Chapter Text
Intersection in Musutafu
Inside of an SUV were two adults and two children. The adults and one of the children were family while the other was their godson. 6-years-old Izuku Midoriya was being driven back to his home from his week-long trip with the Bakugou’s to H-Con in Hokkaido, a convention which had a few Pro Heroes from different continents visiting like Silver Banshee and King Shark. Izuku was going over his 3rd hero journal notes about the various heroes he had met with Katsuki looking over at his drawings and speaking his thoughts about some.
“I still think that Flect Turn and that Tokamak guy was awesome. Being able to reflect shit at others is pretty cool and being a living nuke is awesome too.” They both hit a rough patch when finding out Izuku was quirkless. But, thanks to some words from his father on how he should treat others how he wants to be treated, he realized how Izuku was his real friend for him and not his quirk like everyone else.
Izuku made a thoughtful expression before speaking and ending with a sad smile. “Flect has a good power that despite needing a lot of control has become incredibly useful. The only problem I have with him is his name. Wouldn’t ‘Mirror Master’ be a better fit with how he and other people could be put into reflective surfaces with his Arachne item? Mine has to be Big Red Dot because of how Dad’s quirk was like his.” Hisashi disappeared a year ago with no trace found. He went to work as a doctor and simply vanished. Some people thought he left because he was ashamed of Izuku. That wasn’t the case, he loved both Inko and Izuku very much and didn’t care about how he didn’t have an ability. He told him how he cared about his son and not some power. Their attention was taken when they pulled into the street Izuku lived on. There was a collective of police cars and an ambulance parked in front of Izuku’s home with police and a few heroes canvassing the area.
“Oh my god, do you think-”
“Let’s not jump to conclusions. We’ll go up, ask what happened and see if she’s ok.” Masaru cut Mitsuki off with a nervous voice.
They exited the vehicle before making their way to the yellow tape line. They managed to get one of the heroes to come over. From the white mask and revolver cylinder-like bracers, Izuku recognized him as the Battle Hero: Gunhead.
“I’m sorry but I can’t let you or your family in here.”
“The person who lives here is my sister. Is Inko ok?” Mitsuki asked.
Gunhead made a heavy sigh before speaking. “I’m very sorry Miss, but something bad happened.” This made Izuku dart under the tape and make a beeline for the front door. Katsuki shouted after him but he was already inside. He saw that something bad happened with how there were slash marks, cracks and what looked like scorch marks but what took his attention was the blue plastic sheet lying over a person. He didn’t know who it was but the outline showed it was a woman. He kneeled down beside it before sliding it off to reveal his mother with multiple stab wounds on her chest area. Izuku grabbed hold of her shoulder before shaking her lightly.
“Mom… Mom please wake up. Wake up Mom!” He pleaded with tears in his eyes.
He was pulled away by a horrified Mitsuki who was trying to calm him down while trying to keep her composure. Later, they were at the nearby police station to give statements and any clues that could help them solve her murder.
What they found out was that there was what sounded like a fight with numerous powers found from the evidence. When the fight settled, the first responder heroes found a man wearing a black rain slicer and grey hood with his hands in bandages holding Inko’s body on the ground. When they told him to surrender, the man closed her eyes before standing to reveal himself. Beneath the coat was a jacket with combat pants and boots, an industrial gas mask covering his nose and mouth and revealed his glowing red eyes that showed nothing but rage at the world. He reached into his coat to reveal a jagged dagger in the shape of a lightning bolt. He threw his dagger at one of the heroes and pinned them to the wall with his strength before firing red electricity at the other which subsequently knocked them unconscious. He made his way outside before the dagger flew back to his hand before he somehow took flight. Throughout the encounter, the only sound he made was his breathing which sounded like the buzzing of insects.
Afterwards, arrangements were made for Izuku to be taken care of by the Bakugou’s as he didn’t have any other family left. Throughout everything that happened, Izuku made a promise to find the one responsible for taking her life and making them pay.
10 years later, Rooftop in Musutafu
Now 16-years-old, Izuku had grown into a kind young man despite how most of the world either loathed him or rarely gave him thought. With the passage of time not only brought about physical changes but mental as well. He put being a hero to the wayside with how wishful thinking wasn’t enough for him. He made the decision to become a crime scene investigator so as to give others closure and justice unlike him. In spite of that, he would still have the yearning to be a hero and helped others if they needed it. Today had been one wild ride in his opinion with how he was attacked on his way home by a villain made of sludge and subsequently saved by the number one hero All Might. In a spur of the moment decision, Izuku grabbed hold of his leg while he was trying to leave to ask him a question. This resulted in both of them having to land on a rooftop where Izuku saw the hero’s true appearance and was told of the reason for it. Afterwards, it was time for the answer to Izuku’s question of whether a quirkless person could become a hero like him.
“I’m sorry young man, but I do not think you can become a hero.” That single sentence shattered the last remnants of hope Izuku had in heroism. The man who was basically the greatest hero, the kind of hero he wanted to be, the Symbol of Peace and Justice who preached to the world of how anyone could be a hero… said no.
