Chapter 1: Getting to Know Izuku Midoriya
Name: Luna
Quirk: Bast – She can assume the abilities of any cat, from regular housecats and lions to hybrids such as ligers and tigons. Her quirk is named after Bast, the Egyptian goddess of cats.
Appearance: Though usually taking on appearances of the cats' abilities, her usual look has been compared as eerily similar to a character of the anime RWBY known as Blake, however she has a tail, and their personalities are complete opposites in terms of personality and choice of dress. She's 14.
Warning: Language and Adult Themes
"Since you're all third years, it's time for you to think seriously about your future. I'll pass put handouts for your future plans now, but you're all pretty much planning to go into to hero course, right?" Sensei asked.
The entire class unilaterally agreed except for three individuals; Izuku Midoriya (who was too busy scribbling in his her notebook), Katsuki Bakugo (because he was too cool for it), and Luna, a quiet girl who sat in the back of the room and really didn't like how loud her classmates were. Her ears twitched on top of her head, and her tail wrapped around her waist, a common sight had anyone really paid attention to her. Unfortunately, due to her quietness, she was often forgotten.
"Yes, yes, you all have wonderful quirks! But using your powers at school is against the rules!"
"Teach, don't lump us all into the same group." Bakugo interrupted. "I'm not gonna be stuck at the bottom with the rest of these rejects!"
Instantly, the class erupted in chaos, everyone except Midoriya and Luna chastising young Bakugo for his brazen and frankly rude words. Bakugo, like usual, didn't care "You all should shut up like the extras you are! The only other person here I could consider as an actual person here is Luna!"
Everyone quieted down at the words, staring in shock at either Bakugo or Luna. Luna, predictably, didn't like the extra attention, and flattened her ears. Izuku glanced at her and could swear her hair was standing up like a cat that was cornered. Though, Izuku pondered, Luna probably did feel cornered, considering her seat was just that: in a corner.
It was well known that Bakugo cared extremely for Luna. Actually, maybe cared is too strong a word. More like fiercely protected her. Though many wondered why, there were rumors circulating the school. While some were as ridiculous as naming Luna Bakugo's girlfriend, others said she was family, though nobody could picture that. However, some did see the girl enter the Bakugo household from time to time.
"Oh, if I remember correctly, you want to go to U.A. High, right, Bakugo?" said Sensei, completely ignoring Bakugo's attitude.
Instantly, whispers began to circulate the room about the legendary status of U. A. High. Many were too frightened by the reputation of U. A. High to even apply.
"That's why you guys are just extras. While you are here pissing your pants, I aced the mock test! Hell, even Luna got full marks, and is applying with me. Right, Luna?" Luna merely nodded in confirmation, not wanting to antagonize the classroom into yelling again. She had extra sensitive ears, and it was almost painful for her to listen to the wild class. Unfortunately for her, it was entirely too often. "Me and Luna are the only ones at this school who could possibly get into U. A. I'll definitely surpass All Might and become the top hero! My name'll be inscribed on the list of top earners!"
Sensei, bless his oblivious soul, merely continues onward "Oh yeah, Midoriya wanted to go to U. A., too, right?" Midoriya flinched, sinking lower into his seat while Bakugo froze. Instantly, the class erupted in laughter. However, Luna and Bakugo did not. Bakugo because he was too pissed, and Luna because she did not find the boy's dreams funny.
"I don't see anything to laugh at." Merely remarked Luna "At least Midoriya-kun is brave enough to actually apply. None of you are." And, instantly, the class shut their traps. Luna had an uncanny habit of doing so, actually. Midoriya looked at Luna in bewilderment. Another strange pastime of Luna's was to defend poor Midoriya against bullies, even Bakugo, much to his anger and confusion. And when some idiots tried to bully her, well. They still had some scars from the tiger paws that Luna scratched them with. After that, nobody, not even Bakugo, challenged her.
Bakugo, enraged, destroyed Midoriya's desk, scaring the boy to leap backwards toward wall. Luna merely sighed, preparing herself to stop Bakugo once again.
"Hey, Deku! You're below the rejects! You're Quirkless! How can you even stand in the same ring as me?" bellowed Bakugo.
