Chapter 6: Work Life Balance

Izuku spent the next two months trying to juggle his school life with his new-found responsibility as a vigilante. In the beginning he had just went out twice a week; once on Fridays and once on Saturdays. But as time went on and he started to learn the streets and piece together the situation on the ground, he started to venture out on Sundays. Then on Mondays. Then Tuesdays. Now he was going out almost every night.

While his spider powers may have granted him incredible endurance, not even his enhanced physical condition could salvage his sleep schedule. For the life of him he couldn't stay awake. At home he spent most of his time sleeping, waking only for meals which caused his mother to worry that he was sick. To try and throw her off his scent, he had told her that his exhaustion was caused by his new exercise regime. He didn't like lying to her, but what other choice did he have?

School was even worse. Before he got his powers, he had spent the majority of his time in class daydreaming. Rousing himself only to turn in his homework or answer the teacher's questions. He never had to try to get top grades anyway, so what was the point? Nowadays though, instead of daydreaming he would fall asleep from exhaustion. Needless to say, Mr. Tamanegi was not pleased but Izuku argued that as long as he kept his grades up, there was no cause for worry. In the end, he was able to get away with his light napping more often than not.

This drove Bakugo almost to the breaking point with rage, but somehow, he managed to restrain himself. He never once acted on his impulses no matter how many times Izuku fell asleep in front of him. It was actually kind of impressive.

One day as Izuku was dozing off in his seat something Mr. Tamanegi said penetrated into his fog like mind.

'…your high school entrance exams will be next week.'

With a start Izuku perked up. Blinking, he pinched the bridge of his nose and shook himself awake.

Did he say next week?!

'Now as I'm sure you know; these exams will determine what school you will be attending for the next three years of your life. They will determine in large part what high school you go too, what university you can attend, which will in turn affect what your employment options are.'

Mr. Tamanegi, looked around the room with an evil smile on his face.

'Mmmm, oh yes. We will see, won't we? Who makes the cut.' he simpered as he gazed down at Ruriko. She lowered her phone and gulped as he leered at her.

After a few awkward seconds Mr. Tamanegi appeared to regain control of himself. Coughing into his elbow, he straightened and continued on as though nothing had happened.

'Anyway, today I want you all to fill out this form and indicate where you would prefer to attend. Bear in mind that certain schools, such as the hero programs at UA, have secondary testing that must be met, after you have already met the general academic prerequisites. A high score alone will not guarantee entry.' he said looking over at Bakugo and Izuku.

As he passed out the forms, Izuku started to panic. It wasn't about the test itself - he was going to ace that - but about what school he would attend. He had been so wrapped up in his nightlife that he hadn't even considered his future.

He remembered what he had said to Bakugo about joining the Hero Support Program. He had entertained the thought, but that was before he had committed himself as a vigilante. They would work him hard. He probably wouldn't have the time to patrol anymore if he attended UA.

Mr. Tamanegi walked past, passing him a form. Izuku looked at it uncertainly. Once Mr. Tamanegi moved on, he felt Bakugo lean forward behind him.

'Don't even think about it Deku!' hissed Bakugo in his ear, 'UA isn't some stupid game or fantasy of yours. Just give up!'

Izuku twirled his pen in his hand.

Thank you Kacchan. You just made my choice so much easier.

Izuku wrote: U.A. High School, Hero Support Program.

Izuku sensed Bakugo craning his neck to see what he had written but he blocked him. Marching past his babbling classmates, he stopped in front of Mr. Tamanegi's desk and handed him the form. He glanced down at the paper and looked up at Izuku.

'Are you serious?' he asked in a tired voice.

'Yes, I am.' Izuku replied, his voice full of conviction. Mr. Tamanegi just rolled his eyes.

'You know, when I was your age-' he began, but Izuku quickly interrupted him.

'Also, I was wondering if I could talk with the principal about this. I want to…ask her something.'

Mr. Tamanegi put his finger up to his temple and stared at him. Izuku stood his ground, his jaw set and his shoulders back.

'Fine.' he said disdainfully, 'Return to your seat. We can speak with Principal Sasaina together after class.'