“It’s alright to dream but it would be best if they were realistic. Quirks don’t make the hero but they are constantly putting their lives on the line and having a powerful quirk certainly helps their odds. But, if you truly want to help people, try becoming a police officer or a doctor. Despite the world we live in and how they’re treated, they are still useful and help everyone.” Izuku knew he was only trying to help but it still felt like he was rubbing salt in his wound. Due to Izuku’s silence, All Might started making his way to the building’s stairway.
“The stairs should get you to ground level. By the way, could you please keep what you have found a secret? The people need to believe their Symbol is invincible. If not, panic and mayhem would spread like a wildfire.” He asked awkwardly. Izuku’s only response was a slow nod due to not having any energy to say anything. The emaciated pro left Izuku who was currently stewing in his thoughts.
He lost track of time and only noticed when it soon started raining. The whole time, he was reflecting on his life. He realized how his life was made from a lie. All Might appeared as the embodiment of the word hero and yet couldn’t even live up to the expectations that he himself made. Izuku believed that he should reveal his condition. Sure, their definitely would be panic but only at first. People would gradually start to realize that heroes weren’t gods. Better to find out now than in the middle of a fight or disaster.
“It’s not fair. Why?” He started with barely a whisper and a single tear escaping from his eyes. He gritted his teeth and clenched his fists in anger before screaming at the heavens with all the hatred and bitterness he had kept
“Goddammit! Why?! WHAT DID I EVER DO TO DESERVE ALL THE SHIT I’VE BEEN GIVEN?! WHY DO I HAVE TO LOSE THE ONLY PEOPLE WHO ALWAYS TREATED ME AS A PERSON?! WHY DOES MY ENTIRE LIFE HAVE TO BE DICTATED BY SOME STUPID FUCKING POWER?!”
CRACK! The thunderclap in the distance accompanied the end of his yell. He should have found cover from the storm but he honestly didn’t give it any thought with how livid he was. But, unknown to him, the lightning that came out had a black core with a white outline.
“WHY ARE SOME BORN WITH GIFTS THAT ANSWER ALL THEIR PROBLEMS WHEN THEY DON’T DESERVE THEM?! WHY DO THE POWERFUL GET TO BE CALLED HEROES WHEN ALL THEY DO IS RUN THE MEANING OF THE WORD IN DIRT?! WHY DO THE PEOPLE WE BELIEVE IN DON’T GIVE A FUCK AT ALL ABOUT US?! ABOUT THE WEAK, THE BROKEN, THE ONES WHO TRULY NEED HEROES!”
RUMBLE! SNAP! Another burst of sound and light from the clouds with a small change of the lightning becoming purple. Izuku was now screaming with his tears flowing from all the heartache he had locked away.
“IF ONLY THEY KNEW WHAT WE’VE BEEN THROUGH! IF ONLY THEY KNEW WHAT IT’S LIKE TO BE HURT! TO BE WEAK! TO LOSE EVERYTHING THEY LOVE!”
BOOM! A bolt of azure lightning struck a nearby building and left a massive scorch mark. All the yelling had turned his voice hoarse and winded him.
“If only there were any real heroes left, then the world might be a better place.” He hoped with the last shred of faith in the world.
RUMBLE! His attention turned to the sky where he witnessed a breathtaking sight. The clouds were glowing with strange colors appearing in different places. An aurora of black, purple and blue lightning all throughout the sky converging into a spiral roughly above him. It almost looked like the bolts were racing against each other with how fast they seemed to be going.
“Wow. It’s beautiful.” He muttered in disbelief at the event.
Soon, something impossible happened. The rain slowed to a stop before retreating upwards, like they were falling in reverse. He felt goosebumps roil underneath his skin and his hair started floating when the bolts started twisting like a coil. The coiling changed the colors into a pure red bolt that made a massive red ring in the sky. No matter what, Izuku’s gaze couldn’t be torn from what was occurring above him.
Before he even knew what was happening, Izuku was struck by the lightning on his chest. He couldn’t register the pain before blacking out from the electricity flooding his body.
Later, Mustafa General Hospital
Katsuki was currently being asphyxiated from his mother’s death hug near the entrance. The reason for that was from him being forced by some leeches at school to hang out before a villain made of sludge attacked and took him hostage. The villain monologued about how he was going to do some bodysnatching to escape. He tried fighting back with his quirk but instead made a complete and utter clusterfuck of his situation. The pro heroes who arrived on scene did nothing while spewing how their quirks weren’t fucking perfect for what was happening. Fortunately, Kamui Woods arrived with a plan ready. He had a rescue hero named Backdraft douse him in water before jumping headfirst into the blitzkrieg. The water protected him from the heat of the explosion he received point blank because of the villain and then used his quirk to try and pull Katsuki out. The villain was stronger than they gave him credit for which is why he turned is other hand into a wooden spike before impaling one of his eyes. The pain and loss of sight made him release Katsuki while screaming bloody murder. Kamui set him away from the villain and then took a cable from a downed power line before giving the electric chair treatment. The fire department and paramedics came later with Kamui making sure he was alright. They asked to take him to the hospital due to an unknown substance being forced into his body while calling his parents to relay the news. Thankfully, he only needed some antibiotics to help his immune system flush out the small amount of toxins in his body.
