My Hero Academia: Hailstorm

Disclaimer: My Hero Academia and all other references belong to their respective owners. I only own my OCs.

Quirks Aren't Everything

Someone once asked me 'how does a hero's story usually begin?' Well I'm no expert, but what I've come to believe is it's not so much a matter of 'how' but more like 'when'. Let me explain that a bit, you see a hero's story usually starts 'when' they make a fateful decision to do the right thing, even despite the odds. Now of course this decision is just the start.

For a hero to become a full-fledged hero, they must continue to persevere through one challenge after another, always striving to do the right thing. It's a lesson that, thought simple, took me a good bit of time to really learn. But who am I? The name's Clay Cero, and this is the story of how I met and fought alongside some incredible heroes.

Japan

Wo boy, thought Clay as he sidestepped a person with a body similar to a porcupine, not the greatest quirk to have for moving through these crowded streets. It's amazing, thought Clay as he stopped at a crosswalk, waiting for the signal with several other people, not even a couple of decades ago people would've been freaking out if someone walked down the streets with spines sticking out of them, but now, thanks to eighty percent of the world's population possessing some sort of super power, special ability, or unique feature which everyone referred to as a 'Quirk', it was more common to look like a human porcupine than just a plain old human.

Not that he was complaining, in fact he found it pretty cool most days, how daily life had become like scenes out of a comic book. As if on cue, a loud crashing sound could be heard in the distance, attracting Clay's attention as he saw a cloud of dust kicked up by falling debris. The villains are getting started a little early this morning, Clay mused as the light to cross the street turned green.

Yep, all part of daily life, he thought again as he crossed the street and continued to weave his way through the crowd. Clay adjusted the gray hoodie wrapped around his waist as he walked, happy to be out of his school uniform and in his more comfortable outfit, which also included jeans, a short sleeved, anime-themed shirt, and some nice running shoes. The weather was just too hot for the hoodie during the day, but Clay brought it along anyway, in case he wound up out after dark or in the rain.

Turning one corner, then the next, he proceeded towards his destination. Another crash sounded as Clay looked again in the direction of the latest villain attack. "This might be a problem," Clay thought aloud as he noticed that he was actually getting closer to the area where all the debris was getting kicked up, "Guess I'd better call Slade and tell 'em-."

"Come on guys, I'm gonna miss it," said a panicked voice. What the heck, thought Clay as he glanced towards the source of the voice. At the entrance to a nearby middle school, a boy with messy black hair with green highlights wearing a black school uniform was being cornered by two other students, one with messy dark hair and the other with shoulder length brown hair.

"Oh is little Deku gonna cry," said the long haired bully as two of the fingers on his hand extended, "Too bad you don't have super speed or a high jumping quirk." "Or wings," said the other bully, "But then again, even having chicken wings would be a step up for you."

Are they seriously trying to stop this kid from leaving the school, thought Clay as he overheard more of the conversation, his fist clenching a little as the bullies continued to tease the boy known as Deku. Well I've got a minute before the big guy gets here, thought Clay as he finally made up his mind and began advancing towards the three individuals. What would Uncle call this little scenario, he wondered, oh yeah, social justice.

As the two bullies continued to berate the boy known as Deku, they didn't notice Clay's approach until he was right behind them. "It's too bad Kacchan's not here," said the messy-haired bully, "I almost feel bad he won't get a crack at this quirkless-OOOOFFF!"

The bully was taken by surprise as Clay 'bumped' into him, shoving him off balance with his elbow into the bully with extendable fingers. "Whoops, sorry 'bout that," said Clay innocently as he held up his hands, purposely placing himself between Deku and the bullies, "I was looking in the direction of that villain attack."

"What so you can't even watch where you're going," seethed the short-haired bully. "Hey it looked like a cool fight, even from this distance," replied Clay with a shrug.

"Oh great, another hero worshipping nerd," said the long-haired bully. "Betcha he's quirkless too," added the other bully.

"What's it matter whether or not I have a quirk," asked Clay as he crossed his arms. "What you serious," asked the short-haired bully as he grew a pair of large, red wings out of his back, while the other bully extended his fingers to an even longer degree, "Quirks are everything these days, the bigger and flashier the quirk the better!"

