Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Midoriya was vibrating by the door, energy practically floating off the kid in bursts of stardust. The soft, long green cloak draped over his entire body has never felt so comfortable. The black, oval mask with cut out eye holes enchanted to look like two, glowing green dots has never felt so perfect.

This was it. His first ever Cloak Day as an official witch. The golden trim now added to the edges of his cloak showed his rank, even if they only went around the edge once. That’s ok though! Althea promised to show him everything she knew, and these two have been through everything together so obviously it wouldn’t take that long.

Speaking of, the door opens and out steps the enchantress herself, wearing a matching cloak to Midoriya’s in all but color — hers was a creamy white, and not only did she have all four golden edges on the bottom of her cloak, but the long scarf with sigils to match. Even her mask has a soft, golden circlet painted on.

It made sense. She’s really good at healing people. Midoriya was so proud of her, knowing just how much work had gone into this. Ever since, instead of a Quirk, his magic had come in roaring, Althea had been there for him and he was there for her.

Soul Siblings she had called it, when he asked. The bond of a coven, stronger than anything else. Unshakable, undeniable, undefeatable.

A gentle tapping makes Izuku look up, and it’s Althea tapping a foot. That’s right, they both can’t talk in costume so most communication had to be done through interpretation. Tapping foot means “Time to go!”

Off they went, two cloaked figures out into the wild wild world, sprinting down the sidewalk and occasionally leaping up high into the air. Magic guiding them up high, and sometimes to the point of seemingly flying.

Izuku felt light as air in these moments. He couldn’t wait to see who he got to help today!

✨✨✨✨✨

The stares were the best part, he thinks. Giggling under the mask, just watching as civilians and heroes alike stared at the two as they passed by was just so funny. In a world of Quirks and costumes and whatnot, one would have thought the two witches stuck out like sore thumbs with all the gaping mouths and wide eyed looks.

Next stop was this little candy shop Althea knew of. The two had gone in plenty of times, both cloaked and not cloaked, but honestly whether the owner knew it was them or not was debatable.

It’s been the go-to store whenever it was a Cloak Day. See, a Cloak Day was a day where all he and Althea had to do was put on their outfits - safely enchanted so only they can remove them - go running around helping people, and eat sweets.

Magic was constantly fluctuating, drawing in or outward according to the surroundings of the witch. Althea compared it to having another living being in your soul, that you had to look after and it would look after you in turn.

Apparently a real quick way to boost magic was sugar. Thus, candy.

It’s hardly surprising when the white cloak goes rushing off towards the gummies and peppermints. Last Izuku heard, a new shipment came in of tiny, gummy turtles and peppermint fish. He wasn’t very surprising either, heading down to the more...aesthetic candies.

Heroes. They were branded after heroes. Other than the magics he has been learning, Izuku had his eye on the prize. Being a hero has always been plan A, if the copious amount of notes and times he has watched videos wasn’t proof of his devotion enough.

Grabbing a few of the sweets off the shelves, which is so much harder than it should be the cloaks were not designed for hands, Izuku takes a glance around the store. Althea is already at the chocolates, so she’ll be finishing up quickly. Other than her, there isn’t anyone else…

Wait, no. There’s someone in the back corner, by what looks like are...energy drinks. He’s wearing a dark hoodie, dark pants, dark everything. Midoriya honestly can’t make out what they really look like.

So up he goes, arms full of goodies and using his cloak more like a basket in this case. Once next to them, he can make out pale skin and...oh, dear. That is a lot of scratches on this guy’s neck.

The man notices him, and that show’s Izuku where the scratches came from, he keeps itching at his neck. Red eyes questioning, as though trying to understand what this green cloaked child was doing. That’s ok, though, Izuku knows what to do!

“...Kid? You, uh, looking for something?” The blue haired man barely has a chance to get the question out as Izuku starts focusing, feeling his magic heat up in his veins.
Ok, maybe Midoriya had lied. This part had to be the best, actually using magic.

Magic felt like sunshine and birdsong, like the loudest part of a theme song shaking one’s bones before being felt in the soul. That moment right after the sun rises, when the world is just waking up and every moment of the day is unplanned and waiting to be discovered. It’s the feeling of a rollercoaster speeding downwards from the top and jolting back up again.

