I Got You Babe

Five O'clock get a call to go blading at the skate park down by the mall

But my mom says I got to prevent hostile aliens from annihilating us all

— My Life as a Teenage Robot

Izuku dropped down from his window, dropping to the pavement with a soft thud. He barely felt the impact, but looked around just to be sure. It wasn't technically illegal to use your quirk to cushion a fall, but the cops would get suspicious to see a kid leaving his house at this hour of the night. He pulled his hoodie up over his head, shoved his hands in the front pocket, and hurried off down the street. He made it to an alleyway, then took a deep breath. It was against the law, but…

One For All ran through him, and he jumped up to the rooftops. Part of him screamed that this was wrong, but the other part screamed that Mei needed him. And a large part of him needed her.

It was simple enough to jump from building to building, and Izuku soon had a rhythm going. He used his phone to navigate, ensuring that he was going in the right direction, as from above none of the streets looked right, and he had a hard enough time with new routes at the best of times.

He was half way to Mei's apartment when a dark shape dropped out of the sky next to Izuku. He was on alert instantly, spinning and falling into a combat stance. "Who-"

He cut himself off and swallowed when All Might stood up, looking grimly down at Izuku. "Young Midoriya. Awfully late for an evening jog. And in a most unusual fashion."

"I…" Izuku swallowed, and squared his shoulders, forcing himself to stand up right before his mentor and idol. "I'm going to see Mei. My mom, Hari… they won't let us see each other after school. And…"

All Might sighed heavily. "Really, Midoriya? I recall being young, but this is incredible. You cannot be apart from your girlfriend for even a night? Or perhaps you thought to make, and I can't believe I'm saying this, a 'booty call?'"

"That...that might have happened," Izuku admitted. "Mostly, it's because we can't sleep. All Might...I...do you see them?"

That made the older hero jerk back. He peered at Izuku's face for a moment, his eyes searching for something, and apparently finding it. Then he sighed. All Might turned, going to the edge of the building and sitting down. He patted the rooftop with one hand. "Come sit, Midoriya. I think I know who you're talking about. And yes. I do see them. Those I've killed. And those I've failed to save."

Izuku sat down next to All Might. For long minutes, they just sat there, looking at the dim stars above them, or the traffic passing below. After the silence became too much for Izuku to bear, he swallowed. "She has nightmares. So do I."

'Yes. I am...familiar. I can still see the face of the first man I killed." All Might studied the sky, gazing up at the bare dozen twinkling lights above them. Mufuasu wasn't a good place for stargazing. "Those haunt me enough. Worse are those even my strength was unable to protect. And...I can still see Shimura, as she reached out to me, passing on the torch only moments before she perished."

"How do you deal with it?" Izuku asked, keeping his voice hushed. "I just...I tried, you know. To block it out. But...All Might, I watched an entire city die. I know...I know they're supposed to be alright, but...what if they're not? What if I failed, and humanity was wiped out on that world? What if...what if they come here? Would that spell work in Tokyo? I just...I can't sleep, when I think of it."

"Understandable. That...well, that's worse than anything I've seen over my career. This entire situation is beyond frightening," All Might said quietly.

Izuku jerked, staring at All Might. The older hero turned to look at him, and smiled, his face shadowed in the dim light, but kind. "Do not think that I never felt fear, Midioriya. My smile hides it, and I try to take the fears of others, but that does not mean I have not felt dread in my own heart. This Ainz Ooal Gown...he is concerning. Worse perhaps than even All For One, my greatest nemesis. Perhaps it is time...no, you have enough on your mind. Come."

"Where...where are you taking me?" Izuku asked nervously.

"Back to your mother. Then, I think to my own headquarters. There is something I think your guardians do not understand. Do not think I am advocating you two be allowed to sleep with one another. Only that...I understand. And the dark circles under your eyes do not lie."

Going at full speed, it took only minutes to get back to Izuku's apartment. They knocked on the door, and a minute later a flustered Inko opened it. "All Might!? And, Izuku?! What are you-"

"Mom, we need to talk," Izuku sighed. "About a lot of things."

"But this is a conversation best held only once, I think. Some things are too painful to discuss repeatedly. I have called the Hatsume sisters. They shall meet us at my agency," All Might said. "There is a car waiting down below. Come."

"All Might, I mean, this is-I know you're Izuku's teacher, but-" Inko babbled.

"Mom, he's not just my teacher," Izuku said, taking his mother's hand. "Come on. You know I was born quirkless. It's time you learned the truth."

