved to attack, little claws digging into it’s jaw as he clamped down on the top of it’s mouth, screeching angrily into the bite. This monster does not get to eat him! This killer will not mock him!

Carefully, despite the pain it should have been feeling, the creature pulled it’s head out, raising itself too high for Izuku to confidently let go. Further aggravated, the little raptor gnawed on the flesh in it’s small teeth, glaring as the creature crooned again. “Packmate. Baby.”

The second creature seemed stunned, letting out a worried trill as Izuku’s claws dug into the other’s teeth. “Hisashi? Packmate? Brother?”

Izuku took a moment to look back, assessing if the second creature was moving in. “Izuku!” He hissed, indignant. “Not pack!”

“Baby.” The tallest repeated, clearly smug as it kept Izuku wisely aloft. He let out a chuff to the other attacker, moving to leave. Izuku let out a warble of alarm, realizing they were taking him further from his alpha. But if he tried to jump now, he’d injure himself and just be easier prey for these predators.

“Yagi?” He trilled, looking into the empty cave, suddenly not caring if it wasn’t sensible to call the frailer creature back. “Yagi!”

“Baby.” The Indoraptor crooned once more, consoling as he took his new youngling that smelled like Yoichi away, to new territory and safety. “Izuku.”

Hisashi was taking watch from the den space they had come across that evening. He and Yoichi had travelled hours into this strange territory, passing forests and fields that weren’t quite like the ones he remembered.

His little one had only settled a few hours ago, thankfully learning his lesson after multiple escape attempts. While the hatchling was not quite like him or Yoichi, he’s come to realize that the agile, albeit young, Velociraptor still bears a connection to them.

He knows that he was created, that the Indoraptor was several predators in one. It made him the strongest, the best.

And though he did not believe there were others aside from him and his brother, it did not stop his instinct to form a larger pack.

His Izuku was still resilient to the idea. A few miles out after finding him, the small thing had risked falling into the underbrush to escape them. Hisashi hadn’t taken that well, expertly snapping his jaws around the smaller form while letting out a warning growl.

The tiny raptor had shrieked in protest, claws flailing, but the brother’s couldn’t risk his cries being heard, so they had to press on. When Hisashi grew tired, Izuku was passed over to Yoichi, who seemed to be able to soothe the hatchling more easily.

The little one’s hissing had gradually turned to pitiful trills, calling for Yagi and Safe nest.

He remembered Yoichi making similar calls when they’d first been separated.

When Hisashi found the cave at the base of what appeared to be a series of mountains, he’d herded his family to the back, finally releasing Izuku. The raptor immediately scurried for the back wall, and finding no give, turned himself around to try and dodge past the elders. Hisashi had patiently nudged him back, again and again, till the green reptile stopped, letting out one more distressed warble before curling against the stone wall.

He and Yoichi took turns guarding the small thing, instincts taking over as they gathered soft ferns and barrier stones to form a comfortable resting place. Hisashi knew that the next day he would need to hunt; Yoichi wasn’t as proficient a killer, and their hatchling couldn’t be left alone quite yet.

Speaking of, he tilted his head, hearing the little one scuffling in the nest. Finding no threatening scents on the wind, he silently entered once more. His brother had settled down nicely, his tail curled gently around the smaller form. Izuku, for his part, was only half heartedly trying to fight the hold, looking miserable.

Hisashi let out a soothing rumble, waiting until the younger acknowledged him before rubbing his snout against the smaller. “Safe nest, Izuku. Rest with pack.”

Izuku let out another distressed sound. “Yagi. I want pack- Yagi...”

Hisashi wasn’t sure who this was, as the velociraptor didn’t smell of any other of it’s kind. But if this other creature was standing in the way of him having his hatchling, he may need to hunt down the other predator. “Rest with pack.” He repeated, resting his head against his brother, his own body ensuring the smaller was boxed in. “Baby, safe. With pack.”

There were still things the Indoraptor was learning.

But this absolute conviction of Izuku being pack- this he understood. And what he didn’t know, he would soon learn. He would learn how to make Izuku stay, how to make him accept his new family.

Someday, they would destroy the pathetic prey that tried to hurt them; use them.

Hisashi once more nestled against the younger, deciding it would be best to rest with his pack for a few hours.

After all, the next day showed a lot of promise.

-*-*-*-*-

Final adorable sequence by Raysart:

Chapter Text

Maybe this was a bad idea.

Izuku’s large feet tread soundlessly over the dusty stone, the normally echoing passageway not even whispering under his steps. As a hobbit, he was gifted with the innate ability to move soundlessly, if he so pleased. Normally, this was a rarely called upon gift. Hobbits were not known to have need for sneaking, or scurrying, or slinking. They were beings destined for an easy, simple life.

And yet here Izuku was- not even a fully grown Hobbit- lurking in the dark on an adventure, of all things.

A noise echoed ahead of him, like a merry bell, and he froze, heart beating painfully against his weathered vest before moving forward again. He could see the dim outline of what the exit would be- according to the map the dwarves had shown him. If they were right, this would lead to the grand hall of Erebor, and from there he would begin his true search.

As a burglar.

True, he was searching for an item that had already been stolen- if Izuku thought about it, he was just returning the gem to his dwarven friends. Though how he was supposed to find ‘the Arkenstone’ was anyone’s guess.

“You’ll know it when you see it.” Shoto had assured him with the same serious expression he always wore. “It glows white with an inner light, warmth within cold rock.”

Which, when he had first begun this journey, had seemed like a very ridiculous thing to go one a quest for. One small stone, hiding somewhere within a city in the mountain?

Not to mention the dragon.

At that thought, Izuku froze, just before the entrance turned into the main hall. Scales like iron, teeth like swords, claws like spears, wings like a hurricane-

The hobbit trembled- remembering how the dwarves had described the monster that destroyed their families, their lives. Hobbits new nothing of such evils, and Izuku had met more than enough dangers on this journey to fill any curiosities he might have had. Luckily All for One, as he was known, had not been seen for well-nigh a century. Most believed him to have finally succumbed to the wounds he’d received during the battle of Dale.

And surely, if the dragon has not come out to eat or hunt, it cannot be alive? Izuku could only hope that was the case- though the traitorous ‘Shimura’ part of his hobbit nature was curious. Would he see the dragon’s skeleton? Would it have crawled off into one of the deeper mines to die peacefully?

You have a mission. The hobbit reminded himself. For your friends, you must find the stone.

Besides. He placed a hand over his breast pocket, feeling the comforting, familiar weight. I have one trick up my sleeve that’s sure to help. A dragon couldn’t eat him if it couldn’t find him, after all.

Izuku shuffled forward enough to peak out, then stumbled in awe. The passage had opened into a cavern so vast, he could not see the far wall. And trickling down the stairs, forming an ocean that drowned the entirety of the lost city, was the treasure trove of the dragon.

