Deku the Hero of Smite: Chapter 10
By: jungleboy69
Chapter 10: All-Might's Offer
It took a while for Izuku to explain. No sooner than he was inside his house that he was bombarded with questions; where he had been, what was he wearing and what he had been doing. For the latter, he was shocked to discover that he was gone for a whole week.
After they had calmed down, Izuku told them his story. He told them about Ammon, the kind playwright and the city of Joppa. He told about his encounter with the cultist and how he barely managed to escape. Finally, he told them about his meeting with Athena and how she told him that he was chosen to be a Champion of the Pantheons.
Needless to say, everyone was speechless. "Another Earth...?" Inko whispered in awe. "One where gods exist...?" "I've heard about the possibility of other universes with different Earths." All-Might added, just as amazed. "but I never actually believed in it."
"Who is this...Athena...?" Ochako asked in confusion. "She's the goddess of Wisdom and Warfare." All-Might replied. "I've read about her." "Still, I can't believe you actually met her..." He added to Izuku. "More importantly, she chose you as her Champion."
Izuku smiled as he touched his amulet. "I know..." He replied. "I couldn't believe it myself." "She told me I didn't need a quirk to be a hero." He added. "She said as long as I believe in myself, I can be a hero..."
Ochako smiled and took Izuku by the hand. "You already are a hero!" She told him. "You saved my life, that already makes you a hero!" Izuku blushed brightly. "Thanks...Ochako..." He replied. Inko suddenly had a thought. "Does this mean...you'll meet other Greek Gods?" She asked a bit worried.
Izuku thought for a moment. "Maybe I will..." He replied. "I'm not really sure when I'll see Athena again." He added. "But I hope I can make her proud." Inko sighed as she hugged her son again. "Well, I don't care...as long as you're back."
Izuku smiled as he hugged her back. Ochako and her family watched with smiles while All-Might looked at Izuku with a thoughtful expression. "This kid..." He thought to himself. "If he's really chosen by gods...then maybe...he can be a hero..."
(That night...after dinner)
Izuku stretched on his bed in his room. Everything was just as it was, except that the symbols of his amulet on the ceiling. He sighed, the events of what happened in the Other-Earth fresh in his mind.
"Remember...I will be watching over you and guiding you to your destiny..." Athena's voice echoed in his head. Izuku clutched hold off his amulet. "Thank you...Athena..." He whispered to himself.
It was then he realized something. "If the Other-Earth is made up of different ancient civilizations and home to gods of different pantheons..." He thought. "does that mean...I'll meet other gods beside the Olympians...?"
"Young Midoriya...!" A voice called out, causing Izuku to jump. To his surprise, he found All-Might standing at the window-still. "All-Might, I thought you already left!" Izuku spoke in surprise.
"I came to check how you were doing..." All-Might replied as he entered in his room. "It must have been exhausting for you, travelling between worlds." "It is..." Izuku replied as he sat up. "Still, it was exciting, visiting a Greek city, meeting a goddess..."
All-Might chuckled and sat down beside him. "Tell me, Izuku..." He asked. "What was Athena like?" Izuku smiled. "She was...beautiful..." He replied. "When she stood in front of me, I felt like I was bathed in a ocean of light." "It's like a hundred warm arms wrapping around me..." He added.
All-Might nodded. "You know, many famous heroes from Greek Myths were favoured by Athena." He pointed out. "Hercules, Perseus, Achilles... and now, you." He added with a smile. Izuku bowed his head. "To be honest, I'm not sure I can live up to her potential."
"All my life, I wanted to be a hero." He replied. "I've always looked up to you and all the Pro-Heroes." "The news that I was quirkless was the worst day of my life..." He added, swallowing hard. "All my hopes and dreams of being a hero were dashed...I was mocked, bullied and humiliated by the rest of my peers..."
All-Might grew a look of sympathy. "I'm sorry..." He whispered quietly. Izuku gave a small smile. "However, ever since I got this amulet, travelling to another world and meeting Athena," he added. "I finally got my inspiration to be a hero, quirk or no quirk."
"Athena told me that a true hero needs courage, wisdom and a strong belief." He explained. "That's why I'm still going to be a hero, no matter what everyone says." "I'm going to be a hero!" He repeated, his voice now clear and firm to show his resolve.
All-Might stared at him in amazement before a smile grew on his face. "I figured you would say that." He spoke up. "That is why I am here." Izuku looked up at him in surprise. "Huh...?" He asked.
"Young Midoriya, your mother told me that you want to be a hero like me...but you don't have a quirk." All-Might spoke up. "Some people may tell you can't be a hero and that you should give up on your dream." Izuku continued to look at him, unsure what he was getting at.