Magic felt like music, most of the time, and his was singing as it echoes off the candy shop walls. Rainbow lights seem to reflect from the two as well, and it’s enough to catch Althea’s attention — as well as the store owner’s attention.

“WHAT THE HELL?!” Yeah, that’s a fair reaction. The shopkeeper was clearly thrown by whatever had happened, or whatever he thought was happening. Dropping a bag of coins on the counter, Althea starts heading for the door and Izuku follows her out.

Chances are they just overpaid for the candy they’re running off with, but the thrill of racing off and the shaking in his arms from casting that spell is making Izuku laugh hysterically.

Neither of them see the blue-haired man step out after them, watching the two run away with a strange look on his face.

...the itching has finally stopped.

✨✨✨✨✨

The alleyway is secluded, and a nice break point for them to munch on some sweets before taking off again. Tucking in close to the shadows, Midoriya sees Althea pull the darkness around them to form a sort of barrier between them and the street. Sighing, he lets the cloak hood drop and takes off his mask before sitting down.

“Did you see his face?! That was so funny!” Off slides the white cloak, and out stares Althea’s pink eyes gleaming with stars — literally, apparently she decided to do the galaxy eye look today with lavender hair to match, and judging by the way that sparkles she must have sprayed glitter on. She plops down next to him and pops a swirl fish in her mouth.

“Right?! I was trying to help the guy next to me, I didn’t even realize the spell was growing that much!” It was the one problem Izuku had with magic, but then again so did she.

Magic required a sort of control, which plenty of witches had. Some used wands, some used amulets, or even rings. Some used their physical spellbooks to help limit how much magic they used.

Izuku and Althea...didn’t. Whenever they used their magic, it was just so loud. The feelings it gave them, the music in their heads from doing it, it all felt like too much to just limit. Who would ever want to stop that?

“I know, kiddo. Shoot you saw me earlier today when I was doing the Star’s Edge spell, galaxy dust went everywhere!” Sighing, she pops another fish in her mouth as Midoriya devours a candy bar. “I can get us some stuff to use for regulating it, though. You’ll definitely need it, going to U.A. here soon. Can’t risk you setting the battlefield on fire on your first day, huh kid?” Nudging him with a shoulder, she grins...before taking in Midoriya’s worried look.
“Huh? The matter, kid?”

“Althea...maybe...maybe I shouldn’t go to U.A.” At the witch’s shocked face, Midoriya held up both hands, “L-Let me explain! I know we already talked about me faking a Quirk with my magic, and that it would be ok, and how much you support me, but...but what if it isn’t?”

“What if it would be better for me to just...stick with you? I-I don’t have to go to U.A. and be a Pro-Hero to use these powers, we’ve been doing just fine like this, and...and honestly maybe I shouldn’t be there. This is all based on me faking a Quirk, when I don’t even have one! All the other students there do, and they know how to use them, what right do I have to go in and just…” He gestures at the air, hands waving, unable to come up with the last words needed but still trying to get his point across.

She’s quiet for a bit, they both are afterwards, just enjoying the silence and letting what Izuku said sink in. Then…

“You have every right, if it’s what you want to do.” Her eyes look electric, the pink standing out like neon lights, “You are Izuku Midoriya, a proud and damn powerful witch. I have taught you so much, kiddo, and that’s all you need to think about this as - learning. Your magic is your magic, it is your power alone. The fact that you want to use it to help others is incredible, and it shouldn’t matter how you get in if it’s what you want to do. Quirk, magic, or with your bare fists. Look at me, kid, look at me.”

She’s grinning wildly, looking all for the world as a feral woman. “I will always support you. You wanna be a Pro-hero? I’ll be getting everything you need for it. Wanna run the streets with me cloaked? I’ll teach you every last spell. Hell, you wanna go apeshit and turn villain? I’ll be right next to you, throwing lightning like Zeus. Magic is a part of you, Izuku, and its power is for you to decide.”

She’s getting up, stretching and it’s now that he realizes how long they both have been sitting there. Leaning down, she offers a hand to help him up.

“Let me worry about what comes next, Sparrow. You...you just keep being you.”

✨✨✨✨✨

Night has descended. The skies above painted dark blue, streaks of fire lingering as the sun makes a valiant attempt to stay hanging above. Stars are flickering in already, though, and so the fire is losing.

