AN: I don't own My hero Academia

Let me tell you a story

"And to solve this long equation, you must remember to always start with the brackets. Then move on to rule 4 as I listed previously," Arata said calmly while marking out the equations on the board. His marker listed the basic principles again with a squeak on each stroke. Just in case Izuku forgotten but he highly doubted that. These things may be a little high level for his age, but the boy has been eating through his teaching material like he would starve without it. Although something felt a little off today.

The teacher wasn't wrong, something was off with Izuku. The boy was barely paying any attention to his lessons. He was scribing down something to make it look like he was working. However, they were nothing but chicken scratch. Even if his handwriting neatness has decreased it should still be readable. The child's scarred hand was on autopilot while his mind wondered.

Arata took noticed and lowered his pen. He frowned concerned about his absent-minded student. "Izuku, is there something wrong?"

The child jumped at his teacher's sudden deep stern tone. He wasn't quite use to it yet. He noticed that Arata had two types of voices. The high pitch and bubbly one he used more often, and the deep one he heard when they first met. The voices were so different and distinct it sounded like two different people. No matter how many times he heard it he could never get used to it. "It's nothing, sensei."

Then the pen the child was holding started to glow and was yanked out of their hand. It then proceeded to smack the boy on the forehead. Izuku groaned at the sudden pain and rubbed his poor little head. "That's a lie and you know it." A vacant chair at the corner of the room then dragged itself right in front of Izuku's desk. Arata floated down on to it with one of his legs across the other. He stared at his little student sternly. "Don't make me read your mind to find out."

Izuku had no choice but to give in. "I don't know what I should do, sensei. The options you gave me are great, but I don't know if I'll be suited for any of them." Izuku has been thinking a lot about it recently. With all the talk of choices. What he could do in the future.

His big brother Touya's future was already set and stone. He was going to be a pro hero like their father no matter what it takes. Izuku was more than willing to support him however he can. He knew his brother could be a great hero. Before Fuyumi and Natsuo…left they'd often have little talks like this. Apparently after taking care of Izuku when he was young Fuyumi wanted to go into a profession that takes care of children. Like a caretaker or teacher. Natsuo would often give joke answers like becoming a penguin, but he had a genuine interest in medical care. This became stronger when he saw Touya's burns noticeably got worse.

Then there's him. Ever since he was young, he always admired his father and brother and wanted to be a hero alongside them. That was impossible given his quirkless status. Even the career paths his sensei suggested that are either hero like or apart of the hero industry would be difficult for him. He has no medical quirk to help the injured. He has no water quirk to tame wild flames. Even people with intelligence quirks can surely outshine him in any science profession. It was an uphill battle no matter how you look at it. He even did his own research on the matter. The result made him disheartened. There's an 60% chance an employer would hire someone with a quirk rather than a quirkless. They didn't even need to have a quirk suited for the job. That's what bugged him the most. If he did have the skills needed, he could be easily looked over for the mere fact that he was quirkless. His future doesn't seem bright. How could he help anyone if he doesn't have a quirk to use?

"I see. So that's your worry," Arata hummed thoughtfully.

Blushing, Izuku slapped his hands over his forehead. "You said you won't read my mind."

"I never said I wouldn't," the teacher said cheekily returning to his high-pitched voice. He smiled fondly at the child. Them having such pointless worries were concerning. The child hasn't met another quirkless person yet or heard about them succeeding in current time. He'll have to change that. Tightly, his hand wrapped around a precious object hidden under his shirt. "Let me tell you a story. It's about a hero I knew." His face grew soft yet sad at the same time. Fondly, he gazed at Izuku's confused face. The child was so much like him. Just younger with much to learn. "He was quirkless."

Izuku eyes bulged out of their sockets. "Quirkless!"

Arata's smile dulled, "yes…he was…a true hero compared to myself... Allow me to begin:"

Once upon a time there was a little boy. Body weak from lack of care. The boy had no discerning talents. Or features to catch anyone's eyes. What he did have was a strong and useful quirk. It was the only thing desirable about him. One day he was found by a group that desired his power. So, they took him. The boy was happy to be wanted and would do anything the group wanted. At least that was what he was led to believe.

It was a mistake.

