"Speech"

Narration

'Thoughts'

"Horror Speech"

"All Might Speech"

"Zaruba Speech"

Disclaimer: I own nothing.


A clear, quiet evening for the city of Musutafu…

It's the witching hour…

…a sprawling municipal center…

a time for fear…

…home to many that live day to day in peaceful bliss…

of all things that dwell in the shadows…

… for this city is home to many heroes!

hungering for the living.

Atop one of the many high rises, a lone figure squatted on the roof's edge like a gargoyle. The most distinguishing feature, and only noticeable in the darkness, was that he was clad in a white and black duster; a hood covered his head thus obscuring his face. The figure then stood up and leaped off the roof into the horizon.


Kamui Woods and Death Arms found themselves in quite the bind. Before them was a low level villain with a blade finger quirk who had just pinned a rather attractive young woman to the wall of an alley. The villain ran one of his blades lightly across the crying woman's face as he smirked.

Yet as you lay in bed…

"Try anything and I'll slice this pretty little thing into sashimi!" the villain said sadistically.

watching the shadows for something to move… ponder this:

Death Arms growled in frustration.

"Don't think for instant that you'll escape justice, villain!" Kamui Woods exclaimed.

What do you think the darkness fears?

"I'm only gonna say this once…" a new voice came.

All eyes turned to the source: a young boy, if the tone of voice was any indication, in a hooded white and black duster, cargo pants and boots standing behind the two heroes at the alleyway entrance.*

"…step away from the humans."

'What the hell is this kid thinking!?' Death Arms wondered in confusion and concern.

The last thing they need is some rookie or vigilante making things worse. The villain present, however, had something to say about the boy's warning.

"Tough guy, huh? And if I don't?"

In response, the unknown youth slowly raised his right arm; his hand clenched in a fist. Death Arms grew worried that this kid was gonna do something reckless that would put the girl in danger.

"I wasn't talking to you," he said.

The boy opened his middle, ring and pinkie fingers; allowing a small bell to drop. The drop made the bell let out a ring that no one could hear; no one save for the girl. Her eyes glowed a bright purple, she started to spasm as they rolled into the back of her head; catching the attention of the villain and heroes present. She turned her head around and around until, with a sickening crack, the head performed a perfect 360; her mouth now formed into a nightmare-inducing Glasgow smile with needle like teeth. The villain backed away in shock until he was within arm's length of the heroes yet the two didn't act; too engrossed at the sudden turn of events.

The 'woman's' arm suddenly elongated with her fingers becoming wicked and dirty looking claws. 'She' tried to swipe at the closest body, the villain, but was forced away by the boy delivering a powerful kick to the face.

"You might wanna run," the boy said; the claw villain needed no further encouragement as he ran to the alley's entrance before being dogpiled by Death Arms and Kamui Woods.

"You ruined my meal, boy!"

'She' swung at the hooded boy only for him to pull a sword from his coat to deflect the attack. 'Her' other arm shifted to match the transformed one and tried again but met with same result. The two heroes saw this as a signal to back away with the captured villain. Though they knew they should be rescuing the boy from this monster, it was evident that he knew what he was doing; not to mention that he was aware that the 'woman' they had tried to save earlier was anything but and had the means to expose 'her.' And on the subject of the 'woman,' they had never seen a Quirk like this; that is if it even was a Quirk.

The boy blocked another strike as he slid backwards from the force.

"Since I lost those three, you will have to do to sate my hunger!"

"I don't think so," the boy said before holding his sword over his head then drew a circle of light. When he brought it down, something came down and formed on the boy.

He was now clad in a black bodysuit with ornate gold armor and a helmet in the likeness of a snarling wolf with long ears, fangs and green gem on the forehead. A gold chest plate armor surrounded his upper body and he had some gold shoulder guards and a green gem was on the center. All over his arms were gold armor with guards on top the bracers on the forearms. A skull themed emblem was on the left fist. On his legs were gold leg armor and gold armored boots and around his waist was a gold belt with a red triangle with gold outlines. Attached to the back was two cables with sickle-like blades on the ends. All across the gold armor was darkened lines akin to a circuit board while silver metallic cables ran in between the gold armor pieces. In his right hand was a golden broadsword with a red triangle. His eyes were a bright green that bore into the Horror's core. **

"The Golden Knight Garo!?" 'she' exclaimed in shock.

