Chapter Text
Yumi used to be and still is a curious child. An observant one. At her core she was always analyzing her surroundings, picking apart at simple things to see how things worked.
In her past life- one she fully accepted that it wasn’t a dream - she was a hero. One she managed to achieve when All Might gave her One for All. She could’ve become a quirkless hero, but she would’ve had to face even more hardships than she had with One for All.
Once she started to learn how to write, she begged her parents to buy her notebooks to write her analysis in. She has sorely missed her hobby, it was one of the few things that she went all plus ultra in effort.
Well, on the bright side. At least I didn't wake up as a baby. Things could definitely be much worse.
She furrowed her brows, wondering how to write her analysis once more, tapping her pencil against the open book. As much as she wanted to rush into writing, it would definitely be best if she thinks of the consequences of a kid writing decent- quality of analysis work.
Sure, she could write all the things she would know about before she died. It would save time from erasing all the errors in her work. However, it would raise too much suspicion from her parents or anyone that got their hands on her book. That wouldn't be good, it could cause too many issues in the long run.
She could try coding her work, so that it would be harder for people to read her work. But it would also raise suspicion as to how a four year old knows this stuff. Too many questions would be aimed at her, and it would definitely be difficult to defend herself.
Yumi continues sitting silently on the fluffy carpet, content in spending her time observing the world moving around her. How some things remind her of her past life.
“Deku! Do you want some mochi? I bought these on sale today and these are soo~ good- you have to try one.”
She doesn't think she can move on from that. That she would be able to let go of the past. It was the one thing that was always in her racing mind, even when it's pushed to the back to embrace the present. Which she was greeted by with her favorite plushie.
Uncertainty will continue to dwell, along with the potential future. Time seems to fly in a flash when you're enjoying life.
The evening light cascaded through the window, lighting up her pages with a warm glow. Her parents were busy with their work, being very demanding. So busy that they wouldn't be back until late into the evening, along with the fact that there would be a snowstorm later on. She could see the guilt on their faces whenever they left her alone.
Their silent guilt gnawed at her heart. It wasn't fair. They shouldn't feel guilty that she was left alone. Her parents were doing their best to provide the best of the best for her. Working their 9-5 jobs for a good life. Besides, it wasn't like she wasn't used to it. Her old mom would work tremendous hours just to pay for her tuition at U.A.-
Oh. Her old mom. Yumi wonders how she was doing. It was complicated to think about all the implications his death would cause. Was her old life still there? Does she call that a different timeline now?
It was confusing and it hurt and made her head spin just thinking about it. She didn't want to think of the sorrow her old mom was going through. Knowing that her son drenched his hands with the villain's blood. The villain who he- she could’ve saved if she was faster. So many people would've been spared of death if she just-
Yumi snaps up tears forming at the edges of her eyes, looking towards the entrance which interrupts her spiral of thoughts. Without the vestiges in her head, it becomes harder to not spiral- especially with her parents around. It would be easier to disconnect from the present, letting her bask in the faint memories- it's growing so blurrier each day, so, so, faint. She will forget them at this rate - but that would freak her parents out. She didn't want to burden them anymore.
Soon, when winter breaks she would go back to kindergarten. She wonders if the kids would be cruel there, like last time. It shouldn't be possible, she's getting a quirk now unlike her past. But that doesn't settle the butterflies forming in her stomach at the thought of more bullying. It doesn't settle the nervousness of receiving her quirk soon.
“-honey?” She hears her dad call out. It was fascinating having a dad in her life, one she didn't have the pleasure of having last time. She could hear him place things in the other room, light clanks and cabinets opening and shutting, most likely his shoes and umbrella by the sound of things.
“Dada,” Yumi replies, doing her best to regress into a younger mind. It didn't seem like the right time to reveal that she was older and more mature than she looked.
“That's right, dada is here,” her father coos, walking into the living room and scooping her up into a hug.
“Mama?” she asked, looking up at her dad with wide doe eyes. Golden and silver eyes gleaming with curiosity and innocence.