Gold beyond measure, silver that could fill the rivers, jewels to rival the stars. And among all this, he had to find the heart of the mountain…

Gulping, Izuku began to make his way down the steps, face set in determination.

Find the Arkenstone, return it to the Todoroki line. That’s all you have to do- then this adventure can be over.

Then I can return home.

All for One had slept for a long time.

As one of the great dracos of the north, he had been powerful, in his day. Like all creatures of darkness, he was a being consumed by greed. Not just in riches- though he held that aplenty. No, All for One had a penchant for the unique and priceless, the rarities of Middle Earth that he could horde for himself, and him alone.

When he had been wounded in the battle of Dale, it had briefly crossed his mind that his days of roaming and destruction were over. Though settling in the mines of Erebor, feasting on the Todoroki line and claiming their extravagant wealth for his own had been an acceptable consolation- he knew it could not satisfy him forever. All for One knew that in time, the world would learn to fear his name once more.

On occasion in the last century, he would meet a fool hardy creature that chose to trespass his horde. A greedy dwarf here, a foolish man there- he’d once had the pleasure of meeting a strange white orc- To ‘Mura- who had been filled with such fear and awe of him, that the creature hadn’t even thought to battle or steal his wealth. The orc promised that when the great dragon rose again, To ‘Mura would guide his league to do the draco’s bidding.

(A paltry gift, but then, there was very little such worthless creatures could give, and the orc’s unique heritage was enough to satisfy the dragon’s desire.)

Still, it did not change the fact that as worldly as All for One was, he had long resigned himself to the uninspired, the expected. He knew the sound of each coin, the ring of any falling jewel in his trove. More than that, he recognized tread of the elf, the stench of a goblin, the predictability of dwarves.

Yet, here he was, resting under his precious metals, when a smell wholly unfamiliar to him curled into the horde’s air.

He stayed perfectly still, trying to discern where the intruder had come from- for it could only be an intruder. How did I not sense them at the entrance? There were, perhaps, a handful of passages that had been too small for him to explore himself. But he had either determined them to lead to dead ends, or barricaded them with fallen stone.

All for One became further bemused when he listened for the tread of feet, and heard nothing. His gold would shift and shuffle, as it did on occasion, but nothing that determined the weight, the strength of his new prey.

This scent… like the wilds in the far west. Green pastures and younger forests- worthless, no value in such a far away space. And yet, I cannot place this scent.

More than that, he realized there was something about this stranger that was familiar. He could feel the power emanating, softly calling to him like a memory. An ancient power, something he had long thought out of his reach…

The part of All for One that craved the unique, that had for so long sat lingering in his horde with no new items to add to his collection, realized that he would need to… investigate this strange presence…

This was a bad idea.

Izuku realized very quickly how impossible the task he had been sent to was. At first, he stuck to the edges, trying to eye the glittering jewels nearby. Sapphires as big as his fist, rubies as red as tulips, and diamonds that weighed more than his books at home. And still, clearly none were the heart of the mountain that had been described to him. So he traversed further in, hobbit feet light on the mass of shifting metals. It was surreal, to walk over the riches that formed like hills within the abandoned city.

The further he ventured, the more beautiful and amazing the horde became. Intricate necklaces, chain mail that was made of the lightest metals, chests overflowing with coins. But still, no stone.

How long should I search? Izuku made sure to keep quiet- ever aware that at one point, these halls were not empty. Should I go back and ask where would be the best place to look? What if it’s sunk to the bottom of this horde? What if-

Wait, did that gold shift just now? Glancing up, he saw several small pieces from the horde trickle down from the shelf they had formed, puddling beneath-

Beneath an eye.

At once, the hobbit froze. The eye (easily the size of his head) stayed closed, but was very clearly draconian. It’s scales were a muddled white, scars crossing over the ridge of it’s brow. Izuku’s heart started to pound in his ears. Maybe it’s dead- maybe I shifted the pile, and it just revealed it’s corpse? Hesitantly, he took a step back-

Several feet away, gold burst out of the pile as if shot, revealing a large snout taking in a long draw of air. The dragon is alive. Izuku thought, panicked. It was breathing, it was scenting him.

The dragon knows I’m here.

The eye began to open, and Izuku didn’t hesitate to throw himself lower down the pile, hiding behind one crest comprised of several lovely silver and gold goblets. The room tinged red where the eye appeared to scan, and Izuku made sure to keep to the pile’s shadow. Coins jingled as they fell and were displaced, and Izuku belatedly realized the dragon was moving towards him.

With only a moment of hesitation, he answered the call of his hidden charm, the ring he had discovered on his quest in the Mustafu Mountains. He’d no sooner placed the ring on, feeling the warm and assuring power of One for All as the world turned into a swirling blend of moving colors, when fangs and scales moved slowly above him, eyes passing over his now invisible location.

“Well… thief.” A deep, rumbling voice echoed around him, leaving the hobbit trembling. “It hasss been a long time since someone dared enter my hoard…”

The dragon could talk. Izuku heard the dings and clangs of more falling metal, and looked over beyond several pillars, seeing one hill of gold fall away at the movement of a white, scaled tail.

H-how big is he?! They’d described the dragon, but surely this, this was too much!

“I hear your breath, I feel your air.” All for One’s voice was sly with amusement. It seemed to know even without seeing Izuku that he was near, and it was only a matter of time. The giant head swiveled around, doubling back towards his location. The face was a mass of scars, scales no longer growing in patches across the form, but the red eyes still pierced where they landed. His maw came mere feet from Izuku. “Where are you- where are you?”

Izuku, even with the comforting warmth of One for All, couldn’t help but panic. He was a hobbit, and this- this was not what he signed up for.

Taking a chance, he bolted down the hill of riches, hardened feet paying no mind to the sharp rocks and possessions. The dragon head turned to follow the small fall of shimmering treasures, it’s terrifying visage only growing more fascinated. “Hmm, there isss something about you. Something you carry…”

Izuku stumbled, letting out a yelp as he began to tumble further down the golden slope, missing the stairs that would have taken him to the secret passage. Barely righting himself, he saw a giant claw land right on the platform, blocking his escape.

“Sssomething made of gold, something of old…”

Chest heaving, the hobbit threw himself under the stairwell alcove, cornered as the large head settled next to the opening, red eye glowing, knowing he was there without seeing. “I recognize this power,” The predator’s voice echoed distressingly loud in the confined space. “Show yourself, trespasser. Reveal what it isss you carry.” The eye left briefly, a snout full of sharp fangs pressing against the space, breaths like a furnace. “Come now, don’t be ssshy. Show me the treasure you brought- something special, coveted, preciousss.”

At his words, Izuku felt the power of One for All flicker, shifting as if the ring itself was suddenly panicked. Izuku fought against the feeling, but couldn’t tamper down the panic. The power was now ringing all around him, alarmed and desperate to escape- but there was nowhere to run! Izuku couldn’t take the voices that seemed to ring around him, he couldn’t-

“There you are.”

