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Chapter Text

“I Am Here! I Am Here! I Am-”

Izuku gently slapped the top of his alarm clock (It was one of his All Might merch pieces after all!) and jumped out of bed, instantly buzzing with nerves and a new energy(It could be One For All!).

It was the U.A Entrance Exam day! Last evening, on the newly cleaned Dagobah Beach under a beautiful red-orange sunset, All Might finally granted him One For All! It took months of work and sticking to the schedule All Might sent, months of quick 15 minute meetings before All Might had to do his important work for the rest of the week, but he actually did it.

He got dressed and had a hasty breakfast with his mom. He had told her about the tests a few weeks ago, but because she didn't say anything he decided to remind her, “The Entrance Exams are today!” He exclaimed between bites of his omurice.

“That's… Great, sweetie.” She muttered. She looked tired from the double shift she picked up yesterday, so he scrubbed the dishes for her before giving her a big hug, “Love you mom!” He called as he squeezed her. She squeezed back, “I love you too. Thank you, Izuku, and good luck.”

He smiled and stepped back, leaping out the door. He heard a few wisps of wind while he left, probably as the door wooshed open.

While he made his way across the street, he pulled up the hero news. Izuku could swear he heard a slight chuckle as he clicked on Mt. Lady’s latest arrest report. He whipped around, eyes scanning the sidewalk and alleys, but no one was near enough to make such a quiet noise. He must be more nervous than he thought, hearing noises. 

Well, it was just once, so it didn't matter much. But as Izuku got to the station, he heard a muddled whistle, but once again no one on the platform was very close to him.

As he rode the train, he felt his nerves skyrocket. He was really going to U.A, and taking the lowest acceptance rate Hero Course test with a Quirk he’d never used before. How could he compare to kids who had their Quirk for a decade? Would it even work?!

The thoughts gnawed on his sanity even as he stepped out on his stop and up this station’s stairs. He followed the route he’d done his best to memorize and was soon at the tall, ever imposing gates to his future.

Other students were entering in droves, but Izuku was glued to the entrance. This was his one chance to show All Might that he wasn't a useless Deku anymore, what if he messed up? What if he disappointed the first person who believed in him?

‘ Just go for it.’

The foreign voice spooked Izuku out of his thoughts, and he looked all around. With everyone around, someone had probably just seen him being pathetic and tried to encourage him. Yeah, that was all it was!

He took a deep breath and hunched over, gazing wearily at the fellow members of the crowd as he shuffled forward. If Kacchan saw him, Izuku would definitely get beaten up at school tomorrow. He had explicitly been told not to show up, and Kacchan had promised pain if he did. Kacchan never broke his promises.

Suddenly, his foot hit something and he went toppling over, about to splat on his face. So much for not making an utter fool of myself, he thought glumly.

But right when he squeezed his eyes shut, he felt his body stop falling and start floating in the middle of the air. He opened his eyes, and the ground got no closer.

Before he could ask how or why his weight had been canceled, a high pitched feminine voice called out beside him, “Oh! I'm sorry for using my Quirk on you without asking! I just didn't want you to fall.” 

He looked up, and on his right there was a girl his age. She had a soft face, her wide eyes framed by visible worry. Her cheeks were rosy, and her bob of light brown hair didn't quite reach to her slightly torn and baggy light pink tracksuit.

“Oh, it's no problem! Thank you!” He assured, doing his best not to stutter.

She smiled and pulled him upright before steppling her fingers together that had peach colored paw pad-like mutations. His weight returned to him and he caught his footing again.

An anti-weight quirk? Clearly not anti-gravity, or there'd be disastrous consequences. It also did not make things fully weightless, as his organs and blood hadn't floated inside of him. It was a five finger contact Quirk, if her finger pads were any indication. How much weight could her Quirk cancel out? What about volume, or seperate objects? If it was a contact Quirk, would she be able to make a pool of liquid float, or would her quirk not consider her to be contacting the water? How does her Quirk differentiate between, say a pencil she's floating and the table it's on when she makes it float?

She giggled, “Wow! I've never thought that much about it!” Izuku slapped his hand over his mouth, had he really said all that out loud?! He had to get a handle on his creepy mumbling, no one wanted to be friends with a weirdo who rattled off invasive questions out of the blue-

“No, no, it's actually really cool, not creepy!” She waved her hands, “You're really smart and that analysis could be helpful, so don't feel bad.” She assured.

Izuku froze, “Y-you really think that?” He questioned. She nodded, “Yeah! I gotta get going now, but hopefully we'll see eachother soon!” She strode away.

That's right, the testing would be starting soon. He had to get moving. Izuku stepped forward quietly, and once he got his number and assigned room he walked to the written exam, eyes searching the crowd carefully for Kacchan. Though, he kept getting caught up in the cool visible Quirks that were everywhere.

There was a girl with turquoise scales down her arms and face, a tall boy with extended limbs, a pink skinned girl with horns bouncing alongside a smiling red haired boy with sharp teeth, a small boy with cat ears and a lashing tail.

His hand twitched, eager to take notes. Not yet, though, he had to focus on the test now, cool Quirks later , he chided himself.

He took in another breath and entered his testing room, taking a seat near the door. Most of the other desks were already taken, but soon the last few people filtered in and Ectoplasm (THE Ectoplasm! Well, most likely one of his clones, but still!) Handed out the thick packets and told them the rules and that they had three hours.

Izuku immediately got to work, scanning questions and filling in bubbles. The first questions were easier than he thought, but he knew they'd only get harder as the test progressed. 

He was right, towards the latter half of the multiple choice section he had to rack his brain for some of the answers, and some he wasn't sure of the right answer no matter how much he thought.

Then came the free response questions. Some were more judges of character than studiable questions, and some Izuku knew were just there to mess with the students (After all, Nedzu created this test). But the last question made him perk straight up in his seat.

It was an analysis of a “nameless” Underground Hero that was obviously Eraserhead, and a “nameless” Limelight Hero that was even more obviously Present Mic. The task was to name everything they could infer from a short report about them, their strengths, weaknesses, likely allies, specialties, etcetera.

Izuku frowned. This felt too easy, since he knew exactly who these Heroes were. But he was never one to skimp on an opportunity to write an analysis, and both of his most recent entries on them were a few months out of date.

So he put his pencil to paper and wrote. Before he knew it he had filled the five sheets provided, and still had to put down strategies against them and their relationship. He raised a shaky hand, and Ectoplasm came on over.

“Uhm…” He tried to push out his response, but he couldn't help but stutter, “I-I was wondering if I could get more paper for the last question?” He hoped he didn't squeak his request out. Ectoplasm blinked slowly, looked down at Izuku's papers, and nodded, “Of course.” 

The Hero sped back to the podium, and grabbed five more pages that he then put on Izuku’s desk, “Thank you, Ectoplasm-san!” He smiled and kept writing. His teachers at Aldera always made him supply his own extra paper, so it was a nice surprise that he took his ask seriously.

After another writing storm with a side of clenching his jaw shut so his mumbles didn't distract anyone more than minimally possible, he was done. He looked around, surprised to see that his fellow examinees weren't even on the last question yet. 

Had he missed something important, or answered all his questions too quickly? Either way, he had to double check. So Izuku carefully flipped through the packet, rereading every question and making sure none of the pages were stuck together. Well, he had to check again, just to be sure.

‘Hand it in already!’  

‘C'mon kid, hand it in.’

An exasperated voice snapped at the same time a gruff voice encouraged him. Izuku's head shot up from being hunched over the desk. His eyes snapped from person to person, but none of them were even glancing at him.

Maybe I am going a bit crazy , he thought before stashing that improbable tidbit away in favor of focusing on the pressing issue. He should turn in his test, after all most students were starting the last question and he didn't want to be late. Maybe he just got lucky with what he studied compared to everyone else.

Izuku pushed himself off the desk and clutched his test, creeping to the front of the room while trying to will his hands not to clam up. Ectoplasm’s face twitched as he set his test down on the empty spot.

He pivoted away and sped out the door, eyes peeled for Kacchan. He wasn't in the hallway, nor was he in the large auditorium. Izuku found his seat and sat down, nervous that there weren't many people there yet.

Soon, the chairs filled up with people, at first slowly but then quicker until the chatter started overloading his ears.

He distracted himself by repeatedly scanning the not very informative pamphlet that was by his seat. It only had the very basics, such as the rules against directly attacking other examinees, the 10 minute time limit, the urban setting, and only the bare silhouettes of the different robots they’d be fighting against next to their point values.

He shifted nervously, eager for the presentation to start. That was until he heard an all too familiar yell, “THE HELL ARE YOU DOING HERE, DEKU?!” Kacchan ran over to Izuku, palm smoldering and a positively murderous glint in his eyes. He raised his hands in front of his face on instinct, but the impact of his explosions never came.

Izuku cautiously pried open his eyes he just shut tight to see Kacchan struggling against Eraserhead’s capture scarf (Eraserhead ahhh! So cool!). The man descended from the ceiling and stood straight in front of Kacchan, hair and scarf floating, face in a harsh scowl, and eyes blazing red, “Physical violence outside of school sanctioned activities is not tolerated here.” His voice was somewhat above the bored monotone he’d heard in several now deleted videos of him after fights, so he must be livid .

But why? This was pretty normal, no? Sure, there were rules against attacking fellow examinees, but all schools had rules like that. Only, those rules didn't really apply to kids who were disabled, or a different race, or trans, or who had a ‘weak’, ‘villainous’, or no Quirk. They often didn't apply to lots of kids. This was U.A, but to physically restrain an up and coming powerhouse for just roughhousing with the Quirkless freak was a bit much.

“I-it’s fine!” He managed to eek out, “Kacchan was just surprised, that’s all!” He explained. The man’s eyes started to stick to him like glue, and Izuku shrunk, “Really, it’s fine! He just likes to roughhouse.” The man raised an eyebrow, but released Kacchan and stalked away after a silent moment, still not looking very happy even for his standards.

Izuku was given a furious glare by Kacchan, “Count your minutes, Deku. Tomorrow you’re as good as DEAD!” He emphasized with a snarl. Izuku nodded, and the lights dimmed. He focused his attention on the stage.

Present Mic (OMG! Present Mic!) strode into the center and raised their arms with a flourish, “Hey Little Listeners! Can I get a ‘YEAH’?” They cupped over their ear with their hand and turned their head expectantly towards the audience.

Some strange urge in Izuku acted before he could stop it, “YEAH!” His voice screamed out, as the rest of the audience remained silent. He felt a cherry red blush creep across his face and ducked his head in shame, cursing whatever compelled him to make himself stand out.

Kacchan’s death stare only became more palpable, but Present Mic squealed in joy, “Thanks so much examinee number 6981! Now let’s get on with the show.” 

The screen behind them lit up. They explained the rules, which were all the exact same as in the pamphlet. Well, they were spiced up with Present Mic’s awesome D.J. persona. But the core information was the same. 

Either way, how cool was it that Present Mic worked here! They were awesome! There were so many questions from Izuku’s notebooks that he was itching to ask. How much control did they have over the wavelength of their voice? Could they make subsonic or supersonic waves? If so, how far down or up could they make them? Could they make a dog whistle with their voice? What about using their voice as echolocation? That was probably a stretch, but with some support gear maybe-

“Excuse me, you with the unkempt hair.” A voice sounded behind him.