Both witches on the way home back to Althea’s apartment, as she already called Inko Midoriya to ask if Izuku could stay the night. She was fine with it, of course, she was who introduced the two after all. Althea had been a family friend for ages, and now stood as Izuku’s older sister to bystanders.

The rest of the day had gone by pleasantly enough. Performing tricks in the street was always nice — those magics felt like kites on sunny days — and running from heroes who mistook them for vigilantes was always a nice adrenaline boost — the thrill of a summer’s night in June.

One of these days, he would write down every feeling from magic he got. Not today, but someday when he could find the perfect words for it.

“Starshine and lightning, Sparrow. That’s what I feel.” The street is near empty, but Althea barely speaks above a whisper under her cloak. Oops, he must have been muttering again.

“You were, and look alive, we aren’t alone anymore.”

She’s right. Down the street Midoriya can see a very tall, blond man walking towards them. He’s really skinny, too, boney almost. Dark eyes with striking blue, and for a moment Izuku wonders if he’s a witch, too. Maybe that was why he was so close to Althea’s apartment, maybe he’s looking for her? Other witches drop when they can, even if there aren't that many after…

After.

Then Izuku sees the man cough blood, and decides it’s time to become a problem child. Tapping his foot twice - a general “Witness me!” to Althea - he then sprints ahead to meet the man head on.

The blond seems startled for a moment, before smiling. “Well, hello there young...um…”

Underneath his mask, Izuku laughs as quietly as he can. The cloaks did their job in making it nigh impossible to guess literally anything about the person under it. The stranger probably only got the fact that he was young from catching a glimpse at Althea and assuming.

Still! The man did not need to know his age, or his name, for this to work. Nobody ever did, and thus the heat came once again. Pretty lights dancing, the swell of magic and—
Oh this was different. The power of the spell wasn’t just the normal heat, but was growing and growing, feeding off of some energy already coming from the man.

It felt like a storm. Like that split moment between the silence of the rain and the boom of thunder. Then, it all stops as quickly as it began, and the next thing Izuku knows is Althea is dragging him away with the greenette feeling lightheaded.

They don’t look back at the blond man.

✨✨✨✨✨

The night passes peacefully, but he barely remembers it. The intensity at that last spell had made Izuku nearly pass out, which was why Althea had dragged him away. They had spent the night eating good food and then sleeping out on the couch — a large, plush thing that formed three fourths of a square and was covered in so many pillows and blankets it might as well be a bed.

Glancing at colorful walls covered in animal skulls, paintings of whimsical scenery, and necklaces hanging on hooks for decoration, Izuku sighs with a smile on his face. Soon, he would have to get up and get ready for school. Soon he’d have to go into a bathroom that looks like a kaleidoscope, ignore the barely there light trickling through scarf covered windows, and go pretend that this was a perfectly reasonable time to be awake.

Looking at the witch sleeping across from him, half falling off the couch with a blanket draped over her head, he idly wonders if today will be ok. He had big plans for school, after all, and things might get dicey with the teachers — they have never really liked him, they knew he was Quirkless and since then never really acted like they would with the rest of the class.

Either way, he just hoped today was more exciting than yesterday. Cloak Days are fun, but nothing big happened.

He hoped today was exciting.

Chapter Text

Midoriya regrets everything. He shouldn’t have hoped for excitement. The day has just...kept a steady descent downhill. He’s pretty sure the last moment he felt calm was at Althea’s place.

Bullies were the norm, and even they often left Izuku alone after ‘tripping’ over air too many times — he’d never tell anyone, it’s basically self defense — but the teachers were the worst. He wasn’t about to use his powers on the teachers, though. They never physically attacked him so it would be hard to make that claim of self defense…

Which was why Kacchan miming someone tripping to him every time the teacher’s back was turned was both funny and concerning. Seriously, he used to sit in with Althea all the time, he got the same lectures!

Katsuki was...a strange case. He had been the second person to find out about Izuku’s magic, the first obviously being his own mother. The blond had taken it in stride, and rather used it as proof that they’d be taking on the world together. With Kacchan’s powerful Quirk and Izuku’s magic, they would be unstoppable!

