Author's notes
Chapters may take a while to come out as I am dividing my time between this and my other fic, Heroes: Rebirth.
I am taking substantial creative liberties in both universes to ensure what I believe to be a more seamless and enjoyable story.
CONTAINS SPOILERS FOR Star Wars EP 1-6 & FORCE UNLEASHED
While Star Wars knowledge isn't essential since important information will be covered, it is worth noting that due to the extensive amount of content available, a large quantity of material has been trimmed or "optimized." This primarily keeps the contents of most of the movies, shows, and games, incorporating elements from both the Disney and Legends continuities.
CONTAINS SPOILERS FOR ALL OF MY HERO ACADEMIA
Familiarity with My Hero Academia is not necessary, as this story follows an alternate Season 1, but having prior knowledge will enhance the enjoyment. Certain characters may exhibit slight differences in their behavior or possess minor alterations in their quirks.
Any and all feedback, suggestions, or critiques are welcome :3
Manipulated from the very beginning, Anakin Skywalker, also known as Darth Vader, was destined to bring balance but was led astray. Born a slave on Tatooine, he was taken from his mother and raised to become a Jedi, the very group that later had denied her freedom. As a teenager, he found himself embroiled in a galactic war, slowly falling under the corrupting influence of his father figure, Palpatine.
Palpatine's manipulation led Anakin to betray the Jedi and embrace the dark side, transforming into Darth Vader. However, Anakin was never Palpatine's friend but rather a prized possession, a puppet to be used on missions across the galaxy. Only through the efforts of his son was Anakin able to find redemption and break free from Palpatine's control.
After enduring over two decades of servitude and darkness, Anakin finally achieved
liberation. He was no longer bound by the chains of manipulation and evil. The weight of his life was lifted, and he had the opportunity to finally let go of the pain and suffering that bound him to the mortal plane.
Regrettably, the freedom Anakin achieved was only for his genuine identity. A distorted reflection of his existence lingered. Unbeknownst to him, Palpatine had conducted experiments in secret, exploiting him for his own sinister purposes. Why settle for a single pawn when he could have countless individuals bound to his command? Harnessing the immense power of the dark side, Palpatine embarked on the creation of an unprecedented holocron. Unlike any other, this forbidden artifact possessed the capability to bestow life itself, surpassing the mere preservation of consciousness.
Fortunately for Anakin, Palpatine's nefarious invention remained incomplete. The Sith Lord's ambitions were thwarted when Anakin ultimately turned against him, saving his son and severing the sinister ties that bound him to Palpatine's control. Though Anakin had escaped the clutches of his former master, the shadow of the experiments and the unfinished holocron cast a haunting presence upon the galaxy.
In the far reaches of the galaxy, an incomplete manifestation of himself lay dormant, bound to the dark side and the Sith, awaiting release upon the galaxy. Its awakening hinged upon the presence of an individual with sufficient strength in the dark side to unlock its true potential.
The holocron, propelled into the vastness of space by the cataclysmic explosion of the Death Star, drifted aimlessly for countless millennia. During its cosmic odyssey, civilizations across the galaxy crumbled and faded into oblivion, their once bustling worlds reduced to silent remnants. Memories and legacies were lost, eroded by the relentless passage of time. Eventually, the holocron found itself ensnared in the gravitational pull of a distant planet, once known as Naboo but now dubbed Earth by the surviving human inhabitants.
The primitive state of this newly encountered world starkly contrasted the highly advanced civilizations that he had been acquainted with. Trapped within the confines of the holocron, he could only observe as time flowed onward, his presence unnoticed by the inhabitants. As the eons unfolded, he witnessed the emergence of a new manifestation of the force on this planet—quirks. These genetic mutations bestowed superhuman abilities or distinctive features upon individuals, plunging the world into a perpetual state of chaos, where heroes and villains clashed in a delicate balance.
Cast into the confines of a young boy's toybox, the holocron's presence went unnoticed, its true significance hidden from the unsuspecting child. This humble gift was a parting gesture from a father torn away from his son, never to return. Society had deemed the boy worthless, his perceived lack of a quirk rendering him powerless and insignificant. Yet, Vader discerned the boy's latent strength in the force. It was only a matter of time until the world brought the boy into the clutches of the dark side.