Sucking in a breath, Izuku looked up to the eye that seemed to radiate heat, watching as the pupil dilated, focusing on him. Feeling faint, he looked down to his hands- he had instinctively removed the ring to escape it’s panicked reaction. Alarmed gaze looking back to the dragon, he could only shrink against the old stone of the pillar. This was it- he was doomed.

“Such a sssmall thief in the shadows.” The dragon crooned, knowing full well he had cornered his prey. “Won’t you step into the light?”

Oh, oh this was bad. This was very, very bad. “H-hello sire.” Izuku managed to spit out, his manners automatic even in this imminent moment of death. “I, I didn’t come to steal!”

All for One only seemed more amused, though his eyes narrowed in calculation. “A lurking little thing like you, not here to steal?”

“I…” Not knowing where he found the courage, Izuku stepped forward, out of the faux safety of the alcove. “I came to see if, if the tales of the great dragon All for One were true. About your power and wealth… I did not believe them.” I thoroughly underestimated them.

All for One grinned, backing up to allow his form to arch to it’s full height in the echoing caverns. “And do you now?”

The hobbit trembled, itching to put on the ring once more, but terrified to move. “They, they fell short of your enormity. Truly, there can be no dragon more stupendous than All for One.”

The dragon chuffed, red eyes gleaming. “Do you think flattery will keep you alive?”

“No.” Yes, I’m really hoping yes. “No.” Izuku insisted.

“Hmm.” All for One began to crawl over his hoard, enormous claws sinking into the ancient trove. “You seem familiar with my name, but I don’t remember smelling your kind before.” The head snaked forward, stalking Izuku’s retreating steps. “Who are you, and where do you come from, may I ask?”

 Izuku, not used to such dangerous adventures as this, thought briefly of his homeland, where his mother was waiting, all the other hobbits unawares of such terrible things like All for One. Surely, if there was one thing Izuku must do, it was protect them. “I- I’m no one.” He thought briefly back to a childhood taunt, the memory still stinging. “A, a Deku, if you must know.”

“A Deku?” All for One truly looked entertained now, head swiveling to get a better view of its prey. “A strange title for something so clever as to sneak into my hoard.” It sniffed the air again, eyes narrowing. “And is it the dwarves that asked such a small Deku to come challenge me?”

“D-dwarves?” Izuku fought against his panic- thinking of the troupe waiting patiently outside of the secret entrance. “You are mistaken, All for One- chiefest and greatest of calamities.” He tacked on the last part, hoping to divert attention.

The dragon let out a rumble like a purr, nodding it’s head. “You have nice manners.” The red eyes narrowed at him warningly. “For a thief and a liar.”

“I’m-” Izuku backed up, only to feel warm scales rather than cold stone. Gasping, he recoiled away, turning to see that the beast’s tail had skimmed just above the metals, moving silently enough that he had taken no notice. Biting his lip, he looked back to the dragon, trembling. “It’s just me, alone.”

“Oh I don’t think so, little Deku.” The tail drew Izuku closer, and the hobbit scrambled to stay upright, ending up clinging to the dangerous form. “I well know the taste and smell of dwarf. I can even guess that the cowards tricked their strange young friend into doing their dirty work, while they skulk about outside.”

“They’re not cowards!” Izuku defended, not knowing where he found the courage. “They’ve come to reclaim what was theirs in the first place- before you stole it!”

“Ah, and that’s what you were promised, was it not? A share of my treasure?” Izuku, who had opted to try and climb over the tail, yelped when large claws curled around his form, plucking him several stories up in a matter of moments. “You are being used, thief in the shadows.”

Izuku winced, scrambling against the claws. He thought back to when he first found One for All, when he had rushed to be reunited with the dwarves, hearing their rebukes.

“He’s thought of nothing but his soft bed and his warm hearth since he stepped out of his door!”

“No.” Izuku managed to turn himself enough to glare. “They asked for my help, and I agreed because you took their home- they can’t return to their books and blankets and good food as I can, but I’m going to help them so they can feel that safety once more!”

A sound like the crackle of thunder burst through the cavern, shaking the walls, and Izuku belatedly realized the killer was laughing at him. “That scum lost their chance at such comforts the day I beheld Erebor. A Deku indeed; how can one so small imagine accomplishing such a task?”

Izuku, despite, himself, felt tears rising. This had been a terrible idea. He should have argued with the dwarves, tried to think of another strategy- but he simply couldn’t imagine that All for One was still alive, after all this time! Now they may never achieve their dreams, their hopes…

The dragon tilted it’s head, crooning as it observed him. “A lesser being would mourn for their own plight, Deku. Yet that’s not what you cry for, is it?”

Embarrassed, the young hobbit felt there was nothing left to lose in asking. “W-what would it take, for you to give them back their home?”

The dragon blinked at him, surprised by such a bold question. “I have achieved a horde few others can boast- and you dare to think I would give it back to the unworthy?”

Well, I’m certain to die anyway. “You are All for One- the greatest of all the dragon’s of the north.” Izuku pressed his sincerity, determined to be understood. “But you’ve sat upon this pile of gold for well neigh a century- you created nothing new, added no value to your horde, it simply is. And surely a draco such as yourself would want something new? To seek something unique, and exceptional?” Izuku feared for who he may unleash the monster on, but one problem at a time. “S-so with how boring it must have become to keep this horde, what would it take for you to give them back their home?”

For once, All for One seemed speechless. Izuku hoped it was a good thing, but only felt his stomach drop when a fanged smile crawled over the predator’s face. “A very clever Deku you are. What would it take? Why, for you to ask it of me.”

The hobbit blinked. “W-what?”

“Ask me to leave my horde for the filthy dwarves.” The draco continued, almost blissful.

“A-All for One.” Izuku gulped, trying to keep his voice steady. “The most magnificent of dragons; will you leave the halls or Erebor- let the dwarves reclaim their homeland, please?”

“Hmm.” Red eyes blinked in satisfaction. “Yes. I shall, little Deku. You’ve inspired me.”

What. “I’m… very happy for you.” Izuku squirmed slightly, only for the claws to hold him more carefully. “Well, now that that’s all said and done, I will go out and let the world know of your decision-”

“I think not.”

Izuku froze, looking back to the pleased dragon fearfully. “B-but you said-”

“That the dwarves can have their filthy cave.” Raising Izuku carefully, he slithered away from the guarded treasure, towards the exit. “And I shall seek a hoard even greater than my first, with only the most unique of things within it; starting with you, little Deku.”

“What!” Izuku immediately started to fight the hold, fear growing ever stronger as they passed the dusty halls, the cold wind coming from the outside tickling his curling hair. “No! I-I’m not a treasure, put me down!”

“Nonsense.” All for One’s head stretched into the moonlight, for the first time in a century. “A strange creature, sickeningly good at heart but bearing one of the most powerful weapons of our era? That is a prize no other creature will match. I know of an orc in the Kamino Mountains; he will make way for me, and I will plunder the lands as never before.”