Until three years ago. For some reason, Katsuki had stopped coming to Althea’s apartment and just...didn’t hang out with them. They obviously were still friends, otherwise the explosive boy wouldn’t have bothered defending Izuku still, but it left a question: why leave?

Maybe he could ask later…

“Midoryia!”

Izuki sits up straight, looking at the teacher with wide eyes. Shoot, he must’ve been mumbling again…

Class laughing at his misfortune of being caught — and then told he’d have to stay after, great, Izuku just sinks back down into his seat.

He’s never wished for a more boring day in his life.

✨✨✨✨✨

Witches were prone to mischief. That was one of the first rules Althea taught him, that he would find himself wanting to occasionally cause trouble. Nothing harmful, but just enough to get a small laugh. Like idle hands, magic can be fidgety and thus want to act out so...mischief.

Like right now, for example. Izuku Midoriya had a choice ahead of him, and he was struggling to figure out which option would be best. Sitting in the principal’s office was very much unwanted, but with what happened with the teacher it was what happened.

Honestly, Izuku had remained polite through the entire conversation. Which was, in brief words, the teacher attempting to convince Izuku to try for a different highschool rather than U.A. because he would “struggle to fit in” and “disappointment can be so heartbreaking”, with a classic side of “I’m only trying to help”.

When Izuku politely refused, explaining how no he was most definitely trying out for the hero’s course thanks, he ended up here for apparently back talking to his teacher and being ungrateful.
He’s pretty sure he could have just breathed as an answer and he still would have ended up here.

Which had led to the predicament. The principal wants to call his mother. Try to get Izuku into more trouble -- nevermind that in less than two days he wouldn’t be his principal anymore -- which wouldn’t happen, Izuku’s mother hasn’t sided with the school system...ever. So that gave Izuku two clear paths.

Let the principal call his mother, cause some stress towards the hardworking woman but in the end everything will be ok because he didn’t do anything wrong.

Or...or the path of the witch.

After all, his mother likely was at work...sister would gladly answer the phone. Then whatever happens next, well...the principal brought this upon himself.

✨✨✨✨✨

Katsuki didn’t know whether to laugh or fucking cry, but either one was an option at this point. After watching the nerd put up a fierce front with the teacher — which got him into trouble which was just dumb as hell — the blond knew he wanted to stay and watch the fireworks. None of these extras realized what they’d brought down upon themselves.

Watching Althea waltz into the school in a frilly, long white dress with a big, red, mushroom hat was so in character with her that he wished he could say he was surprised. He wasn’t. Not even remotely.

What was surprising was when she paused to talk to him, rather than rush into the office. She must have changed her hair, too, since last he heard it was lavender colored. Now it was long, wavy, and green.

“Hello, foxling. It’s good to see you again.” It’s like no time has passed, and she’s still smiling at him even now, “I hope school’s been treating you well.”

He crosses his arms, “Course it has, witch. Still got some of the highest grades next to the nerd in there.”

“That’s good, studies are important no matter the field.” She doesn’t move on, doesn’t walk away like she should. “I want you to know my door is always open, no matter what ok?” Why was she bringing this up now?!

“And…” she pauses, sighing, “And I’m proud of you, ok? You’re gonna be a great hero, foxling, I can see it. You don’t go and forget me, got it?” She pushes a brown wrapped parcel into his hands before going into the office.

Katsuki doesn’t need to open it. He has a feeling he knows what it is, and doesn’t want some grubby extra getting their hands on it. He races home.

Second chances aren’t found often, but he knew one when he saw it...all he had to do was grab on.

✨✨✨✨✨

Izuku doesn’t even look at her, hearing the door open and shut. He just watches as the principal goes through the five stages of grief on a speedrun. He hopes it’s the mushroom hat. He looks up.

It is.

“So, since you refused to explain anything over the phone, I do hope we can finish this quickly. I had to leave work for this.” Althea takes a seat next to Izuku, barely looking at him. Her eyes are boring holes into the adult in front of her, and she refuses to look away - or blink.

“A-Ah, well, Midoriya here was sent down due to a fight with his teacher —”

“Did he win?”

“Pardon?”

“Sparrow, did you win the fight?” Now she looks at him, and whatever the principal saw that made him seem nervous was gone from her eyes. It might have helped that she actually likes Izuku, though.