The 'woman's' body then began to inflate before it burst, revealing a creature that looked like the unholy spawn of the Little Shop of Horror's plant and an iron maiden.

"The Horror Asmodei, it likes to play the damsel in distress to lure in prey," a voice from the golden knight's left hand said.

The now named Asmodei let out a roar as it charged the armored youth. Garo responded in kind, charging while scraping the tip of his sword along the ground. Asmodei then leapt to the side wall before pushing off in a dive to its golden foe. Garo raised his sword to guard against the incoming slash before deflecting it away as his enemy touched the ground. Undeterred, the monster lashed out with a whip like blade but the young knight somersaulted over it. Faster than the monster could think of a counter, Garo landed on his feet and sliced the weapon arm off before grabbing it by the 'face' and hurling it at a dumpster.

Asmodei shook off the dizziness and leapt again, this time at the golden knight; knocking him on his back. Garo was having none of it as he delivered a series of kicks to the beast's abdomen with the last one throwing it off. Asmodei was sent flying but grabbed the edge of the roof to stop itself. During this, Garo got on his feet and pulled an ornate lighter, of all things, out of nowhere. With a quick flick, he lit it, producing a green flame and ran it across his sword, setting the blade on fire just as the darkened circuit lines began to glow a neon green. Asmodei then threw itself at its armored foe while Garo ran at the wall before spring boarding off it at the monster.

It all happened so fast. One moment the two were mere inches away from a final clash. The next, the monster was now being burned alive by the green fire from Garo's sword. And through it all, the two pro-heroes watched in morbid fascination. The monster collapsed between the armored boy and the spectators as its body began to disintegrate from the flames, even ashes burned up. Garo, the lines no longer glowing, gave the two heroes a side glance before he walked off. The two heroes weren't sure if they should try and stop him but they wouldn't get the chance for when a flicker of the green fire obscured the golden knight for but a moment; he disappeared.

Just as the last of the flames died out, the two heroes regained their wits as the events replayed in their minds. Death Arms was the first to get his voice back.

"What the hell was all that?"

"I don't know, it was like something out of a horror movie," Kamui answered.

"And that woman, what kind of a Quirk was that?"

"Honestly, I don't think it was Quirk; I don't think she was even human."

Death Arms rubbed the bridge of his nose as he sighed.

"Just when you thought you'd seen it all. I think I need a drink."

"As much as I agree, we're gonna need to be sober. We got that new girl, Takeyama, starting tomorrow."

"How do we file the report on this one?" Death Arms asked with a groan as he grabbed the detained villain.


After dismissing his armor, the youth had ran across the rooftops to put distance between him and the heroes, last thing he needed was to be interrogated about they just witnessed. Once he was sure he was far enough away, the mystery boy pulled back the hood, revealing curly black-green hair sitting atop a young freckled face, soft emerald green eyes that belie the iron firm drive and focus within. This was the true face of Garo, Izuku Midoriya.

Fanfiction Presents

I learned two things when I was four years old. The first, all men are not created equal; some are born with more power than others.

"Sorry kid, it's not gonna happen," the doctor said bluntly.

A younger Izuku stared blankly at the doctor, as if he was just told him he was going to die.

"Oh dear, is something wrong with him after all? Most of the other kindergarteners have already started to show signs," the boy's mother, one Inko Midoriya asked.

"My records show you're a fourth generation Quirk-user, what powers do you and the boy's father have?"

"Nothing too special, I can pull small things toward me and my husband breathes fire. They're useful enough, I suppose."

It all began when a newborn child in China began to glow radiantly with no explanation. Not long after, people began to develop abilities straight out of comic books all over the world. These 'Quirks' sparked a change in society; what was once impossible was now the norm. Everyone had a superpower to call their own and as a result, there were those who exploited them for selfish gains and those who utilized them as a force for justice and peace.

Or rather, almost everyone.

"Izuku should've already manifested one or a combination of these by now but after reviewing his x-ray, I don't think that's gonna happen."

Roughly 80% of the population has a Quirk and those without one tend to be looked down upon. I should know… because I'm one of those without a quirk. Why? Because I had two joints in my pinkie toe where as everyone else had one. My dream was to be a hero just like my idol, All Might; the greatest pro-hero in the world. But the day I learned that I wouldn't ever develop a Quirk, I felt like my heart had been torn in two.

