Edit: Some minor changes such as removing unnecessary adverbs, random POV changes or grammar mistakes.

Well… Here they were. The prestigious Beacon Academy. Why are high-caliber schools so obsessed with having a campus the size of a city? This place had its own island, for God's sake!

The airship landed at the port and opened its latch. Well, here goes nothing.

Izuku got out of the airship with Ruby and Yang, slowly walking towards the campus. Jeez, Izuku has faced certain death on multiple occasions, fought in a war, and traveled dimensions! Yet, he still couldn't escape the first day jitters. Some things just never changed, huh?

"Izuku! Are you coming?" Ruby asked.

"...I think I'm going to catch up with you guys. I still have a lot to think about," Izuku said.

Ruby frowned. "Okay… I'll see you inside."

"Aw, it's okay, sis! I'm sure your boyfriend is just nervous." Said Yang.

B-boyfriend!? She meant a friend who is a boy, right?

Right. That's what Yang meant.

Ruby pouted and sprouted a tick mark on her forehead. "For the last time, Yang, he's not my boyfriend!"

Yang rubbed her chin. "Mmmmmm, Ion know. You guys seem pretty close to me."

Ruby groaned. "Whatever, Yang. Let's just go. You said you'd meet up with us later, right, Izuku?"

"Right. I'll see you later, Ruby."

"Seeya Izuku." Ruby and Yang walked off to the school, leaving Izuku to contemplate (Read: Brood).

First day in a new school…again. This was essentially the same as UA, except now he was exceptionally better than on his first day at UA. So why did this feel so different? Well, he knew why. He's in an entirely different world, with completely different people. Aside from what Ozpin told him, Izuku knew nothing about this world, and he's expected to help save it!?

Izuku sighed. This was… overwhelming, to say the least. This would be a lot more bearable with his friends. Well, there was Ruby and maybe Yang. But as great as they were, Izuku still missed his classmates back home.

"Excuse me. Are you lost?"

Oh, there was still someone here? Everyone had gone at this point. Izuku looked over and saw a tall girl with long red hair tied in a ponytail that went down to her waist. The bronze armor she wore further solidified her amazonian appeal. "Hello there!" She greeted.

"Oh, hey! No, I'm not lost. I was just thinking about things." Izuku said.

"Is everything all right?" She asked.

"Yeah, it's just… It feels like I've already been through this. I'm not sure how I feel starting at square one again."

"I think I understand how you're feeling." The girl said. "I used to participate in fighting tournaments before applying for Beacon."

"You did?"

She nodded. Izuku supposed it made sense. With her strong body and armor, she'd be perfect in one-on-one fights.

"I came to Beacon because I wanted to do my part in helping the world. It has been a bit difficult adjusting, but I'm happy with my fresh start!"

Fresh start… Yeah, Izuku could get behind that. There were so many opportunities to do good and get stronger here. Of course, he would never abandon his home, but if he could master One For All here and go back to Japan with that strength, he could see his friends' smiling faces in no time.

"I never thought of it like that. Thank you…"

"Oh, I'm Pyrrha Nikos." Pyrrha seemed a bit nervous introducing herself. He wondered what that was about.

"I'm Izuku Midoriya. It's a pleasure to meet you Ni- er, Pyrrha."

Pyrrha was a bit confused with the slipup but let it slide. "Likewise, Izuku!"

She was just as nice as Ruby. Oh right! he had to get to campus and meet up with her. "I'm sorry, but I've got to go. I promised my friend I'd meet up with her. Thank you again!"

"It's alright. I hope to see you at Beacon!"

Izuku nodded and ran off to find his friend. Man, this place was huge. He knew he shouldn't be surprised at this point, but… Who was he kidding? He'd never get used to this. How would he find Ruby at this rate? Oh, there she was!

Wait, did she just explode? Where'd that lighting come from? Who was that white-haired girl? And where'd Yang go? Did she leave Ruby behind? That's kind of mean. And now, there was a black-haired girl with a bow on her head. Her poker face could rival Todoroki's. And now the white-haired girl is mad, and she apparently has butlers!? Just what the hell was Ruby up to when he was gone?

...Oh, she's alone again. Great! Less social interactions for him. Izuku walked to his friend and offered her a hand. "You, okay?"

"Yeah, I'm okay." She took his hand, and he pulled her off the ground. Then she snickered. "So, are you done brooding?"

"I haven't been brooding. Just thinking."

Izuku and Ruby walked around a circular path on the campus toward God knows where to find the entrance to the building. Izuku just got done with a rant explaining the difference between brooding and reflecting. "One is emotional, the other is contemplative," he had said. Ruby just snickered. She knew brooding when she saw it. "Whatever you say, brooding boy."

"Don't call me that! It's mean!"

"I'm sorry! You just looked like you were thinking about the "deep dark black hole that is my soul." Ruby mocked in a deep voice.

Izuku groaned. "Can we please talk about something else?"

Ruby laughed. "Okay, okay! We'll talk about something else."

"Thank you!"

Ruby tapped her index fingers together. "So… What's it like in your world?"

"My world? I lived in the city, so there were a lot of buildings, cars, buses, train stations. That sort of thing." Izuku Said.

"Well, what was it like growing up?"

"Growing up…."

Oof! She must've brought up the wrong subject. "I'm sorry! You don't have to answer that."

"No, no! It's fine. Just a few bad memories here and there, but who doesn't have those right?" Izuku chuckled dryly. "Anyways, growing up, it was just my Mom and me. My Dad works overseas, so I don't see him very often. Back then, and even now, the only thing I knew how to talk about was Superheroes. I had all of their merchandise and even some of their old personal belongings. Not in a creepy way! They were selling them!"

"Hehe, It's still a bit weird, Izuku."

Izuku chuckled. "I guess it is, but I thought it was so cool. When Mom and I went out, I would always find a Hero fighting a Villain in the street and join the crowd. Mom would try to pull me out, telling me it was dangerous. I knew it was, but I didn't care. I thought every Hero was so cool that it was worth the danger. But there was one Hero, in particular, that was the best of the best, and he inspired me to become a hero too."

"Who was it?"

Izuku smiled at the fond memories he had with his mentor. "His name was All Might."

"All Might?"

"That's not his real name. But with the impact he had in my world, it might as well be. When I was young, I would ask my Mom to play the same video of him on the computer. It was an old video of one of his most iconic rescues. The buildings were falling, there was rubble everywhere, and everything was on fire."

Ruby shuddered. "That sounds scary."

"You would think so. But All Might managed to turn everything around in an instant. He rescued 100 people in ten minutes, all while having a fearless smile on his face. To him, that gruesome situation looked like a minor inconvenience, and he saved everyone effortlessly. That's how it always was with him, and I thought it was amazing."

"It is amazing! All Might sounds awesome!"

"He is. Even after his retirement, he still shined with hope. It's no wonder he single-handedly brought an era of peace."