“Hag, let go or someone’s going into the ICU.” He growled out in anger.
“Oh, alright. Don’t want to ruin your whole ‘bad boy’ image with your family checking you over.” Mitsuki explained before releasing him with Masaru patting him on the back.
“Speaking of family, Where’s Izuku?” Mitsuki and Masaru looked at each other with confusion.
“We thought he was with you. He wasn’t at the house when we left.”
All three of them were startled when a stretcher and two first responders came running through the doors. Despite how fast they were going, the Bakugou’s saw clear as day who was injured. First were the bright red sneakers with the left one having a hole with what looked like a burn mark in it. Then came the charred gakuren with it torn to reveal a horrible burn mark that started from his heart with jagged lines that split and stretch out across his body. The last part that made them gasp in horror was the face of a brother and godson underneath a breathing mask. They were intercepted and joined by a doctor who immediately started trying to help.
“What the hell happened to him?”
“Kid got hit by lightning. No idea how he’s still alive. Grab an AED!” The EMT replied before guiding him to a room with Katsuki immediately following them. They moved him to an operating table and started trying to resuscitate him. Katsuki managed to open the door before a nurse stopped him.
“You can’t be in here; you need to wait outside.” The nurse ordered while blocking him. This was a big mistake with Katsuki getting angry and trying to force his way past her.
“I’m family goddammit! Let me through!” he pleaded with tears in his eyes at the sight of his injured brother before his face went pale from the heartrate monitor flatlining.
“He’s coding, charge the paddles to 200!” The doctor ordered before a nurse complied hurriedly. His parents finally caught up to him before they pulled him away when they saw their godson jerk from the defibrillator. They never even caught sight of his eyes glowing temporarily underneath his eyelids or that his body vibrated for a split-second.
5 Months Later
Inside one of the many rooms of the ICU were two people. One of them was a nurse who was currently changing the nutrients for a patient while listening to music. The other was the same patient who was an unconscious young man with green hair and freckles on his cheeks. Izuku Midoriya had been successfully revived albeit in a comatose state. Little did anyone know that would soon change. The nurse had been humming one of his favorite songs which had been one of many pre-quirk era songs.
[ I am flesh and I am bone. Rise up, ting ting, like glitter and gold. I’ve got fire in my soul. Rise up, ting ting, like glitt-] only to be interrupted and frightened by sudden movement.
“AAhhh!” Izuku gasped before closing his eyes and holding his head from the piercing headache he was on the receiving end of. During his episode, the nurse called for a physician to help before trying to calm Izuku down.
“Where am I!” he managed to croak with how dry his throat was.
“Hey, hey, whoa, whoa, relax. It’s ok, you’re at Mustafa General. I’ll explain everything, but I need you to calm down and breathe. Inhale, count to four. Exhale, count to four.” He explained to a frantic Izuku who managed to calm down enough for the doctors to arrive.
After the doctors checked his health, Izuku’s family was called to deliver the good news. It didn’t take long before someone started knocking on his door.
“Come in.” The door opened to reveal the family of two hot-headed ash-blondes and introverted brunette. He stood up which surprised and allowed them to see him fully. His appearance changed somewhat after the incident with his hair now reaching his shoulders and bandages peeking out at his ankles and wrists.
“Well, what’re you guys standing around for? An invitation from the prime minister. Come over and give me a hug or something.” He said jokingly which got them out of their stupor. They immediately crashed into him before giving a group hug. Masaru was patting his back with the biggest grin Izuku had ever seen. Mitsuki was mumbling how he was ok with tears in her eyes and a small smile. And Katsuki was holding onto him so tight because he thought he might disappear from him.
Izuku would probably have become a muttering and embarrassed mess but instead found he didn’t care. He realized how much he meant to them and the inverse was also true. They were like that for a few minutes before someone interrupted them.
“Ahem. I am very sorry to interrupt this tender and heartwarming moment… but, there are some things we need to go over now that your guardians are here Mr. Midoriya.” The doctor was a woman in her mid-20’s with dark hair in a bun and dark brown cat-like eyes. She was wearing a grey blouse with a blue pencil skirt under a lab coat. The only strange thing about her was how she was wearing a black glove on her left hand and had what looked to be cracks appearing on her neck coming from her left shoulder.
“Sure, sorry you had to wait Doctor…?” Masaru said trailing off while everyone started getting out of the hug.
“Tatsumoto, Hana Tatsumoto. And there’s no need to apologize, I know how important family is.” She spoke with a sullen expression while rubbing her left forearm. She recomposed herself before taking a seat on a stool left inside the room before taking a tablet out from under her arm.
