He was dreaming.

He knew this dream, this place, he's been there before.

A place where he felt solid, but everything else around him felt different, faded, and not quite there. It was a dark expanse, it was like an endless field but nothing would grow. Completely barren and empty save for him, a lonely space.

However, unlike the other times in his dreams, it was a little brighter than usual. Faint lights were clustered together in the distance, colorful glows of different hues. They were far away though, like faint shining stars. There were a few that stuck out to him, a few brilliant lights stood out among the rest. Even so, one still outshone those ones.

A bright golden light, even though it seemed so far away he swore he could feel its warmth from where he was. It was like the sun.

Izuku sighed and sat down in the field, watching the faraway stars. Some of them disappeared for a time before reappearing. A few of them flared out brightly before becoming calm again. He found himself mesmerized by the stars. Even so, he found himself shrinking away when a few of them came closer.

It was mostly that bright sun that came closer, even though it seemed like it was an impossible distance away it was still frighteningly close.

He felt like he could breathe again once it went away, and he was left alone in his dark space.

He wasn't sure how long he sat there, watching the lights and cowering away from them when they came near. It only felt like hours before they started to fade away and blink out, he was alarmed at first, standing up and trying to make his way over to the lights. Only to run into some kind of barrier, something that kept him separated from them all.

They kept blinking out as if they were traveling farther and farther away until Izuku felt himself begin to fade. He no longer felt grounded in this place, instead, he felt like mist that was blowing away in the wind.

He watched them all fade away from his view as he disappeared from that place. Leaving his dream and the sky full of stars.

-.-

He woke up slowly. Shifting around in the bed first and tried to get comfortable so he could go back to sleep. Until he shifted in a way that sent a shock of pain running through him.

He gasped and went still, waiting for the pain to pass before relaxing. He groaned as he turned over and looked up, slowly processing everything around him. He sat up and looked around, seeing shelves full of books and jars on one side of the large room and what looked like a workstation nearby.

He looked over to a window beside him, it was a little higher than him so all he could see were the tops of some trees and the sunlight streaming in.

He was confused, pausing for a moment to remember what was happening before. After a moment it suddenly hit him. He remembered what had happened to him, the forest, the stealing, then being chased.

"Oh no…" He looked around again, making sure he was alone. Once he was sure he was in the clear he slowly made his way to his feet and did a once over on himself.

His entire arms and torso were wrapped in bandages, even so, his injuries didn't feel as bad anymore. All that was left from his side was a dull ache that flared up if he moved around too much too fast. His leg definitely felt better, he could put weight on it again. That was good, that meant he could make a run for it before any of those people found him.

There was no way they weren't going to punish him, especially after he stole supplies. It was only going to get worse once they found out he was Quirkless. There was no way he wasn't in a world of trouble.

Izuku looked around for his things, sighing in relief as he saw his familiar yellow bag. Still beaten up and worn down. Izuku went through it and made sure everything was in there.

His notebook, his gloves, a half-empty water bottle, his food was gone. That wasn't important, he was sure he could find some later, water should be the main concern. He continued to dig around and found the vial of blood that one hero threw at him, before telling him to run.

Izuku paused for a moment, looking it over. He wasn't sure why he kept it, he didn't necessarily have to. If anything it was taking up space in his bag. He still wasn't sure why he kept it though, for some reason he couldn't bring himself to throw it away. He didn't understand why All Might would throw it at him, let alone save him…

He shook his head and made himself focus again. Continuing to dig through his bag and check if anything had been taken.

"Well, you certainly seem to be in a hurry."

Izuku practically shrieked in surprise and nearly dropped his bag. He turned around to see an old man standing in the doorway. He was dressed rather casually. Wearing what looked like an orange jacket with a blue and orange hat on. What really stuck out to him was the white shirt with a strange symbol on the front.

The old man gave him a smile as he walked further inside.

Izuku backed up, gripping his bag like a lifeline. Seeing this the old man paused and took a step back.

They stood in silence, the elder calmly watched Izuku, while Izuku stared at him, his heart beating out of his chest. He was trying to figure out some way out of this. Find some way to get out

Izuku ended up cracking first.

