Prologue - A Mother's Resolve

At a humble hero agency in the Saitama Prefecture, Hitomi Toga's phone rang.

The young woman allowed the foreboding to settle in her stomach while the unanswered phone sang its song of monotony. It had been a quiet day at the office. It was a mid-week morning, which meant criminal activity was docile. The exponential uprising of All Might's fandom also played its helpful part. While a phone call wasn't necessarily out of the ordinary, something seemed off and Hitomi couldn't shake it. She appropriately labeled this feeling maternal instinct - a construct she hadn't believed in until Himiko's birth.

With apprehension, the blonde woman answered the phone with her agency's scripted greeting. The caller coughed and Hitomi scrunched her nose.

"Good afternoon. Am I speaking with Toga Hitomi-san?" The masculine voice questioned.

"You are. How can I be of assistance?" She replied, surprised by the steadiness of her voice. 'Office work seems to be paying off.'

"My name is Uchiyama Tanyu. I am the principal here at Sai Nursey School. Have you been in contact with your daughter today?"

Hesitation quickly turned to trepidation as Hitomi replied, "Not since earlier this morning. Is there something wrong with Himiko? Is she all right? I trust she is at the school today, yes?"

"She is here. We'll need you to come to the school and pick her up immediately. I'm sure you know what this is regarding," Principle Uchiyama half-answered.

"I have a feeling," She paused in thought, "but, if I may, is it the headmaster's duty to call every parent when their child's quirk manifests?"

"We will discuss that matter in person. Thank you."

He hung up in an instant and Hitomi never felt so scared in her life.

...

Hitomi confronted her boss in a saikeirei bow, "Midnight-san. Please forgive me - I am so, so sorry. I need to excuse myself to pick up Himiko. There seems to have been some sort of issue at her school. I have already confirmed today's appointments and you can find the proofread incident reports on-"

"Hitomi, just go. You always get serious about things like this. This isn't my first rodeo. I can handle myself just fine," Nemuri responded lightheartedly.

"Thank you, Midnight-san-"

"-And for the last time, save the formalities for the presses. But, for the future, make sure you bow to me in dogeza. I need true passion and nice pantie shots here at my agency," She winked.

Hitomi sighed and straightened out her black dress. Heroics aside, Nemuri's strongest talent was to simultaneously comfort and embarrass someone, "Sorry and thank you. I'm sure you'd understand if you had a child."

"I have many children, Hitomi-chan!" Nemuri grinned in feign innocence.

Hitomi was a whirlwind of emotions. She watched in silence as her only daughter, approaching the innocent age of four, sat alone on a chair outside Principle Uchiyama's office. Himiko swung her legs back and forth disinterestedly, clearly bored out of her mind. It was the most relieving sight she'd ever seen. As soon as the blonde child looked up, her gold eyes connected with her mother's and overflowed with joy.

"Hi Mommy! Why are you here?"

Hitomi teared up.

"Why are you crying?"

"No reason," She replied.

"Hehe, that's silly. You're silly. You're always crying, Mommy."

"Because my little daughter is just so cute."

Himiko giggled, looked down at her legs and started swinging them faster, "Am I going home? I don't feel sick. Did I do something bad?"

"Mommy will talk to the Principle and we'll get it all figured out," Hitomi answered.

"Boring. I don't wanna sit here no more," Himiko groaned.

"Just a little while longer, sweetie. I'll be right back," Hitomi approached the Principle's door and knocked three times. The Principle, a short yet sturdy man, answered begrudgingly.

As Hitomi nodded her head towards him and entered the confines of his sterile office, she heard her daughter sheepishly say "bye-bye" in the background.

The door shut behind her and the woman took her seat as gestured. The room felt heavy and Hitomi knew this wasn't going to be an exchange of pleasantries. After a moment's silence, Hitomi cleared her throat as cue to begin their conversation, "Please forgive my appearance today. The agency I serve has a rather unique dress code and I wanted to get here as soon as possible."

"Quite all right. I am familiar with your," He paused and eyed her dress in disdain, "line of work."

Hitomi shifted uncomfortably.

Principle Uchiyama continued, "I called you today regarding your daughter, Toga Himiko. You inquired in our earlier conversation if I contact every parent to notify them of their child's quirk manifestation. I do not. Only under specific circumstances do I, personally, make that call. As you may or may not know, Sai Nursey School upholds great value on having children play in large groups and socialize together. Our curriculum is designed to teach children physical boundaries and prepare them for modern day society with a quirk. This morning, Toga Himiko's quirk appeared. She is the one of last in her class to have done so. It seems she is not aware of the specifics, which benefits us."

