A Boy With Green Hair

Terra held her own as they proceeded through one test after another. She wasn't the best by any means, but she wasn't the worst either. She figured she was somewhere in the middle, leaning closer to the worst than the best. Now they had come to the ball throw portion of the tests.

As she watched her classmates take their turn movement caught her eyes. Glancing up she spotted one of her classmates near by. In physical terms, he was by far the strangest. To her he looked like a pink rock with eyes and a mouth, though he never did speak. If someone spoke to him he answered with facial expressions and hand movements.

The boy caught her eye. Terra's body stiffened but she managed a smile. He smiled back then turned back to the event in progress.

"I'm curious about Midoriya." Terra turned her eyes to Yaoyorozu. She and a few other classmates were watching the green haired boy as he prepared for his ball throw. "He hasn't used his quirk at all."

"Of course he hasn't." Bakugo smirked. "He's a quirkless scum."

"Quirkless? That can't be possible. Did you not know what he did at the practical exam?!" Iida asked.

"Quirkless?" Terra looked at Midoriya. "Do you really think he's quirkless?"
"It's possible," Todoroki said. "But I doubt it. If he was he most likely wouldn't be here."

Terra hummed and tilted her head as Midoriya drew back his arm. Red sparks started to grow and sparkle up his arm like vines on a wall. As he was just about to release the ball, the color disappeared and the ball flopped to the ground only a mere forty-five meters away.

"How is that possible?" Midoriya gasped as he turned to look at their teacher.

Terra couldn't help but follow his gaze. Her eyes widened. Aizawa's scarf was lifted from his shoulders, floating around along with his hair. The man's eyes were red, piercing directly at Midoriya. "How is that possible? His quirk can't lift things, can it?"

"It's probably a support item," Todoroki said.

"Oh."

"I erased your quirk," Aizawa said. "It doesn't make any sense. How did someone like you managed to get into this academy?"

"You erased my quirk?" Midoriya repeated and then he took a sudden step back. "Those goggles around your neck! I recognize them! You...you can erase other people's quirks with your quirk just by looking at them. The Erasure Hero: Eraser Head!"

"Eh? Eraser?" the class asked as they exchanged glances to see if anyone else recognized that name.

"No one knew who this man was?" Terra asked.

"How did you know?" Yaoyorozu asked.

"Oh, um, my uncle told me about him." Terra scratched her cheek.

"Your uncle?"

Terra nodded and said nothing more. Her uncle had told her multiple times to never reveal he has two forms. While she didn't know why it had to be a secret she still kept it.

"From what I can tell you don't have full control over your quirk. Meaning you can't use it efficiently," Aizawa said. "Do you think someone will always be there to save you when you injure yourself?"

"N-no, I didn't-"

Aizawa's scarf snapped forward and grabbed Midoriya, pulling him to their teacher.

Terra wondered what their teacher was saying to them, but they were too far away. Whatever Aizawa was saying to Midoriya he didn't want everyone else to know. Her eyes locked onto the green haired boy.

There was something about him, something different from the others. Though she wasn't sure what it was or why she would even care. She did, however, wonder why this boy couldn't control his quirk. He was fifteen like the rest of them. He should have control over it by now.

Then Aizawa released Midoriya and walked away. "I have returned your quirk. Go ahead and take your throw."

Midoriya stepped back to the circle. Shoulders dropping, he started to mumble to himself.

Terra watched him with a tilt of her head. What was he going to do? What was he saying? Then he drew back his arm and threw the ball. She expected to see the red vines again but saw nothing as the ball shot through the air like a hot knife through butter and disappeared into the distance.

"Smash!" Midoriya yelled as he threw the ball.

"Huh?!" Terra's eyes widened. Smash? Why would he say that? Uncle Toshi says that when he's fighting as All Might. Is it because it's All Might's move? The power behind the throw was similar to Uncle Toshi's power. Is Midoriya mimicking Uncle Toshi? No one else is.

"705.3 meters," the digital device chirped.

"Mr. Aizawa." Arm shaking, Midoriya lifted his hand. Terra cringed at the broken and bruised finger as the boy curled a fist. "I can still move!"

