Disclaimer: I don't own My Hero Academia
Izuku was currently standing outside what appeared to be some sort of mansion with 1A at the centre to show which class would be living here. Heights Alliance the area was called, perfectly fitting in his opinion. He was here with Naomasa beside him quite early in the morning. Or rather an hour before the other students would be arriving. They had yet to be informed of his presence, and it would be quite a shock for them when they found out. Izuku, despite having decided to press forward, was nervous. He was re-entering the very society that persecuted him, that drove him to try commit suicide. In other words, he was in enemy territory, and there's no telling what could happen.
"Considering the past two times that students from UA were assaulted by the League, the security has likely increased drastically," Izuku thought. "Making it impossible to break in or out. And with so many pros here there's very little chance of me be able to escape."
"Am I actually doing this?" Izuku said out loud.
"Unfortunately, yes," Naomasa replied.
He couldn't blame Izuku for acting the way he did. He was going to be spending every day with the person he hated most and attending a school against his will. That would make anyone angry.
"Izuku Midoriya I presume," came a deadpan voice.
To his right Izuku saw two figures. The first he recognised as Eraserhead (the source of the voice). The second he recognised as Nezu, principal of UA, and the one who had admitted him to this school in the first place.
"Nezu and Eraserhead," Izuku announced so they wouldn't have to introduce themselves.
"So, you know our names. Well that makes things simpler," Aizawa stated. "My name is Aizawa and I'll be your homeroom teacher."
Izuku made no response to that. Personally, he didn't mind having the underground hero as his teacher.
"It's a pleasure to finally meet you young Midoriya," Nezu greeted. "I've heard a great deal about you."
Before anyone could do anything, Izuku faced Nezu and bowed to him. Not just as a sign of respect, but also as a sign of gratitude.
"And to you as well. Thank you for saving my life during that battle," Izuku replied. "If you hadn't interfered I would most certainly be dead right now."
Izuku had been informed by Naomasa that it was Nezu who stopped the mini-pods during All for One's battle with All Might. He was grateful to the principal for being alive.
"I should be thanking you. You helped our students out on more than one occasion," Nezu said. "But enough about that. We need to get you sorted. So, let's give you a tour of where you'll be living."
They all headed into the building where Izuku saw what it looked like for the first time. The ground floor contained a mess hall, a living room (with several sofa's, chairs, a flat screen TV), a kitchen area (fully stocked), bathing and laundry area's (gender segregated of course).
Nezu explained where the dorms were and what they contained. These were a bed, closet, fridge, toilet, balcony, desk and air conditioning. It was incredibly luxurious by Izuku's standards.
"You'll be staying on the fifth floor between Todoroki and Iida," Aizawa explained. "Any problems with that?"
"As long as I'm not near Kacchan I'm fine," Izuku replied.
They knew he meant Bakugo but they were surprised that he still referred to the boy by his nickname (which they heard from Inko who had given a full report of their relationship).
"He's on the third floor so you don't have to worry about him," Aizawa stated. "Believe me we know the full extent of your relationship so that's why we'll keep you both as separate as possible."
Izuku was relieved to hear that. He didn't mind being near Iida since he knew him from Hosu. They arrived at Izuku's room. There were boxes there already, so he was ready to unpack.
"That's all for now so we'll let you get unpacked," Nezu declared.
"Thank you," Izuku said.
The three figures exited the room. It was just him on his own then. Izuku started unpacking, seeing as how he had nothing better to do. When he finished he lay on the bed (which was quite comfy in his opinion). Tired and nervous about what was coming he fell asleep (he hadn't gotten much the night before).
"I have to get back to the station," Naomasa informed them. "Please let us know if he gives you any knew information."
"Of course," Nezu replied. Naomasa then left.
"Well that went pretty well don't you think?" Nezu asked his colleague.
"It went okay. The other students have yet to arrive though," Aizawa pointed out. "When they do, that's when it really begins."
League of Villains: Tomura's Group
Tomura and the others had been in hiding for the past two weeks. They were at one of Sensei's secret locations (the one he had sent them to). They had managed to stay hidden for quite some time now, which was quite impressive considering everything that was going on.