Izuku broke out of what must’ve been another mumbling spree, “Huh?” He looked behind him to see a stiff boy with navy blue hair and glasses looking down on him, “You've been muttering this entire time. Stop that. If you can't bother to take this seriously, leave.” He swung his arms up and down not unlike a robot, “You're distracting the rest of us.” He finished, voice overly formal.

Izuku felt tears well in his eyes as the room echoed with laughter, “Sorry.” He looked back to Present Mic, blinking away the mistiness.

‘Oh, honey, it’s okay.’

‘Beat that goodie-two-shoes up!’

‘Was he born with that stick up his ass?’

The gentle feminine comfort and the same gruff voice from earlier were joined by a hoarser, more exasperated question. This was getting really weird, the first few times might’ve just been nerves but now Izuku was starting to get freaked out as the voices multiplied.

He walked to the buses with his head down, anxious thoughts racking his brain again. How could he do this test on top of all these foreign voices?! He boarded and tried to think it through logically. Maybe it was another teen’s Quirk? But why would they use it on him? Izuku’s prior worries only came back stronger, and by the time his bus stopped he was struggling to not hyperventilate.

He got off and stood in the starting zone with the other test takers. Voices or not, he had to do this! Maybe they’d pass once he got into the groove of the exam? He heard hurried footsteps near him, and he saw the kind girl from earlier approaching.

She skidded to a halt in front of him, “Hi! It’s cool that we’re in the same testing site, right?” Izuku nodded eagerly, “Yeah! I hope you do well.” He answered. She smiled, but her face was also filled with determination, “Of course, I have to do well! I wish you luck too.” She looked towards the starting line, “I’ll see you after the test, okay?”

He smiled back, “Sure!” He replied. Izuku stretched, and as he did he felt the sparks in his soul grow in intensity. One For All was there, waiting to be released.

“And start!” He heard Present Mic announce. His body was immediately moving forward, though he didn't have any idea why. He kept running, firstly calling upon the power to rush to his arm as he saw a robot in the distance. 

I guess I just imagine One For All in my arm, clench my buttcheeks, and yell sma-

“I swear to the Kamis above do NOT!” The gruff voice from before returned, but much stronger, “You’ll blow your limbs off if you do!”A new dry voice exclaimed. Compared to earlier, this voice felt so much less muddied and imaginary. It felt truly real, “Can you hear us?” The feminine voice queried.

Yes, I can , he thought. She immediately responded, “You have to stop and circulate One For All throughout your body. Imagine the power spreading out in you.” 

Izuku would break down now that the voices were talking directly to him, but he didn't have that much time. Plus, they seem to know what they’re talking about, and he doesn't want his arm gone. 

So he froze on the cracked concrete, closed his eyes, and pictured it. Imagined the swirling mass of power now lodged inside him spreading from his toes to scalp, circulating and moving and swirling through his whole being.

It hurt . The power was overwhelming, flooding his senses with far too much strength.

“Now lower the amount you’re using until it doesn't hurt.” The hoarse voice advised. He first lowered it quickly, then slowly until it wasn't painful.

“Now go get ‘em, kid!” The gruff voice encouraged. He burst open his eyes, only to be suprised by crackling lighting. He looked down, and dancing atop his skin were bolts of neon green, cascading down his limbs.

Wow - “To your left!” The dry voice urged. He saw a flash of metal and wires gunning for him, and let his fist fly in it’s face. The robot shattered, raining shrapnel to the ground. Izuku flinched, his arm now shooting with a heavy ache. Under the green energy, it was bruising and red.

“Tone it down,” The dry voice warns, “Pay attention to your limits, we can only hold your power back so much!” The hoarse voice also sounded. He took a deep breath, pushed his power to the level it was before he punched the robot and ran.

His steps thundered across the ravaged road, much faster than he ever could sprint before. Izuku looked to and from the shattered buildings and narrow alleyways, soon spotting a large group of different point robots on the left of the nearest intersection. He hurtled towards them, feeling a bit steadier on his feet.

Izuku cocked back his arm, only gathering a bit more strength. Then he swung his arm forward, hitting the chest of the 1 pointer before punching the head, “Use your legs too! Kick!” The gruff voice advised. He did just that, caving in the robot’s legs with a wide arc using his own. It sparked and collapsed in a heap. 

The other robots closed in on him, punching and slamming their clunky appendages towards him. He responded in turn with a flurry of kicks and punches to their underprotected joints and heads. Soon the whole group was downed, That gives me 14 points, but I still need more!

He leapt over their crumpled bodies, zooming down the street. By now, many of the robots were either being engaged or were down for the count, but managed to snag a few quick takedowns as he ran. He also paused to help several people up and out of the crossfire from everyone’s Quirks. 

Present Mic’s voice rang over the speakers, “Four minutes left Little Listeners!”

I only have 23 points! He forced the panic to energize him as he skirted around yet another pile of scrap metal. He started looking down the alleys, but there were even fewer robots left than before. He spotted one more 3 pointer ahead, and he quickly made haste for it before someone else could.

Izuku used a slab of debris to launch himself into the air and punch down on top of its metal head before dispatching it with several more punches and kicks. It soon collapsed. He was about to go ahead when a low rumbling sound grew in intensity behind him.

He turned, and what he saw stole his breath away. A gargantuan mega-robot rolled down the streets, toppling entire buildings with it’s sheer weight. The vibrations increased, and many others were sprinting away from it in a scramble. 

“Run!” Several of his voices screamed at him. He had turned tail and was about to leave when a cry rang out from behind him, “Someone please help! I’m trapped!”

He saw her, right in the path of what must have been the 0 pointer. The kind girl from earlier was covered in dust and splayed out on her back, her whole lower half stuck under a large slab of concrete and twisted metal supports. 

She struggled weakly, but she was truly trapped. His body moved on its own, but not like earlier. His heart moved his body, screeched for him to do anything, everything to save her.

He was in front of her in a flash, asking, “Can you use your Quirk?” She bit her lip, “I’ve exhausted it.” He barely heard her over the roar of the metallic beast.

Izuku bent down and pushed up against the wall, but it was extremely heavy. He couldn't lift it all, not in time.

But there was something else he would do. He faced the 0 pointer, and braced himself. Izuku felt the power in his legs rise until they were creaking under the strain. Faintly, he could hear the mingled yelling of the voices, but they were silent compared to the sound of his blood rushing in his ears and earth shattering vibrations emanating from so close ahead.

He bent his knees, the neon green bolts now reaching off his body and bathing the entire street in his strength. He slammed against the pavement, and felt his body soar into the air, higher and higher, until he was level with the mechanical leviathan's head that itself was the size of a house. 

Izuku stretched his arm back, willing every ounce of force in him to gather at once. He was nearly blinded by the glow, but he didn't stray his eyes from his target. More and more, it welled up inside him as a rapid river. Larger now, a roaring sea. Larger still, a raging ocean that threatened to shatter him if he held it in a second longer.

He didn't need to. Izuku brought his fist forward, instantly connecting to the outer casing. It was rocketed backwards, a shockwave pushing into him as it collapsed, explosions ringing out from every section like fireworks. The machine was decimated, and chunk by massive chunk the 0 pointer fell further from the heavens.

For a moment, Izuku was happy. He’d done it! Now the girl would be safe!

And then he started falling. The pain from overloading his body slammed into him, his now twisted and purple arm flopping uselessly as he too descended.

All he could think of were apologies. To the girl, for letting her witness this. To his mom, for worrying her so. All Might, for wasting his immense power. The world, for not becoming a Hero. 

And before he can feel the rest of his bones shatter, it all goes dark.

He is in an endless black nothing. Then a star sparks to life. It is ivory white, blazing with power and determination. A thin trail leads to a second star that bursts forth. It is crimson red, and it shines even brighter than the first. The third star is next, a flaming red-orange that somehow eclipses the second. Even more flame fills the next, the fourth. It is a deep magenta. Then the fifth, a navy blue that manages to burn brighter than all its predecessors. A pastel green star, the sixth, has energy that none could compare. Until the seventh, a lavender hue, grows stronger than ever. The eighth, a canary yellow is overwhelming in its splendor.

And then, one final star ends the trail. It is hotter, brighter, larger, than any other. Yet it does not blind him. Because somehow, he knows he is that star.

Five familiar voices and two new ones speak, loud and clear, “You are the Ninth.” Their declaration echoes in his soul, and he again knows it is true.

He is the Ninth.

“What’s up, Ninth?”

“Hello, Ninth.”

“Heya there, Ninth!”

“Welcome, Ninth.”

“I know you’ll do great, Ninth!”

Chapter Text

Izuku blinked slowly, his eyes shying away from the bright LED light right above him. He eventually sat up in the bed he was laying in, taking in his surroundings.  

He was in a large nurse’s office, well stocked with materials. His arms, and to a somewhat lesser extent his legs were badly aching. His arm was stuck in a tight splint.

Izuku noticed that his arm was only slightly less bruised than before in its splint. U.A did have Recovery Girl, but her healings often took lots of energy from her patients. He'd been unconscious, so perhaps her Quirk could only fix some of his injuries?

Wait. He was still in U.A, and in THE Recovery Girl's office at that?! He had so many questions for her! Like, what if someone was getting further injured as she healed them, would it still work or would it only accelerate the immune response and not the actual healing? Did she give up some of her own energy as well, or was it drawn in from the environment (There was no way someone would only get tired and hungry after their injuries were healed that much).

Izuku heard a chuckle, and saw Recovery Girl in the flesh approaching his cot, “How are you feeling, sonny?” She asked. He smiled, “I'm good!” 

She nodded, “ I'm glad to hear, and I'll be happy to answer your questions when you're less reckless.” She scolded. Izuku rubbed the back of his head with his free hand, “I just wanted to help, Recovery Girl-san!”

She sighed, “You broke your arm and fractured both your legs. The damage won't be permanent, not this time.” 

“But if you break yourself like this too much, the damage will not be fully repairable, even by me.” She warned.

He looked away, “I'm sorry. I'll try harder, I promise.” Recovery Girl tutted, “I'm sure you will,  but for the next few days you'll be resting. Do you have the energy to finish healing now?”

Izuku hastily agreed, “Yes!” She leaned forward and planted a long kiss on his broken arm. After only several seconds, the bruises and intense aching faded to a light purple tint and a dull throb. His legs felt even better than his arm, which still felt tender in comparison.

He yawned as his energy was sapped away, it did take a lot out of him. Recovery Girl undid the splint as he stretched a bit, flexing his newly mended hand, “Thank you so much!” 

She walked to the other side of the room, “I'm only doing my job, sonny. Now for your recovery, you're not allowed to do anything strenuous at all for the next three days minimum. If, and only if , you feel better on the fourth day, you can start exercising everything except your right arm. That will need at least a week. You'll need to come back after the week is over for me to check it again. I might need to heal it again, and then once you've recovered your energy you can start training as you normally would.”

Izuku slouched, a whole week before he could work out like usual?! He couldn't fall behind! He felt a light whack on his leg, she had come back over to him, “I know that look, sonny. If you don't listen to your body, you could hurt yourself again , and then who knows if you could ever recover to your full strength. I have contacted your mother, and I'm sure she will make certain that you don't do something stupid and reckless.”

Recovery Girl gave him a stern glare before her face softened a tad, “Here, take these. They're energy replenishing gummies. Take three now, and two each day for the next three days, then take one until the week is over. On that subject, when are you free for your next checkup?”

He hummed, “Uh, any time after 3:30 works for me.” She hopped on a stool next to a large computer, and began typing away on the sleek keyboard, “Let's see… Can you come in from 4:15 to 4:30 next Sunday?