The dragon’s wings extended out, and Izuku faintly thought he heard the call of Shoto before they rose into the night sky. Belatedly, he wondered if he could still use One for All to get out of this impossible situation. Fearful, he could only curl against the warm claws, the biting wind brushing away his tears before they could fall.

“Do not fret, little Deku.” All for One rumbled from ahead, red eyes still gleaming in the night as his wings beat powerfully against the air. “I will see to it that you have your books, your blankets, and your good food. For the crowning treasure of my new hoard, I will obtain anything.”

Chapter Text

“Boo.”

“AAAGH!” Yoichi fell off the side of his bed, claws flailing as he was caught by surprise. Groaning, the green-eyed monster glared over the bed at his snickering brother. “That wasn’t funny, Hisashi.”

Hisashi, ten years to his brother’s five, gave him a sharp toothed grin. “You can’t work on a scare floor if you’re afraid yourself, little brother.” The pale monster raised his talons, the spikes along his back flaring. “Those baby humans will come at you with their pudgy fingers, and you’ll be all ‘ahh! Ahh! Leave me alone!’”

“No I won’t!” The younger brother protested, crossing his scaled arms defensively. “I- I was just surprised is all.” Despite his protests, the watery green eyes still met his brother’s gleeful red in determination. “I’m not afraid of you.”

Hisashi’s grin widened. “Yeah? Well maybe you should be!” With a roar that cracked at the end, he launched at his brother, tackling him to the ground and tickling his sides. Yoichi shrieked, his screams turning to giggles.

By the end, both were laughing, laying on the floor of their room and looking towards the ceiling of their foster home.

“Just you wait, Yoichi.” Hisashi raised his claws towards the ceiling playing with the light as it danced through their window. “I’m gonna get us out of here, become the number one scarer, and make us rich! And you can even be my assistant for my scare roster.”

Yoichi snorted, tucking himself against his older brother’s side. “That’s dumb- I want us to both be number one scarers. Then we can always work together, and be the best there is.”

“We can’t both be number one.” Hisashi rolled his eyes- the folly of five-year-olds. “I’m oldest, so I’m number one.”

“Well I’ll be the best scarer before you, and that will make me number one!”

The elder Shigaraki waved his talons, dismissing the idea. “Fine, we’ll be the best together- for all of time, no one will ever be greater monsters than us!”

But instead of being the best together, Yoichi got sick. A cough that grew worse. Then worse.

Then worse.

No one wanted to foster a sick monster, but Hisashi refused to be separated from him. Once he outgrew the system, he immediately took custody, scraping by just to support his last remaining family.

Hisashi took night classes, working twice as hard as any of the other students to earn his Scare Degree. But Yoichi grew worse.

He graduated with honors, entering directly onto the biggest scare floor in Monstropolis as a scarer rather than assistant. But Yoichi grew worse.

Less than a month after becoming their top employee, Hisashi became the last living Shigaraki.

He refused to be consumed by grief- instead he threw himself into his craft. He learned how to linger in the shadows, building fear in the hearts of small humans. His scream cannisters became some of the purest energy ever harvested. He’d crawl into their rooms, let his talons curl up over the edge of their bed, then spring forward, jaws snapping inches from the child’s head.

Shigaraki grew a new name for himself- All for One.

The CDA approached him, saying that his stalking tactics were the best of his generation- and they needed a new scout for future doors. Hisashi grew more powerful each year- his celebrity status as a top scarer combined with the favors and networking he was able to do behind the scenes in the CDA making him virtually untouchable. In scouting out the future doors for new screamers, he found out many secrets, many things he learned to trade both within his world, and on the other side.

Five years after his brother’s death, Hisashi meets Midoriya Izuku.

He’s scouting a new apartment complex in the Mustafu district of Japan, the doors having just been completed. The first several doors he tries lead to the boring, nondescript bedrooms of adults and children too old to scare. The ninth, though, opens to a promising display of superhero memorabilia. He creeps in, glowing red eyes scanning for the signs he needs- there, crayon drawings taped haphazardly near a short desk- a yochien uniform hanging on clothing hooks. There was even a space themed nightlight near an outlet next to the bedroom door.

He exits the closet fully, slinking along the back wall as he examines the type of toys and furniture in the child’s room. Bright colors- imaginative. Nothing overtly violent- sheltered. From what he can surmise of the age range, this would be the perfect candidate for the next roster set up. All he needed was a photo and name to add to the folder-

Hisashi had turned towards the bed, intending to take a quick snapshot of the sleeping child for his paperwork, only to find that the child was not sleeping at all.

They were tiny- no older than five, if Hisashi had to wager. A little human boy, with a frazzled head of hair that looked closer to a monster’s fur than the normally smooth textures he associated with his human region. He was pale, shaking, and clinging to his superhero quilt like a lifeline.

But his eyes- that was where Shigaraki froze. Wide, green and glassy with tears- while the rest of his body shook in fright, those eyes glinted with a familiar determination.

Protocol would have Hisashi leave, now. The subject was deemed viable, and a description would work until a Scarer got a photo on the job. But he couldn’t look away from those green eyes. Instead, he crawled out of the shadows, slow and careful, watching the young one’s every move. His fascination only grew as he lessened the space between them- feet becoming inches, until he could feel the tiny puffs of terrified breath coming from that feeble body.

Hisashi tilted his head, watching a tear fall from one of the eyes. Monsters were not supposed to speak with the children, monsters were not supposed to do anything other than collect energy, and yet- “Why do you not scream, little one? Aren’t you afraid?”

The small boy gulped, trembling, but the determined glint remained the same. He opened his mouth, closed it, opened it once more. “I’m not afraid of you.”

His expression, and those words that came out in such a nervous squeak, threw the monster back to a time almost forgotten. It prickled at his cold heart, setting alight something he’d thought dead.

“Oh?” He rumbled out, letting a smile curve onto his face that would show his teeth flashing under the nightlight. “Is it because hero’s are brave, little one? Are you trying to be a hero?”

The boy blinked, another tear falling as he whimpered, barely managing to nod a yes.

“Then you should know, child.” The monster reared back, his shadow growing along the wall as he raised his sharp claws. “I eat heroes!” He lunged forward, stopping just short of the boy.

Of course, the child screamed. Long and loud and terrified. Hisashi was gone in a flash, his door shutting just as the boy’s parent’s opened the other. Chuckling to himself, Hisashi looked to the brimming cannister, excited to test the energy later. Glancing down, he stared at the picture he had snapped while the boy had listened to him, enraptured. The green eyes were almost glowing under the darkened light, large and teary.

That should have been the end of it- he would send the file off to one of the many scare floors, the door would be assigned out, and he would continue on with his many assignments.

But instead, he tucked the photo into his own jacket, labeling the subject’s folder as ‘Unfeasible’ so it would be dismissed. Taking note of the door’s number, he sent a separate text to his man down in operations, calling for the door to be sent to one of the far ‘Observation’ cells, and to skip the paperwork as to it’s placement and why it was there.