Izuku walked back to his desk, a bounce in his step. Ignoring the stare that Bakugo was giving him, he sat down, his heart racing.

Once school ended, Izuku collected his wearily complaining teacher and together they entered the cramped office of Principal Sasaina. Seated behind her desk, she was busily clicking away on her computer. Izuku could tell from the reflection in the window that she was playing solitaire. Badly if that was even possible.

'Mr. Midoriya. What brings you to my office today?' asked the principal, not even sparing him a glance.

'Principal Sasaina, I wanted to talk with you about the High School Entranceway exam.' Izuku said, taking a seat in front of her desk.

'Oh, that's right. The exams are next week are they not? Study, study, study…' she said. She seemed completely uninterested.

'Y-Yes. I was hoping I could get a special recommendation from you for my High School Application. I want to attend UA.'

Mr. Tamanegi snorted and Izuku saw Principal Sasaina's eyebrows raise slightly. A faint smile tugging at the corner of her lips. Turning from her game, she looked at him and feigned interest.

'Oh? Well I certainly applaud your ambition to attend UA. It's a fine school. Mr. Tamanegi, do you think he can make it?'

Mr. Tamanegi shifted his feet, 'Yes.' he said in a pained voice, 'He has top marks. I'm sure he can qualify into their general education program with little difficulty.'

'Oh, that's wonderful.' Principal Sasaina said jovially before resuming her game, 'It seems as though you don't need my help then. Good for you. Now if there was nothing else…?'

'I don't plan on attending general education. I want to join the support hero course.'

Principal Sasaina shot Mr. Tamanegi a sharp glance. Izuku couldn't see his expression clearly in the window's reflection, but he definitely mouthed something. The principal sighed. Taking her hand off the computer mouse she at last gave him her full attention.

'It is admirable to set the bar high for yourself. However, in light of your…condition, I'm afraid that your participation in the Hero Program is impossible.'

Izuku took a deep breath. This was going to be difficult.

'Ma'am, I am aware that the Hero Program is inaccessible, but the Support Program isn't. Many support heroes don't have combat applicable quirks. I think that I could qualify based on my academic achievements…and my fitness.'

'Your fitness?' she said skeptically looking him over, 'Mr. Midoriya are you a member of the track and field club?'

'N-No.'

'Are you a member of any of our sports teams?'

'Not…currently, no.'

'Then I'm afraid I cannot recommend you without any extracurricular achievement I can point to as being a notable accomplishment.' she said shrugging slightly. Izuku felt his temper flare at her casual disregard. Didn't she realize what this meant to him?

'Ma'am, I think you misunderstand.' he said, carefully keeping his voice even, 'I've been training myself for the last year after school, specifically for this purpose. I need to attend UA.'

Principal Sasaina pursed her lips, 'I don't mean to parse words with you, Izuku so allow me to make myself clear. I cannot recommend a student on an extracurricular activity unless it has some basis in one of our mandated school programs. Perhaps you should have thought of this earlier instead of waiting until the Entrance Way exams were only a week away.'

I need to rethink my approach. She doesn't give a damn about me or my dreams. Maybe I could offer her something.

'Principal Sasaina I think this could really benefit us both if I get admitted to UA.'

She laughed, 'Really? I mean, of course it benefits all of us I'm sure, but-'

'No. I mean you specifically.' Izuku said leaning forward, 'Think about it. You could be the principal of the first quirkless student to attend UA's Support Hero program! I'm definitely going to qualify for UA based on my academic performance. And you may not believe it, but I am in great shape. Whatever physical examination they have, I can clear easily! Even without a quirk! I just need a little something extra to make me more visible to the selection committee at UA. that's all. What have you got to lose?'

She let out an amused snort.

'As I said, because you have not participated in one of our school programs, I cannot endorse you. I'm sorry.'

'Well how about we make one up?' Izuku said impulsively. The principal chuckled.

'Mr. Midoriya I think that-'

'No, wait. Hear me out.' Izuku said, a faint note of desperation creeping into his voice, 'How about I…take the standardized fitness test!' he said snapping his fingers, 'Base your recommendation on that. If I pass with flying colours then you can say I was a part of your fitness program!'