—
Inko and Izuku Midoriya were in the midst of cleaning out their house, with several garbage bags filled with junk piled up by the door, ready to be tossed or recycled. Izuku was busy sorting through his collection of Hero magazines, while his mom, Inko, went through some of his old toys from his childhood toybox. As she rummaged through the items, her eyes landed on a peculiar pyramidal-shaped object with the edges slightly shifted out of place, adorned with intricate hieroglyphs.
"Hey Izuku," Inko called out, holding up the mysterious object. "Should I toss this? I know it was from one of your dad's trips to America, but it's just been collecting dust."
Izuku felt a jolt down his back as if he had been hit with a sudden chill from the memories. He looked at the object intently and replied, "Actually... I kinda wanna keep that. I think it's one of those triangular Rubik's Cube things but with a sci-fi theme. It always felt pretty personal to me"
Curiosity piqued, Inko twisted the object in her hands, observing as the core of it seemed to collect the surrounding light, casting a dim red glow at certain angles. She raised an eyebrow and asked, "Hmm, you might be right. Any luck with it?"
Izuku responded with a hint of disappointment, "I was only ever able to move it a little bit, feels like I have to really focus to move it" He walked over to his mom, joining her in examining the object.
Inko attempted to twist it as Izuku said, but it stubbornly refused to budge, no matter how much force she exerted. She raised an eyebrow and playfully remarked, "You sure, Izuku? Maybe my baby boy is stronger than he looks."
Izuku chuckled but then proceeded to clarify the significance of the object. "I, uhhh... rotated it for the first time when we got back from the quirk doctor... when they told me I wasn't going to have one. So I doubt it's just me being strong."
Inko playfully tossed it back to Izuku, catching it clumsily as he had forgotten just how hefty it was. Izuku swept his finger along the device, attempting to twist it once again, but to no avail. He shrugged and smirked slightly at his mom before closing his eyes, focusing intently on trying to manipulate the object. However, his efforts proved fruitless.
"I'll get it one day, again," he said with a smile before gently placing it on his bed.
"Alrighty, I'm getting a little tired. How about I go make dinner while you bring all the bags by the door outside, alright?" Inko suggested, to which Izuku nodded in agreement.
He jogged outside, feeling the comforting spring breeze against his skin. After properly disposing of the trash, he bounded back up the stairs and entered the house. The aroma of soup already filled the air, making his stomach rumble.
"How long do you think it needs to cook?" Izuku inquired.
"Probably just 20 minutes, hun," Inko replied, smiling.
Izuku returned to his room and eagerly retrieved the pyramid-shaped object. He gently lay down on his bed, propping himself up with pillows, and directed his gaze towards the wall. He cradled the device against his chest, its surface cool to the touch.
As he held the pyramid, a flood of memories suddenly rushed back to him. He vividly recalled that fateful night when tears streamed down his face, overwhelmed by the bitter realization that he didn't possess a quirk like his idol, All Might. It was during that moment of despair that something extraordinary had occurred—the pyramid had moved.
Not long after seeing it move, he would keep it by his bedside, and it would transport him into a realm of enthralling dreams.
Izuku vividly recalls being taken under the tutelage of All Might and Endeavor at a young age. Years of dedication transformed him into a formidable sidekick, battling villains across the world.
His dreams took a darker turn as he faced the struggle of never becoming the number one hero and discovering the true identity of his trusted friend, he was the villain behind it all. Desperate to protect his loved ones, Izuku reluctantly joined forces with the villain, becoming his apprentice, leading to devastating consequences.
Filled with turmoil, Izuku clings to hope, planning to eliminate his master and bring change to the world. But his path becomes a nightmare as he battles All Might, endures excruciating pain, loses his wife, and transforms into a relentless enforcer for a dictatorial government.
Years later, Izuku encounters a frail All Might and ends the former symbol of peace. He discovers his own child, but their paths diverge as his son rejects the darkness. In a climactic rematch, father and son unite to vanquish his master, with Izuku sacrificing his life for the greater good.
