Chapter Text
The world fucking hates him.
Dazai Osamu has been reincarnated, he has to live yet again. He’s gonna kick whoever made this decision into oblivion because he had just gotten his peace, the thing he has wanted ever since he was born. But no~ apparently it’s not legal to die and STAY dead; he now has to suffer life all over again. Why, you ask? Who fucking knows? But what’s he to do? He can’t do shit actually, he’s alive, in some tiny, kid body, with a younger brother that latched onto him like a leach and hasn’t left him alone since birth. He’s not complaining about that part though. Izuku Midoriya is truly a sweetheart, he loved the little guy.
On that note, Dazai, now known as Shuji Midoriya and is now part of this little family made up of him, his little brother and his mom. His asshole of a dad had left right after Izuku was born. Why? No one really knew, but that didn’t matter, he was a dickhead anyway. So basically what is trying to be said is that Dazai is content with his life for the first time in forever. But that doesn’t mean he doesn’t want the sweet release of death, don’t get it wrong.
He was now 10, supposed to be in 4th grade but skipped multiple grades and is in his last year of middle school, which made his mother exceptionally proud. On the other hand Izuku was 7 in an accelerated 1st grade program. Inko was very proud of her two very smart, talented boys. Honestly Dazai just wanted to do the best he could to help make her life a little easier, it really wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows, being a single mother of two young boys in today’s world. Dazai really couldn’t help but admire his mother and her dedication to her kids, because of that Dazai did his best to take care of himself and Izuku to lessen the load on her a bit. It’s funny, for all his ‘emotionlessness’ it really does fill him up with a burning warmth whenever Inko praised him for his efforts, or ruffled his hair and pulled him into warm, motherly hugs. If this was the effect of a mother’s love, then he truly pitied anyone who has never had the chance to experience it.
Dazai still doesn’t like living, he has to make that exceptionally clear but he won't lie and say that his new, loving family had no effect on him, they are his reason to live after all. He wasn’t here just to make them happy, make them proud of him or give himself the semblance of love. Dare he say that it’s ‘cause he actually learned to love them and would fight tooth and nail to keep them alive and near him. So he fought to live, and as he grew older he learned that maybe relying on others wasn’t so bad. His mother was always there for him, and no matter how seamless his acting was she always seemed to notice that something was wrong. She would make sure to ask about his day and make his favorite snacks and meals and check up on him and Dazai could finally say that he knew what it was like to be loved, truly and genuinely.
At some point during his- well… ‘healing’ journey he became comfortable enough to seek out his mother when he needed to. It was a big thing to Inko, he could tell by the way her eyes lit up and how she quickly agreed, holding back tears of joy. His mother was always sensitive really, that passed down to Izuku too, considering the amount of tears those two could shed in a matter of minutes.
It was hard, actually trying to get ‘better’ even though the psychiatrist said that his depression would most likely be chronic. It was a battle against him and himself. There were times he didn’t want to get better, where he would lay in bed and just want to give up on himself. Where even taking his meds became a pain and watching his mother care for him became a source of most of his guilt. But everytime, without fail his mother would cheer him on and remind him that she chose to help him and that she was his mother and would always be there to help him when he needed it, whether he liked it or not.
What was also a little shocking was that this time around he actually has a therapist he’s able to rely on, though for some odd reason they reminded him a little too much of Odasaku. He’s not complaining, never, but it did hurt sometimes. They had a good bond, he’d always get snacks he ended up liking and stuff and they’d talk about anything he wanted, and everything he needed to get off his chest. Dazai might even say that he trusts the man, could be because of his similarities to Oda, but that’s a whole other topic.
Of course all this standard treatment didn’t stop Dazai from going to a psych facility a few times, it wasn’t because of actual attempts but more so because of the fact that he was more aware of the times where he needed someone to keep an eye on him,when he knows he might make an attempt soon and because his therapist knew and his mother was there to actually help him. He knew that if he wanted to be here he had to make sure he actually stayed. For all his new found responsibility he still would complain anyone’s ears off if they decided to listen to him. Most of his complaining was about how borning of an experience going there, staying there and just being there in the hospital really was. He would stay there ‘till he was deemed stable enough to return to daily life by the psychiatrist working there then going back out into the world and working through whatever happened in the past few weeks with his therapist.