"Benefits...?" Hitomi questioned, "Why would such a thing be beneficial, headmaster?"

"It is the nature of her quirk, Toga-san," He answered.

"I don't understand."

The Principle sighed as if bothered by all of this, "This morning, a student - whose name I won't disclose - injured his knee during outdoor play. Toga volunteered to take him to the school infirmary. The child explained to our on-site counselor that, once they arrived, Toga began acting strange and proceeded to lick his open wound. Lick as in, physically, with her tongue." Hitomi nearly blanched and the man continued, "This, of course, scared the student and he screamed for help. When the nurse arrived, Toga was unconscious and had the physical appearance of the aforementioned student. In layman's terms, she shape-shifted."

Hitomi's eyes widened as she connected the dots, "You mean-"

"While not confirmed, it seems Toga has a transformation quirk triggered by blood ingestion," the Principle finished with a hard look.

While the Principle was curt and brutish, Hitomi appreciated that he gave her a few minutes to process this information. She scrunched her eyebrows and tensed. Although she worked for a hero, her knowledge on such quirks was minimal. She wasn't even sure if she knew someone with a quirk involving blood. She had to take Himiko to see a specialist right away.

"I'm sure this is a lot to process but I will be frank. Your daughter possesses a quirk not unlike that of a delinquent. We must handle this with caution. She could be a danger to herself and the community."

As she caught her wits, Hitomi cut him off, "Hold on. You're making my Himiko sound like a criminal."

"Because the chances of her becoming one with a quirk like that-"

"A 'quirk like that'? Principle Uchiyama, she's three years old. I refuse to let you patronize her like this. As far as I know, Himiko has done nothing wrong. I appreciate the gesture but will seek guidance from a professional." With that, Hitomi stood to take her leave.

"Very well then. Which leads me to the secondary reason for my phone call," The Principle spoke with a tone of declaration. "Your daughter is to not step foot on this campus until she is cleared by a doctor. I cannot risk the safety of my students nor staff. I trust you'll do this sooner than later."

"Goodbye, Principle," Hitomi left the room with a slam of the door.

...

"Mommy, Mommy! We did art today! Look, I made this. It's you and me and pretty Kayama-sama and my friend Ami and Sensei! All Might is there too! He's in the sun because he's special and his hair is yellow like the sun. He's funny looking so I don't think - I don't think I did so good when I did the art."

Himiko, oblivious to the world and her mother's concern, shoved the picture in her mother's face during their commute home.

Hitomi forced a smile, unable to see the drawing from its close proximity, "My goodness, Himiko! It is so lovely and vibrant. You're a fantastic artist!"

Himiko smiled a smile unfitting for a villain and hugged her artwork to her chest, "Yay!"

The picture reminded Hitomi of her daughter's true character. Himiko was undeniably an energetic, explorative and loving girl. She always spoke her mind and enjoyed sharing her talents with the world. There was never a day when Himiko didn't give her best. She was an early riser and an earnest learner. Hitomi imagined her daughter doing great things; becoming an inspiration to those who needed it the most. The harsh disposition of her Principle contrasted Himiko's loving nature, which left the woman in shambles. The headmaster was offensive with his words, but was there any truth to them? Was her daughter bound to a dark fate because of a quirk she had zero control over?

Hitomi took a cleansing breath. No, there was no way her Himiko - her darling, loving Himiko - could ever become a villain. She absolutely refused to believe that.

"I'm afraid it's true," The doctor reported.

"Sensei, what happens next? I'm at a complete loss. Not once has Himiko ever shown any signs of hostility. She's always been a happy and energetic girl. There's something that has to be done about this!" Hitomi pushed her pride aside and practically begged the doctor for positive news.

The quirk specialist paused, unfazed by her parental response. He reviewed the jottings on his clipboard and explained in monotone, "For starters, we must add her to a watch list per city ordinances. This is a mandatory directory for those who own 'villain-type' quirks. While any person with any quirk can commit a crime, there are those who are more inclined to do so due to their quirks' inherent features. Blood quirks are one of the few included in this 'villain-type' category.

"Unfortunately, we don't have any treatments - preventative, restorative or otherwise - available for such quirks. Blood quirks are extremely rare and seeing as quirks in general are a relatively new phenomenon, there simply has not been enough backing for research.