'My fitness program?' she repeated skeptically.

'Yeah! I can say you…pushed me to succeed or something. It's win-win! You'll look really progressive and-and forward thinking or whatever, and I can make it into UA!'

Principal Sasaina scrunched her face as she regarded him. Izuku remained still with baited breath while she thought it over. After a moment she looked over at Mr. Tamanegi then back to Izuku.

'In the interest of the school, I've decided to allow you-'

Mr. Tamanegi groaned and Izuku felt his heart leap in his chest.

'-to attempt the standardized fitness exam. If you achieve an exceptional score, I will write you your recommendation.'

In spite of himself Izuku felt his eyes water and he broke out into a broad grin.

'Th-Thank you! I-I promise I-I won't let you down!' he stammered, choking up as he spoke.

Principal Sasaina recoiled slightly, uncomfortable at his sudden display of emotion. She hated dealing with children.

'Well. Yes. Very good then. Off you go.' she said stiffly, shooing him away with her hands.

Wiping his face on his sleeve and smiling, Izuku exited her office before she could reconsider.

As Izuku walked home that day he thought about how he could complete the standardized fitness test well enough to be considered exceptional but not so well as to appear superhuman.

The most difficult part will be the running test. If I remember correctly there is one endurance test and one sprinting test. I'll need to carefully pace myself. I should go practice tonight. I'll need to get the timing down.

He stifled a yawn as he walked up the stairs to his apartment. He had been awake for the last eighteen hours and it was going to be a long night. Unlocking his apartment door, he walked inside.

'Welcome home Izuku, how was your day?' his mom asked, sitting up from the couch and muting the television.

'Hi mom. Today was great! You know how the high school entranceway exams are coming up? Well I selected UA as my first choice!'

His mother's face went pale and he froze.

I should have brought this up more tactfully. Oh, well. I had to tell her some time.

'R-Really? UA? What do you think are your chances?' she asked, a strained look on her face.

'Pretty good, I think. I've got the grades after all.'

'Do you…do you think that without a quirk…'

'Oh, I'm not entering the Hero Course Mom. I know that I wouldn't get in without a quirk. It's okay though.'

She looked at him in shock before bursting into tears. Rushing to him, she dove into his arms, crying into his chest.

'M-Mom!' sputtered Izuku.

'Oh, I-I'm s-sorry, Izu! I-I know how much you-you always wanted to be a-a hero! I wish there was something I-I could do, or if…If I could have done something different.'

'Its okay Mom.' said Izuku, tentatively patting his mother's back. 'Really! Besides there are more ways to be a hero than having my pro hero license!'

'Oh, I know Izu. You have a good heart! You could help people in lots of ways. You could be a doctor-' she began but Izuku cut her off.

'No, Mom it's not that. I've…

Here goes nothing.

…decided to enroll in the Support Hero course instead.'

'Wha-What?' she said, pushing her self back so she could look at him.

'I'm enrolling in the Support Hero program! A lot of Support Heroes work in labs or in Hero Design Agencies, making gadgets and costumes and things. You know how I've always liked building stuff.'

Izuku stood their awkwardly as his mother slowly recovered. After dabbing at her eyes with her sweater, she looked into his eyes searchingly.

'B-But what about a quirk? Do you think you could get in?'

'Maybe. I asked Principal Sasaina for a special fitness recommendation. I'm hoping that if I can outperform the average student's fitness level sufficiently, I'll be able to argue that I can handle whatever challenges they have.'

'Oooh, I hope so Izu! How can I help you? Can I make you anything or-'

'No Mom, I'm fine. I've just got to do exceptionally well on the fitness test and I'll get the recommendation.'

'When are you taking the test?'

'Hm. I'm not sure. I'll probably have to ask Mr. Ijime tomorrow.'

He frowned slightly. Of all the teachers at Aldera Junior High, the gym teacher, Mr. Ijime was the worst. He had always treated him with contempt because he was quirkless.

'I-I'm sure you'll do fine. You've worked so hard already. I wish your father could…well anyway. Here, let me make you supper.'

He watched as his mother busied herself around the kitchen. Walking over to the couch he sat down and started flipping through the channels.