"No, wait Kacchan! It's not like I'm trying to compete with you or anything! Believe me!" Midoriya scuttled back against the wall. "It's just that it's been my goal ever since I was little. And … well … I won't know unless I try … "
"Whaddaya mean, unless you try?! Are you taking the test for fun?!"
"Bakugo-chan. That is enough." Came Luna's voice, and like a tranquilizer, it slightly calmed Bakugo "You can see how much this means to Midoriya-kun. This is obviously his dream, as he said, since he was little." Bakugo rounded on Luna.
"How the hell would you know? You weren't here until the beginning of middle school!" And indeed, Luna transferred from Canada at the age of 11. She lived there for most of her life, until she mysteriously moved to Japan, and nobody could figure out why. However, everyone knew that Luna could speak French, English, and now Japanese as well. Quite the polyglot.
However, Luna did not cow down in submission "Be that as it may, I can see that this is no joke to him. And why are you so against it? According to you, Midoriya-kun wouldn't stand a chance. What's got you so riled up?" Bakugo began muttering obscenities, but he backed down, albeit grumpily. Again, the class was stunned by Luna's counter to Bakugo, and even more so that Bakugo listened. She gave him a small smile and Bakugo blushed slightly but continued to mutter. She also gave the same smile to Midoriya, who openly gaped at her.
She walked outside of the classroom and grabbed a spare desk, placing it for Midoriya before sitting back down. Sensei was used to this, however, and made no remark. A careful observation would have yielded the fact that Luna's hair, tail, and eyes turned golden, while her hands became covered in golden fur. When she sat back down, everything turned back to black, except for her eyes, which turned amber.
4 hours later:
The class shuffled out, as the bell had rung and dismissed them. Only Izuku and Luna remained, Izuku scrolling through his phone while Luna was finishing her homework. Soon, however, she too left, only leaving Izuku.
Luna made her way down to the koi pond, where she sat down and watched as the koi swam lazy circles. For whatever reason, she found it fascinating how the fish swam, though many didn't bat an eye at her behavior, considering it tied to her cat-like behavior. Suddenly all peace was shattered when a charred notebook hit her on the head, and she yelped. She stood, frantically trying to balance herself with her arms swinging in comically large circles. Unfortunately for Luna, she fell in.
Luna quickly jumped out, hissing. Many would have though a feral cat jumped out instead of Luna, and with brief hesitation, grabbed the notebook. Looking at the sopping wet book, she turned to an outlet and pulled out a hairdryer to try to salvage what remained of the book.
Hmm, that's the third time this month that I fell into the koi pool. It's starting to get slightly annoying. Luna thought, carefully drying each page while looking it over. She recognized Izuku's handwriting, and it fascinated her how detailed he was in illustration and detail. Suddenly, she heard a person cursing and skidding towards her. Luna sighed, knowing of only one person who would do that. She looked up to se Bakugo's pained expression.
"Oi, Luna. You good?" Luna merely nodded, making sure to not destroy the pages any more than they already were.
"I'm assuming it was you who threw that book at me, then?"
"It was an accident! I swear!"
"That's the third time this month, Bakugo-chan."
"Hey, it's not my damn fault you're always near this pond, okay!"
"I never said it was, though I would think that you'd have already learned to not throw books out of a window at me, intentionally or not. Anyways, I might have to stop by your home again. I don't want to catch a cold or anything." Bakugo nodded and walked off, content that Luna was alright.
Soon, Izuku sullenly walked nearby, searching for his notebook. He froze when he saw Luna calmy reading it. Instantly, he began to stutter.
"U-uh, Luna-chan, c-could I h-have my n-n-notebook back?" asked Izuku.
Luna looked up and gave him a small smile "Of course, Midoriya-kun. I apologize for reading your notebook without your permission, but it is kind of hard to skip the writing when drying the pages."
Instantly, Izuku paled "I-It's just a h-hobby, n-nothing more I s-swear! I'm not t-trying to c-compete with you or a-anything!" Luna merely frowned but handed the notebook back.
"I just wanted to say that your diligence is impressive, Midoriya-kun. I apologize on behalf of Bakugo-chan. Your attention to detail is incredible. Keep it up. Want to walk home together? I noticed we have similar paths, and I have to stop by Bakugo-chan's home anyways." Shocked, Izuku merely nodded, and they made their way home together in silence. Despite this being the only time Izuku and Luna spent together alone, Izuku found that she had a very calming aura.
