Aldera Junior High:

"Since you're all third years, it's time for you to seriously think about your future."

Deku could hear his teacher rambling off about quirks, but only parts of the sentences actually filtered into his consciousness. The sound of his scrawling pen calmed him. Taking notes about the giant hero he had encountered that morning lightened his mood. It lightened his mood when the teacher was inciting his peers to flaunt their quirks and their chance at joining a heroics program. His pencil tip snapped under pressure. He sighed, wiping the graphite dust from his notebook.

The sounds of cheers and excitement brought him the exact opposite, he withdrew into his chair. Using a quirk in public was a violation. Neither they nor the teacher really cared. Meekly, he raised his hand in the chaos. He wanted to join a heroics program too, he just wanted to be a hero, like his role model. These people did too. Biting his lip, the quirkless boy analyzed the quirks of his classmates. He was pretty much used to and familiar with them. The boy with the long eye-stalks creeped him out, even more so than the piano fingers guy. He didn't care though, those kinds of quirks would be better than nothing, even if not really combat viable.

A familiar voice rang out into the classroom. Deku filled with icy dread.

"Hey teach! Don't lump us all into the same group. I'm not gonna be stuck at the bottom with the rest of these rejects!

The green-haired boy covered his ears at the sudden uproar. It was not a surprise, of course, Bakugou was just like that. Deku's gaze fell, ruminating over the words, even if unintended for a quirkless boy, likely even less than the 'so-called rejects.' What did that make him then? He glanced at the perching birds through the window. It had been a nice day.

Some banter later, the teacher carelessly interjected.

"Oh, if I remember correctly, you want to go to U.A. High, right, Bakugou?"

It's not like Bakugou was ever disciplined. His superiority was accepted. Deku could guess why, images of violent explosions and pure power playing back in his mind.

An astonished look flashed across Deku's face. He fidgeted in place, anticipating his own interest to be called out alongside Bakugou's. Face down on the desk, he listened to his classmates ramble off about how good U.A was. Deku agreed with them for the most part, it was where he wanted to go. It was arguably the best Heroics school out of them all. As such, it held the lowest entry rates. He knew this from incessant online research in the early morning hours, much too late for his mother's favor.

The blonde boy continued his rant.

"That's why you guys are just extras. I aced the mock test! I'm the only one at this school who could possibly get into U.A."

Deku did them as well, multiple times, phenomenally from what the numbers told him. He'd get past the written portion for sure, but that was it.

"I'll definitely surpass All-Might and become the top hero! My name'll be inscribed on the list of top-earners!"

Clenching his hand somewhat, Deku startled when the pencil snapped in his hand. But he did not have the time to mourn the lost pencil, he flinched upon hearing his name.

"Oh yeah, Midoriya wanted to go to U.A too, right?"

Fidgeting in place, he was pointedly aware of Bakugou's uncharacteristic silence. Deku knew what was coming. Everybody stared at him, stunned, before breaking out into a universal mockery.

"Huh, Midoriya? No way!" A voice added.

Another one interjected. "You can't get into the hero course just by studying!"

Sprouting from his desk, Deku stood and planted his palms on the wooden top. He needed to stable himself, something also evidently needed for his voice.

"Th-They got rid of that rule! There's just no precedent.."

His lips trembled and eyes were wide. Bakugou's fist whirled through the air, faster than the quirkless boy could react. Bracing himself for the coming explosion, the shockwave still managed to throw him to the floor. Grey smoke curled up from Bakugou's tensed hand.

"Hey Deku!"

He flinched and cowered on the floor, but still glanced up to meet Bakugou's wrathful stare.

"You're below the rejects! You're quirkless!"

It was almost funny in an entirely terrifying way how villainous he appeared. Clutching and wriggling his smoke-veiled fingers while clenching and unclenching his jaw. Downright sadistic. Nobody cared though or bothered to interrupt. They knew what Bakugou was capable of.

"How can you even stand in the same ring as me?"

The mantra repeated itself in Deku's mind. He was kinder, smarter, gentler. It satiated the need to burst out in tears, from both fear and humiliation. From experience, he knew how painful a direct hit would be, and so naturally, he held out his hand in a pathetically weak defence.