Ruby gushed and grabbed Izuku, now dawning her serious face. "Izuku, you have to introduce me to All Might."

Izuku sweatdropped. "Maybe someday."

Ruby accepted that answer (for now, anyway). "So, you came here in a costume, so I assume you were a hero too?"

"Well, I wasn't yet. I'm still technically in training, though I've been on missions before."

"So you already have experience? Man, we're gonna kick butt at Beacon! I hope we're on the same team!"

"I do, too, Ruby. So, what about you? How did you grow up?"

"Well, it was always just me, Yang, and my Dad. My mother died, and we don't know where Yang's Mom is."

"I'm so sorry, Ruby," Izuku said.

"Don't be. It's not your fault. You were in another world after all." They both laughed at that. Ruby always found a way to lighten the mood. She was great in that way. "Besides, we were happy with just each other. Yang has basically been like a mother to me. Every night she would read me stories about heroes and monsters. It's one of the reasons I want to become a huntress, aside from my mother."

"Your mother? But she…."

"I know, but she was a huntress too, just like my Dad and Uncle Qrow. My whole family are pretty much all Huntsman and Huntresses."

"So it's like a family tradition?"

"Kind of. My Dad said we could do whatever we wanted, but I've always thought Huntsmen were so cool and romantic! And Yang has always liked action, so we both wanted to become huntresses. So my Dad signed us both up for Signal Academy, where I made…." Ruby pulled out her scythe. "My baby Crescent Rose!"

Izuku's eyes shined. "You made that! That's so cool!"

"I know, right! And check this out!" Then, the scythe suddenly started transforming like a transformer (clever, I know) and turned into "A customizable high impact sniper rifle! In other words, it's also a gun."

Izuku could barely contain himself. The way it was designed made it so versatile. Combined with her semblance and skill, she'd make one hell of a huntress. And she made that!? Izuku's surprised she's just now getting into Beacon, and she got in two years early!

"It's nothing, really! I just really wanted to be a huntress, so I worked hard."

"Wait, did I say all that out loud?"

"Wait, were you talking to yourself!?" Ruby busted out in laughter. Damn! He was sure he broke that habit for sure this time.

"Please don't laugh."

"Okay, I'm sorry." Ruby whipped the last little tear out her eye. "So what about your Hero Costume? Did you make yours?"

"Um, no. The support department at my school did. Well, they designed the gear. My Mom made the actual costume."

Ruby cooed. "Your Mom made the costume. That's so adorable. She sounds great."

Izuku blushed but smiled. "Yeah. She is."

"So, what is the gear for?"

Izuku gestured to his arms. "My gauntlets allow me to use my quirk at a higher power since I can't go all out yet. But since the left one is broken, I can only use the right one for now." Izuku then pointed to the iron soles on his feet. "I mostly kick, so the Iron Soles absorb impact and redistribute it as kinetic energy." Izuku then activated his gloves. "And these are my Air Force Gloves. You see, I have a move where I can use pressurized wind attacks, but they aren't controlled. The gloves condense the attacks and release them as more controlled air projectiles. Here, watch."

Ruby watched in amazement as Izuku's white gloves, much like Ruby's scythe, started to change into more bulkier-looking gloves with golden slots coming out of the knuckles. Izuku then grabbed his right arm to steady it and put his right hand in a…flicking position?

"Delaware Smash: Air Force!"

Pew!

Izuku flicked his finger and blasted a huge condensed air projectile at a nearby tree.

Creak!

The resulting burst put a clean hole right through the tree.

"...Woah," Ruby said.

"Huh? It must've gotten stronger. I couldn't do that before."

"You just keep getting more awesome, don't you?"

Izuku blushed. "Honestly, I wouldn't have gotten nearly as strong as I did without help from my friends. I owe so much to them. That's why I need to get back as soon as I can."

Ruby stared at him for a bit, then she chuckled. "You know Izuku? I'm really glad you're my friend. I don't know if I could've survived here without you."

"I think you would've done great. But I feel the same way. I'd probably still be panicking if it wasn't for you."

Ruby stopped walking and turned to face him. "I know you're not going to be here for long, but let's both do our best, okay!"

Izuku nodded. "Right!" They sealed the deal with a fist bump.

"Onward to Beacon Academy!" Ruby exclaimed.

"So… Where's the entrance?"

"You don't know where it is either!?"

"I don't know where anything is! I was following you!"

"I was following you!"

"Why would you follow me? I just got here!"

"So did I!"

Before they ventured to Beacon Academy, they needed to find their sense of direction.

By some miracle, the two dorks managed to find their way to the entrance of the building. All the Academy candidates were bunched up below the podium, waiting for the headmaster to arrive and start the orientation.

"Ruby! Izuku! I saved you a spot!"

"Oh! Let's go!"

"H-hold on a minute-Ahh!" Before he could finish, Ruby pulled his arm and dragged him over to Yang.

"So, where were you two? Making out behind the school?"

"M-making out!?"

"Well, that would've been better than you ditching me." Said Ruby.

"Ruby, please watch what you say." Said Izuku

"Well, it's not my fault that Yang ditched me! I exploded, for God's sake."

"Jeez, first we gotta deal with Izuku's brooding ("Stop saying that!"), and now you're already having a meltdown? Yikes."

"Don't compare me literally exploding to Izuku's brooding."

"I wasn't brooding!"

"Sis, you're exaggerating, right?"

"I wish! I tripped over some crabby girl's luggage, and then she yelled at me! And then I sneezed, and then I exploded, and then she yelled at me again! And I felt really, really bad, and I just wanted her to stop yelling at me!" Ruby whined.

"And I thought I rambled," Thought Izuku.

"YOU!"

"Eep!" Ruby comically jumped into Yang's arm. "It's happening again!"

"You're lucky we weren't blown off the side of the cliff!" Said the white-haired girl.

"Wait, you actually exploded!? I thought my eyes were just playing tricks on me!" Izuku said.

"Of course she did! And all over me too!"

"You were probably too busy brooding to notice." Said Yang.

Izuku deflated. "I give up."

"I swear it was an accident! Please don't sue me!" Ruby begged.

The white-haired girl shoved a pamphlet in Ruby's face. "What's this?" Ruby asked.

"The Schnee Dust Company is not responsible for any injuries or damages sustained while operating a Schnee Dust Company product. Although not mandatory, the Schnee Company highly encourages our customers to blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah!"

"...uh."

"Do you really want to start making things up to me?"

"Absolutely?"

The Schnee Heiress shoved the pamphlet in Ruby's chest. "Read this and don't ever speak to me again."

"H-hey! Maybe we just got off on the wrong foot. Why don't we all start over? Hi, my name is Izuku Midoriya!"

"I'm Yang Xiao Long. Ice to meet you. Hehe"

"No offense Yang, but that was painfully unfunny," thought Izuku

Ruby coughed into her hand. "I'm Ruby Rose. Do you wanna hang out? We can shop for school supplies."