"What we do know is that every quirk has its individual set of limitations and properties. As she develops, we'll be able to better grasp her capabilities and how much we'll need to watch her. As of right now, we know that upon ingestion of blood, she transforms into the donor then falls asleep. The cause of her syncope is currently unknown. It is our hope that her blood quirk doesn't become too powerful. While such quirks make up less than one percent of the population, the incarceration rate for those affected is approximately eighty percent; therefore, it is taken seriously by officials. In the meantime, all schools must hold general quirk therapy sessions that your daughter will have to take."

Hitomi slumped in her seat as her head spun. Watch lists? Unavailable treatments? Zero preventative measures? This had to be some kind of a sick joke.

"Once she becomes a villain, she will find a plethora of rehabilitation programs available. She can enroll in them to better herself."

Although waiting days for this appointment, Hitomi left the doctor's office with more questions than answers. She carried a sleeping Himiko in her arms, finding solace in the sounds of her light snoring. Fortunately, she was able to attain the doctor's clearance note that allowed Himiko to return to school. No matter how generous and understanding Midnight was, Hitomi needed to get back to work. Midnight was a rising 18+ only hero with a demanding schedule. Hitomi could not afford any more time off.

"Mommy?" A groggy voice spoke over her thoughts.

"Yes, Himiko sweetie?"

"Did I do something bad?"

"Of course not! What makes you say that?"

"Well - well I 'member when someone in my class did - did bad things they sent him home and I have been home for a loooong time. Can I say sorry? I want to go to school," Himiko started to cry and Hitomi's heart broke.

"You didn't do anything wrong, Himiko, so don't say that again. We just took a small vacation, that's all. How about this: once we get home, I'll make a super nice dinner! How does that sound?"

"Can- can I have mochi for dessert, please?"

"Himiko, you can have whatever your little heart desires."

When Himiko was settled with her toys in front of the television, Hitomi went straight to work in the kitchen. She began to meticulously cut & portion the meat and vegetables in the loving way only a mother could manage. Tonight, she was putting ingredients together for a shabu-shabu hot pot. The mother presumed that a fun meal would help Himiko keep her mind off of today's events. It had been a long day of poking and prodding for the young girl. Plus, Hitomi selfishly admitted how adorable it was when Himiko would mumble "shabu-shabu" while her food cooked in front of her.

In the middle of dinner preparations, Hitomi excused herself to the washroom. Once finished, she took a moment to look at herself in the mirror. Dark circles encompassed her eyes and opposed her youthful and pale complexion. She looked absolutely horrendous. She had a reputation to uphold at the R rated agency and refused showing up looking the way she did. She opened her medicine cabinet to search for a remedy.

"OUCH!"

Hitomi dropped everything and ran to the pained voice of her daughter, "Himiko? Himiko what's wrong?"

"I- I- I-"

Fragile drippings of blood fell onto the kitchen floor. Himiko, knife in hand, turned to her mother in terror.

"Himiko!" Hitomi practically screamed, "What on earth are you doing?"

"Mommy! I don't know. I- It was so pretty and I picked it up and- Mommy I'm sorry!"

Hitomi instinctually forced the knife out of her daughter's hand, practically harming herself in the process, "Don't touch that! Himiko, what was pretty? What made you touch that knife?"

"It was just - j- just pretty," Himiko broke down into her mother's arms.

"It's all right, Himiko. I'm not mad; just scared. Don't touch the kitchen knives, okay? Mommy doesn't want you to get hurt."

"Okay."

After consoling the girl with kisses and hugs, Hitomi tended to the small cut with antiseptic and bandages in their bathroom. She analyzed Himiko's reaction and frowned when she saw intense curiously and wonder dance within her golden eyes. In that moment, Hitomi wondered if her daughter's odd fascination had anything to do with her quirk manifestation. Hitomi immediately relinquished that thought.

"We'll take a bath after dinner and go right to bed, okay? You get to go to school tomorrow! Are you excited?"

Himiko simply nodded and sniffled.

"Hitomi! Good to have you back. A lot has happened since you've been gone. Let's sit down and get right to it," Nemuri smiled.

"It's good to be back. Thank you," Hitomi forcefully returned the gesture.

"Yes and we'll definitely talk about that fake smile you just gave me," The R-rated hero noted, never breaking her grin.