"Yes, I'm available.” He answered. Recovery Girl gestured to the door, “You're free to leave, though I will warn you: The girl you saved has been waiting to see you out there.” 

Izuku felt his eyebrows shoot up, “She waited for me?!” he blurted out.

“Yes, you did save her from the 0 pointer after all.” Izuku gulped nervously, he hasn't talked to a girl in person- scratch that, anyone other than his mom, for more than a short exchange in years. He prayed he wouldn't make a fool of himself as he pushed himself off the soft bed with his good arm and walked to the exit.

As soon as he pushed open the door, the cute girl from earlier jumped off the bench opposite him she was on. She leaned forward close to him, “Are you okay?!” 

Izuku fidgeted his nerves away by tapping his shoes, “Uhm, yeah! I'm fine, see,” he gestured to himself with his hands.

She heaved a sigh, “Whew, that's a relief. When you were falling, I barely managed to take away your gravity in time. It was super scary!” She exclaimed.

He tapped his foot faster, “Oh, s-sorry about that. Are you okay?”

The girl blinked, “Am I okay? You just broke your arm saving my life, and you're asking if I'm okay?!” she sputtered. 

Izuku flinched back, “Sorry-” She interrupted him, “Please don't say sorry, it wasn't your fault.”

He nodded, “O-okay, I won't. I'm glad you're alright, though,” he added. She smiled brightly, “Yeah, all thanks to you! Your Quirk is awesome and powerful, and so are you!” She gushed.

He didn't know how to respond to the sudden praise, “Thanks.” he managed to push out after a bit.

She startled, “Oh, before I forget-” she snatched her phone from her pocket and held it in front of him expectantly, “Can you put your number in my phone so I can text you later?”

Izuku tried very hard not to bluescreen as she made her request. Someone wanted to be his friend? Him, the useless, Quirkless, weak, hopeless, Deku?!

Wait. He isn't Quirkless anymore. He guessed that now, people would start respecting him more because of his new flashy Quirk. Yet he still held the force of personality akin to a plastic fork, minus the utility and any other positive qualities, so that probably wouldn't last long.

“Earth to Greenie!” The girl snapped Izuku out of his thoughts, “Oh, uh, sure!” He typed in his number. Good thing he still remembered it, it’d been so long since he’d given it out. Another question popped into his head, “Why’d you call me Greenie?” He queried.

She giggled, “Well, you are very green, with your hair, eyes and tracksuit. Plus it’s cute, no? If you don’t like it I can call you by your name. Oh, saying that reminded me that I don't know: What is your name?”

Izuku relaxed, relieved she wasn't angry with his questions yet, “I don't mind the nickname, and my name is Izuku Midoriya.”

“I’m Ochako Uraraka .” Suddenly, her phone rang, “Oh, please give me a moment,” she picked up. Izuku could partially hear the voice on the other side, with how loud the caller was. Uraraka squealed, “No mama! I’m alright, truly! I just stayed a couple extra hours to make sure that someone else was okay.”

She waited a moment before sighing, “Yes.” In the next few seconds her natural pink cheek blush exploded into her whole face, “NO! Mama, we just met!”

Another few seconds passed, “Okay, I hear you. I’ll come on the next train, promise! Bye mama!” Uraraka hung up, her blush only now fading, “So sorry about that. I have to get going if I want to make it home in time for dinner, but I'll text you as soon as I can, yeah?”

His eyes lit up, “I-I’m looking forward to it.” She smiled again, “Thanks for everything, bye!” She waved, and sped walked away.

Izuku blinked, and a smile graced his own lips. She was so nice, he couldn't wait to talk to her again! All he could hope for was that he didn't ruin everything.

That reminded him, the first exam had started in the early morning, so what time was it now? He pulled out his thankfully intact phone and checked.

It was 4:12 already?! He had to get going, now! He sped out the building and down the long halls, eventually finding his way out the gates and to the station. On the ride home, he voraciously read through the day's local, prefectural, and national hero news he would usually have already been able to read by this time of day.

Soon he was walking back home, exhaustion seeping into his aching bones with each step he took. He was rounding the corner towards his apartment when a voice spoke to him.

“Hey Ninth, what's popping?” A somewhat familiar tone he couldn't quite place called out to him.

He froze, then walked faster, they clearly hadn't been talking to him.

“Yes I was!” they countered. His eyes bounced around the street, but no one was around. He remembered hearing a voice like this during the exam… Had he really gone crazy?!

He ran up the stairs of his building despite his weariness. It couldn't be nerves now, so it must be that something horribly wrong had happened in his head. Whether it was a Quirk or a plain mental breakdown, he didn't know. But random people in his head was not a good sign.

“Ninth, we aren't randos!” A different person whined. Izuku clutched his head, forcing his breaths to slow. There had to be a logical explanation to this, right?! Maybe if he talked to them when he was alone? He just had to be careful. Yeah, yeah, he’d be fine. He might just be only going a little bit crazy.

They weren't telling him to hurt himself or anything like that, so he was probably safe. He repeated this mantra as he forced his apartment's door open and made a beeline for his room. He locked the door and flopped his screaming body on his All Might sheets.

“Damn Ninth, that’s a lot of merch,” One of them commented, “We got a fanboy, folks,” Another voice said as a third just wheezed with laughter.

‘Okay, who are all of you ? ’ Izuku demanded in his head, not saying a word out loud for fear of alerting his mom.

There were a few moments of silence, before the hoarse voice replied, “We’re the… erm, ghosts of the previous users of One For All. I’m Yoichi Shigaraki, the First user, so the other people here also call me First.”

Izuku’s jaw dropped. There were the previous users of One For All, now living rent free in his head?! How many were there? Scratch that, how was this even remotely possible ?!

“Calm down Ninth. There are seven of us, and it’s not like we know either.” 

Who was this one? “I am Second, and you will not get my real name,” A new voice answered shortly.

“I am Third, don't bother asking for my name either. I’ll cut to the chase, you never should’ve gotten this Quirk, Ninth. This is a burden too heavy for a child’s shoulders.” He spat.

“Can it, Third. All of us were too young to have to do this. There probably isn't an age old enough to handle One For All, and no amount of kicking this kid while he’s down will fix that.” He argued back.

The dry voice continued, “My name’s Hikage Shinomori, or Fourth. I’ll always be looking out for danger, so please for the love of the Kamis’ above if I warn you about something, LISTEN.”

“Heya kiddo! I’m Daigoro Banjo, AKA Lariat, AKA Fifth!” The gruff voice interrupted, “Nice to meet ya! P.S, no matter what these killjoys say, my pranks and jokes are hilarious, objectively.”

“Jokes can’t be objectively funny.” A quieter voice deadpanned, “I am En: The Sixth. I like your analysis, perhaps we can share our thoughts together.” He suggested.

“Hello Ninth! My name’s Nana Shimura, I’m the Seventh user. My Hero name was Skywalker.” The feminine voice welcomed warmly, “If you have any questions or need advice, you can always ask us for help.”

Izuku took in their greetings and responded in turn within his head, ‘I’m Izuku, or Ninth.’ He startled, when had he started thinking of himself as Ninth? He guessed it was a side effect of the Quirk. Speaking of the Quirk, how’d it manage to pass down what seemed to be the full consciousness and memories of seven dead people? It must have stockpiled them. So this was a stockpiling Quirk? It made sense, it would take the energy from each user and pass it down along with the Quirk. But that still didn't exactly explain how they were here. If they stockpiled memories and personality, what else did it hold on to?-

“Wow, you’re one smart cookie!” Fifth exclaimed, “Those were good deductions, Ninth.” Seventh told him. Izuku felt his ears heat up with the empty praise. People never liked his weird, amateur, stalker analysis, they were just being too kind.

“That’s not true. Your logic is sound, and from what we’ve seen from before, your analysis holds up. You sell yourself short.” En explained softly.

Izuku frowned, ‘But even Kacchan thinks it’s weird, and he’s-’

“An absolute asshole who’s going to try and beat you up tomorrow.” Third snarled.

He stared up at his fan spinning in slow circles on his merch filled ceiling, “But he’s right.” Izuku whispered aloud, “I’ve always been a creep, watching everyone’s awesome Quirks and putting them in my fanboy notebook. I brought this on myself .” He screwed his eyes shut, “I deserve this.”

“Ninth, listen to me.” First asked, “ No child deserves to be bullied. You are no exception. This attitude I… I know it too well. Ninth, are you safe?”

Izuku tipped his head in confusion, ‘What do you mean? Of course I'm safe. My mom takes great care of me, and no one roughs me up that badly.’

“Ninth, you’re jumpy.” Fourth stated, “You constantly are surprised by noises. You look out for exits. You sit near the door and don't fully unpack your stuff in case you need to leave quickly. I of all people would recognize the signs of feeling unsafe, and you are a textbook example.” He emphasized.

He tensed, ‘But it’s not that bad! Tons of Quirkless kids have it worse, I've talked to plenty of others online, and compared to them I have to be fine!’ Izuku argued.

Daigoro sighed, “If I had a broken hand and ya had a broken arm, would my hand hurt less?” He questioned.

‘Well, no-’ He started.

“Then ya shouldn't feel bad about having it better than someone else. Yeah, it could always be worse. But Ninth, it could also be a hell of a lot better. You deserve better”

Izuku didn't know what to say. He’d known deep down that it could be better, and he’d spent sleepless nights wishing it would be. But he never- He never imagined someone else would say he was owed better. All he ever heard, his whole life, was to be thankful for what he had. And here were these old Heroes saying him of all people should’ve had even more?

A loud throat clearing noise sounded, “Some of us *cough* Second and Third *cough* weren't exactly… Heroes.”

Izuku’s face twisted in confusion, “Eh?”

“Do NOT start this shit again, Nana!” Daigoro yelped as Third growled, “Oh YEAH? YOU try taking down a corrupt government without breaking a few laws!”

She huffed, “It wasn't very heroic to torture information out of people!”

Second hissed, “And we aren't calling ourselves official Heroes or anything! But we were justified, it’s not as if a cushy government sheep like you would ever understand.”

“How dare you!” Seventh gasped. The voices began overlapping in their squabbles, and Izuku couldn't keep track of who was saying what until First yelled, “WEREN'T WE TALKING ABOUT NINTH?!”

His head went silent before a few mixed apologies filtered through his mind. He shook his hands, ‘It’s uh... fine?’

Second hummed, “Either way, we need to get to making Ninth an actual training plan not approved by that buffoon All Might.”

Everyone in his head agreed, but Izuku’s eyes shot open as he bit his lip, “All Might isn't a buffoon!”

“Oh honey,” Nana began, “Toshi is… Usually a good Hero, but he’s not a teacher in any sense of the word, especially to you. He hasn't made nearly enough time for your training, Ninth.”

‘B-but he’s done so much for me!’ He retorted.

“Ninth, you didn't even know how to throw a proper punch, or how to kick, or how to actually dodge. Among other things,” Third pointed out.

Izuku held back tears, “But that was just because I never bothered to learn, it’s not his fault!”

“He promised to tutor you, so your progress was his responsibility ,” En offered.

“But he’s All Might ! He’s busy!”

Fifth scoffed, “Too busy ta make time for the student he took on of his own free will? Or even get someone else ta help him?” 

Izuku stuttered, ‘W-well…’

“We should get working on it already,” First reminded.

