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Reaching outside, into the storm, harsh and unforgiving rain meet his wide and dilated golden eyes, thunder roaring and flashing against the pitch darkness. He used his quirk to escape, saw the slim opening between room changes and took the risk, creating a huge hole in the concrete wall and ran. Calls of his name fell on deaf ears, anyone who tried to grab or reach out towards him was shoved away, or exploded into a bloody puddle on the clean white, overly sterile walls or the floor.

Running and escaping that hellish place, he didn't care where his body took him, even when he tripped and fell, or how tired he'd become. He picked himself back up and kept on running, covered in filth, grime, dirt, mud, it didn't matter. Anywhere was better than there! Ignore the pain, pushing through, he's been through worse, far worse than this he kept telling himself over and over.

Any shadow he saw made him run faster and faster, he couldn't stop, shouldn't stop, needed to get as far away from the orphanage as possible. The large bolts of thunder and lightning were his only source of light as his lungs burned, limbs and feet hurt.

His own breathing and heartbeat thudded hard in his ears, adrenaline in his veins fading and crashing as spots entered his vision. Kai bent over, hands on his knees, panting and gasping, gulping down oxygen greedily, his body shaking and shuddering, closing his eyes and slid to his knees. Rain soaked his clothes, pure white hospital shirt and pants clinging and sticking to his sweaty and wet skin.

Hugging himself for warmth as his hair covered his eyes, his breathing finally slowed down and calmed, he re-opened his eyes and felt tired. He couldn't keep his eyes open, blinking back sleep as he began to panic, no, no, he couldn't possibly sleep now!

His body disobeyed him as he slumped over and fell into his side. The darkness taking him once more, along with the pain and horror, he welcomed the darkness, his dear old friend these last few months. Months? He didn't remember anymore how long he'd been trapped there, in that place, surrounded by Mr Sunny and all those other children. The fools were happy to be there. Some were envious of the attention he was given by the Doctor while others kept only to themselves during playtime or library time.

They were all blind to see the truth he knew.

Everyone was diseased.

Filthy.

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Sara always felt nostalgic during a harsh thunderstorm and downpour, reminding her of the day she first came to the Shie Hassaikai, cold and wet as a dog, bloody and a few broken bones, but she had won her fight. Her father beamed with pride as Pops scolded her for being so reckless, and yet, she noticed the man himself was proud.

The two men had always been close, brothers in arms, wise, raising girls, and widowed. It was natural that they bonded as well until the day both turned eighteen, Pops daughter left the Shie Hassaikai refusing the way of the Yakuza or have any part of marrying another clan head. Sara's heart went out to him, but she visited whenever she could, even now, living under his roof again, instead of her own estate which she visited regularly.

She wasn't sure what possessed her to wander outside in the rain this late at night. Her inner wolf was restless, the need to roam and run calling her, so she did. Carrying only her travel bag in her mouth.

Running, running in her wolf form, feeling free.

She knew these streets and back alleys like the back of her hand, in her youth she remembered running into a certain Wonder Boy here and there. It felt like a lifetime ago.

An unfamiliar scent made her nose twitch and halt in her tracks, then the scent of blood made her stomach turn, there hidden in an alleyway, laying on the ground was a child.

Sara's inner wolf whined, slowly padding her way toward the injured child, a boy. The poor boy was bleeding, covered in dirt, soaking wet and covered in hives. She couldn't leave him, he could die and she could never forgive herself.

Sniffing the top of his head and the crook of his neck, inhaling his scent into her memory banks and when it was done she shifted back into her human form. Dropping the bag she carried and quickly put on a dress, threw on her bag over her shoulder, then wrapped the boy up into her jacket, carrying him in her arms back towards the Shie Hassaikai.

Barefoot, soaked in minutes, she didn't care. This child's safety and protection was more important than hers, as a mother herself, the thought of someone hurting and abusing a pup so young made her angry, burn hot and twist in her gut. Those cruel, heartless bastards. Anyone who dared raise there hands on children and their spouses weren't men at all, they were animals, lower than dirt.

When the Shie Hassaikai ground appeared over the horizon in her field of vision, Sara raised her head and howled, signaling her men that she had returned, howls echoed back as the gates opened, allowing her in and closing once she had entered.

Her head bodyguard, Ludolf rushed towards her with an umbrella his blue eyes immediately noticed the bundle in his mistress' arms. "My Lady are you hurt?" He spared the child a glance, meeting his mistress' heated violet gaze. "What happened?"

Sara shook her head, speed walking down the stone pathway towards the entrance as one of the house keepers handed her a towel and carrying a change of clothes. "I'm fine Ludolf, you old worrywart." She smiles, waving him off, marching carefully into the house, using the towel meant for her on the nameless boy instead, hurrying towards her personal bedroom, and laying him down on her bed. "But I need to see Pops and a doctor." Glancing over her shoulder to her maid, she offered gently, "Yuki, please fetch me more towels and a change of clothes for the boy."

Yuki nodded her head, "Yes, my lady." She left the room in a hurry.

Ludolf waited beside the door, closing it.

Sara sighed, using the towel she was given to dry the unconscious boys hair, gentle and with care as she laid him back down, and pat the rest of his body dry. "I found him in an alleyway on my nightly run. I will treat his wounds myself until a doctor arrives." She ordered, leaving no room for argument.

Ludolf nodded his head, bowing, leaving the towels and her change of clothes beside his mistress and heading towards the door, "Understood, my Lady. The young mistress is already in bed for the night."

Yuki came back with more towels and a simple white shirt and black sweat pants and socks, all child sizes they kept in case Lady Sara's eldest daughter June came to visit. "Master is on his way, my lady." she whispered quickly, glancing at the boy in curiosity, but quickly glanced back down on the floor.

"Thank you, Yuki, you are releaved for the night." Sara said nodding her head.