In addition to the police and the heroes searching for them Atrocity and his group were now hunting them. It literally seemed as though the whole world was against them, and in some ways, it was. They each had to depend each other to avoid being caught and to survive.
Tomura wasn't doing so well unfortunately. Ever since the news about the break in at Tartarus prison had gotten out, or specifically, ever since Sensei's death had been made public, Tomura had fallen into a deep depression. He felt sad and broken that the very man who had given him a reason to live in this world again, the man who acted as a mentor to him, the man who acted as a father to him, was now gone. He hadn't felt that way since he accidently killed his father years ago.
The others didn't know what to do about it. Kurogiri was a different story. He suggested that they leave Tomura be because the only way for him to get through this was with time. He knew from personal experience. When his sister died he had been in a similar position. For a while he didn't know what he was supposed to do. He had claimed vengeance on the very person who tormented her but after that he was at a loss. It wasn't until Sensei recruited him that he had a new reason to live again.
"Hey, I just got off the phone with Giran," Compress said. "He has some information he'd like to share with us, for free."
Kurogiri flinched. Giran giving information for free was never a good sign. It usually meant that something serious had happened, or rather, something serious enough to scare him. He took the phone off Compress and started talking.
"What happened?" Kurogiri demanded.
"Some terrible," Giran replied. His voice was filled with fear. "I just found out. That man Atrocity. He recently became a whole lot more dangerous."
That information frightened Kurogiri.
"Tell me everything," he demanded.
UA Heights Alliance Dormitories
Class 1A had just arrived at the dormitories and were very excited. From now on they would all be living together, and in a mansion to boot. They were all still troubled by the events that transpired over the Summer. Two of their classmates and pro were kidnapped for terrible reasons. Katsuki they were concerned about when they heard why he was taken, they were horrified when they discovered why Mina was kidnapped. The very thought of it all was sickening to say the least.
Mina hadn't mentioned Deku to them. She was planning to do that after she had settled in here. She knew they would be shocked when they found out. Over the Summer she heard about the break in at Tartarus, and about All for One's death. Even though she hadn't known him that well, and despite who he was and what he had done, she felt sad for him since. He was one of the reasons why she was still here after all. If he hadn't interfered when he did alongside Deku then she would most likely be rotting away right now. She would never get the chance to say thank you for that.
Class 1A's teacher greeted his students who in turn expressed their relief that he was still with them after what happened at the press conference, which he was grateful for. He said something about Provisional Licences but skipped to a more important topic.
"This is important so listen up. Todoroki, Kirishima, Yaoyorozu, and Iida. On that night, the four of you went to that place to rescue Bakugo. What's more you did it with a vigilante, a criminal present. From what we've gathered you all encountered her by chance, that doesn't change the fact that you still worked with her," Aizawa noted.
The entire class (Mina and Bakugo excluded) gave them shocked looks. They knew about their little plan before, but they didn't actually think they would go through with it. To make matters worse they had done it with a vigilante. Technically they villains, but in reality they were heroes, at the end of the day they were still criminals though. It was also surprising to know that Iida had gone with them since he was the most against it before.
"Judging from all your looks you all knew about this yet did not try and stop it. In that case, let me say this now. If the Principal wasn't such a benevolent being I would've expelled all of you except for the kidnapped and the unconscious," he stated. "The four of you who went without saying, and with a criminal, but with the students who knew about it but said and did nothing to stop them are just as guilty. Regardless of your reasons, the fact that you betrayed our trust remains. So, I suggest that you work towards restoring our trust in you."
The students nodded in understanding.
"Now, to move on to the more important issue," Aizawa continued.
That caught the students interest. They wondered what was more important than their great crime.
"As you all may have seen during All Might's battle with the leader of the League there was another villain present. One who was under attack by mini-pods and was captured alongside the leader," Aizawa said.
The students nodded, they had seen that, but they were more focused on the bigger fight. Why was Sensei mentioning this now? Bakugo scowled at the mention of Deku since he didn't want to think about him. Mina and Tenya were curious about why Aizawa was bringing him up.
"Well, due to recent events, that villain has been transferred here to UA. Or specifically, to this class where he'll be spending time and attending class with you," Aizawa explained rather bluntly.