"So, Luna-chan. May I ask why you're wet?" Izuku instantly turned beet red, and his stutter returned "I-I mean, not in t-that way! I m-meant – "
"I know what you meant, Midoriya-kun; no need to panic. When Bakugo-chan threw your notebook, it hit me on the head and made me fall into the koi pool is all." Luna paused, and decided to tease Izuku a little "What did you think you meant, anyway? What's wrong with asking a teenage girl why they're wet?" Izuku began to stutter again, only for him to realize Luna was teasing him. He just smiled, but his face was still slightly red. They continued, enjoying each other's silence.
When they crossed under a bridge, however, Izuku panicked when he realized he and Luna were being attacked by a villain. Instantly, Luna pulled Izuku behind her and faced the villain, making a sort of hissing sound in her throat. The weird goo lunged at the two, while Luna shoved Izuku away. The goop almost completely enveloped Luna as she desperately tried to fight back, clawing, and scratching the goop. Izuku tried to hit the thing with his backpack, but it was no use.
"Girlfriend protecting you, huh? Don't worry, I'm just going to take over her body. Calm down. It'll only hurt for 45 seconds. She'll feel better soon." Tears of frustration filled Izuku's eyes as their struggling did nothing to help Luna. Already, he could see her slowing down, struggling a little less fiercely than before.
"You can't scratch me, little girl. I'm fluid! Thanks for the help! You're my hero. I didn't think that had come to this city."
Luna's movements soon became sluggish as the lack of oxygen began to hamper her. Izuku was desperately shouting for someone to help, but no one appeared. No hero came to save them both. Suddenly, a loud thump sounded from other entrance to the tunnel, and the blob turned to face the new threat.
"It's all right, children. I am here!" proclaimed All Might, and the goop panicked, trying to attack All Might while keeping a hold on the barely moving Luna. All Might dodged his attacks.
"TEXAS SMASH!" shouted All Might, forcing the goop to let go of Luna, who promptly collapsed in a coughing fit, wheezing, and gasping for that sweet, sweet oxygen.
"Hey, young man. Is your girlfriend okay?" Izuku instead shrieked.
"Luna's not my girlfriend! Why does everyone think that!"
"You say that like it's a bad thing, Midoriya-kun." Weakly teased Luna, still on her hands and knees. Izuku helped her up, with Luna leaning slightly on Izuku.
"Oh, my apologies. Sorry 'bout getting you two caught up in my villain fighting. I usually don't make mistakes like this, but I was in high spirits on my day off in a new place." While Izuku fangirled away, Luna merely bowed.
"You need not apologize to us, All Might-sama. I must apologize for forcing you to rescue me. Because of me, our city probably has left a vile taste in your mouth. I humble beg for your forgiveness."
"Eh? Oh, no problem. It's not your fault that this villain exists, right?" awkwardly replied All Might, not used to the calm attitude exhibited by a person, especially a teenage girl "You don't have to bow to me, either."
Suddenly, Izuku unfroze and panicked, trying to find something that All Might could sign. Luna merely sighed, opening Izuku's notebook to a page to already find All Might's autograph there. While Izuku was busy shrieking with joy, All Might turned to Luna. "What about you, young woman? Do you want anything signed?"
"No thank you, All Might-sama. Meeting you is already enough for me. Please, call me Luna." All Might sweat-dropped. What's with this girl? He expected her to have the same reaction as the boy, but instead she was as cool as a cucumber.
"Oh, okay Luna. Take care, I have to take this guy to the police. See you guys on the other side of the screen!" He patted a green soft-drink bottle, showing the villain trapped inside.
"Wait, already?" asked Izuku dejectedly.
"Midoriya-kun, pro heroes are constantly running against the clock, fighting both time and villains. I'd be surprised if All Might-sama didn't have places to be." Explained Luna, not unkindly.
"Right you are, Luna!" Izuku made to say something, but he stopped, sadness etched on his face. Luna awkwardly tried to pat his back, unsure on how to cheer people up. Luna was socially awkward like that.
"Well then." All Might leaped high into the air "I'm counting on your continued support!" Luna realized that Izuku was nowhere to be found and sighed when she realized Izuku had attached himself to All Might's leg. She was tired of sighing. She instead walked to the Bakugo home, and when she arrived, knocked on the door.
