Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

The information they had received from their informant was solid. The raid was planned and the hero teams were ready. It was just past midnight, and a storm was raging against them. It wasn't ideal, but according to their insider this raid had to happen tonight or they would miss their chance.

Genetic manipulation. Forced surgeries. Drugs. Torture. Forced quirk manifestations.

People were being taken, mostly newborns to early teens. Many of the missing were homeless runaways, or lost in the foster system.

Keigo glares at the information tablet in his hands. Just like how the HPSC handled me. These kids deserve to be kids. He's brought out of his thoughts when a hand lands on his shoulder. He looks back to see his partner.

Hell Fire looked at him with his piercing blue radiant eyes. His white hair soaked to his skull from the rain. His costume at least double lined to keep the intense fire user warm. He squeezed Keigo's shoulder tightly.

"Hey there Birdy, relax a little...we'll get them. This might not be the HPSC, but we won't fail these kids. There are over 20 heroes here, not counting the sidekicks, police, and medical teams."

Keigo sighs heavily, relaxing his shoulders and fluttering his wings lightly. "Thanks Touya. I...keep thinking..."

Touya nods, "I know. I keep seeing it too. So many similarities to the HPSC center."

The radios crackle, a gruff voice coming over the coms.

--Radio check. All teams ready?--

The various pairings and teams sound off. Eraser Head having been placed on point with Ms. Joke, Present Mic, and Midnight. The other big team was the Pussy Cats. Their skills were essential for finding everyone and getting them out - the last steps of the operation truly.

His team had the responsibility of infiltration and data recovery. He as Pro Hero Hawks was paired up with Hell Fire, AKA Todoroki Touya, and Sir Night Eye. They were to get in, get to the central computers and pull every bit of data they could to shuffle off to Nedzu and his analysts.

The other teams were to be handling the villains and escorting of any victims they could as they all cleared out the massive building. The time of night and the rain would hopefully be to the heroes advantage - after all, who would dare do a raid in some of the nastiest conditions around? (Heh - bring it)

--Infil go.--

Red feathers flittered with the latest radio crackle. Keigo nods to his team, --Infil is a go, see you all on the other side.--

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Kami, the place was a huge labyrinth of hall walls and rooms. Luckily their informant had some minimal access to the building structure. They pulled what they could from the plans any building has to have on file with the city and country. Keigo wasn't an architect, but he could tell those plans were not complete. They were running past to many rooms and hallways for it to match what they had.

They managed to find the corridor they needed to access for the main terminals. The three heroes pause as Keigo uses his feathers to make sure they were alone. He'd leave them out as Sir did his work. Hell Fire was their last line of defense.

Keigo frowns though. Their informant should be alone. He signs to the others.

Picking up three heartbeats. 1 almost neutral, two fast and frantic.

The two with him nod. As they step out a gunshot is heard, and a man in a grey suit walks out of the room. "Send the collection team for #008000. Get it loaded and moved to the new location."

Hell Fire slides in behind the man, knocking him unconscious once the phone call was complete. He kicks the phone to the side and places a set of quirk suppressing cuffs on him, leaving him for a the collection team to deal with.

The men slip into the room. There is a blue-silver haired woman with a high pony tail standing awkwardly at the computer mainframe typing as fast as she can. Keigo sucks in a breath - blood. Two sources...he looks around not moving.

"Yuri...? Oh Kami, Yuri!" Hell Fire rushes over to support the woman.

She coughs, blood leaking in a dribble from her mouth, "Ah, Mystery #1. Sorry we couldn't talk more." Her eyes held the shape of stars in a silvery purple. Hell Fire catches her as her legs give out, he slides to the floor with her.

"File transfer...started. The data drive will be ready in 5 minutes. It's...all...all the work." Sir leans down next to her, his eyes noting the wound just below where her lung would be. The blood loss mixed with her coughing up blood - she won't be with them long. He clears his throat, emotions really aren't his thing - but she was dying and she was dying a hero. "Thank you Yuri-san. That saved us much time. Please rest, we will take care of the rest." He looks to Hell Fire who nods at him. Sir walks to the computers to monitor the transfer.

Yuri, tugs on Hell Fire's arm to get his attention. "In...my lab coat pocket. There is a journal...take it. I...can't let him die. He's just a child. He's never seen the outside of this room or the cage he is in."

"What child? Yuri?" He gasps, shaking her lightly, "Stay with me...what child?"