All for One wasn’t sure at first why he did it- he was breaking several protocols, three of them enough to get him fired without mediation. But once he finished a long day of work, quietly taking the back halls to where the door was now stationed, he felt a thrill of longing to see those familiar green eyes.

At first, he simply goes in and out once in awhile like he would any other room. He quickly learns the ticks of his new child- this Midoriya Izuku. The boy is five years old, and loves heroes. So Hisashi plays the most perfect villain just for him- creeping silently into the room, only allowing the door to creak once he’s in. The boy will sit up, breathes quickening and perfect green eyes scanning the shadows of his room, clutching whatever’s in his arms all the more tightly. He’ll call out to the child, a whispered croon that rumbles and hisses from different places. Finally, Hisashi will leap from the shadows he had chosen that evening, stopping just short from touching the boy, grin widening all the greater when he’s rewarded by that beautiful scream.

He pulls back from his normal Scarer duties, and the officials in the CDA reach out to him, wanting to make sure all is well with their top performer. He hems and haws to his work team how he’s considering retirement, perhaps a vacation. They come to a mutual agreement to only do scare floor work as a mentoring position for struggling employees, and move his scouting obligations to part time.

In place of those work hours, he begins to visit Izuku every night, again and again.

Sometimes he sneaks in silently, not alerting the child at all to his presence. Those nights are some of his favorites- because he will watch how earnestly the little one stares down his closet, until his blinks grow long and his head too heavy, and he droops back onto his bed. Hisashi waits until the fretful whimpers peeter out, his breathes evening, before he comes closer and tucks the covers around the fragile form. Leaving with the boy none the wiser.

The boy has only been missing from his bed a handful of times. The first time, Hisashi had idled almost into the morning hours, growing both irritated and fretful at the same time. Was the boy hurt? Had he gone to bed with his parents? How dare he make All for One wait, make a fool of the world’s greatest monster!

The next night, he plays up his role, emphasizing every creak and shift within the room. Instead of Izuku cowering as he has in the past, the boy stares with a new flair of anger at every teasing sound. Finally, Hisashi pulls out of the shadows, curious to what brought this change in his little human. He gives his best monstrous grin, watching his favorite child flinch before hardening. “Izuku~, what has made my hero so brave, this evening?”

Lip trembling, Izuku puffed himself up, only looking more adorable despite the tears. “K-Kaachan says you can’t be real! You’re all in my head, and if I just imagine hard enough, you’ll go away!”

Shigaraki barked out a laugh, despite himself. He paused, acting contemplative while listening for any sound of his parents approaching. “I’m not real? What a thing to say!” He loomed over the child, letting his claws glint in the moonlight. “What makes me so unreal, Izuku?”

The boy’s fear was so deliciously tantalizing. The wavering green eyes suddenly shut, scrunched up tight as he curled into himself. “You’re not real- I’m just dreaming!” His tiny fists clenched close to his sides, his voice earnest. “You’re not real, you’re not real, you’re not real!”

While part of him was stirred by ire, All for One almost admired his little hero’s determination. “Izuku~.” He crooned, grinning as he leaned closer to the child who still had his eyes closed. He watched as the boy’s eyes moved rapidly under his eyelids, his hair ruffling from the monster’s breath. “If I’m not real…” Izuku’s eyes startled open as large claws grazed against his face, cupping the head so he would look right into the glowing red eyes, “then you’d better wake up.”

Izuku screamed once more, his tiny fingers trying to pull at the wrists holding him. Hisashi held on, kept holding on, not wanting to give up the new feeling of soft skin and hair. It was only once he saw the knob of the door begin to turn that he raced to the closet, closing the door a touch too late.

On the other side of the portal, Hisashi sat alone in his observation room, staring at his hands.

CDA made it clear that children were toxic- it was a farce, of course, but the rule was there to help ingrain the notion that no monster should ever touch a child. And Hisashi had never bothered- had never wanted to break the rule before. But Izuku’s chant of him not existing, trying to prove that Hisashi wasn’t there- it played at a fear All for One didn’t even know he had.

And it made him realize something else, too.

He recognized it when he watched little monsters go to school, when he saw parents play scare with their children. He recognized it when he begins to stay longer- well past the cannister filling with Izuku’s screams. Oh, he still played the nasty villain, still teasing and frightening until his boy’s eyes shined warningly. He’d turned it into a game- he frightens Izuku, then promises he’ll leave if his human answers a question. Does he have any friends? Who is his favorite hero? Do his parents believe him when he tells them about the monster in his closet? A casual swipe of his sharp claw over the boy’s arm, the snap of his teeth too-close to the stubby ear, and Midoriya answers as best he can between gasps of shaky breath.

All for One tells Izuku things, too. He tells him his name, that if he tells anyone else about his monster, then Hisashi will have to eat him for real, won’t he? The monster tells him how much his eyes remind him of his little brother, how he’s not so bad, for a tiny human. He even tells the young one that if he doesn’t want Hisashi to scare him, then he just has to be nice and quiet when he visits, and he’ll be nicer, he promises.

Shigaraki has become obsessed, he knows this. He knows he needs to leave the human alone, to stop torturing himself with the vague memory of his brother when they were younger. But he can’t.

He can’t- and he won’t.

Three months after their first meeting, Hisashi slinks into the room once again. He gives the room a cursory glance, but other than that, does not play at subtlety like he once did. Instead his red eyes catch sight of his quarry, and in delight he moves across the room. The pictures on the wall have been gradually replaced for heroes to pictures of him and his little human- his form all the more monstruous in the simplicity of the child’s ability. There’s more lights, too, as if that would help. Izuku does not sit up, rather curling tight into himself, dark rims under his closed as Hisashi comes to his bedside.

“Hello, Izuku.” The boy turns away when Hisashi runs his claws through the bushy curls, so he pulls back. “Not up for a game of hero and villain tonight?”

“G’way.” Izuku tries to pull the covers over himself, but a clawed hand catches the tiny one, holding it still.

“Oh my- you must not be getting very good sleep, to be so fussy with me now.” He let out a warning hiss, for effect more than anything. “Look at me, Izuku.”

Those green eyes open, more tearful than they had been in weeks. Something was wrong, though. Hisashi could sense it. The boy wasn’t just trying to avoid him- something had happened, something that had renewed his fear.

“Oh, little hero.” Hisashi let his toothy grin fall away, gaze turning cold. “What did you do?”

“I…” The child faltered, but Hisashi had learned to be patient, to let his human grow anxious before blurting out his words. “I want you to leave.”

The monster frowned, eyes narrowing. “Do you?”

Nodding, the green eyes looked at him once more, determination shining through the fear. “I w-want you to leave, and never come back.”

At that, Hisashi smiled again. Though it was anything but happy. “I should leave?”

“And never,” Izuku hiccuped a breath, staring down his monster. “Never come back.”