Before entering, however, Luna clicked her tongue in annoyance at the asymmetry of the bird bath compared to the front of the house and fixed it before approaching the door again. Instantly, she heard yelling inside, everyone trying to force someone else to open it. Luna smiled. Some things never changed.
Eventually, Masaru Bakugo opened the door. He smiled when he realized it was Luna.
"Ah, Luna. Hello, how are you? Please, come in." Masaru motioned.
"Thank you, Masaru-sama. I just wanted to change really quickly; Bakugo-chan accidently knocked me into the koi pool again."
"Hah?! Again?! GET DOWN HERE YOU BRAT!" bellowed Mitsuki Bakugo. She then smiled at Luna "Luna, how pleasant to see you again."
"The pleasure is all mine, Mitsuki-sama."
"Whadya want, old hag?" Bakugo arrived. He grunted a greeting to Luna when he saw her again.
"Is that any way to talk to your mother, you brat?" She cuffed Bakugo on the head making him curse "What's this about pushing poor Luna into the koi pool again? That's the third time this month!"
"It was an accident! I apologized already, and Luna already accepted it. I don't see why you make such a fuss!"
"There's no need for this, Mitsuki-sama. Everything's fine. I just wanted to change and wait for my clothes to wash in your washing machine, if that's all right." Interjected Luna.
"But of course, Luna. You know where the laundry room is, help yourself! You're practically the daughter I always wanted, anyways! Dinner will be ready in an hour, and I'm not taking no for an answer!" Mitsuki Bakugo cut Luna off before she could politely refuse. Luna smiled.
"You know me too well, Mitsuki-sama." With a small bow, Luna headed to the empty guest room that basically became her home away from home. Well, if anyone could consider Luna's actual place of residence a home at all. She quickly changed into a fresh pair of clothes and chuckled when she found yet another new set of clothing. Despite Luna's protests, Mitsuki and Masaru Bakugo constantly bought her new clothing, not like Luna wore them much. She preferred her purple skirt with black shorts and dark purple shirt. Shoes were the same, with Luna only really wearing knee-high boots, and a small silver necklace with a cat's paw dangling from her neck.
She headed downstairs to the laundry room, where she set the timer for 1 hour, and decided to help a little, putting in similarly colored clothing inside. She wasn't bothered by Katsuki's or Masaru's underwear, being the one who did her father's laundry.
Luna entered the kitchen when Mitsuki Bakugo was currently cooking up a storm.
"Do you need any help, Mitsuki-sama?" asked Luna.
"Oh, no dear. Almost done. Though, I heard that Masaru could use some advice designing a nursery for a client." Luna's eyes shone, and she sped away while Mitsuki laughed slightly. Luna sat down next to Masaru, who instantly accommodated the girl.
"So, Luna, I wanted some advice on the placement of the furniture. I already made several drafts, but your input would be highly liked as well, seeing you are a master home designer." Luna quickly flipped through several drafts of the room on Masaru's tablet. She saw that the nursery would be for a girl and clicked her tongue in annoyance yet again when most failed to meet Luna's staggering requirements. Luna seemed to pick it up from the Bakugo family.
She finally settled on a draft she liked. However, even it was not up to Luna's standards:
"Masaru-sama, I like this draft the best. However, I would advise moving the crib about 10 centimeters further away from the window. That way, sunlight and moonlight could still enter the crib without disturbing the child, while also being far enough away as to avoid the child becoming sick form drafts or face the intense light of the sun and moon. I would also recommend getting the same wallpaper from Eli's Wallpaper and Paint. Not only are their reviews higher, but their wallpaper is made of superior quality, and is more resistant to diseases that could be fatal for a small child. Not to mention it's slightly cheaper." And on this went, with Masaru and Luna politely arguing about the décor of the room before finally both agreeing on a final draft. With that done, they still had about twenty-five minutes to kill, so they conversed politely.
"So, Luna, how's your father doing these days?" Luna stiffened, and Masaru silently cursed himself for asking that. He knew that Luna and her father never had the best relationship, considering he refused to even give her his family name. On official documents, Luna was just Luna.