He was 18 now, going for another PHD, specifically in Biochemistry. He already has a PHD in Medicine and in psychology- as ironic as it seems. He still doesn’t really know what type of job he wants, or what field he would like to enter, maybe he could become a detective again, that sounded rather nice and nostalgic. His time in the Armed Detective Agency was quite fond after all.
On the other hand, Izuku is going to start his first year in UA High school. Dazai was very proud and exceptionally happy for him. He had watched his baby brother grow up, dream of being a hero and finally begin his actual journey toward that dream.
Dazai never cared that his brother was quirkless but for some reason everyone else did, idiots really. Fun fact, quirks are weaker than abilities, and abilities weren’t even the sole factor of someone’s strength. Look at Chuuya for example, not only was his ability the strongest but he was also the best martial artist in Yokohama, his ability wasn’t shit compared to the actual things he can do based upon human limitations and abilities. And look at Ranpo! He was easily the strongest in the entire detective agency and he didn’t even have an ability. So yes, Dazai is a firm believer in the uselessness and stupidity of glorifying quirks.
But other than the sheer stupidity of humanity, Izuku was pretty safe considering Dazai’s over protective tendencies. Dazai did have the tendency to scare away anyone who dared discriminate against his beloved little brother. So imagine his utter surprise when had to go looking for Izuku one seemingly random night when the younger didn’t get home on time and later finding him with the number one hero, apparently agreeing to be the man’s predecessor. What Dazai would state as the weirdest part was when the two had spotted him. The situation just became a rush of excuses and half-assed explanations; Dazai didn’t take any of it and just straight up told them that he heard everything they were talking about. So in the end they just made him swear to absolute secrecy and he just went along with it. He joined them sometimes, during the ten months of Izuku’s intense training for UA, cheering him on and teasing him along the way.
Now here they were. It was Izuku’s first day at UA. Dazai had decided that he would be the one to take Izuku to school today. Of course Izuku was embarrassed at the thought of getting dropped off to school by his older brother but Dazai being the sneaky, cheeky guy he was, he was able to persuade him that all would be good and well. On the other hand their mother took so many photos and videos before they set off with the excuse of it being for the ‘memory’, tears were streaming down both her and Izuku’s faces, which was quite typical for them two. Dazai just laughed beside them as he watched them cry their hearts out fondly.
Dazai and Izuku had just gotten off the train, walking toward the school. Izuku was just as giddy as Dazai expected him to be, which was very amusing to the older of the two. Unable to squash down the fond feeling in his chest, Dazai quite violently began to ruffle his brother’s already unruly hair. That little trick caused the poor teen to yelp out in shock and slight despair.
“Shuji-nii! What are you doing!?”
Dazai chuckled, “what? Can I not show my little brother love and affection?” The tease in his voice was obvious, causing Izuku to pout in annoyance and shove Dazai’s hand off of his head. Dazai chuckled a bit more, sliding his hands into his pockets, “Excited?” he hummed, watching as Izuku tried to make his hair look even the slightest bit tamed from the corner of his eye.
“Of course I am! I’m going to UA, my dream school! I’ve been working towards this day my entire life!”
Dazai giggled, “that you did,”
Izuku let out a huff, pouting as he walked next to his brother. His little pouty episode didn’t last very long as his excitement for his first day of UA overpowered it. Dazai couldn't help but feel a warm tingling in his chest for his little brother, if he had to put a name to it (as his therapist had instructed him to) he would say that he felt a sort of tenderness for Izuku, which really was something in Dazai’s book.
The walk to the school wasn’t that long as the two brothers bickered and teased each other as any other siblings would do on such a warm, sunny day like this. Let's be honest here, Dazai couldn’t help but feel the same amusement and cheekiness as he did when he was bickering with Chuuya or Kunikida.