Izuku nodded, ‘I- uh c-can get a notebook to write down ideas?’ He suggested while getting up on to his still aching legs, “Make sure to use a code, not to take it outside the house, and don't write a word about One For All.” Hikage insisted.

‘A code?’ He repeated while fetching a blank notebook from his drawer along with a pencil. He sat at his desk, “To help keep your notebook safe if anyone finds it.” Seventh answered. 

Izuku tapped his pencil on the first blank page. Second kicked it off, “First off, Ninth, diet. What do you eat now?” 

They talked for a long time, and Izuku’s notebook steadily filled up with knowledge. For his diet, he had to start eating more food, and much more protein. They gave him brand suggestions that weren't too expensive.

Then exercise. Izuku was told to keep running and improving his time, but that he should get a gym membership. Even a cheap gym was better than nothing. He should also do a large variety of different workouts to build muscle on every part of his body.

After that they talked about learning how to fight. It was too late to go to a Dojo, so the vestiges would teach him what they knew on the beach and give him links to HeroTube videos that could show him how to do things right. Apparently not that much was needed to teach martial arts if you had seven people who spent their whole lives fighting helping you out.

It would be hard without a physical teacher, though. They told him to find a sparring partner as soon as possible to make up for it, but he was doubtful he could find one in time. Maybe he could ask Uraraka?

Soon a quarter of the notebook was filled with their advice written in a new code made by Second, Third, and Fourth. Izuku could smell dinner being cooked and made for his door, ‘O-oh, everyone, just… Please don't talk too much when I'm eating with mom. I don't want her to get suspicious because I-I’m laughing at nothing or something, if you're okay with that of course!’ He hoped he didn't offend them!

Nana laughed, “Of course, Ninth! I’ll try my hardest to make sure no one disturbs you!” He could practically feel her wink, “No promises though!” Fifth threw out hastily. 

“Bye now, see ya after dinner!” Daigoro said bye alongside a few others before his head went quiet. It was weird, not having the boisterous crowd in his head, but nice to have a little silence.

He sat down at the dinner table opposite his mom and dug in, “So how did the exam go, sweetie? I heard you got hurt, are you okay? I was so worried when I got the call about you!” She began to tear up.

He waved his hands, “Of course, I’m fine mom! Recovery Girl healed me! She’s so cool, she’s the oldest licensed Hero in Japan, not to mention her awesome Quirk that I’m still trying to figure out- Oh no! I didn't get the chance to ask my questions for her yet…” He wilted.

Mom smiled, “I’m glad you’re okay, but I heard that you can't exercise for at least three days. You better not sneak out to train, or else I’ll ground you.” She threatened in her serious voice that told him she wasn't joking, “Yes, mom!” Izuku agreed, not wishing to incur her wrath.

Her face softened, “How did the written test go?” He took another bite while he thought on his answer, “Well, I think I got really lucky on what I studied because it wasn't as hard as I expected.”

“Don’t sell yourself short, baby! I know you’re smart,” she praised. 

Izuku coughed, “Maybe…”

She gave him a pitying look that promised a follow up. But before she had the chance, he abruptly switched topics, “How was your day at work?” She breathed a sigh, “Well, it was alright. Nothing I couldn't handle.”

Izuku bit his lip and looked away. Ever since his Quirkless diagnosis, his mom had to work at the Villain ward of the hospital to be able to afford his high insurance costs on top of providing him a comfortable life. The ward was often dangerous, and some of the Villains were total creeps. If only he had been born with a Quirk…

“It’s not your fault.” En whispered. He was startled to hear him again, but his kind words somewhat soothed Izuku, “There’s nothing you could’ve done differently, Ninth. Don't feel guilty, please, try not to.” Nana requested, and he tried his best to ignore the cracked dam of pent up remorse threatening to burst. I have to keep it together for mom , just a bit longer .

He tuned back into her words, “…They asked me to do another double shift tomorrow, but tonight I’m free to watch a movie if you’d like.”

Izuku brightened as much as he could, “I’d love that! What do you want to watch?” She looked up in thought, “Well, it’s been a while, so how about you choose this one?” She suggested.

He started filing through his mental catalog of Pre-Quirk movies, Maybe “Princess and the Frog”? But I'm not sure- Fifth butted in, “Oh! It’s been forever since I watched “Into the Spiderverse”! Hikage snorted, “It’s an unrealistic depiction of having danger detection,” he vetoed. 

First’s voice dripped with sarcasm as he responded, “Oh yes, because Pre Quirk movies would know what it’s actually like to have superpowers.”

“I vote for “Catatonia Forest: Bethlehem Down”, If we must waste our time on a movie.” Third bit out as Izuku made his way to the couch and T.V. with his mom, “Newsflash: That’s not Pre-Quirk, bozo,” Yoichi deadpanned, “What’s probably more important is that movie was banned 50 years ago…” Sixth reminded them.

“What!?” Second yelled, “Damn government and their censorship!” He grumbled, “What about “Catatonia Forest: Waters of Babylon”?” A loud facepalm spooked Izuku while he was snuggling in the couch’s blankets, before he realized it came from inside his head, “That was literally in my textbook as an example of anti-Hero and anti-government extremism!” Nana exclaimed.

“And do you want to take a wild guess at who wrote that textbook?!” Third growled. Fourth took a deep breath, “Let’s talk about movies , not politics, even if it's only for Ninth's sake. How about we watch My Neighbor Totoro?”

Nana sounded relieved, “Yes, that’d be nice.”

Sixth agreed in his usual soft tone, “Yes.” Izuku could practically feel Daigoro smiling, “Sounds great!”

Third and Second grumbled, but didn't object. 

“What do you think, Ninth?” Yoichi queried. He tipped his head, ‘Well, you all want to watch it, so does it matter?’ 

“Of course it matters!” Fifth asserted, “You’re a person too, Kid. Plus you’re also kinda the driver of this crazy bus, we’re just along for the ride, yeah?”

Izuku grinded his teeth as he absent mindedly searched for the right movie on the T.V with the remote, ‘Uhm, I guess I am… But you all have so much more knowledge than me and-’

“Lemme stop you right there, Ninth.” Yoichi interrupted, “We know how to do three things combined: Fight, hide, eat hot chip, and lie.”

His face screwed in confusion, ‘Eat hot chip? Lie?’ Fourth screamed, “You’re infecting the kid with Gen-Z memes?! First, no !”

He could feel Yoichi flash a smirk, “First, yes !”

“Hey dumbass, that’s four things!” Third retorted. “Counting wasn't on the list of things we can do.” En pointed out. “That’s just a First thing, he’s the only one that stupid, we don't claim his idiocy.” Second responded with a laugh.

First snarled, but he didn't sound all that angry, “I’ve come to make an announcement: The second user of One For All is a bitch ass motherfu -” Yoichi’s words were muffled and he began to scream.

“You are under no circumstances allowed to further expose the innocent kid to that ancient quote unquote, “humor”! Ninth, do not be tempted by the devil of bad memes!” Seventh demanded, all while First kept squealing.

He giggled, hiding his reaction under one of his blankets. Mom attracted a fidget cube from the side table and handed it to him, “Are you alright? You look distracted.” She mumbled, sounding a bit tired. Izuku squashed down the smile forming on his face, idly clicking the stim toy, “Oh, yeah, I thought of uhm- something funny.”

Meanwhile, Fifth huffed, “I don't know, Gen Z memes are pretty… lit! Whaddya say, Ninth? Do you like to… stan? Are you a… G.O.A.T?”

The words coming out of (technically) his own head were incomprehensible, “Damn- I mean darn- right, Ninth!” But they were entertaining nonetheless, “Noooo!” Seventh cried.

Still, Izuku was a bit confused as he selected the movie. He didn't fully get what seemed to be the past users’ sense of humor, but when they argued, it was mostly cordiall. They all seemed to be having some fun, and even when the arguments got a bit heated they didn't throw out slurs or anything. Izuku even felt like they were attempting to include him. No one was telling him to kill himself, so this was already a big improvement in his social life either way.

The bickering in the background ceased all of the sudden as the intro played, ‘Guys?’ He asked his quiet head.

“You get suicide baited?” En asked. Izuku shrugged lightly, ‘Yeah, but it’s nothing too bad. Plus, I’m used to it.’

“That’s not normal,” Seventh murmured. He paid more attention to the movie’s intro, ‘For the Quirkless, it is.’

Fifth grit his teeth, “Kid, you gotta do something about that!” Izuku felt his eyes mist up, ‘There’s nothing I can do.’

“Ninth, can we talk about this later?” Hikage requested. He looked at the breath-taking animation on screen, ‘M-maybe.’

The movie passed quickly, the past users occasionally commenting but for the most part watching quietly. His mom fell asleep halfway through, but woke up for the ending. They, in true Midoriya fashion, bawled their eyes out.

After mom Attracted a box of tissues over and they dried their tears, Izuku began folding the blankets on the couch back into neat-ish squares when Yoichi piped up, “Uh, aren't you supposed to tell your mom about the whole manifesting-a-Quirk-at-the-entrance-exams thing?”

Izuku startled up, he did have to do that! He finished folding quickly and ran over to his mom, “Uh, mom? There’s s-something I need to tell you…” He winced at his stutter.

“What is it, sweetie?” She put down her chamomile tea. He took a deep breath, “During the entrance exams, I-I… I manifested a Quirk.”

She gasped, “Izuku… Are you sure?” She questioned carefully. He nodded, but he knew it probably wouldn't convince mom so easily. He had spent many nights on the computer as a child looking at the odds of a person with two pinky toe joints getting a Quirk as they aged.

Getting a Quirk at all was already low. And for every year that passed, the odds decreased exponentially. The oldest person with two pinky toe joints who gained a Quirk so far was 12 and a half, and the closest to them was a 10 year old.

So he forgave the disbelief on her face, ‘Can you help me channel just a bit of One For All?’ They readily agreed. He took a breath, and like he had at the entrance exam, he imagined the power welling up inside of him and swirling throughout his whole body.

“Don't imagine too much power, or you’ll hurt yourself!” Fourth warned, and he imagined a thin brook of energy branching off from the waterfall he had raging deep inside. Just as before, green lighting flared off his skin, dancing along his veins and emanating a toxic glow that colored the plain tile floors and cream kitchen cabinets.

He grabbed the nearest object to demonstrate his power. He held an empty soup can and crushed it easily in his non dominant hand’s grip, not wanting to agitate his still healing right arm.

She took a step forward, and he let go of his hold on One For All, and the can. Mom’s eyes were full of tears, “Oh Izuku!” She pulled him into a tight hug. She leaned her head into him, “This doesn't change how much I love you. Quirk or no Quirk, you will always be my baby boy.” She whispered.

He hugged her back, “I know.” He responded, eyes also once again watering. He stayed in her embrace for a minute before leaning back, still clutching her arms, her arms still holding him, “But now, I can become a Hero!”

She smiled, but her eyes did not crinkle at the corners and her tears still fell, “My baby. I wish-” A sob wretched from her lips, “I wish you would do something, anything, safer. I don't want you to go through-” Another sob, “All that pain and sorrow and danger.”

She took a gasping breath, steadied her shaking arms, and stared deep into Izuku’s eyes, “But I- I think I get why now.” Izuku didn't blink, seeing a lifetime of love, contained all in his mother’s deep viridian irises. Her face hardened, “You always wanted to help in the biggest, best ways. You’re the bravest, most selfless person I know. If someone’s hurting, you can't stand back and watch. That’s why you want to be a Hero, so no matter where you are, you can help.”