I'm exhausted. As soon as I eat I think I'll call it a day.

'Oh, by the way Izuku. I received a letter today from the doctor's office.'

He felt the hairs on the back of his head stand on end.

'O-Oh? What did it say?' he said, trying his best to sound unconcerned.

'Apparently there is a new flu strain going around. It says that if you don't have a quirk you are at a much higher risk for infection. It's been a while since you went to the doctor anyway. When are you free? I can take you after school.'

Izuku's mind raced.

If It's just an immunization, why do I have this terrible feeling? My instincts have never been wrong before. Just to play it safe I should refuse. But Mom will likely insist.

'Hm. Well right now I'm busy studying for the Entrance Exams. Maybe I can do it later? I don't feel sick at all Mom.'

'But you've been sleeping so much. It's not normal, even if you have been exercising a lot.'

'Well I-I need to study though.'

'Izu, it'll take twenty minutes.' she said exasperatedly.

'W-Well I'll think about it. Just, uh, don't book anything okay? I'm doing fine right now and I don't want to be…distracted.'

She let out a disapproving sigh, but she let the matter drop. Soon after she had dinner ready.

'Here, come eat while it's hot. You need your energy if you're going to be doing fitness tests now too. How are you sleeping Izuku? I don't wonder if you spend too much time on your computer…'

After dinner, Izuku told his mom he had to study and excused himself to his room. Locking his door, he donned his sleeping mask and ear plugs and went to bed. After sleeping a solid five hours, he awoke and prepared for his nightly excursion. Grabbing his costume and stuffing it in his backpack, he covertly snuck out the apartment while his mom was distracted on the phone.

He used to wait until midnight before he left for his crimefighting, but he soon realized that even criminals sleep and there was less activity in the dead of the night. After making his way down to the street, he drew his hoodie tight and jogged down to the subway station.

An hour later, he was clambering over a series of rusted metal gas pipes that ran haphazardly across the rooftop of a tumble-down dinner. Some members of the East Siders could usually be found eating a late supper here and he wanted to know if there was any new word of the beef between them and Speed Demon.

From what he had been able to piece together, Shocker and Speed Demon were crime bosses operating in the slums and each had control of their own gang. Apparently, they used to run in the same group of villains, "The Sinister Six", before Speed Demon left the group. Shortly after, The Sinister Six was broken up when their leader and all the other members besides Shocker was arrested. Ever since then, he had been operating on his own, dealing mostly in drugs supplied by a yakuza group calling itself the Eight Precepts of Death. Shocker and Speed Demon were in the middle of a war over territory to distribute the drugs, including Trigger. While they were both supplied Trigger by the same source, Speed Demon was using his chemical expertise to modify the drug to produce a more pleasurable high, driving business away from Shocker and his gang. To compensate for this, Shocker quickly attacked and captured as much of Speed Demon's territory as he could hold.

In exchange for the recipe for modified Trigger, Shocker offered to return Speed Demon's territory. Naturally Speed Demon refused and this lead to a series of skirmishes between the two gangs that had been ongoing for the past year. Neither side had the strength to destroy the other and neither side was willing to back down either. This had resulted in multiple murders and many more assaults across the slums this year alone. Izuku figured that if they couldn't take each other out than it was up to him to bring them both down.

Dropping down to the alley behind the restaurant, he snuck up to the open kitchen window and peered inside. As usual the sweaty cook had his radio blaring while he clumsily danced around the stove.

Hoisting himself up by his arms, Izuku deftly swung into the kitchen. Taking tiny steps, he tiptoed over to the counter separating the kitchen from the dining area and poked his head in just enough so he could see who was in tonight.

He recognized a couple of street level guys, but none of Shockers lieutenants.

Disappointed, he retreated. Sneaking out the way he had come, he crawled up a nearby tenement building to plan his next move.

It's a pretty slow night tonight. Maybe I should head in early. Although I guess I could figure out the timing on my fitness run for Mr. Ijime. I'm sure I can find an empty lot or something around here.

Jumping off the tenement, he went off in search of a clearing in the midst of the concrete jungle of the slums.