A blast caused Terra to jump.

"What is the meaning of this?!" Bakugo shot forward, rage burning in his eyes. "Tell me what's going on, Deku, you bastard!" Before he could get close enough to grab Midoriya he was pulled back by Aizawa's scarf. "What the shell is this?!"

"My scarf is for capture. It's made of carbon fiber woven together with metal wire made of a special alloy." Aizawa scowled. "Jeez. Don't keep making me use my quirk. It gives me serious dry eye."

Terra's eyes went back to Midoriya. He was relieved Bakugo didn't touch him but it was obvious he was still in pain over his broken finger and fear for the explosive boy. Her eyes locked onto his bruised finger. She cringed. How was he going to the pain when they have more tests to get through? Without thought she rushed over to him. "Um, excuse me, uh, Midoriya, was it?"

"Huh? Yes?" Midoriya turned to her.

"You're hurt."

"Oh, yeah. It's nothing." Midoriya chuckled while rubbing his head.

"May I see it?" Terra asked.

"Uh, sure. I guess." Midoriya held up his hand.

Terra moved to grab his hand but stopped. She didn't want to hurt him anymore than he already was. Keeping her hands a couple inches from his, she formed a small vine from her finger and wrapped it around his. He winced. "Sorry."

"It's fine."

"There." The vine broke off from her skin. "That should help until you can get it taken care of properly."

"Uh, thanks, Terra," Midoriya said inspecting his finger. "That feels better."

Terra nodded and turned to go back to Todoroki. She caught a glimpse of Aizawa watching her. She swallowed. Did she do something wrong? Should she not have help Midoriya?

"Terra, your up," Aizawa said.

"Yes, sir," Terra squeaked, having forgotten that she hadn't taken her turn yet. Licking her lips she drew in a breath and picked up the ball. She took a moment to eye the ball. It was designed to log the distance it flew and send that data back to the handheld device their teacher was holding. She wondered who came up with the design before finally taking her throw. As her arm flew forward she sprouted vines from her fingers. It carried the ball a few yards before she released it. As the ball sailed through the air, Terra waved her hand. Vines sprouted up from the ground. One by one they grabbed the ball and continued to move it through the air.

"105 meters."

"Only 105 meters? I expected her to do better than that," Iida said.

The rest of the students mumbled in agreement.

Terra shrugged and rejoined the class.

…

"Times to announce the results." Aizawa shoved his hands into his pockets. "The total is simply the aggregate sum of each of your scores. It'll take too much time to go through them individually so I'll show you the results all at once." Pulling out one hand, he pressed a button and the results flashed on a projection beside him.

Terra scanned the list until she found her name. Tanaka Terra 17 She pursed her lips, unsure of what she should be feeling of her results. She shrugged. At least she passed.

The projection disappeared and Aizawa put the device back in his pocket. "By the way, I was lying about the expulsion. It was a rational deception to draw out maximum powers of your quirks." He smiled.

The class gasped. "What?!"

"Are you kidding?!"

"You mean you all didn't notice?" Yaoyorozu crossed her arms. "I guess I should have said something to you then."

A few classmates glared at her.

Terra stared at Aizawa. He did lie all right. But it wasn't about being expelled. She knew better. Toshinori had warned her about him. Her eyes then drifted to Midoriya. He was last on the list. He would have gone home. So why didn't he? What did Aizawa seen in this young boy to let him stay?

"Well, we're done here," Aizawa said as he started to walk back to the school building. "There are a couple of handouts in the classroom about the curriculum. So when you get back make sure to look them over. Dismissed. Oh and Midoriya." He held out a piece of paper. "Go to the Recovery Girl's to get yourself fixed. Terra's vine might have stabilized your finger but it's still broken. Tomorrow will be packed with even more rigorous tests."

Terra continued to watch their teacher until he disappeared around the corner of the building.

"Let's go."

Terra jumped when something tapped her arm. She turned to find Todoroki had elbowed her. Their class was heading back inside. She followed without a word.

"You did well today," Todoroki said. "Though you shouldn't hold back as much. It won't be long before Aizawa calls you out on it."