"He's doing all right, thank you for asking Masaru-sama. He's slowly detoxing, and his moods are slightly better from before. However, he still does have his days if you get my meaning." Luna replied politely, slowly closing herself off from the conversation. Her father was a sore subject for Luna, and Masaru could see Luna getting agitated, with her ears pricked and her tail beginning to thrash.
"Ah, I apologize for asking. I keep forgetting. Perhaps Katsuki would like some company? I know he was talking about potentially start working on his hero costume." Luna rose, gave a stiff bow, and left.
When she arrived at Bakugo's door, she knocked.
"I don't care who it is, leave me the hell alone."
"It's me, Bakugo-chan."
"Immediately, the door cracked open, Bakugo staring at her.
"Whadya want?"
"I heard that you were talking of beginning your hero costume?"
Bakugo clicked his tongue in annoyance, but let her in. As Luna looked around, she saw that the room was still the same as always, with Bakugo's electric guitar in the corner and rock band posters plastered on the wall. She even saw the same All Might Poster hidden behind the bookshelf. Abruptly, Bakugo shoved his draft into Luna's hands, who quirked an eyebrow at the design.
It was certainly Bakugo's taste, that was for sure. She plopped herself down at his table and he sat down on his bed, awaiting the verdict. Luna clicked her tongue in exasperation as she fixed everything wrong with the design. When she handed Bakugo back the paper, she saw him look it over.
"What the hell? Why can't I have the cool neck brace?"
"Because it's effect would be minimal, and you would just be carrying unnecessary weight. You can, however, wear a sort of turtleneck to help collect sweat. It's much lighter than any metal, a worse conductor for heat, thereby trapping the heat there, and is much more efficient at collecting your sweat, if you use my recommended material."
"But turtlenecks are so lame! Can't you think of anything better? I thought you were a master designer of something."
"Master home designer, sure. Clothing isn't exactly my forte. Fine. Don't want a turtleneck? How about this, then?" And off they went, arguing about balancing the practicality and "badassery" of the costume. They just managed to finish when Bakugo's mother called them down. While Luna went to wash her hands, Bakugo just stomped his way to the dinner table, germs be damned.
When Luna finally arrived, she saw Bakugo muttering obscenities as he washed his hands at the kitchen sink, with Masaru and Mitsuki already sitting. She sat down next to Mitsuki, her conversation with Masaru about her father still on her mind. When Bakugo finally sat down, they ate.
"So, Luna dear, anything interesting happen today?" asked Mitsuki.
"Oh, yes Mitsuki-sama. I actually nearly suffocated because of this weird goop villain that attacked Midoriya-kun and I on our way here." Luna paused as she took another mouthful of the spicy curry that Mitsuki prepared, with both parents sweat dropping at Luna's words. Bakugo, however, broke the silence.
"You were on your way here with that damn nerd!?" exclaimed Bakugo with his mouth full.
"You brat, you're worried about that when Luna nearly died? And don't speak with your mouth full!" yelled Mitsuki, cuffing Bakugo.
"It's all right, Mitsuki-sama. All Might dropped out of the sky and saved both Midoriya-kun and me. He even signed an autograph for Midoriya-kun before taking off, but not without Midoriya-kun attached to his leg." asked Luna. This time, all three Bakugo family member choked on their curry while Luna continued to eat.
"YOU MET ALL MIGHT?!" demanded Bakugo, mouth again full of curry.
"HOW MANY TIMES MUST I TELL YOU TO SWALLOW BEFORE SPEAKING?!" bellowed Mitsuki, cuffing Bakugo again.
"Lay off me, old hag!" And they continued to argue. Masaru and Luna, however, continued to eat, acting as if everything was normal. Technically speaking, the arguments between mother and son were commonplace, so everyone there likely considered it normal.
Luna checked her watch and saw that it was already 7:30 pm. Luna stood, bowed, and took her dish to the sink. When she washed it and came back, Bakugo and his mother were still in a full-blown argument.
"Thank you for the food, Mitsuki-sama. However, I must change and leave soon. Mu curfew is at 8." With that, Luna headed to the laundry room, took her clothes from the washing machine/dryer, went upstairs, changed, grabbed her backpack, and left for her home with another bow to the family, who didn't notice as now Masaru was embroiled in the argument as well.
As Luna walked home, she wondered what became of Midoriya, before shrugging and assuming she'd find out tomorrow anyways. The journey home took about twenty minutes, and when she entered, her father was seated in his usual armchair, cigarette in hand, ashtray overflowing like usual, but this time without any alcohol nearby.