“She's out buying food on her way home,” Kiku hums, brushing through her fluffy hair. He gives her a peck on her cheek as he walks towards a window.
Both of them watch as the snow falls down heavily, creating a white- like haze outside. One that makes it hard to see things further away.
“Isn't it beautiful?” he pipes up, continuing to look at the outside.
“Mhm,” she nods, a content smile forming on her lips. Watching the snowfall was calming in a sense. The snow falling freely outside, without a care in the world.
Yes, this was nice. Perhaps she could push back her schedule slightly. Maybe have her existential crisis or breakdown at night. For now, she will enjoy and cherish the company of her family.
Yumi takes a huge breath, nervously bouncing on the balls of her heel. She clenches the stabs of her backpack as she watches her parents pack their own bags for work. Her school uniform felt uncomfortable, the belt around her waist area closing around and making it harder for her to breathe. But it's fine. Maybe it was the nerves talking.
She selfishly wished that winter didn't end so early. That it would’ve lasted a little longer. Her stomach churned with uncertainty at the thought of school. School was never kind to her except U.A. They always demean her or wreck her scores as a quirkless individual can never score high.
‘What do you mean they got a high score- better than our prized students? They must be cheating! There is no way those quirkless students got a good score just by studying. It’s impossible I tell you!’
The students were no better, picking on her or wrecking her things. It was always so expensive and exhausting to replace her broken stationary or clothing afterwards. And locking her up on the rooftop made her sit through so many more detentions. Or calling her creepy with the way she analyses anyone’s quirk. That also got her in trouble more times than she can count on all her fingers.
Oh and hopefully she didn’t make any friends at pre-kindy before the holiday, it would be very awkward to just show up back at class and not remember them. It would seem like an asshole move, not that they would know what happened to her.
“Yumi, little symphony,” she hears her mom call out, at the entrance of their house waving at her to join them. “Come here, we might be late if we wait around any longer.”
“Coming mama,” Yumi grins, hiding her insecurities with her big smile as she runs to her parents' side. Sometimes she hated the way her mind raced with possibilities, coming up with either the worst and best outcomes of any situation.
She prayed that the kids were much nicer here.
Now Yumi sees why some adults call toddlers ankle biters.
It wasn’t even five minutes after she stepped into the classroom that she witnessed a child try to bite the teacher's ankles. It was a boy who cried hysterically when his mother left. Kicking, screaming, and basically just throwing a tantrum in general.
One of the teachers walked up to her, while she was hiding in the back corner of the class after she entered. She seemed nice, with brown hair in a short cut and pointy ears peeking out, she was dressed in one of those cozy dresses stereotypical English teachers in the west would wear. On the right side of her chest, there was a little badge that listed her name as ‘Ms.Yosei’.
“Mochizuki,” the teacher said, kneeling in front of the white-haired kid, “You should make more friends and interact with the rest of your classmates today,” she suggested, looking at her, who was clinging to her red backpack.
Yumi just looked at her with wide eyes, shaking her head frantically. She wanted to whine in denial but that would be too much and childish for her mature mind. She would rather stay hidden in the background. As she continues watching the adult, her teacher- Ms. Yosei , just shakes her head, sighing sadly and gives her a pitiful look. The woman’s attention breaks when the other teacher yells for help.
She looks around, taking the sights of her new classroom. One she will be studying in for a few years. It was different from her old one. Aldera’s schools were never kind to her- or anyone they deem worthless and weak. That wasn't a high bar to pass.
As the white-haired girl continues taking in her surroundings, she couldn't but feel an empty hole in her heart. Kacchan . She missed him, even when he was rough with her- she missed her childhood friend.
He was your brother once. Her mind hums absentmindedly. Who knows if you will ever see him again?
…
Yumi tries not to let tears roll down her face. She misses her old life everyday, especially when the present has a piece of it in every corner.
Life goes on as usual.