"What?! But you-" Inko swallowed, looked at All Might, then nodded. "Ok. Let me get my coat."

The drive over was awkward and quiet, Inko looking nervously at All Might, who was gazing out a window at the passing lights, apparently lost in thought. Izuku figited, worried about what was going to happen.

They arrived at the Agency a few minutes before Mei and Hari did. She jumped out of Hari's car and ran to meet Izuku, who hugged her tightly.

"Alright you two," Hari growled, coming over. "Enough of that. You already got to play tongue hockey when you were supposed to be studying. Now what's this about, All Might? You gonna tell me more crazy stuff about goddesses?"

"Not as much," All Might said. "More about the burden of being a hero. It's something I didn't think we'd have to discuss for a few years in regards to Midoriya, and, well, I confess it wasn't something I foresaw for Hatsume either, we-"

"Ok, you are going to have to call him Izuku and me Mei. This is too confusing. She is also Midoriya, and Hari is also Hatsume. I am too tired to keep track. Sorry if I am being rude," Mei said, rubbing at her eyes and blinking. They were tinted orange, and Izuku knew she'd been having as bad a time as he had. During the day, with their friends, it wasn't so bad. But at night...That was when it was hard.

"Come. This is not the place to discuss such things," All Might said, and ushered them into his quiet office.

There were still a few people on duty, as the All Might Agency never really slept, but it was only a skeleton crew. All Might took them to a luxurious break room with plush couches and well stocked fridges. A gangly aid gave Mei a few energy drinks, then departed out a side door. Mei came over, passing the cans out to Izuku and Hari.

"Bit late for that, don't you think?" Hari asked, but cracked open a can and took a sip anyway. Izuku drank his as well, letting the sugar and caffeine sooth his frayed nerves.

"I suppose I should apologize to you, Mrs. Midoriya. What I've involved your son in...I had thought to shelter him from it for a time, but apparently I couldn't manage that," All Might said, setting a hot cup of tea in front of Inko.

"Did you...did you have something to do with those aliens and monsters and things he's been talking about?" Inko asked worriedly.

"Sort of," Izuku explained. "Aqua picked me to fight against the Tomb because I…" he swallowed, and looked to All Might, who nodded.

"It's time, young Midoriya. There have been too many secrets of late, I fear, and All For One has become the least of our concerns."

"Mom...Mei already knows, but...All Might, he's the one who gave me a quirk," Izuku said, taking her hands in his. "That's why...why it was so damaging, at first. I've got it mostly under control now, though if I go all out I still hurt myself. He chose me to be his successor."

Inko looked back and forth between Izuku and All Might, her expression baffled. "But, how, I don't...quirks aren't…"

"Mine was special," All Might said gently. "A great burden that has been passed down through time, from hero to hero. We were tasked with a special mission, to be the Pillars of Peace for society. I saw in Midoriya the same thing my mentor saw in me, for I too was born quirkless. A few months ago, though to him it has been far longer, I gave up my quirk to him."

"Wait, you mean to tell us that All Might...is quirkless?" Hari asked, looking very pale. "But that would mean-"

"Aqua healed him, he's fine now," Mei said. "That's why he converted to the Axis Faith."

"Er, yes, quite," All Might agreed. "Which takes us to the main reason I called you here. You see, in taking up this burden, and in traveling to this other world, these young people have become true heroes. And they have taken up the burden that all heroes must bear. They have seen death. They have killed. They have fought, and bled, and I fear even died. That leaves scars."

Mei drew her feet up onto the couch, hugging herself and scooting into Izuku's lap. "Sometimes...sometimes I can still see them all. The bodies. Just lying there. We...we didn't save them. I thought I could make the cutest babies, and keep everyone safe, and that Izuku would be the hero, but...but then…"

"At night, when I close my eyes, I can still feel my fist going through those women's chests," Izuku said, squeezing his eyes shut as he clung to Mei. "They weren't human, not really. But...but it doesn't matter. I can feel them break in my hands. I had to. They were...they slaughtered so many, more than even Aqua could bring back, but...I still see their faces, their eyes, looking at me. And I ask myself...could I have saved them?"

Inko and Hari were both quiet, save for Izuku's mother's soft weeping.

"This is what it means to be a hero," All Might said quietly. "To bear the burdens of society, to be the Pillar of Peace that the world rests upon. We bear this pain that others might be safe, both from danger, and from the anguish we suffer. Usually, it is something we have time to prepare our pupils for. But in this case...time has run away from us."