"#008000." She laughs in such a broken way his heart nearly freezes over. "Bastards never tried to give him a name. If...if you all make it out with him...please...give him a life. I would have named him Izuku..."

Yuri looses consciousness and stops breathing not to long after. Hell Fire curses internally, reaching down to close her eyes. She had been their way in. A young scientist that realized too late that what she was doing was hurting and killing innocents. Terrified at what her science was being used for, she reached out to the heroes she could find until someone listened.

He reaches into her lab coat and pulls out a leather bound journal, thick with entries and other papers. As he pulls it out, a heavy key falls out. He picks it up, looking at it. She said 'he' and 'him'...Keigo heard a third heartbeat... Touya's eyes widen.

"HAWKS! Catch!" He throws the key to his partner. "Find that third heartbeat you heard, quickly! Yuri was protecting someone!"

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Keigo catches the key. He didn't need to be told twice. That heartbeat that didn't belong to any of them was still in his ears. He took off towards it.

The control room also had a few higher priority experiments functioning within it. It had the highest protections so it made sense to protect the more important experiments. The space was dark though. Even with his enhanced eye sight Keigo had to move carefully.

Where are you? I can hear you...where did they hide you...

He turns several more times and around multitudes of crates before stopping. Under red lighting sat a cage. Inside was a child that couldn't have been more than five, chained by the ankles in the center of the caging. He was skin and bones with dark curly hair, and wide emerald eyes. What really caught his attention though? The little boy had wings in the shape of his very own. They were as much as a mess as the rest of the child. He couldn't even make out the colors of those feathers.

He approaches the cage, key in hand. The little boy trills anxiously and tries to scoot away from the door and the hero.

Keigo frowns, then softens his expression and voice, "Hello little Eyas. I know you are scared, but I'm here to help. Will you let me help?"

It only gets him more distressed trills from the little boy. Keigo looks him over more as he finally gets the door unlocked. The eyes were shaped more bird like, his nails were talons on his hand and feet. The wings of course - raptor traits. Just like me. Kami...

TWO MINUTES HAWKS!, Sir calls out.

Fuck, running out of time. The boy trills more, trying to curl up smaller and behind his wings. Keigo's heart breaks seeing him do that. The posture he presents, the trilling, and by kami those fearful eyes. Everything just reaching into the heroes heart. It was mildly irrational, he knew this, but...this child needed him and his protection.

"Hey little Eyas, I wish we had more time to ease you into this, but you have to trust me please." He puts his hand out to the boy and doesn't move.

The little boy peers out between dirty, broken feathers. He cautiously slinks forward to investigate the offered hand. A timid sniff here and there. Finally his little hand comves out and grasps one of Keigo's fingers.

Keigo smiles gently at the boy, his heart nearly bursting, "That's a brave Eyas. Such a good boy," he trills softly as he moves closer to the boy and gathers him closer. The little boy shudders in his arms. So cold...Kami he is so tiny...

"I have to undo the locks on your ankles, ok?"

A scared nod. Keigo undoes them quickly. There is a relieved sigh from the boy. He still clings to Keigo. This must be imprinting is like. Mama chick and baby chick. Kami, Touya is never going to let me live this down.

"Good Eyas, very good. Can...can you walk?"

There is a negative shaking of the head as a response.

"That's okay sweetheart, I'll carry you. I'll get you somewhere safe."

The little boy clings to Keigo as the pro rushes back to his team. Sir was about to call for him again as he reappears. Hell Fire's eyes widen upon seeing the child in his partner's arms.

Kei keeps the child close, looking to Hell Fire, "Well...you wanted a family didn't you? Can we start with this one?"

Touya drags a hand down his face, "I was thinking in a few years. We...don't know what they have done to him..." He stops talking seeing the face his partner was giving him. Touya holds his hands up in surrender.

"I think it's a wonderful idea Hawks. Can we work on this plan after we are out of the ultra hectic, very dangerous raid?"

Keigo holds the boy tighter, but gives a terse nod to Touya. He looks to Sir. "We about done with our part of the mission?"

Sir nods, holding up the two very full computer drives in his hand. "We have their entire database. The other teams are also reporting success. I would suggest we wait until one of the other teams can escort. Now that we have two sets of precious cargo to maintain." He looks over the rim of his glasses at Keigo's surprise find.

The two young heroes nod. Keigo keeping monitor through his feathers while sitting next to Sir. Hell Fire at the door watching things.

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30 minutes later their escort out arrives. There were some very surprised looks towards Keigo and the child in his arms. The little boy a shaking mess of nerves and cold. Hell Fire had removed his jacket to cover the boy while they waited.