"Yeah! And we can paint our nails and try on clothes and talk about cute boys like… Short, green, and plain face over here." The Schnee Heiress said in a clear sarcastic voice.

Ruby didn't seem to catch on. "Wow, really!"

…

…

…

"...No."

Ruby deflated.

The feedback on the microphone cut off any further conversation the two enemies were going to have. Ozpin stood on the podium and adjusted his glasses. "I'll… keep this brief. You have traveled here today in search of knowledge. To hone your craft and acquire new skills."

"I'm here because I have nowhere else to go." Thought our green-haired protagonist.

"And when you have finished, you plan to dedicate your life to the protection of the people."

Ozpin paused for a moment to let that sink in with the other students. "But I look amongst you, and all I see is wasted energy in need of purpose, direction."

Everyone froze. "You assume knowledge will free you of this, but your time at this school will prove that knowledge can only carry you so far. It is up to you to take the first step."

Ozpin looked among the crowd and saw mixed emotions of determination, doubt, or just plain carelessness. What a shame. Oh well, it wasn't his job to hold their hands. His job was to teach. So with that, Ozpin walked off the podium, and Glynda Goodwitch took his place.

"You will gather in the ballroom tonight. Tomorrow your initiation begins. If there are no further questions, then you are dismissed."

"Well, he seemed… off."

"It's almost like he wasn't there."

Yeah, Ozpin did seem a bit dismissive here. Even if Izuku didn't want to admit it, Ozpin seemed passionate about teaching and cared about his students, and yet he sorta just brushed them off.

Oh well. This was the same guy that put Izuku in another dimension, so who knows what's happening with him.

But back to the real question. Was he really that plain-faced? He wasn't that unremarkable, was he?

"Nah, you're pretty cute, Izuku. Especially when you're brooding." Said Yang.

Task failed successfully?

Izuku currently sat on the boy's side of the ballroom in his sleeping bag, struggling to get any sort of sleep.

Did they all have to sleep in the same room? Even the girls? It's incredibly uncomfortable and crowded. Also, why did every boy have their shirt off? Was that guy flexing his bicep?

Ugh! There were too many distractions. He needed to clear his head. Izuku got out of his sleeping bag and looked for a spot to gather his thoughts. He found the unopened doors to the balcony of the ballroom. He knew he probably shouldn't be out there, but he really needs some fresh air.

Izuku snuck his way off to the balcony doors. Once successful, he slowly opened the door and prayed no one noticed him gone. Finally, he managed to sneak his way out of the ballroom and onto the balcony. Before he could celebrate his victory, though, he saw a familiar red-haired amazon in her brown pajamas staring into the sky.

"Pyrrha?"

She turned her attention to Izuku, then smiled and waved. "Hello again!"

"Hey." Izuku tilted his head like a confused puppy. "So, what are you doing out here?"

"Oh! I just have some stuff on my mind. It's nothing. I know I shouldn't be out here, but I just needed some fresh air."

Izuku chuckled. "That's the reason I'm out here too, actually. I couldn't sleep."

"Oh, well. Maybe it helps to talk about it? So what's on your mind?"

Izuku sheepishly rubbed the back of his head. "It's nothing. I just miss home a little, that's all. I'll be fine, though. I've had worse."

Pyrrha nodded. "Izuku, do you know who I am?"

"Ummm, no. Should I?"

"No. You don't have to. In fact, I'm glad you don't. Sometimes being famous gets a bit… overwhelming. I just wish to become a huntress to protect people, but everyone has set such high expectations that I feel I cannot live up to."

Izuku hung his head. "I understand exactly how you feel—more than you could know. Back home, I was in the middle of a catastrophic event. It left most of my hometown in ruins."

Pyrrha gasped. "I'm surprised I never heard about it."

Crap! Of course, that would make international news. Improvise! "Well, it happened a long time ago, and it was covered really briefly, so I'm not surprised." She seemed to have bought it—score one for Izuku. "But anyways, this event was caused by a single man that I should've been able to stop, but I couldn't. I was too weak. No matter what I threw at him, he brushed it off like I hit him with a pillow!" Izuku clenched his fist. "I was so useless! Everyone was counting on me, and I blew it! He won! He got the destruction he wanted! So many people died because I couldn't bring him down!" Izuku's throat choked up as the taste of salt hit his mouth. He wiped his eyes on his hand and chuckled dryly. "I'm sorry, Pyrrha. That's just been on my mind for a while."

Pyrrha gave him a comforting smile. "It is quite alright. As I said, I think it's better to let these feelings out instead of bottling them up. So tell me, why did you come to Beacon?"

He couldn't tell her because he literally had nowhere else to go. Izuku just said. "I want to be a Huntsman."

"I understand that Izuku. But why do you want to be a Huntsman."

He didn't. He wanted to be a hero. But weren't they sort of the same. Heroes and Huntsman's job was to protect the innocent. They have similar school systems in place. Hell, even his and Ruby's motivations are almost identical. So even if he became a Huntsman, he'd still be living his dream, right? He may not be a Pro Hero, but he would still be a hero. And wasn't that what he wanted. To have his mere presence in society establish peace? Having others look up to you for safety? To be able to let people smile for years-no decades to come!?

That's right… Izuku didn't want to be a Professional Hero! Izuku wanted to be a real hero! He remembered everything he stood for—all of his ideals. There was no need to mope around. Even in another world, Izuku would become a hero, and he'd take that dream to his grave.

"The reason I came to Beacon was to be a beacon of hope for the world. I want to be so strong that I can smile fearlessly in the face of danger. When I'm around, I won't let anyone get hurt. I came to Beacon Academy to become a hero."

Pyrrha gaped at Izuku. Such conviction! You could clearly see the shine of determination in his eyes. Green hair followed the wind pattern, his fist clenched over his heart, and his confident smile radiated sunshine. This was the look of someone certain of their destiny.

"Hehe, sorry." Izuku rubbed the back of his head and chuckled. "I may have gotten a bit carried away."

Pyrrha giggled. "Maybe just a bit."

A comfortable silence fell between the two as they leaned over the balcony gazing at the stars. Izuku was sure of himself now. Even if he somehow never returned home, he would still become the hero he wanted to be, no matter the cost.

"What's your problem with my sister! She's only trying to be nice." Yelled Yang

"She's a hazard to my health." Yelled Weiss.

"We should probably get back inside. If you're really that famous, someone is bound to notice your missing."

Pyrrha sighed disappointedly. "You're right. It was lovely talking to you, Izuku."

Izuku smiled brightly. "Likewise, Pyrrha."

"I know! We'll have some sort of signal! Like a distress signal!" The orange-haired girl gasped. Her turquoise eyes widened, suggesting she came up with a better idea. "Or a secret signal so we can find each other in the forest! Can you imitate a sloth?"

"Nora?" Said the black-haired teen.