"Thank you, my lady, good night." Yuki bowed, giving Ludolf a small sheepish smile and left. The poor young woman's crush on the older man was obvious, it was endearing and innocent for the shy and reversed culture known in Japan. If anything sort of relationship was possable between Ludolf and Yuki, Ludolf himself would most likely have to make the first move.

The man had lost his wife shortly after his son Lutz was born, even if he didn't show it, his interest in Yuki was clear, but he was loyal to Sara and her father first. His over protective nature and blue eyes still followed Yuki's as she left down the halls.

Sara chuckled, "I think Yuki has a crush on you, Ludolf, you old charmer."

Ludolf stiffened and straightened, clearing his throat. "My apologies."

His gaze returned to Sara's back as she wiping his body down with a warm wash cloth, both clearly didn't like what they saw; it was clear from the boys lingering scent of fear that he was abused in someway, to be left all alone, or to run away from something. It made their instincts flare and inwardly snarl.

"Ludolf." Sara replied as she glanced at him over her shoulder, "I will go change myself, please take over changing the boy." She ordered, grabbing her change of clothes, rising to her feet, fists clenched and gritting her teeth.

The male shifter nodded, "Yes, my lady. Go change, if the boy wakes I will inform you at once."

Sara inhaled and exhaled hard out of her nose, wiping strands of wet hair from her face, feeling soaked and wet. She had no doubt that her dress was clinging to her skin and her curves, she didn't want Pops to worry and fret about her catching a cold. Turning towards the bathroom and closing the door, quickly stripping out of her wet dress and shoving it into the laundry basket, and hoping into the warm shower.

Ludolf kneeled beside the boy. It's not the first time his mistress had recused a child from the streets, but it was the first she had brought one home that was injured badly in a long time. He carefully and gently undressed the boy, trying to catch a familiar scent to give him the boys origin apart from the childs natural scent, fear and blood, the rain had washed away everything else.

He inwardly sighed, redressing him and tucking him in his lady's futon. He will have to get a spare, knowing his mistress wouldn't want to leave the boys side until he woke up. By the moon goddess above, the boy looked to be no more than five or six years, reality was a cruel one indeed for tragedy to strike one so young. Ludolf guessed they would find out the boys story soon enough.

Covering the boy with the duvet, his mistress had returned in freshly showered and clothed, he stayed still, waiting his next orders.

Sara frowned as she tied her long silver-white hair into a high pony tail, tying the pink colored kimono over her body with their clans emblem on the back, a ancient wolf howling and surrounded by a full moon. "I don't blame the boy for being exhausted. It's clear when I found him that he was running for his life." Her frown deepened, as she kneeled beside Ludolf and the boy, she lightly caressed his locks gently with the back of her fingers, "Where ever he's from we can't allow him to go back. He will be under our protection now."

Ludolf figured as much, he inwardly chuckled. She was exactly like her father, a softness for children, shifters or nonshifters, it didn't matter. They were all gifts from the moon goddess and otherworldly gods. "Very well, as you wish, my lady." He nodded and stood, "myself and Tsubaki will be outside standing guard." He walked outside and closing the screen door.

Sara pulled her shawl off her shoulders and covered the child just as Pops came in, glancing at her and then the boy, laying in her bed and sighed.

"I've already been informed of what happened. Its unfortunately to have found him in such a state his late and in the heart of a storm no less." Pops commented, folding his arms inside his robes. Without glancing over his shoulder, he nodded for the doctor to come in and examine the boy.

Sara and Pops watched closely as the doctor checked all of the boys vitals, wounds and condition.

"Other than the injuries on his feet and some light bruising the boy appears to be exhausted and I will give him around of antibiotics for good measure, until we can discover what he's allergic to. Give him an oatmeal bath when he wakes and wipe him down with cold water instead of warm, it will make the itching and irritation worse."

Sara nodded as she cringed, whoops. She has two children, this isn't her first time taking care of a child, but this is her first time looking after a child with a skin condition like his. There's always a first time for everything as her shoulders sagged. "Sorry doc, I worried about him catching a cold..." she said sheepishly, covering her eyes with the back of her hand. Goddess help her, what a night.

Pops reached out and gave her a pat on the head. "Don't worry, now you know, my dear. Don't beat yourself over it." He tried to comfort her and cheer her up. "Besides in been a while since we've had a boy so young in the house. Get some rest, we will continue this talk in the morning."

Sara sighed again. "You are right, Pops." She bowed to the doctor. "Thank you, doc."

The doctor chuckled and laughed, "It's not the first time you've called me so late at night, my lady. It's what I'm here for." He bowed in return. "Good night," he bowed to Pops, picked up his medical back and left as Pops followed, wishing her a good night once more.

Sara kept watched beside the boy for an hour or two until she felt drowsy, the adrenaline, and worry leaving her system, as her eyes began to close, she couldn't help herself as she brought the childs body to hers, keeping him warm with her. "Good night, brave warrior." she whispered, smiling as her inner wolf claimed his child as her own offspring and she didn't even know his name.

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When Kai woke, he felt warm and a weight pressed against his body.

He couldn't remember the last time his bed felt his comfortable and cozy. Wait? Cozy? Kai's golden eyes opened as he remembered the room change, taking the risk, using his quirk, creating a giant hole in the wall and escaping! Where the hell was he? Last he remembered he was tired and sleepy. Glancing around, he didn't recognize his room at all.

It was bright, it's morning as he closed his eyes, then opened them again.

He sat upright, the heavy duvet and a white colored shawl falling off his body as his thin brows furrowed in confusion and panic. These weren't his the clothes he wore last night. A white, baggy t-shirt and black sweatpants, this wasn't the usually orphanage uniform.

Kai swallowed, his mouth was dry. He saw something in the corner of his eye, a note, glass of water and a water pitcher.

Hesitantly, he picked up the glass, examined it, sniffed it and slowly drank it, greedily drinking the cold water until it was empty, panting and gasping for air. He left a headache coming on, dizzy, and he felt too hot as the familiar phantom itch and hives, crawling against his skin at the unfamiliar surrounding. Nerves twisting in his gut as he picked up the note and read it.