“Now, before we begin, I need Izuku to answer some questions first if that is alright with you?” Dr. Tatsumoto asked before Masaru and Mitsuki looked at each other and nodded.
“Alright, thank you. Now, Mr. Midoriya, what is the last thing you remember?”
Izuku’s face was calm but his mind was in a panic. He couldn’t just tell them how he met All Might who was actually a blonde skeleton when not using his quirk. They’d probably think he was crazy and lock him in a mental institute or they would believe and All Might may come after him for revealing his secret. So, he opted to faking amnesia.
“Uhm, weird question but ok. The last thing I remember was leaving school…” He trailed off before making a confused expression to solidify his act. “Then waking up here. Did something happen?” He looked at everyone to gather information from their expressions before Mitsuki unknowingly helped him albeit shocking him in the process.
“Izuku… you’ve been in a coma.”
“H-how… how long has it been?”
“It’s been five months since you were brought in after being struck by lightning Mr. Midoriya.” Dr. Tatsumoto started. “Memory loss is quite common with what you have experienced. But what is uncommon is what happened after.” That piqued Izuku’s interest.
“Shortly after you were stabilized, the hospital started experiencing power outages that no-one could determine the cause of. It happened for a total of 12 times before we found out why.”
“What was it doctor?”
“Funnily enough, it was actually you.” The answer caused everyone to look at her like she grew another head that soon exploded.
“Let me explain, before you were rushed into here, something nearly impossible happened. Mustafa experienced an incredibly strange rain storm that seemingly appeared from nowhere. Now, in the world we live in today, there have been some people with the capacity to manipulate the weather on some scale or another.”
“Like that pro hero in America. The one with the weird name, green outfit and fancy-ass stick.” Katsuki interjected.
“Weather Wizard. He had Atmokinesis which could create and control incredible weather phenomena including a hurricane. But, due to how strong it was, he needs a support item he called his weather wand which granted him extraordinary accuracy and precision for urban and indoor environments.” Izuku clarified.
“A very good example but I don’t believe even he would be capable of something of this magnitude. Soon, the storm started producing lightning. Although normal for a storm, these bolts were incredibly different. Witnesses and recorded evidence all showcased that the lightning changed into a variety of different colors of mostly black, purple and blue. Shortly after, the lightning started becoming even more unusual. First, it started converging into one point. Secondly, the collected streaks started spinning in a clockwise motion before merging together. And finally, the merged bolt changed color into crimson before striking a building. That same building was where the paramedics found you.”
“Wait a minute. What does me being struck by some weird-ass lightning have to do with the black outs?” Izuku asked perplexed. Dr. Tatsumoto brought out and tapped on her tablet before speaking.
“When we investigated, we found out that the black outs happened when you were flatlining. But in reality, you weren’t flatlining at all. Your heartrate was actually going so fast that the EKG’s couldn’t detect it which made them cause feedback that in turn created interruptions in the hospital’s electric grid. We changed your equipment to ones that were made for people with quirks that acted similar to your condition which rectified the situation. Now, the reason for that was due to this.” She explained before handing Izuku the tablet to which he also shared with his family.
On the screen was a moving image of what seemed to be a collective of red orbs with what appeared to be a translucent coating over it moving at moderate speeds. He recognized them as cells from his studies in how quirks can affect a person’s cellular tissue in different ways. On the sides were boxes with information including one at the bottom that made his eyes narrow.
[ Patient I. Midoriya Date 03/15/22XX]
“Are these my cells from when I was first admitted?” Dr. Tatsumoto nodded before taking the tablet back.
“You are correct, and these… are from after you awoke.” She answered before giving Izuku back the tablet.
Like last time he gazed upon it, there was an image of his cells. The only difference was the incredible amount and speed that they were manifesting. His eyes widened before speaking in astonishment.
“What the hell does this even mean?”
“Well, before I tell you, I believe you should lift up your shirt before I begin.”
Despite the blank looks they were giving her, Izuku reluctantly did what she suggested. He was then greeted by-
“Holy shit. Lightning… gave me abs.” Izuku muttered in shock and awe at his body. He was already a fit person, but this was certainly an incredible improvement.
“While your muscles should be atrophied, they along with your entire body are in a state of cellular regeneration like that of a minor self-healing quirk. Despite showing the signs of it, you have no presence of the plus alpha or quirk factor in your DNA or body at all.”
“What does that mean?” Masaru asked confused.
“What I’m saying is that your son is one of if not the first of a new generation of nonquirked superpowered individuals. A new breed of Meta-human to be exact.” The explanation caught everyone off guard.
Mitsuki and Masaru were floored with the new information they received. Katsuki was happy that his best friend finally had the power to better protect himself and possibly others. And Izuku simply looked at his hands in disbelief at the revelation. His entire life amounted mostly to pain and suffering and now he was in possession of something no-one else had. The whole thing made him feel a little giddy.
“And that is the reason this must be kept a secret. This is uncharted territory in the scientific and biological societies. Just because we found one thing does not mean that is all. You might be host to incredible powers the likes of which the world has never seen. Which is why if someone powerful hears about this, they may try to take your son away to either make more of him or make him into a living weapon. So, if he awakens a new power, it is imperative you contact me straight away and only reveal it to those you trust.”