Thankfully, none of her classmates bothered with her, seemingly content to just stick with their own friend groups.
This seemed particularly familiar, almost like her past life again. The world seemed to like mocking her that she could never have the same life she was used to before getting shoved into this body. It carved a deeper hole in her heart when she even thinks about her old family and friends.
Yumi wonders when she will get her quirk. The doctor said it will be any day now and hopefully it does show up soon. She would rather not get bullied once more- and there was no way of knowing if she could inherit Yagi-sensei’s quirk once more in this life. Especially with the possibility that Midoriya Izuku exists.
“Hi, Mochizuki!” one of her classmates calls. She had blonde pigtails with small little fangs showing as she smiled. She was standing in front of her.
Yumi looks over to see red eyes boring into her gold and silvers. Himiko. She felt pity rising in her heart as she looked at the younger version of the villain she would- may become.
No. That would not happen here. She may not know all of Himiko's full story but she will make sure the young girl doesn't become the villain in the future.
“Ah- uhm.. hello?” she blinks back, offering a shaky yet gentle smile. “You must be Toga-”
“Yep, you look cute.” The blonde girl replies bluntly, causing Yumi to flush at the compliment.
“Oh- thank you, you look cute as well,” she smiles back, trying to cool her face down. She didn't realize the blonde was this blunt- nevermind.
“Have you got your quirk yet?” Himiko asks, looking excited that the white-haired girl was keeping up the conversation with her.
Yumi shakes her head, looking sheepishly as she ducks her head. “The doctor said it would come soon,” she whispers quietly.
Himiko only continues to grin at her, “Well, do you want to be my friend?” she asks, holding her hand out toward her.
The white-haired girl only smiles and takes the other girl's hand in response. Seems like the world can be nice after all.
“Come on! It's almost break- let's go play,” Toga cheers, dragging her new found friend out of the class.
“Be careful Toga- you could get hurt,” Yumi mutters worriedly, watching as her new friend balances herself on a relatively tall beam- why does a kindergarten even have that installed- no less on rough terrain? This was dangerous and could get any children hurt.
“I- ah!”
Yumi snaps out of her daydream and rushes towards the blond, trying to help her before she gets hurt.
“Are you okay Toga?” the white-haired girl asks with concern, helping the blonde up.
“Mh- oww, I hurt myself,” Himiko whines, tears forming at the edges of her eyes. She scraped her legs and arms on the rocky ground during her fall.
“I- i have some bandages..” Yumi stutters, pulling out some small ones. She holds Himiko’s arm as she sticks it on.
But just as she tries to help her friend more, she sees a white glow under her palm making both of them gasp. Yumi sees all of Himiko’s injuries slowly fade away and feels the sting of the injuries herself.
The white-haired girl lets out a soft grunt, finally taking her hand away as the glow dims and in her hand's place, a small blue flower blooms with vines wrapping around the blonde's arm.
“Whoaa,” both of them murmured in awe. Seems like Yumi finally got her quirk at last.
“That's soo cool!” Himiko squeals, hugging her healer and thanking her profusely. She could only hug her in return and pat her back. “Thank you for saving me Mochizuki!”
“It was no problem,” she murmurs softly, “Happy to help you Toga-”
“Call me Himiko,” the blonde interrupts, pulling back from the hug with a large smile on her face. “You are now my best friend!”
Yumi blinks, before letting a smile appear on her face. Her friend’s smile is contagious. Seems like there may be a chance to change the future.
“Then call me Yumi.”
“Oh, my little symphony had developed her quirk~” Namiko coos, bringing her Yumi into a bone-crushing yet warm hug.
“We should celebrate her quirk coming in-” Kiku cheers, pulling from the group hug. He was grinning from ear to ear, his daughter that has a quirk that was a mix of his and his wife? Ecstatic was an understatement for how happy he was.
“Let’s head to a restaurant this time.” her mother chuckles nervously, still not over the time they lost her at the mall.
“...let’s do that.”