In death, Izuku finds liberation from the burdens of his dreams, leaving behind a legacy of hope and a world free from his master's tyranny.
The perplexing dreams abruptly ceased when Izuku placed the pyramid into the toy box several years ago, bringing an end to that mysterious chapter of his subconscious journey.
As Inko's voice resonated from the kitchen, calling out to Izuku, he set aside his thoughts and focused on the present. "Hey Izuku, food's ready!" she called.
Setting down the dream-inspired reverie, Izuku walked out to the dining room, joining his mother. He ladled himself a serving of the delicious soup prepared by Inko, savoring the comforting aroma that filled the air.
Inko motioned to Izuku before starting to bring up school. "Izuku, can you believe it? This is your last year of junior high! It feels like time has flown by so quickly."
Izuku smiled, appreciating his mom's enthusiasm, and replied, "Yeah, it's hard to believe, Mom. It feels like just yesterday I was starting my first year."
Inko's eyes twinkled with a mixture of pride and motherly affection. "And just to let you know, even if you don't get into UA, I love you all the same. As long as my baby is happy out in the world, I'll be over the moon."
Izuku's smile widened. The weight of his aspirations for UA weighed heavily on him, and the thought of not making it in sent a pang of uncertainty through his heart.
"Yeah..." Izuku replied sheepishly, his gaze dropping momentarily. He knew that UA was his ultimate goal, the place where he could train to become a true hero like his idol, All Might. But deep down, he also acknowledged the possibility of not getting accepted. The idea of settling for the general course rather than the hero course was something he didn't want to entertain. It was UA or nothing for him.
Inko noticed her son's momentary apprehension and reached out to place a reassuring hand on his. "I know you've had it hard… all that bullying for being quirkless and all. But you're still such a smart kid. Don't give up on yourself, you'll find something to become"
Izuku looked up at his mom, her words offering him comfort and strength. He knew she meant every word, and her unwavering faith in him ignited kept his heart warm within his chest.
"Thank you, Mom" Izuku said softly, his voice filled with gratitude.
Finishing up his last few bites of soup, Izuku savored the flavors before grabbing his bowl. He got up from the table and washed his bowl at the sink, a small act towards his mom for preparing the meal. With a quick glance at the clock, he realized it was getting late, and he needed to prepare for the night.
Izuku made his way to the bathroom. As he brushed his teeth, his mind wandered to the upcoming day at school. The thought of dealing with Bakugo and his friends, with their constant taunting, teasing, and beatings, brought a sense of dread. However, over time, it had become a routine for Izuku.
As he finished brushing his teeth, Izuku looked at his reflection in the mirror. Despite the challenges he faced, he lives for the moment to prove them wrong, that he can be a hero after all.
Izuku left the bathroom and made his way to his bedroom. He changed into his comfortable pajamas. The night was quiet, allowing him a moment of solitude to gather his thoughts. He climbed into bed, pulling the covers snugly around him before quickly falling asleep.
As Izuku drifted off to sleep, the pyramid rested on the floor, its presence unnoticed. As the night wore on, and his subconscious mind wandered into the realm of dreams, the pyramid began to emit a faint, ethereal glow. It was a subtle phenomenon, barely perceptible in the dimly lit room.
In the depths of his slumber, Izuku's dreams took a darker turn. Instead of typical horrors, his subconscious mind conjured up scenarios of failure. Nightmares where Bakugo's harsh words echoed in his ears, reinforcing the deep-seated belief that he was truly worthless. Dreams where he faced constant setbacks and obstacles, unable to rise above and become the hero he aspired to be. Some nights, his dreams even manifested scenarios where he met an untimely end in training, snuffing out his heroic potential before it could fully blossom.
Within these dreams, a flicker of rage burned within Izuku's core. It was the fire that fueled his desire to prove Bakugo wrong, to prove his worth as a hero. Unbeknownst to him, as that burning fire coursed through him in his sleep, the pyramid beside him began to levitate a few centimeters off the ground. Its mysterious power responded to the intensity of his emotions, mirroring the turmoil within his dreams.