On that note, Dazai had to be truthful, especially with himself.
He missed his friends. The people who were always by his side in his past lifetime. It felt like losing a piece of himself when he didn’t see them again, a stab to the heart each time he realized that they weren’t gonna be by his side this time. It was hard remembering that fact that he’ll probably never see them again. The probability was so low he didn’t even want to hold onto the hope that maybe they were also reincarnated in this era as well. So much so that he tries to forget them all as a whole.
Other than that Dazai feels like this lifetime was probably his best. With a family and actual, professional help, and hope being stuffed into his heart he can actually say that he’s content with his life this time around. If anyone from his past life ever heard that they would be in a shit load of shock, because Dazai, saying he’s not totally against living? Unimaginable.
By the time the two boys arrived at UA they were already quite early. They had a few minutes before school actually started, so they used that time to tour the place before searching for the younger’s home room class.
Once they arrived at their destination the two siblings took a good second to boggle at the sheer size of the door leading into class 1-A. Did giants attend this school? Because based on the size of the door they were standing in front of it really seemed so. He couldn’t help but wonder how big a person could really get, but that wasn’t his problem at all really.
Dazai looked at his brother and ruffled his hair once more, “Alright bud, have a great first day at UA~”
The face Dazai was given was absolutely priceless in his personal opinion, a one of a kind work of art if he really went at it.
“Ya, ya, thanks Shuji-nii,” was the reply he was given, a small hand swatting away at his own. Truly an experience.
With that Dazai was left to stand in the hallway as his brother walked through the obscenely large door of his new classroom.
Once he was sure his brother was alright he pivoted on his heel and turned to walk out the school gates. He wasn’t needed here anymore and he truly didn’t want to be here more than he had to.
Heroes always seemed to peeve the former detective a little too much. With their over the top costumes and annoying popularity competition. They were useless if Dazai was entitled to any sort of opinion about those worthless goodie-two-shoes. Of course Dazai didn’t scream these thoughts of his from a rooftop for everyone to hear, nor did he disencourage his brother or anything. They were his own personal thoughts, no need to start wars over them. That was just unnecessary and idiotic and only stupid, incompetent people would do that and for everyone’s information he wasn’t any of that thank you very much. Dazai was none of that at all; he’s an absolutely amazing being and would kill anyone who said otherwise about him and his charm.
But enough about Dazai’s supposed princeliness. Before the green haired teen went back home he decided to take a detour to a local book shop. Books and Nooks was his usual place, he spent most of his outings here, in the comfy little bookshop not too far from home. Today Dazai was looking for some specific types of history books, and for good reason too.
Lately something has caught his attention. He first saw it on a reddit thread, people speaking and fussing about these men in black knocking on their doors asking unsolicited questions. It was freaky if anyone truly thought about it, and Dazai being the genius he is was able to figure out a whole web of connections and theories and such. And that was why he was here, to find some history books that spoke about his time in his past life. Why? Well that’s because he’s looking for any hint of his former comrades being reincarnated and what those ‘men in black’ actually want from people.
So that’s what Dazai has been up to lately and that’s why he’s been scoundering for history books and stuff, as well as government books too actually. Itt was obviously clear that the ‘men in black’ are government workers, most likely HPSC’s employees if he was being honest.
He didn’t spend too much time in the store, getting the books he needed and leaving. He wasn’t one of those people who spent hours in a shop for no reason at all, that was just plain inconvenient and Dazai liked to say that he’s a convenient person. That was just part of him after all. A convenient and resourceful person. And yes his mother would say otherwise, and of course he would whine in retaliation.
Dazai made it home without incident, which was quite a nice thing. He opened the door and called out a greeting for his mother to know that he had come home and straight to his room he went.
He set the bag of books down on his desk, which was an oddity compared to his freakishly clean room. Different projects scattered across it, with papers littered on any free spaces of his desk. It was a chaotic mess that Dazai enjoyed. His mother didn’t like it but reluctantly let him keep his nest like that, thankfully. On the topic of rooms and such his brother’s room was just ALL a mess.