For a few minutes there was complete silence. Then came their reactions. And they were strong.
"Are you serious?" Kaminari shouted.
"You're letting a villain attend the same school as us," Hakagure piped up.
"Won't this be dangerous?" Shoji asked.
"What if he tries to kidnap or kill one of us?" Mineta yelped. "Did ever even think about that?"
"Sensei what brought this on?" Asui asked.
Bakugo was furious at what he had just heard. Deku was being allowed to attend UA, even though he was quirkless, even though he was a villain.
"What the actual fuck!" Bakugo shouted.
He was so angry right now. He was going to yell at his teacher and demand an explanation. But Mina beat him to it.
"Hold on a minute. Izuku's coming here?" she questioned.
Aizawa nodded as a response. The entire class turned to stare at her. Jirou was the first to speak.
"You know him Mina?" she asked.
"Yes. Izuku, or Deku as he's called, was the one who rescued me from Atrocity. He found me by accident and when Muscular, the guy who kidnapped me, was about to take me to his boss Izuku intervened and managed to gain custody of me. He couldn't let me leave of course but he didn't do anything terrible to me. In fact, he defended me on an occasion or two," Mina explained.
Most of the class were completely shocked at what they had just heard. Mina was saved, by a villain. Very few of them could actually believe it.
"Wait a second, Deku, he's Deku. Then that means, he's the one who saved me during the USJ Incident," Ochaco realised.
"Wait, you said his name was Deku right. Does that mean he was the one who released you while the villains were dealing with Bakugo?" Yaoyorozu asked.
Mina nodded in response. While the others were still scared about him, Yaoyorozu was growing more curious with him.
"He defended me during the USJ Incident," Ochaco murmured. All eyes turned to her. "When one of the villains tried to rape me, he stepped in and stopped him."
There were several gasps from the group of students. Hearing this boy had helped Mina was one thing but hearing him help Ochaco was another. They were beginning to wonder whether he was really a villain at all.
"Why didn't you say anything before?" Asui asked horrified. "Why didn't you come to any of us? We could've helped you get through it."
"I told Elena and All Might, who I'm guessing later informed the rest of the teachers, and later Tenya. I told my parents eventually but after that I never mentioned it again. I wasn't traumatised by it. I was mainly surprised at what had happened with Deku," Ochaco explained.
As surprised as they were Iida knew about it something Ochaco just said caught their attention.
"He was present at the USJ?" Tokoyami questioned.
"Why yes," Ochaco replied. "He's the one who defeated Bakugo."
That one detail, that one description, was enough to scare them. If this guy defeated Bakugo then he must've been very dangerous. The all turned to look at the boy who was giving off a murderous expression that matched the one he made in the Sports Festival.
Mina kept quiet. She knew about Izuku and Bakugo's history together, but, it wasn't for her to talk about it. That was their story, not hers. She had no right to tell the others about it.
"I understand you are all nervous, but, please understand, this was an official police decision. Therefore, we have no say in how it goes or not," Aizawa pointed out.
The students were still uncertain. Tenya was more curious. He had wanted to meet this boy for some time now.
"When exactly does he arrive and where will he be staying? Also, what's his full name?" Tenya asked.
"He arrived an hour ago. He'll be staying on the fifth floor between Iida and Todoroki. And his full name is Izuku Midoriya," Aizawa answered in order.
That surprised Tenya and Shoto (who was wary of the new arrival). Bakugo was still angry however.
"Great. First, he beats me, next he talks smack about me, and now he just ruined me being the only student from our shitty school to get in here," he thought angrily. "Deku, the next time I see you your dead."
"Enough talk," Aizawa announced. "Let's get on with the tour of the building."
Kurogiri
Kurogiri was in a state of terror. He hadn't been in a position like this for so long. The information Giran had sent frightened him. In addition to having added the inmates of Tartarus to his ranks, Atrocity had also stolen all of Sensei's powers using some sort of device. How he had gotten a hold of this information? According to him he received an anonymous tip from someone, but he didn't know who. He had yet to tell Tomura, though it wasn't the right time.
