Chapter 3: Unforeseen Malefactor

Returning to school after all the drama yesterday felt very strange. Bakugo had been suspended for a whole week and the rest of the class was unsure of how to react. Although Izuku had always been Bakugo's favourite punching bag, he wasn't the only one forced to suffer his explosive temper. Without Bakugo in the class, there was no one crowding them during lunch or criticizing someone for dropping something or insulting someone for answering a question wrong. It definitely felt weird to not be on edge all the time.

After Izuku texted his mother that he was going to stay after school for a while to finish an important assignment, he covertly boarded the train to Tokyo.

I'm sure I can get some answers at the Quirk Research Institute. I'll ask if I can see Dr. Akatani. If I tell him it was all an accident, I'm sure he'll be willing to look past me crushing the spider considering how big of a discovery this might be. Thought Izuku as the countryside whipped past.

A few hours later the high-speed train entered the downtown Tokyo station and Izuku disembarked. Moving through the crowds of people on the side walk, he walked from the station and up to the glass fronted building. Approaching the glass door, he pulled on the brass handle but it was locked.

Strange. I can see people in there.

Looking through the glass and towards the security checkpoint by the entranceway, he gestured towards one of the guards. The bored looking, blue uniformed man dropped his newspaper and pressed a button on his desk.

'Yes?' came the man's voice through an intercom next to the doorway.

'Uh, Hi. Can I come in? I was hoping to meet with someone.'

'Sorry. The premises are closed to authorized personnel only until further notice. If you'd like I can page the person you want to speak to. Who're you here to see?'

'Oh. Um, I was wanting to talk to Dr. Akatani?'

I hope I'm not wasting everyone's time. He probably has no clue who I am even!

'Sorry, Dr. Akatani has just left for the day. You might be able to catch him in the parking lot if you hurry.'

'Okay, thanks!'

Running off in the direction of the parking lot, Izuku felt butterflies in his stomach as he thought about what to say.

Hello Dr. Akatani my name is Izuku Midoriya from Musutafu. I was at your tour the other day and I was bitten by one of your quirk modified spiders and now I have super powers.

Izuku sighed. He's probably going to think I'm nuts. I hope he gives me a chance to explain myself at least.

When his mom had taken him to see Dr. Akatani a few years ago the doctor had been very blunt with him. There was a very simple test to determine if an individual possessed a quirk or not. If their pinky toe had one joint, then they had a quirk. Izuku had two joints in his toe and so Dr. Akatani had told him in no uncertain terms that he would never develop a quirk. He had been registered in the national registry as being quirkless that very day.

Let's hope he's more patient nowadays.

He rounded the corner of the building. In the centre of the parking lot, Izuku spotted the glare of the sun gleaming off of a man's bald head. As he got closer, he recognized the voice of the man as belonging to Dr. Akatani.

'No, we have not. Our containment procedures have been activated however.' Dr. Akatani said to the person on the other end of the phone.

Izuku's ears perked up. Ducking down behind a car, he crouch walked closer.

Where's the harm in me eavesdropping a little?

Moving to the car parked beside Dr. Akatani, Izuku strained himself to listen to the conversation.

A half hour earlier while Izuku was still on his way to the Quirk Research Institute, Dr. Akatani was at his desk, scowling at his computer screen. If they didn't locate the latest generation arachnid specimen soon, heads would roll. Besides being the cumulation of his research team's expertise over the past twenty years, that tiny spider alone represented a tax-payer investment of over seventy-eight billion yen.

Exactly how the spider had managed to escape from its containment unit was a mystery. Dr. Bukiyō had sworn that when he returned to the cart after his call, he had found it tipped over, it's glass enclosure shattered. With its enhanced physical attributes, it was possible that the spider had been able to free itself, though Dr. Akatani thought that was unlikely. What was likely was that Dr. Bukiyō's would be headed back to the private sector soon and unless that spider was found, he would be joining him.

From the light fixtures to the toilets, the entire staff had been on their hands and knees looking for the little bastard but to no avail. He had no choice but to alert his superiors that a specimen had escaped.