Passing beneath the flickering yellow street lights, a teenage girl and her father were walking at a brisk pace. The girl had brown hair cut in a shoulder length bob and was wearing jeans and a faded red T-shirt. The man walking alongside her was wearing a button up, paint stained plaid shirt and worn jeans. The man had his arm around the girl's shoulders.

'You didn't have to escort me home dad. I could have gotten home by myself.' said the girl.

'Nonsense! It's no problem. I'm happy to walk you back, no matter how late you stay at the library.' said the man.

'Well, I just hope this isn't making your job too difficult.' she said with concern.

The man waved his free hand dismissively.

'It's fine, Ochaco. How did the studying go? Did you get a lot done?'

'Not enough, I think.' Ochaco said nervously, 'I did some mock tests today and I didn't score very well.' she moaned, 'The exam is next week, I'm doomed.' Her father laughed. He had heard all this before.

'I wouldn't worry so much. You're a bright girl, much smarter than you give yourself credit for, you'll see. I'm sure you'll qualify for UA.'

She wasn't convinced. The more she thought about the Entranceway exams the more she wanted to throw up. Every year junior high seniors across Japan would write the exams in the hopes of attending the best schools they could, and UA was the most competitive school in the country. The worst part was that this test was only to qualify to apply at UA. Assuming she qualified, she would need to write another test plus pass a practical exam to make it into the Hero Program.

'I don't know Dad. I heard there's a lot of math on the Entranceway Exams.'

'You've been studying night and day for the last month. I know you'll do fine. If anything, you're working too hard.'

She mumbled indistinctly in response. Everything her father was saying was going in one ear and out the other. Right now, her head was filled with equations, formulas, famous dates, and historic peoples. Continuing down the sidewalk, the pair passed by a brightly lit convenience store. Her father stopped outside the door.

'Hey, I know. Seeing as how you've been working so hard, how about we celebrate with a treat? C'mon, I'll get you something.'

Ochaco perked up. It had been a while since she had something sweet. 'Oh! Okay, sure!'

Walking into the corner store, he and his reinvigorated daughter started to browse the selection of baked goodies available, totally unaware of the armed men that had just parked outside.

Maybe I should just head back to my neighbourhood. Thought Izuku as he ran through the congested alleyway, There's nowhere to practice around here.

The park had been full of used needles and broken glass and Izuku didn't like his sixth sense going berserk every other step. Running up the side of a high rise, he jumped onto the adjacent building's rooftop. Landing with a roll, he resumed his pace overtop the myriad of pawnshops, bail bondsman, and vacant storefronts.

I suppose I could call it an early night. If I grab my casual clothes now, I might be able to go for a jog before school.

Suddenly he heard muted shouting coming from below.

Coming to a skidding halt against the tarred rooftop, he dashed over to the ledge and looked across the street. Through the window of a convenience store, he saw what appeared to be a group of thugs robbing the place at gunpoint. One of the thieves was gesturing with his shotgun at a man who was kneeling down on the floor. Apparently, he wasn't being very forthcoming with his cash.

This could get ugly fast!

Without a second thought, Izuku jumped down to the sidewalk.

While her father looked over the magazines, Ochaco was busy hovering over the baked goods. Even though the assorted pastries were probably stale, she was too hungry to care. She practically drooled as she considered the selection. A flash caught her eye. A glossy chocolate donut beckoned, its icing catching the glare from the buzzing florescent lights.

At that moment the doors burst open and three masked men rushed in. Ochaco bit back a scream as she realized what was happening.

'On the ground! Get on the ground!' shouted a man, wildly brandishing a revolver.

Ochaco immediately crouched down on her knees, her hands raised. She looked over at her father across the store. He had went down on his knees as well. Twisting his head around he turned and looked at her. She wanted to move over to his side but her father gestured for her to stay back with his open palm.

'Stay put' he mouthed over at her, his lips drawn thin.

Ochaco nodded weakly. She could feel her hands start to shake slightly as she watched the thugs move through the store. One of the men pointed his pistol at the cashier.

'Open the register! Come on, do it!'