“Hmm…” Hisashi picked up the blankets he had denied Izuku, now tucking him in carefully, relishing how the fear in his child grew. “I don’t think so.” Once the boy was tucked in, he held down the covers, leaning in close while Izuku had no way to place a barrier between them. “In fact, I will keep coming back, again and again.”

Something must have happened, because instead of breaking down as he had done in the past, Izuku managed to keep his composer, his voice coming out in a tired squeak. “T-Then what if I leave, instead?

“You’ll leave?” Yoichi flashed through the monster’s eye, and he gripped the child through the blankets. “If you try to leave me, young one, then I suppose I’ll just have to drag you back through the closet with me when I go home.” Even as he spoke it, his voice coming out an angry growl, he realized how much the idea had been toying quietly in the back of his mind. “I have some very interesting friends, and they’d love to find a way to make my little hero into a monster, so he can never. Go. Home.” Hisashi punctuated the final words with a squeeze against the child’s shoulders, quieting only when he saw the fight leave his human. “But I don’t think that’s something we need to do, Izuku.” Not yet.

The poor thing broke down in tears, likely relieved. Hisashi let his form curl around the bed, keeping Izuku tucked close. He leaned down, planting a soft kiss over the human’s forehead, then continued to stroke his hair. “Go to sleep, Izuku. There’s no monster scarier than me, and I don’t feel like frightening you further tonight.”

Despite himself, the little boy did eventually drift, lulled by the warm surroundings and rhythmic motions of Hisashi’s hands. He silently lifted himself from the bed, satisfied as he exited the room.

When he entered the observation chamber, he was immediately tackled. A Child Detection Agency representative stood over him as he hissed and roared, unmoved.

The CDA had begun to suspect him, due to the erratic behavior. They were worried about stolen profits and trade secrets; and were horrified to realize the truth.

Intentionally mislabeling information, abusing authority to gain additional access, engaging and interacting with an unapproved roster.

Decades, if not life, they told him. Izuku Midoriya was now to be relabeled as highly toxic, all contact portals associated to him to be removed to prevent further risk. Hisashi watched, surprised by his own fearful tears, as they shredded the door that had connected him to his human.

Tartarus, the CDA agreed. Only the worst of monsters were sent there- the ones that Monstropolis tried to keep under wraps. Human eaters, traffickers, black markets for unregulated energy, portal experimentation. And now, the greatest Scarer alive, for abusing his access to the human realms.

All for One wasted in that prison for years. Once the sensation of his scandal faded, he was all but forgotten. There were no friends, no family to remember him. All for One was alone.

Or at least, he should have been.

But every day, every night, he thought of his little one. Did Izuku still sit in bed, green eyes staring down the closet, waiting for him to come through? Did he grow cold without someone to pull the covers over his figure? Did he grow brave? Would he be taller, when Hisashi saw him again?

He remembered his final conversation with Midoriya. He thought about it constantly- how if he had acted sooner, he would have had his own little monster to come home to, his own family to love. It was a mistake to leave him in the human realm, and he was suffering the consequences now.

But he wouldn’t always.

After careful, careful work, of growing strength, and allies, and favors- of fights that left his face scarred, his scales dulled and claws more deadly than ever, a break out occurred in Tartarus. Several inmates went missing, or couldn’t be recovered in the aftermath.

Meanwhile, All for One met up with his old friend Garaki once more- the man who had done the bidding of his greatest benefactor, and had painstakingly put a previously shredded child’s door back together.

He had to wait- and after years of rotting away in Tartarus, All for One didn’t want to wait any longer, but he did. Till the bright sun peaking through the boy’s door cooled to night. He listened as a heavier tread moved about the room, muttered to himself while he did homework. The squeaky tone had grown deeper, after ten years. But even through the barrier of the portal, Hisashi could hear his child.

Finally, it was late enough. And this time, there would be no mistakes.

He opened the door, waiting until he was tucked into the shadows to let it creak shut. Gone are the crayon drawings and toys, replaced with shelves of books and games. A laptop sits on a taller desk, still showing a blue light across the room that is otherwise dark. While the hero memorabilia is still there, it’s interspersed with newer interests- things leaning towards sci-fi and fantasy.

He takes it all in, categorizing the changes his little one has gone through while he was away. Once satisfied, he prepares himself, knowing this reunion was a long time coming. He whispers out the young one’s name with a quiet hiss, letting it linger in the air before repeating himself once more. Hisashi sees the moment Midoriya hears him, freezing before sitting up in disbelief.

He had grown- his ears and freckles more pronounced, his hair longer and more wild. Shigaraki imagines what it will feel like to pet that hair once again, to hold him close, to watch him shiver under the trailing of his claws. The roundness of his features that Hisashi had so admired was on it’s way out, showing shadows of the man he would eventually become. The changes- the things he missed while being away- are hard to accept. But those widening green eyes turn right to the corner he had tucked himself into, and it settles an ache of longing All for One hadn’t realized.

The monster slides into view, the computer’s light catching his grin widening in anticipation, red eyes glowing.

“Boo.”

Chapter Text

“Run, my boy!”

Izuku needed no further encouragement, dashing down the street with his chest heaving against the cube protectively clutched in his embrace.

He didn’t know how this had all happened- in less than a week finding out the old car he’d been fixing was actually a cybertronic alien scout, to now running for his life against a different cybertronic alien that apparently wanted nothing more than to destroy the Earth- starting with Kamino Ward.

“All for One is approaching, open fire!”

Hearing the military command, Izuku ducked quickly into an abandoned building, listening as gunfire rained out. The structure shook, and he curled into himself, trying to drown out the noise as screams of pain broke out and metal bodies collided.

I am in way over my head! He thought, panicking. What am I even doing?! If they can’t contain All for One, the fight will break out into other prefectures- they could attack Mustafu, mom!! Why did I agree to help when I’m just a useless human kid!?

In his hands, he felt a warm pulse, a thrum of comfort answering his spiraling thoughts.

Blinking, Izuku realized how fast he was breathing, slowing down to match the whirs of power coming from the cube.

The One for All Spark; the key to protecting All Might’s Autobots, and possibly saving their home on Cybertron.

All Might, the last Prime of his people, had entrusted the spark to Izuku. He had asked the human to protect it from All for One. And if Izuku failed, if the Decepticon managed to claim it and unleash it’s infinite power…

The cube gave a faint flutter, the sentient technology sending out a wave of its own worry.

“It’s okay.” Izuku found himself saying, petting a grime coated hand over the mysterious metal, feeling it hum as it followed the warmth of his skin over the surface. “I promised All Might that I would protect you, and help save your world.” Flinching as the building shook, he stood despite the sounds of gunfire escalating, searching for a way towards the roof. “I can’t do much, but I can do this- I’ll protect you, I promise.”

Even as he said the words, a loud BOOM sounded from outside, glass breaking in the windows as something large dropped onto the streets. Paling, Izuku looked over his shoulder- clutching the spark tighter and running when he took in the ominous black and white cybertronian that had landed.