The now named Nora stopped her ramblings. "Yes, Ren?"

Ren took his fully automatic pistols and tucked them in his sleeve. "I don't think sloths make a lot of noise."

Nora's bright smile faltered…

Before her eyes widened and she got it right back. "That's why it's perfect! No one will suspect we're working together!"

Ren smiled. "C'mon Nora, let's go."

"But not like together, together. Hehe."

They headed toward the locker room exit, walking past our green-haired protagonist, his red-haired friend, and her sister.

"I wonder what those two were so worked up about." Said Ruby.

"Eh, who knows. So, I noticed you two are awfully chipper this morning! I haven't caught Izuku brooding once!" Said Yang.

"Thanks?" Said Izuku.

"Well, why wouldn't I be excited? No more of that awkward getting-to-know-you stuff." Ruby pulled Crescent Rose out of her locker and hugged it like it was her baby (Because it was!). "Today, I get to let my sweetheart do the talking."

"Ruby, you're not the only one taking initiation, you know? If you want to grow up, you're gonna have to learn to meet new people and learn to work together."

"Ugh! You sound like Dad!" Ruby grumbled. "First off, I've already met Izuku, and we kicked butt together. Secondly, I don't need other people to grow up. I. Drink. Milk."

Izuku tightened the gloves on his hand. "Yang is right, you know. One of the most significant parts of any occupation is networking. If you don't get to know the right people now, it'll be a lot harder to be successful later on."

"Ughhhhhhh! Way to make being a Huntress sound boring, Izuku." Said Ruby.

"Yeah, don't get cocky, Mop-Top. You may not be in your feelings anymore, but you've still got a long way to go."

Izuku stared at his hand and clenched his fist, tensing his muscles. "I know I do. I'll keep doing my best!"

"A bit overdramatic, but I like your spirit!" Said Yang. "See, Izuku knows what's up! You gotta get to know other people! What'll happen when we form teams?"

Ruby fidgeted and started playing with her cape. "Ion know. I… I'll just be on a team with you or Izuku or something."

Yang turned away from Ruby, messing with her hair. "That's the thing. I was thinking, maybe, that you could be on someone else's team?"

Ruby gasped. "My dear sister Yang. Are you implying that you do not wish to be on the same team with me?"

"What! No! Of course not! I just thought that maybe it would help you… break out of your shell!"

Ruby humphed. "Break out of my…! I don't need to break out of my shell! That's completely ridiculous! Whatever! I'll meet you outside!" Ruby stomped off, grumbling some along the lines of "the nerve of some people."

"...Is anyone gonna tell her she went the wrong way?" Asked Izuku.

"Eh. She'll figure it out. You coming?

Izuku shook his head. "I've still got some stuff I need to check. I'll meet you outside."

"Don't go brooding on me, Mop-Top."

"I won't! I promise!"

"Aha! So you admit you were totally brooding!"

"...Maybe a little."

Yang snickered. "I'll see you outside, Izuku."

Izuku nodded and went back to adjusting his gear. He really needed to get his costume repaired. He'd have to ask Ozpin if anyone could help with that.

Izuku was about to leave when his ears picked up a conversation nearby.

"So, Pyrrha? Have you given any thought about whose team you want to be on? I'm sure everyone wants to unite with such a strong, well-known individual such as yourself!"

Pyrrha put her hand on her hip and rubbed her chin. "I'm not quite sure. I did have one person in mind, but if I can't join him, I'll just let the chips fall where they may."

"Wait! Does she mean me!?" Thought Izuku. He was hoping to be on a team with Ruby, but Prryha was definitely okay with him.

"O-Oh…. Well, if you can't join him, you could always join me!"

Pyrrha, bless her heart, smiled brightly and gave a thumbs up. "That sounds grand!"

Weiss smiled politely. "Great!"

That poor fool! The smartest and the strongest girl in class!? They'd be unstoppable! Oh, she could see it now. They'd be popular, get good grades! They'd practically be celebrities! Nothing could stop her now!

"Oh, hello, Izuku!"

"O-oh, hey Prryha! What's up!"

…You've gotta be kidding her. The plain green-haired kid was the guy Prryha was talking about? He's friends with that Ruby brat! Nothing good could come out of that. And his clothes could stand a good wash too.

"I heard you guys talking about teams. Do you know how that's going to work?" Izuku asked.

Pyrrha shook her head. "Unfortunately, I do not, but I'd be honored if we end up on the same team."

Izuku beamed. "That would be great! I want to know what you can do. Maybe we can work well together."

Hold on a minute, run that back. So you mean to tell Weiss that he didn't know who she was.

Weiss stood between Izuku and Pyrrha, interrupting their conversation, and asked. "Do you have the slightest idea of who you're talking to?"

Izuku scratched his cheek. "Well, she's Pyrrha Nikos, right? She was a tournament fighter."

"So you understand that you're in no position to be on her team."

Izuku tilted his head. "But she said she wanted to be on my team."

"You don't… Just… Ugh! Fine, whatever. I'm going to the cliff." Weiss walked off with a humph.

"...She does know she's going the wrong way, doesn't she?" Said Pyrrha.

"And come to think of it, I haven't seen Ruby come back either."

"...So, should we…?"

Izuku sighed. "Yeah, let's go find them."

The Beacon candidates stood on stone platforms at the edge of a cliff awaiting their Headmaster's instructions. The already heavy winds held more weight from the tense air. Each student had their weapons armed at the ready, preparing for anything.

Ozpin looked at each candidate, evaluating them, before giving his instruction. "For years, you have trained to become warriors. Today your abilities will be evaluated in the Emerald Forest."

Continuing his speech, Glynda said. "Now, I'm sure many of you have heard rumors about the assignment of teams..."

Ruby tensed up. That couldn't be happening now, right?

"Well, allow us to put an end to your confusion. Each of you will be given teammates… Today."

"What? Oh!" Ruby whined.

"These teammates will be with you for the rest of your time at Beacon Academy. So it would be in your best interest to pair with someone with whom you can work well."

"Ohhh!" Okay, calm down, Ruby! It couldn't get any worse than that, could it?

"That being said, the first person you make eye contact with will be your partner at Beacon for the next four years."

…

…

…

Ruby's world shattered.

"WHAT!"

Ignoring Ruby's whiney outburst, Ozpin continued. "Once you've partnered up, make your way to the Northern end of the forest. You will meet opposition along the way. Do not hesitate to destroy everything in your path. If you do…."

Ozpin sent each student a cold look, sending chills down their spines. "...You will die."

Ba-dump!

Even if they didn't show it, the students all felt their hearts drop. Dying before they could even have a chance to prove themselves…. The mere thought sent shivers down the faint-hearted's spine. Some of the less motivated individuals lost their motivation entirely.

But it was too late to back out now.