Hitomi groaned inside, "Business first, Nemuri."

"In this agency, you should know it's pleasure first. Always," Nemuri challenged.

"There's no need to be concerned. You're on patrol this afternoon, so we should get to work on putting together your routes," Hitomi evaded the subject.

The pro hero hummed.

Several hours into her work day, her office phone rang and Hitomi was once again rushed to the nursery school.

"Mommy!" Himiko cried out. The desperation in her voice took Hitomi aback. Her daughter ran into her arms as if seeking refuge. Hitomi rubbed her back and her moans started to subside.

"What happened? Why are you so upset?"

The teacher, arms crossed, interrupted their embrace, "Toga-chan had a fight in school today with a couple of students."

The perturbed woman turned to her child and frowned, "Is that true?"

Himiko looked away from her mother and lowered her head submissively.

"Himiko, answer me."

When Hitomi was answered with silence, the teacher continued, "We were able to intervene before anyone was hurt. They had a scuffle over quirks and Toga-chan became physical."

Hitomi, wide-eyed with shock, bowed before the teacher, "Oh my goodness! Please accept my apologies for her-"

"No!" Himiko cried out.

"Himiko, be quiet. Can't you see I am speaking with your teacher right now?"

"No! I didn't do it!"

"We saw you push her," The teacher abhorred. Hitomi wasn't oblivious to the teacher's tone of voice. She raised a skeptical eyebrow but kept quiet.

"No!" Himiko fought, face red and eyes swollen.

"I will talk to her at home. My sincerest apologies, Sensei. This will not happen again, I assure you," Hitomi finished her apology and took Himiko by the hand.

Their route home consisted of a tearful and incoherent three-year-old. She was clearly caught up from today's events and Hitomi remained skeptical. This was a first for the woman. Himiko was a social girl and deeply admired by her peers. Finally, once they made their way inside their residence, Hitomi sat Himiko down with a glass of water and crouched down to meet her at eye-level.

"Himiko, how could you? You know you should never put your hands on someone. Now tell Mommy what happened. The truth, please."

"I-it was Ami. She s-said we c-can't be friends," Himiko sniffled. "She called me s-stupid and her Mommy said I am a bad p-person. They- they said my quirk is a bad person quirk. The teacher said that."

"The teacher?" Hitomi paused.

Himiko mumbled something Hitomi couldn't understand, then said, "I'm okay, Mommy."

"Are you sure?" Hitomi questioned in disbelief. Himiko stood up and handed her mother the empty glass.

"Mm. I'm going to take a nap," Himiko smiled and walked to her room, acting as if nothing happened.

Hitomi immediately went to contact the school. Something unsettled the woman and she was going to get to the bottom of this.

The loud late-night knocking on her door startled Hitomi for a second. Realization ran its course and the young woman sighed. There was a reason Nemuri chose such a befitting hero name. She was a night owl and, unfortunately for the blonde, enjoyed late night "girl talk" when she had one too many libations.

Barely giving her the time to answer the door, a second set of knocks shook the apartment, "Hitoooommiii! Answer meeee!"

Hitomi respected her boss's wishes and answered annoyingly. She eyed the woman up and down, noticing a conservative change to her hero costume.

"Nemuri. It's eleven o'clock at night and I have neighbors. Please keep it down."

"I know, I know, I know. Pardon the intrusion."

Nemuri stumbled into apartment and Hitomi caught her with ease. She shut the door behind her and locked it.

"May I ask what's with the new choice of attire?" Hitomi asked as she helped remove the hero's knee-high boots.

"You... may... NOT! You sound like a grandma. This is why I hired you, you know. I need an older personality to complement a young one like mine."

Hitomi rolled her eyes. Nemuri was like a little child when drunk. The blonde secured her boss over her shoulder. Nemuri was surprisingly light considering her curvaceousness. They made their way to the living area and took a seat. Hitomi ran into the kitchen to grab a bucket and a glass of water. She nearly scoffed at the redundancy and named herself 'water lady of the day.'

"When you left, I got a phone call from a representative of the National Diet. They told me I needed to tone down my hero outfit, claiming it as 'too revealing,'" The rising pro complained.

"But you're an 18+ only hero?"

"That's what I said! Ugh! You can find my nudes on Google images and they're honestly worried about showing a little skin in public?" Midnight guffawed and took a long gulp of water.

"I'm sorry to hear that."