The group was self-centred and cold using the boy however they saw fit. To gain money, be recognised by outsiders, anything. Constantly, they would push him to use his power. If he ever failed to complete a task, he was severely punished. If he disobeyed, he was punished again. If he so much as said a word, he was punished again. It was ok. This was better than his life before. Or at least he thought it was. What was his life before? Surely it had to be worse than it was now otherwise what was the point of taking all this. Following their instructions to the letter like a puppet. He danced and played any role they gave him to the best of his abilities. May it be hero…or villain. For their own gain or amusement. He did everything they wanted using the power he was cursed with.

Little did they knew there was a price to pay for the boy's power. With each extended usage, each limitation broken, he loses something. Memories. It was a price the group was more than willing to pay. What would a puppet need memories for? All he needed to know was how to use his quirk. It was the only value he ever had. They made sure to remind him of that. Each show he performed he lose more and more. It came to a point he didn't know he was losing anything at all. This was all he knew. The was no need for anything else. More and more as time went by the child was no longer a child.

What he used to do was meaningless. Where he used to live was meaningless. His past life was meaningless. His name was meaningless.

Was he really abandoned? Did no one really want him? Should he stop dancing to preserve what little thought he had left?

All these questions were meaningless.

All it needed to be was the perfect puppet. With no will or desire of its own to make. Follow instructions. Never question what you're told. Never stop dancing. Never stop acting. Even if the role was a heinous one. The choice was no longer theirs. This was the only meaning the puppet's life had.

That was until one faithful encounter.

It was during the puppet's usual dance. They saw someone in the distance in trouble, and their role at the time was hero. So, they acted like one. The puppet managed to save them in the nick of time. There was nothing special about this scene. It was a scene that has been played a thousand times with little variation. The person will say thanks and move on with their lives, as would the puppet. They will never meet again, and the puppet will soon forget.

This time was different.

The person the puppet saved was a man that lacked muscle structure and short in hight. His thin face looked at the puppet with a set of eyes it has never seen before. They were wide, sparkling almost, with the most beautiful shade of green. They looked like a fresh meadow made of stars the puppet would love to go to one day. Each eye filled with such warmth. The puppet was reminded what feeling anything was like. His straight hair reached his short shoulders with jagged uneven ends. His delicate strands were a platinum blonde that glistened with sunlight as bright as his eyes did. It framed his face with a side bangs that swept over his forehead and tucked behind his right ear. His skin was flawlessly pale. No blemishes dared to running his milk white complexion. And his smile. Oh, his smile. It was just perfect. Like everything else that was uniquely his.

The man was so loveable even at the first meeting. He would openly share his smile to the puppet. Telling them how thankful his was.

It did nothing for the puppet's heart. It was cold as stone at the time. What come next did move it a bit.

"Would you mind coming with me for a coffee or something? I'd like to thank you properly," he asked so innocently.

It was a simple gesture. One the puppet wanted to say yes too but it was meaningless. He needed to dance again or be punished.

His hesitation made the man worried. He tried to make conversation, but the puppet couldn't say much outside of the script it was given. The recycled lines did nothing to calm the man's concerns. They started asking questions outside the script they puppet was given. It was boggling. The puppet didn't know what to do. The man wanted to reach out, but the puppet was taken away soon. It was a good memory or more an odd one. It might be sad to lose it. Not like it mattered. So long as the puppet danced it will be gone so enough. It will never see that man again. Back to an everlasting dance routine till it could finally faded to nothing. It hoped was soon.

The puppet was wrong.

The group that took the puppet crumbled. More and more of their miss deeds were leaked. As retribution for their sins, they were disbanded. Faded away into nothing. The causer of their demised can be traced to one person. A reporter too nosey for their own good dug around. They found a lot of suspicious behaviour. The report was turned into the police and actions were made.

The puppet was free one could say. But the damage done to it was severe. The puppet couldn't do anything but what they had been instructed all their lives. Dance and play whatever role it needed to play. It had no other value. So, when its masters disappeared it become nothing but an empty shell.

'You're free to go,' they say. But where? It couldn't remember anything more than its life as a puppet. What would they to do now? Hum…maybe this time it could finally disappear. Rest in an endless void of darkness it grew accustomed to.

At light ruined that thought. 'If you have nowhere to go. You can come with me.' It was that man again with blindingly starry green eyes. His name was Sai. The reporter that took down the group who owned the puppet. Sai offered his hand to the puppet. With nothing left to lose he accepted.