"He might, but I don't mind." Terra nodded, watching the backs of their classmates. They were chatting amongst themselves about their test results and Aizawa's lie. She wondered what they would think if they knew he actually didn't lie about one of them being expelled.

Todoroki patted her shoulder before they separated into the locker rooms.

"That was so intense," Ashido said as she sat down on the bench.

"I know." Hagakure started taking off her clothes. "I'm so glad no one got sent home."

Terra turned from them and started changing while half listening to what they were saying. She ended up being the first one changed so she headed back to the classroom by herself. Voices flowed through the opened door.

"I'm surprised that All Might's recommendation didn't have more power."

"I know. But this is only the first day. I'm sure she'll show more of her power soon."

"Maybe."

Terra waited until their subject changed before walking into the room. She found the boy with glasses was already at the front of the classroom handing out the printouts to the boys who had made it back. If all the boys had been there she didn't know. Some might have already gone.

"Here is the curriculum for this semester. Please take this and review it in full." Iida held out some papers towards her.

"Oh, right." Terra walked over to him and took it. "Th-thank you."

He smiled. "Your vines are really impressive. I would love to see what you could do when you go all out. Perhaps we can train together someday?"

"Uh, yeah. Maybe." Terra rushed back to her desk. Go all out? Did he notice she was holding back? "So what do we do now? Do you think the ceremony is over?"
"Probably," Todoroki said. "Why don't we go out for a while before heading home?"

"Sure." Terra nodded then gathered her bag. Together they walked out of the classroom. "Today was completely different than I had expected. Kind of feels like a waste of time. We got all dressed up in these uniforms only to go through some tests then sent home."

"At least we've got a competent teacher," Todoroki said.

Terra nodded. "Competent if not scary. At least he's not as scary as your dad." She paused before adding, "Do you think he'll ever come here?"

"No, not until the sports festival." A dark shadow crossed over Todoroki's eyes.

"The sports festival." Terra groaned, tilting her head back. "Not something I'm looking forward to. Do you think I can just skip it?"

"With that attitude you're going to get kicked out of school," Todoroki said. "So you had better start putting more effort into classes." He glared at her. "If you don't you'll answer directly to me."

"Fine." Terra sighed. "I'll put more effort into being amazing."

"You had better."

The two gathered up their stuff and head back to their lockers. After that they stepped out into the sun. Terra squinted before her eyes adjusted to the light. They walked side by side as they made their way away from the school and closer to the town. Several minutes later they sat down at an outside café and ordered some cool drinks. "So what do you think of our classmates?"

"Too noisy."

"Yeah. Especially that one guy with the explosive hands." Terra slipped her lips over the straw and sucked. Vanilla washed over her tongue. "I wonder why he doesn't like Midoriya. Midoriya seems like a nice guy."

"Going by what he said they seem to have known each other for a while. So probably some kind of childhood rivalry."

Terra hummed. It didn't seem like a childhood rivalry to her. The explosive boy appeared to have wanted to kill the other one. Then what did she know?

The two finished up their drinks and headed for the train station. A few people mumbled about them being UA students, but for the most part the trip was a quiet one. As Todoroki read a book, Terra pulled Birdie's leg out and placed one claw into her ear before turning on her music. The clicks and clanks of the train disappeared to soft music and falling rain.

…

Stepping off the train they headed for the Todoroki compound. A gardener was in the front yard when they stepped through the gate. He didn't even glance at them as he continued trimming back a bush. Stepping into the entranceway, the teens slipped off their shoes.

"Welcome home." Todoroki's sister greeted them with a smile.

"Fuyumi!" Terra hugged the older woman.

"Did you have a good first day?" Fuyumi asked.

"It was exhausting. Our homeroom teacher made us go through several quirk tests." Terra's shoulders slumped. "And all I could do was ramble, stiffen up, or blush when people spoke to me."

"My poor sweet baby." Fuyumi stroked Terra's hair. "Come in and rest. I'll get you some cookies and milk."

"Must you spoiler her so much?" Todoroki asked.

"No more than you spoiler her." Fuyumi smirked at her brother.

"I don't spoil her," Todoroki grumbled as he headed upstairs.