Twenty years of hard work. A career of scrounging and endless service. All the sacrifices, undone in an instant. And I was so close!

For his entire life, he had dreamed about being the one to create the first quirks. Having no quirk himself, he would stand by his classmates, notebook in hand, and record everything he could about their abilities and how they worked. As time passed his curiosity grew even stronger and he made a career of understanding and predicting quirk development.

His work proved to be invaluable to the government as they were just as interested as he was in controlling the development of quirks in their citizens. They wanted a means to be able to predict and eliminate potentially dangerous abilities in children before they cold manifest and present a problem to society. A bit authoritarian for his taste, but he didn't care. As long as they paid the bills and gave him access to human test subjects they could do whatever they wanted with his research.

As Dr. Akatani considered his situation, he remembered the earlier setbacks with the program. Twenty years ago, he had been given access to the prisoners of Tartarus for human testing. None of his subjects had survived and as a result of his lack of progress he was ordered to change his experimentation to animal subjects. Then because of the damn Humane Treatment of Animals Resolution he had been forced to switch to insects. Still even with these limitations they had made progress.

In the past four years he had learned that in order to manifest a quirk in a subject, you first needed to have a genetic blank, a quirkless subject that could act as an empty canvass upon which you could forcibly trigger the evolutionary leap. The change often had unintended side effects however. Even in insects the results had been horrific. The fatality rates amongst the earliest subjects was close to ninety percent. But of the ten percent that survived, he had been able to refine his quirk formula and achieve a fatality rate of merely fifty percent. The specimens were still brain dead but so what? It was damn impressive, even if the bureaucrats didn't understand it.

Dr. Akatani turned off his computer and stood from his desk. Any minute now he would get a phone call from some cretin in the government demanding he provide them with answers as to their investment. It was do or die time. With some creative thinking and a little luck, he would be able to salvage the program. He looked over at his clock. It was past six.

I've been sitting here waiting for the axe to fall all day. If I must grovel, I might as well do so in the comfort of my own home.

Walking out of his office, he said farewell to his secretary before taking the elevator to the ground floor. Crossing the lobby, he exited the building and walked towards his car. Before he could reach his vehicle however his cell phone rang. He groaned.

Pulling out his phone, he saw it was the head of the funding committee to his program. This was it. Lowering his briefcase to the asphalt, he took a deep breath and answered the phone.

'Hello, Dr. Akatani speaking.'

'Dr. Akatani, this is Jūyō Sekkachi.' said a curt voice through the phone, 'I have reviewed your report. Needless to say, this is deeply disappointing to the board. Have you still not located the specimen?'

'No sir, we have not. Our containment procedures have been activated however.'

'As I understand it, this spider was given your nerve modification therapy and was mobile. Is it possible for it to have bitten anyone?'

'It is possible.' conceded Dr. Aratani, 'Though we would know if someone was bitten almost immediately.'

'Oh? If someone is injured from malpractice on your part Dr. Akatani there will be an inquiry.'

Dr. Akatani swelled indignantly for a moment before he regained control over his temper.

I must avoid a confrontation at all costs if I want to continue my research.

'With respect Mr. Sekkachi sir, my staff are expertly trained. We know how to handle the specimens.'

'Tell me, what would happen if the specimen were to escape from the facility?'

'It would likely die.' Dr. Akatani said calmly, 'Despite its enhanced physical abilities and senses, outside of the laboratory environment the specimen cannot survive in the wild. It's required caloric intake coupled with its limited brain function means that it would be unable to sustain itself.'

'Would it attack people?'

'Sir, anything with a mouth can attack people. But for all of its genetic modification, it will still behave in the same manner as a spider. It is likely seeking a secluded, dark territory for itself in the Hot Labs as we speak.'

'How long can this spider survive outside its enclosure?'

Dr. Akatani grimaced. He knew that question was coming.

'About five days.'

'So, if the spider is not found in five days then you will need to be prepared to answer to the board as to the whereabouts of your nearly eighty-billion-yen, budgetary sinkhole.'

Dr. Akatani felt a scowl form on his face.

'Sir, if I may interject? That is not necessarily correct.' he said as calmly as he could.

'Oh? Explain.'