It was the best decision he ever made.

Sai gave him many gifts. The most precious of all was teaching him how to live. He taught him how to tie shoes laces. How to make simple conversations. Do things he never thought he could without the use of his quirk. He taught him how to smile. How to love. How he loved that man. Sai gave him everything he never thought he needed or thought he was ever going to get. He gave him value beyond his quirk. Showed him there was more to life that what he was forced to do through most of it. The man's kindness and positivity were a drug he would happily take for the rest of his life. It was a new feeling. To want something so much. To feel anything like this was a miracle after being a puppet for so long.

Eventually, the two got married.

"I almost forgot," Arata chimed before putting an end to his story. "Sai gave one other precious thing to the puppet. Since he long forgotten what it was originally, he was given a new name. Can you guess what it was?"

Izuku cheekily smiled. "It's pretty obvious the story was about you, sensei. So, then it's your name."

The teacher praised his student with an enthusiast head pat. "That's right, Arata. It means new and fresh. A symbol of my new life. My beloved Sai was the greatest gift life could a given me. My hero despite not professionally holding that title. Not only did his work took down the organisation that held me, but he reached out to me." Then he fished out the item he was holding all this time. It was a simple golden heart shaped locket. Arata lovingly stroked the hard outer casing. Another gift from his beloved. He could still remember it as if it happened only yesterday. His bright smile greeting him while he held out his hand. "If Sai hadn't reached out to be that day. I don't think I'd be here. He was a true hero in my eyes." Arata has such fondness in his voice and eyes. It was easy to tell the man was completely smitten. He gushed about the various adventures they had. Like the first time they attempted to make a pancake. It was unexpectedly explosive and messy day. Although they sounded mundane to Izuku it was a whole different experience to Arata. Given the fact most of his life has been eased outside of his life with Sai.

"You've lost your memoires, sensei?" Izuku asked innocently.

Sadly, Arata smiled. "I'm afraid so, my boy. A consequence of the over usage of my quirk." He brushed his forehead as he explained its mechanics. The organ that allows him to perform his quirk was hotwired deeply in his brain. Whenever he uses it the organ pluses. Slamming itself into his brain. It's not so bad in small dosages. At times he'd get a mild headache if he's lucky, but back then he was forced to use his quirk nearly 24/7. The damages caused his memory banks made him forget. It ranged from him being mildly forgetful to outright memory lost. Most of those memories like his past life can never be recover. There were moments he forgotten how to walk. Forcing him to use his quirk even more just to move. It was a miserable existence.

But Sai was patient with him. When he first took Arata in he even forgotten how to talk. It was hard for him to break the habit of using his quirk for every little thing after being forced to constantly relaying to use it for so long. His beloved would often have to knock him out just so he'd stop and allow his body to recover. It was a long and gruelling recovery, but Sai wouldn't give up. He retaught Arata how to live again. How to live life where you don't need a quirk to survive. Be happy despite where society was heading. All while never expecting anything in return. It was hard not to fall for someone like him.

"That's my you got married and lived happily ever after." Izuku happily ended for him. The story made he him a little better. A quirkless man essential becoming a hero for one of the strongest people he knew. Maybe there is some hope for him. "He sounds really cool."

"Yes, my Sai was very cool and a lot stronger than he looks," Arata claimed with a chuckle. "He may have arms that looked like a stick, but even a stick can give you a black eye. Some foolish muggers found that the hard way. It was truly a breath-taking sight. Watching some idots get beat up by and I quote: 'some scrawny wimp I can beat up with my eyes close'." The smile on the man's face was ever lasting. Soon he went on another long-winded speech about how much he loved this Sai and how he never seizes to amaze him. He's the type to give the shirt on his back to help someone. Even when they tired to mug him. He often tired to talk to any assailant that thought he was easy prey with the same amount of kindness he showed him. At first in confused Arata. None of it made sense to him, but in soon become a trait he admired the most.

The more Izuku heard the more he got curious. For one he never met a quirkless person before. Even better a pretty accomplish one if his sensei's words were to be believe. Maybe they could help him. The more he heard the more he couldn't help but ask: "You think I can meet him? I haven't meet a quirkless person before and I got some questions I'd like to ask him."