“There wasn’t a fight, Althea. He was trying to tell me to give up on U.A. since I’m Quirkless. Which I won’t be, I want to go.” Straight to the point, no nonsense. He’d let Althea have the dramatics all to herself.

“I see,” Calmly, slowly, she looks back towards the principal and oh if looks could kill, “So, to understand what is happening here, your teacher chose to — instead of encourage and uplift his student — show clear bias that bonderlines on discrimination, and then proceeded to get the student in trouble for standing up for himself. That alone is horrid.”

The man is clearly unprepared for this, and Izuku could practically see him clambering for an excuse or explanation somewhere in his mind. He doesn’t work fast enough, and any stuttering is ignored as Althea continues.

“Now, that does not include your current crimes towards this. You found out what the teacher had done, and instead of taking the side of the student - the side of the child - you chose to punish him for speaking out.” Her eyes are burning, “You chose to call in another adult, me or mother perhaps, out from our lives and into here in hopes of...what? Getting Izuku in trouble with us?”

“W-Well, miss, the fact of the matter is he is in trouble. Talking back to a teacher is rebellious, and after being offered help in finding a more suiting career…” Oh, he stepped into a bear trap. If he didn’t know how careful her hold on her magic could be, the greenette would’ve sworn up and down the shadows themselves flickered.

She leans across the desk, smiling wide. It is not a kind smile, “Do you truly believe I would take the side of a coward? One who cannot do as their job entails and instead drinks from power like a leech? Do you think me foolish enough to believe whatever bland tale you could shape from a broken truth, only to turn on my kin?”

Her voice held a power, one that had nothing to do with magic. Not truly, at least, not with a spell casted or potion drunk but the magic everyone feared: a voice that held no mercy, no willingness to bend. It’s only now that it really sinks in, this was a losing battle from the start.

Not a battle, a war.

“I am disappointed that you, as a grown adult and educator, felt the need to aid in the discouragement of a student seeking out his dreams. You should be ashamed of yourself, but seeing as you are already clueless enough to think yourself in the right...well, I won’t hold my breath.” Sighing, the witch nods towards the door, “Come along, Sparrow. We should begin your training early if U.A. is the goal.”

Placing a piece of paper down — when had she pulled that out? — she motions for Midoriya to follow her out and so he did. There was no point in arguing, no point in listening to the offended man’s words anymore.

Althea said and did what she felt was needed, and would not be willing to change her mind afterwards. The door locks between them, from the outside.

Of course she did.

✨✨✨✨✨

After school activities often included visiting little shops along the way back home, even if home switched between the apartment and the Midoriya house. One of the shops was more of a hole-in-the-wall than a proper store. A tourist trap avoided by any passersby, but well known to these two.

The soft chime of bells as the red door swings open, and Izuku swears he can physically see a cloud of smoke drift out as they go in. Burning incense fills the air with a strange, pine scent followed by burning wood.

“Smells like a campsite in here,” Althea sighs deeply, smiling. “I’ll have to ask which one Grandmother is burning today, I love it!” Practically skipping in, she starts heading towards the back. “Feel free to look around, Sparrow. If anything catches your eye, let me know.”

WIth a shout of ‘Grandmother!’ Izuku is left alone to explore, and explore he does. Looking over every nook and cranny, flipping through books and checking out new notebooks — the covers were very pretty, runes and gemstones — he began to notice a pattern. A lot of these books were more geared towards certain kinds of magic over others. The red cover had fire magic, the grey one storms. Some of the fancier ones talked about familiars and another one magical creatures a witch could run into in the wild.

He’s getting lost in a history book on the different methods of magic when out walks Althea, and the nice lady who runs the shop. Izuku never learnt her name, only following Althea’s lead and calling her “Grandmother” - apparently it was a sign of respect.

“Ohh, good afternoon dearie! I heard you’re aiming for U.A. and I am so proud of you.” Grandmother very much lived up to her title, having the stereotypical look of any regular old grandma. Right down to the apron wrapped around her waist. The only real difference was the gleam in her eye, it spoke of a wisdom long beyond anyone's years.

“Thank you, Grandmother. I just hope my healing spells will be enough to get me in!” Izuku laughs, but briefly sees the two adults give each other a look.