"Not the way I understand it," responded Clay, "Some of the most dangerous quirks I know of aren't terribly flashy at all, but since you seem to think just having quirks make you oh so special how about this, I take one or both of you on, without using my own quirk."

"He-hey," stuttered Deku, finally mustering up the courage to speak, "I-it's fine, really, I-I can just wait 'til the next villain s-shows up." "I appreciate the concern," said Clay, glancing back as he adjusted his stance and raised his fists, "But it's a bit late to back out now." "Oh this is so not good," said Deku as the winged bully charged at Clay.

"Let's see how you like thi-AAArgh!" The flying bully was cut off as Clay ducked under his hands and uppercuted him square in the nose, causing him to reel back as Clay grabs a hold of his right wing with both hands and pivots his body, yanking the bully to the side and off balance.

Sticking his leg out, Clay manages to pull the bully over his hip as he falls to the ground. The winged bully makes an attempt to get back up, only to receive a knee to his face for his trouble. "Not used to someone who can fight back are you," said Clay as he steps over the first bully, who was holding his aching nose, and advances on the second.

"Why you-!" the second bully nervously exclaims as he extends his fingers on both hands and starts swiping at Clay. But the bully's swings are amateurish, and Clay's able to avoid the first few swipes as he manages to catch the long-fingered bully's left arm before elbowing him in the face. As the bully reels back, clutching his face in pain, Clay seizes both of his wrists and forces them to either side to keep the bully from swinging at him.

"You really," said Clay as he kicked the bully in the side, "Don't-Get-It." Clay punctuated each word with another kick to the bully's side before falling back onto the ground, dragging the bully with him before he kicked him off and onto his winged compatriot.

"Just having a quirk doesn't make you any better than anyone else," said Clay as he stood up and dusted himself off, "You gotta learn how to use what you got, otherwise you're just flailing about."

"W-where did you l-learn how to do that?" questioned Deku. "I've been studying self-defense off and on since I was eleven," replied Clay, "Oh and watching a lot of Eraser Head's moves." "You know about Eraser Head," asked Deku. "Well," Clay was about to answer until the two bullies managed to get back to their feet.

"Hey we're not done here," said the winged bully. "Actually I think we are," said Clay as he looked up at a sudden shadow which came looming over the bullies. "That was just round one," said the long-fingered bully, "This time we'll-Gaaaah." Both bullies were knocked in the head by the newcomer's fists, causing them to fall over as the slightly larger figure stepped over their now prone forms.

"Clay if we're gonna get to the comic shop at all today, then we need to get going," said a taller, bald-headed individual wearing a sleeveless white shirt, black pants, and boots. "Hey Slade," said Clay as his friend approached, "I was actually gonna stop by where that villain is tearing up for a quick look if it's still goin' on."

"Really, what for," asked Slade. "This kid here wants to see it," replied Clay as he indicated Deku, "I figured we could tag along." "Y-you don't have t-to do t-that," stuttered Deku, "I mean, I-I don't want t-to be any t-trouble."

"No trouble at all," said Clay, "The comic shops in about that direction anyway, right Slade." "Close enough," replied Slade neutrally as he started walking. "Guess that settles it then, off we go," said Clay as he began walking as well. After another moment, Deku reluctantly followed after them.

"What's your name anyway," Slade asked Deku after a few moments of walking. "W-who me," said Deku, "Oh I-I'm Izuku, I-Izuku Midoriya." "Why were those jerks back there calling you Deku," questioned Clay.

"Kacchan calls me that," answered Midoriya somberly, "When him and his friends make fun of me." "How long has this mess been goin' on," asked Slade? "They didn't use to be like this," said Midoriya, "Kacchan and I used to be good friends."

"What changed if you don't mind my asking," inquired Clay. "Well Kacchan got his explosion quirk, and I found out I was quirkless," replied Midoriya in almost a whisper, "After that, Kacchan changed."

"They pick on you because you're quirkless," questioned Slade as they arrived at the back of a large crowd who'd gathered to watch some of the local heroes take on the latest villain, a guy with a quirk that allowed him to become a giant lizard-like monster of all things, "That's more than a little short-sighted."

"Well I'm also kind of a, OH MY GOSH IT'S HIM!" Midoriya suddenly exclaimed as they pushed to the front of the crowd as a new hero came falling from the sky. Clay wondered what Midoriya was talking about until he heard a joyous bellowing laugh that could only belong to one person.