Her father grunted when he noticed her presence.
"You're back on time."
"Yes, sir."
"Got any homework?"
"No, sir. I finished in class." He grunted again.
"Where were you today?"
"I was at the Bakugo residence, sir. Mitsuki-sama refused to take a 'no' as an answer for her dinner. Speaking, of, would you like yours, sir?"
"Naw, I already ate. I ordered pizza again." Luna's ears twitched in annoyance. Her father needed to eat healthy, but he seemed oblivious to the fact. "Anything interesting happen today?"
"I was saved from a villain by All Might."
"Ah. I see what you were doing the entire day."
"Sir?"
"Were you whoring away? Did you offer your services to the Bakugo residence, and All Might? I know your mother would have." Luna's face turned red, and she clenched her fists at her sides, not trusting herself to answer immediately and calmly. If she answered with anger in her voice, her father would jump at the chance to punish her. Had anyone seen her in this instance, they would have been wholeheartedly surprised at the fact that she allowed the man to get under her skin. Indeed, he was the only one who was able to.
"No, sir, I did not go 'whoring', as you put it. Not only does that cast myself, your own daughter, in a bad light, but it also casts the Bakugo family and All Might in a negative light when I can assure you that they do not deserve that. As for what my mother would do, I wouldn't know, but I suppose you would."
She saw her father angrily stand up and whip around to look at her at this point, her ears lay flat on her head and her tail was thrashing violently, and she got a good look at her father. His chocolate hair was unkempt, with bloodshot eyes and bags under his stormy silver eyes; He was currently wearing nothing but a white undershirt and some shorts. Luna's father strode angrily over to Luna, raising his hand in a threatening manner, and Luna's body flinched involuntarily, years of pain and experience winning over against her wishes. The man smirked.
"You act just like her, you know that brat?" he spat "Go do your goddamn chores and get out of my sight. What right do you have to judge me? I let you rent your own room, spend your money how you wish, do anything you want as long as you return by 8. Fucking bitch." He turned and sat back down in his chair in a crash, with it groaning in protest.
Luna went about her business, first washing the dirty dishes and cleaning the kitchen table from the food left over. As she strode over to her father to empty his ashtray, he painfully grabbed her wrist before she could grab the ashtray.
"The hell are you doing?" he growled.
"I'm trying to empty the ashtray, sir. It's overflowing." Calmly pointed out Luna, but again, had a passerby seen the scene, they would have noticed the hair standing on her head and her tail swinging back and forth.
The man relented his grip and grunted, the area where he grabbed her wrist already turning into a bruise. She emptied the ashtray into the barely contained garbage bag and washed it before returning it into its place. Lune threw the trash out and retreated to her room, where she lay in her bed.
Everything in the room was bought by her, down to the carpet at the foot of her bed and the table that sat at the window. Her father forced her to get a job as soon as she could so that "you could start repaying me for everything that I did". So now, the man couldn't touch her things unless he really wanted to punish Luna. She even had to pay her part for utilities, and paid rent, which her father claimed was to "prepare her" for the real world. She looked over her now bruised wrist and sighed unhappily. The poor girl didn't deserve the fate she was given, but life isn't fair.
As Luna tucked herself into bed, she mulled over what her father told her. Luna's mother fled when Luna was only 10, fleeing from the wrath of her husband who found out that she was sleeping with another man. Her father relocated to Japan in hopes of forgetting about the whole ordeal, but, unfortunately for both Luna and her father, Luna was the spitting image of her mother, which led to many a drunken beating at the hands of her father, who, in a rage, saw his wife, and not his daughter.
Luna merely willed warm fur to cover her body while checking that her door was indeed locked before going to sleep. She dreamed of different circumstances, where her mother never left her to the mercy of her father and they lived happily, much like the Bakugo family did.
Hello, and welcome to my new story! Well, for this website, that is. This is a project I made for a friend and asked her if it was okay to publish here. She said yes, so here I am! This is mostly something that I am starting because I feel really crappy right now. It's the third day or so of me being incredibly tired and hungry while simultaneously not being able to eat a single thing. I'll try to release a chapter a day for this story. Anyways, hope you enjoy! Stay safe out there! – Bananaman out!