"Mei...when you were crying at night…" Hari licked her lips. "I'm sorry. I thought...I thought you were just being dramatic. Missing your boyfriend."

"I do. Because when Izuku is there, it is not so bad," Mei said, moving her own arms to wrap around Izuku. "But sometimes...even when he is...I still have nightmares."

"We're going to have to speak with your own classmates," All Might said, wiping at his eyes with a large finger. He sighed heavily. "It's something I've had to do for young heroes before. Not something I enjoy. We've been keeping an eye on all of you, but, well, this is different. You are still all children. No matter if you call yourself goddesses or queens, or knights, or anything else."

"I don't feel much like a kid anymore," Izuku said quietly.

All Might looked troubled, then nodded. "Perhaps the wrong choice of words. Though in fairness, even the older Hatsume sister looks much like a child to me these days."

"Oh piss off. I'm twenty. I'm not a damn baby," Hari growled.

"Sweetie, that's not helping your argument," Inko hiccuped, wiping at her eyes. She looked at Izuku and Mei, and let out a heavy sigh. "You really did get married, didn't you?"

"It seemed like a good idea at the time," Izuku said. "And, well, we did sort of think we were going to die again."

"I didn't. I knew you would keep me safe," Mei said, clutching at Izuku. "I just...I needed you to be there. And for you to know I was there, for you."

"Well...you are both very young. And, well, I'd be lying if I said I thought that the two of you sleeping together is a good idea," Inko sighed. Then she bit her lip. "But...but I don't want you to hurt, either. I don't know what to do."

"Well, Mei's on the pill," Hari sighed. "Fuck me, I'm her sister, not her mother. I shouldn't have to deal with this."

"You could always tell mom and dad," Mei pointed out.

"Oh hell no. I am not unburying THAT landmine," Hari declared. "We'll deal with that...later. Ugh. Look, you want to go back to Izuku's place, fine. It's been...well, no one likes to hear her little sister cry herself to sleep at night. Been ages since you tried to climb into bed with me, Mei. Guess it just ain't the same anymore."

"Good. I'll see you both get back home," All Might said, standing. "And Midoriya? Next time you feel the need for a late night stroll, call me."

They all departed, leaving All Might alone. He sipped his tea, then turned to a side door. "Well?"

"I got a good look at Mei Hatsume's future," Sir Nighteye said. "Or rather, I should have gotten a good look at it."

"Compared to Aqua?" All Might asked. Sir Nighteye had visited the school a few days ago, shaking Aqua's hand and attempting to glimpse her future. It hadn't been what they expected.

Sir Nighteye flopped on the couch, shaking his head as he stretched out his long limbs. "All Might, you know me well. I was your sidekick for years. How many times did I fail to get a reading on someone with my quirk?"

All Might grunted and sat. "Never."

"Then let me just say that whatever has happened to those children, it's completely blocking my power," Sir Nighteye said, taking off his spectacles and polishing them with a cloth. He blew on them, squinted, and repeated the task. "Aqua's future was like staring up at an endless ocean, constantly moving and changing, with eddies and currents swirling through it. On one end, a waterfall that crashed into nothingness, and the other, endless. I could see nothing meaningful in that, only that she is a being unlike any other I have ever seen."

"She claims to be mortal now," All Might pointed out.

"Perhaps she is. But that doesn't mean she's human. My power doesn't work on animals, you know that. As for Hatsume...well, she is human. But her future does not follow one path. There are two running concurrently, and I cannot see anything clearly between them."

"I hesitate to ask you to use your power on Midoriya. You said your vision of me has changed, however," All Might said.

Sir Nighteye shrugged. "I see your future as if through the eyes of an insect, or shattered glass. A thousand different paths move and converge. Something HAS changed. But, there are figures in common through all the visions. The first, are these newcomers and the students at UA. They have a role to play."

"And the others?" All Might asked, knowing what he would hear.

"A blond woman with eyes of ice. Monsters of terrifying strength. And All For One, returned."

All Might nodded. "Then we shall have to prepare. Do readings on the others. We have to know what we can. How much time do we have?"

"I do not know. But not long."

/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/

Iris stood at the window, her eyes closed as the cool night air blew over her, listening to the strange sounds of this world. She had to stand on her tiptoes to see out the window, and even then her chin only just rested on the windowsill. But she liked this. It reminded her of when she was a girl, looking out over Belzerg.