She beat her flogger-style whip onto Hitomi's coffee table repeatedly, "You should be! I can't believe this! Do you know how long it took me to design that outfit? What about those with quirks where clothing obstructs their abilities? I can at least get around it with thin material. We should punish whoever made up these ridiculous rules. Whatever happened to heroic integrity? This is a disgrace to heroes everywhere!"

"Nemuri, you're going to destroy my table," Hitomi tried to calm the drunk woman.

"I'll buy you another one!"

"Hello?" A young voice called out.

Midnight halted her berating, panicked, and then mechanically removed her eye mask. Hitomi grabbed a long nightgown from a nearby pile of laundry and draped Nemuri before Himiko could catch sight of her.

"Ah! It's pretty Kayama-sama!" Himiko's eyes lit up as she entered the room.

"Miko-chaaan!" Midnight ran over and pulled Himiko into a tight hug.

"Hi pretty Kayama-sama! I missed you!" Himiko laughed as Midnight spun her around the room.

"Oh, I missed you so much more, Miko-chan! Did you get bigger? I could just eat you up and keep you forever! How's my favorite little girl?"

Midnight started teasing her hair and grinned brightly.

Himiko's eyes sparked, "I'm your favorite?"

"Mm!" Midnight hummed in agreement.

"Out of - out of everyone ever?"

"Yes!" Nemuri put her down.

Himiko looked up at her in awe, turned to her mother with more sparkles, then turned back to the incognito hero, "You're my favorite too! You - you're the prettiest and bestest!" She then caught sight of something and pointed, "Hey, what's that thing?"

Nemuri and Hitomi paled at the S&M whip abandoned on the coffee table.

"It's - um." Hitomi tried to come up with an excuse then eyed Nemuri, "A little help over here?"

"Oh no. I'm going to enjoy this one," Nemuri chuckled sadistically.

"It's so pretty. Can I have one? Please?" Himiko begged.

Hitomi gasped and Nemuri nearly screeched. Hitomi reached out to cover Nemuri's mouth.

"I'm afraid you cannot, Himiko. That is pretty Kayama-san's," She paused, "... keychain for her car! Once you're older you can get one!"

The young girl showed her disappointment by pouting, "Okay. I really wanted to - to match pretty Kayama-sama. I can't wait to get older so I can be like her!" She took the bait and Hitomi sighed in relief.

"Such youth!" Nemuri squealed, then steered the conversation elsewhere, "I stopped in to visit your Mommy. You, on the other hand, should be in bed right now. A little girl like you needs lots of rest in order to be big and strong! Don't you have school?"

The change in Himiko's demeanor caught Midnight off guard as the girl mumbled, "Yeah."

"I know honey. School isn't fun but it's necessary. A proper education leads to a future of prosperity!"

"Pr-prosp-prospearnitty?" Himiko swished her mouth at the unknown vocabulary.

"You got it! Now, get your cute little butt back to bed!" Nemuri putted and pointed to the direction from which she came.

"Okay!" Himiko ran towards her bedroom and turned to bow politely, "Goodnight pretty Kayama-sama. Goodnight Mommy! I love you."

"We love you too, sweetie. Sweet dreams," Hitomi smiled warmly.

The click of Himiko's bedroom door led to a moment of peace between the two women. Nemuri sighed blissfully and relaxed on the floor, "I swear this room is swimming in endorphins now. Himiko is too adorable for her own good."

"She is my pride and joy," Hitomi responded truthfully.

"She's a good kid. I know her quirk manifested, but you've been quiet about it. Most parents are ecstatic, if not emotional, when that day comes."

"You know I'm private about matters like that."

"I've known you long enough to tell when something is wrong. A hero is meant to involve themselves in one's business. A wise man once told me that." Midnight yawned, "When you're ready to talk, I am here for you. I owe you that much."

Hitomi sighed and watched her long-time friend and colleague drift in and out of consciousness. Nemuri Kayama was a woman of her word and a true hero. She was a unique mixture of nobility and impetuosity. Hitomi had been the first friend Nemuri confided in once she decided to become an 18+ hero, much to her parent's chagrin. It had been a pleasure working alongside the hero to help her achieve her lifelong ambitions. It might not have been an easy job, nor the best paying, but it was nothing short of rewarding.

When Hitomi announced her pregnancy, Nemuri went through the roof. The hero vowed to live vicariously through her and loved Himiko almost as much as she did. Hitomi knew Nemuri loved kids but would never have children of her own. Maybe she would find another outlet, Hitomi bemused, such as teaching.