Since they needed supplies he decided to go out and get them. Normally he would've sent Toga to do this but she was exhausted from previous endeavour's so he would do it this time. The way he looked was too recognisable. Which is why, for the first time in twelve years, he would be using his original appearance. No one knew what he looked like, so it was perfect. The device around his body allowed him to remain in a mist like from permanently, though it did serve as a weakness. While it could be turned off as he pleased it did come with several benefits. For example, being immune to most physical attacks, being mist meant it wasn't necessary for him to bathe, he also didn't age like other humans (if at all).
Kurogiri headed into an empty room to do this and had a set of clothes at the ready. Being mist got rid of any clothes he wore when it happened so. He pressed the button on his device and deactivated it for the first time in years. As he did, the mist disappeared and the skin on his original body reappeared. He detached the device from his neck to see several marks on it, though that was to be expected. The sensation of feeling his skin again was strange. The texture his feet stood on felt foreign, it also felt strange to walk on them again. He stood in front of the mirror to see if his appearance had changed. His body was still tall and muscular, his eyes were the same green colour, but his hair was of a darker shade of red (likely because of his quirk. His face hadn't changed at all, he still looked like the same person from when he was twenty (his age when he took on that form).
This was his true form. The form of Kuro Shisa. The form he had long since abandoned.
"I haven't seen you like that in a long time big brother," his sister's voice echoed in his head.
"I know Laura, I know," he admitted. "But this time I need it."
Kurogiri quickly got changed into some civilian clothes (not the bartender ones he usually wore). Using his quirk, he opened a warp gate (even if he wasn't in that form he could use it quite well).
"Well enough of that. It's time to get to work," he declared.
UA Dormitories Night time
The students of Class 1A had finished packing and were now relaxing in the living room area. The boys were discussing living together from now on. Sero was curious about something.
"Hey Iida, Todoroki. While you were unpacking, did you meet the villain kid? What's he like?" Sero asked.
"We didn't meet him at all actually," Tenya replied. "He doesn't seem to have left his room since arriving."
"Yeah," Shoto added.
To be honest, he didn't really care about the villain who was now living with them. He was just so relieved that he was living away from his abusive father. For the first time in his life he wouldn't have to put up with the usual abuse he suffered. For the first time in his life, he was safe, or at least that's how he felt. After the Sports Festival Endeavour had been furious with him for not using his full power. And after he had refused to work with him during the internships after the Sports Festival things had gotten much worse.
Flashback
Endeavour towered over his son in the training room. He blasted him with fire but Shoto brought up an ice barrier to defend himself. It didn't do much good though as it melted instantly. Endeavour was quickly in front of him. With no time to react the older male punched the boy in the stomach and sent him flying. He then proceeded to kick and stomp on him repeatedly.
"Completely and utterly useless. I created you Shoto for one purpose, yet you refuse to carry it out," Endeavour spat. "I thought I trained you to be strong, yet you're as weak as ever. Your mother's and eldest brother's fault no doubt. Well it's such a shame they aren't here to help you now."
The boy just lay there, glaring up hatefully at the very man who caused him and his loved ones so much pain. How dare he mock his mother and brother. It was his fault that his they were no longer here.
"I think your little tantrum has gone on long enough. So, as punishment for your recent acts of defiance," Endeavour started as he pulled up Shoto's t-shirt to expose his skin. The bruises from before had mostly faded. "I'm going to make you understand your place in this household."
Endeavour's hand hovered over Shoto's right side, his mother's side. He went pale at what was about to happen.
After that there was screaming, of course, nobody heard him.
Flashback end
Shoto flinched at the memory. When he heard the school would be converted to a boarding school and he would be transferred there, it was one of the happiest moments of his life. His thoughts were interrupted by Sero continuing his speech.
"I see. Well the idea of him living with us seems scary in my view," he said. "Despite what Mr. Aizawa says."
It had been made clear that they weren't to make others aware of the new kid's status. It was made public that their parents were informed about his presence.
"I know right. If he defeated Bakugo he must have a powerful quirk," Denki piped up. "Who knows what else he did for the League."
The other males present (with the exception of Tenya) murmured in agreement. At that moment the girls (excluding Asui) arrived with an announcement.
"So, we were just talking and it's just an idea but, why don't we have a contest to show off our rooms," Mina suggested.