The ashen faced cashier calmly opened the register and started withdrawing money from the drawers. While the cashier was taking out the money, another one of the robbers was going around the store. He approached a man by the coolers:

'Wallet, let's go.' said the man, gesturing with his shotgun.

The man kept his face looking down as he held up his wallet. The man with the shotgun snatched the wallet and flipped it open. Grabbing his cash, he let the wallet drop to the floor. Stepping past the cowering man, he strode over to Ochaco. Ochaco quickly looked down at the floor. Paralyzed with fear, she watched as the man's dirty runners approached her.

'Wallet.' barked the man, stopping in front of her. The barrel to the shotgun hovering near her face.

Wordlessly Ochaco held up her small, hand stitched wallet. Her mom had made it for her birthday a few years ago. The shotgunner snatched it from her hands and flipped it open. With a snort, he dropped it to the floor. She had only had some loose change.

Walking past her, Ochaco risked a glance as the thief began to walk towards her father. From over her shoulder she heard one of the robbers begin to shout at the cashier.

'Come on man, come on!' shouted the gunman by the register. 'What is this shit? Twenty thousand? Are you fucking kidding me?'

'Th-That's all I have, man!' stammered the cashier.

While they continued to argue, the man with the shotgun had reached her father.

'Hey, big guy, hand over the wallet.' he said gruffly as he stood over her father.

Her dad held up his wallet. The man snatched it and stepped back. Opening it with one hand he looked inside.

'What is this shit?' he said throwing the wallet back at him.

'I don't…I don't walk around with much on me.'

'Bullshit!' shouted the man, raising his weapon. Ochaco felt her heart stop.

'You stashed that shit in your pockets, didn't you? Come on turn out your pockets, let me see!' growled the thief.

Ochaco felt herself tense up as she watched her father fumble with his pockets. If she sprinted up behind him, and grabbed him…

Before she could do anything however, she heard the door to the store burst open. Twisting her head, she saw the masked gunmen who had been standing beside the cashier go flying past her. With a shuddering crunch he collided with the wall, his body limp.

Ochaco gasped as she saw a red and blue blur rush through the aisle. With a crash she heard the glass of the store window shatter as something was thrown through it. Looking over at her father she saw the man with the shotgun had spun around. He pointed his weapon at her father's head, a wild look in his eye, his finger moving towards the trigger.

'No!' Ochaco screamed, sprinting forward.

Shocked at the noise, the robber flicked the barrel up at her. Ochaco froze. Suddenly she felt herself get pushed just as the weapon fired. With a huff she hit the floor as the thunderous blast rattled through the store. She shut her eyes tight at the sound.

I've been shot!

However, she felt no pain. Slowly she opened her eyes. She expected to be looking at a gaping hole in her chest but there was nothing. Looking up, she saw a red and blue costumed man standing by her father, exactly where the shotgunner had been a second before.

Ochaco stared at the man. He was wearing a tight red and blue bodysuit. Minus the mask covering his face, it looked like something a gymnast would wear but shabbier, like it was home made. She wouldn't even have thought he was a hero in the first place if he didn't happen to be covered in muscle.

Is that a hero? I didn't think they patrolled out here.

'Ochaco! Are you okay? Say something!' gasped her father, rising to his feet. It was then that Ochaco noticed how short the costumed man was. He was only slightly taller than she was. Shakily she stood up.

'I-I'm fine dad!' she called out.

Her father rushed over to her and put his hand on her shoulders. Pulling her into a tight hug, he let out a shuddering gasp. Only once he had squeezed the breath from her lungs did he release her. Turned back around, Ochaco and her father looked at the costumed man. He was leaning up against the wall.

'That was amazing! We owe you our- Hey! You're bleeding!'

The man was clutching his side. Between his fingers Ochaco saw blood drip and fall to the floor.

'I'll call an ambulance!' called out the cashier.

The costumed man stirred.

'N-No. I'm good. I'm sure it looks worse than it is.' he managed weakly.

Kicking the fallen shotgun over to the wall opposite him, the costumed man stumbled over to the door.

'Hey dude, wait!' shouted the cashier.

The costumed man turned, 'S-Sorry. It's a school night and I've got exams to study for. See ya'!'

At that he exited into the street. Ochaco and her father looked at each other.