"I-I'm sorry. I really am I just- I just needed some food and m-medicine. I'll leave, I promise I'll leave and I won't come back. I'll just disappear, I swear you'll never have to see me again! I-"

The old man held up a hand, making Izuku stop his rambling.

"Easy now young man. Let's not jump to such drastic measures." He went over to the workstation before gesturing to the bed. "Sit down, you don't need to go aggravating your wounds now."

Izuku watched him before doing as he was told. He was still considering taking his chances just running out the door and never being seen again. Though he had a feeling somehow the old man would stop him.

"Now before we go any further, how about introductions? I would like to know who I'm talking to. My name is Makarov, and yours?"

"Izuku Midoriya, sir." He answered.

He nodded. "Izuku, that's a fine name. Now then, I'm sure you're aware of the small commotion you caused up here?"

Izuku felt his face turn red. "You mean the stealing? Yes sir…"

Makarov nodded again. "I was told about the state you were in, I must say I was rather concerned. You were grievously injured, heavens know what would have happened to you if Natsu and the others hadn't found you and brought you here."

"I just…I just needed some food and medicine. I thought this place was abandoned until she showed up and started yelling at me." He frowned.

"You thought this place was abandoned, and your first idea was to ransack it?"

Izuku felt his face turn red. "I-I wasn't going to take everything. J-Just what I needed in case someone else needed supplies too!" He tried to defend himself.

Makarov stared at him for a moment before sighing. "Even so, you found out this place wasn't abandoned, yet you still turned to thievery. Did it not occur to you to ask for help? I'm sure you have some common sense in you somewhere boy."

Izuku shrank into himself. He had considered it for a moment, returning to that place and asking for help. But he knew what would have happened.

He mumbled out a response, and in turn, Makarov leaned forward.

"What was that? I can't understand you when you mumble young man."

The teenager began to fiddle with the straps of his bag as he averted his eyes. "I-I uh…I already stole from her, sir. I didn't think she would help, I mean I wouldn't blame her. Why would you help someone who took stuff from you? She had no real obligation to help me, even then it's my fault I got hurt so-"

Makarov clapped his hands loudly, startling Izuku.

"Goodness, you're certainly a motor mouth aren't you? Though I can understand your concern. The woman who lives here, Porlyusica may be intimidating, but she wouldn't have turned you away. She's not that kind of person."

Porlyusica, that was the woman's name. It was good to know since Izuku definitely had to apologize to her.

"I will say though, that raises the concern. What was a boy like you doing in the East Forest to get hurt the way you did? Off playing with the creatures when you shouldn't have been?" Makarov raised an eyebrow as if it was expected.

Izuku watched him for a moment before shaking his head. "N-No, sir. I was…I was being chased…by a monster. By a Nomu…" He unconsciously gripped his side, mind replaying the moment. How its sharp claws dug into him, ready to tear him apart. The screeches bounced around in his skull and made him cringe.

He shook his head to try and banish the sounds and images. He didn't want to think about it.

"-oung man? Izuku."

He snapped back into focus when he heard Makarov's firm voice.

He looked up to see Makarov had gotten out of his chair and had been making his way over to him.

Izuku was hunched over and holding his bag like his life depended on it. It took him a moment to straighten up and take a deep breath. He was losing focus again, he couldn't keep doing that. He blinked back the tears that threatened to fall and looked up.

"S-Sorry, I'm okay."

Makarov watched him before nodding, but he stayed where he was.

"Are you sure you're alright?"

"I'm fine." He answered a little too quickly. Izuku stared at him before looking away. "I'm okay."

Makarov stood in place before sighing. "I can't imagine that was a pleasant experience, being chased by a monster that left you in such a state. I can only imagine how worried your family must be."

Izuku gulped at the mention of them. His mother came to mind, he was ashamed to say that he hadn't thought about her until after he had put some distance between him and the monsters when they started attacking. He just needed to get away from the school.

His father was also an afterthought, he hadn't thought about him in a long time. He tried not to blame himself, it was pretty hard to think about his father in America when there were bloodthirsty monsters running rampant in Japan.

"Right…yeah." Izuku rubbed the back of his neck. "I should uh, that's probably why I should get going soon. Yeah. Don't wanna keep them waiting. Probably worried sick." He mumbled as he fiddled with the straps of the bag again.