“Of course, dear. I have no doubt you’ll make it. Just remember, if anyone bothers you,” There’s the gleam in her eye, “Kick their asses.”

“Grandmother!”

From outside, one could hear muffled laughter.

✨✨✨✨✨

That night was the most quiet night Izuku has ever had, and not in the best way. With how long they’ve been around each other, he figures he has a good idea of predicting Althea’s moods. Which, right about now, seemed to be down in the dumps after they left the store. This is confirmed when they don’t stop at a single candy shop on the way home. Not good.

“...Althea?”

“Yes, Sparrow?”

“Is everything alright?”

“...Not quite, Sparrow, but I’ll explain.”

The walk feels longer than it should, and it takes a moment for Izuku to notice that they’ve been walking in circles, taking backways and the more scenic route home. A way to stretch things out, as well as avoid crowds.

“...We both know this world seems more focused on shiny Quirks than others. It, sadly, might be that way for as long as we’re alive. So far, I have only taught you harmless spells. Some defensive, mostly healing, and a few tricks just for the sake of fun, but nothing...offensive. Nothing destructive.” Althea sighs, and Midoriya can see her shoulders slump downward.

“I can teach you those spells, if you want me to. I’ll be honest with you, I have a past with them that I would rather move on from, and never return to, but if this is what it takes to help you I will do it.” She pauses, now standing in the middle of an alley.

“You must understand though. Destructive spells like these can become addictive. You know how magic can invoke feelings, can bring about great rushes of joy and love, and what you have felt while casting them is every bit real. These magics, though…” Her eyes seem to be avoiding looking at him, turned down to the ground as she searches for the right way to explain it. To properly warn him before they begin.

But, no. Izuku already knows his answer.

“I don’t need those spells.” His interruption comes as a shock to her, and he pushes on before she speaks up, “I’m happy knowing what I do now, and I want to get in with just my healing magic. I don’t need anything more. I don’t want anything more.”

Maybe it was the lighting, but he swears for a moment Althea looks like she’s about to cry. He knows he isn’t imagining the proud look on her face, though.

“Ok, Sparrow. If you say so.”

They don’t speak anymore that walk home, but the apartment is quite loud that night with excited chatter, and three cloaks on the door hooks.

A white one, a green one, and a red one all in a row. A fox has come home.

Chapter Text

“Rise and shine you two! I already made breakfast.” Althea calls down the hallway, laughing at the responding groans. Mornings were always hard, but the mornings before big events seemed the worst. Especially when the night before had been filled with talk and reunions.

Katsuki was doing a much better job at being awake than Izuku, but that made sense. The kid had been waking himself up long before now, if only to get in every minute of training with his Quirk he could before school. Which, man did last night reveal some things to Izuku! He had no idea how Kacchan pulled it off, but he did…

Transmutation. That was what Althea had called it the night before. The process of a witch pouring all their magic into something to supercharge it, and in this case the blond’s explosive power had actually absorbed his magic. As in, he could no longer do spells or literally anything with it. Just really, really powerful explosions.

Like that would change anything, Izuku had laughed and shook his head before hugging Katsuki so hard they fell off the couch. A brother is a brother, coven bond and all. No getting rid of him Kacchan! No escaping their inevitable takeover of the hero world!

Now, though, it seemed Izuku was stuck with Katsuki, who he could feel grinning at him even through the pillow he pulled on top of his head.

“...I can feel you smirking, stop it.”

“Nah, nerd. You need to come see what the witch did.”

It was a forgotten fact that Althea was a stress baker, and apparently “breakfast” was the rapidly growing assortment of goodies littering the countertops in the kitchen. Granted, Izuku was sure there would only be more later on.

Since it seemed her testing anxiety, in fact, included tests she herself was not personally taking.

“Ok, you kids grab whatever you want and take a seat. We have two and a half hours to get to U.A. and the trip only takes a half hour, but a campus tour is always smart to help with the classroom’s and other important locations,” Althea hurriedly pulls out what looks to be a pie of sorts, setting it on the counter before a tray of...something else floats in behind her, “Besides, it’ll be good for you two to meet your future classmates and teachers! Start forming bonds early, it’s always important to know who has your back.”

“Um, Althea I think that’s enough…” Izuku swears he feels a bead of sweat go down his forehead at seeing everything. Did she not get any sleep last night…?