"You will be monitored and graded based on the duration of your initiation. Our instructors will not intervene. You will find an abandoned temple at the end of the path containing several relics. Every pair must choose one and return them to the top of the cliff. You will guard that item, as well as your standing, and grade you appropriately. Any questions?"

No one said anything.

"...Good. Now take your positions."

Every student prepared themselves for the inevitable launching. Izuku took a deep breath, activated One For All, and got in a dashing position.

Here they were—time for Initiation. Izuku recounted the countless number of times he's faced certain death. The League's Nomu, Stain, Muscular, Overhaul, Tomura Shigaraki. Death's door always comes knocking, and Izuku would slam the door in his face. This is nothing. He's more than ready to take this on.

This was it. Izuku would be flying off the platform in 5…

Whoosh!

"Whee!" Nora flew off the platform squealing like a little girl.

4…

Whoosh!

Ren took off without a word.

3…

Yang put on her sunglasses and gave Ruby and Izuku a wink.

Whoosh!

"Woohoo!" Yang cheered without a care in the world as she was launched through the air.

2…

Ruby looked at Izuku and nodded. "Good luck, Izuku."

Izuku nodded back. "Good luck, Ruby."

Woosh!

Ruby flung through the air, leaving rose petals in her wake.

Ozpin smirked at Izuku. "Good luck, Mr. Midoriya."

"Thank you, Professor Ozpin…." Izuku put up his mask. His now robotic black and green eyes glared at the sky above him. "But I won't need it."

Woosh!

Izuku soared through the air, coming up behind the rest of the Beacon students. Watching each student come up with their own landing strategy was fascinating. Ruby slowing her descent with her sniper recoil, Weiss bouncing off glyphs, Yang propelling herself using explosions, not unlike another blonde-bomber. A truly surreal experience. He wished he had his notebook.

Now, Izuku could easily slow his descent using Float….

Thwip!

But where's the fun in that?

Izuku latched onto a nearby tree below him and flung himself toward the ground. Green electricity danced around Izuku while he flew at high speeds to the unforgiving dirt. He needed to time this just right.

Closer….

Closer…!

"Now!" Izuku released Black Whip and swung around the tree branch. Then, using the momentum, he flung himself once more, planted his feet on a tree, and bounced off onto another tree, gradually lowering his descent. Once close enough, he hopped toward the ground into a shoulder roll, successfully pulling off his landing strategy.

"I was cutting it a bit close there. Even with Danger Sense and Float, that easily could've gone wrong." Izuku thought. What was he thinking? Showing off like that? He's supposed to be proficient, not flashy. Though, he couldn't lie to himself and say that wasn't fun. "Still, though, I really should be more careful."

"Wait! Where are you going?"

Was that…!? "Ruby! Over here!"

"Izuku! Is that you!? Please be my partner. Weiss is being mean!"

Izuku turned to the rustling in the bushes and said Schnee Heiress appeared from the bush. She looked Izuku up and down, and he waved awkwardly. Weiss sighed. "I suppose you'll have to do."

"I really am sorry…." Izuku turned his head, and both green eyes met. "But I think Izuku is now my partner."

"Pyrrha!" Izuku beamed.

"Hello!"

"Are you serious!? Ugh! You have got to be kidding me!" Weiss stomped off back in the direction she came, grabbed Ruby by the hood, and dragged her through the dirt. "By no means does this make us friends."

"You came back!"

Izuku looked on in concern watching his friend be dragged through the mud. He hoped she's okay. In the Grimm department, Izuku knew he had nothing to worry about. But the real problem lay with them trying to work together. That definitely would not end well. So here's to hoping they at the very least protect one another.

Izuku felt a soft hand on his shoulder. "They'll be fine. Let's head up North!"

Izuku pulled off his mask and nodded. "Right!"

Bopbop Bop Bopbop Bop!

"Do you hear that? Our classmates must've engaged the enemy."

Izuku bit his lip and trudged forward. His Danger Sense was going haywire. The endless combat throughout the forward made his head buzz more than he could take. The headache had started to become unbearable. He needed to get out of here as quickly as possible.

Izuku, lost in his thoughts, didn't notice the branch Pyrrha moved out of the way, flew back, and slapped him in the face.

"Oh! Sorry!" Pyrrha said.

"No, it's my fault. I should've been paying attention."

Pyrrha looked closely at his face. "You've got a cut. Why didn't you activate your aura."

His what now? "Excuse me?"

"Your aura?"

"I… don't know what that is?" Well, he did. Ozpin told him when they first met, but he didn't have it. So he'd have to feign ignorance for now.

"But, you have a semblance. A powerful one at that."

...Man, he was such an idiot. "I'm not from around here. Hehe."

Pyrrha narrowed her eyes but ultimately stayed silent. "Hmm. Well, Aura is the manifestation of our souls. It can be used to protect us, and we weaponize it to fight off Grimm in the form of a Semblance." Pyrrha walked up to Izuku and cupped his cheek.

Izuku immediately felt his face get hot. "W-what are you doing!?"

"Try to relax. I need you to close your eyes and concentrate."

"O-okay." "So close!"

Pyrrha smiled slyly and closed her eyes as well. Izuku started to glow neon green. He felt his insides grow warm, and it wasn't just from Pyrrha's touch. It's like he had more energy than he has ever had before. Izuku continued to concentrate on the power he had within. The sounds of his Aura activated, reminiscent of lightsabers, reached Izuku's ear as Pyrrha delivered a speech. "For it is in passing that we achieve immortality. Through this, we become a paragon of virtue and glory to rise above all. Infinite the distance and unbound by death, I release your soul, and by my shoulder, protect thee."

Pyrrha released Izuku and smiled, but then she grunted and clutched her chest in pain.

"Pyrrha!"

Pyrrha took heavy breaths and shook her head. "It's… It's alright. I used some of my Aura to unlock yours, but the energy that protects you now is your own." Pyrrha smirked as Izuku's cut instantly healed. "You don't seem to have a lot, but you definitely don't have none."

Izuku smiled and clenched his fist. This was another step in becoming the best hero he could be.

"Do you think this is it?"

Izuku and Pyrrha stood outside a cave entrance. The markings on the wall depicted several men fighting a scorpion, possibly foreshadowing certain doom.

Pyrrha looked unsure. She gave Izuku a look that said, "I don't think this is it."

"Hmm. I think we should check it out just in case. But, if the worst comes to pass, I think we'll be okay. Besides, if there is anything in there that could hurt anyone, we should take it out."

Pyrrha still looked concerned, but she trusted his judgment. Izuku picked up a nearby tree branch and started searching around the area.

"Izuku, what are you doing?"

"I'm looking for tar, dry leaves, or something?"

"What do you need them for?"

"I'm trying to make a torch."

"But how are we going to make a torch when we have nothing to light a fire with?"

…

…

…

"...good point. I'll use the flashlight on my phone."

"Your what?"

"Erm- I meant my scroll!"

Pyrrha raised an eyebrow but once again stayed silent.