Good morning! Ring the bell and someone will serve you breakfast and I will come to meet you, brave warrior.

Kai blinked at the neat handwriting and the picture of a cartoonish wolf's head underneath the writing.

He glanced at the bell besides the glass.

Reaching over and ringing it, the bell's chimes and ringing echoes throughout the room. He waited and then the screen door opened, and a woman with silver-white hair and violet eyes stood in the doorway, smiling. Unlike the smiles Kai had been thee last few months while he was in the orphanage, this smile on this woman's face as genuine and kind. His eyes widened and his face and the tips of his ears grew red as he shook his head, whispering, "Who are you?" He coughed, his body ached and his feet hurt. It made sense, he did run barefoot last night, outside in the rain, like an idiot.

"Good morning, brave warrior." The woman spoke kindly as she closed the door, walked toward him slowly and sat down beside him, giving him space which he appreciated, his body tensed up and went on high alert out of habit. The woman frowned, "I don't hurt you. I found you last night while on my nightly run. My name is Sara Bliche, Pops will be here soon."

Kai raised an thin eyebrow, "Pops? Is he your father?"

Sara shook her head. "No, Pops is a friend of my family's and we are currently in his house." She smiled again and tilted her head, "May I know your name, or should I keep calling you brave warrior?"

Kai swallowed and grew flustered. "It's Kai, Kai Chisaki." He gave a small bow, politely as his mother taught him. No, that woman who gave him up wasn't his mother anymore. No, she abandoned him. Left him to rot in that hell hole.

"Well, Kai Chisaki as an honored guest myself, I welcome you, but first let's get you something to eat." She stood as the screen door opened and a woman carrying a tray of food entered with a man with blue eyes and brown hair, wearing a grey suit, white shirt and a red tie and black dress shoes followed by another man, an older man in house robes. The older man had grey hair with dark black eyes and thick brows, he must be the man and master of this house.

The younger woman placed the tray down in front of Kai, bowed towards Sara, "Will that be all, my lady?"

Sara nodded, "Yes, Yuki, thank you. You may go have your breakfast with the rest of the staff."

"Thank you, my lady." Yuki gave a sheepish smile and left, closing the screen door behind her.

Kai stared down at the food on tray: grilled salmon, rolled egg omelette, rice, a side of peeled oranges and green tea. It looks decent at least. He left last night before dinner, so he hadn't eaten since lunch yesterday and he was hungry, but he was too cautious and a bit nervous.

The room was filled with silence, then his stomach rumbled betraying him.

Kai's face grew red and he glance away, his hands clenched at his side.

Pops serious mask broke, he openly laughed, smiling in mirth. "Go ahead and eat, brat. You need your strength and Sara has stayed by your side all night."

Kai blinked, "You did?" His golden eyes meet Sara's as her smile widened.

"Yes," she nodded her head as she stood. "Pops will fill you in while I go get something to eat myself." Heading out the door, her smile dropping for a moment as she stared at Pops, "Pops, don't tease the Kai too much now, ya hear?"

Pops waved her off, "Go on, go on, my dear. Go take care of yourself. Ludolf and me can handle the things hear."

Sara smiled once more as she closed the sliding door.

Ludolf decided to introduce himself first, his blue eyes meeting Kai's curious gaze. "I'm Ludolf, I'm the head bodyguard to Mistress Sara. If you can't get in touch with my Mistress or Pops, then I will answer any of your questions and requests while they are busy or away on important business." He glanced down at Kai's untouched food. "My lady cooked your breakfast herself, be grateful pup and eat it."

Kai's thin brow twitched as he huffed through his nose. "How do I know it's not poisoned, even if, it's been made by the woman who saved my life. What do you want?" He argued.

"She wouldn't be the type of woman to take so much time and effort to keep you alive, only to kill you when she could easily have done it herself." Pops cut in, folding his arms and his hard mask in place. "If you are doing to stay underneath my roof, you will treat Lady Sara with the correct respect that she deserves. Remember that brat, now eat. We will continue talking and questioning after you eat."

Kai gave in as his stomach rumbled again. He quietly gave his thanks and ate without further complain, as much as he hated to admit it, it was better man what he ate at the orphanage. Everything tasted blame or was made from frozen dinners, while his tasted like a real home-cooked meal, made with love and care. It made his chest warm and tears prickle the corner of his eyes, but he refused to let them fall.

Pops and Ludolf waited until Kai was done eating to continue questioning.

Where was he running away from? The orphanage.

Where's its location? He didn't know.

Where's his parents? Father is dead and his mother abandoned him.

What's his name? Kai Chisaki.

How old is he? Five.

Does he have any other living relative? No.

What did he like do to? Read.

What was his favorite color. Green and Purple.

After eating and answer questions Kai still felt tired and sleepy, his head still hurt and he was burning up, his throat felt dry and it hurt after he drank the green tea and water. He blinked, shaking his head as the old man asked him something, he didn't hear him. "What?" he asked, blinking again.

Ludolf tilted his head, noticing the boy, Kai seemed disoriented and sluggish, pale and sweating. His blue eyes widened as he cursed, "Pops, call the doc back in here. He's sick. I'll stay here til Lady Sara returns."

Pops nodded and stood, "I'm fetch him clean clothes and everything else he'll need, if he's going to be staying here."

Kai fell backwards onto the futon and he heard was a woman's voice calling his name in panic. Then he immediately recognized it, it was Lady Sara, his savior. She was genuinely worried for him.

Worried for a monster like him?

He wasn't human.

He didn't deserve to be pitted and saved.

He felt something on his cheek. Was in raining again?

No.

His body felt hot as he shivered, vision blurry as he tried to open his eyes, all he saw was silverish-white hair and violet eyes, Lady Sara was holding him and she was crying, her beautiful face was scrunched up in worry and sadness. He froze as terror took over and he weakly struggled to get away, his breath hitched as he waited for the itching and hives to come, but nothing happened. Kai's body grew heavier and heavier, everything went black again, and the last thing heard was: "It's okay, Kai. I'm here. You're safe now, rest my brave warrior."