Yet, in his slumber, Izuku remained unaware of the phenomenon unfolding beside him. The pyramid, bathed in its otherworldly glow, continued to hover silently, a silent witness to his deepest fears. It held within it a power, one that seemed to respond to the very essence of his being. As the night wore on, the pyramid's faint glow persisted, casting a soft luminescence over the room.
—
Izuku's heart raced as he sprinted down the bustling city streets in his school uniform. The rhythm of his red shoes filled the air, squeaking and squealing with each swift step. His hype propelled him forward, and he eagerly embraced the thrill of the morning run.
Approaching a series of stoplights, Izuku deftly maneuvered his way through the halted traffic, jogging in place to maintain his momentum. He couldn't help but smile, relishing the energy surging through his veins. Today, the pro hero textbooks he ordered will arrive at the school's library.
In a spur-of-the-moment decision, Izuku opted to take a new route to school. As he continued his jog, his eyes caught sight of a commotion unfolding on the other side of town, high above the rooftops. A massive supervillain towered over the city, wreaking havoc with its immense power.
Izuku's curiosity piqued, and he came to an abrupt halt, his eyes widening with awe and excitement. He watched intently as a new hero, Mount Lady, arrived on the scene, ready to confront the colossal threat. The clash between the hero and the villain unfolded before his eyes, but the fierce battle quickly moved to a location obscured from his view.
Disappointed but undeterred, Izuku shook off his momentary distraction. He reminded himself that he could catch the fight later online, as someone was bound to record and share it. He picked up his jog once more, his mind focused on reaching school.
Izuku's sprint comes to an end as Aldera Junior High comes into view. The schoolyard, bathed in the morning sunlight, is relatively tranquil. He approaches the entrance and swiftly swaps his red sneakers for a pair of indoor shoes, neatly stored in his locker. The routine motion brings a sense of normality.
However, Izuku's bright and happy demeanor is quickly rained on within just a few minutes of school. As Izuku navigates the bustling hallways, his eyes catch sight of Bakugo's posse of friends standing at a distance. Even in Bakugo's absence, they continue to embody the same bullying behavior. Their jeers and mocking laughter echo through the corridor, each one a dagger that stabs into Izuku's soft heart. Determined to keep his head held high, he tries his best to block out their taunts. But their voices, amplified by the lack of other chatter in the halls, penetrate his ears. "You'd die tryin' to be a hero, nerd!" one voice yells before the kid bumps his other friends. The chant begins, "Quirkless! Quirkless! Quirkless!" as more members of the group join in, their unified mockery amplifying Izuku's feelings of worthlessness.
Clenching his fists, Izuku quickens his pace, just hoping for some peace of mind. He slides open the classroom door, only to be met with disappointment at the sight of Bakugo being the sole occupant of the room. Not even the teacher has arrived yet, leaving them in an uneasy silence.
Bakugo, wearing a devious smile, relishes in the knowledge of his friends' words reaching Izuku's ears. A sense of satisfaction washes over him as he witnesses Izuku flinch in response to the sparks of explosions emanating from his hand. The taunt of a future beatdown against Izuku fuels Bakugo's arrogance.
"Still trying to go to UA? You better not believe you still have a chance. Especially when people as strong as me are around," Bakugo taunts, his words digging deep into Izuku's heart. He removes his kicked-up feet from the desk, planting them firmly on the ground as he strides towards Izuku's desk.
"You didn't answer me, Deku!" Bakugo demands, tapping on the side of Izuku's desk. Spreading his fingers to form an open palm, he positions his hand at the back of Izuku's chair. Reminding him that he's capable of sending Izuku flying with a single touch.
"Don't I deserve to try?" Izuku responds rhetorically, his voice filled with a sense of futility, well aware of Bakugo's beliefs already.
"Wrong answer," Bakugo retorts, his words dripping with disdain, soft sparks are heard but are cut off as the school bell rings, signaling the rush of students flooding into the classroom. Scoffing at Izuku, Bakugo retreats to his own desk. As the classroom fills with students, a wave of relief washes over Izuku. The arrival of their classmates keeps Bakugo from doing anything too drastic, most of the time that is, but that doesn't stop Bakugo from putting Izuku down at every opportunity. Izuku takes a deep breath, reminding himself to stay focused.