“Don’t worry about us, witch. I know the nerd here and I are gonna wipe the floor with those extras.” Grinning, Katsuki snatches up a muffin and bites into it, “Huh, what’s this one?”

“Strawberry poppyseed, I decided to experiment after running through my usual recipes. Now, Sparrow, you have to decide on a Quirk name since that’s likely going to be asked on any paperwork filled out.” Althea continued rambling, often doubling back on statements and repeating questions for the rest of the morning as both boys ate and got ready.

It’s when the two are about to leave that she joins them, throwing on a coat over her shoulders and shifting to let whatever wrapped up goodie in her hands settle into a more balanced position.

“Who’s that for?”

“Bribery!”

✨✨✨✨✨

U.A. The place where heroes were created. All Might’s own high school. Izuku was basically shaking out of his own skin at this point, grinning wide as the three walked past the gates. He’s frantically looking around, trying to take in every little detail. This would be his high school now, his and Kacchan’s because of course they would be getting in, there wasn’t room for doubt or debate.

The energy was high today, too, but that made perfect sense. Other hopefuls walk by them, or were stopped on the sidewalk looking around as well. It was infectious, and Izuku swears his magic was singing from the excitement too. A lighthearted, hopeful melody in the background of this moment in his life.

“Alright, this is where I leave you two.” Sighing, Althea looks towards the front doors and shakes her head, “They won’t let anyone but those taking the entrance exam in, so you two stick together and stay safe ok? Remember, no school is worth...well, ok maybe they wouldn’t make an exam that dangerous.” The lavender haired witch looked more like a worried hen every minute.

“It’ll be ok, Althea. It’s not like the exam can be that bad, it’s for high schoolers after all.” Chuckling, the greenette looks up to the building and away, “What will you be doing while we’re in there?”

“Oh, I’ll find something to do. You kids don’t worry about me.” She waves them off and in they go, nudging each other and laughing, no doubt getting hyped up for whatever may come their way today.

It makes her smile, knowing the boys would be ok. That no matter what happened today, they always had their coven bond. Besides, she’s already researched five other hero schools, background checked them, and looked into online schooling just in case. Nothing these three couldn't handle if it ended poorly.

Finding a bench, she sits down and looks to the sunny blue sky. Mostly people watching, she notices some interesting kids heading by — a pink girl with beautiful eyes and a purple haired kid with a bad case of bedhead on steroids — before realizing she wasn’t alone anymore.

Looking up....and up, she sees - oh, shit.

“Well, hello there. Can I help you?” Never before had Althea regretted her habit of being approachable, because looking at the man she remembered Izuku healing made her skin crawl. The blond guy seemed super nice, but...no one should have that much magic surrounding them and not be a witch.

It made her remember bad times, long before her little students and her vow of pacifism and the daily reminder to never, ever go back to what she was before.

She wanted to run.

“Want to sit with me?” Nodding gratefully, the man sits down and she swears she hears bones creak. Damn, whatever he’s got going on must be intense if a healing spell didn’t fix it right up.

“So,” Althea starts, not wanting the silence to return, “Which one’s yours?”

“I...I’m sorry?” He seemed startled, probably thinking she wouldn’t start up a conversation.

“We’re outside a highschool about to have an entrance exam. Which kid of yours is in there?” Sitting up a bit straighter, she puts the tin she’s been carrying - a casual offering - between them.

“O-Oh. no no. No kids of my own, I recently got a job here. Just, taking a moment before heading in.” He nods a small thanks, grabbing one of the sweets out before continuing, “And you?”

“My brothers are in there, Sparrow and Foxling. I’m worried sick but I’m sure they’ll do fine.” Sighing, she leans back, feigning calm. It was becoming hard to get a read on this guy for her, his powers were changing every time she blinked!
“I mean, I’m sure they’ll do wonderfully. Suppose it’s a good thing for me to have a nervous breakdown rather than them.”

Chuckling, the man shakes his head. “Oh, I wouldn’t be too worried. Most flashy Quirks get past the exam just fine.” He seems surprised when she scowls at the statement.