Sara quickly ate breakfast, then rushed to check in on Mary who was laying down for her early morning nap when Kai woke up.

She was excited to finally be able to talk to him and was surprised to discover that he had the most beautiful honey colored eyes she'd ever seen.

She'd bet he would be a real looker someday.

Walking back into her room, she sensed something was wrong. Her body became on alert as she ran down the halls, hearing Pops call for the doctor and her heartbeat thudded hard in her ears and chest tightened with worry.

Rushing into the room as Kai's head hits the pillow, calling his name, kneeling beside the futon, she felt his forehead with the back of her wrist, noticing his skin was pale and clammy, yet scolding hot. He's running a fever!

It makes sense given how and where she found him last night during the storm, combined with so much stress on his body.

He passed out again as she held him against her chest again.

Sara was surprised how quickly her inner wolf quickly accepted him on her own, and into her pack. Holding him against her as she used the water from the water pitcher, to apply to his forehead with a wash cloth as she felt tears prickling her vision, keeping him in her lap and wrapped in a blanket. "It's okay, I'm here. Your safe. Rest Kai, my brave warrior." It hurt how scared he looked in her arms, his eyes wide with horror and terror, body language frozen as he weakly tried to push her away, breath ragged and the scent of fear gave it all away.

This poor child has known hell, he's known pain, him flinching from her touch, instead of embracing her warmth and comfort, it's clear that he's been abused. More than any child should have to endure.

Ludolf explained what they learned and what had happened.

She listened and stayed by Kai's side, reapplying the wet wash cloth, wiping down his body without completely undressing him, or letting Ludolf find cleaning and washing Kai whenever she had to check in on Mary.

Sara tried to remain calm as best as she could, but her inner wolf was whining, rubbing against her skin, wanting to come out, shift into her wolf form and curl up against him, offering her warm when his body shivered and trembled.

Resisting the change hurt and felt as if her bones and skin were being ripped apart from the inside out, but she swallowed her pain and discomfort for taking care of both Kai and Mary, and knew they needed her more. Inhale and exhale, in and out, breathing through her nose, letting it out as she reopened her eyes.

She knew they barely had any solid leads beside turn him over to the police. They would throw him into the system and she might never see him again. Sara had already talked about Kai living here with them since she could keep an eye on him, taking better care of him than wherever the hell orphanage he came from.

With her mind made up, she placed him back down, changed the water pitcher, asked Ludolf to change and bath him while her and Yuki changed the bedding, he did as ordered without question.

Once Kai was bathed, redressed, the doctor came back, whispering that the boy would need more bed rest, have her medicine and would check back in the morning or if called. Sara thanked him, she sat down beside him, running her fingers through his hair and changed the wet rag once more, humming and singing a song she'd sing her girls.

Hours past, Kai would awaken from nightmares, half delirious, begging and crying, teary eyed golds meeting her violets as her heart aches as she cooed gently in his ear, holding him and rocking him back and forced, whispering that she wasn't going to let anyone take him away from her. It was a promise and a vow, only death would take her away from her new child.

Around four o'clock in the morning, Kai's fever broke.

It was still early in the morning when he opened his eyes again.

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Kai opened his eyes, it was dark.

He was still in the same room.

Blinking, turning his head he saw Lady Sara asleep beside him, her hand laying on top of the blankets as she nuzzled the top of his head, pulling him closer to her body as he grew flustered and struggled, his arms and hands were stuck inside the stupid blankets. How strong is this woman? he grunted in discomfort and panic as his phobia kicked in, then he heard laughter and he froze.

"Do you need help, brat?" It was the old man, Pops.

Kai twisted his body, growing more flustered as he met the older man's teasing stare with a glare.

"I don't envy you." Pops admitted, smirking. "I'm afraid that shifter woman are as strong as men in their clan." He chuckled, raising a thick brow and rubbing his chin with his hand. "It's clear that she's taken a shine to you, and claimed you as her own son. It's only been two days." He shook his head and grinned. "Whatever am I going to do with her?"

Kai huffed and grunted in discomfort, but it was clear that his interest had been peeked by Pops words as a glint of curiosity in his eyes. "Shifter?"

"Yes, Lady Sara is a part of a subspecies of nonhumans that can shift between man and beast, or in her case female wolf." He explained, "Unlike other mutant and animal based quirks, they were around long before quirks were world spread and known. You could say they are a type of ancestor, blending in and hiding in the shadows until quirks manifested."

"She's not the only one?" Kai asked.

"Many underneath hers and her fathers command are shifters, mostly born with their inner wolf and the ability to shift partly or fully." Pops answered smiling and glancing behind Kai, "Good morning, my dear. Sleep well?"

Kai remained still, his eyes widen and his face grew flustered once more, his cheeks and ears pink.

Lady Sara blinked giving Pops a lazy sleepy smile as she sat upright, stretching and rubbing her eyes. "Morning, Pops." Blinking sleep away, voilet eyes glancing down and her smiled widdened, "Morning, Kai. I'm glad that your fever broke."

"Morning," Kai muttered, trying to bury his face into his pillow.

Lady Sara and Pops laughed.

"Well, someone needs a morning bath." Lady Sara announed stretching and yanking the blankets back, picking Kai up by the back of his shirt, wrapping her arm around his waist to heading towards the bathroom. "Come on, time to get squeaky clean."

Kai struggled, growing more embarrassed. "Let me, I can clean myself!" He reached his hands out, huffing and puffing, trying to grab her and activating his quirk, when she caught his wrists with superhuman speed, Kai barely saw it.

Clearly shifters didn't have just superhuman strength, but were fast and agile too.

Lady Sara's smile turned sickeningly sweet and tight lipped. "Now, now, Kai." She tilted her head, violet eyes hardening. "You tried to use your quirk just now, hmm? I can smell you anger, frustration and malice. Such a temper, we need to fix that. So your quirk is touch based?"