Izuku haltingly climbed into his window, gasping sharply as his side brushed against the frame.

Stupid shotguns, freakin' birdshot. I can't believe I got hit!

Landing awkwardly in his room, he lurched over to his door and pressed his ear to the wood. His mom was sound asleep. Opening his door as quietly as he could, he snuck across the hall and into the bathroom. Turning on the light, he peeled off his shirt to examine his side in the mirror. Gingerly he unwrapped the loose bandage he had made for himself out of the sleeves of his hoodie.

Just to the side of his abdomen, there was a small bleeding wound the diameter of a pencil. Izuku pushed around the wound and winced as a sharp thrill of pain ran up his abdomen. He could feel the pellet lodged in his gut.

Another 3 centimeters and I would've dodged it. On the other hand, a few centimeters in the other direction and I might be looking at a great big hole in my stomach. That's what I get for becoming careless.

Opening the medicine cabinet, he grabbed a small pair of pliers and a bottle of rubbing alcohol. Taking a fresh, clean washcloth from the bathroom cupboard he dabbed it into the alcohol before gingerly cleaning around his wound. He winced. The alcohol burnt like fire.

I hope I'm not infected already.

Setting aside the towel he picked up the pliers. Taking a deep breath, he steeled himself.

With trembling hands, he brought the pliers over to his side. Lightly he brushed them against his skin and he flinched at their cold touch. He would need steady hands for this.

Exhaling he placed the pliers back on the counter and stared at himself in the mirror.

'It can't stay in there, can it? What are you going to do? Go to the hospital? Tell them you fell down and got a shotgun pellet in your side accidentally? Stop being such a pussy Deku!'

Taking up the pliers again, he went back to his side. Gritting his teeth, he reached the steel tips into the wound. Ignoring the flaring pain, he concentrated on his work. After a few unpleasant seconds he felt the intrusive metal ball. With a grunt he pulled the pellet out. As the pliers exited his body, blood spurted from his wound anew dripping all over the tile floor.

Grabbing the wash cloth, Izuku did his best to stem the bleeding while he looked for a more effective dressing. All his mother had in the medicine cabinet was a small bandage, not much larger than a band aide.

Well the wound is pretty small I guess.

Opening the bandage wrapper, he pressed the small bandage to his wound. Amazingly the bleeding around the wound stopped. Pushing his thoughts about internal bleeding and infection as best as he could out of his mind, he looked around at the mess he had made. The floor and sink were covered with blood. Grabbing some toilet paper, he bent down and started to wipe up.

Real clever Izuku. So much for having unbeatable reflexes.

As he cleaned, he remembered the girls face as he pushed her out of the way of the shotgun blast. Despite himself he smiled. It could have been a lot worse.

While Izuku was busy performing surgery, Ochaco and her father were giving their report to a doughy, round faced detective.

'So, then what happened?' asked the detective before biting into the gooey donut he was holding.

'Well he said something about wanting to head home early and then walked off.' said Ochaco's father patiently.

'Hmm. Mmhmm.' said the detective licking a spurt of cherry jam off his fingers as he flicked through his notes.

Ochaco turned her head and looked over at the paramedics as they wheeled a gurney past her towards a waiting ambulance. Above the neck brace, she could see that the man's lips were black and covered in sores. They were Trigger junkies, no doubt about it.

They're probably using guns to rob stores because their own quirks are damaged beyond repair.

She couldn't help but feel sorry for them. She had seen first hand what Trigger abuse did. Trigger was spreading across the slums like a cancer. It was even starting to become a serious problem at her school. Hopeless kids with nothing to live for turned to the drug to have a taste of power and live like a big shot, if even for a few hours. She was just thankful that her parents had raised her so well. A couple of her friends hadn't been so lucky. The detective started speaking again and Ochaco turned her attention back to the man.

'So, you're in there, shotgun to your head, and this blue-red weirdo comes in. Punches these guys, then leaves after taking one in his side. That about right Mr. Uraraka?' said the detective between bites.

'Yes.'

'And you've never seen this guy around before? Maybe he's been around the block a few times, eh?'

'No. I never saw him before tonight.'