Thankfully Nedzu was at the command center when they emerged. Hawks running to him with Hell Fire right behind him. Keigo drops to his knees in front of the stoat.

"Please help us. He can't go to the HPSC. Please. I don't want him to be taken in by them because they think he could be another Me."

Hell Fire places a hand on Keigo's shoulder. "Please, sir. I have only read a handful of pages from Yuri's journal. This...child...was genetically made here. He's never seen the outside of that room - ever. If the HPSC take him...you'll know what they will do to him. Kei...is very adamant about helping him. Avian quirks are the rarest of the rare - who better for the boy than him?"

Nedzu eyes the the young heroes and the shivering child. He then glances to his senior team - Sir, Eraser, and Mic. They all nod. Good...

The stoat chuckles, "Of course gentlemen. We will do all that we can for the child. I believe the emergency housing on U.A. has just wrapped up. We'll set the three of you up there. Let's get the boy medical attention before we send you three off. Recovery Girl can at least ease some of the wounds here tonight. Plan for a full exam in the daytime?"

Hawks - no Keigo - laughs softly as his nerves come crashing down. "T-thank you..."

Chapter Text

The preliminary health checks on site of the raid were not great. It was a miracle he was still breathing and awake. It had been a battle of wills between Recovery Girl and the two men trying to take care of the little boy. Eventually she relented, but the apartment they were using at U.A. would have to be kitted out with a plethora medical gear.

They were finally allowed to head to the campus as the sun started peaking over the horizon. The little boy had a death grip on Keigo and refused to be removed from him. The little boy had some of the sharpest talons around. His grip was unbreakable and to prevent any more damage to him Keigo had just let him latch on for the moment. Eventually the boy would fall asleep and the grip would loosen.

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"Kei, you sure you are ok?"

"Yeah Touya, it's cool. I did this as a child too. It's hard to control at this age and add in stress and fear? I'm really not surprised. Might not be bad to have an ice pack and the med kit ready for when he releases though - I won't sugar coat this, it's going to look bad."

"But you'll be okay?" Touya comes closer and rests a hand on his free shoulder.

Keigo gives him a soft smile, "Yah, I promise. He's just scared. The only way to force him to release is to break his fingers. Look at them Touya...see how misshapen they already are? It's happened in the past. He's just got to relax...I can wait."

The little boy trills softly, moving his head slightly so he can look about the room. His little body tense. He knows they are talking about him. He looks to where his hand is locked around the big bird's wrist. He starts tugging again, tears falling down his cheeks. "N-n-n-no. B-b-b-b-bad! Mmmmmm sorry! Nnnnno hurt!"

The winged hero looks down, worried. "Hey, hey, shhh. It's okay. We won't hurt you. Hey, stop. Stop! You are going to hurt yourself."

The trills get more shrill as his panic increase. Keigo pats the boy's back trying to call him down. Touya moves some so he is directly in sight of the little bird. His tone soft, "Hey, it's okay. Izuku? It's okay..."

The boy freezes, wide emerald eyes look to the white haired man. He recognized his scent from the clothing they had wrapped around him. He stills, a confused chirp.

Touya smiles, "That's what Yuri-san said she would like to name you. Do you like it?"

The child slowly reaches out his free hand to touch the white hair.

Touya grins, "You like my hair huh, Izuku? Well, thank you. My little siblings like it too. The baby looks like a peppermint though - red and white." He laughs seeing the confused look, "It's okay if you don't understand. We can teach you, right Kei?"

Touya looks to his partner and blushes. The look Kei is giving him is soft and adoring. He's too pretty sometimes. Touya clears his throat and Kei laughs which gets Izuku looking up at him.

"Little Eyas, we have sooooo much to teach you. It has been a long night though. While this will be interesting, we should all get cleaned up. Then some food I think?"

Touya nods, "You two go first. I'll get some food in here. Lunch Rush should be on campus by now I think. Anything specific?"

"Try and get some cubed raw meat. That should be easier for his body to handle. I'm happy with whatever."

"On it then, go get cleaned up. Nedzu said the apartment was stocked with necessities. Dunno about clothes for him, but we'll make due if we have to."

"Hey, try texting Midnight - she loves shopping and has a soft spot for kids."

Touya groans, "She's going to go overboard and possibly pierce my eardrums with her squealing you know."