At first there was some reluctance, but, eventually everyone got into it. Some (Tokoyami) didn't want to showcase their rooms. Mineta's was ignored completely, for obvious reasons. Asui and Bakugo (who thought it was stupid) were resting in their rooms so they weren't inspected. They were all on the fifth floor now and had just finished inspecting Todoroki's room after Iida's. People were still amazed at how he had just managed to transform his room into a traditional Japanese Style one in one day. They were about to go and inspect the girl's rooms when Mina and Ochaco stopped outside Izuku's room.
"Uh guys," Mina called out. "There's one left."
As soon as they saw where she meant their faces contorted into confusion, fear and anger.
"You're kidding right," Denki said. "You want to look at the villain kids room."
"I don't think this is a good idea," Ojiro mentioned.
The other students murmured among themselves.
"He's not as bad as you might think," Ochaco said.
"How can you be so sure?" Jirou asked. "You've only ever met him once."
"Twice actually," Ochaco corrected. "The second time was during our trip to the shopping mall. We bumped into each other by accident and spoke a little. He didn't seem like a bad person. Though, I didn't know who he was then."
That came as a surprise to the rest of the students.
"Izuku isn't really a bad person," Mina told them. "And before you say otherwise, keep in mind I've known him longer than any of you have."
No one had a counter for that. Tenya knew Izuku from Hosu and wanted to agree with Mina and Ochaco but decided to remain silent.
"This is the guy who defeated Bakugo and you wanna look at his room. What if he attacks one of us or uses his quirk to take someone hostage," Mineta yelped.
"I hate admit it but Mineta's right," Kirishima agreed. "I get you both feel indebted to him but that doesn't mean you can trust him."
"He did attack us along with the other villains during the USJ," Satou added.
"No hold on a minute. Maybe we shouldn't be so quick to judge. Villain or not he did save Uraraka and Ashido when they were in danger," Momo reasoned.
Despite her reservations, she couldn't deny she was curious about the villain now living with them. You could hear about villains in class or online but interacting with one was a different story. They lived the opposite lifestyle to them.
"You know we're going to encounter him eventually. Why not now?" Shoto pointed out.
The students murmured amongst themselves once again. They were still uncertain. At that moment, the door of Izuku's room swung open and he stood at the entrance. His sudden appearance surprised the students. He looked at them with an annoyed expression.
"You know, I'm not deaf, I can hear every word you're saying from in here," he informed them.
Personally, he didn't want to interact with Class 1A but since they wouldn't shut up outside his room he may as well introduce himself and get it out of the way.
"Now that that's out of the way, what exactly do you want from me?" he asked politely.
At first, they didn't know how to respond. That's when Mina spoke up.
"We were in the middle of a contest to decide the best room and we were hoping to look at your room as part of it," she said with a bright smile.
Izuku's expression changed to a calm one. He didn't have a problem with Mina, or Tenya.
"If that's all then there's no issue," he answered. "However, I should warn you. There's not much to see."
He turned on the light so people could see what his room actually looked like. Much to their surprise it looked pretty ordinary. There were shelves with notebooks, pens, pencils, a laptop and a phone (UA monitored all communications and online searches so they could block them if they didn't like them).
"Expecting something different?" Izuku asked in a dull voice.
"Honestly, we weren't sure what we were to be expecting," Tenya replied honestly.
"I thought it would be more evil looking," Toru said.
"What exactly do you take villains for? We're still humans with regular tastes and interests like the rest of you," he explained.
No one had a counter for that. Though to be fair, none of them had ever really interacted with villains before so they didn't know.
"This has the mark of a huge pervert I'm telling you," Mineta stated while looking around suspiciously.
"Being one yourself you'd know all about that sort of thing, wouldn't you?" Izuku retorted coldly.
Mineta flinched.
"What's that supposed to mean?" he demanded.
Izuku being a villain was irrelevant right then. At that exact moment, every girl present was on his side.
"What do mean? He's right," they shouted while glaring at Mineta.
The purplette backed down, intimidated and terrified.
"Are you all satisfied or is there anything else I can do for you?" he offered.
"What kind of quirk do you have?" Denki asked bluntly. "You must have a powerful one if you defeated Bakugo."