"No, wait, Kacchan!" Deku pleaded to Bakugou, knowing it wouldn't actually do anything. He was powerless.

Deku needed to backpedal, that's what usually worked.

"It's not like I'm trying to compete with you or anything!" Believe me! It's just that it's been my goal ever since I was little… And well… I won't know unless I try..."

He hated it, having to beg like this, hated how he didn't even get enough respect as to not be threatened on a daily basis without intervention. U.A prided itself on progressiveness in terms of quirkless issues, but it was likely the only school in Japan that did. The posters stuck up haphazardly did nothing to stop Bakugou's abuse, did nothing to concern the teachers that pointedly ignored the entirely one-sided spats.

"Whaddaya mean unless ya try?!"

Smoke gathered in Bakugou's hands, Deku cowered.

He sank to the classroom floor, frightened into paralysis as his peers and tormentors towered above. Seemingly stuck to the cold tile, he could only pray that Bakugou's punches wouldn't injure or maim.

"Are you taking the test for fun?!"

'No!', he wanted to cry out, but his voice too suffered from fright-induced paralysis.

"What the hell can you do? You're quirkless!"

Venom-drenched words seared themselves into Deku's mind. He was quirkless, pathetic, weak, lame, waste. Through all of his childhood, Bakugou's words meant nothing, the neglect, and exclusion from his peers meant nothing. The dirty looks sent his way meant nothing, nor did the hushed whispers and worried glances. Even after being encouraged to jump off the school roof, he pushed through. He may have been all of those things, but he'd never prove that to any of his classmates.

Dull magenta eyes gazed into the classroom, white paws perched on the same branch from which birds had previously stood. Its tail swished contently. The green-haired boy would do.

Deku stared down at his charred and soggy journal. He wasn't angry though. The sun was shining and the koi swam in swift circles around pieces of ripped paper. Nothing too bad had occurred, and it's not like he had been injured either. It was usually like this, he'd feel better by the time class was dismissed and he was all alone with only his surroundings for company. It was the peacefulness that calmed him. It kept him sane. Staring into his reflection on the rippling water surface, he cleared the insults from his mind. He needed to stay positive. Laughing audibly to himself, it seemed to further lighten his mood.

A slopping gurgling sound disrupted his laughter. Gagging as his nostrils were violated by a horrid stench, he whipped his head around and grew pale at the manifesting figure. Green sludge gathered and formed before his eyes. Intense yellow eyes glared menacingly at the fear-stricken boy.

An innocent voice called out pleadingly. Everywhere at once. "Run!"

It was almost robotic, but it startled him from his trance. Fueled by fear, Deku weaved his way around lashing tendrils as he darted out into the school's courtyard. Sweat poured down his forehead. Deku gasped for air. Adrenaline coursed through his veins. That villain had some kind of elemental quirk, definitely strong enough to kill by suffocation. Nobody would save him, nobody knew what was happening. All might wouldn't swoop down and save him. This was right now. Cursing his panic-wrought brain, he desperately thought up a plan. It was long-past dismissal, but he hoped the villain would fear public areas. Darting out into the courtyard, he rounded the school's corner, hoping to find a crowd of people to blend in with.

Nobody.

Flattening himself against the courtyard wall, he peered around the corner skeptically. The sludge-man was hiding from somebody. Distracted. A small white cat bounded out from an alleyway, skipping straight towards him.

The voice returned.

"Quick make a wish and contract with me, Izuku Midoriya! We don't have much time, the villain will easily overpower you, but I can make you stronger. Just make a wish!"

Deku panicked, senses overloaded and desperately trying to figure out what in the fuck was actually going on. A bunny- no, cat- was trying to get him to make a wish? Deku buried his head in his palms, grinding down against his forehead. Tears streamed down his face. He didn't want to die.

He didn't even have to think about his wish, his mouth moving faster than his mind and blurting it out before he could think. It was probably for the best, considering how that villain was likely to be lurking just around the corner.

"I just want to b-be a superhero!"