Kai froze in her hold, going limp and staring at the floor.

Sara frowned and explained gently, "I won't undress you or touch you other than this. I need to make sure you can stand and bath properly by yourself." She let go of his wrists, stood outside the bathroom, put him down at the threshold and turned around. "Try attacking me again and I'll make a game out of it." She said teasingly. "I may not look it, but I'm strong and used to be a vigilantly. I gave it up after I married, but I still train everyday." She giggled, "Have to make sure I can catch my children when they run off."

Kai glanced at Sara's back, to where Pops was sitting. His expression was impassive as he sighed, and nodded. "Understood." He turned, walked into the bathroom and closed the door, pressing his body against the wood, swallowing and taking a shaky breath he was holding.

Quickly undressing, folding the clothes neatly before shoving them into the laundry basket, into the shower, turning the water on as hot as he could stand it, getting in and scrubbing every inch of his skin raw as the smell of roses hit his nose.

Blinking he glanced down at the bar of soap and suds in his hands. Roses? Well, this was Lady Sara's room and he assumed her bathroom. He recognized his scent on her skin as he blushed and shook his head, washed his face and hair, then rinsing off as a thought occurred to him.

He was free.

Truly free of that hellish death trap.

No, he wasn't completely free.

He rubbed the back of his neck and followed it as far as he could between his shoulder blades. The chip hidden underneath his skin and the number on his back, his code number. He remembers the doctor calling him a spare, what for he didn't know. The memory made him shiver and glare at the wall as he grit his teeth.

Kai could remove it himself, but he couldn't see it. He could make a hole in the wall and repair himself that's as far as he's done with his quirk, his curse and diseased blood. His mothers and the doctors and someone else's words echoing in his head over and over again.

Closing his eyes, crouching and huddling in the corner of the bathtub, covering his ears and shivering, tears prickling the corner of his eyes as he quietly and silently sobbed, go away, go away, go away!

A knock at the door made Kai open his eyes, his breath hitch and turn his head towards the door.

"Kai?" It was Lady Sara. Her voice was calm yet worried. "Are you alright? Do you need help?"

Licking his dry lips and swallowing the lump in his throat, he replied, "No. I'm getting out." Kai grabbed a towel drying himself and noticed clean clothes on the sinks counter, his thin brows furrowed, did Lady Sara or Pops put them there? He didn't remember hearing anyone come in or knock until a few moments ago.

Shaking his head, he quickly wiped his face, sniffed and got dressed in a black long sleeve, grey sweatpants, socks and underwear. It was all soft and new.

When Kai opened the bathroom door, Pops was gone and so was Lady Sara. He tilted his head in confusion. Where'd they go? Peaking his head out as he heard her voice on the other side of the main door.

Stepping outside the threshold of the door, he saw an empty hall way.

He saw her standing outside of a different door, smiling and waiting.

"It's alright, Kai, I'm out here," Lady Sara replied, nodding to herself and a glint of praise and pride in her tone. "You are a fighter, that's good. You should be proud and hold your head high." She giggled, "The moon goddess has been watching you."

He remained still, rooted on the spot.

"I had the liberty of returning my things back into this room, so the one you are currently staying in is yours now. Ludolf and Pops are out buying everything you need, if you need or anything anything ask myself or Pops. It's summer vacation, so we will have to enroll you into school soon after Pops legally adopts you with me as your co-guardian."

He blinked, "You really accepted a stranger, a street kid into your house as your own?"

"Yes." She agreed without hesitation.

Kai deadpanned, "Are you insane? Or are all shifters like you?"

Lady Sara laughed, "Of course, you have to be a little insane and unhinged to survive in this cruel world." She snickers, grin widening. "You are blunt and speak your mind. That's a good trait to have, but I can see it getting you into a lot of trouble." Clearing her throat, she continued, "We will have someone test you to test your grade level. Someone so cheeky, blunt and with that resting bored expression you have," she leaned against the wall, "I can see you being a little smarty pants on top of the list."

Kai's face grew flustered. She wasn't wrong.

He's always enjoying being alone. Kai loved to sit by himself and read instead of playing with the other kids, he didn't see a point. They ignored him anyways, so why should he both trying? He didn't need any friends then and he didn't need any now.

"Kai, I want you to meet someone." Lady Sara whispered, lifting a hand and curling her finger and walking into the room.

He followed, stepping into the room and noticed the crib in the right corner of the room, baby toys, diapers, woman's products, neatly and stacked away or in their own space. Kai's face crinkled, he hated clutter and messes. Stepping further into the room, he saw the wolf woman sitting down in the middle of the floor as a small bundle of blankets moved beside her in a smaller carrying bassinet.

"Come, don't be shy." She encouraged patting the spot in front of her, patiently.

He sighed and walked further into the room until he was front of her, clearly bored as his interest faded.

"This is my daughter Mary. Isn't she cute." Lady Sara cooed gently, smile widened, perfect definition of a mothers love. "My oldest is back home with my father. But I had Mary while here in Japan, then her father died." She explained, frowning. "Pops is letting us stay here." Smiling again, she lightly caressed the back of her hand against her baby's cheek. "It's time for her to eat." Lady Sara began to untie her robe.

Kai's face grew scarlet and turned to look away with his back facing her. "I'll- I'll leave the room to give you privacy, my lady." He started to stand, when he felt a tug on his sleeve and paused without glancing over his shoulder.

"Please stay? I enjoy the company while I feed Mary, it's nice to have someone to talk to." Lady Sara asks. "I breastfeed her once a day now, this is my last week until she's completely on solids," she muttered to herself as she held her baby and nursed.

Kai was lost in his own thoughts.

How could he refuse the woman who saved his life?

Pops did say that a debt must be paid.