One day, as she was walking home from school, she noticed a tall lanky teen hiding and dragging himself further into one of the alleyway’s shadows. Yumi frowns to herself, gripping the straps of her backpack much tighter now.
The older boy looked somewhat familiar, but he was masked in too much darkness for her to make out what stuck out to her. Perhaps this was like meeting Snipe-sensei ? Maybe he was Aizawa-sensei ? But wouldn't he be a young adult by now- no less still in U.A high?
Perhaps he needs help. She could heal right? Maybe she could use her quirk on him- granted, he doesn't snitch on her afterwards.
Yumi decides to do the most stupid thing in the world and head towards the alleyway. This is how most horror or murder movies start. She morbidly thinks to herself as she continues walking. Hopefully this won't get her killed, she could already imagine Aizawa-sensei just sighing and explaining why this is a bad idea. And to make matters slightly terrible for her, the street was empty with not another soul to be seen.
“Problem child…”
She softly chuckles at the mental image… she must admit, she does really miss him.
As the white-haired girl continues walking in the shadows, she finally sees him and freezes immediately.
Burn scars all over his body- Dabi.
Yumi's eyes widen in fear as she looks at him. Luckily, he seemed trapped in his own world, with anger, pain and torment written all over his body. She hesitated in making a move, not quite certain if the teen would attack her if she tried to help him.
“Shoto… you- is he your brother?”
“...yes. Touya seems to still resent me all this time-”
“I’m sorry that you had to fight him, Shoto.”
“It isn't your fault Izuku, I just wished he didn't let resentment control him. That he would one day return home-”
But if she doesn't help, who knows what will happen in the future? Would he follow the path of villainy? Follow the League’s ways and almost kill Shoto and his family?
Yumi could ignore this. Go on with her day and forget she ever crossed paths with him. But she was a hero at heart, in her past and present. Maybe, and just maybe, she could prevent a future that would never arrive. Bring an older home to his family. Maybe then, Shoto wouldn’t have to grow up isolated and alone. Someone to relate to when it came to having heavy expectations placed on them by your own father.
“Hello mister?” she finally pipes up, gathering all the courage that was left in her small body.
“Who’s there?” He snarled in reply, his eyes filled with insanity and acceptance. That wasn't good. His eyes wandered and finally settled on her, “You seem too young to be in an alley like this. What's a kid like you doing here?”
“You seemed like you needed help mister,” she shrugs, keeping a gentle and innocent demeanor. Yumi needed to gain his trust in order for this to work out, which seemed easier said than done.
“Tch, so what if I did? It's not like you could help.” the teen snorts, his tone filled with resentment which softened ever so slightly.
He seemed so close to crossing that one fragile line into villainy, the point of almost no return. Yumi wanted to believe and still did that there was some good buried down in his heart, which was frozen and stoned all over. His stance seems so closed off, his cards held tightly to his chest as if to not risk another betrayal of sorts.
“...do you want to talk about it?”
“...Touya always wanted father’s attention. He would do anything for it- even if it meant burning himself alive.”
“I could heal you,” she points out bluntly, holding both her hands out towards him. A gesture of redemption, of a second chance.
“I-” the teen blinks with shock, his stance wavering for a moment before regaining it. “Do you not understand stranger danger? Do I not scare you?” he asks, standing out of the shadows.
As he does, the light reveals scars and burn marks all over his body. The skin rotting away and flecks of it falling off his body, it looked like he would be in a lot of agony. He would also be terrifying to look at to anyone else out on the streets but Yumi knew better. She knew what it was like to be looked at on the streets, except instead of the scars it would be- or used to be her red shoes.
“No you don't mister,” she admits, telling a half-lie. He did scare her once, but that was in her past life and the only reason he did was how close he was to killing Shoto. “You remind me of a hero.” A villain in another life.
That was a bad thing to say as she could see flickers of blue flame licking and eating at his skin, just waiting to be used. It reminded her of Shoto when he finally grew accustomed and accepted his other quirk at last.