Izuku waited a moment before standing up, wincing in pain at the sudden movement.

"Yup. I should uh, probably…probably go. Uh-huh. Th-Thank you for all this I should just…yup." Izuku was about to walk out the door when Makarov cleared his throat.

"Where are you from anyway young man? Especially since you're off in such a hurry."

Izuku froze as he reached the door, he hadn't even bothered to put on his shoes. He was just going to grab them and go.

"Uhm…s-somewhere."

"I see, very specific."

Izuku shifted everything in his arms as he tried to open the door.

"Izuku."

He froze before glancing over his shoulder, only to see Makarov right behind him. Izuku quickly turned around to face him, not wanting his back to him. He pressed himself against the door as Makarov took a step forward.

"I'm going to ask you this, and I would like an honest answer." The old man looked him dead in the eye as he spoke.

Izuku stared back at him as he tried to make himself smaller. He had a feeling this was it, the old man was going to strike him dead right where he was. He had no idea what kind of Quirk he had, but Izuku was fairly certain that it was going to be enough to finish him off in the state he was in.

"Are you safe?"

He was caught off guard by that. He wasn't sure what exactly he had been expecting but it certainly wasn't…that.

"Huh?"

"I'm old, not a fool." Makarov sighed. "You were camping out in the woods and you got yourself hurt, then you were desperately looking for supplies and you seem eager to leave as soon as possible. You're a runaway, aren't you?"

Izuku stared at him, he wasn't exactly wrong. He technically is a runaway, fleeing from a bunch of monsters that would have killed him. Even so, if the man offered to open his home to Izuku he would just kick him out once he found about his Quirklessness.

He had to do this on his own.

"I will ask again, are you safe?"

"...I-I'm okay sir."

"That isn't what I asked."

Izuku looked down.

"I uh…I'm safe enough. I can take care of myself.

"Safe enough isn't very safe, young man." He walked back to his chair, giving Izuku a little more space. "I won't lie, I don't feel very confident about you walking out of here. Do you even know where you'd go?"

"Uh…I…No. B-But I can figure it out. I always figure something out."

"You shouldn't have to figure something out. You're a child. Sure you've gotten this far, but how far will you get with no real plan? How long until you get hurt or get yourself in a situation you can't figure out?"

"Oh uh…well, I guess I would just…cross that bridge when I got there."

Makarov looked at him for a moment. Watching how he fidgeted and fiddled with the straps of his bag. He was like a scared animal, cornered and ready to dart away. He could feel nothing but nervous energy from him.

"Tell me, how old are you, boy?"

"Uh, I'm around 15 sir…why?"

"That only cements my point further. A young man like you shouldn't be wandering around with no place to go. Especially if you're in danger."

Izuku sighed and hid his face in his bag.

Makarov continued to watch Izuku. He was going soft and he knew it, he could already hear Yajima calling him a soft-hearted old coot.

But he couldn't exactly bring himself to just turn this boy away. It was clear he was scared of something, he was doing his best to be discreet and quiet, to stay out of the way.

Makarov didn't buy the story of him being safe or 'safe enough'.

"W-Well…still, it's best if I go. I'd rather not b-be a bother or anything I just…"

"I wouldn't exactly call it a bother to help you." Makarov shook his head. "More of a necessity. You know I'm the master of the Fairy Tail guildhall, I wouldn't mind if you stayed there for a time. Especially since Porlyusica probably wants her house back."

Izuku raised an eyebrow. "Guildhall?" He asked.

"Yes, it's a place where many people come together to find work and in some cases a home. I will admit everyone there can get pretty rowdy, but it'd be a good place for you to stay in the meantime."

"W-Wait…huh?" Izuku felt his jaw drop. "B-But I…I can't! I'll be okay sir really, I just have to go and-"

"You're still injured, and you have nowhere to go. If you leave, you'll inevitably get hurt again, or worse your wound will get infected again. If you aren't safe and you go, how do you expect to defend yourself? At least in a Guildhall, you'd have friends to protect you."

Izuku frowned at that. Right off the bat the old man he just met a few minutes ago was already offering him a place to stay. Offering to keep him safe, give him a roof over his head.

Izuku didn't count on it lasting.