"Everything will be alright now!" Shouted the hero, a very tall, muscular man with blond hair which sported two antennae-like protrusions on the top of his head, wearing a red and blue hero costume, "Because I am here!" "It's ALL MIGHT!" shouted Midoriya with the rest of the crowd.

"I guess he was about to say he's a nerd," whispered Slade. "We're nerds too remember," Clay pointed out as they watched All Might giving the villain one chance to turn himself in peacefully. But the villain simply snarled, either too far gone or just too stupid to listen as he charged at the hero, fangs and claws bared. "Here it comes," said Midoriya as All Might wound his body up for a punch.

"Yep," said Slade as he grabbed onto Clay and Midoriya. "ST. LOUIS SMASH!" yelled All Might as he struck the villain with one massive blow to the stomach, the force of which caused a massive blast of air as the villain was sent flying backwards into a nearby building, creating a spectacular crash as dust and debris flew everywhere. Clay and Midoriya had to cover their eyes as Slade held them up against the intense air pressure created from the punch, not even flinching when a random piece of rubble glanced off of his face.

"That was amazing!" exclaimed Midoriya as he and the rest of the crowd cheered. "Ha ha ha," laughed All Might as he walked over and picked up the villain, now in human form, while flashing his usual winning smile, "You can all rest easier now with another villain off the streets, farewell brave citizens!" With that last declaration, All Might crouched down and jumped, his powerful legs allowing him to shoot through the air at incredible speeds as his form quickly disappeared from sight of the still applauding crowd.

Comic Book Shop: A Little While Later

"So that was All Might," said Clay as he, Slade, and Midoriya browsed the comic shop. "For being so popular, you'd think he'd stick around a bit longer," said Slade. "He used to be able to," replied Clay.

"Used to be," questioned Slade. Clay checked around to make sure Midoriya, and anyone else, was out of earshot before he spoke. "I overheard Uncle talking about All Might a few times when he was over, apparently he can only use his powers for a limited time each day, something about his body not being able to take the strain as much anymore," said Clay.

"I'm guessing it's supposed to be some kind of secret," said Slade as he glanced back at Midoriya, who'd managed to find an All Might poster he somehow didn't have. "A big one from what I've gathered," Replied Clay, "But I don't think it's anything for us to worry about right now."

"I hope so," said Slade as Midoriya was making his way back to where they were at. "Sorry it took so long," said Midoriya, "I was torn between a poster and a hoodie, but I had to stick within my price range in the end and get the poster."

"Hey maybe next time," said Clay as the trio exited the comic shop. "I really do appreciate you guys showing me this place," said Midoriya as they made their way down the sidewalk, "But I got to ask, why did you guys help me back there?"

"I was just helping Clay out," answered Slade, "Not the first time me and him have gotten mixed up in a little fight." "Okay, so why did you help me, and why are you still helping me?" Midoriya asked Clay.

"Well to be honest it was kind of spur of the moment," said Clay as he rubbed his chin in thought, "But if I had to pick a reason, I guess it's just what a hero would've done." "And you said you didn't use your quirk, what are your quirks anyway," asked Midoriya.

"Oh that," said Clay as he held his hand up and produced a small black cloud, "I call it storm cloud, though I can mainly alter the density of the cloud, here try to grab it," Clay held out the cloud as Midoriya tried to grab it, but was unsuccessful as his hand passed straight through it. "In its current state it's of a similar composition to a regular cloud," explained Clay as he concentrated, causing the cloud to turn even darker, "Now try to grab it."

Midoriya tried again, and this time his hand didn't pass through the cloud. "That's amazing," said Midoriya with a hint of wonder in his voice. "I can also manipulate where they go," said Clay as he made the cloud rotate and spin around his arm, "So I guess it is kind of neat in some respects."

"Too bad you ain't supposed to be using your quirk in public," Slade pointed out. "You should talk," said Clay as the cloud dissipated, "Half the time no one even knows when you're using your quirk." "What, how," questioned a surprised Midoriya.

"Well to put it simply," said Slade, "I can alter my density, observe." Slade hopped up a surprisingly high distance, then suddenly came back down at an incredible speed, cracking the sidewalk as he landed.