“I’m no hero kid,” he snarls again, his stance tightening as he balls his fist up tightly. “Scram kid, don't make me burn you alive.”
Yumi does her best not to flinch at his threat, putting on a stronger facade. Thankfully, one thing that also stayed with her was her stubbornness- one that could rival Kacchans. And thankfully she was used to threats from the leagues and Kacchan.
“You could be a hero,” she hums, noticing his small flinch. “You seem to have some goodness in you.”
“What are you even talking about brat? I could be a villain for all you could know. And for the last time, I'm not a hero.”
“Beats me.”
“Tch.” he sighs, his flames flickering away, “What's your name kid?”
“M’ not telling you mine- you probably try to hunt me down for being annoying,” she huffs, crossing her arms as she puffs out her cheeks.
“Haha- well, mine is Dabi brat,” the teen said, finally introducing himself. She watches as he picks at his skin, which are barely being held together at the seams.
“Like a phoenix? My offer is still there,” she points out, trying to come up with ways to not let the teen fall into darkness. She owed it that much to Shoto.
“...no one has been able to heal me,” Dabi sternly says, stressing every word with anger. “Don't give me false hope kid.”
The young healer grumbles, “I wouldn't have offered it if I couldn't.”
“Why would you even want to heal me?” he asks, narrowing his eyes at her. “What would you even gain?”
“Because I can see that you would be a good hero,” I want to prevent you from walking down the path into villainy. she explains again, bouncing on her heels, “I wanted to see a hero in the making before the fortune and fame.”
“...I told you, I can't- i’m not becoming a hero,” Dabi hisses, igniting her quirk once more. The hot blue flames burning and licking at his skin. “I can’t become a hero like this- my quirk burns me and makes me look terrifying-”
“...then let me try to help you,” she pushes, offering again desperately trying to prevent the future from coming true.
“Stay away kid,” he warns, the flames dancing and burning brighter. His eyes look conflicted, with a glimmer of hope shining through.
“Please mister,” Yumi pleads, holding her hands out towards him. Her eyes shining with tears as she looks up at him with wide eyes. So what if she sort of used manipulation tactics through puppy eyes- if it works, it works.
“...fine,” the burnt teen concedes, turning off his flames as he was unable to bring himself and hurt the innocent kid in front of him. “I’ll humor you kid, but i’m telling you that whatever you’ll do won't work. No healing quirk has ever healed this problem of mine.”
That was all she needed to hear. The young healer walks towards the burnt teen and holds his arm with both her hands. A white glow emanated from under both her palms, blinding the both of them. Yumi bit the inside of her cheek as she felt the burning sensation flood her body, gripping his arm slightly tighter with the pain growing.
The white light finally slowly dimmed and disappeared. Yumi took both her hands off his arm, watching as another small blue flower formed where her palm used to be a second ago, the flower vine wrapping around his arm.
“You can open your eyes now Dabi,” she softly says, watching the teen listen to her.
Yumi watches as Dabi opens his eyes and quickly checks his arm. She watches as awe and hope fill his eyes as the scars and burns that once covered him are now gone.
“I-” he mutters in shock, bringing his hands up towards his face. He touches his face multiple times before activating his quirk.
The blue flame burned brightly but slowly dimmed after that. “No more burns…” he whispers with awe, looking at his healer with joy.
“Happy to help,” she chirps, giving him her happy smile.
“How..”
“You will be a good hero Dabi,” Yumi determinedly adds, slowly walking backwards and away from the teen, taking advantage of the shock he must be going through.. “You should visit your family again, they must miss you.” she adds, watching him examine his own body.
“I- wait kid!” he yells out for her, stumbling as he rushes over to her. “Thank you, thank you for helping me but-.”
Yumi smiles in return, walking away from the teen. “Go home Dabi, your family must miss you. I’ll be waiting and watching for your first debut as a hero, if that’s what you’re still going for.”
“What would your one wish be, Shoto?”
“...hm... I would like to have a happy family.”