Izuku works on his calculus exam, but his focus is constantly interrupted by restlessness in the classroom. He can feel the weight of judgmental gazes and the stifled giggles of his classmates. Every few seconds, he darts his eyes around, scanning the room to ensure that no one is plotting another prank or snickering at his expense. Despite the distractions, he remains focused to give his best effort on the exam.
But just as he glances to his left, a wet splat resonates near his right temple. A spitball has found its mark, landing in his hair. Izuku's brows furrow with frustration, but he forces himself to stay composed and focused. He takes a deep breath, reminding himself that he can't let such petty acts deter him from his goals.
The hours dragged on, and the relentless pranks and bullying persisted, weighing heavily on Izuku's spirit. He longed for the school day to end, where he could escape the harsh realities his classmates create and relax at the library. As the class neared its end, a glimmer of relief washed over him, knowing that he would soon be free from the torment.
The teacher, seemingly oblivious or indifferent to the ongoing bullying, remained seated at his desk, idly shuffling papers as if the classroom chaos were of no concern. Izuku couldn't help but feel a pang of disappointment, realizing that the person in a position of authority had chosen to turn a blind eye to the suffering right before his eyes.
Suddenly, the teacher cleared his throat, capturing the attention of the weary students. With a rather lackluster display of interest, he addressed the class, his tone devoid of genuine enthusiasm. "As third-year students, it's time to start considering your future paths," he began, his voice tinged with apathy. "While I could distribute the career aptitude test, I'm aware that all of you have your sights set on the hero track."
The words hung in the air, and a collective sense of anticipation rippled through the classroom. Yet, amidst the collective hope, the teacher's attention zeroed in on Izuku, his voice laced with mockery and belittlement. He presented Izuku with a single remaining paper, his smile dripping with condescension. "Well, maybe not for you, Izuku. Here you go," he sneered, relishing in his opportunity to undermine Izuku's dreams.
Izuku's heart sank, but he refused to let the teacher's demeaning remarks extinguish his feelings. With quiet resolve, he accepted the paper, tucking it carefully into his bag. Yet, at that moment, his resolve to spite them only grew stronger. He would prove to everyone, including himself, that he would become the hero he aspired to be.
Amidst the chaos of the classroom, Bakugo's boastful voice rang out, drowning out the whispers and murmurs of the students "Hey, teach, why lump me in with these deadbeats?" Bakugo's voice boomed, his arrogance on full display. "They're all just going to be sidekicks or drop out anyways. I'm the only one here who's got potential! His arrogant declaration ignited a wave of uproar among his classmates, their voices blending together in a cacophony of agreement and disagreement. Izuku's heart sank as he heard Bakugo's words, knowing the direction it was probably going to take.
The teacher, seemingly entertained by the commotion, allowed a smirk to creep across his face before responding. "Well, Bakugo, your grades certainly speak for themselves. I have no doubts about your potential to get into UA High," he conceded, his tone laced with amusement.
Then, the teacher's gaze turned toward Izuku, his eyes filled with an unsettling mix of condescension and pity. He leaned forward, his voice dripping with disdain. "But Midoriya... I believe you may have filled out the wrong application. Did you intend to apply for the UA High hero course?" he taunted, relishing the opportunity to belittle Izuku.
The weight of the teacher's words bore down on Izuku, causing him to retreat further into himself. He hunched over his desk, burying his face in his arms, desperate to shield himself from the mockery and laughter that surrounded him. The classroom erupted into a chorus of jeers and insults, and even small objects were flung in his direction.
A juice box collided with Izuku's head, the impact splattering its contents across his face and hair. As he attempted to wipe away the juice from his eyes, his vision blurred by the tears welling up within him, he found himself confronted by Bakugo rushing towards him.
An explosion erupted, propelling Izuku out of his seat and causing him to collide with a classmate. Stunned and disoriented, he retreated to the safety of a corner, his body trembling with fear and humiliation. Bakugo loomed over him, his voice dripping with contempt.
"You're worth less than all these other deadbeats. You're just quirkless idiot, you're worthless, you serve zero purpose" Bakugo spat, his words laced with venom. "Now you think you're better than me? That someone would choose you over me? Answer me, brat!"