She clutched him harder, “And I would be… Selfish to stop you, baby. But it won't stop me from worrying. Please, please promise me, Izuku. That you’ll stay as safe as you can. I don't know what I would do if-” She stops herself again, and tears stream down her cheeks onto the floor. “I love you baby, so for my sake, don't be reckless.”

She smiled again, and slowly let go of his arms, “I love you Izuku. So, so much. But I also know that-” she dried her tears, “You’ll be an amazing Hero.”

He nodded numbly. She accepted his dream, finally. She still was reluctant, not that he could blame his mom. But, she believed in him.

( Only because he had a Quirk. Only because he wasn't as much of a worthless, useless, Unevolved, Waste Of Space, Leech, DEKU. )

“Tomorrow we’ll go register it, okay?” Izuku froze. How was he going to explain away the Quirk?! He had to talk with the past users, now. He gave his mom a quick hug, “Uh, yep, tomorrow is fine, goodnight!” He sped across the room and down to his bedroom before he slammed the door closed and locked it. He collapsed in a still tired heap on his bed.

He groaned, ‘What do I say to the Quirk specialist!?’

Yoichi sighed, “I'm not sure, Ninth.” 

“Maybe ya could say it had a specific activation requirement?” Fifth added.

“What sort of activation requirement?” Second emphasized.

Izuku imagined Daigoro shrugging, “No clue- OW!”

“Knock it off, Third! He was just making a suggestion,” Yoichi demanded. Their scuffle ended and Izuku began thinking for himself. What sort of activation requirement would take so long? Maybe a specific way to activate it, like he had to do something complicated. But kids with specific activation requirements were usually drawn to what would activate their Quirk.

Maybe he could say he had to be a certain age? But how would that make sense? Izuku had some facts about One For All , he should go back to those and then think it through.

One: This was an energy stockpiling Quirk. Two: It took a lot of physical training to not overexert himself when using it. Third: It stored the consciousness of the previous users through some mysterious means. Fourth: It might stock more things.

He knew the most about fact one and two. Izuku just had to think.

Wait. What if he said it was the other way around? Not that he had to wait to accept the Quirk until he was strong, but that it was there all along ! He was just too weak to use it until now! He could say it stocked energy through some ‘unknown’ means, and that him gaining muscles was the catalyst for him gaining access to his Quirk!

But what if they found out he was lying? What if they asked to test out his Quirk? What if-

“It’ll be fine, Ninth. Quirk counselors don't look nearly far enough into childrens’ Quirks most of the time. Kamis know they aren't paid enough.” Nana encouraged.

Fifth snorted, “Yeah kid, no one’ll be the wiser! Never underestimate the apathy of the overworked and underpaid.” 

“Okay-” Izuku yawned, it must’ve been getting late. He had to get to sleep.

Seventh whispered, “For now, rest. But tomorrow we’re talking about the bullying.”

He crawled under the covers and closed his eyes, barely registering the faint whisper that had just filtered through his ears and the following murmurs of goodnights. He faded to dreams quickly, a small smile still adorning his face.

Chapter Text

“I Am Here! I Am Here! I Am Here! I Am Her-”

Izuku threw his arm over his dresser and slammed on the alarm clock. His body was one big ache, and for a split second he contemplated sleeping in a little late. But if he got up now, he’d have time to watch more Hero news.

He opened his phone to check the first morning news, surprised to see several text notifications from an unknown number. He hadn't given out his number to any telemarketers, but could it still be spam? Maybe just a wrong number?

He clicked on the message.

New Chat created with Ochako Uraraka, Izuku Midoriya

New Chat

Ochako Uraraka : Hi! This is Ochako from the entrance exam! Just wanted to text to see how you’re doing?

Ochako Uraraka : Hope you’re having a nice night! Get some good sleep! :3

Ochako Uraraka : Are you okay? You didn't respond last night… I'm resisting the urge to call you to check in, but I don't want to wake you up (;-;)

Izuku facepalmed, how could he forget to text her?! If he was lucky, she wouldn't ghost him if he responded quick enough.

Izuku Midoriya : Hello! I’m so sorry, I had a busy night but I still should’ve remembered to check, sorry. I’m doing well, a bit sore and tired but alright. How are you?

He hovered over the send button for a minute, wondering if his wording was good enough, if something he wrote could offend her.

Second sighed, “Ninth, the text is fine!” Izuku barely stops himself from flinching at the loud voice by reminding himself that he was trustworthy.

“Aw, the kid thinks you’re trustworthy ! Isn't that cute?” Fifth teased. Second bristled, “No, it’s not.”

Nana tutted, “No time for arguments, guys. Anyways, you should send it to her, Ninth.”

Izuku gulped and pressed send, hoping Uraraka would accept his apology. He noticed he had one more notification from All Might!

#1 Hero And Future #1 Hero

Toshinori Yagi : My boy, Good showing at the entrance exam! I will be unable to contact you until U.A. begins, so do not call or text until then. Keep up your training!

“ARE YOU KIDDING ME!?” Third snapped, “That blond oaf really just up and abandoned his own damn student? I knew he was a bad teacher but he’s not even trying!”

Izuku clutched his phone harder, ‘He’s just busy, that’s all! If he could, he’d definitely train me.’ En sighed, “He could’ve acquired you a personal trainer,” He counter claimed. 

He stuttered, ‘W-well, he can't reveal One For All to just anyone-’ 

Yoichi huffed, “He could’ve just gotten someone he trusts to train you. There’s no good excuse.”

“Really, he’s a horrible teacher over all,” Hikage added, “He was almost never there for you, his plans were impractical, and he didn't take into account that a Hero has to be able to actually fight , not just be strong.”

Izuku kept getting ready, trying to ignore the seeds of doubt the past users had planted in his mind. Was All Might really a bad teacher? Or were they just wrong?

He mulled it over on his way to school. Sure, he didn't get much time with his mentor. But All Might had believed in him when no one had, given him the chance of a million lifetimes. How could he criticize the man who gave him the opportunity to live? Who was Izuku’s savior from his dead end existence?

Nana let out what sounded like a small sob, “Oh Ninth… You shouldn't think like that. Quirkless or not, you have always held worth and had a bright life.” She assured him.

He tried, he really did, to believe her sugary sweet words. But the countless scars he spent nights bandaging, the endless tears he shed, the sharp words and soft red spider lilies still hurt him. He knew how useless he really was, it had been etched into his mind over and over again.

Izuku slapped his cheeks to snap himself out of it. Dwelling on his worthlessness would do him no good. He just had to make it through a few more weeks of Aldera before he could start becoming a Hero. Then maybe it wouldn't bother him as much.

On that subject, he noticed he was at the entrance already. He had missed most of the morning’s Hero news! He walked through the gates sighing. It would be a bad idea to take his phone out in class just to read news, it would be more broken in a few class periods if he tried. 

“Ninth, Bakugou is coming!” Hikage warned. He saw from the corner of his eyes as his childhood friend stalked forward, surrounded by several of his new friends and classmates, “ DEKU !” He spat, voice filled with rage and palms already smoking and crackling.

Izuku froze. Kacchan wasn't as mad as usual, he was positively enraged . His eyes flicked to the other kids approaching. There were too many to run from this time. He had to just sit still, shut up, and take it.

Seventh gasped, “No, Ninth!” 

“Kid, ya gotta do something !” Fifth encouraged.

“Would a real Hero really let themself be beaten up so easily? No! So fight, dammit !” Third growled. 

Maybe not, but he was frozen in fear as the scent of burnt caramel wafted through the air, stinging his nose.

The first punch suddenly impacted his stomach, causing him to flinch back before a few more made him collapse, retching from the nausea the gut hits caused.

Then the explosions came. Izuku screwed his eyes and protected his head as his chest was seared into. He at first bit back a scream. He couldn't hold it for long, as one of the teens stabbed his back with their sharpened spikes. 

“Ninth, fight them. You have a Quirk,” En pleaded. But it was all so far away compared to the endless pain crushing him down. The blows hitting him hard. The insulting words he barely heard over the explosions and his own yells.

Nana screamed as a full tide of pure fury, “I WON'T LET THEM HURT YOU!”

Suddenly, the world felt dulled, and then gone. Izuku still saw out of his eyes, but he wasn't in his own body.

His body suddenly jolted back to life, but he wasn't in control. The figure puppeteering him pushed themselves off the ground, and he only faintly felt what was happening. 

The surrounding kids had temporarily stopped hurting him, but as they saw his body all too smoothly stand up straight, Kacchan held up his smoking fists, “C’mon extras! He still needs to be taught a few more lessons!” He yelled. 

As they fired up their Quirks again, a voice came out of his body, far too feminine to be his own and laced with vicious poison, “You’re never hurting Ninth again,” the voice, which belonged to Nana, spat with uncharacteristic wrath.

A few of the others took steps back, confusion and fear etched into their faces. But Kacchan cocked back his arm, “I don't give a shit if Deku has some weird other personality, it’s just another reason to kick his ass!”

Nana tensed his body, sliding his legs into a firmer stance and holding his fists at the ready, “His name is not Deku.” Izuku felt the thrum of One For All being called upon without his control, and panicked that Seventh would beat them up. 

But he couldn't control his own body and no words came to his blanking mind to counter her. He saw the telltale vivid green bolts twirl and spin down his arms, through all his veins until the glow reflected in Kacchan’s stunned eyes.

His face contorted almost unrecognizably with the most rage Izuku had ever seen Kacchan hold. The pure anger twisted his snarky grin into an animalistic roar, his ruby eyes blazing hotter than his red hot fists, “YOU LIAR ! I’ll make you PAY, Deku!” He screeched, and rocketed forward, entire body crackling and popping as he swung with a right hook.

Izuku prepared for an atomic explosion, but before it rang out Nana grappled Kacchan’s arm in an iron tight grip. With his arms framed by shooting viridian lighting, she, just as quickly as the swirling energy flowed, slammed him into the ground. 

A sickeningly audible crack split the air as a cloud of dust covered Kacchan’s body. All of the others yelped and ran away in all directions from the schoolyard.

His childhood friend roared and started to push himself up, blood dripping from his nose and now black eye, “I’ll kill you-” He was cut off by a powered punch to the face, right in his already bruised side. 

He reeled back, but threw a fist blindly. Seventh swerved out of it’s way, and swung Izuku’s leg in an impossibly wide arched kick, striking him in the stomach.

Kacchan dropped to the ground, clutching his middle as he retched. After a moment, he still raised his arms, dust and blood clumping to his sweat-covered skin, “You bastard, rotten, null, DEKU!” The crackles and pops expanded into bursting swells of fireworks, nearly blinding Izuku with their strength.

Seventh pivoted around and sprinted in only seconds to the edge of the school yard. She ducked behind a tree, his muscles still tensed. Izuku watched as Kacchan’s body was surrounded by more and more violent detonations, the amber gradient of them turning to orange-red as they shook the ground.

Nearly half of the yard was taken up by his massive explosions, edges violently flickering by both the school gates and building in massive booms towering higher with each passing second. 

Suddenly, they deflated, bursting flames flickering like a near empty candle. They only died down for a few more moments, before being completely snuffed out. Without the shroud of explosions hiding his form, Izuku could see that Kacchan’s prone body was left all alone on the soot covered ground. 

His own body moved again. Seventh arose all too confidently, stalking across the ashen pavement and soil alike, gaze never leaving Kacchan’s own stunned half-lidded eyes. Blood spilled from scars over his arms and shoulders shaped in all too familiar starbursts. 