Behind her, Katsuki's breathing changed. A moment later, she heard the mattress creak, and the sound of his bare feet padding on the floor behind her. He came to stand by her. She took his arm, and placed it over her shoulders. A smile crossed her face.

"My mom's gonna be pissed. Dad won't be happy either," Bakugo grunted after a quiet moment.

"This troubles you?" Iris asked, leaning in to him. He was warm, his muscles thick, and dense. She could feel his scars against her skin. He had nearly as many as her.

"I'll handle it. But they're gonna wanna meet you," Bakugo said, looking down at Iris, his expression troubled. "I just...why?"

"I told you. We are to be wed," Iris replied. "The kingdom needs a prince consort."

Bakugo flinched slightly. "Still on about that prince stuff?"

"If one is wed to a queen, then one becomes a prince. Do you not desire to be my consort?"

"Nah. Sorta been wanting you since we met."

"Why, because you saw me near naked?" Iris asked, an amused smile on her lips. "Had you never seen a woman before?"

"That was kinda hot. But no. It's cause you fought me. That was...I dunno. But I liked it. Not so much you beating the shit out of me, I ain't like that pervert next door," Bakugo growled.

"Do not speak ill of Lalatina. Her foibles are...well, they are a private matter. And she has chosen her own consort well. Tokoyami is strong. He will give the House of Dustiness worthy heirs."

"That all we are to you? Baby tickets?" Bakugo asked, scowling at Iris.

"No. I am growing fond of you, much as that was not my intention," Iris said, reaching up to stroke the fine hair on Bakugo's chest. He was only a little older than she, physically at least. Though how old either of them actually were was anyone's guess, especially considering she'd spent ages locked away, and he'd died more than once now. "But the children are important. The line of succession must be secure. It is a ruler's duty."

Bakugo grunted. "Didn't think you'd want a bastard."

"They will not be. I spoke with Eris. She and Aqua will marry us as soon as your parents consent."

"And if my folks ain't into that?"

"Then we shall be wed regardless. I shall endeavor to respect the laws of this land, but I am a sovereign ruler. I shall do as my duty demands."

"You know, you never fucking asked me if I did want to get hitched," Bakugo muttered.

That made Iris giggle. "I did not have to. You became quite enthusiastic after our bout. We barely made it back here in time, and I am rather certain we broke several laws in our method of travel."

"Yeah, well, I mean, it was a good fight," Bakugo admitted. His eyes suddenly narrowed. "Hey. You didn't let me win, did you?"

"As if I would ever do such a thing. No, I am simply not well skilled at fighting without my abilities. But as the Demiurge showed me, that is a weakness I cannot afford. You took the bout fairly."

"Good. Don't want you to think I like it if you roll over and go easy on me," Bakugo growled.

"And what do you like?" Iris purred, a wicked smile on her lips.

Bakugo grinned back, his red eyes glowing, and a few pops sounded from his fingers, searing Iris' skin. She didn't mind. It just made things more interesting. Besides, it would be good for both of them to toughen up.

Deep in the forest of Aokigahara, there was a sudden discharge of energy, and a hole into nothingness appeared. From it streamed dozens of figures in civilian clothes. Some were human, others lizard folk, goblins, orks, and other monstrous humanoids. The first few ran off, establishing a perimeter around the clearing where the portal had appeared. Others formed neat and orderly ranks, stiffening to attention.

At the end of line came two creatures that appeared to be young children with mismatched eyes and long ears, followed by two women, one short and blonde, the other tall and brunette. At the appearance of these last two, the ranks saluted crisply, hand to brow in the Imperial fashion.

"At ease," the Godslayer said, and the gottjager relaxed to parade rest as Tanya von Degurachaff paced their ranks. "You know why we are here. We seek the Goddess Aqua, and her allies, along with the children who attend this 'UA.' You are to be scattered throughout this world. Generals Fiore will take you there. Gather information, and locate potential recruits. We are operating from the assumption that this is a 'Earth' style planet, as we have encountered frequently before. Initial probes show that its geography matches this profile."

"For now, your rules of engagement are simple: avoid detection, avoid notice, and kill only if necessary. Your magic is to be referred to as a 'quirk.' If you locate Aqua or UA, report back immediately. You have been issued telecommunications devices for such a purpose. Any questions?"

There were of course none, and Tanya nodded. "Officers, fall out by squads. Let's make this world howl."