Papers thrown anywhere, clothing spread across the floor, all his figurines messily placed and it was all just a war zone that no one tried to contain. That was Izuku’s problem, Dazai was not gonna even mention it. Their mother tried to, many times and occasionally still does but she also seemed to not poke the sleeping lion anymore (Dazai convinced her…).
Before Dazai could really begin to dive into his research he heard Inko call for him, and being the wonderful son he is, he reluctantly set down the books in his hands and left the comfort of his room. He walked to the living room where he found his mom sitting on the couch, the TV on simply as background noise if he had to comment on it. He joined her on the couch, sitting on the cushion right beside his mother.
“Shuji honey, how was the trip to UA?”
Dazai hummed, thinking about his answer for a moment before speaking, “it was nice, not too hectic,”
Inko seemed glad to hear that, nodding along with interest, “that sounds nice dear, what are you planning to do for the rest of the day now?”
Dazai just shrugged, “reading, studying, whatever catches my attention really,”
“Sounds like my son,” she chuckled, “You study too much dear, are you sure you don’t want to take some time to relax?”
Dazai just smiled, “I’m sure mom. It passes the time after all.”
Inko nodded, “well if you’re sure,”
“I’m sure.”
They stayed quiet for a while, just basking in each other's presence. It was peaceful, sitting there with his mother, the loving atmosphere and affectionate yet quiet understanding that his mother extends out to him. He truly couldn’t ask for anything or anyone better, anyone more understanding and considerate. Dazai really did get lucky in this lifetime; having a family like this. He couldn’t be more thankful for having this new life of his. It was more than he could ask for.
Time ticked by serenely, Dazai had decided to grab his laptop and do his thing in the living room. The atmosphere he had in the room with his mother was merely that peaceful and warm. A lovely little place really.
He couldn’t be more at peace then in this moment.
—--------------------
Inko loves her kids. That’s a fact that no one can deface. Sure her first son had some issues but he was getting better. And yes her second son turned out to be quirkless but that’s to blame on the genetic lottery. All that never stopped her sons from being geniuses, and inventive and creative as they are now. She couldn’t be prouder of them, her two little angels that fight against all odds to be such successful little people. One of her kids has a PHD in all areas she could think of! The other is going to be a hero! What type of mother wouldn’t be insanely proud?
Though… she couldn’t lie; there were times where raising her kids was extremely difficult and heart breaking to go through. Watching her oldest go through the mental struggles she would wish on no one while the other was bullied mercilessly for having an extra pinky toe joint. It really was no surprise that Inko was overworked and very, very, tired. On top of all that being a single mother? Her hell was personal. Made against her odds.
It was a tough life to live, no one can deny that. Especially when her husband left, but he was a jackass and no one needed to talk about him at all. He can go to hell for all Inko cares. Fuck him.
Other than all that Inko likes her little life. Living with her two boys and just enjoying their company, watching them grow. All the sappy motherly stuff. And because she was the mother of those two little trouble makers she could usually tell when something was wrong. And something was wrong.
She turned to Shuji who was just typing away at the keyboard, fingers moving effortlessly across the keys. There was a furrow in his brow, and a subtle twitch in his hand. Most people would overlook those traits but Inko knows how to spot them and what that usually means. Shuji was worried. About what, she doesn’t know yet. It couldn’t be anxiety over a test or anything like that, could it be because it’s Izuku’s first day at UA? That was the more logical answer when it came to her eldest.
She decided that maybe she could talk to him about it, even if it’s just to selfishly ease her own nerves. And so Inko turned to face Shuji before speaking, “Shuji dear, you seem nervous, is there something going on?”
Now there are two different things that could happen. Shuji could either open up or brush her off, it was a solid fifty-fifty chance. Pretty even in chances of risk. But you’ll never get the answer unless you flip the coin. And with her mind made up she scooted a bit closer to Shuji, but not too close, she knows her son well enough to not get too much in his bubble.
“Shuji dear, are you alright? You seem a little worried about something,”
Boom, the hook has been dropped.