She thought back on the manic week that all started with a phone call. She thought back on the intensity and disdain from the principle, teacher, doctors and nurses. Hitomi knew. She knew they looked at Himiko as if she were a ticking time bomb. As far as they were concerned, Himiko was already a villain. The young girl had committed the crime of being born with a taboo quirk.

Hitomi wanted to tell Nemuri, but she didn't. She didn't want to distract the hero from her rising stardom and recent contracts. While Midnight was strong, Hitomi was also a fighter. She'd work hard and make them see the light she saw in Himiko.

"Nemuri, thank you. For everything," Hitomi whispered to the sleeping hero.

The day of Himiko's fight was the catalyst to years of misfortune.

Himiko Toga slowly became detached from the world around her. The once explorative, energetic and imaginative side of her drifted into one of indifference. Days of smiles and giggles which echoed throughout the apartment were now memories of a time forgotten. Himiko spent her days studying, as it seemed to be the only activity that kept her mind off of things. Her exemplary grades never faltered, which kept her out of trouble. From the moment her quirk was revealed, Himiko became a loner. She was severely bullied by those who had normal quirks; quirks with the semblances of a true hero. Quirks of speed, flight, light and fire. Quirks of water, mutation, invisibility and gigantification. Quirks that didn't involve blood ingestion - or as her classmates so eloquently put it: drinking blood. Himiko was alone in a world of discriminatory individuality.

Hitomi tried. She exhausted any and all measures. She involved herself in governing and medicinal bodies alike. She constantly fought with the Nursey school, then eventually the Primary school. Both ignored her concerns to Himiko's change in behavior. The mother wasn't sure if she could handle the negligence of Junior High. Her voice was unheard and she was deemed an obsessive mother. There had been many nights where she cried herself to sleep, defeated.

Spring was just around the corner and Himiko's birthday was tomorrow. While birthdays weren't as important in Japan as they were in western societies, Hitomi was planning on making her thirteenth special. She wanted to shower her daughter with treats and gifts. She wanted to show her that she mattered and that she was loved. She was smart enough not to invite her classmates.

After work, Hitomi went shopping for tomorrow's festivities.

When she came home, Himiko was gone.

A letter on the kitchen counter which said "sorry" in Himiko's handwriting left Hitomi in a rampage. The mother searched every nook and cranny within the town. She began to sprint as the sun retired. Losing out on daylight, her panic and fear multiplied by the second until it burst from the seams, where she finally broke down in an alleyway.

Where had she gone wrong? She promised to protect her daughter. This was exactly what she was trying to avoid. Were her years of research, phone calls, meetings and energy truly rendered meaningless? Could she not change fate? She wiped her tears and stood up. She had to consider her options. This was no time to feel sorry for herself. Working with heroes, she knew the first forty-eight hours were the most crucial to finding a missing person. Himiko was priority; it always had been. It always will be.

She knew she couldn't rely on the police. Himiko was on a watch list, which meant any illicit activities could be used against her. She had to think of something - anything.

She scrolled through her cellphone until it landed on Nemuri Kayama's contact info. She took in a deep breath and pressed the call button.

Before Nemuri could get her salutations out, Hitomi begged, "Please, Nemuri. I need your help."

"Hitomi? What's wrong?"

Hitomi heard the muffled voices of U.A. faculty in the background. She was half-tempted to end the call, not wanting to bother the busy life of a prestigious school teacher. But, in her haste and desperation, she continued, "It's Himiko."

"Miko-chan?"

"She's gone. I can't find her!"

Midnight immediately switched to pro hero mode, "Where have you looked?"

"Everywhere within a two-mile radius of my apartment. I also searched the school grounds and nearby parks."

"Have you called the police?"

"I can't."

"You can't?"

"I'll explain later. Please help. I have no one else."

"I'll be there shortly. In the meantime, continue your search. I'll call you when I'm close."

Midnight arrived at Hitomi's apartment hours later, taking the fastest means of transportation. The moon took its rightful place in the sky and law-abiding residents turned down for the evening. Without a single exchange of greeting, Midnight gave Hitomi a formulated search route outside of the already scouted perimeter. The meager search party split up once they agreed on their designated course.