All for One had found them.

Rushing for the back hallway, Izuku vaulted up the stairs, dodging terrified civilians as he moved towards the far side of the building- he could see part of the wall had been destroyed, but with it an opening to the fire escape.

From behind him, he heard a dangerous rumbling voice, sharp with violence. “You cannot out run your fate- give me the cube, boy!”

Gripping the thrumming alien tech in one hand, he pulled himself out and up as fast as he could, his feet pounding the jarring steps. The building rumbled, more screams coming from within. Izuku had no doubt that the Decepticon was tracking the cube’s movements, and would attempt an interception. “C’mon, c’mon…” He wheezed the words out, counting down each flight as the rooftop drew closer.

All for One shouldn’t have found him this soon- the Autobots had planned to intercept and stop him; Izuku was simply the back up plan to prevent the cube from being left unprotected. Had the Decepticon hurt All Might? Midoriya knew the others were engaging with LOV units- Kaachan, Uravity and Red Riot were tough, he’d seen the autobots in action- but it had to be taking a lot to hold their own, if Lemillion hadn’t reached their position yet.

Pulling himself over the edge of the rooftop, he collapsed on the other side, sparing a few moments to gasp for breath. The gunfire had not stopped, and he could hear the explosions from jet fire and the cutting blades of a helicopter somewhere nearby.

“Hang on, Izuku!”

Shocked, he looked across the roof to where the booming yell had come from, seeing All Might battling the decepticon Tomura several streets down. That’s how All for One slipped by. By the looks of things, All Might was attempting to get through and come help Izuku; but there was no guarantee he would make it in time.

I have to keep moving. Staggering up, the high schooler moved to cross the rooftop- seeing the neighboring area was close enough to leap. From there, he and the cube would have to find another way down, but he couldn’t risk staying until the Autobot arrived.

Chest aching from exertion, he didn’t even make it part way before the roof burst up from underneath him, sending him backwards.

Letting out a yell, horror filled him as he watched giant servos clutch at the rooftop, pulling the massive Decepticon up and out of the building.

Looking around frantically, Midoriya spotted one of the statues that decorated each corner of the structure, limping for the closest cover he’d have. Moving to place the stone between him and the alien warlord, he had to hold back another scream as his foot balanced on the edge of a drop more than ten stories.

The One for All Spark hummed worriedly, and Izuku tried to give it a reassuring squeeze.

“What fragile dwellings you creatures rely on.” All for One’s voice was dripping with disdain, red optics scanning the rooftop until he connected with the half-hidden form. “Foolish.” He murmured, almost to himself. “Tell me, is it fear or courage that compels you, fleshling?”

Izuku didn’t answer, glancing between the struggling All Might in the distance, the decepticon prowling closer, and the ground far below. What can I do? He thought desperately. What can I do?!

The faceplates on the terrifying being raised in a simile of a smile, arm extending mockingly. “And to think, All Might saw fit to use you as protection for our people’s greatest legacy.”

Izuku tried to shy away, letting out an aborted cry as his foot slipped, his one free hand scrambling for purchase against the building’s edge. In the distance, he could hear All Might approaching, trying against the clock to save him.

What was Izuku supposed to do against an all-powerful warlord from the stars?!

All for One laughed at his predicament, amused. “I am not without mercy, human. Give me the One for All Spark, and you may live to be my pet.”

Izuku could feel the cube shudder, letting out a thin quailing hum. It knew that Izuku didn’t have much of a chance, either. That he would be better off giving in to the Decepticon’s commands. Closing his eyes, he tried to send calm through his connection to the ancient power, steadying himself. “Never.” He grit out, voice trembling as he looked back to the killer, glaring defiantly. “I am never giving you the One for All Spark!”

“Oh…” All for One purred, mechanics whirring as he withdrew the colossal arm, raising it with intent. “So unwise.”

Izuku shouted, helpless to do anything as the villain slammed his transformed arm down, breaking the building from beneath Izuku. Screaming, he fell back, the statue falling over him and knocking him around as he plummeted back towards the streets.

This can’t be it! He thought, letting out a yell as more shrapnel from exploding buildings hit against him. Beyond the pain and fear, he could sense the frantic humming of the spark, pulsing in his still clinging hands. I have to protect the spark- He clenched his teeth against the pain, the ground rising to meet him. I have to!

“Izuku!”

He let out another cry as giant metal fingers appeared, catching him carefully within the destruction. Midoriya was pulled up against the familiarly painted red and blue chest, piercing blue eyes glowing down on him. “I have you now, my boy! Hold on to the cube!”

Weakly, Izuku did as the Prime bot ordered, debris clanging and panging against the servos acting as his shield. All Might landed jarringly against the ground, Izuku weakly grunting at being jostled. In his hands, he could feel the spark pulse frantically, as if trying to communicate something.

Blinking against the dust and grime, Izuku turned to look out of the hand encasing him. The street was destroyed by their impact, and even as All Might rose, the ground shook once again with All for One and Tomura landing before him.

Zu… Izu…

“Not so fast, Prime.” All for One’s voice rang out, swimming through Izuku’s ears like a distorted noise. He could see the Decepticon stand to his full height, ignoring the frantic bodies of remaining pedestrians as he strode forward.

“Enough of this, All for One!” Izuku listened to the heartening voice of All Might over his head, the servos curling protectively as the space grew darker around him.

Izuku… protect…

That noise… voice? It seemed to be coming from the One for All Spark. Turning away from the threat, Izuku looked down at the cube, now taking on a strange green glow coming from a tiny crack. All Might is here, we’ll protect you... He tried to pet it, to reassure it as before, but was confused as the motion left a streak of red.

In fact, there was a lot of red.

Giving a slow blink, he finally connected the pain he was feeling to the growing patches of blood, covering his body. The shrapnel, I got hit more than I realized… He heard the cybertonians yelling at one another, feeling himself being jostled, but it was hard to connect to the world, now. It’s okay. He soothed the cube once again, eyes falling shut as he grew tired, fingers losing their grip as the light seemed to push against the crack, fighting to connect to his fingers. I’ll protect you…

Protect… Izuku…

Will…

Protect…

I Z U K U

All for One was sick of this miserable place. Centuries trapped on a dirty, ignorant planet filled with squishy little fleshlings that only seemed to know how to scream or flail. He was infuriated that the Autobots had managed to track down the One for All Spark as well, making a mission in need of completion be dragged out even longer.

“Give me the cube, and I will stay the hands of my decepticons from taking any more of your soldier’s lives.” The villain’s faceplates slanted sharply in a mean smile. “What’s left of them, at any rate.”

“Never!” All Might growled at him, clutching the earthling defensively against his chest. “The spark is meant to create, not destroy as you would have it do!”

All for One scoffed, crushing an earthling that strayed too close. “You would claim to use the cube to give life,” he glanced back to the servos hiding his prize, chuckling darkly. “But it seems all you have done with the Spark is take life away.”