Terra giggled as Fuyumi lead her into the living room. She sat down at the short table, tucking her legs under herself. It was definitely different than her own home since Todoroki house was designed in traditional décor. But she was use to it.

"Are you staying for dinner?" Fuyumi placed a plate of cooks and the milk on the table.

"If it's all right." Terra grabbed a cookie. "Mom's working late tonight again."

"Of course it's all right. You're always welcome here." Fuyumi smiled.

"Thanks. You're the best. So why do you think I acted that way at school?"

"Sounds like you're a bit socially awkward."

"Yaoyorozu said that, too."

"It's understandable considering everything. Give it some time. You might be able to get over that the more you're around people."

Terra mulled over the older woman's words while she finished her cookies and milk. She then headed for the training room. Todoroki was already inside going through a simple stretching routine. "You work too hard sometimes."

"You know why."

"Yeah." Terra nodded. She knew all too well about how much Todoroki hated his dad and how hard he worked in trying to become a hero without using his fire. With a sigh she leaned against the wall and watched him. His moves were mesmerizing, strong, and confident as always. He had such a grace about him through both his physical moves and his quirk moves. He was so much more than his dad. If only he could see that. If only he realized that he's not his dad and his fire quirk isn't his dad's. It hurt to see Todoroki in so much pain. Tears pooled in her eyes before pain stung her forehead. "Ouch! What was that for?"

"You're doing it again." Todoroki pulled his hand back.

"Doing what?" Terra rubbed her forehead.

"Feeling sorry for me. Stop it."

Terra wrinkled her nose. "I have very right to feel sorry for you. You're my best friend. You're the only one who really understands what I've been through. I want you to be happy."

"I know. Maybe someday we'll both find happiness."

"Really? It seems like that day is no where in sight."

"It will. I promise you that. Be patient."

"Waiting is all I seem to do." Terra's eyes dropped to his chest. The sleeveless shirt hung loose over his muscles.

"At least you're out of that cave now." Todoroki smiled.

"Cave verses people always staring at me." Terra twirled a strand of hair. "I think I'd rather have the cave."

Todoroki chuckled. "You would not. You hate the cave."

"I don't hate it. It's comfortable."

"It's a prison."

Terra puffed out her cheeks, bringing her eyes back to his. "I'm never going to win an argument with you, am I?"

"No. You're not. So give up."

"Only if you stop training for a change and just hang out with me. Once classes get going full swing we're probably not going to have much down time to spend together."

"We'll have plenty of time together since we'll be studying and training together."

"Studying and training isn't the same thing as hanging out." She punched his chest.

"We're together now, aren't we?"
"Shoto!" Terra stomped her foot with a growl. "You know what I mean!"

"Okay, okay." Todoroki held up his hands in surrender. "I'll do what you want tonight."

"Good. Now let's watch a movie."

Todoroki nodded.

They headed back downstairs into the family room, which to a degree Terra thought was pointless. The only time anyone used this room was when she was over. And then it was only her and Todoroki most of the time. If his sister were home she'd join them on occasion. Their dad never joined them. When Enji came home from hero work he might peek into the room. And that was it. Enji would only speak if he wanted something, usually tell Todoroki to join him in the training room or to stop rebelling against his destiny.

As Todoroki sat down Terra put in an action movie then joined him on the floor and leaned back against the cushions. The previews started rolling. Popcorn soon filled the air. A few minutes later Fuyumi trekked into the room with two large bowls of popcorn and some sodas. Fuyumi settled in to watch the movie with them.

Four movie's later, Terra's head found its way to Todoroki's shoulder. Her heavy eyelids started to fall closed seconds before Birdie started chirping. She jolted. "Birdie, answer."

Birdie's beak opened to its speaker.

"I figured you'd still be over at the Todoroki's." Tomoko's face appeared on Birdie's chest. "And from all the noise you're watching movies. On a normal day I wouldn't mind, but it's a school night. Do you have any idea how late it is?"
"Sorry." Terra rubbed the sleep from her eyes. "I'm coming." The screen on Birdie's chest winked out. "See you tomorrow, Sho-chan."