"However, after hearing your story and your encounter with one of the Olympian Gods," He added. "I've come to realize you are right; you can be a hero..." Izuku gasped a bit and his eyes began to well with tears. "Many pro-heroes can signs of greatness, even as children; many of them claim that their bodies move on their own before they could even think..."
Izuku choked back a sob as a few tears escaped his eyes. "So, now I must ask you, Midoriya...do you really want to be a hero?!" All-Might asked in a clear voice. "Yes!" Izuku replied, now crying without shame. "More than anything! I want to be a hero!"
"Then I will help you!" All-Might declared proudly, causing Izuku's eyes to widen in shock. "I will train you and mold you into a hero worthy of the greatest heroes of legend themselves!" "You have divine guidance, now you have mortal guidance!" He added. "Now, young Midoriya, are you prepared to embark on this journey to be a hero!"
"YES!" Izuku screamed as a massive smile grew on his face. "I'll make you proud!" "If it means being a hero, I'll do anything!" He added.
(Meanwhile...)
On the top of a mountain peak and surrounded by clouds, a magnificent palace carved from white marble and porcelain stood tall and proud. Inside was a large room with a pool of water in the center with 12 golden thrones surrounding it.
This realm is no other than Mount Olympus, the dwelling place and home of the Olympian Gods. This hall was a gathering place where the gods would gather and observe the mortals below. The pool was a magical one which showed them events that happened in both worlds.
Currently, Athena was in the hall looking into the pool which showed her a vision of Izuku declaring his dream to be a hero and All-Might promising to help him. She smiled proudly while Bubo sat on her shoulder, hooting softly. "May the Fates be kind to you, young Izuku." She murmured to herself. "I will be seeing you again very soon..."
"Spying on the mortals again, sister dear...?" A cheeky voice spoke up. Athena turned to see a lean god wearing iron armor with gold platting, bracers on his arms and an armored tunic sitting on one of the golden thrones. A helmet with two small wings etched on each side and a red mane adorned his head and his sandals had a pair of white wings sprouted on each of them.
(Mythpedia...Play Mercury's God Reveal)
God/Goddess Profile: Hermes
Title: Messenger of the Gods
Lore: Mercurial. A word that evokes volatility, quickness, and cunning. But to compare anything to the speed and wit of the Messenger God Mercury or Hermes would be to compare a hot day to the searing forge of Hephaestus, or a blooming rose to the glory of Aphrodite. It is but a pale comparison. Hermes can leap the space between lightning and thunder, outfox the fox king, and reach tomorrow before the sun.
As an infant, Hermes escaped the watchful eye of his half-brother, Apollo, stole his cattle, fashioned a lyre from a tortoise shell, and snuck in a nap, all before Apollo found him missing. His father, Zeus, found the child's mischief boisterously entertaining, and awarded him the task of delivering messages for the Gods, traveling between the Heavens, the Earth, and even to the depths of the Underworld.
Now war looms and Hermes races to keep the lines of communication open, though he is often caught in the thick of battle. No stranger to combat, he once slew the monster Argus, the demon with one hundred watchful eyes, using speed and guile alone. But this war is different. The foes are stronger, the stakes higher, and Hermes a pivotal cog in the machine. Should he fail to deliver even a single order the balance could tip, and the time left for this world would be truly mercurial.
(Mythpedia end...)
"Hermes..." Athena replied with a frown. "What do you want?" The god gave her a cheeky smile before he sped over to her. "Oh, nothing..." Hermes replied. "Killing time, hanging out with nymphs, playing pranks of Apollo..."
He turned to see the image of Izuku and stifled a laugh. "That's him...?" He asked incredulously. "That is the Champion of the Pantheons...?" "Looks like you've got your work cut into for you, sister." He added with a snigger.
"Do not question my judgement, Hermes..." Athena snapped in annoyance. "Izuku may not look like a warrior, but he has the heart and spirit of one." "With our guidance and All-Might's training...he will achieve greatness."
Hermes shrugged. "Fine, whatever you say." He replied nonchalantly as he turned to go. "Oh, I must warn you." He added. "The Pantheons aren't the only ones who know about Izuku." "That cultist your Champion punched...he escaped and by now, he's probably relaying news to his fellow cultists and to his boss..."
"No doubt that kid's moved to the top of Kronos' to-kill list.'" He pointed out. "Piece of advice, tell the kid to watch his back." With that, he raced of in his winged sandals. Athena sighed and turned to the vision of Izuku and All-Might.
"Be careful...Izuku..." She whispered quietly. No one would know what adventures Izuku would have or what dangers he would face.