But she didn't hurry to aid him, nor did she say soothing assurances like she had done for Izuku in the past. She simply strode forward, back straight and shoulders squared.

Eventually she reached Kacchan, who was desperately trying and failing to raise his hands from where they laid beside him. His knuckles trembled with effort, but they barely hovered above the dust. His shaky gulps of air were the only sound Izuku could hear. 

Well, besides the faint, far too rhythmic dripping of blood. It pooled in small crimson puddles over Kacchan’s body and surroundings, each connecting down into the others through a weave of streams only a pencil wide. The grotesque sight shook strong feelings of anger and fear for his classmate’s safety, but Izuku’s brain felt much too foggy to form any semblance of a strategy to help him despite his best efforts.

Nana leaned down. She held her head high above Kacchan’s, which was painted with genuine fear for the first time in his life, “You will never touch Izuku again.” She declared, before standing up, turning around, and walking out of the school gates.

Izuku felt fear surge through him past the disbelief. Seventh had just beaten up Kacchan! As she walked towards what he assumed was his house, his thoughts spiraled. Was Kaccchan okay?! What if he was seriously hurt?! Would Izuku get suspended, expelled, or arrested for technically being the one to do this?! When would he regain control over his body again?! Would he ever regain control?! More importantly, what if Kacchan never recovered?! What would happen to him?!

He suddenly felt air enter his lungs, the sensation much realer than before. Then the street noises entered his ears, and the spring scents through his nose. Izuku felt his entire body again, though it was tingly like it was filled with static.

He dropped to the ground, staring at his hands. Izuku blinked and flexed his fingers, not quite believing that his body was under his own commands again. But they moved just as he imagined. 

“Izuku! Ninth! Can ya hear us?” Daigoro called.

He nodded, “Y-yeah…” All the anxious thoughts he knew he just had blurred and warped with the switch back to his body, the shock of it all probably taking over.

Nana sighed in relief, “I’m glad you’re safe. I’m sorry that I scared you, but never for protecting you, Izuku. You’re worth it.”

He flexed his muscles and slowly arose, quickly getting used to the renewed feeling. He doubted her words, yet didn't want to counter her, ‘O-okay… But what do I do now?’ He switched to his mental voice, not wanting to disturb anyone around him.

“You’ve got to get home and administer first aid to yourself. You should also call your mother.” En advised.

Izuku started for home, clutching his singed backpack straps, ‘I can do that,’ He assured, partly to himself.

After several moments of silence only partitioned by the street and spring noises, alongside Izuku’s trudging steps, Yoichi spoke up, “So, are you good?”

He deeply inhaled the fresh flowery scent wafting through the air, the dewy smell clinging to his nose in a cloying, yet calming way, ‘I-I’m fine?’ His voice mentally involuntarily crackled.

“Yeah, right,” Second rolled his eyes. Daigoro huffed, “It’s okay to not feel okay, y’know?”

Izuku dug his nails into his bag harder, ‘But I need to be strong to be a Hero…’ he justified.    

“Being a Hero doesn't mean you have to neglect your own needs,” Seventh pointed out.

En frowned, “You are also still a child, not yet a Hero.” 

A frown curved into Izuku’s face, ‘Heroes are supposed to push through struggles, though!’

“Would you fault All Might for resting?” Fourth questioned.

Izuku’s face twisted in confusion, ‘No, of course not!’

Fourth narrowed his eyes, “So why are you any different?”

‘Because he deserves the rest and I… haven't earned it?’ His gaze lowered.

Nana held a hand to her heart, “Oh Ninth, Toshi and you are both just mortals. You earned the right to relax and be safe via being conscious, feeling beings. Not through any actions .”

Izuku sputtered, mind trying to conjure arguments against them. But his brain felt a bit scrambled. 

“You don't have to fight us, ‘cause we’re right!” Daigoro added with an audible smirk.        

First nodded, “Yup, don't sweat it.” 

Soon Izuku was at his apartment’s steps, which he pulled himself up. He made his way to the bathroom, pulling out the medical kit he kept stocked for this sort of occasion.

Yoichi frowned, “You got a lot of stuff there…” 

“Do you get beat up that often?” Second asked, disdain tinging his words.

Izuku pulled out the medical tape, gauze, washcloth, antibiotic, burn cream, and heavy concealer, ‘Well, it’s not that o-often, I just like to be prepared.’

He peeled off his uniform and washed the dust and blood away from his skin, wincing slightly when he scrubbed over the open wounds before slathering on some antibiotic, and burn cream on the blistering starbursts. He used a quarter of the tube due to all his small injuries being fairly spread out.

“Are you sure you don't want to go to the hospital?” Nana queried, “You need stitches for some of your wounds, and the burns are fairly severe, so I think it would be best,” she advocated.

Izuku shook his head as he pressed a gauze pad to a coupling of stabs on his upper arm, ‘I’ll think I’ll be okay without it, I’ve never gone to the hospital before.’

Hikage grimaced, “By the look of your old scars, you should’ve gone in the past too.”

He carefully wrapped the tape in an x shape over the gauze, “I recovered just fine, though!” The words slipped out of his mental conversation to his mouth unconsciously.

“Despite the fact that you healed somewhat, you would have healed faster and better if you had gotten professional help,” En argued.

Izuku moved on to a bad burn on his shoulder, quickly wrapping it up after realizing he had quite a few more injuries to address, ‘I don’t want to w-waste their time if I’d be fine regardless, though,’ he protested.

“I don’t think ya would say that if another kid got beat up. Ya are too rough on yourself for no reason!” Fifth crossed his arms.

He clutched the medical tape roll tightly as he wrapped yet another burn ‘B-but there is a good reason… I’m worse than everyone else-’

Nana interrupted him with a firm, yet kind tone, “Ninth, you are such a kind, caring kid. You think of others' feelings, help people selflessly, and always look for ways to be someone’s Hero. Don’t think so lowly of yourself.”

“She is right. For as long as we've known you, you have always done your utmost best. You have a brilliant mind, yet you fail to see your own good deeds in the same light as you can for anyone else,” Sixth preached with quiet, but still palpable, conviction.

Again, their words were so beautiful, so tempting to believe. But they were out of reach, too far away from what Izuku had been told his whole life. He knew, deep down, what he was. And no false reassurances could change him, no matter how much he wished they could.

Izuku dropped the gauze he was applying to another scratch, tears welling in his eyes. That’s right, he was a pathetic, useless, good-for-nothing waste drain Stupid Crybaby Quirkless DEKU.

Yoichi reached out, “You’re none of those things, Ninth. How about you… try and distract yourself?” 

Hikage’s voice softened slightly, “Think about something good. Who’s your favorite Hero?”

He sniffled, doing his best to push back his tears, ‘All Might, O-ofcourse.’

“Why? What about him do you admire?” En queried, leaning in closer.

Izuku counted off on his shaky fingers, ‘W-well, he’s the number 1 Hero. He’s saved the most people total in Japan, he’s advocated that anyone can be a Hero. And he visits hospitals to help raise children’s spirits. All Might always has his signature smile on, and helps comfort victims with it. He raises money for good causes.’ 

“That’s good! Do ya like any others?” Fifth bubbled.

He bobbed his head, ‘I love lots of Heroes! One of my favorite Underground Heroes is Eraserhead. He’s up there with the nation’s unofficial top Undergrounder, as there’s no actual rankings for them. But he’s one of the better ones for sure. He has a great strategy, and his costume is one of the better Hero ones as it doesn't have to be flashy.’

Nana pointed down, “Keep going, but please don't forget to keep working on bandaging your injuries,” She gently encouraged.

He bent down, suppressing a wince at the ache that radiated through his body, and picked up the roll of tape, ‘He’s also a teacher at U.A. I think there’s a possibility that he could be my teacher this year.’

“Do you just got a feeling that he’ll be, or is he up for teaching first years or something?” Yoichi asked.

Izuku grabbed a new bandage and pressed it into the first fresh burn he saw, ‘I’m pretty sure he’ll be teaching first years, and there’s only two classes in total. So there’s a fair chance he’ll be my teacher.’

He kept talking back and forth about Heroes with them all, it went well. 

The latter ghosts informed Izuku about the Heroes of their time, and he learned about how the system worked in the past. That led to several very bizarre “memes” and their matching long-winded explanations from First. Before he knew it, all of his worst burns and stabs were bandaged and visible bruises covered in antibiotic plus concealer.

He pulled on a loose long sleeve shirt, and was finally done. Izuku gulped as he put away the medical supplies. He had to call his mom, as she would eventually learn that he missed school.

So he pulled out his even more cracked than before phone, finger hovering over the call button as he mentally rehearsed his excuse. He fell down a long flight of stairs on the way to his first class, and he had to go home early to give himself first aid.

“Are you sure you don't want to tell the truth, Izuku? She’ll understand why you had to defend yourself,” Seventh advised.

‘But she’ll be worried sick!’ Izuku rebutted.

Fourth hummed a single, short, dissatisfied note, “She should be worried if you get beaten that badly.”

“Yea, you should switch schools. This isn't right or normal in any way.” Yoichi piped up.

Izuku looked away, ‘The school year is almost over, it’s fine. Plus, I don't get in fights that often, only when I’m extra annoying.’

Daigoro’s face was covered in a big, over exaggerated frown, “Awh Ninth! You’re not annoying, you’re nice. Those other kiddos are the real assholes!”

“They’re not that bad!” Izuku frantically defended (unintentionally out loud), before switching back to his mental voice, ‘They were all told it’s okay by most of the adults in their lives. Plus, it’s better if I get hurt, rather than anyone else.’

“Why? That’s not logical. You matter, just as much as any other child that suffers bullying. You should not sacrifice yourself when the problem could be solved if the school itself instituted changes to the bullying and tolerance policies,” En proclaimed, above his normal quiet volume.

Izuku pulled his phone towards him again, ‘I should r-really call mom now,’ he eeked out.

Nana clutched her hands together, “Okay Izuku. But please, try and give yourself grace. We all believe in you,” she promised.

Hikage’s voice grew hoarser as he whispered, “ Just because you hide it, your pain won’t go away .”

Electing to ignore Fourth, Izuku inhaled a deep, steadying breath and pressed the call button. It rang three times before mom picked up, “Yes, Izuku? Are you okay? You never call me when I’m at work,” she questioned.

He rapped his foot agasint the tile floor, “Uhm, I’m fine! It’s just, I fell down some stairs on the way to school and-”

“Oh dear! Are you okay? Do you need to go to the doctors? Are you bleeding? Did you hit your head?” She rattled off rapid fire, her voice warbling.

Fifth guffawed, “Looks like ranting is a Midoriya trait!”

Izuku shook his head wildly, almost bumping into the nearby cabinet, “I’m really good, I just couldn't go to class. B-but! I’m not so bad I need to get anything else, I promise. I didn't hit my head and nothing was bleeding badly,” he made certain to reassure.

Yoichi began half-singing, half stage whispering, “Liar, Liar-” He was so drastically off key that it boggled Izuku's mind, (“Hey! Not cool!”).

Hikage shushed him, “Not the time or place, now shut .”

Meanwhile, mom sighed, “Okay, that’s good. But I still think you should get checked out just in case.”

He bit the inside of his cheek, “I don't t-think so. I’m getting a checkup from Recovery Girl in less than a week, so she can make sure I’m fine. I probably don't need another one,” Izuku pleaded.