'The latest quirk manifestation formula that we had been developing was carried within that spider's DNA. If it were to interact with a quirkless individual it is possible that that person could manifest quirks for themselves. Though they would be in a vegetative state.'

'What are you saying? if someone without a quirk eats the spider they might get a quirk?'

'Or gets bitten.'

Sekkachi exhaled in frustration and Dr. Akatani felt his frustration build again. It was no secret that the head of the funding committee disliked him. Sekkachi had always loudly speculated that Dr. Akatani was more interested in his own goals rather than the government's interests.

'How many times must I tell you? We are interested in quirk removal, not quirk generation! I'll be honest with you doctor, I have questioned myself as to whether or not you were suitable to lead this program. Ever since the first human trials, your…enthusiasm for ethically grey research disturbed me greatly. But against my better judgement, I allowed you to continue because you were the top in your field. However, I see now that you are still as hell bent as ever on creating quirks in humans!'

Despite himself, Dr. Akatani felt himself go on the defensive.

'I-I have been over this with the budgetary committee many times. In order to curtail quirk manifestation, you must first understand how it is created!'

'You have had twenty years doctor. We need to see some progress.' Dr. Akatani was silent as Sekkachi sighed again. 'Assuming someone was bitten by your spider, what would happen?'

'If they were quirkless, then we might finally have a successfully manifested quirk event in a human being. Using that person's DNA, I would be able to determine precisely how the quirk is formed and devise a formula to remove quirks.'

'If they are quirkless.' Mr. Sekkachi repeated flatly, 'And what are the chances of that?'

Dr. Akatani swallowed, 'Approximately twenty percent.'

Sekkachi laughed bitterly. In truth the actual chances of a person without a quirk getting bitten by the spider were much lower. It was true that around one in five people currently alive were quirkless but once you factored in age and geographic location, the actual likelihood that someone without a quirk would be bitten in downtown Tokyo during business hours was practically zero as the majority of the quirkless population were elderly. Not to mention they would have to survive the mutation process itself.

'I see.' Sekkachi said in a tired voice, 'And how would you be able to find this person?'

'Why using the quirk registry of course. Nearly every quirkless person in the country has been registered. If a new quirk is manifested from the people on that list then I will be able to easily determine with a simple blood test if their quirks are a result of the spider specimen.'

'And then I suppose you will want that person for further experimentation?' Sekkachi asked warily.

'Naturally. In order to create a reliable formula, I will need to access their brain stem tissue. But one person is a small price to pay for civil order, no?'

Sekkachi was silent for a few moments. Dr. Akatani felt a lump form in his throat as the fate of his life's work was considered. Eventually Sekkachi spoke:

'You've already been funded until the end of the budgetary year. If during that time you do not recover the specimen or there are no anomalies with the quirkless population, your project will be shut down. Are we clear?'

'Yes, sir.' Dr. Akatani said, a massive load seemingly lifting from his shoulders.

At that he hung up and Dr. Akatani put his phone away. Taking his keys from his pocket, he entered his car.

That went about as well as it could have. My career lives another day. I think this calls for a celebration.

Starting his car, he drove off. Completely oblivious to the green haired boy that had been hiding behind the SUV next to him.

Izuku slide down and lay against the wheel of the SUV as he processed what he had just heard.

If they discover I have a quirk then their going to experiment on my brain? That can't be true. That's insane! I'm a Japanese citizen!

As he considered the implications of what he just heard another horrible thought entered his mind.

I was registered in the quirkless database! If I went to UA and signed up for the hero program and told them I have a quirk then the government will know! I can't…I can't ever let anyone know I have these powers…

Izuku felt tears start to fall down his face as realization dawned on him.

I'm going to have to go into hiding for the rest of my life! I'll never be a hero. Never be able to save anyone. It's not fair!

Eventually he felt his back start to twitch. Wiping his face, he rose to his feet. Across the parking lot, he saw a man in a lab coat nearing his hiding spot. Fortunately, he was too preoccupied with his smart phone to notice him.