'Huh. And how about you Miss? Never heard of this guy? A man in blue and red?'

'No, officer. Never.' Ochaco said innocently. The detective curled his lip and gave her a crooked smile. Before she could stop herself, she scowled. She knew that look.

Here we go. She thought angrily as the detective let out an amused snort.

'Hm. You know-' started the detective.

Ochaco and her father adopted identical blank expressions. They had heard the police use this tone before.

'-I realize that you both might think this guy is some hero after what he did tonight. But he's just another vigilante out to make a name for himself. It's only a matter of time before we catch him knocking over one of these stores himself I bet.'

The detective paused to wipe his crumb covered hand on his cheap suit jacket. Neither of them said anything. The detective regarded them coolly for a moment before flipping to a fresh page in his notebook.

'What do you do for employment Mr. Uraraka?'

Ochaco glared at the fat detective, but her father kept his cool.

'I'm a contractor. I work in residential and commercial construction.'

'Yeah? And what were you and your daughter doing at a convenience store at nearly midnight? You working late tonight?' asked the detective skeptically.

'I was just walking her home from her studies that's all. She's been burning the candle at both ends, studying for her entrance exams.'

'It's a school night tonight is it not Miss?' he asked, turning to her.

'Yes.' she responded stiffly.

'Lot of young girls walking around tonight. I'm sure most of them would tell a cop they're just having some late study breaks too. How about-'

Before he could continue his questioning, another police officer gestured to him. Lowering his notebook, he frowned at the two.

'Well you'd better get home then. If we have more questions we will contact you Mr. Uraraka. You two can leave now.'

Ochaco and her dad didn't need to be told twice. Turning they started back down the sidewalk towards their apartment. The two walked in silence for a while before Ochaco couldn't hold it in any longer.

'Maybe if the cops cared as much about crime as they did they're donuts we wouldn't have so many murders in the neighbourhood.' she muttered under her breath. Her father laughed.

'Maybe. But to be fair, that was a delicious looking donut.'

'I don't see why your job was so important to him either.'

'Listen,' he said, throwing his arm around her, 'Don't let guys like that get to you. Just worry about your exams and one day you can be giving people like him their orders.'

'Yeah…So who was that vigilante back there? He mentioned school and exams. Do you think...?'

Her father laughed and shook his head.

'No, I don't. He was just trying to be cute.' he suddenly grew serious, 'I hope he knows someone who can patch him up though. He should have just gone to the hospital. Dying's worse then eating a vigilante charge.'

'Yeah.' Ochaco said worriedly. Whoever that guy was, she hoped he was okay.

'So, what've you found?' asked the detective leaning over the window of the forensic van.

The forensic officer, who was scrolling through his dash mounted computer, quickly stopped and looked up excitedly. His enthusiasm caused the detective to wince. Something was up and no doubt it was his problem now.

'Okay. So you know the blood sample we collected from the floor? The vigilante's?' the forensic officer started eagerly.

'Yeah...'

Well, we ran it through the registry and get this: His blood signature has been tagged as high priority, but there's no identity in the database.'

'So?'

'So, it's strange! How is the blood known, but the identity of the person whose blood it belongs to isn't? It's weird. Normally I would assume this perp was already on file with other crime scenes, but I just checked our records and I got nothing! Whoever this guy is, he doesn't exist in our system except as a general alert by the feds.'

The detective scowled.

'Just my luck. I always work the shit cases.' he grumbled.

'I doubt you'll be working it for long. This has some high-level fuckery written all over it. My guess? This'll all be transferred over to some big-name hero office. You can bet on it.'

'Fine with me.' shrugged the detective, 'You have the surveillance tape pulled?'

'Yeah, why? You want to watch it? It's pretty crazy.'

'Naw.' said the detective, scratching at a stain on his tie, 'Just have it ready for the higher ups.'

Pivoting away from the van, the detective allowed himself a small grin. He'd dodged a bullet there. As far as he was concerned, if someone else wanted to work his case then they were welcome to it. Hell, there were two dozen others they could have if they wanted. Whistling to himself, he started plodding back to the convenience store. There was a chocolate glazed beauty back there with his name on it.