“We understand completely.” They all said at the same time.
Afterwards, Izuku was given some clothes to change into while the Bakugous filled out the needed paperwork for his release. He was now inside of his room’s bathroom; looking at himself in the mirror. The nurses took off his bandages which revealed a network of interconnected scars covering almost his entire body barring his face. Dr. Tatsumoto said they were called Lichtenberg scars which were caused by the lightning causing his blood vessels to burst which left the appearance of a tree branching out. But while they should be temporary, his have stayed a part of his body despite him healing. It started at his chest right above his heart and behind on the same place on his back. The scar had the appearance of a black hole-like scorch mark almost reminiscent of a bullet wound. The limbs reached to his extremities and branched out from his elbows to fingers and his knees to toes as little white lines a person could notice if they looked closely. There were also some making its way to his head but his long hair was covering them.
He shook himself out of his focus before putting on his clothes. He was now wearing one of his ‘shirt’ shirts saying ‘scrubs’ with jeans and a black zip up hoodie. His original red sneakers were completely destroyed from the lightning so he was given a replacement pair that was colored black with red soles and laces. He then made his way to his family so they could leave.
“Alright, what’s next?” Katsuki asked.
Grrrrrrrrr.
“Food, please? I want some actual food instead of the fake shit they’ve been serving.” Izuku pleaded with his hands on his stomach.
The Bakugou Household
After grabbing a bite, they all went back home. They agreed to let Izuku reorient himself before they would explain everything that transpired when he was comatose.
Right now, Izuku was in front of the door to his room. On it was a door hanger in the style of All Might with his name on it. Disgust and anger welled in his heart before he ripped it off and stepped into his room. Only to then see all the memorabilia of the man who crushed his dream plastered all throughout his room. Izuku’s mind made him remember the words that broke him.
“I’m sorry young man, but I do not think you can become a hero.”
He gritted his teeth in anger before finding a few cardboard boxes. When he had enough, Izuku started taking it all down. The posters, action figures, anything with All Might on it was taken down and placed in the boxes. With how much he had and how some were rare made Izuku think about selling them instead of throwing them away. After he was done, he sat down on his bed to calm down. He looked around his room to see what was left. The walls were a barren white without the posters. His bedsheets were replaced with green spares he had from his closet. And his desk simply had his notebooks, laptop and science supplies without the action figures and comics cluttering it. His attention was taken when Katsuki walked into his room.
“Hey Izuku, Mom wants to see if…” He trailed off when he noticed the room and the boxes on the floor with Izuku sitting down with his elbows on his knees. Izuku simply looked at him before gazing at the floor. His face was in a slight frown with his eyes having a hollowness he had seen before a few times.
“What’s going on? You alright?” Katsuki asked after sitting down beside Izuku. Izuku took a beath before speaking.
“There’s uhm… something I have to tell you. I-”
“Lied? We know. We didn’t want to say it out loud because it was probably personal.” Katsuki interrupted with Izuku’s eyes widening.
“You do that thing when you tap your middle and index finger when there’s some heavy shit on your mind. I’m guessing it has to do with why all your All Might stuff is gone.” Izuku made a grimace.
“I met him. On that rooftop.” That made Katsuki confused until he started connecting the dots. Izuku must’ve met All Might and something happened.
“I was getting suffocated by a villain made of slime before he showed up and saved me. Before he left, I did something pretty stupid. I don’t know if it was the hypoxia or a burst of adrenaline but I grabbed onto his leg when he jumped. I can honestly say I now know a little bit of how you feel when you do Explosive Speed and Flight.” Izuku chuckled a little bit with Katsuki snorting as well. “We landed on the rooftop where they found me. He tried to leave but I couldn’t let him when I had to ask him a question. Just one stupid question.” Izuku was trembling and holding his knees so hard his knuckles were turning white.
“What was it?” Katsuki asked with bated breath.
“I asked… if a quirkless person could become a hero like him. I don’t think I need to say the answer when you look at what I did.” Izuku cried a few tears while Katsuki was scowling. He would have been cursing his name but had to think about Izuku first. He calmed down before speaking.
“He can go fuck himself. If he can’t see how much of a good person like you can become a hero then he isn’t fit to be one in the first place.” Izuku had eyes like saucers from what he had just heard. “Throughout our lives, you always run headfirst when someone needed help. Sometimes people would hurt you but you never stopped being nice. So do what you’ve always been doing. Keep your chin up and don’t let any of those bastards drag you down, alright?” Katsuki held up a fist when he finished. Izuku made a small smile before bumping Katsuki’s.
“You want me to stay here or anything?”
“Actually, I think I should get out for a little while. Stretch my legs and see what I missed.” That answer made Katsuki get up to leave before he stopped.
“And Katsuki, thank you. It meant a lot when you said that.” Katsuki simply nodded before going to his room.