Saying those words out loud liberated him in a way. His voice echoed with passion and courage, it healed the emotional burns suffered earlier that day. It just felt right to proclaim his desire so freely. Pain soon swept away that feeling as the area was doused in a pine green light. An agonized groan tore itself from his mouth, it felt as if somebody had clamped his innards and was tearing him up from the inside-out. Calming himself down, he took a deep breath. As soon as the pain arrived, was as quick as it departed. The green light dimmed. Deku felt lighter.

"Now, transform!"

Deku wanted to object, but that would have been a lie. He knew how to transform. It was instinct now. Willing the green light to wash over his body, he glimmered with glee as swirls of paper encircled his torso and limbs.

Morphing and taking shape into a green costume, his outfit registered. It was strange, foreign- right. He wore a dark green green sweater, on which a plethora of white felt rabbit faces were crudely stitched. From his shoulders, a light green cloak flowed down to rest at his hips. Beneath his sweater, a pair of beige shorts clung a bit too high up his legs. Green and white vans covered his feet, and black socks sprung up from his ankles and came to rest just below his knees. His socks were trimmed with fluffy white fur along the top, creating a sort of plush finish. Tightening his grip, papers molded around his hands, leaving him with a pair of pastel green gloves that looked to be a mix of tactical and hand-knitted. Drawing up his hood, the white bunny ears stood semi-stiff, half bent but still pointing upwards. Like a choker, a gold chain wrapped snugly around his neck, encasing a pine-green gemstone shaped like the outline of a bunny face, complete with ears and all.

The cool breeze reminded Deku of how exposed he felt. Shameful, he pulled on the hoodie's puff-ball drawstrings and relished in the fabric warmth. A crazed yell brought Deku back into reality.

"Hungry! I… My mistress awaits company for her meal…. Dine with us. Dine with us!"

The villain stared at him, green sludge forming into pointed teeth. Deku had a feeling this man was beyond reasoning, going off on some sort of psychotic tirade. It unsettled the hero, he could sense a dark energy lurking in the man. The unnatural voice echoed into his mind again.

"Wow! You're a lot more powerful than I thought. Use your gauntlets or your magic to neutralize the threat, it's like transforming!"

Not needing further direction, Deku fished around in the sweater's front pocket, grasping his brown leather-bound journal. Opening it up, he glanced down at the first and only entry. Bakugou. 'Katsuki Bakugou: Explosion', was written in bolded letters as the page's header. It was unsettling to see his own handwriting on something he knew he didn't write. Some of the things about bakugou were already known, but a quick glance of the jot-notes left him surprised.

Dodging the villain's sludge slash was easier than Deku had expected. Unnaturally so.

"Mistress h-hungers….."

Deku reached into the page with his right hand, somewhat surprised at himself that it had worked. Quickly withdrawing it alongside dodging another lethargic swipe, the hero clenched his now-armored hand. Closing the journal, he placed it back into the sweater pocket, noticing how the item's weight vanished upon doing so. The villain groaned in anger.

Fitted firmly to his fist, Deku now sported a dark green gauntlet. Holding it out towards the villain, a sudden explosion detonated from his palm. Startled by his own ability, Deku jumped back and screeched as that too-familiar grey smoke curled from his gauntlet.

There was no time to contemplate his powers, the hero sprang towards the villain with a clenched fist. Mere seconds after impact, a powerful explosion rocked the courtyard. The creature splattered with ease, green goop sticking in clumps to most nearby surfaces. Deku gaped. Intimidated by his own recently-acquired ability, he stuffed his hands back into his sweater pocket. Glancing around nervously, he sighed. Nobody was watching.

The cat-bunny stared up at him, eyes glossy and red.

"You did great! That villain was kissed by a witch, you've made great progress by defeating it."

Deku nodded, not really knowing anything about witches or kisses. It was a foreign concept to him, but so was making a wish and gaining a quirk. Or, did this even count as a quirk? It was certainly quirky, but certainly not naturally developed. The boy frowned, overcome by doubt. Something felt off.

"Wait, back up, can you explain to me what just h-happened? We have t-time now, right?"

The bunny stared up, they locked eyes as the creature spoke in that echoey encompassing way.

"Sure, no problem! I think it'd be better for you to return home first. Wouldn't want to worry your mother, now would we? I'm Kyubey, in case you were wondering."