Desperately, Izuku stammered, his voice quivering with an earnest plea. "No, wait! You've got it all wrong! I'm not trying to compete against you! Please, believe me," he implored, his eyes pleading for understanding. "I've always wanted to be a hero, ever since I was little. Even if I don't have a quirk, what's the harm in me trying?"
Bakugo's anger only intensified at Izuku's words, his fists clenching and sparks crackling from his palm. Bakugo's face twisted with contempt. "You're a damn waste of resources, that's what you are, Deku!" he spat, cracking his knuckles and releasing sparks of his explosive quirk.
The teacher interjected, his voice a feeble attempt at restoring order. "Calm down, Bakugo. That's a new chalkboard; don't go ruining it now!" This caused Bakugo to begrudgingly take his seat, the tension in the classroom still palpable.
—
A few hours later…
Izuku flips through his notebook, his eyes scanning the pages filled with meticulous notes and sketches. The school library provides a serene backdrop for his study session. As he reaches the last few pages, he realizes that his mechanical pencil has run out of lead, prompting him to rummage through his bag in search of a replacement.
"Hmm, I don't remember packing you..." he mutters to himself, his hand retrieving the peculiar pyramid-shaped object from earlier. Placing it carefully on the corner of his workspace, he continues to sift through his belongings, scouting to find a suitable pencil for his research.
Finally, his fingertips brush against a pencil buried at the bottom of his bag. A small smile tugs at the corners of his lips as he retrieves the pencil and brings it to his notebook. He delves into his notebook of hero analysis. Skimming through textbooks and reference materials he checked out from the library, he furiously jots down notes on various scientific quirk theories.
His research takes him further into the realm of hero history. He writes down some of the stories of the first heroes, their experiences, and legends with far weaker quirks than those of today. These pioneers didn't have the same support structure as the heroes of today, relying only on their own wit and strength. That's something Izuku might just have to do.
Engrossed in his studies, Izuku's pencil shifts up and down the page, capturing his thoughts and insights. Unbeknownst to him, the pyramid-shaped object sits quietly on the corner of the table, exuding subtle energy.
Unseen by Izuku, Bakugo and his friends stealthily approach his table. Right behind him, Bakugo snatches the notebook from his hands and reads the title aloud, "Hero Analysis for the Future #13" startling Izuku, who jumps in surprise.
"Awww, the little twerp is taking notes on how to be a hero, talk about pathetic!" Bakugo's friends jeer, causing all of them to burst into laughter.
Taking the notebook between his palms, Bakugo triggers an explosion, causing the pages to darken and crisp, releasing an unpleasant odor.
"That's so mean, Kacchan" Izuku protests, his eyes widening with surprise as Bakugo tosses the notebook out the window, watching it land in the pond of the school courtyard.
"Most people show signs of being a hero early on, you never did. Give up already..." Bakugo taunts as he forcefully pushes Izuku.
Deliberately, Bakugo snatches the pyramid and mocks Izuku, "What, you collecting trinkets now, loser? This is worthless just like you! And worthless junk belongs in the garbage" With a forceful throw, he hurls the pyramid at the ground, expecting it to shatter, but instead, it only leaves a series of cracks in the floor tiles. Undeterred, Bakugo sneers at Izuku before redirecting his attention to him.
Clapping Izuku's shoulders, Bakugo's hands emit a burning sensation, scorching Izuku's school jacket. "Here's some advice, nerd. Don't you dare apply, or I'll burn more than just your jacket!" With a final shove, Bakugo leaves Izuku on the ground, accompanied by his friends, as they exit the room.
As Bakugo reaches the door, he couldn't resist one final jab at Izuku. He turns back and digs in, "Y'know, if you really wanna be a hero that badly, just pray you'll be reborn when you take a swan dive off the roof."
Izuku's fear and insecurity quickly transform into pure rage. "Fuck you!" he screams at Bakugo, his voice filled with defiance.
"What was that?" Bakugo retorts, immediately unleashing bursts of explosions from his palms, causing Izuku to fall silent. With a smirk, Bakugo slides the door shut, leaving Izuku alone in the library, the echoes of their laughter fading into the distance.