The smile on Arata's face suddenly dropped. The light in his blue eyes faded with it. "I'm afraid my beloved is somewhere far away. Even I can't reach him currently." His voice deepened once again.

Izuku frowned with him. "But why is he far away. Won't you miss each other?"

Arata eyes shifted away from the child's sadden gaze. "Yes, we do…there's nothing much I can do about it unfortunately."

The child's frown deepened. Tears even started to form in his eyes. "But that's so sad."

Arata chuckled a bit and smooth down the child's curls. "Don't frown like that, Izuku. As my beloved always said: 'Keep smiling. Even through the sad times'." Then he showed off his brightest smile. "Even if we are far apart, I must keep smiling. He'd be so disappointed in me otherwise."

"Then I'll smile too!" Izuku cheered rising his arm high above my head. "I hope you and Sai we meet each other real soon. Bring me with you when he comes back from his trip, ok?"

Arata gave the child a solemn nod. His hand instinctively clenched on his precious locket. His eyes then looked to Izuku's. Their bright green shine was filled with innocent and care. Just like his beloved. Those eyes. One of the few reasons why he came here. "That would be difficult. Although, I'm sure we'll both be able to meet him one day," he replied in a deepened tone.

It was the end of the day and Arata was walking his way back home. He has gotten use to not flying around and he'd like to keep it that way. He hated the thought of relapsing, making all his beloved's hard work pointless. That's why he hasn't made a proper scene in the hero industry. No doubt it he got notice again then take advantage of him like the first 'agency' he was recruited for. They would work him until he forgets... he never wants to forget again. Not like he cared much for heroics. The satisfaction of saving a random life wasn't something that appealed to him. There wasn't any point to it to begin with. It was pointless to care about those he would soon forget. Purposely or not. The only reason he continued was because it was good pay, he be planned to pay back Sai for everything he gave him.

He never wanted to be a hero to begin with. Well, he couldn't really say that since he couldn't remember anything of what he used to want. Not like it mattered. Those memoires are gone. Died along with whoever he was. All he had now where the memories of Arata Darewell with dearly beloved. He won't let anyone takes those from him. That's why he had extra careful not to push his limits more than they already have. He would rather die than lose those treasures.

Suddenly, he stopped by a clear glass window. It was clean enough with a darken shine to he could see his own reflection. He noticed his roots were getting too dark for his liking. He'll have to dye them again. Even the length of his hair was getting too long. They need to be closer to shoulder length just like his. The most annoying thing about his reflection was his eyes. They didn't glow as brightly. Only when he used his quirk. he hated how ugly, dull and lifeless they were. How closely they matched the eyes that stared back at him when he was a puppet. "It would be better if they were green like yours."

"But I like your eyes," cheered a voice inside his head. A treasured memory. "They're such a beautiful shade of blue."

Arata clenched his fist and bit his lip. Of course, he said that. He thought every part of him was beautiful. Really, he was ugly. Scarred. Dark. His hands were painted with crimson red. As he ran through that train of thought. Splatters of red flashed over his hands like hideous paint stains.

"MERCY!"

Huh? What was that? That didn't sound like his beloved. Odd. An old memory perhaps. It's fuzzy. There was a lot of screaming and a lot of red splattered all around him. His heart felt numbed to it. It didn't fill him with warmth or bitter coldness. He felt nothing. "Why don't I feel anything?" he questioned loud. He wasn't sure why he said that, but he remembered saying that. He doesn't know why. The memory was too unclear. To him that was a big enough indicator that it didn't matter. It was a pointless memory to remember. He glared at his reflection yet again. Lost in thought.

"All Might's done it again with another major rescue downtown."

Halting in place, Arata coldly glanced beside him. It was a TV store with every style of TV imaginable. Each screen was playing the same news story.

"They say a faulty appliance caused a whole complex building to go on fire. Luckily, All Might was around to save every resident."

"There is no wonder he's the number one hero. That man can save everyone."

That last phase crawled under his skin. His quirk suddenly flared up making his curled ponytail fly. He bitterly clenched his teeth while holding on to his treasured item beneath his shirt. If looks could kill every TV at the store font would be dusk. Well, he had to settle for a broken window. The people nearby screamed at the window suddenly cracked and shattered. They chatted amongst themselves wondering what happened. Arata looked on bored and hissed in a bitter tone: "Not everyone."