“Quirks aren’t everything, and honestly they seem rather bothersome. So much potential, whether manifesting or at birth, only to judge based on what society says about the card you draw before you even draw your first breath in the world. It’s pathetic. Back in my day…” She trails off muttering, before sitting up suddenly with a blush on her cheeks, “Oh, please forgive me, I’m afraid I’ve been quite rude. My name is Althea, just Althea. Yours?”

“Ah, it’s no problem miss. Yagi Toshinori, a pleasure to meet you.”

“You as well. Tell me, Yagi, do you bake?”

✨✨✨✨✨

The written exam felt like a blink of time, and then Izuku found himself sitting in the hall waiting to hear the rules for the physical. Kacchan was next to him, hands twitching with nerves. He couldn’t blame him. Unlike his explosions, Izuku’s healing ‘Quirk’ had nothing particularly flashy about it. He would stick with the one spell, as that was the safest route, so it’s not like he can switch it out at any time.

The test administrators had already seen a demonstration of his ability when a girl tripped in the hallway. Obviously Izuku had to help, and thus the Quirk: Transfer had been born.

“Althea’s totally gonna roast you on the lame ass Quirk name.”

“Oh, shush.”

“Really, Transfer was the best you could come up with?”

“It was on short notice!”

“We had all morning, nerd!”

“S h u s h.”

After continuing on a bit, the lights dimmed and the rules were explained.

(With minor interruptions, most notably the instance where Izuku tried to holler YEAH back at Present Mic resulting in Katsuki yanking him back into his seat, and when a boy with blue hair and classes tried to scold them for causing said instance. Good luck to him, Althea drilled the law of ‘Never be shamed’ into both their heads.)

The rest passes in a blur, and each minute Izuku swears his heart rate just...keeps going up, like it most certainly is not calming down.

“Um, are you ok?” Oh, look it’s the nice girl from the hallway! She seems to be doing better! That’s awesome! Wait did she ask him something?

“What?” Oof, Izuku actually winces at how high pitched his voice gets, cracking in several different directions.

“You...you don’t seem to be doing so well.” She mentions, and ah yes she is entirely correct.

Calmly, collectedly, he smiles at her. “I think I’m having a panic attack.”

✨✨✨✨✨

The teacher didn’t even give them a countdown, but sailing overhead with each blast easily put Katsuki at the head of the charge. Blood pumping, he felt each blast he set off in a robot’s face, and then that same fizzy feeling would echo through his arms.

His magic, dormant and waiting, but unwilling to part with his Quirk. Shit, he could just hit himself. How did he never notice that new feeling? When had it ever even set in?

He had been so convinced since he couldn’t feel it anymore, couldn’t call up that small blue light Althea first taught him, the witch and the nerd wouldn’t want him around anymore. It was why he separated first, it was why he spent every moment training. Just trying to find it again, and it was right in front of him the entire fucking time—!

He sends a robot sailing, and doesn’t even flinch at how it goes through a fake building. He’ll keep his cool for the rest of the match, he just needed to get this all out right now.

It’s a scream that catches his attention away from the metal massacre. That comes from a pink girl - literally she’s bright fucking pink what the hell - who was deperately trying to melt a robot currently pinning her to the ground.

All he sees is pink.

All he sees is Althea.

And Katsuki is up and gone, dragging the head of the robot to the ground with him. When she stops and stares at him, he notices her eyes are all black with yellow irises.

“GO!” He’s keeping the bot in place, launching blast after blast but shit it’s not working. Just like her acid, something's keeping this one going against all odds. He starts pulling, and pulling. The fizzy feeling is back, but this time it’s everywhere. It’s...it’s so good, it’s so so good.

The head rips off, and he tumbles backwards onto the ground with it in tow. Lying flat for a moment, Katsuki starts to laugh.

Fucking welcome back you damn powerup. He swears his magic purrs.

“Ohmigosh! Are you ok?! That was so badass!” Pinkie is leaning over him, and Katsuki nods his head.

“Yeah, I’m good. Name’s Bakugo Katsuki, you?”

“Ashido MIna!”

✨✨✨✨✨

Walking out of the building was a huge relief, Katsuki completely missed where Izuku went. At least until he got outside, and saw the two witches standing around a bench together. He starts running over, but slows down when he realizes Althea was trying to make Izuku sit down.

Actually, now that he looks at the nerd...why the hell was he vibrating?