Collapsed on the floor, Izuku finds himself on his knees, his face buried in his hands as he crumples over. A mixture of seething rage and the overwhelming need to break down and cry consumes him. Gripping his hair tightly, he feels the desperate urge to tear it out. It takes him ten to fifteen minutes to collect himself and find the strength to stand up again.
After taking a deep, steadying breath, Izuku finally lifts his head. He just barely hears the sound of the metallic pyramid shifting on the ground. Izuku packs up his belongings, tucking the pyramid safely into his bag. He returns the textbook to the library and starts making his way home.
With heavy steps, Izuku exits the school through the front entrance and makes his way toward the courtyard. As he passes by the pond, where a few fish nibble on the fallen scraps of paper, a wave of despair washes over him.
"My dreams... reduced to mere fish food," he mutters, unable to contain his tears any longer. They stream down his face as he remains standing in the courtyard, feeling the weight of his embarrassment.
"I fucking hate him! He's such a damn jerk!" Izuku exclaims, clenching his fist tightly around the remnants of his notebook. As he walks through the streets, each step deliberate and slow, he absentmindedly kicks some rocks on the pavement. Thoughts race through his mind, and he reflects on his desire for just one person to believe in him, to have faith in his potential. Was it too much to ask for?
Despite his immense love for his mother, Izuku cannot escape the undeniable truth that even she doesn't believe in his ability to become a hero. It has been evident for quite some time, and it weighs heavily on his heart.
—
As Izuku approached his home, he traversed through the dimly lit underpass. Immersed in a sea of All Might videos, he watched intently, finding comfort in the presence of his idol. Watching each video, Izuku made a silent promise to himself, a vow that even if no one else believed in him, he would forge his own path and become a hero right alongside All Might. He knew that the road ahead would be nearly impossible and full of hardships. Yet, he couldn't deny the fire burning within him, the unyielding desire to prove his worth.
The way Bakugo conducted himself, his arrogance and disregard for others, made him appear more like a villain masquerading as a hero. Izuku couldn't help but feel a sense of dread, envisioning a future where Bakugo's misguided influence corrupted the minds of the next generation. The thought of countless children following in his footsteps, embracing his toxic ideology, sent shivers down Izuku's spine. It was a future he refused to accept.
Izuku knew that he had to rise above the negativity and become a beacon of hope. He understood that the world needed true heroes, those who embodied the spirit of selflessness and compassion. He vowed to rise above anyone willing to hurt others, the likes of Bakugo, and forge a path of righteousness.
As Izuku cautiously stepped over the cracked manhole cover, an ominous rumbling beneath his feet shattered the tranquility of the underpass. Without warning, a colossal sludge monster surged forth from the depths of the sewers, its grotesque form poised to unleash havoc upon Izuku.
Before a single cry could escape his lips, the malicious creature ensnared Izuku within its vile embrace, its slimy tendrils coiling around him with a suffocating grip. Panic surged through Izuku's veins as the sludge constricted around his body, constricting his movements and smothering his cries for help.
The sludge monster gloated with a sickening voice, relishing in Izuku's torment. "Don't worry, this'll only hurt for a moment," it hissed, its words dripping with sadistic delight. "You'll be a perfect skin suit for me to hide in."
Izuku's desperate struggle continued, his fingers desperately clawing at the suffocating sludge that constricted his throat and mouth. But no matter how hard he fought, the sludge would reform, trapping him in its suffocating grasp.
As his vision grew blurry and darkness threatened to consume him, Izuku's gaze fell upon his fallen notebook, its pages revealing the sketches of his prototype hero suit. The sight of his dreams and aspirations lying there on the ground gave him a deafening futile feeling.
"No... I can't let it end like this," Izuku thought, his voice filled with defiance, even as he struggled to speak through the choking sludge. "I won't give up... I need to be a hero, no matter what!"
As his body grew weaker, his mind clouded with dizziness, Izuku's last glimpse of consciousness was met with a spectacular sight. A thunderous current of wind erupted from the sewers, shaking the very foundation of the bridge itself. And there, standing tall and mighty, was the seven-foot figure of All Might, his presence commanding and reassuring.