Izuku told his guardians what he was doing before leaving. It was late in the afternoon so there wasn’t much for him to do. He went through a nearby park to get away from all the confinement that the city brings with it. He took a seat on a bench overlooking a small pond that had a few people around. One side had some people doing a yoga session while another had some people running. On another side was a sight that made Izuku have some jealousy. It was what looked to be a father and son playing with a frisbee. They both looked like they were having fun, feeling like it was just the two of them in the entire world.
Izuku laid his head back and closed his eyes before he spoke his mind. “So many things are different. Really wish you were here Dad; you’d know what to do.” He kept them closed for a few minutes before opening. When he did, he witnessed something strange.
It looked like everything was frozen. All the people around stood still. The father and son along with a freshly thrown frisbee were still. He stood up from shock before his gaze was cast on a flock of birds that were frozen mid-air. He stood up from shock at how everyone and everything was seemingly stuck in place.
‘What the hell’s going on? Is someone making this happen? Could it be a villain attack?’ He thought before everything started to move albeit slowly. Soon, everyone was moving at normal speed with Izuku the only person who noticed. He shook his head before making his trek back home.
Along the way, Mitsuki texted if he could pick up some ingredients for dinner. He made his way to a small convenience store that would have what he needed. He entered the store and saw there were only three people. The cashier was lazily looking at his phone and only glanced up when the bell rang. The other two were a mother and daughter buying groceries. From the conversation, the daughter wanted to be a grownup and buy the groceries with her allowance to help her mother. Izuku smiled a little from how he tried to do that with his father once. He went back to the task at hand and started grabbing what was needed. He was almost finished when he and everyone else ducked for cover.
BANG! BANG!
“Nobody move! This is a robbery!” An overweight bald man with animal ears yelled after firing a pistol at the ceiling. He was wearing a purple vest with grey pants and black boots. The strangest thing he was wearing was a mask made out of belts with a small yellow spike protruding from where his nose should be. He then turned to the cashier who was shaking in fear.
“Hand over all the money you have and don’t even think of calling the heroes! If you do, I’m gonna have to hurt someone!” He ordered while pointing his gun at the family of two. The cashier did what he said and placed all the money from the register into a plastic bag before handing it to the robber.
“Are you deaf or something! I said ‘all of it’ which includes inside the safe in the office, dumbass!” He screamed into his face with annoyance.
“B-but I can’t. It’s on a t-t-time release and I don’t have the code for it. The m-manager does and she’s not here.” He managed to spout in fear.
The robber made a scowl before yelling in rage. “I said not to screw with me dammit!” He then took aim at the family again with the mother shielding her daughter before he pulled the trigger.
BANG!
Before the bullet even left the barrel, Izuku was making a beeline for them. He didn’t even realize that his legs started moving on their own to try and save the family. He never even noticed that everything was slowed down when he started running. He was only two feet away from them before the bullet was in the air. In an act that took even Izuku for surprise, he reached out and grabbed the bullet out of thin air before stopping.
“Huh! What the- how did you even get here?!” The robber demanded in shock.
Izuku stood still and only opened his fist. In his palm, was the bullet that had just been fired. He let it drop to the floor before feeling something moving under his skin. He turned to look straight at the robber with a glare that could freeze hell itself.
Unknown to Izuku, his appearance was different. His entire body looked like it was vibrating with small arcs of red electricity sprouting from his form. But the most fearsome change were his eyes. Gone were the emerald pools before being replaced by a glowing crimson that made him look like anger incarnate. The robber felt like he was in the presence of someone dangerous from how Izuku’s eyes made it seem he could see his very soul. Before anyone even blinked, Izuku had the man’s back pressed against the glass door with a few cracks appearing while holding his collar up.
“Why?” Izuku asked with a deep voice laced with wrath.
“W-why what?” The robber replied shakily in fear.
“Why would you try to take someone’s life?” Izuku specified.
“I-I-I just wanted to get the money! That’s all!” The robber sobbed in fear.
“So, you thought taking a life would just magically give you the money?! That turning a little girl into an orphan is enough of a cost to sate your greed?! Scum like you who think the world is yours for the taking makes me sick. Do you even care about the families of those you hurt?” Izuku questioned with narrowed eyes.
“Uhhh no?” the robber responded dumbly.
That was the wrong answer when Izuku let go of him before his right fist slammed into his face while trailing red bolts. The increased velocity not only knocked him unconscious but also shattered the door with his body hitting the pavement a good ten feet from the store.
CRASH!
“Yellow! What the hell happened to him?” A man called out before crouching down to the robber while two more people rushed over. The first one was a tan person with blonde hair wearing a grey tank top, green combat pants, black boots and a mask that covered his eyes with three red horns on his forehead and a knife in its sheath on his hip. Another had pointed ears and messy brown hair that stood straight. He was wearing a black turtleneck with matching combat pants and boots. On his face was a pair of orange sunglasses and a blue headband. The last person had an orange mohawk in the shape of four cubes. He was wearing an open navy-blue vest with grey combat pants and black boots. On his face was a green gas mask that left only his eyes uncovered.