Izuku pulled out his phone and turned on the flashlight. "Let's go."

They slowly trudged through the cave, wading through the shallow water. Even with the flashlight, the darkness ate both of them up like they were light snacks. The sounds of their footsteps sloshing the water echoed around the entirety of the cave, subconsciously making them walk a bit slower.

"I'm not sure this is it, Izuku."

"You're right. We should-" Izuku was cut off by a golden glow that shined throughout the cave. It was as if an angel delivered them a golden egg!

"Pyrrha, I think that's the relic! Hold this" Izuku gave Pyrrha his phone, eagerly grabbed the gold piece and hugged it for all its life. But, wait, why was the gold piece picking him up?

"Izuku. I don't think that's the relic!" Pyrrha slowly shined the flashlight upwards, the eerie sounds of the leaking ceiling further adding to the suspense. Pyrrha finally shined the light on Izuku. Izuku felt his eyes widen like saucers as the flashlight revealed a giant scorpion!

HISS!*

"Pyrrha, run!"

She didn't need to be told twice. Pyrrha dashed out of the cave, being extra careful not to slip in the shallow water. The scorpion screeched so loud, Izuku had to resist covering his ears in fear of letting go. The giant Grimm rushed after Pyrrha as she ran full speed, vaulting over rocks and trudging through the murky water of the cave. After what felt like an eternity of running, Pyrrha finally spotted a glimmer of light.

"You're almost there! Keep going!" Shouted Izuku.

Pyrrha carried her legs to the entrance, ignoring the burning in her legs. She ran and ran and ran until she felt the shining rays of the hot sun on her skin as she finally made it outside.

Crash!

Unfortunately, the Grimm was not done with either of them. The monster's turbulent shriek echoed across the entire forest, creating strong winds sending the trees into an updraft. Its fangs clattered together as it stomped the ground in an effort to shake off the pesky human on its tail.

"Izuku! Whatever you do, don't let go!"

"Got it!" Izuku took the knowledge in stride and hung on for dear life. Then, annoyed, the Grimm began wagging its tail back and forth like a dog and slamming Izuku against the ground.

Bam! Bam! Bam! Bam!

"Izuku!"

"Don't worry-

Bam!

"About me! I'm-

Bam!

"Okay! Just get to the relics!"

Realizing the futile effort of slamming the human into the ground, the Scorpion began slowly spinning, gradually picking up speed. Izuku felt the wind slap his face while he gripped onto the Scorpion's stinger. The wind in his face, combined with the momentum of the Grimm spinning, caused his grip to start slipping.

"C'mon! Just hang on for a little bit longer!

But try as he might, Izuku was no match for the Scorpions and constant spinning, and eventually, the Grimm was able to swing Izuku halfway across the forest effortlessly.

The Scorpion screeched at its victory and then looked down at Pyrrha, preparing for round two.

…

…

…

"...Hehe."

Zoom!

...or not.

Izuku flew across the forest with gritted teeth. He's such an idiot! Why would he go in that cave? Better yet, why did he drag Pyrrha in there with him. He could've gotten them both killed!

He had to go back for her! She could be in danger, or worse! Izuku tried to activate Float, but his panicked state broke his concentration.

Calm down, Izuku. Take some deep breaths.

Breathe in.

Breathe out.

Breathe in.

Breathe out.

...Okay. He was good now. Wait, now that he thought about it, he's been falling for a pretty long time.

"Dude! Are you flying!?"

Izuku looked down, and sure enough, he was, in fact, flying. He had it activated this whole time! Silly him! Now it was time to save Pyrrha-

"Heads upppppppppp!"

Slam!

"OOF!"

Ruby landed on top of Izuku, and they both slammed into the ground, kicking up dust. After some time, the dust cleared, revealing Izuku flat on his stomach with Ruby on top of his back.

Ruby patted herself and cheered. "I'm alive!"

"I'm not."

"Ahh! Oh my God, Izuku, are you okay!?"

Izuku pulled himself off the ground and shakily stood up. "Believe it or not, I've had worse."

"Did your sister just fall out of the sky?" Asked the black-haired girl.

"Uhh…."

RAWR!*

An Ursa Grimm crashed through the trees roaring in pain. It slowly began its descent to hell as it dropped dead on the ground revealing Nora sitting atop its head.

"Awww! It's broken."

"Nora!" Ren used the Ursa as a crutch while he struggled to catch his breath. "Don't ever do that again." He looked up to where his friend….

Zoom!

...Or where she used to be, at least.

"Woah!" Nora walked up to a Queen chess piece and happily took it off the podium. "I'm Queen of the castle! I'm Queen of the Castle~" She sang.

"NORA!"

Nore froze in her tracks and giggled while giving her friend a salute. "Coming, Ren!"

"Did she just-"

"I don't know Blake, okay-"

SCREECH*

Pyrrha came rushing in through the trees, deathstalker right on her tail.

"UGH! I CAN'T TAKE IT ANYMORE! CAN WE ALL JUST CHILL FOR LIKE TWO SECONDS!"

…

…

…

"...Um, Yang." Ruby pointed to the sky.

"HOW COULD YOU LEAVE ME!" Weiss yelled in betrayal.

Everyone looked at Ruby. "In my defense, I did tell her to jump."

"She's gonna fall." Said Blake.

"She'll be fine." Ruby insisted.

"She's falling." Said Ren.

Acting quickly, Izuku activated Full Cowl, jumped up, caught her midair bridal style, and landed safely on the ground.

"Nice save there, Romeo!" Said Yang.

Ignoring her, Izuku asked. "Are you alright?"

"...Please put me down." She said with a blush.

Izuku also blushed. "S-sorry."

"Yay! The whole gang pulled up! We can all die together now!" Said Yang.

Ruby smirked. "Not if I can help it!" Ruby pulled out her scythe and readied her rifle.

"Ruby, no!" But it was too late. Ruby rushed the deathstalker and attempted to slice it with her scythe, but's armor proved too strong, and she was knocked flat on her back.

"I-I's okay! I'm totally fine." But, unfortunately, the bruises on her face told a different story. Ruby shakily got up to face The Deathstalker, but she froze up as soon as it confronted her. Deciding that this was an awful idea, Ruby ran away, but the Deathstalker screeched loudly and chased after her.

"Ruby!" Izuku and Yang ran off. Izuku, being much faster than Yang, was able to get ahead of her and closer to Ruby.

CAW*

The Giant Nevermore rained down feathers attempting to block their path. However, Izuku, using his speed and acrobatics, managed to dodge all of the feathers. Yang wasn't as fortunate as him, though, she stopped before they got hit, but as a result, her route to Ruby caught off.

It was okay though!. Izuku got to Ruby before the Deathstalker did. But, of course, it wouldn't be that easy. Ruby's cape was stuck under a Nevermore feather.

"Hurry, Izuku, get her out!