Her son looked up at her, leaving whatever he was doing for a few seconds. “Hm? I’m alright mom, nothing you should worry about.”
Inko just sighed, she really thought she had a chance of him opening up to her. Though he didn't, so she just nodded, and turned back to whatever has been playing on the TV.
She couldn’t stay silent for long, a type of nervous spark flickering throughout her body. It was hard to ignore the feel, instead she began to rub her hands together, her palms sweatier than she would like to admit. So she turned back to Shuji once more, “Shuji dear, are you sure? You’re acting a little nervous and it’s worrying me.”
The second reassurance from him- a nod- was no help at all to ease Inko’s anxiety and so she tried again, “Are you sure love? You sure there’s nothing wrong? You know you could talk to me about anything, right?”
A quiet sigh escaped Shuji’s lips, “Yes mom, I’m sure. Trust me it isn’t something that you need to worry about, alright? Don’t put too much unnecessary pressure on yourself, ok? It’s not good for you.”
Inko still wasn’t 100 percent assured by Shuji’s words. Her gut feeling was still as prominent as ever really and she couldn’t help but want to trust it and push her eldest a little more to make him open up but she’s learned that doing that wasn’t really a good idea in the end; it could cause some problems.
So reluctantly she dropped the subject altogether, not wanting to pressure him into anything in the end. Her gut screamed at her for dropping it but her mind pushed back at the feeling, saying that it was absolutely not a good idea and that if she did that then she could bother Shuji even more, and she didn’t want to do that.
But there really was no denying, something was really wrong.
~~~~~~~~~
Izuku didn’t know what to feel about his first day at UA. It was chaotic, fun, intriguing, just an absolute amazing experience that he’s severely second guessing his decision on. But other than all the chaos that went on today, even the weird fitness exam Aizawa-sensei forced upon them he couldn’t deny that at all really. And when looking back at before he got dropped off at school he could easily say that it was also quite the time.
His brother has always been silly and childish really, his entire life he’s been like that so it wasn’t that weird that he acted so goofy while dropping him off at school. On the topic of his brother if anyone asked him he would have to say that his brother was a nutcase. But not in a bad way! Never in a bad way! He loves his brother, really, he truly does!
Now Shuji is his own person entirely, he was smart, and good looking and an absolute menace to society, honestly Izuku doesn’t even know why his brother is even allowed outside at this point in his life. Yes, he has fond moments and memories of/with his brother, but he couldn’t lie to himself and say that his brother is normal and sane; that's just a delusion that would never EVER come true. Sadly.
It actually really is sad, for as long as Izuku remembers his brother has always had some mental… difficulties. And throughout his growing up he’s seen his brother in countless depressive states, in states where he’d push everyone away, or threaten them just because. It was always disheartening to see.
There were many times when he was a child when his brother would disappear for a week or so before coming back as if nothing happened. It wasn’t till he got older that he learned why his brother would disappear for so long and it would be an understatement to say that it didn’t affect him. To learn that his brother was so troubled that he didn’t want to live was one of the hardest moments in his life. And after that it wasn’t hard to connect the dots; the bandages on his arms, the constant staying in his room, the way his mom would fret over him when he would suddenly stop eating for a day or two, it was the moment it all made sense. And that did nothing but solidify his resolve to be a hero, he doesn’t want to just save people from villains, he wants to save them from themselves as well. It was heartbreaking to know that some people needed that type of saving but he didn’t care. And he decided to start with being there for his brother.
Whenever people asked him about how he managed to gain the resolve to be a hero when the odds were turned against him, and everytime, everytime, he would always say that it was because of his brother, because of the support his brother gave him, because of the way his brother would push him to do better, because he wanted to return the favor to his brother. So yes, he would proudly say that his brother helped him through his highs and lows, through his ups and downs, through everything really.
So yes Izuku has a lot to say about his brother and their relationship. The fondness between the two siblings was truly a sweet thing, his mother would always say so- which wasn’t surprising at all really. Either way Izuku is very happy with his life at this point, with All Might and his family and even with the new friends that he’s made, it’s all seeming like it’s gonna work out now, that everything he’s gone through has paid off and he could just enjoy himself.