Deku nodded. They walked home together, Kyubey perched innocently on the boy's shoulder. Nobody crossed their path while returning, but likely due to how Deku chose the scenic and somewhat secret path. It was past an alleyway and between two buildings. His neighbours grew many plants, providing a certain lively charm to his own and the nearby properties. Blinking away general confusion and surprise, his adrenaline slowly faded. Some lingered and probably would remain in his system for a while. There just was a certain disbelief Deku found himself in, a certain hopefulness. He felt different. He was no longer pathetic.

Midoriya Residence:

A green light illuminated his dark bedroom. His curtains flowed with the wind as a cool breeze filtered in. His mother had been mostly unperturbed, believing his excuse about having to stay late to work on a project with his classmates. He didn't know how to tell his mother about whatever had happened or even if he should tell her. His gut told him no, she couldn't know about the magical origin. The soul gem stood on his bedside table. Set in gold, the gem had a rich pine green hue. The gilding was beautiful, wrapping around the gemstone and forming a golden base and top. A crude bunny face symbol was set in the gold at the top. In a flash, the glow dissipated from his gem, casting the room into darkness as a silver ring formed on his hand. Similarly, a green gem was set in the ring, shaped like a bunny face with floppy ears. Runes were etched into the metal. He didn't know what they meant.

"So, a witch's kiss, eh?"

Deku couldn't believe it, but it was somewhat reasonable considering all that had happened. Part of him expected to wake up at any second, but the remaining part knew that pain he had felt while contracting had been all too real.

Kyubey spoke in his mind.

"Yes! Magical girls- erm or boys, are born from wishes and spread hope, but witches are born from curses and spread despair. When souls are overcome with grief and despair, a witch is born. To ensnare a victim, a witch can send out its energy to override a person's mind, thus kissing them. Once kissed, a person has completely succumbed to the witch's whims, and cannot be saved without the help of a magical girl. Most villainous acts or unexpected deaths can be attributed to the influence of a witch."

As much as it confused Deku, it honestly kinda made sense. But that conclusion posed many more questions. Was this stuff common knowledge, was it taught to new heroes? He wagered against it, considering how this had been the first time he ever heard about magical girls and boys. It hurt to think about what all of the events implied. Quirks were expected and normal, even if seemingly supernatural. How strong of a wish could Kyubey have granted?

"Why haven't I heard about any of this before? Do heroic agencies know about any of this stuff?"

Kyubey swished its tail and snuggled into Deku's pillow. He hoped it wouldn't shed.

"No, they are completely unaware. All instances of detection have been forgotten with time. Heroic agencies falsely believe themselves to know everything regarding quirks and powers. I mostly contract the quirkless as a natural quirk would provide a sort of interference between abilities. It wouldn't be good for them. As you know, quirkless people are often discarded by society. They don't get paid much attention, and so most magical boys or girls fly under their radar. Plus, if a magical ability is seen, it's often dismissed as just a quirk. You'd be wise to avoid detection of the true nature of your abilities. In the few instances of detection and inquiry I have witnessed, ability regulating organizations are deeply disturbed by the power held by those who make a wish with me. The powers I grant through wishes are incredibly stronger than quirks by default."

Kyubey's voice grew serious, but its eyes remained glassy and unblinking, glowing magenta somewhat in the dark.

"They were imprisoned and experimented on for weaponization and public safety. You'd think they'd be satisfied with naturally occurring quirks, humanity's thirst for power always surprises me."

It was spoken in a matter-of-fact way, almost cheeky in the upshift of tone. Deku took notes and scribbled quickly with his pen. A new exercise book, labeled 'Green Rabbit.'

"Umm how about witches? How have they never been detected?"

Kyubey swished its tail.

"It's simple. Witches are only able to be seen by people who are kissed or have the potential to make a wish with me. You'll see the witches mark around their neck when kissed if not transformed with their quirk. Additionally, they retreat into their self-made labyrinths to hide from magical boys like you."