Kai's life wasn't his own anymore, it belonged to both Lady Sara and Pops, his saviors. The wolf woman had treated him and stayed by his side while he was sick, now he knew why she would sometimes disappear. It was so she could look after, feed and take care of her own child. He remembered her mentioning that she had two daughters, but he didn't know that one of them was here. It made sense, she couldn't abandon her youngest, but she still made time for him, and he wasn't her own flesh and blood.

The thought had his chest warm.

"Kai?" Lady Sara repeated gently, pulling him out of his thoughts. "Will you be able to stay?"

Kai nodded his head and sat back down, muttering. "As you wish, Lady Sara." The tips of his ears were red now.

"Thank you, Kai." Lady Sara smiled and pat the boy on the head. "Such a little gentleman."

"How old is she?" He asked wanting to fill the uncomfortable silence.

"She's a year old."

"Does breastfeeding hurt?" Why did he ask that? Kai cringed and inwardly smacked himself.

"At first yes, it's uncomfortable and requires at lot of patience. But once get the latch down and quick up the feeding ques it get easier the more you do it."

He nodded his head. "Does she get enough to eat?"

"Yes, as much as she needs."

Kai's stomach growled, the rumble sound echoing loud in the room. "Sorry."

Lady Sara giggled and smiled, "It's okay. I'm hungry too. Yuki should be back soon with breakfast. I asked her to make it light and nutritious for you, if there's anything you don't like or are allergic to, let us know."

"No allergies. I'm not picky, except for runny eggs." He replied, staring at the wall. "I don't like them."

There was a knock on the door.

It wasn't Pops, Ludolf, or Yuki who opened the door, but a very tall and muscular man. His silver-white hair was long and tied into a long, loose braid, his hard, sharp and amused violet gaze met Kai's as his smiled wide and tilted his head in interest.

Kai shivered and felt goosebumps appear and pebble along his skin, but he held the strangers gaze. His face remained impassive and his golden eyes narrowed, he didn't know why, but he shifted his position into a protective stand over Lady Sara and her child.

Free hand hovering over inches from the floor should the man attack.

His body moved on his own before he could think. He didn't know who he was, but he could tell he was powerful.

The strangers brow rose, tilting is head back and releasing an earnest and hearty, laugh. "So this is the boy I've heard about, hmm?" He ducked underneath the door, walked over the threshold and closed the screen door behind him. "Already overprotective of your Mistress and her heiress, I expect nothing less from a back alley, brat."

Kai's thin brow twitched with irritation. "Who are you bastard?" He asked, disgust and challenge in his tone.

Lady Sara cut in. "Father," she chastised lightly, covering herself, placed a burp cloth over her shoulder and began to burp Mary as she shook her head. "Don't be rude to Kai. He's under our and Pops protection now and our guardianship soon."

Lady Sara's father raised his hands in mock surrender, his smile widened and his fierce violets softened when he met his daughter's gaze. "Calm down, my moonlight. You know I have to give the boy a hard time." He chuckled, "I give the boy points for holding his ground and immediately protecting you and my precious Maria."

Kai lowered his arms and sat back down, his body still tense. Crossing his arms, observing the man more closely now that there was no immediate threat.

He wore a black suit with a red tie and matching vest underneath, his dress shirt was white and matching black loafers. Eyeing him up and down before meeting his eyes once more, Kai scoffed and grumbled underneath his breath, "Should have said you were Lady Sara's father to begin with."

The man laughed again, striding forward and ruffling Kai's hair as he passed, "Such a smart-assed and rude little shit too. He'll fit right in."

"Do not touch me, old man." Kai hissed, shoving his bigger and heavy hand off. "You still haven't told me your name." He argued.

Sara cleared her throat, "Kai this is my father and clan head of our yakuza organization Hans Bliche." She pointed at him to her father, "Father this child as you well know is Kai Chisaki. The boy I saved a few days ago, Pops will be adopting him and I will be his co-parent. Technically, he's a new member of our family, your grandson." She smiled, and added, "Please take care of him. Also, be aware that he doesn't like to be touched, so please refrain from touching him without his permission."

Hans glanced over his shoulder at Kai. "I will try, but no promises." Turning his impatient gaze down at the bundle in his daughter's arms, kneeling in front of them. "Now, can I hold my starlight? Please?" Holding his arms out, offering to take the baby into his waiting hands, frowning.

Sara giggled and shook her head. "You may." Gently handing her baby over and warned. "Be careful not to move her too quickly she just ate."

"Yes, yes, I can smell the breast milk on her lips," he waved his daughter off, placing her into the crook of his arm and wiping the edges of her mouth with the back of his thumb. "There all clean, my little cute starlight." He cooed gently, smile softening as he slowly stood. "This is my third girl to hold and raise. Give me some credit. I know what I'm doing."

"You have no other children?" Kai asked curious as he raised an eyebrow.

"No." He replied, shaking his head. "My wife and I tried, but could only have one child." He admitted, frowning and his gaze turned melancholy. "After her passing, I couldn't force myself to take another mate."

Kai nodded his head. "Are you a shifter too?" He decided to not beat around the bush and ask flatly.

Both of the adults eyes widened.

"I see our secret is already out." Hans replied, meeting the boys stare, he wasn't lying. "The old man blabbed, I take it?"

Kai remained silent. He already knew and saw no reason to deny it.

Sara sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose. "I suppose it would be easier than lying to him all the time." Opening her eyes and standing, smiling and leading the way. "Come, let's go have lunch together outside in the garden."

Kai stood, silently following.

Hans picked up the diaper bag and followed, smiling down at his granddaughter. "Fresh air will do you some good, little one."

After they ate they sat in silence once more except for Mary's babbling as she crawled in the grass, watching.

Kai felt calm as he stared at the huge cherry blossom tree. Despite the tiny voice in the back of his mind, whispering that he wasn't truly free. Not without the reminders on his back, he mentally shook himself as he noticed Mary crawling directly into his lap.