Izuku tightened his fist. Of course, they would think that. To them it was the most important thing in the world. Well, time to surprise them.
"I don't have a quirk," Izuku admitted. "I'm what you refer to as quirkless."
There was silence. Izuku had anticipated this kind of reaction. He also guessed correctly on the next.
"Seriously," Kirishima yelled. "No way."
"That's not possible," Sero shouted.
"A quirkless person beat Bakugo," Denki said in disbelief. "I don't believe it."
The other students said similar things. Though, there were some exceptions. Tenya was surprised.
"I had my suspicions back in Hosu but I didn't actually think," he thought.
Shoto, Ochaco and Momo had similar reactions. Though they were more impressed with Izuku. Mina had already known so she kept quiet.
"It's true," Izuku stated. "Ask the teachers if you don't believe me."
The students still couldn't believe it. The idea of a quirkless person being able to defeat one of their strongest classmates sounded impossible.
"Does that mean you beat him using martial arts and weapons?" Ochaco asked.
She remembered he used a taser on one of the villains. Izuku nodded to confirm her suspicions.
"I still find it hard to believe a quirkless person beat Bakugo," Denki said.
"Well believe it because that's what happened," Izuku retorted. "It wasn't easy though."
Well that made more sense to them.
"Is that all or is there anything else you'd like to know?" he asked.
Surprisingly, no one had any more questions.
"I think that's enough for today," Momo said. "Perhaps some other time."
The majority of students wanted to leave and continue on with the contest. Momo was of the opinion that he wouldn't be this open with them about everything so soon.
"Would you like to come with us?" Ochaco asked politely. "The next set of rooms will be the girls ones."
Most of the class didn't like the idea of inviting him to join. Izuku was surprised at the offer himself. He was beginning to wonder if she was curious about him since it was their first official meeting after all.
"And my last encounter involved flirting with her," he thought. "Wait, why am I thinking about that now."
"No thanks," Izuku declined. "It's been a busy couple of weeks for me and I'm still settling in. thank you for the offer though."
Ochaco felt slightly disappointed when she heard that. Mina and Tenya understood why he was staying and didn't argue against it. The other students didn't say anything and began to move out of the room. It was just Izuku on his own again. He lay on his bed trying to make sense of everything.
"How did I ever end up in this position?" he pondered.
The students who walked away had mixed feelings about their new classmate. Some didn't have a problem with him and in fact were curious about him. Others thought he was dangerous and decided to keep their guard up around him. And others thought they could handle him because he was quirkless.
The contest ended with Satou emerging victorious because he made some cake that all the girls loved. There was a conversation between Asui, Ochaco, Shoto, Momo, Tenya and Kirishima where Asui expressed her guilt over doubting their plan to save Bakugo and Mina and apologised. They did the exact same thing for worrying her, thus mending their friendship. After most retired to their rooms and slept till morning, though some remained awake.
Izuku wasn't able to fall asleep. He tried but, he just couldn't. He had a lot on his mind at that moment and the uneasiness he felt from the situation wouldn't go away.
"This doesn't make any sense. I've been around dangerous people. I've nearly died many times. So why? Why does being here scare me?" he asked himself.
He sat up and got out of bed. He looked quickly around the room and decided he wanted to get out of it. He felt trapped there. In a certain sense he was, this was a prison, and this was his cell. Only it was far worse.
Doubting that they'd punish him for being up late Izuku went down to the living room area. It was eleven so no one was up, thankfully. He sat on one of the couches and stared outside. It was a full moon outside, that put him at ease. Some nights when he was with the League he wouldn't be able to sleep. This stemmed from nightmares about his past and his near-death experiences. So, to calm his nerves he'd head up to the rooftop in the building and look at the sky. The city was darker and quieter which gave it a soothing presence. When he looked up he saw stars that were lit up and the full moon was shining brightly. To him it was, a truly beautiful sight.
Izuku smiled at the memory. It might not have seemed like much to others but to him it meant a lot. He was so wrapped up in his thoughts that he didn't notice someone approaching. That person placed a cup on the table, alerting Izuku to his presence. He looked up to see Tenya standing near to him with another cup in hand. The two stared at each other for a few seconds before Tenya spoke.