Food for thought. That would largely explain why there hasn't been any widespread panic about witches spreading despair. From the sound of it. Their habits of preying reminded him of a spider. Weaving a web from the shadows while waiting for an insect to wander into its trap. Deku smiled, curiosity sated. The unease lifted from his chest. He had more of a grasp now on how things worked. There were a few questions at the back of mind, but he honestly couldn't care. The thrill of finally having strength and ability overtook him. Bouncing on his bed, Deku perused through his journals and contemplated his newfound ability. From what he had used, it was likely some form of mimicry. Deku liked that ability, it just felt right. The general use of his magic was known to him innately, but there were a few knowledge gaps he'd have to fill on himself. He thought of how he could apply it in battle, and how he could use it to his advantage. This would definitely aid in his application to U.A.

Footsteps ascended towards his room. Deku panicked and froze. Kyubey licked its paw.

As much as Deku loved his mother and how supportive she was of his endeavors, he wasn't too fond to see her entering his room. She didn't even knock. Instead, she barged in and frowned at him. Kyubey did not react, jumping down onto the floor and crawling over into his lap. If she saw, she didn't notice. His mother did not comment on the weird cat-bunny hybrid, nor on its impossibly floating golden rings.

"Dear, I heard you talking from downstairs. On the phone with a friend?"

Frustrated and annoyed as a teenaged son would be, he yelled out a bit louder than intended.

"Mom! Yes, a friend on the phone. We were just talking about the upcoming U.A. entrance examinations. We're going to take the written part together."

Deku never prided himself on his ability to lie. It was mediocre at best. Lying to his mother was probably not the morally superior thing to do, but it's not like he could reveal what had actually occurred. It was a little white lie, that's it. He didn't have a friend that he was doing the entrance exam with, didn't have anybody really. The only person he'd know there was likely Bakugou. He facepalmed at the idea, hoping the tyrant's tantrums wouldn't squander his chances of joining now that he actually could participate in the physical assessment.

"Oh! Right, okay. Speaking of that, want me to hand in your forms now? I don't think there's any point in going over them and revising any more than you already have. I… I'm a bit worried about you, actually. I know that you can do anything you can set your mind to, but I think we both know how this is going to end up. Look, I just don't want you to get your hopes up. That's all. Whatever happens though, I'll always love you."

She was loving, caring, and sensitive. The perfect mother really. His peers complained constantly about their overbearing and strict parents, but Deku couldn't understand that way of thinking. Sure, she could be a bit much at times, but not enough for him to complain. He cherished the fact that he was appreciated and loved, especially with his quirkless status. A sudden thought sprung to his mind. He needed to correct his quirk registry on the form.

"Mom! I developed a quirk today. Or... I think I just noticed it now."

He watched his mother's face fall slightly. She sighed.

"Honey, the doctor confirmed you were quirkless because of your pinkie toe, remember? I know you want to get into U.A, but lying on your forms won't get you anywhere."

Deku bit his lip. Grunting slightly, he exhaled deeply.

"I've actually been planning to tell you for a while. I had a whole surprise done up and a costume too. Let me go put it on first, okay?"

His mother was not amused, she shook her head. Grabbing her son's shoulders she stared into his eyes.

"You are still important even while quirkless. It's hard for me to say this but you need to grow up. Accept the fact that you're quirkless -my quirk isn't heroic or strong but I manage just fine."

Tears trickled from her eyes. She didn't understand what it was like to be quirkless. It was almost insulting that she thought it was only about power. Deku really did feel guilty about lying to her mom like this, but it's not like he had any other choice. If she didn't see him transform, she would just think he dressed up. Instead of trying to convince her further, Deku simply descended downstairs and into the spare room. Rummaging through the closet, he paid no mind to the loud rattling hangers and falling boxes. It would be best for her to hear the sounds, furthering the deception.

Green light doused his body as his outfit suddenly clothed him. Deku posed slightly in the body mirror, liking what he saw. Maybe it was just his imagination, but he recognized the subtle bulge of muscles on his arms and legs. Musculature that hadn't been there before. It matched his new feeling of strength and invigoration. Blushing at the realization that he didn't look half-bad -instead very girly, he focused on the task at hand.