The young boy froze as his eyes widen and he grew nervous as the baby smiled at him as he saw her fully for the first time. Chubby cheeks, heterochromic eyes, the color of violet and gold, she giggled as he noticed her two sharp canines, wearing a pink sundress and matching bloomers. Her shirt hair was the same silver-white as her mother and grandfather, but unlike the adults she has a furry wolf tail and ears.

This tiny, chubby baby hardy weighed much as she gripped his shirt with her tiny hands to keep her balance and bounced in his lap, giggling and laughing before reaching for his face.

Kai immediately grabbed her outstretched hand as his eyes narrowed. "No," he bit out.

Of course, she didn't understand. Babies learn their environment and everything through touch, shifters being more overly affectionate and social creatures didn't help. How could she have known about his past when she was still learning herself?

Kai noticed her face scrunch up as she pouted her lips. Tears welling in her eyes as she struggled and whined, pushing forward as he grunted and tried not to activate his quirk.

Hans opening laughed, "You might as well give in boy. She's already as stubborn as a bull. Runs in the family I'm afraid."

Kai mutters under his breath. "She's been playing in the dirt." Scowling as her grip on his shirt tightens, watching as she growls and bared her teeth, gaps missing from them still coming in. "Stop it."

Ears flattening against her head and tail fluffing.

Mary used her legs and pushed Kai down into his back and used his distraction and surprise to sit on his chest and grab his cheeks with both hands, tail wagging behind her happily.

Kai remained still, glaring harder as his hands twitched at his sides.

Mary ignored his seething glare as she giggled, leaned down and nuzzled his jaw, then gave the shocked and blushing boy wet kisses on his cheek.

"Yuck," he hissed, lightly gripping her sides and tried to yank her away, but she grabbed his face harder, growling.

Lady Sara laughed as she picked Mary up, despite her daughter kicking and crying, her face turning red. "Yes, yes, you've given Kai a warm welcome. Let the poor boy breathe, sweetie." Pressing her against her chest as Mary fought harder, whining, "No, no, no," over and over as her mother gently rocked her and shushed her, walking closer to the cherry blossom tree and singing.

Kai sat up, his nose scrunched in disgust as he aggressively wiped his drool covered cheeks with the sleeve of his shirt. "disgusting."

Hans snickered, crouching down and patting him on the back. "I warned you boy."

Kai crossed his arms, cheeks still flamed and his heart thudded hard in his chest and echoed in his ears.

Day after day, Kai noticed that the little she wolf would follow him everywhere. If she wasn't in the room with him, she would whine and cry, howling and beg for him.

What's worse was when she started calling him, "my Kai."

Kai would wake up after passing out reading a book to find the little brat curled up into his side, gripping his shirt, sucking on her thumb and her tail curled. Inwardly groaning, scooting away, slowly grabbing his book, but he didn't get far as he heard the titter patter of tiny feet following him away.

Growing flustered and frustrated he sat back down, opened his book and tried to ignore her.

Mary dragging her blanket and stuffed white wolf plush in the crook of her arm sat down beside him and curled up into his side, nuzzling.

Lady Sara's, Pops, Ludolf and The General's teasing didn't help.

As time passed, her presence wasn't so bad.

Within the blink on an eye, two years had passed.

Then everything changed for Kai once more.

Kai had lost his mother figure again.

Pops and Hari held him back as Kai tried to fight them off, watching as a sleeping Mary was carried off by her grandfather into the Bliche clans car as he begged for the shifter to bring her back.

"Kai, she will be back when she's become of marrying age." Pops reminded, his heart hurt. But he grieved more for Kai and Hari. No parent should ever have to bury there child.

"Kai, please don't strain yourself." Hari begged his friend. "Remember the Generals words. She will be back. We have to prove ourselves first."

"Let go, dammit!" Kai hissed, "she needs me!"

He watched, tears falling down his face, he didn't care that his injuries hadn't healed. "Bring her back! Please! Don't take her from me!" He called Mary's name over and over until the car was passed the gates and over the horizon. "Mary!"

He didn't care that he was covered in hives. He didn't care that he was coughing blood or that his wound had reopened. Kai screamed her name until his voice was hoarse and his throat burned. Kneeling on the ground with his head touching the ground, nails clawing at the dirt. His body shook and shuddering, wheezing and sobbing, tears and snot running down his face.

It hadn't been a full day and he had already lost two of his most treasured people, who he failed to protect.

What use was did he have such a powerful quirk, if he couldn't used it to protect them?

Useless.

Good for nothing.

Monster.

Inhuman.

Failure.

Kai opened his eyes, tilted his head back and wailed into the sky. All of his pain, his regrets, his rage and anger, his sorrow.

It felt as if the sunrise was mocking him, the mixture of blue and pinks swirling.

Mary's favorite colors.

🌸🌸🌸🌸🐦‍⬛🌸🌸🌸🌸

18 years later

The temperature was dropping as the sun disappeared behind the horizon twenty minutes ago as the trio of yakuza waited inside the parked, warm car. They had to meet his informant in twenty minutes, but first he had stopped by the underground support tech who had just finished his order. After much thinking and planning he decided on the design, measurements and fitting for his mask, the finished product was finally here.

Kai Chisaki felt giddy, excited.

Pull his mask out of an inner pocket and slip it on, a seamless, matte red and gold that covers the lower half of his face, molding perfectly to his features. The most striking feature was the shape of the mask, no, a plague mask. The glow is subtle enough not to give away his position in the darkness, but noticeable enough to unnerve anyone who sees him.

He closed his eyes and breathed through the built in air filters. Yes, he felt clean, pure air enter his lungs.

Yes, this will do.

Perfect for his plan and goal.

The perfect image for his villain persona, not Kai Chisaki, but Overhaul.

Reopening his eyes as he felt more relaxed, a slight curl underneath his mask. Oh how, he wished she and her could be here to see him. He had no doubt that she would comment on him looking handsome and roguish in his villain attire. The thought alone made his cheeks warm, knowing she would tease him lovely, of course.