“Friend of yours?” Izuku asked while stepping over the remains of the door to make his presence known.
“Hell yeah he is! He’s our teammate you little bastard!” The green masked one yelled.
“Ah, so this whole thing was planned. You know, with a crew as big as yours, why rob a convenience store? Talk about stupid as fuck right now.” He mocked.
“You really stepped in it now, kid. The Reservoir Dogs are gonna give you a beating you won’t ever forget!” The blonde threatened.
Izuku couldn’t care less about his situation. He wasn’t going to let some bullies terrorize innocent people and get away with it.
“More like puppies with all the yapping you’re doing. I guess the saying ‘all bark and no bite’ is true in your cases.” Izuku scoffed.
“You won’t be laughing when we’re through. There’s three of us and only one of you.” The brown-haired one threatened.
“Not for long.” Izuku said before cracking his neck.
The first one to attack was Izuku who rushed Blue with a left punch into his diaphragm. This prompted Red to swing a pipe at Izuku’s head. Izuku threw up his right hand to try and block the attack. When it hit his hand, the pipe was cut in two. This shocked both of them which gave Izuku the opening to kick him between his legs. The result was Red going to hold his crotch in pain before falling to the side. His focus soon landed on Green who was trying to run away. Izuku ran in front before clotheslining him in the chest. This suspended Green in the air for a moment that Izuku used to punch downward. The hit knocked him unconscious as well as cracked the street. He didn’t even give them a second thought before he ran back into the store.
“Is anyone injured?” He asked concerned.
“N-no one. Because of you.” The cashier uttered.
Izuku breathed a sigh of relief before speaking. “That’s good. I’m very sorry about the mess I made. I’ll get out of your hair-”
“And leave without thanks? You can take what you wanted before those hoodlums attacked for free. The store has insurance so it won’t be missed.” The cashier offered.
Izuku was stunned that they weren’t angry with him. He made a small smile before it was replaced with fearful expression when he started hearing sirens.
“ThankyouverymuchandIhopeyouallhaveagoodrestofyournightsobye!” Izuku managed to blurt out before taking what he needed and leaving in a streak of red lightning.
While he was running, he noticed how everything was slowed down. He passed by a few people who looked frozen on the sidewalk. He soon ventured into the street in front of an oncoming car due to being distracted. It soon caught his attention when the lights shined on his face. The car was too close for him to get out of the way so he did something that could only be called crazy. He jumped on to the hood, with his foot creating a dent in the metal before running across it and jumping back onto the street. He needed to get to somewhere so he could figure out what was happening. He soon smiled when he found a construction site. He went inside before stopping. He set down the bag of goods before looking at both of his hands. They were both shaking so fast that he could see afterimages.
“What th-” He put his hands over his mouth due to his voice sounding different. His gaze then traveled to a window pane where he saw his reflection.
Some parts of his body seemed to be vibrating like his hands to his shoulders and even his face. But the biggest change were the glowing red eyes similar to those of a demon and the small arcs of red lightning coming off his body. He got closer to the reflection before he finally figured out what was happening to him.
“Holy shit, it’s my powers. I’ve got super speed.” He then recalled all the information on speed type emitters that he could remember. Some of them were based on certain triggers like being hurt while others had to do with mental states like flight-or-fight situations like the one he stopped. He simply needed to calm himself and the power should deactivate. He closed his eyes and controlled his breathing.
Once it was stable, he opened his eyes to glowing crimson.
“Goddammit, just fucking stop!” when the last word left his mouth, his body returned to normal. His limbs and face stopped shimmering and his eyes returned to their original emerald. He gasped in shock before checking to see if he was alright. After he did, he went back to his home at a normal speed with a giant smile on his face. Soon, he was entering his house.
He made his way inside to the kitchen where he saw Mitsuki in the kitchen preparing their dinner from the pots and pans along with ingredients strewn about. He put what he got on the counter top which alerted his aunt.
“Welcome back Zu, sorry I asked you to grab them when it’s your first day awake. But I needed them to make your favorite.” She apologized sincerely.
“Don’t worry about it. I was glad to help.” Izuku waved off. Mitsuki then noticed the smug smile he had on his face.
“Did something interesting happen when you were gone?” Mitsuki asked with a raised eyebrow while he made his way to set the table. Izuku forgot about how to explain what happened but figured that because it was late, they couldn’t really call Dr. Tatsumoto about his new ability.
So, he opted to keeping quiet for now. “Not much if I’m being honest. Just feel like everything’s going to get better.”
They all had a wonderful dinner while trying to get Izuku caught up on what he missed. Apparently, one of his classmates/bullies Tsubasa, or Wings as Katsuki called him, went missing along with his grandfather. Later, another bully named Yubi or Fingers as Katsuki called him had to move so his family could find some better work over in Fukushima. But the one that took the cake was when Tetsuo, one of his other bullies who had hair made of rock and a stone transformation quirk, got into a fight after getting drunk in public and was sent to a juvenile detention center. While he felt bad for Tsubasa, Izuku was glad the other two were finally out of his life. Izuku soon went to sleep in peace.