Hitomi's body was operating on pure adrenaline at this point. Her legs felt uneven and her breathing was labored. She trusted Nemuri's intellect and prayed nothing had happened to Himiko at this point. Himiko was a relatively sheltered girl, which meant she could be easily be coaxed into the wrong hands. She became nauseous as parental paranoia took over the rest of her senses.

Two hours into what the mother was considering a hopeless endeavor, Hitomi's phone went off. It was Nemuri. She found Himiko.

There were neither actions nor words that could describe the relief Hitomi felt upon seeing her daughter in the protection of Nemuri. The teenage girl was a wreck. Her eyes were blood-shot red from what must've been hours of crying. Her clothes were dirty and her hair was greasy. Hitomi wished she could pick her up, take her home and keep her locked up & safe from the ugliness of the world - now and forever.

Instead, she marched right up to Himiko and struck her across the face. Himiko gazed into her mother's defeated eyes and covered the sore cheek with her hand. This was the first and only time Hitomi would ever hit her daughter. The parent was left with shaking hands and regret. Her tears only shed for her daughter's sake.

"How could you do this, Himiko? What were you thinking? I was worried sick. Do you know how horrible I would've felt if something happened to you? You're my responsibility, Himiko! You're all I have in this world! Why would you do this? Please! Please, just value yourself!"

Hitomi collapsed in front of her daughter and friend, succumbing to distress and fatigue.

Hitomi awoke to a single ray of sunshine and the smell of herbal tea. She groaned into the familiarity of her futon and shifted position.

"You're awake," Nemuri stated matter-of-factly.

"What happened?"

"You collapsed once we found Himiko."

"That's right, you found her," Hitomi came to and watched as Nemuri poured two cups of tea in front of her.

"I did. After I put you down, your daughter told me she got on a random train and left. She planned on becoming a run away. Somehow, someway, she changed her mind and was making her way back home when I discovered her," Nemuri frowned.

Hitomi took a cleansing breath and a comforting sip of her tea. She wasn't sure what to do or where to go next.

"I always knew about Himiko's quirk," Nemuri broke the silence.

"You - you did?" Hitomi's stomach sank.

"She's on a government watch list. All certified heroes have access to that information. I checked the database the day you left to pick Himiko up from that fight. I didn't speak of it since you always avoided the topic. I figured one day, when the time was right, you'd tell me. If I had said something sooner, this might not have happened. I'm sorry, Hitomi. I did the one thing a pro hero should never do," Nemuri faced away from her friend and old colleague.

Hitomi's eyes watered. How dare Nemuri think she needed to take responsibility. Was her friend really that selfless? Hitomi protested, "No, I'm sorry Nemuri. This is my fault. I let my pride and independence get the best of me. While you were my friend, I put business and your duties as a hero first. When you were selected to teach at U.A., I felt I could never tell you. Why would I hinder the one thing you worked so hard at? Looking back, I wish I could change everything."

Nemuri approached the woman and patted her on the head. Hitomi looked up at her friend, shocked to see her eyes ridden with moisture, "Seriously. You're one of my oldest and best friends, Hitomi."

"You're mine as well. I practically consider you my family-"

"Which is why you and Himiko are coming with me."

"Excuse me?" Hitomi jumped in bewilderment.

"Yep! You two are moving in with me to my flat in Musutafu. I already called and made all the preparations. I submitted a letter of resignation to your job, enrolled Himiko at a local junior high school and started packing your belongings." Hitomi looked around, just noticing moving boxes scattered throughout her tiny apartment. Midnight grinned, "From here on out, we're going to work together and give Himiko our one hundred percent love and affection. Plus Ultra!"

"Wait a second! Hold on! This is too much, Nemuri! What about-" Hitomi paused, trying to find the logic in all of this.

"What about 'what?' You know there's nothing here for you to lose. Plus, I'm curious about Himiko's quirk. I want to learn more about her, inside and out," Midnight smiled viciously. She held out her hand as if asking Hitomi to accept her proposal.

Hitomi wasn't spontaneous like Nemuri. She wasn't strong like Nemuri. But, Hitomi was everything Nemuri wasn't. They made a fantastic team. The proof was in the pudding before Midnight accepted the teaching position at U.A. Perhaps this is what Hitomi was missing all these years. Maybe Himiko had to find a hero in somebody who wasn't her mother. Somebody like Midnight: the 18+ Only Pro Hero.

And so, uncharacteristically, Hitomi grabbed a tight hold on Midnight's hand and shook it.

"I'm in!"

A Mother's Resolve - End