AN: Well, this was an interesting write. I tried to be a little arty about it but I'm not sure how well it came across. For those of you who weren't so sure about Arata this chapter should help get a better picture of him. If Arata's story is little confusing it will probably get explained clear later but…

Essentially, Arata is a victim of human trafficking. He ends up in a shady agency because of how powerful his quirk was when he was a child. I think you can all imagine by reading between the lines it wasn't a good time. Until Sai. Not only did he discovered the human traffic ring Arata was a part of, Sai rehabilitated him. He was the main reason why Arata has a strong respect for the quirkless.

Now just because Sai was able to rehabilitate Arata doesn't mean he's completely sane as you can tell form this and past actions. Because of what he's gone through he's become apathetic. Reason why he has ignored most of the happening is the Todoroki family. He simply doesn't care what happens to them other than Izuku. The only reason why he's attached to Izuku is because as I said he remind him of Sai. A baby less confident Sai leading him to really want to help Izuku so he can shine as brightly as his beloved did. He doesn't care much for hero work and avoids it as much as possible so he could never forget again. Also, disclaimer this doesn't mean Arata is gay. Sai could have been a lizard person and how would he still have fallen for them. Could have made them a girl since they used to be a name place holder for a cannon character that would not work in this AU. They are now their own character. That character was a guy, and this will help me with future set up.

If it wasn't obvious by the ending Sai died …this has been hinted at the very first moment Arata was introduced, and All Might was tied to it. That's why Arata was depressed when we first met him and why he hates All Might. I wouldn't say much else since I will dive into it in season 2. A little hint if All Might failed why doesn't anyone talk about it?

If anyone still dislikes Arata after this. I'm sorry but I will complete his plotline. I will not be able compete original Arata's story, but I am determined to complete this Arata's story. So please let me have this.

A friendly dude – what a coincidence.

Yinasuka – well it will be an interesting adventure.

Harleking31 – you know fair. Given what I have reveal about him this event and what he did to his students in the original work he's from psycho sensei fits perfectly. And I wanted to make the apron pink. With frills and maybe a cute animal head to boot but it was originally Rei's and I can't see her in that style. Also think Endeavour would have too much pride to wear one like that. I will get to Shoto and Inko one day. Just not this season…which is ending in 2 events.

king of de mops – no…maybe tolerate.

Cyber-RK18 – oh no. Arata is married. Screw the death do us part thing he will never fall for someone who isn't Sai. As for Izuku still undecided. Shoto will come eventually and Nastuo…unlikely…unless I do my squeal.

ReDestrobo – technically, they are blaming both endeavour and Izuku. Endeavour being the root cause and Izuku being a catalyst to escalate things. Life truly is unfair and no…I really can't see Rei ever liking Izuku even if he's famous.

Alpha Therapy – thanks I've been creating quite the list of events. Do not know if I'll ever complete it but I will at least get to Shoto. 3 seasons wroth of events is what I'm aiming for which will end before U.A. Then if I have the energy continue with the U.A list as a squeal. Knowing me don't trust me 100%.

barrytrey0430 – don't know how much they'll appreciate all being tied together with tape.

Liziliza – yeah…well at least the family will be eating well without a mom in the house. As for what Izuku will become that will ne next season. It may evolve in the future, but it will start off as such.

Dreamer-Sara – as I said. I'm ok.

fencer29 – yup. Arata may just be a supporting character but he's the main one that will support all three Todorokis…eventually. Pretty sure Arata can do chemistry but not much cooking. He can do enough so he won't starve but they won't taste good, look good or leave the kitchen unharmed. Might do an event on this in the future though unlikely. The season 2 list so very long. Probably be the longest. I rather not add any more to it.

Jhspzhihzahyk – well endeavour is a very heated guy. Also, prideful. If you had his amount of pride and someone, just give you cheap instant noddle because they believe you couldn't cook or buy food for yourself. I do think that will go well.

Shisui34 – well…still feel bad about Fuyumi. Also thanks they are very long plans though. That why I divided these events up into seasons.

NatsuUzumaki161 – well you can now fully judge Arata now if you still believe that. Touya is a secondary main so I hope I write him well and Endeavour. I never wanted to make him flawless. He is a very flawed person and I wanted to show that.

Next time an event…we have a runaway.