Little did he know that everything would soon change.
Two days later, Apartment Number 41, Kyushu
Inside the apartment was a very large and muscular man with long light-brown hair in a ponytail wearing a tank top and shorts with sports wrap around his hands. He was currently punching a heavily reinforced sandbag at incredible speeds.
Ring-ring ring-ring
His attention was then taken by his cell hone ringing. He stopped his onslaught before going to see who was calling him while his shoulders were steaming. His yellow eyes soon narrowed when he saw it was a number he didn’t recognize. He picked it up before answering a little aggressively.
“This is Rappa, whad’ya want?” His answer was something he didn’t really expect.
“Whoa, easy there big guy. You wake up on the wrong side of the bed or did you take one punch too many.” The person’s voice was of someone he considered a very good friend and senior to him.
“ZO! Is that really you man? How the hell are you vampire?” He asked while making his way to his office.
“Hehe, I’m doing pretty good. Sorry I haven’t been in contact with you guys what with the teaching at U.A. How have you been Mr. Number 14 huh?” Chizome asked.
“Ugh, I don’t get how I made it that high in the first place. I just don’t bullshit people and do my fucking job. It ain’t that hard.” Kendo explained.
“For you who became a hero because you wanted to help rather than hurt while most others are nothing more than celebrities wearing spandex are a little hard. How’re things with Rumi by the way?” The question made Kendo look at a photo on his desk. It was of him with his arm over the shoulders of a woman who had tan skin, red eyes and white hair with two rabbit ears grinning ferally with both of them in a bar celebrating.
“Ehehehe. I-I don’t know what you’re talking about. Ahem, so I’m guessing this isn’t a social call?” Kendo asked to change topics.
“You near a computer?” Chizome asked in a serious voice which confused him for a second.
“Yeah, I’m at one right now. Why are you asking?”
“I’m sending you something I found when I went on patrol near Mustafa. Play the first one then the second. Please, don’t overreact, I’ll explain when you’ve seen both, alright?””
“Sure, depends on what it is.” He waited at his laptop before seeing the email. He opened it to reveal what seemed to be two videos before clicking on the one that had a 1 over it.
He recognized it as security footage at what seemed to be a convenience store. First thing he noticed was that it had no sound and happened a few days before. He soon saw a guy in a weird outfit shoot a gun before he started yelling. It looked like a store robbery from how the cashier was putting the money from the register into a plastic bag. The robber started arguing with the cashier before he aimed his gun at a family near him.
Kendo was gritting his teeth in anger at how little this person cared little for the lives of others. But what happened next shook him to the core.
The robber fired his gun and a green haired person was instantly there with a fist outstretched. His body seemed to be blurring and he saw some arcs of red electricity appear along with glowing red eyes. The new person opened his hand and let the bullet fall to the ground before he seemingly disappeared and reappeared with him holding the robber against the door. They were speaking and from what he could tell from the verdanettes expression, he said something he didn’t like. The next thing he knew, the door was completely shattered with his right fist outstretched. The damage looked like when Kendo’s quirk Strongarm hit something. The mechanics of a punch are based around speed instead of strength like most people thought. Like how something so small like a bullet was so destructive because it was fast enough to break the sound barrier. His quirk functioned as allowing him to rotate and move his shoulders at extreme speeds. But because of that, his muscles tire out if he uses it too much. The person went outside before the video ended.
Kendo opened the other video which showed it was a CCTV camera overlooking the street in front of the store. First thing he saw was the robber flying out and hitting the ground. Then came three people who looked like they were friends with the robber. The verdanette and the others exchanged words before he attacked and defeated all three in a flash of red lightning.
“Zo, is this who I think it is?” Kendo asked with gritted teeth and barely contained anger.
“I don’t think so. When I questioned the witnesses, they all said he was apologetic after the fight and checked if anyone was hurt. Plus, the guys were actually a team of villains who had robbed nearly 30 different places across the prefectures but he didn’t kill them. Does that sound like him at all?”
“No, the bastard only cares about himself and uses people to suit his plans. What did he say specifically to the villain in the store?”
“Hang on, ok here it is. ‘You thought taking a life would just magically give you the money? That turning a little girl into an orphan is enough of a cost to sate your greed? Scum like you who think the world is yours for the taking makes me sick. Do you even care about the families of those you hurt?’ Don’t know about you but it seems this guy genuinely cares about other people.” Something stuck out for Kendo like a sore thumb.
“There’s something strange about what he asked. Turning someone into an orphan and families grief are pretty specific questions. I think he wasn’t just talking about the hostages.”
“You think he lost someone himself? Not a bad theory to be honest. So, you in?”
“… If he ain’t Six then he’s got a power similar to Overclock. That makes him a target for a lot of people so it’s best we find him first.”
“Alright then, see you soon. Come find me at U.A. so we can get started.” And with that, he ended the call.