[MHA AU] Ashen Paths: The World of Hidden Bonds

["Igniting the Unseen Path."]

..

The sun rose high, casting warmth over the bustling city as birds and heroes soared across the clear blue sky. Inside the Todoroki household, Fuyumi was busy setting the table for breakfast, the scent of miso soup and grilled fish filling the air.

Fuyumi: "Natsuo! I know you're awake up there-breakfast is ready!" Her voice carried through the house.

A groggy response came from the hallway.

Natsuo: "Ugh... five more minutes, sis..." he groaned, his voice muffled by his pillow.

Fuyumi shook her head, a small sigh escaping her. Natsuo oversleeping was nothing new. She placed a bowl of rice on the table, checking the clock with a hint of impatience.

Suddenly, the front door creaked open.

Toya: "Man, you don't know how hungry I am!"

Fuyumi turned, instantly recognizing the voice. There he was, Toya, grinning as he stepped inside. His familiar burn scars lined his arms and neck, but today, fresh bandages peeked out from under his sleeves. He plopped into the chair with a playful smirk.

Toya: "Itadakimasu!" he said, already digging into the meal.

Fuyumi: Her smile faltered as she noticed the new bandages. She moved toward him, her voice soft but firm. "Toya, did you burn yourself again? You need to stop being so reckless-those injuries can get worse if you're not careful!"

Toya waved her off, flashing his usual dismissive grin.

Toya: "C'mon, Fuyumi, no need to worry. They're nothing serious, just small burns. Besides, who could miss out on your cooking?" He glanced at Natsuo, who had quietly shuffled in. "Right, Natsuo?"

Natsuo: Still half-asleep, he nodded. "Yup, totally worth getting out of bed for."

Fuyumi let out a long sigh, her frustration visible as she sat down across from them.

Fuyumi: "You two never take anything seriously," she muttered, picking at her food, clearly bothered.

Toya and Natsuo exchanged a quick glance, both sensing the tension. Natsuo was the first to speak up, his tone light in an attempt to lift the mood.

Natsuo: "Hey, you know what we should do today? Let's visit Mom. It'll cheer you up, sis." He paused, flashing a cheeky smile. "Without the old man, of course."

Toya's expression tightened at the mention of their mother. Guilt flickered in his eyes, and though he forced a smile, his voice held a subtle strain.

Toya: "Yeah... how's Shoto doing? Haven't seen the little guy in forever." He quickly changed the subject, rubbing the back of his neck, the weight of his guilt pushing down on him.

Fuyumi brightened at the mention of family, unaware of Toya's discomfort.

Fuyumi: "We should all go. Mom would love to see us together. And if Shoto's free, maybe he can join us too!"

Natsuo: "Exactly! Just the family. A happy reunion, without any of Dad's drama!"

Toya swallowed hard. The thought of visiting their mother always brought a tightness to his chest. Each visit left him feeling drained, the guilt over the past hanging over him. But he couldn't show that. Not here.

Toya: "Y-Yeah... sounds like a plan." His smile wavered, but he hoped they wouldn't notice.

Before the conversation could spiral further, Fuyumi's phone rang, breaking the moment. She glanced at the screen, eyes widening in surprise.

Fuyumi: "Oh! It's Shoto!"

Toya exhaled quietly, seizing the chance to escape. He stood up.

Toya: "Thanks for the food, sis. It was great." He nudged Natsuo as he passed. "Come on, let's talk."

Natsuo followed Toya, casting one last glance at Fuyumi, who was now distracted by her phone.

Toya pulls natsuo into the hallway to discuss something more porsonal. He glancind back to making sure fuyumi isnt listening

Toya: "Natsuo... have you visited Mom lately? I've been trying, but every time I go, I just... I cant stay long. Its like I cant look at her without remembering everything"

Natsuo: he sighed "I know. its hard for all of us, Toya. But you cant keep avoiding her... shes nit blaming you for anything"

Toya: He shock his head, with quiet voice "Its not about what she thinks.. its what i feel. The day i- pauses "...i just cant forget it"

Natsuo: Was Firm but gentle "Youre not the only one hurting. Weve all been through hell. You dont have to carry it alone"

Toya: he sighed he thought to himself that.. he cant just face her like that hands in pokets at he turns around "I got things to do, take care of fuyu natsuo"

Toya would leave natsuo as he gone out of the house, Natsuo stood there as just both brothers would be left with unresolved tension.

~
- - -

After Time passing, Toya was training his quirk using his blue flame somewhere away, on his way there earlier Hawks was heading towards todorokis house and noticed him by, but wouldnt bother him.

Toya finnaly stops training as he got himself a bottle of water, wipes his sweats under his chin, drinks some of the water, sits on pice of wood brings his phone and searchs for any reports about criminals, he sure thought of bringing his abiltiys to action

Toya would mention about An report about "Magne" villain, he searchs online if there was any informations, even smaller once they dont pay attontion, he would spot the things he needs from other heros interviews.

Toya let out an scoffing sound "Pff- What an villain name! Probably has somthing to do with Magnete.. like ofc!"

Toya would get up mentions the places that villain could be..

Toya: "Old man, thanks for the intel~ i know you didnt think I'd figure it out, but I will. Ill prove Im more capable than you ever gave me credit for, just watch me. He grins confidently as knew that could proof to his father he could turn a hero

The sun was setting down as it begin getting darker.. somewhere in Train Yards an Unknown person Walks in the area stealthly it was already dark and nobody there

All suddenly Toya spread flames around him he stood above a train he spoke poting at him

Toya: "I know Its you, Magne! Hiding in the shadows wont save you. Come out and face me. Im not afraid of your tricks!"

The unknowen person been cought redhanded.. it was Magne with hood covering him up

Magne: "...you have cought me red handed.. guess cant hide from you"

Toya: he smirks with crossed arms
"Didnt thought you would make it that easy!~ now, skipping the small talk-"
Toya would get knocked by giant metal
"GUH!-"

Magne: he grins as used own quirk to bring metal objects to get away from his flames blocking the path by floating with it "Shouldnt put your guard down young boy~ you know"

Toya: got up quickly he hold into his own head. He spoke in his mind: 'uughh- shouldve expected that-..'

Magne: He apears around above on the sky flouting on metal pice as brings up pices of bolts as begins shooting them agenst toya like gun shots