"You see I can alter it to where I'm incredibly light or incredibly heavy, which of course alters my weight and durability as well," explained Slade. "It also makes it impossible to guess your weight," added Clay, "Great fun at the fairs."

"That's incredible," Marveled Midoriya as he pulled out a notebook and started writing in it, "The numerous applications just for being able to shift your own density allows you all kinds of options in adjusting your movement speed, and being able to increase your weight would allow you to withstand several types of physical attacks."

Clay and Slade glanced at each other as Midoriya continued to mutter, apparently not realizing quite what he was doing. "And then the ability to produce and manipulate clouds already has incredible application for smokescreens, entrapment, projectile attacks-." "Uh, Midoriya," said Clay, "You alright there?"

"W-what," said Midoriya as he stopped muttering, "Oh, s-sorry I do that sometimes, I like to take notes on quirks." "That's cool and all," said Slade, "But if I may ask, what for?" Midoriya shifted uncomfortably before answering.

"Will you," Midoriya was almost whispering, "Promise not to laugh?" Slade and Clay exchanged another glance as Clay answered for both of them. "If we were gonna laugh at ya, believe me, we would've done it already so whatever you want to tell us, we'll take seriously," said Clay. Midoriya nodded, accepting Clay's answer as he took a deep breath.

"W-well you see," Midoriya stuttered a little at first, but as he spoke his voice became less shaky, "What I-I want more t-than anything, is to be a hero!" Clay and Slade remained silent for a moment before. "That is the most hilariously," Clay started, seeing Midoriya tense up at his words, "Awesome thing I have ever heard." Clay finished his statement with a smile while Slade gave him a thumbs up.

"You're pretty brave squirt," said Slade as he clapped him on the shoulder, causing Midoriya to cringe in pain, "Even without a quirk you still dream big, I can definitely respect that."

"Well I already said it ain't the quirk, or lack thereof, that matters," said Clay, "Uncle always told me real heroes prove themselves through their actions, so if you want to be a hero Midoriya, then be a hero."

"Y-you guys," said Midoriya as he suddenly teared up, "OH HO HO, THANK YOU!" Clay and Slade had to stand back as Midoriya's eyes produced a comically large number of tears, "You guys are the first friends I've had in a while!"

"Okay okay," said Clay when Midoriya looked like he was on the verge of hugging them, "Let's not get too mushy here." "I-I'm sorry," said Midoriya as he wiped his eyes, "It's just, besides my Mom, everyone else always put me down when I mention that I want to be a hero."

"Jeez," said Slade, "That school of his is worse than I thought." "Guess there's only one thing to do about that," remarked Clay as he noticed the time on his watch, "Midoriya."

"W-what is it," asked Midoriya. "We got to head out for today, but should you ever need us, just give us a call," Said Clay as he handed Midoriya his contact information, "With any luck we'll be right around the corner." Midoriya nodded as Clay and Slade turned and headed back towards their neighborhood.

"I thought you weren't all that interested in becoming a hero," said Slade as they got out of earshot of Midoriya. "I'm not," replied Clay, "But that doesn't mean I can't help someone out every once in a while." "That's too bad," said Slade, "You and I might make some decent ones."

"Hey if you want to be a hero too, go right ahead," said Clay, "I just doubt that I'm hero material." "Well tell you what," said Slade as he stopped Clay and held out his hand, "Let's make a deal, that if you ever do decide to become a hero, then I'll become one right along with you."

Clay thought for a moment before answering. "Why not," answered Clay as he shook Slade's hand, "We've always worked well as a team, so how 'bout this, if either one of us wants to be a hero then we both try to become heroes." "Here here," said Slade as they shook hands.

Oh, something I forgot to mention about this little story. This is the story about how I became a hero, and how I met and fought alongside the guy who would become the greatest hero in the world.

And here it is, chapter one of my very first My Hero Academia fan fiction. Now first and foremost I'd like to say this, I know it's a slow start but I promise the story will really pick up in the next few chapters. Also, this being my first one of these fics, my writing may be a little shaky at first, but I will try my best to improve it as the story goes on. And finally, I'd like to say thank you in advance to any reviewers, followers, or viewers who are willing to take their time to read this story. So be sure to come on by next time as Clay and Slade face a desperate situation which will change their lives forever. 'Til next time.