Reaching into his sweater pocket, he produced the leather-bound journal. Holding it felt right, comfortable. At Bakugou's entry, Deku reached into the page. The feeling would never be describable or boring to him. Cold. The inside of his pocket and inside the pages was almost jarringly frigid. It was like breaching the surface of water by reaching in, but with a book page. Upon feeling the armoured gauntlet taking form alongside the slight scent of nitroglycerin, Deku removed his hand. The process was noticeably slow, worrying almost. Definitely not great for mid-combat switching. Testing out his powers once more, assuring he actually had them, Deku detonated an explosion in his fist. The shock sent him to the ground. It had been a bit stronger than he anticipated. Glancing around the room, the only damage appeared to be a blackened cardboard box from which smoke twirled.

"Izuku! What was that sound? Are you okay?" His mother's voice was frantic as she pounded down the stairwell.

Great.

The door flung open once more without knocking or notice, she gasped. Her eyes trailed over her son's outfit. From the strange look on her face, Deku didn't know if she approved or hated it. Somewhat distracted by his flashy green costume, she failed to notice the charring until she sniffed. A curious sound escaped her lips.

"Mom- I can explain!"

Hands on her hips, she frowned sadly.

"Go ahead."

At least she wasn't crying anymore.

"My quirk is mimicry, I think they have to be used on me in order to be copied, which would explain how I didn't realize. Earlier today Bakugou hit me with one of his explosions. It was an accident but then it clicked!"

Controlling his magic more tightly, Deku set off a small blast in his armoured palm. The look on his mother's face shifted, dawning with realization. A joyous glow washed over her before she ran towards him and scooped up her son in a bear hug.

"My baby, Deku! I'm so happy, I- I just wanted you to be happy."

They both cried tears of happiness, both sobbed with joy. He felt right now, he felt worthwhile. He wasn't quirkless anymore.

"I know mom, I know."

She pinched his cheeks.

"Your costume was so cute, who helped you make it?"

Deku fiddled with his fingers, nervously glancing away.

"Oh! The friend I told you about, she helped me sew and stuff. I used a bit of my allowance for the materials but I think it was worth it."

She sniffled.

"Ohh does my dear have a girlfriend? When can I meet her?"

Deku had no response. Mind coming up with a blank, he stuttered out a response.

"Oh, I-I sometime later. Okay?"

Nodding she release Deku from her hold. Wiping a tear from her eye, his mother relented and sat down on a nearby stool. She had a hopeful look in her eyes, one that invigorated Deku. He needed to be a hero, needed to help. Thoughts of defeating villains danced in his mind.

Deku froze. Had he killed that sludge quirk user? Mind scouring back and replaying the afternoon's events, panic overtook him. He was not a registered hero and has no license. If anybody saw him, he'd almost certainly been jailed, even if it was a villain. He was uncertain, could he claim self-defence if apprehended? Certainly, he could, but would the officers believe him?

"I need a moment Izuku. I honestly never thought this moment would happen. Can you believe it? I'm still struggling, but it doesn't matter. I'm just so happy. We can fill in those forms again, you'll get in for sure. I know you will, Deku."

Taking a much-needed deep breath, Deku attempted to calm himself down. Moody had seen him, they would have intervened. His school had dismissed and it was late in the afternoon. Nobody should have been there anyway. Raking a hand through his hair, he almost forgot that his mom was currently ecstatic about the sudden development. He'd be fine. Nobody saw.

"Yeah- Right Yeah."

Clapping her hands together, his mom beamed.

"I'll go make us some celebratory hot-chocolate, okay?"

His mother was just nice like that. The creamy and rich taste of hot chocolate was always enough to lift his mood. Normally used as a pick-me-up during his emotional downs, Deku hoped it'd be a pleasant change to have it in celebration. After nodding towards his mother, she slipped out of the room and into the kitchen. Listening as she ran the tap and filled the kettle, he smiled.

Kyubey slid into his lap once more. Its tail wagged.

"You're an excellent Liar."

The compliment did not make him feel as though a compliment should. It was not something for him to be proud of. Heroes did not deceive, but how, otherwise, could Deku be a hero? It was a regrettable thing, sure, but the damage done by deceiving words was surely grossly outweighed by vanquishing evil? Vanquishing witches as a magical boy and villains as a hero. Deku was certain of it. He could lie to keep himself safe.

"I think you'll make an excellent substitute for a hero. Your first act will be neutralizing the witch that kissed the villain. You wouldn't want him to hurt anybody else, right?"

Deku did not want the witch to hurt any others.