There is a moment of laughing as Keigo walks to the bathroom, "Love you Babe. You know she's the best at kid clothes gathering. Just like you are the best at taking care of me."

The fire user stands in the kitchen, face bright red. He always does that.

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Kei takes Izuku with him into the bathroom. The space was fairly basic, but luckily for the two avian-quirk holders it was big. Plenty of open spaces for wings to spread out.

"Alright little Eyas, lets get you cleaned up, hmm?"

The little boy trills softly, looking around, still gripped on to Kei's wrist. Kei smiles softly at the boy as he turns on the water in the tub, letting it fill. "How about some bubbles?" He pokes about the cabinet to see what was there. Ah! Bubble bath, and preening solution - Nedzu really did think of everything.

"Found some bubbles Eyas!" Kei announces happily. "And something for our feathers later."

Izuku blinks up at Kei as her begins to let the bubbles fill in the tub. His eyes round out. He'd never seen bubbles before. Kei struggles to hide his frown, but he sits on the edge of the tub, putting his hand in and playing with them to show his Eyas it was safe.

Softly talking to the child, "See Eyas? It's safe. Fun too." Keigo drops some of the bubble foam on Izuku's nose. Izuku goes cross eyed watching the foamed bubbles. Kei can't help the grin on his face. Kami this kid is to cute for words.

"Alright Eyas, let's get cleaned up, yah?" Using his free hand he unbundles Izuku from Touya's jacket and slowly removes the sorry excuse of a ratty medical gown. His tsks softly seeing how painfully skinny Izuku is. His bones sticking out from lack of food. His little arms and legs covered in puncture wounds from needles and IVs. Once freed from all the fabric Keigo slowly lowers Izuku into the tub. I hope this lavender bubble bath will help him relax...

Izuku trills when he touches the water, frightened for a moment. It takes a moment before he registers the sensations properly. He begins blinking owlishly, a soft coo and chirp here and there. Keigo works one handedly to wash the boy as carefully as he can. Within five minutes he's falling asleep and finally releases Keigo's wrist.

Kei has to move fast to catch Izuku to keep his head above water. He shakes his head, "That's a good Eyas. Sleep is good medicine for the body." He muffles a yawn, "For all of us."

He speeds up to finish cleaning Izuku up and carefully wrapping him in a soft towel. Once he's sure that he is truly asleep Kei takes care of his own clean up. He winces as he flexes his wrist. As he told Touya, he isn't angry over it. Izuku couldn't control his stress responses. A little ice will go a long ways. Once both child and adult are clean, Keigo carries the sleeping child out carrying the preening oils. Izuku needed his wings tended to badly.

Touya leans over the couch looking over them after they settle. He runs a hand through Keigo's hair. "...He isn't going to have many feathers left at the rate you are going."

Keigo leans back into Touya's touch, "Yah. They didn't care for him well. I doubt they were even letting him fly at all. Improper diet as well...but it'll be worse if it's left as is. Get rid of all the dead, broken, and damaged feathers to give his bones and tendons a chance to grow healthy feathers back. Proper food and exercise will help the ligaments and bone structure become stronger. It's going to be a long while before this little Eyas will have wings that are strong enough for flight."

"Do you think he will ever fly?"

Keigo slows in his work for a moment. Izuku is dead to the world, chirping softly in his sleep. The strawberry blond nods, "I think he will. He's built like me. I have had some pretty serious damage done to my wings at times, but I always recover. It just takes time. A lot of time."

Touya hums softly, "Okay. We'll just have to take care of him. That mess looks bad, but I figure he's going to be much more comfortable with all the ick gone."

"Most definitely. It would have driven me crazy to have all that mess in and on my wings."

A knock comes from the door and Touya straightens walking off to it. "Food has arrived. I'll serve you up some before I hit the shower."

"Thanks babe..."

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Time is marching on for the small family. Hours turn to days, days to weeks.

Midnight becomes his first unofficial-official Auntie. Recovery Girl becomes Izuku's his unofficial-official Grandmother. Nedzu, Aizawa, and Yamada become family as well.

The green-haired boy quickly becoming a small ball of sunshine in the center of their lives. It isn't to say everything is perfect. Many days it's the furthest thing from it. A scent, a memory, a glimpse of a shadow, or a nightmare - that's all it takes sometimes for the little winged-boy to breakdown. Those are the hardest of days for Keigo and Touya do their best to help their Eyas through it. They are lucky for the strong and growing support system they have at U.A.

Will it be enough?

Will Izuku finally be able to spread his wings and fly?