He remembered the last time someone offered him to stay in a haven, in a safe place. It had been going so well until they asked what his Quirk was. So they could put him on some kind of job around the haven.

As soon as he admitted to being Quirkless he was thrown out, told he'd be a waste of resources.

In a way, Izuku guessed he was lucky. Since that place fell apart shortly after the Nomu's came and attacked them.

"I still don't think it'd be a good idea, sir…" He mumbled.

"Oh? And why is that?"

Izuku put his head down as he felt his face flush, he couldn't help it. He always felt embarrassed when he had to say it. It was his own shame, one he hated himself for every day.

Even so, it was better to get it over with.

"I uh…I don't have any powers." Izuku muttered. "I'm just an ordinary kid with nothing to show. I don't have a…it's just best if I go on my own. Really. I've made it this far sir, there's no need to worry over me."

There's no point…

He couldn't bring himself to look at Makarov, he didn't even want to guess what kind of expression he had on his face. He was just waiting for a signal to get out, to leave, and never come back. Izuku reached behind him and grabbed onto the door handle, ready to run out if need be.

"Well, that doesn't matter to me if that's what you're concerned about."

"W-Wait…huh?" Izuku looked up at him. "What do you…"

"It doesn't matter if you have powers or not. In my opinion, getting you back on your feet is more important."

Izuku stared at him in disbelief. This had to be a joke right? There was no way this old man was just okay with him coming in and just…being there. Even though he was Quirkless. Was this some kind of trick? Some sick joke where as soon as he got used to this kindness it would be ripped out from under his feet?

"Don't look so shocked boy, it's not the end of the world." Makarov grinned. "I understand if you would like to keep moving. If you still want to stay on the run from whatever you may be trying to escape. Though I cannot promise you that running away all the time is the answer. Even so, I suggest you stay for a while, finish healing up, and come up with a plan of what you want to do if you insist on leaving."

Izuku opened his mouth to argue, then shut it again.

That…actually sounded like a good idea. A really good idea. He wouldn't necessarily be obligated to stay, but having some kind of home base would be good. He could decide what to do next, save up some money, and then he wouldn't be a bother to him anymore. If he did it quick enough he wouldn't have to worry about any of this backfiring on him.

"You may not be able to go on the normal jobs posted on the board, but that doesn't mean you can't work in the guild or around town. There are plenty of opportunities there for you if you want to take it."

Izuku stared at him for a moment, looking for any sign of deceit or trickery. Any kind of red flag, something that should be sending him running in the opposite direction.

"And you're sure it's okay?" Izuku asked.

"Of course." He nodded. "I wouldn't suggest it if it wasn't."

"...Okay. Maybe going is the best option right now. Either way, I promise I'll stay out of the way."

"Hmph, you don't have to worry about that. I promise everyone there is friendly, they won't bite. They may be a little eager to see a new face but they won't do anything."

"Uh…that's kind of reassuring?"

"We can head out now if you'd like since you seem to have everything packed up." He pointed at Izuku's things. "You can at least get a look around the place."

Izuku looked down at his bag and shoes, at least he could put his shoes on and not run out with just his socks. Even so…

"Is it okay to be walking around in a bunch of bandages though?" Izuku asked. "I'm not sure where my shirt and jacket are."

"Ah yes, almost forgot about that." Makarov walked over to a small chest at the end of the bed and picked something up before tossing it at Izuku. Izuku dropped his things to catch what was thrown at him, it was a clean blue shirt. It looked a little too big for him.

"You can borrow that shirt, there are plenty at the guildhall. Gray seems to forget to pick up his shirts at the end of the day anyway."

Izuku glanced down at the shirt before slipping it on, and exactly like he thought it was a little big on him. But it was comfortable, and it wasn't hard to move in. It wouldn't irritate any of his injuries.

"Are you sure it's okay if I have this?"

"It'll be fine." Makarov waved a hand. "Anyway, I suggest we get going. I've been gone for a couple of hours and I don't even want to imagine what chaos could be going on if I don't get back soon. Hopefully, the guildhall will still be in one piece…"

Izuku hummed and slung his bag over his shoulder and slipped on his shoes.

He was really doing this. He was going with this complete stranger in hopes of not getting screwed over and having a chance to pick himself back up again.