"You seemed out of it, so I made you some tea," Tenya told him. "I hope you don't mind."
Izuku raised an eyebrow. "I don't mind at all actually. Thank you. By the way, are you just going to stand there or are you going to sit down also?"
Tenya chuckled at that question and sat opposite Izuku. They both sipped their tea.
"In case you're thinking of asking, I won't tell your friends about our little adventure together in Hosu. Aizawa told me that was a secret. Also, I wouldn't want you getting in trouble with the law," Izuku informed him.
"Thank you. Aside from Uraraka, none of the other students know," Tenya replied. "Speaking of that, I suppose this is technically our first official meeting."
Izuku couldn't help but agree with that. Tenya hadn't known who was then so it wouldn't be their first meeting.
"What are you doing up so late anyway?" Izuku asked. "Couldn't sleep?"
"That and I heard someone, you, moving outside my room. So, I came downstairs," Tenya explained. "I was actually hoping to talk to you."
Izuku raised an eyebrow.
"Why?" he asked confused. "Do you have questions you want me to answer?"
"A few," Tenya admitted. "But, I also wanted to get to know you better. I've been curious about you since Hosu."
That caught Izuku off guard. He hadn't expected that sort of response from Tenya. Wasn't he angry at him for the kidnapping scenario? Granted he didn't have anything to do with it but still.
"Other than one question, I won't ask anything personal," Tenya informed him. "I won't ask about your time with the League, that's something you should only talk about when you want to."
Izuku was relieved that Tenya was so understanding. He didn't mind answering him.
"Go for it," he permitted.
"What is your relationship with Bakugo?" Tenya asked.
Izuku glanced at him surprised. Had Mina said something to him?
"I only ask because I get the feeling you two know each other. You attacked him during the USJ, him specifically. Also, during the hideout raid you didn't attempt to recapture at the warehouse with the others. I was there during the battle with the others to get him back. The way you looked at him, you hate him. There was also that time in Hosu where you said, 'he's slightly less of a dick than he was before', meaning that you knew way before the USJ."
Izuku couldn't deny he was impressed. Tenya had really thought it through.
"You're correct, on all accounts," Izuku admitted. "I've known Kacchan since I was a child. He and I used to get along until he received a powerful quirk and I was outed as quirkless. From there on out everything went to hell. I was bullied by him and others for years because I didn't have a quirk. So, naturally, when the opportunity to get revenge came I took it. I had nothing to do with the kidnapping though. I didn't even find out about it until shortly before it happened, and even then, I didn't know it was him. I hate him, and the last thing I want is for him to be in the same group as me. Unfortunately, that hasn't worked out so great."
Tenya didn't respond to that. If things were as Izuku said, then it made sense for him to be angry. That brought him on to his next question.
"How exactly are you taking all this? Being here I mean," he asked.
Izuku thought about this.
"Honestly, I don't know. A lot has happened to me recently. I saw Kacchan again and he hasn't changed a bit. I've nearly died several times. I saw my mother again and I saw her nearly die. Sensei, or All for One as you know him, was murdered and I'll never see him again. And to top it all off I'm here of all places, yet unlike a year ago I have no desire to be a hero, and I'm alongside the person I hate most and people who probably hate me for everything that's happened," he exclaimed.
He was really emotional now. Tenya couldn't help but sympathise with him. He had been through a lot.
"I don't hate you. Neither does Ashido and Uraraka," Tenya reassured him. "Those other students, your classmates, give them time. They just don't know you yet."
Izuku felt strange. No one had ever said that to him before. He felt almost relieved, almost.
"Thanks, and um, how's your brother doing?" Izuku asked, wanting to change the subject.
Tenya gazed at his cup sadly.
"He's doing okay. Still in the hospital but he's recovering, well mostly. He's paralysed from his waist down so he'll never walk again, he'll be stuck in wheelchair for the rest of his life. Despite this, he still remains as optimistic as ever," Tenya said. "I've had Koichi, a friend of my brothers, to help me get through it. He and I have become really good friends as a result."
Izuku narrowed his eyes. Koichi, could he be Crawler? He was a friend of Iida's brother. The last time he saw the man he hadn't gotten his name, he'd seen his face, but his name was a mystery.