With a burst of incredible speed, All Might launched himself toward the sludge monster, obliterating it in a powerful display of strength. The monster splattered across the walls and ceilings, freeing Izuku from its suffocating grip. For a fleeting moment, Izuku's fading consciousness caught a glimpse of the hero he admired, the symbol of hope he desperately needed.
As Izuku's consciousness faded, he heard the resolute voice of All Might echoing in his ears, easing his tensions. "You're safe now, now that I am here!"
—
Izuku wakes up to the sensation of repeated tapping on his face, jolting him out of his unconsciousness.
"Hey, wake up," All Might's voice calls out, persistent and filled with concern.
Blinking his eyes open, Izuku is greeted by the sight of All Might's smiling face. He startles and scrambles to sit up, still disoriented from the recent events.
"Sorry about that back there, I didn't mean to get you caught up in that. This sewer system sure is confusing," All Might says, his laughter reverberating through the air.
Izuku's mind races, realizing that he is in the presence of his idol, the Symbol of Peace. All Might, the embodiment of heroism, stands before him.
"All Might... The best hero in the world... The real deal... In the flesh... In front of me!" Izuku stammers, his words tumbling out in a flurry of excitement.
His thoughts turn to autographs, searching frantically for a pencil and his notebook. But as he crawls toward his belongings, he gasps in surprise to find that All Might has already signed his notebook, leaving behind a signature that spans two whole pages. Overwhelmed with gratitude, Izuku bows repeatedly, attempting to express his thanks in a rapid-fire succession of words.
"I've got to go now and take the suspect over to the police. Stay out of trouble and see you around!" All Might says to Izuku, preparing to take off into the air.
But right as All Might soars away, he feels a weight on his ankle and realizes that Izuku is clinging to him.
"What are you doin'? Let go, I like my fans but this is weird, boy!" All Might exclaims, trying to shake off Izuku.
"Wait, no! You'd fall..." All Might quickly adjusts his stance, ensuring that Izuku has a secure grip so he won't plummet to his demise.
"All Might, you mean the world to me, and I just want to ask you a few questions!" Izuku yells over the roaring wind, trying to seize this opportunity.
"Settle down now!" All Might replies, gradually redirecting his path to land on a nearby rooftop.
As they touch down on the rooftop of an apartment complex, All Might discreetly coughs into his hands, wiping away the blood before Izuku can notice.
Izuku takes a moment to regain his composure after the dizzying experience of being suspended thousands of meters in the air.
"Not a smart move, kid. Just bang on the door and someone will let you in. Bye" All Might advises, preparing to take off once more.
"Please, just one second," Izuku pleads, rushing over to him.
"No, I don't have time!" All Might responds, his tone firm.
"I have to know..." Izuku's voice wavers as he recalls all the memories of his peers belittling him, their words echoing in his mind.
"Can I become a hero, even without a quirk?" Izuku's question hangs in the air, piercing the tension and causing All Might to pause in his tracks.
However, Izuku's question is abruptly cut short when he witnesses All Might transforming back into his normal, weakened state, leaving him bewildered and confused. "You're not All Might, how is that possible?" he blurts out, his voice trembling with disbelief.
All Might let out a weary sigh and lifts his shirt, revealing a swollen, cracked injury that stretches across his left side and torso. It's a deep shade of red, looking as if it could reopen at any second. "I got this fighting a villain a few years back. My respiratory system is compromised, and my stomach is now only a tenth of its original size. Surgeries have taken their toll, and it can't be fixed," All Might explains, his voice devoid of the usual heroic tone, speaking in a more down-to-earth manner.
"I can only maintain my hero form for about three hours a day. The rest of the twenty-one hours, I am like this," All Might continues.
"Everyone thinks I'm so strong because I'm always smiling, but I smile to fight the fear. The fear that any moment, any fight, could be my last" All Might confesses, his voice in a cadence unlike him.
"I've had to risk my life countless times. Some villains simply cannot be defeated without a quirk. So, can you become a hero without a quirk? No, you can't" All Might declares with unwavering conviction shattering Izuku's heart into pieces.