Chapter Text
"Can even a quirkless person be like you someday?" A question he wanted to ask All Might. But at this point it seemed he would never meet the man. But that didn't mean he couldn't ask the next best thing. A hero just as inspirational, if not as powerful.
"I have no quirk so I'm constantly made fun of by everybody. Maybe it's not just because I'm quirkless but... I don't really know why. I just think saving people is the coolest, most awesomest thing ever."
He runs out of breath, as if he'd just run a marathon. As if he'd done something far more strenuous than simply asking a question, and explaining his view. In a way, it was. Emotionally, at least.
"Son, you've got a lot of heart. But you can't do this the way I do it...."
He looked down in sadness, tears welling in his eyes. Even Captain America didn't think he could be a hero. He should've just given up long ago. What a fool he was-
"I have powers you don't. So being like me is impossible. But being a hero? Well...It takes real courage. You don't have a superpower but you've got something super important. Courage. Courage is like muscle. I used to work out in the Army every day. But you've got to put your courage to work too. Work on it. You've got to use it. Anyone with a strong heart and the courage to do the right thing can be a hero. It doesn't matter how you get there."
His eyes snapped back up at the Captain, tearing up from the well of emotions that had been pushed down but was now overflowing because of the immense amounts of joy. Was he...Was he really saying-?
"Just because you don't have some superpower, or a gimmick, you aren't any less than anyone else. You've got a big heart. What's important is that you do the right thing. You have the power to save anyone and everyone, with or without a quirk."
He was! Captain America was telling him that he CAN be a hero. He could save people even without power!
Steve Rogers moved away from the ledge he had been looking out from over. The wind blowing gently as he adjust the shield on his arm. Even just looking at the man gave him inspiration. Sure, he colored himself like an American flag, and Izuku was Japanese. But it seemed more like the man was a Captain of the World, at times. There weren't many, even from countries who didn't like America, that didn't like the first hero.
" ...A man once told me... "A strong man, who has known power all his life, will lose respect for that power. But a weak man knows the value of strength, and knows compassion." I didn't understand it then. But I do now. I've understood for some time now. Something tells me you'll understand it much quicker. But just in case... Those without power know compassion. They understand that being kind is the greatest power you can have. Even in the face of those who have only ever known power, and lack compassion. Compassion is stronger than any power you could ever have gained. So, yes. You can be a hero, too. It won't be easy. Might even be the hardest thing you've ever done. But I believe in you."
It was like some puzzle piece had finally fit itself into place. Like Izuku was whole. The answer he had been begging for from anyone. Everyone. The universe... Answered the way he wanted. The way he hoped for.
The air blew by yet again, making Izuku look back up at the hero. The man was smiling at him, reassuring. Showing he truly, really meant it.
"Don't go doing anything early. You need to train hard everyday. Your mind and body. Every day. Eat well too."
He could barely bring himself to breathe. It truly was a once in a life time situation. It was like the puzzle had finally been completed. Like Izuku was truly, completely whole. The answer he had been hoping for. The thing he had longed for. The encouragement he'd desired for so very long. Finally received.
With this simple shift in reality, the effects were drastic. A different person would be given the powers of All Might, but that was okay. Because a hero of a different kind was born. A true hero. Powerless, yes, but a true hero nonetheless.
The story continues. As all stories do. But not here. Not now. For this is simply a short glimpse into this reality. A what if, if you will.
But have no fear, for another is not far. A glimpse at another reality. Another world. Another place and another time.
"I...Um...One last thing..."
"Yeah, Son?"
"Can you sign my notebook?"
"...Sure."