"I'm trying!" Izuku did his best to pull the feather out of the ground, but try as he might, it was nay impossible at the moment without taking drastic measures.

SCREECH*

The Deathstalker shadow cast itself over Izuku and Ruby, its large gold stinger ready to pierce them clean.

As if! He'd die before he let that happen! Izuku clenched his right fist, wrapped black tendrils around his arm, and activated his Mid-Gauntlets. Red veins spread across Izuku's arm as it glowed orange with power. He glared at the Deathstalker, clenched his buttcheeks, and yelled from the depths of his heart!

"DETROIT SMASHHHHHHH!"

BAM!

WHOOSHHHHHHHHH!

Ruby watched in astonishment as Izuku slammed his fist right into the Deathstalker, immediately exploding it into dust, leaving only the gold stinger remaining. The strong winds from the punch easily toppled the trees before him like they were bowling pins. Izuku clenched his arm in pain. Thankfully his arm didn't break. Black Whip and the Mid-Gauntlets made sure of that. But that didn't mean it didn't hurt like hell.

Izuku limply hung his heavily bruised arm as the winds finally died down. The forest sat silent aside from Izuku's heavy breathing. Everyone stared with a mix of shock and amazement at his power. What kind of semblance is that!?

"Ruby… are you… okay?"

Ruby just gaped at him. She knew he was really strong but good God! That's completely Earth-shattering! His strength is more powerful than anything she'd ever seen! He obliterated that Deathstalker in one punch! One punch! Thank God Izuku is on their side.

"Izuku, what happened to your arm!?" Yelled Yang.

"I'm fine. Let's just get out of here."

CAW*

Damn it! He forgot all about that thing! "Hurry! We don't have much time!"

Ruby snapped herself out of her stunned gaze. "He's right, guys. We shouldn't be fighting this thing."

"Said the person who just recklessly charged in." Said Weiss.

"I know what I did was stupid, but we don't have time to argue. Our objective is to get a relic and return it to the cliff." Said Ruby.

"Well, then what are we waiting for? Let's go!" Said Yang.

Everyone went up to the podium to grab the chess pieces. Ruby and Izuku stood beside each other, chess pieces in hand, glanced at each other, and nodded. No use in dilly-dallying. They all needed to get out of here alive and well.

Everyone ran as fast as they could up the hill, not looking back even once. Sunshine no longer shined down on the forest. Instead, the skies were grey and cloudy, perfectly complementing the approaching ruins of the stone bridge.

"There it is! We're almost there! We just need to-"

*CAW!*

The Nevermore at high speeds ahead of the Beacon students, circling them and blocking their path to the cliff. The Grimm then flew up onto the tallest tower and screeched its heart out. It seemed a fight was inevitable.

"It's no use. We're gonna have to fight it." Said Izuku.

"I don't know if we can. It has the high ground on us." Said Ren.

"Then we'll make it come to us. I have an idea. We're gonna need a distraction, though."

Ren nodded. "Nora, that's your cue."

"You got it!" Nora turned her hammer into a grenade launcher and giggled with glee.

"Can you really do this by yourself, Nora?" Asked Izuku

Nora smiled fiercely. "Just leave it to me!"

Izuku nodded. "Right! Follow me!" Izuku ran up to the bridge, and everyone followed suit.

"Alright, you overgrown crow! Come and get me!" Nora began shooting the Nevermore with everything she had.

Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom!

This did nothing but fuel its anger, and it once again rained down feathers directed at Nora.

Nora narrowly dodged the feathers and began firing more grenades. But each attempt proved futile as the Nevermore simply shrugged it off and rained more feathers onto Nora.

CAW!*

Ruby turned her head back, noticing Nora's distress, she yelled. "It's no use! She needs help! We gotta lighten her load!"

Yang smirked and pounded her fist into her palm. "Leave that to me!" Yang placed her arms out behind her and fired her bracers, propelling her onto the giant Nevermore.

"Take this!"

Boom!

"And this!"

Boom!

"And that!"

Boom!

"And one of these!"

Boom!

"And one of those-Woah!"

The Nevermore screeched in pain and began flying in random patterns, crashing into multiple walls, trying to shake off Yang.

"Little help here, guys!" Yelled Yang.

Pyrrha turned her spear into a rifle, and Ren rapidly shot at the Nevermore with his automatic pistols, being extra careful not to hit Yang. But it proved fruitful in the end as the Nevermore swooped down and headed straight for the bridge.

"Look out!"

Crash!

The students just barely made it across before the Nevermore rammed its head into the bridge, shattering it to pieces.

"This is no use! We won't get anywhere just running away." Said Ruby.

"What exactly did you plan, Izuku?" Ren asked calmly.

"I have something else up my sleeve, so I wanted to keep it still so I could take it out."

"Woah there. Slow down. You want to try to take this thing out again, even after what just happened to your arm." Said Blake.

"I can use my legs. We just need to rescue Yang and get it still so I can hit it."

CAW*

Blake looked up at the Nevermore. "I think I can help with that."

Blake took out her weapon and jumped off the edge.

"BLAKE!" yelled Izuku.

"Wait! Let's see what she's doing first." Said Ruby.

Blake fell closer and closer to the ground until she threw her weapon at the tower, creating a grappling hook, and she swung up to the giant Nevermore.

Yang, recognizing her chance, let go of her hold and grabbed Blakes hand as she sprung up and grabbed and landed on the tower.

"I could've taken it." Said Yang.

Blake smirked. "Weren't you screaming for our help?"

Yang laughed. "You got me there!"

The Nevermore conveniently landed on the end of the bridge and screeched, angrier than ever before.

"Now's our chance!"

Weiss nodded and created a glyph boosting her forward in the direction of the Nevermore. Then, before it could fly away, she encased its tail in ice, preventing it from flying away.

"I really hope you know what you're doing!" Yelled Weiss.

"Just trust me!" Izuku activated Fa Jin and shot two black tendrils each on the bird's wings. He ran back and then flung himself forward, Black Whip acting like a slingshot.

"Faux 100% Smash!"

Boom!

Izuku kicked the Nevermore with all his might into the air resulting in a Sonic Boom that produced winds rivaling earlier smash. Izuku landed on the bridge, breathing heavily struggling to stand up.

"Izuku!" Ruby rushed over to his side. "Are you okay?"

"Y-yeah… I think… I think I need a n-"

Thud!

ZZZ!

"...Well, what do you need?" Asked Ruby.

"I believe he was trying to say "nap" Said Ren.

"We'll never know now, I guess. But man, who would've thought Mop-Top would be so strong. I thought my semblance was strong, but jeez!" Said Yang.

"I'm not exactly sure that it's a semblance." Said Pyrrha.

Ba-dump!

Ruby's heart dropped. Did they find out already?

"What do you mean? What else could it be?" Asked Blake.

"I'm not certain, but when we were in the forest, he got cut by a tree, and I asked him why he didn't activate his Aura. As it turns out, he had no clue of what it was." Pyrrha said.