Frowning, the Prime followed his gaze, optics widening in horror as he opened his hand to see the true damage that had been wrought against the boy in his care. The human, now limp and pale, still clutched the cube, which had begun to cast a steady glow. “No…” The autobot ex-vented, horrified. “Izuku? Midoriya, my boy!”

“A shame.” The decepticon drawled. “Despite it’s youth, it was clearly one of the few fleshings to stand against me.” He recalled the small, fierce green eyes that looked up at him, terrified but determined. “You claim to protect this pathetic species, yet all you have done is ensure their destruction.”

The Prime’s expression was distraught, but All for One could see the moment he registered the killer’s words, rage tightening his faceplates. “You…” His free hand began to transform, signaling another offensive strike. “You would mock this child whom our Spark chose; who so willingly sought to help our people when there was no obligation!” The Autobot’s body began to shift, and All for One’s eyes lit at the display of lethal transformation; a form All Might had not taken since their final battle on Cybertron.

“Obligation?” All for One drawled, allowing his body to adjust to it’s own transformation, readying for the ensuing fight as Tomura matched him. “At least this fleshling recognized the truth; that it’s pathetic life was of no value beyond protecting our-!”

A sharp burst of energy blasted between them, buzzing against their optics. All cybertronians focused back on the cube, barely able to register the sharp light echoing from a crack on it’s surface as it leeched across the corpse. The humming grew louder, more powerful, before they were all engulfed in a surge of blinding power.

All for One and Tomura were thrown back, the former barely keeping his feet as he shielded his optics from the light. This energy- it’s like nothing I have ever seen; even in all my past mega-cycles!

Another burst of power erupted, and this time he was knocked further back, a sonic wave crashing over the area, sending debris and lifeforms alike scattering. His systems struggled to reorient themselves as the moment passed, trying to locate his objective. Where is the One for All Spark- did All Might destroy it in his stupidity?!

But no- he could see it, resting where it had been previously, now on the ground. It’s shape had expanded, deformed somehow, but there was no mistaking the raw energy rushing through it.

They had but moments, All Might was already regaining his footing. “Tomura!” He shouted, feeling the connection through their shared neural network as the transformer immediately leapt to obey. “Intercept!”

He relished watching as the foolish Prime staggered up, an aborted shout coming from his communicator as Tomura blasted past All for One, scooping up the cube and transforming into a military helicopter, carrying the precious cargo far away.

All Might got up to pursue, distracted, and All for One easily took advantage, leveling his air canon towards the being and firing. Metal parts burst across the street, a sizable hole now in the cybertronian’s abdomen.

“You still stand for the weak, All Might.” All for One let his form shift into jet form, blasting away and leaving the pathetic prime to offline in the debris scattered wasteland. “And that is why you will always lose.”

He could sense the Autobots closing in, sending his own command for the remaining functional Decepticons to retreat back to base. Their enemy would flock to their beloved leader, rather than pursue. In moments he would hit the stratosphere, and be well out of their reach. He couldn’t deny the thrum of satisfaction echoing from his energy core. His miserable mission was finally over.

The spark was his, now.

When All for One landed back on the League’s ship, he noticed the unrest from the rest of his soldiers. He had assumed there would be excitement, dark glee from the chance to wreak destruction on the pathetic planet they orbited. Instead, as he moved past the kneeling Decepticons who had already returned, he brushed against their neural networks and found most to be confused, a few in awe; worried.

The central data continued to come back concerning the spark Tomura had retrieved.

Tracking the location of his second in command; he felt his face plates shift to a frown as he found the same readings off his underling. Moving through the ship to where they stored high security supplies, he found the Decepticon standing numbly before the containment unit, his rusted claws resting curiously against the reenforced barrier. Within it, All for One could sense the spark, power fluctuating in strange patterns.

“Tomura.”

The deception startled, looking over to him and quickly kneeling. “Master, welcome back.”

“Was the cube damaged in the blast?”

Tomura hesitated. “The spark- it’s power is intact, but…”

He did not appreciate this new hesitation in his followers. Waving away the jet transformer without waiting for his report, All for One approached the isolated power source, Tomura reluctantly stepping back.

The warlord drew closer, noting with some bemusement that the cube had not recovered it’s original shape after the blast; it was now a highly refined, glowing platinum-like metal, smooth and near seamless. It was moving, rushing itself against the barriers, appearing disoriented and frantic.

The shape was… the same as the boy- that foolish fleshling whom at previously carried it...

All for One leaned in, fascinated, and in-vented sharply as the bright green optics turned to meet his own, fearful in their recognition.

That earthling- it had merged with the One for All Spark. They had never known the cubes to merge with organic matter, but considering the boy had died and become nonliving while holding the power source…

The being tried to speak, garbled cybertronian coming out before it cut itself off, appendages grabbing at it’s neck joint in distress. All for One leaned closer, and it let out another confused whine, backing away in fright.

A sparkling. The One for All Spark had turned the human child into a sparkling.

No new cybertronians had existed in ages, in mega cycles.

All for One reached out via their data stream, connecting mentally to the sparkling’s code. It shied away from his psychic touch, visibly flinching back at the new sensation. The warlord brushed along the sequences carefully, marveling when he came to the highest running sequence.

The Matrix of Leadership was at the base of it’s code- this sparkling was a Prime, just as All Might was.

A sparkling prime, in his Decepticon army…

All for One’s face plates shifted slowly, the smile almost foreign in its sincerity as he dropped opened barrier gate, reaching in. “Hello, little one…”

A sharp garble of data blurted from the youngling’s mouth, shrieks of conflicting metal plates and cybertronian growing louder as All for One carefully caught the flighty thing, holding it wonderingly in his servos.

“Ssshh, don’t overheat your systems, easy.” The power emanating from the new being was intoxicating, rejuvenating. He raised a clawed finger, gently trailing it over the body plates of this refined Prime. His neural network settled carefully around the sparkling’s, assessing the data. The spark must have transformed the last vestiges of the organic being’s matter from brain waves to data codes, then integrated with it to establish a single entity. It would explain why it took on the shape the memories were familiar with, why the mech tried to move like it was organic.

It was incredible- and more than that, he could sense no solid knowledge beyond instincts. Like any sparkling, it was still building it’s data processes, but had some key coding to guide it’s path. The new creation recognized All for One’s form as something it feared, but didn’t know why.

Data codes could easily be rewritten, especially with such an impressionable young server.

It trembled in his grip, the greatest power in the galaxy afraid of him. “There, there. It’s alright.” He murmured, rumbling as the sparkling let out hiccupping chirps of fear, the sounds gradually lessening as he remained gentle, his neural network carefully transmitting safety and care. “You were taken by our enemies, but you’re safe now.”

Still looking up at him with nervous, green optics, he felt a thrill as the creature gradually leaned against his finger, letting the stroking motion soothe it.

“You’re safe.” He repeated. “My little Allspark.”