“Hmm… If you’re certain, then okay. But you better tell me if you start feeling unwell!” She demanded.

“She’s so caring,” Seventh wiped away a tear from her cheek, tone tinged with wistfulness.

Izuku smiled, “I definitely will!”

“Alright, my shift ends in four hours, so I’ll see you then. Until then you have to rest up,” Mom clarified.

He checked the time in surprise. Several hours had passed since he left for school, despite it not feeling that way.

“Huh, time flies!” Fifth commented. 

Izuku responded to mom, “I’ll see you then. I love you.”

She cooed, “I love you lots too, baby. Bye now, take good care of yourself,” she hung up. 

Chapter Text

Izuku let out a relieved breath, running his fingers back and forth across his phone screen that was made up of more cracks than clear glass. Mom had believed him, and all he had to do now was find something to distract him until she arrived.

“You should eat,” En suggested.

He pocketed his phone, pushing his way out of the bathroom and to the kitchen. Izuku attempted to mentally calculate the best meal that would fit his diet plan with what he still had in the cupboards he was going through, yet he didn't find any ideal options.

“It doesn’t have to be perfect, Ninth. You deserve to relax and not worry too much about this yet,” Nana soothed.

Yoichi pointed eagerly, “Oh! How about you have some of that instant Tonkotsu and mix in some protein and veggies? That’d be good enough,” he added.

While grabbing a packet of the aforementioned ramen, Izuku lightly hummed, “That’s a great idea, thank you!” He made his way to the fridge to acquire the already cooked chicken, alongside vegetables he’d be using (which would probably be some snap peas, scallions, and leftover frozen cauliflower)-

“Eww! Cauliflower sucks, Boo!” Fifth bemoaned.

‘O-Oh, I can skip it then, if you’d like?’ Izuku offered while he continued on his way.

Fourth rolled his eyes, “Fifth, you won't even be eating it, so you don’t get a say.”

Sighing heavily, Second droned, “Just make the damn ramen, Ninth.” 

Izuku got the ingredients together, and started up the pan with some oil. While he began to chop the scallions and cauliflower, Yoichi cocked his head over, “Sooooo… what are we going to talk about next?”

“Do we always need to talk? Have you ever considered that some of us enjoy silence?” Third growled.

Fifth shook his head, “Nah, I didn't, and I sure don't wanna start ta do that now when we have a super cool kid to talk ta!”

Continuing to growl, Third opened his mouth to retort when Seventh asked, “What would you like right now, Izuku? Would you like us to continue talking, or stay quiet?”

He bit his lip, options rolling across his mind. If Izuku requested no talking, then Third would not be happy. However, he knew that Fifth was in favor. Second would probably side with silence, while Seventh seemed eager to know more about him. En and Fourth might go either way, but Yoichi also wanted to talk-

“I didn't mean to think about what we would want, but what you personally desire,” Seventh amended.

‘O-Oh, sorry! I want…’ Izuku mulled it over, ‘...To talk more, but not too much. I-If that’s okay, of course! I’m just slightly tired and I want to rest a bit, but talk about calming things.’ He restarted (and quickly finished) chopping before moving on to the chicken, tearing it with two forks into big shreds.

Yoichi smiled, “Works for me! Calming things, hmmm… Ooo! What animals do you like?”

Izuku smiled back, “I think all of them are fascinating in their own ways, but I’ve always loved the local, wild ones. Watching them interact and grow is so awesome!”

En wondered, “Which ones are most common?”

“I see many stray cats and dogs, pigeons, bunnies, rats, mice, and insects like beetles, flies, and butterflies,” Izuku began sauteing the meat and vegetables, stirring it carefully.

“I like dogs, they’ve got the energy ta keep up with me!” Fifth added.

Nana grinned, “I always donated to animal foundations when I had enough money, especially for the exotic pet shelters as they never get enough funding. I hope the good shelters are still going strong.”

“Wild animals are nice. They make nature more interesting,” Fourth contributed, a tinge of wistfulness in his voice.

While he kept stirring his food, Izuku continued, “I personally prefer cats because the ones I know are calm.”

“The cats you know?” Fifth asked.

“Yes, the cats I play with occasionally at the local cat Cafe are nice and don't have too much energy for me. I don't like to say all cats are calm because some are really energetic.” Izuku explained.

Nodding along, En agreed, “That makes sense.”

Then Fourth told a short story of a wild cat colony he met in the forest.

Soon, the food was done and Izuku plated it, whisking it over to his dining table.

“Have a nice meal, Ninth,” Seventh wished.

He began eating, “Thanks.”

“I used to say “you too” to people when I was younger when they gave me food, it was super awkward,” Yoichi added

“I’ve done that too,” Izuku added with a flush

First responded in turn, and they all chatted for a while longer as Izuku ate, the light atmosphere persisting. Then Yoichi begged him to play a video game, so Izuku fired up a new-ish title called “Dewmoon Crevasse,” That his mom had gotten as a gift at work.

First squinted at the title screen, “Waittt… This looks awfully familiar.” As the soothing music faded in, he began bouncing up and down while shouting, “Is this Stardew Valley RIPOFF?! Oh HELL nah, we are not playing a cheap knockoff of the best indie game ever!”

Third rolled his eyes, “What difference does it make?”

First went deadly silent, “...What difference? WHAT DIFFERENCE?! It’s a masterpiece, created by a one man army of beautiful storytelling and breathtaking action that you clearly couldn't understand, you absolute shit faced troglodyte-” He raved.

“No cursing,” Nana chided at the same time that Fourth challenged, “You can’t even spell “Troglodyte.”

“What?! That’s easy, it’s “T-R-I-O-G-J-L-D-I-T-I-E.” Yoichi spelled out without missing a beat.

Sixth huffed a small laugh as Fifth smiled, “Seems right to me.”

Fourth sighed deeply, “I’ve been reminded that some of us are illiterate.”

“Not all of us had decades to spend reading ,” First spat out the last word like it was dirt.

Izuku had continued setting up the game that was apparently a bootleg, creating his character, before stopping on the selector for the farm type, ‘U-uhm, sorry to interrupt, what type of farm do you guys want?’

“Do the beachside one,” Sixth hastily, yet softly, added.

Nana hummed a short tune, the warmth of her soft voice like a cozy blanket swaddled over his shoulders, “Do whatever you like best, Ninth.”

“The big farm is the most efficient,” Yoichi claimed.

Fifth pointed ahead, “Oh, ya gotta do the one with enemies for a good challenge!”

“I don't care.” Second huffed.

“I prefer the woodland one,” Fourth had a hint of an embarrassed flush as he muttered.

Izuku felt overwhelmed with choices, ‘Uhh- I’ll do the beach one? Sorry everyone who didn't want that…’ He blurted out the nicest seeming option that had a good mix of resources to hopefully compromise with everyone.

He started the game, his attention rapt on the opening cutscene. He watched as a letter was opened, revealing that he had the deed to a new farm from his late grandfather. Izuku accepted it and saw as his character rode a shaky bus to Dewmoon Crevasse. 

“I still can’t believe they knocked off such a gaming gem so shamelessly….” Yoichi grumbled.

Izuku fumbled the controller, ‘I can try to find the original, if you want?’

“Don’t bother, this is fine to play if you enjoy it,” Nana promised.

Third blew a sigh, “Besides, the original game is so ancient it might be wiped off the internet by now.”

“Fine, fine…” First mumbled, and Izuku continued by hopping off the bus and walking to the farm. As he entered he noted the pretty graphics, wondering how the creators managed to create such realistic water especially. The turquoise waves lapped so naturally at the golden  sands at the edge of his avatars view, not unlike how they were at Takobah.

“Gaming graphics have really become somethin’ amazing,” Fifth whistled.

Izku refocused his attention on the tutorial, tilling the sandy ground and planting some parsnip seeds before filling up his watering can in the nearby pond. He could see his avatar’s reflection in the glistening water, the slight ripples pushing through it only adding to the realism.

Sixth's lips curled into a small smile, “It's quite soothing.”

He led his avatar to the town, marveling at the colorful, lifelike buildings. He first saw a woman tending to her flowers that softly rustled just like real ones in a breeze. 

“She’s a real cutie!” Fifth blurted out.

Third scoffed, “I don't care.”

“Why do you have to be so negative, now of all times?!” Yoichi cried, his teeth grinding together.

Izuku walked further into town, finding himself spotting familiar species of plants and animals, and plenty he didn't know of. The tutorial beckoned him over to a homely shop, so he guided his player into it.

Seventh chided, “No cursing!” She was still paying almost full attention to the game, but her sharp ears must be tuned to prevent cursing at this point. Izuku’s focus quickly turned to the seed selection as he filled the game’s prompt and went up to it, mind racing to find the best choice to buy.

“Ooh! I got this one, I prefer the potatoes as a beginner crop, choose that,” First’s demeanor made a one-eighty as he confidently asserted while pointing towards the screen.

En muttered, “The blueberries look good too.”

Izuku chose a mix of both seeds, and then left to plant them on his farm.

He kept on playing, the ghosts cracking jokes and giving him tips the whole time. 

Before he knew it, several in-game days passed. Izuku was thinking of finishing up soon.

“Maybe we could watch the stars first,” En suggested.

Humming in agreement, Izuku pointed his field of view up to the quickly darkening sky.

Soon an array of vivid stars twinkled brighter, their shrouds of smaller celestial bodies dancing around them. The blue backdrop faded to navy, and then black.

The full splendor of the stars was then revealed, their heavenly glow bathing Izuku in all their splendor. Nestled among the lights was the moon, full and emanating its own majestic aura.

Then, weaving between the atmosphere and space came asteroids. They shot across his vision in a blink, but he savored their presence in the sky all the same.

‘Wow…’ Izuku murmured in his head, enthralled by the digital display

After the night faded to morning, Izuku saved and exited the game.

“Damn, I wish games were that good when I was alive,” First admitted.

Suddenly, he heard his phone ping with an alert. Izuku looked over to see the distorted screen displaying a notification. He picked it up and was ecstatic to see more texts from Uraraka.

New Chat

Ochako Uraraka : I’m doing well! I didn't respond earlier because my teacher told me to put my phone away :(

Ochako Uraraka : Anyways, I’m also a bit tired, that exam was really something ;-;

Ochako Uraraka : But! I’m happy because my parents said I could go over to check out the apartment I’ll be staying in if I get into U.A. in a couple of days.

Ochako Uraraka : Maybe we could meet up :3 ?

“She’s very nice, she’ll be a great friend,” Nana pointed out.

Fifth smirked, “Yeah, and maybe somethin’’ more!” 

Izuku blushed, ‘W-we just met!’

First leaned forward, exuding smugness “You’re so easy to fluster, lol.”

He elected to pay more attention to his phone, hesitantly typing out his response and sending it after a few moments.

Izuku Midoriya : That’d be great! Where would it be best for us to meet?

He anxiously awaited her response, which came a bit later.

Ochako Uraraka : Hmm Idk… Where do you want to meet? I’ll go anywhere you’d like if it’s not too far from the apartment ^-^

Izuku considered the few things he did outside of the house. 

“The Cat Cafe would be nice,” En proposed. 

He ran with the suggestion.

Izuku Midoriya : There’s a Cat Cafe near me, and I’m not very far from U.A so maybe it’ll be close to your apartment?

Realizing something was missing, Izuku quickly added to the suggestion. 

Izuku Midoriya : I’m so sorry! I forgot to ask if you’re allergic to cats!