After the doctor's visit, the two returned home. Izuku practically secluded himself into his room, watching his favorite video.

"See that, mom? He's always smiling…even when things look bad. Even when things seem impossible, he never gives up."

The boy turned to his mother and the sight that greeted her ripped her soul to shreds.

"Do you think… I could be a hero like him?" he asked as tears threatened to flood out.

An Azure Dragon of the East Production

The next day, when everyone at school found out about me being Quirkless, I was ostracized and ridiculed first by the kids then their parents. Some of it even was directed at my parents.

Hisashi Midoriya had just walked in as his wife greeted him. She relayed everything that had happened, she was in tears at how quickly the neighbors had turned on them, calling their boy a failure for life.

"Hisashi… what do we do?" she asked.

And when I was at my lowest, my father stepped forward.

"I may know a way."

Inko returned her attention to her husband.

"I may know a way for our son to be a hero like he dreamed. But…"

He held up his left hand, gazing at the skull-like ring on his finger. In an instant, she realized what Hisashi was talking about.

"…it means that I have to break a promise to you."

Izuku laid on his bed, his tears dried up after another day of harassment at school. He heard his door open, he didn't move to see who. He felt someone sit on his bed, he didn't turn to greet them.

"Son… do you want to be a hero that much?"

Izuku didn't even flinch, was his father gonna shred what was left of his heart, too?

"Do you want to be one… even if it means that no one knows? That no one is allowed to know?"

That got a reaction.

"Dad, what are you saying?" he asked as Hisashi looked at his progeny with sad yet hardened eyes.

"I know a way to be a different kind of hero. However, you will remain hidden; a shadow in the blackest night. You will be a ghost to those you help. Any and all trace of your deeds will be erased from the public's eye. And above all, you will face nightmares made flesh; things so terrifying that even All Might himself would tremble."

Izuku stared in disbelief and confusion.

"So I ask again, do you want to be a hero that much?"

Based on characters created by Keita Amemiya and Kōhei Horikoshi

It was there that the second thing I learned was that the world has more troubles than people realize. There is a darker world, hidden in the background where monsters dwell and feast on humans. These monsters are called Horrors. When a human heart embraces evil, Horrors pass into our world, possessing those who invite them and killing them in the process; wearing their skin like a suit. Such vile, poisonous creatures have been hunted since time out of mind by a secret group, the Makai Order, and their main fighting force: The Makai Knights.

And the strongest knight in their ranks is the Golden Knight, Garo… that's me.


The next morning found Izuku in dark room, now wearing a school uniform. He drew his sword and stabbed it into the mouth of a wolf statue. A second or two passed before Izuku removed the blade and sheathed it. From the bottom of the statue, a small black dagger materialized before a young girl in a French maid outfit stepped forward and placed it in a wooden box.

The two then turned to the third person in the room. She was white-haired buxom beauty in a Lolita costume that could nearly any man quiver in lust. This was the Watchdog of the district, Fenris.

"That's another one. How many does that make now?" she asked.

"Nine… this week," Izuku said between a yawn.

"The Horrors have been rather active lately."

Izuku raised his left hand, showing the skull ring on his middle finger, this was the Madogu, Zaruba.

"And the local heroes don't make things any easier."

"A shame Quirks can't help in this"

When Quirks first emerged, the order quickly researched their effectiveness on Horrors, however, they soon learned that Horrors were immune to most Quirks outside of basic body enhancement types and some elementals. Soul Metal was also found to be resistant to many Quirks, making combinations somewhat difficult without trial and error.

"Since Zaruba brought it up…"

Izuku returned his attention to Fenris as she spoke.

"…The senate held an assembly yesterday about the spike in Horrors."

"And?"

"After a rather lengthy argument, one possible solution they presented was to reveal ourselves to and work with the local governments and the hero community."

"I think that's a bad idea," Izuku said with a scowl.

"You're not the only one but every knight, priest and watchdog are getting run ragged with so many horrors appearing. This will allows us to move more freely. In theory, that is."

"Or it could lead to a witch hunt."

"Regardless, no verdict has been reached yet. For now, maintain your cover as a student and get some rest. It's a wonder you haven't collapsed from exhaustion, even if you are the golden knight."