"He had a Semblance that powerful, and he doesn't even know what Aura is? Sounds a bit fishy." Said Yang.

"That is pretty suspicious." Said Blake.

"Plus, he has multiple "Semblances." I knew something was off with this guy from the start!" Said Weiss.

Oh no! Ruby needed to throw them off the trail. "We shouldn't jump to any conclusions, guys! Remember, we need to complete initiation."

Yang sighed. "Ruby's right. We can figure out what the deal with Izuku is later. But, for now, we should just get this over with."

The rest of the group nodded and prepared to ascend the cliff.

"Wait. Aren't we forgetting someone?" Asked Ruby.

"Don't worry. She'll be fine."

Boom!

"Whee!" Nora came flying in head's blazing and did a superhero landing. "What'd I miss?"

"Not much. Just Izuku kicking the Nevermore into the sky."

"Oh… Cool!"

"Izuku Midoriya, Lie Ren, Nora Valkyrie, and Pyrrah Nikos. The four of you retrieved the white Rook pieces." Ozpin gestured to the screen at the top of the stage. "From this day forth, you will be known as Team MRNN."

Izuku Midoriya

Lie Ren

Nora Valkyrie

Pyrrha Nikos

Finally! He got through Initiation. Not exactly unscathed, seeing as he had a cast on his right arm, but he made it nonetheless. If he were honest, he probably could've done it on his own, but Izuku didn't want to go all out yet so he could remain incognito. But those Grimm were more formidable than he thought they'd be. Plus, he couldn't turn a blind eye to seeing anyone in danger. Nevertheless, Izuku would never regret what he did, although he still wished he would have remained inconspicuous.

"Led by Izuku Midoriya."

…

…

…

Ozpin was just messing with him at this point, wasn't he? Well, it couldn't be helped now. He'd just have to suck it up.

The newly formed Team MRNN walked off the stage, and Pyrrha gave Izuku a playful punch in the arm. They both had a chuckle until Pyrrha wasn't paying attention, and Izuku rubbed his arm in pain. Man, she's strong!

"Congratulations, Izuku!" Said Pyrrha.

"Thank you, Pyrrha." Izuku Said.

Pyrrha then frowned. "Is there something bothering you, Izuku?"

Izuku shook his head. "No. Just tired, that's all."

"Well, after what you did today, I'm not surprised. Although, I am curious. You say you don't know what Aura is, and yet you seem to have multiple Semblances. Is there an explanation for that?"

Izuku sweat nervously. This is the exact reason he didn't want to go all out. He already looked suspicious enough with Ozpin faking his transcripts. Some plain random kid, who came from nowhere, applied to Beacon with a Semblance simply dubbed "power?" Along with that, displayed multiple Semblances that don't even tie into one power set!?

Yeah, Izuku and Ozpin sure did a standup job making him look less suspicious.

To be fair, though, Pyrrha's tone didn't sound accusatory, more like curious. Of course, he's only known the girl a short while, but she didn't seem like the type to point fingers. Maybe if he just dodged the question…?

Nah. Then she'd really be suspicious of him. It's best to tell her the truth. "I actually didn't get my Semblance until recently. If I'm being honest, I still don't know everything about it."

...Okay, technically, it was the truth. Well, Izuku didn't exactly lie to her. He just didn't tell her the whole truth. Hopefully, she bought into it.

It seemed she did buy into it. Pyrrha gave a trusting smile that slammed guilt full force into Izuku's heart. "Well, if you need anything, I'll be glad to help you train your semblance!"

Izuku shook his head. "No, no! I can figure it out. But thank you!"

Pyrrha frowned again. "Don't you at least need help with controlling your Aura?"

Curse that innocent look! Mustn't cave in! Need to remain strong!

"...You know what? Sure, that sounds great!"

Pyrrha smiled brightly. "Grand! We'll start after school tomorrow!"

Izuku nodded. "Sounds good. For now, we should watch the rest of the ceremony."

Pyrrha nodded and continued to watch the show.

Who was he kidding? He could hardly let down an All Might action figure let alone someone like Pyrrha. Oh well, he'd just have to go along with it. Right now, he needed to watch the ceremony.

"Ruby Rose, Weiss Schnee, Blake Belladonna, and Yang Xiao Long. The four of you have retrieved the White Knight pieces. From this day forward, you will work together as Team RWBY. Led by Ruby Rose."

Wow. He did not expect that. Well, at least they could learn this together. Izuku already had a little experience when it came to being a leader. Maybe he could help her out.

All in all, Izuku was happy for Ruby. Yang seemed to share the same sentiment. Weiss, on the other hand….

"HUH!?"

She was… less than stellar about the arrangements.

The shattered moon's light shined inside a warehouse. No sound other than the scream of silence made its way into the building. A map labeled "City of Vale," marked with a red marker was posted on the wall above the desk. There sat Roman Torchwick, in all his glory, waiting for an important individual to arrive.

Clack! Clack! Clack!

The man stood in the shadows taking heavy, eerie breaths. His tall ominous figure proved rather intimidating, though Roman wouldn't admit that.

"You sure took your sweet time." Said Roman.

"My apologies." Said the deep, menacing voice. "I had to confirm I was in the right place."

Roman puffed his cigar. "Let's cut straight to the chase. You said you could give me more men?"

"Precisely! I've got an entire army at my disposal. Just say the word, and they're all yours."

"Sounds too good to be true if you ask me. So I'm assuming you want something in return?" Roman Torchwick asked.

"I do not desire much. I only wish to know the whereabouts of a particular individual. Tell me, Torchwick, have you seen anyone display multiple sets of powers?"

Roman rubbed his chin. "Come to think of it, just yesterday, I was almost caught by two meddling brats. One of them had super speed and strength, and he shot those black things out of his hands. He could also apparently create smoke too. Man, they were a real nuisance!"

"Interesting…." Said the tall man. "I think we have an arrangement. You help me find this boy, and I'll provide you with as many disposable assets as you need."

Roman smirked. "It seems we have a deal…. Sorry, I never got your name."

"It is quite alright. Allow me to introduce myself…." The man finally stepped out of the shadows, revealing his sizeable potato-shaped head and tailored suit. Scar tissue ran across his eyes, seemingly leaving him blind. Even the medical equipment attached to him didn't make his appearance any less menacing. The man smiled evilly and finally introduced himself. "You can call me All For One."

Authors notes: Wow! This story did surprisingly well! Thank you all so much for the feedback. Yes, even you angry anonymous reviewer. I've read the complaints about the lack of reaction to Izuku's terrifying appearance, so I added some stuff to the first chapter to better fit it. Plus, I retconned a bit of stuff the dimensional travel. But let me know what you think of this chapter! Stuff I did right, stuff I did wrong, things you thought were dumb, don't be afraid to tell me! That's all for now, until next time!