Soon the waiting will be over. I'll see her again. He thought as he leaned over and opened the car door.

Overhaul stepped out of the car, his shoes crunching underneath the pure white snow, crunching under his weight. "Move the car around and wait for me. You know the drill in case they try to pull anything." He ordered Chrono from the driver seat with Mimic in the passenger seat.

"Yes, Overhaul." Chrono answered as Overhaul closed the door, the clock user shifted the gear from park to drive, moving forward and turned around the corner.

Zipping his green bombers jacket closed and shoving his gloved hands in his pockets to keep warmer from the winter chill creeping in. His eyes scan the street, making sure he wasn't being followed before walking forward, footsteps silent against the freshly salted pavement as he winds his way through backstreets and back alleyways.

Streetlamps flickering up ahead, lighting and bathing the path in a pale yellow glow.

He knew meeting by the seaside in the middle of winter was a classic cliche, but it offered him the best privacy and leaving them undisturbed and plenty of places to hide a body should anything arise.

He notices his regular informant at their meeting spot, but doesn't recognize the new face. Overhaul's eyes narrow and his suspicions rises, then relaxes his features as he approaches them, if they tried anything or try double cross him he will be as good as blood splatter in the snow.

The man talking with what looks like to be a child. They immediately hush and halt their conversation, recognition flashing on his faces as their spines straighten, retaining eye contact and the older man whisper his alias.

Asahi Ito. A seasoned cop with a sick wife and a son. He had blue eyes and brown hair, muscled and patches of grey in his hair. The man had been Pop's informant in his youth and now he was his.

A crooked cop who keep him informed for payment.

Pay a man enough and he will walk into hell. Every man has a price, even a cop, a man of the law. Paying to support his family, feed his child and sick wife, hospital bills eating him alive. Doesn't matter, it's an exchange. Both get what they need and want, so long as the man keeps his end of the deal.

Overhaul stood in front of the pair of men, gaze slipping from his usual man to the newcomer. "Who is this?" Hazashi Ito. Of course, Overhaul recognized the cop's child, but asked anyways.

The younger of the pair flinches as though the words were a physical blow, trembling. Despite his obvious fear he meets Overhaul's unrelenting stare.

"Overhaul," the older and taller of the two rasps in greeting, breath fogging in the icy air. "This is my son-" He points at the child when the yakuza cuts him off.

"Why is he here?" Overhaul pressed, wanting to skip the explanation, get what he wanted to get back home. This boy had to have been no more than ten, half younger than himself. Gaze shifting back to his informant's as he noticed they had the same blue eyes and brown hair color, he could see the resemblance. He was telling the truth. The boy was a younger and spitting image of his father, baby faced, without the battle scars and scared. He should be in bed, not out in the cold with his father meeting a gangster this late at night.

"My wife is in the hospital and I couldn't leave him alone, Overhaul, Sir." The informant answered without hesitation.

Overhaul's eyes narrowed, returning to the boy. "How much does he know?" His hands slip out of his pockets, one hand fiddling with his glove in warning. "He's a liability, you know."

"He has a good head on his shoulders, Sir. I've already talked with him before we came." The informant replied, his arms wrapping around his son, meeting his gaze. "Isn't that right, Hazashi?"

Hazashi met his father's gaze, then Overhaul's as he swallowed nervously and nodding his head. "Y-Yes, Sir."

At least he taught his boy some manners.

The yakuza hums, offers a curt nod in return. "So you have something for me?"

The child reaches into his coat and retrieves a large sealed manila envelope.

His gloved hand shook slightly as he passed the envelope to Overhaul, from the cold, or fear, or both. It didn't matter. They had been waiting as the temperature dropped, but knew the busy gangster wouldn't appreciate them calling off their agreed randevu point without his permission.

They had no choice but to wait until he appeared.

Overhaul tucked it away with inspecting it. "Payment will be in the usual manner, that is all."

"Thank you, Overhaul, sir." Asahi dip his head in acknowledgement, his son copying the action and whispering his thanks, their business concluded.

"Remember that my men are always watching, Ito." Overhaul reminded as he turned his back, glancing over his shoulder meeting both of their gaze.

The pair only nodded, bowed and left, heading inside the abandoned warehouse where they money was kept underneath a secret compartment.

Overhaul continued walking without glancing back, Chrono and Mimic wanting up the road for him with the car.

Once back into the car, he leans against the seat and open the envelope. Unfolding the papers, updated and photographs taken, fall into his hand.

He pauses on the top photo.

A woman with wolf ears and a tail, her long silver-white hair loose and flowing with a braid in the back, flying behind her in waves as she takes a fighting stance in her workout gear. Her dark yoga pants are tight, rounded in just the right way along her backside and thick thighs, with a light blue sports bra and matching tank top doing the same amount of justice to her front.

His gaze glides over her body in a short time, snapping an assessment. It's her face that stops his professional mask from slipping. Staring for much too long at the next picture.

Her haunting and otherworldly multicolored eyes stare out from the image, one violet, one gold, a genetic rarity that makes her more beautiful in his eyes. Framing her pale face and full pink lips. He forces his gaze to the line of her jaw and confident notch in her chin.

Yes. Her eyes.

He could never forget them for as long as he lived, never.

He moved onto another picture of her eating at a food court, a iced coffee on the table and a Chinese food, and cheesecake on the side as she dug into her meal. The cute show of her overly sharp canines poking out of her lips as she smiled, clear joy in her expression.

Soon. He though, putting everything back into the folder. Turning his gaze outside the window, soon. She will be returning this coming spring. His gloved grip on the folder tightened a tad, he was already growing anxious, nervous and excited.

Chronostasis and Mimic said nothing, but even without them saying a word. They knew their Master was lost in thought of her again.

Soon their new Lady and Mistress will be returning to Japan, her rightful place beside their Master. The only woman Overhaul desired more and more as time passed, their promised time drawing closer and closer.

When that same baby and child would meet again as adults.

Mary.