On that note, after he spoke to All Might just before he started to walk back home he heard something coming from an empty classroom. It was Aizawa-sensei and the principal, of course being the boy he is he did pry or anything it wasn’t really his place to either so he brushed it off, doesn’t mean that he’s curious as to what they were conversing about though. The weirdest thing was the fact that he was so interested. Izuku was never so interested in things like this at all before, but for some reason his gut was yelling at him about it, saying how there was something he should know about all this. It was very odd.
But so were most things, like quirks. Quirks were extremely odd if you really think about it. Like who knew that one day people would have powers and stuff then it becomes the norm then they end up living like pre-quirk comic books?
That’s another thing, Izuku has really gotten into pre-quirk comics lately, mostly because his brother begged him to read one of them. Now poor little Izuku is very obsessed with the flappy books and he blames Shuji for it all, like he always did.
(his brother seems to be some sort of puppeteer in his life…)
Once Izuku got home he flung his bag onto the floor by the door and called out a greeting, which was reciprocated by the occupants. He found said occupants in the living room, sitting on the couch together, each doing their own thing. It was wholesome if he had to say so himself.
He smiled and walked over to the couch, leaning on the cushion, standing over the back of the couch, “hey Mom, Shuji, I’m back,”
He watched as his mother turned her head to lock eyes with him, “oh Izuku honey, you’re back, how was your first day.”
“It was good,” he chirped, “I made friends,”
The joy on his mother’s face was so bright Izuku had to squint to not get flash banged with pure happiness. On the other hand Shuji just scoffed, “I told you, didn’t I?” the older sibling clicked his tongue teasingly, “no faith in me,”
That one little action got him lightly smacked across the mead by their dear old mother. Izuku couldn’t help but smile, this was just what he wanted to come home to today; good blood, smiles and excitement for the rest of the day. So yes, he was awfully delighted to come back to such a warm home and joyous vibes. It was truely a blessing.
He sat down between the two other occupants of the household and began to speak about his day. He told them about the quirk assessment and the friends he’s made and the people in his class, he even spoke about his new teacher, Mr. aizawa. In all literal meaning of the phrase, he spoke about his day to his mother and brother as they were all sitting on the couch. Nothing could go wrong when they were here.
Right?
~~~~~~~~~~
It was no coincidence. They were too similar for comfort. The parallels were just too much to handle, too grating to wrap your head around. Why and how could they be so similar? None of this felt right in any way, even if rationally it was plain impossible. But they lived in a world where humans have superpowers so prominent it changes their genetics and alters their appearance to such an extent.
At this point they were all in denial, for no way anyone wanted to believe it was real in any way shape or form. Call it terrifying because it truly is. To have such a monster come back to life. To wonder if any other monster of the past came back. To wonder if there was anything they could do to stop any hvac from being thrown around like party confetti.
If you would ask anyone in the room right now about their thoughts, each and every single one would say that they need to capture this creature and anything related to it and lock it up where the light of day doesn’t even reach 100 kilometers above this thing. That is how shook this revelation has on people. Well the people who know anyway.
So of course a plan has to be made, they have to figure out a way to stop all this and make things better. To protect society, for anything really. At this point every occupant in this room would easily say that Dooms Day would happen in their lifetime. That they couldn’t handle the thought of being on the same planet as the monster they just unearthed. Death seemed more merciful.
“You’re being dramatic.”
“What would make you think such nonsense?”
“It really can’t be that bad.”
“You're being paranoid.”
These words are what are thrown at these poor, poor people who are terrified out of their mind, so how are they supposed to do anything anymore? How are they supposed to not thing they are crazy, or work harder on proving they’re right. They will push harder to save everyone. To protect everyone. To make everyone realise how they are the heroes of this story. It doesn’t matter how many people call them paranoid or crazy, they will make sure they will capture and lock away this demon.
So yes, they’re right. They don’t care. They. Don’t. Care.
Kill the witch, spill the blood.