"I'll be lucky if I don't fall asleep in class."Izuku muttered sardonically as he turned and left.

He stepped out into the street after the entrance to the Watchdog's den closed, leaving nothing but an unassuming wall. Izuku gave another yawn as he walked to school.

'But rest does sound good. I haven't had a good night's sleep in-'

His thoughts were interrupted by a cry of "CANYON CANNON!" followed by a loud crash.

He turned to the source to find what he assumed to be a villain on the receiving end of a flying kick by a titan of a woman in spandex. The crowd nearby began snapping picture after picture, particularly at her backside.

"Piece of cake for the next hottest hero."

"Hi everyone, I'm Mt. Lady and you don't have to worry about this bum anymore," she emphasized the 'bum' part via presenting her own in a provocative way; much to the crowd's enjoyment.

'Oh brother,' Izuku glared, exasperated at that dumb pun. He paid it no further mind as he made his way to school.

(Scene Change)

"Now that you're in your third year of Junior High, it's time to start thinking about your futures," the teacher declared.

Izuku could tell where this was going and saw no point in listening in. His eyelids became heavier and heavier until they closed.

"I could pass out some career aptitude tests…" The teacher snatch them up with a smirk, "…but why bother?"

He then threw them away behind him.

"I know you all wanna go into the Hero track!"

The student went into an uproar, showing off their Quirks. Izuku by this point had already fallen asleep, softly snoring yet no one noticed.

"Yes, yes, you all have some impressive Quirks. But no power usage in school," the teacher lightly admonished.

"Hey teach, don't lump me in with this bunch of losers," one male student boasted, "I'm the real deal but these extra will be lucky to end up as sidekicks to some busted D-Lister."

The student let out condescending laugh. He had ash blond hair that stood up in all directions and red eyes that stared down everyone in the room like they were beneath him. This was Katsuki Bakugo. In response to his rather haughty attitude, the other students raged at him but he paid them no mind.

"Ah Bakugo, you've got some impressive test scores. Maybe you will get into U.A. High"

"He's going for the national school?"

"That place has 0.2% acceptance rate."

"It's impossible to get in!"

"That's why it's the only school for me," Bakugo countered smugly as hopped onto the top of his desk.

"I aced all the mock tests. I'm the only one at this school who stands a chance of getting in. I'll end up more famous than All Might himself and be the richest hero that ever lived! Everyone across the world will know who I am and it all starts with U.A. High!" Bakugo declared like he knew exactly how things would turn out.

The teacher however noted something in his list.

"The only one who hasn't said anything is Midoriya."

There was moment of silence as all eyes turned to the still sleeping Izuku, his head propped up by his right hand, before the rest of the class burst out laughing, jolting the green-haired boy awake. The only one not laughing was Bakugo as he stared at his old childhood friend.

"Midoriya?"

"What could he possibly do?"

"You'll never get anywhere without a Quirk."

"Who's doing what without a Quirk?" Izuku asked groggily.

"You'll never get anywhere in life without Quirk, let alone be a hero," said one student with stone for hair.

Izuku's mood turned sour, "Why would I wanna be some clown in tights? If you all want to go around parading like idiots, fine but leave me out of it."

He then got up, grabbed his bag and walked to the door.

"I don't feel well, I'm going home."

My father told me I could be a different kind of hero, following the path of a knight. Makai Knights are supposed to hunt Horrors and protect humanity from them, however, we are not supposed to be saviors; we are not heroes. But in recent years, I found myself being okay with that because…

All the students sneered as the green-haired boy left.

"What's his problem?" a girl asked.

"Acting all high and mighty like that, that Quirkless loser."

"Let it go."

That last comment came from Bakugo oddly enough. Everyone turned to the blonde in surprise as he sat back down.

"He wouldn't be a hero even if he did have a quirk."

"Why? Because none of us would be as good as you?" another student griped.

Bakugo looked out the window, his thoughts seemed far away.

"No, it's because…"

Izuku had just walked out of the gates, a scowl still on his face.

"…Deku hates heroes."

GARO:

Wolves of U.A.


* Leon Luis' attire in the Divine Flame movie.

** It's the Garo armor from the Vanishing Line anime.

This is a little experimental chapter to see how well received it be. I only recently got into MHA and Garo and wondered how well it would mesh.