"Good night, Ter." Todoroki stood up with her.

Terra helped him clean up before reclaiming her stuff and walking down the hall to the back room. She gave him a smile before opening the door. She then entered into the closet in the room. The door clicked closed, plunging her into darkness, as she moved through the hanging coats. She tapped her toes on the wall. A red light lit up the dark room.

"Scan start," a computer voice said. The red light roamed down her body. "Scan complete. Welcome back, Terra. Proceed to the elevator." The wall whooshed open.

With a sigh Terra stepped into the elevator. A second passed before the door closed and the small room started humming. A few seconds later the door opened to a dark hallway. She stepped out. A light lit up and shone down on her. She proceeded through the hall, by passing several other hallways as lights lit up her path. After passing each light the previous one shut off. Five minutes later she arrived at a dead end. Again she tapped the wall with her toes. Another red light scanned her before a second secret door opened.

Tomoko stood there, waiting with her arms crossed.

"Sorry. I didn't mean to stay that late."

"It's fine." Tomoko said. "I know you're safe there. But it is a school night."

"Yeah." Terra nodded. "I'm going to have to get use to that."

"How did it go?"

"It was one of the most horrible things I have ever been through." Terra gave her mom a quick over view of the day's events as they walked through the living room to her bedroom.

"Well, I'm sure things will get better. It's only been one day."

"I doubt it, but thanks." Terra yawned. "I'm going to bed now. Good night."

"Good night, Terra."

Terra closed her door and got ready for bed. As she sat down on her bed Birdie started chirping, "All Might is calling! All Might is calling!" in Toshinori's voice. She giggled at the ridiculous ringtone she loved so much. "Birdie, answer."

"Hello, my sweet niece!" Toshinori smiled and waved. "Sorry I couldn't see you today. First day was rather swamped, surprisingly. I was watching you during your training with Aizawa."

"You were there? What for?" Terra gathered her pillow under her chin.

"Of course I was there. I had to make sure you were all right and that Aizawa wasn't going to be hard on you."

"It was terrible. I wouldn't have made it through if it wasn't for Sho-chan."

"I noticed. I also noticed you took care of Young Midoriya's broken finger. I'm so proud of you. Well on your way to being a hero." The man nodded.

"So you do know him."

"Uh!" Toshinori jumped then scratched his cheek.

"Uncle Toshi?" Terra tilted her head.

"Sorry. Yes, I know him. Do you remember the news report on the sludge villain that grabbed a young boy named Bakugo?"

"Yeah, I remem-Hey!" Terra smacked herself. "That's why he felt so different!"

"Bakugo?"
"Midoriya, the green haired boy. There was something about him that reminded me of you for some reason."

Toshinori swallowed.

"Now I know why. He used your smash move today, sort of. You saw him. I totally forgot about that news report. You met both those boys that day."

"That's right." Toshinori nodded. "And due to unforeseeable events, Young Midoriya knows about my two sides."

"He knows? Is that all right? Will he tell?" Terra's fingers tightened on her pillow. Her heart jumped into her throat.
"No, no. Calm down now. He won't tell. That boy has a lot of respect for me. He'll keep my secret." He smiled. "He's actually a really nice boy. You should try and make friends with him."

Terra hummed. "Maybe."

"Well, I would like to stay up and talk to you more but it is a school night."

"I know. Mom already said that. I stayed over later than I should have at Sho-chan's."

"Get some sleep then. I'll see you tomorrow."

"Good night, Uncle Toshi."

"Good night, sweet girl."

Birdie's chest plate slid close.

Terra ordered it to recharge as she rolled onto her back. Her mind drifted back to Midoriya and the smash he said during the ball throw. That's it then. He only said that because he admires Uncle Toshi. He was a nice guy, if a little unsure of himself. She hummed. I don't know if I should trust him. He could blab to anyone about Uncle Toshi's secret. Guess I'll have to wait and see what kind of guy he really is before I declare him okay or a threat.

With a relaxing exhale, Terra closed her eyes and allowed herself to fall into a peaceful sleep.

…

Author's Notes: Going to tweak a few choice words from Bakugo, but you'll still be able to read them as he says them.