Uraraka responded faster this time.

Ochako Uraraka : It’s all good OuO, I'm not allergic

Ochako Uraraka : Can you please send the location?

Izuku changed to the maps app, searching up the Cat Cafe and sharing it with her.

Izuku Midoriya : Here it is. Link .

She took a while longer. In the meantime, Hikage stretched, “I'll enjoy going there, it’s an acceptable choice.”

“Wonder if I’ll like it, what do ya think?” Fifth requested.

“Maybe so, but maybe it’ll be a bit too chill for you,” Yoichi shrugged.

Ochako Uraraka : That’s not too far. I’ll be here next Sunday, and I’ll be good to go by the late afternoon. ;)

Ochako Uraraka : Are you good with that?

He smiled as he responded.

Izuku Midoriya : Yeah! I’ll be at the Cafe at 4-5, but you can come whenever is convenient. I’m excited!

Ochako Uraraka : Me too (0v0) , until then we can video call after school? Tomorrow will work for me!

Izuku queried in his head, ‘A video call?’ He’d heard of them, but he never did one himself and had no idea how to set it up. He could just look it up-

“We can help you, don't sweat it!” Yoichi bubbled. 

‘Thanks, Yoichi,’ Izuku added while he tapped on the virtual keyboard.

Izuku Midoriya : Sure! I’m home by 5 at the latest, so perhaps between then and 6 or 7?

Ochako Uraraka : Works for me, I’ll call u at around 6.

He felt his mouth stretch in a wide smile, he did it! He set up a time to talk to his new potential friend.

“Good job, Ninth,” Seventh praised.

Fifth chuckled, “For how flustered ya get, ya did pretty good.”

Right after that, Izuku heard the front door whoosh open and his mom rushed in, “Izuku, are you doing okay?! How are your injuries? Does your head hurt? Are you dizzy?” She quickly fired out.

He shook his head, “I’m fine, really!” he assured.

Mom came up to the couch, pulling over a tissue box, “Okay…” She sniffled, “Will you still be up to going to the Quirk registration? I can delay it as long as you need, I’d just need to take a bit more time off and-”

“N-no! I don’t want to cause all that hassle when I feel good!” He interrupted.

“You wouldn't cause a hassle,” Yoichi frowned.

Smiling, mom leaned in for a hug, “Oh baby, you never are a hassle at all. But, if you’re sure you can do it, we’ll get going in a few minutes. You better tell me if you feel even a little off though, or else!” She threatened.

Izuku nodded, “Of course!” He sank back into the couch, scrolling through the Hero news he needed to catch up on. He smiled at the multiple articles featuring All Might. His mentor was doing well!

“Well enough to pay attention to his underpowered student,” Second jabbed at the #1 Hero.

Clutching the phone a little harder, Izuku protested, ‘No! How could he sacrifice saving hundreds of people just to train me?’

“Maybe because he signed up to do it,” First protested while crossing his arms.

En agreed, “He took on your training as his responsibility, we have talked about this.”

‘I know…’ He frowned, ‘But-’

Nana’s voice was thick with emotion, “It's okay to realize the faults in Toshi. He has… not been the teacher you need, that you deserve .”

‘But he's done so much!’ He argued the same point as last time, ‘I know you've said that I was worth something without a Quirk, but I wasn't. No one thought I could even try to be a Hero until All Might gave me his Quirk…’ He sniffled.

Hikage shifted forward, “Even if that were true, he still wronged you by not training you.”

Izuku grinded his teeth, “He’s still a great Hero!” He ended the conversation by refocusing on the articles to the chagrin of his vestiges. He felt a little guilty about ignoring them, but he couldn't handle hearing any more slander of his personal Hero.

Soon his mom pulled him out of his stupor and walked with him over to the nearest bus stop. Soon they were riding over to the hospital, Izuku doing all the breathing exercises he knew to try and calm down. He didn't hate doctors, but they always scared him. Especially since a few had made it clear he was unworthy of healing as a Quirkless Deku.

“They were asshole bigots then, “ Yoichi preached.

Nana tutted, “No cussing, but he is right. They shouldn't have made you feel lesser just because of how you were born.”

“All medical professionals are required to heal patients, no matter what they think of them. You surely are no exception,” En stated, not unkindly. 

Fifth rubbed his chin, “Ain’t that the “Hypocrite Oath” or something?”

Fourth banged his head against an imaginary table, “It’s the “ Hippocratic Oath.””

“ANYWAYS!” First yelled, waving his hands to gain his attention, “Point is those doctors suck and they should’ve healed you even if they had bad opinions.”

The bus screeched to a halt and Izuku stood up with his mom, and left the old bus through the rusted doorway. 

Izuku curled his fingers with a tight fist as he walked up to the hospital wing which was right by the bug stop, other hand reaching to be in hand with his mom. 

They went through the manicured lawn and into the sleek glass and white concrete structure, Izuku doing his best not to panic. The ghosts had reassured him a million times (“And we’ll keep doing it,” Yoichi piped up), but the disastrous thoughts plagued his mind like a swarm of locusts-

“Hey, what is a loc-ust?” Daigoro scratched his head as he asked. 

First loudly gasped, “You don't know the locust?! From the hit book: Bible ?!  

Nana sighed, “What’s “Bible”? Another one of your memes?”

Second facepalmed so hard the sound ping-ponged around Izuku’s now very distracted head.

Hikage began explaining, “The Bible is a-” 

“It’s a meme. Yeah, u-huh, definitely a crazy meme that you’d never understand,” Yochi cut him off.

Seventh shook her head, clicking her tongue, “I’m sure I wouldn’t.”

Third let out a mirthless chuckle as Yoichi exploded with laughter, doubling over as he howled.

Fifth’s eyebrows raised, “What’s so funny? Also, I still dunno what a loc-ust is.” 

“Locusts are a type of bug that devastates crops and vegetation. My thoughts w-were kind of like them, so that's why I compared the two…” Izuku explained, conscious of the stark interior of the hospital.

His mom and him were approaching the front desk of the Quirk ward. Around him were mostly little children (“How adorable!” Nana squeaked,) playing with toys, running around, or crying.

There were a few tweens or teenagers, but the waiting area was overwhelmingly elementary schoolers and their parents.

He tightened his grip around his mom's hand as got in line to check in. She smiled at him, “You’ll be just fine, baby.”

The line moved forward, and before he knew it Izuku was face to face with a bored looking nurse.

“Do you have an appointment?” He droned, a yawn quickly escaping him.

“I wonder who pissed in his cheerios.” Yoichi commented.

“The crushing weight of capitalism.” Second replied in a snap.

Fifth tipped his head, “What is it with ya and capitalism?”  

His mom nodded, “Yes, we do.”

The nurse typed slowly at his thin keyboard, “Name, date of birth, and appointment type.”

“Capitalism is an exploitation based system that upholds corporations and the bourgeoisie instead of the worker-” Third ranted with gusto.

“His name is Izuku Midoriya, his birthday is July 15th, and we're here today for a Quirk registration.”

Fourth shushed him, “Quiet. Izuku needs to focus on better things than your drivel.”

While exhaling a breathy sigh, the nurse typed away slightly faster, “He'll be seeing Dr. Arai. They'll call you back soon.” He shooed them away with slow waves of his hand.

Izuku and mom walked over to a pair of nearby free seats as Third growled, “My speeches are not drivel.”

“Either way, there's nicer topics to talk about that would help Ninth to better relax.” Seventh argued. 

“Whatever,” Third huffed.

They were soon ushered back by a nurse, and the most exhausted person Izuku had ever seen greeted them in a bleak, almost one-notedly beige office.

“Name, D.O.B, Quirk.” The male doctor grunted out, his voice raw. Izuku noticed that his suit was wrinkled, and his hair frizzy.

Yoichi whistled, “Damn, his eyebags are deep .”

Nana’s eyes softened, “I hope he’s alright…”

Mom responded, “He’s Izuku Midoriya, the 15th of July, and he has a strength Quirk. It just recently manifested. He can tell you more.”

Dr. Arai typed slowly, dragging each finger up like they were weighed down by boulders before letting them click on the loud keyboard.

After a while, he huffed, “Go on.”

Izuku took a steadying breath, “W-well, it took me gaining a lot of muscle mass for it to activate, and then it manifested with increased strength and stamina, as well as lightning like offshoots from the veins that seem non-harmful. It hurts me if I use it too much.”

After a while of slow clacking noises and more grunts, he asked, “Name of Quirk?”

Izuku panicked. He hadn't thought of the name! How could he think of something on the spot that was vague enough!

Fifth shrugged, “Fuck it, how ‘bout “Superpower?”” 

En tugged at  his collar, “I vote for “Strength Stockpile.”

Izuku considered each option. Sixth’s suggestion sounded more accurate, so he muttered, “Strength Stockpile.”

“Show it to me,” he demanded, and Izuku slowly activated full cowling at a low percent, letting the power flow off of him.

Dr. Arai huffed again, “Shoo.”

Izuku sputtered, “W-what?”

He rolled his dull eyes, “Leave. We’re done, you showed your Quirk, so I don't need to waste anymore time.”

Mom stepped forward, “You haven't even helped him! He needs guidance and support and his questions answered, not you demanding he go!”

“Ohh she's getting mad!” Yoichi blurted 

“M-mom, It’s alright!” Izuku assured, “We got what we came here for.”

She shook her head sharply, her face twisting in a scowl, “No, he didn't help you much at all. You deserve better, baby!

Nana shook her head in turn, “There’s no use fighting her, Ninth, she’s right.”

“You will leave my office or I will call security! It is the end of a long day, and I am not spending a minute longer wasting my own time off whenI have my first vacation in months starting now !” Dr. Arai bit out, emotion and energy finally coloring his face.

Mom pleaded, “Then at least refer us to another doctor! It’s improper to leave a patient without any assistance-”

“ Leave !” He shouted, and Izuku grabbed her hand, quickly leaving. She looked over her tense shoulder, “This is the last patient you’ll have the chance to neglect!” She threatened as they stormed out of the office.

Sighing, his mom closed the door, “I’m sorry about that. I'll find you a new doctor soon, but at least he registered your Quirk. It might take a bit of time…”

“It’s okay,” He assured.

Yoichi rolled his eyes, “It’s not okay!”

“It’s not okay. A doctor should know better than that.” His mom countered, making her way down the hall, “Let’s go home. We can even stop at one of those merchandise stores, if you aren't feeling too bad?”

Izuku put on a smile, “Yes, that’d be nice.”

First had a smug smile, “Jinx!”

“Can a ghost jinx a human?” En queried. 

Fifth agreed readily, “Yes!”

At the exact same time, Fourth huffed, “That’s preposterous.”

That debate lasted up until they got to the merch store. Then it changed to who was the best Hero. First was partial to “Spiderman,” a fictional pre-Quirk Hero, Second and Third stayed out of it, Fourth didn't have one, Fifth chose himself, Sixth liked Best Jeanist, and Nana liked All Might. 

Izuku wanted some merchandise of Seventh, who was most likely to have some still remaining. He scoured a nearby thrift store, and eventually got a small figurine of her in her Hero costume.

Even though his mom was confused, Izuku was ecstatic and took the cheap figurine home with a huge smile. Nana cooed over how cute it was, before they arrived home, and Izuku slotted the merchandise on a small corner of his shelf before settling into bed. The day had been quite long, and the Vestiges agreed to quiet down. Therefore, he faded to pleasant dreams quickly.