He stepped to the side as Makarov walked towards him, then opened the door and walked on through. Izuku was reluctant to follow but did so anyway. He squinted his eyes at the bright sun outdoors. While it took his eyes a moment to adjust he couldn't help but enjoy the rays of sun on his skin.

It felt like every day was dreary and cloudy back in Japan, even when the sun was out it just felt duller.

Actually…now that he thought about it…

"Uh, Mr. Makarov?"

The old man chuckled before looking over his shoulder. "If you're going to address me so formally it's better to call me Master Makarov, but Makarov is just fine too."

"Ah, uh, Master Makarov. I have a quick question, kind of sounds stupid but uh-"

"About time you came out of there, I was about to…ah. I see he's awake." The loud woman from the other night showed up. Izuku jumped and took a few steps back.

"Yes, he is."

"And he's already leaving?"

"I've managed to convince him to come with me. At least you can have your home back."

"I appreciate that." She turned her gaze to Izuku. "And you, do you have anything to say for yourself? Stealing from me instead of just asking for help, such a foolish thing to do."

Izuku felt his face turn red and lowered his head. "I-I'm…I'm really sorry ma'am. I didn't uh…I had initially thought this place was abandoned. I didn't think…uh…I'm sorry."

"Hmph." She turned away and began to sweep the ground. "As long as you don't go stealing my things again you're fine. Still though, do you not have the good sense the gods gave to even a rock? Stealing from me instead of just asking for help! Honestly, you humans infuriate me sometimes with your lack of common sense!" She whirled right back around and held up her broom.

"If I ever catch you stealing from me again young man, I can promise you it will not end well! Am I understood?"

Izuku shuddered under her glare and nodded frantically. "Y-Yes ma'am! It won't happen again! I am so sorry!"

"Good, now get out of here. No offense, but I don't like humans being around here for very long. And before you run off, do not strain yourself and reopen your wound. I would rather not see you back here so soon."

"Yes ma'am…"

Makarov looked between the two before coughing and stepping forward. "Thank you again, Porlyusica, for taking care of him. I can assure you that we truly appreciate it."

The woman glared at Makarov before sighing and walking away. "Just make sure the boy doesn't hurt himself again."

As she walked away and into her house Izuku gave a shaky sigh. He seared a permanent reminder into his mind, never upset Ms. Porlyusica again. Especially since he owed her now.

"She's frightening isn't she?" Makarov snapped him out of his thoughts.

"Huh? Oh, yeah. She is…I'm lucky she even treated me…"

Makarov shook his head and began to walk away, motioning for Izuku to follow him. "She may not be fond of people, but Porlyusica is not a cruel woman. I'd recommend just staying out of her way for the time being. Which should be easy enough."

Izuku couldn't help the face he made. Easy, sure. Maybe for a normal person, but with the luck he's got he suspects he's going to be a real hassle towards her. No matter how hard he tries to not get banged up.

It was inevitable.

Izuku adjusted his bag a few times as they walked away from Porlyusica's house and onto a trail. He just kept following Makarov, since he had no real idea where they were going.

"Oh, that was right, you wanted to ask me something earlier, didn't you?" Makarov spoke up. "What was it you wanted to talk about?"

Izuku stared at him before shaking his head. "Oh yeah, uh…it's kind of embarrassing but, what is this place? What town or city did I end up in? I mean…"

"You don't even know where you are?"

"No, sir."

The guild master sighed but kept walking. "You're in Magnolia Town young man. A rather large merchant town, I can assure you there are many places you can find work here."

"Oh."

Izuku turned over the name in his mind. Magnolia Town…he certainly never heard of it before. He didn't think it was anywhere in Japan. Which probably meant he wasn't even in Japan anymore. That was good, that had to be good right? It meant that he wouldn't be seeing the Nomu's any time soon…maybe he actually was safe. Maybe. He wasn't too sure.

"Where did you say you were from young man?" Makarov asked.

"I'm from a place called Mustafu." He mumbled.

"Oh? I've never heard of that place, you must be pretty far from here."

Izuku nodded. "Yeah, I guess you could say that."

Makarov looked over his shoulder at Izuku before looking back ahead. "Wel, Wherever this Mustafu place may be, I think you'll come to like Magnolia Town."