"I'm so sorry to hear that," Izuku told him.
"It is what it is," Tenya replied. "The most we can do is continue moving forward."
"Does your brother know, about Hosu?" Izuku asked.
"Oh yes, he knows everything. He berated me for being and idiot but pulled me in for a hug while crying. While he wasn't happy about what I tried to do he was relieved that I was still alive. If I had died or killed Stain, he would've been devasted," Tenya said.
Izuku could relate to that. When his mother was in danger, when she nearly died right in front of him, he felt helpless and despair. Thankfully that didn't happen. But, upon hearing of Sensei's death, he felt pain was just as bad.
"I bet he would've," Izuku agreed. "Speaking of which, how did your teachers react when they heard about it?"
"The principal was angry with me, but Aizawa was furious with me. He might not look it but he can be quite intimidating when he's angry," Tenya said while shuddering at the memory. "I was lucky to not be expelled. I was lucky this time as well."
Izuku laughed, much to Tenya's confusion.
"You know, for someone who wants to be a hero and likes rules and procedures, you're quite the rebel. Aren't you Tenya?" Izuku teased.
Tenya laughed. "I guess you're right. Though I could say the exact same thing about you."
"Well, I definitely can't argue against that one," he agreed.
They both drank their tea. Even though he didn't want to interact with Class 1A, he had to admit, Tenya's presence was rather comforting.
"Hey, I've been meaning to ask you this for a while, I mean if we ever met again," Tenya started.
"Go on," Izuku urged.
"In your view, what are heroes and villains?" Tenya asked.
That question confused Izuku. What did Tenya mean by that? Shouldn't he already know?
"Up until now I thought I knew, but after Hosu I started to have different thoughts," Tenya explained. "You're a villain yet you're actually a good person. Crawler is a vigilante, which is technically a villain, but he performs heroic acts. Stain is a criminal, yet he believes he's doing society a favour. Heroes such as Captain Celebrity and Mount Lady only care about fame and wealth rather than doing the right thing. Yet there are heroes like All Might and my brother who don't care about that sort of thing. The whole idea is very confusing for me, so that's why, I would like to hear your opinion."
Izuku thought hard about how to answer that question. He could understand why Tenya would ask such a question, considering everything he'd been through. As he thought about how to answer, only one came to mind.
"It's hard to describe what makes a true hero or villain. In today's society, heroes are people employed by the government to use their quirks in public to defend others, they act within the law. Villains are the opposite, they use their quirks in public despite what the government says, they act outside the law, in that sense they are criminals, like me. However, it's important to know, heroes and villains, are not the same as good and evil. Take me for example, I am a villain, however I am not evil. Endeavour is a hero, yet he is not good. Does that answer your question?"
Tenya's mind was overwhelmed momentarily before it cleared. Suddenly it felt like the dots in the back of his brain connected all at once and everything made sense.
"Yes," he answered. "I never thought about it that way before. Thank you."
"No problem. A lesson I learned from Kurogiri is that good and evil aren't born, they are made," Izuku recited. "Heroes and villains both have something that defines them for what they are. I have. Stain and Crawler do. And I'm guessing you do as well."
Tenya was dumbfounded. That sentence, and that statement. Certainly, they were true. How had he never thought of it before.
They sat there in silence for a couple of minutes until they finished their tea.
"Iida, thanks for talking to me. I feel better now," Izuku said.
Tenya smiled at him. "Your welcome. I'm glad I got to talk with you. It was a real eyeopener."
The two got up and washed their cups before walking back up.
"I know you're not happy about being here since you didn't have a say in this but, give it time. You may like it here," Tenya said.
"I'm not sure I'll have to think about that one," Izuku replied uncertainly.
"One more thing. Bakugo is probably, actually no scratch that, he will definitely be vocal the next time he sees you," Tenya warned.
"Oh I know he will. I'm ready this time though," Izuku countered.
The two both laughed one final time and returned to their rooms where they slept until the next day.
Hi there. Well, what did you think of that? Izuku is not happy about his situation, though can you blame him? Todoroki will be present a bit more now since there was no reason for him to be before given how things went in the canon. What did you think of Iida in this chapter? Next chapter follows Izuku's first school day at UA. Please review.