Still sniffling, Izuku crept away from the approaching scientist. Dodging between cars, he made his way to the sidewalk and joined the throngs of pedestrians. The teaming masses of business men and women were oblivious to his sobs as he walked towards the train station.

By the time he arrived back in Musutafu it was getting dark. After texting his Mom that he was going for a walk around the neighbourhood, Izuku considered his plight.

I guess I can just go to a regular high school. With my grades I'm sure that any school would be happy to have me.

He picked up a can that was lying on the street and threw it over his back. Arching gracefully, it clattered into a distant recycling bin.

'Nice shot kid!' called out a man across the street. Izuku raised his hand in acknowledgment but otherwise ignored him.

Even if I go to a regular school I'll have to be careful. I guess I can't ever get any bloodwork done. Or go to a hospital for whatever reason. If I do, then they'll know something is up when they analyze my blood. That guy said Dr. Akatani was going to be fired next fiscal year but I doubt the government will forget I exist. I'll need to live carefully from now on and avoid attracting attention.

'Someone, help!' shouted a voice from down the street. Izuku jerked his head up. About three blocks away he saw a man and woman standing beneath a tree, frantically looking around.

Without thinking, Izuku took off towards the two. Breezing past the stores and parked cars he skidded to a halt in front of the couple.

'What's wrong?' Izuku asked, heart pounding. The two turned to look at him.

'Our kid got himself stuck!' said the man, 'Quick, can you call 911? I don't have my phone on me.'

Izuku glanced up as he pulled out his phone. At the very top of the tree a baby was clinging to a thin branch, seemingly unconcerned with his predicament.

'Sure!' Izuku said as he dialed.

'911 what is your-'

At that moment the branch the baby was clinging to broke and the baby started to fall. As the parents called out in terror, Izuku dropped his phone and leaped. Moving upwards, he intercepted the infant, catching it gently in his arms. Falling, he landed neatly on his feet.

'Ah! That was amazing! Thank you, thank you, thank you!' cried the couple as they ran over to him. Passing the confused looking child to his mother's arms Izuku stepped back.

'That was incredible kid! You have a jumping quirk or something?' asked the man.

'Oh, uh, yeah. Yeah, I can jump real high.'

'Thanks!' said the man, turning to his child the man said 'What do we say Miko? Can you say "Thank you?" to the man?'

'Blueergh!' belched the baby.

After the couple had moved off, Izuku retrieved his phone from the sidewalk. His screen had cracked but at the moment he didn't care one bit. His whole life he had been waiting for a chance to help someone and right now he felt as good as when he first found out he had a quirk. Maybe even better.

Shaking his head in disbelief, he walked back towards his apartment. Unlocking the door, he stepped inside and took off his shoes. Before he could even walk out of the entranceway his mother suddenly appeared in front of him. A rare frown on her face.

'Izuku Midoriya! Where have you been?' she said, spatula raised threateningly.

'I-I was out for a walk.' stammered Izuku.

'And what time is it?'

'Um, nine thirty?'

'That's far too late for someone your age to be out! Izuku, I'm surprised at you! You know how dangerous the streets are at night!'

'I know Mom…'

'I was worried sick! You should have called!'

Izuku thought about pointing out the text messages he had left her explaining his whereabouts but he wisely chose to bite his tongue.

'Sorry, Mom. I must have lost track of time.'

His mother regarded him angrily for a moment before she stepped back.

'Well come in and eat your dinner. It's getting cold.'

Izuku followed his mother into the dining room and saw a small feast waiting for him. There was even a platter of Katsudon, his favourite!

'Seeing as how you've grown so much lately, I thought I'd better cook you something extra.' she said nonchalantly as he gawked at the veritable feast laid out before him.

"Aw, thanks Mom!' he said, grinning broadly as he dug into the meal. He was starved.

After spending some time with his mother watching television, Izuku retreated to his room and completed his homework. It wasn't due for another week but he liked to stay ahead. By the time he was finished all his work it was almost midnight again. Falling back into his bed, he considered his day.

I might not ever be a pro hero, but I can still help people. Maybe there is a future for me after all.

After cramming some waded-up tissue paper in his ears, Izuku settled into his sheets and a few moments later he drifted off to sleep.