Chapter 6
The morning sunlight gently filtered through the curtains, casting a warm glow over the room. Izuku stirred, blinking sleepily as she tried to orient herself. The events of the previous day came flooding back, and she quickly realized she wasn't alone in the bed.
Eri was snuggled up against her, her small arms wrapped tightly around Izuku's waist, her face nestled into Izuku's side. Izuku's face turned beet red as she tried to extricate herself without waking Eri. She felt like a statue, unsure of how to move without disturbing the peaceful scene.
Eri mumbled something in her sleep, her grip tightening. "Mmm... Izuku-nee-chan," she murmured, a soft smile playing on her lips.
Izuku's heart melted at the sight, her initial embarrassment fading into a gentle warmth. She carefully brushed a strand of hair from Eri's face, trying to stifle a giggle at how adorable the little girl looked.
Inko chose that exact moment to peek into the room, her eyes crinkling with amusement. "Good morning, girls," she whispered, trying not to laugh at Izuku's flustered expression.
"Mom! Help!" Izuku mouthed dramatically, her face still red.
Inko chuckled softly, walking over and gently ruffling Eri's hair. "Looks like you two had a good sleep. Don't worry, Izuku, I'll make breakfast while you two wake up."
Eri stirred, blinking sleepily and looking up at Izuku with a wide smile. "Good morning, Izuku-nee-chan!" she chirped, her previous sleepiness melting away into her usual cheerful demeanor.
"Good morning, Eri-chan," Izuku replied, her voice soft and affectionate despite her lingering embarrassment.
Eri hugged her tightly once more before letting go. "I'm so glad you're my sister," she said, her eyes shining with happiness.
Izuku's heart swelled, and she gave Eri a gentle squeeze. "Me too, Eri-chan. Me too.".
Izuku padded into the bathroom, still rubbing the sleep from her eyes. She reached for her toothbrush and toothpaste, ready to start her morning routine, when she noticed a pair of wide, curious eyes watching her. Eri had followed her in, clutching her bunny plushie and looking up at Izuku expectantly.
"Good morning again, Eri-chan," Izuku said with a sigh, trying to muster a smile despite her own grogginess.
"Good morning, Izuku-nee-chan! Can you help me brush my teeth?" Eri asked, her voice brimming with enthusiasm.
Izuku chuckled, realizing she couldn't deny the little girl anything, especially not when she looked so eager. "Of course, Eri-chan," she replied, grabbing another toothbrush for Eri.
As Izuku prepared the toothbrushes, she noticed something that made her pause. She and Eri were practically the same height. She stared at their reflections in the mirror, blinking in surprise. Eri noticed too and giggled, her laughter like tiny bells.
"We're the same height, Izuku-nee-chan! We're like twins!" Eri said, bouncing on her toes.
Izuku felt her face heat up, a mix of embarrassment and amusement washing over her. "Yeah, I guess we are," she muttered, trying to suppress a grin.
She handed Eri her toothbrush, then realized she needed to help Eri reach the sink. Awkwardly, she tried to lift Eri up, but Eri wriggled out of her grasp and stood on tiptoes instead, barely reaching the faucet.
"Here, let me help," Izuku said, leaning over to turn on the water and carefully guiding Eri's hand.
As they brushed their teeth together, side by side, Izuku couldn't help but feel a mix of awkwardness and affection. Eri was doing her best to imitate Izuku's every move, and it was both endearing and a little overwhelming.
After they finished, Eri beamed up at her. "Thank you, Izuku-nee-chan! You're the best sister ever!"
Izuku's heart melted at Eri's words, and she gave the little girl a gentle pat on the head. "You're welcome, Eri-chan. Now let's go have some breakfast."
As they sat down for breakfast, the aroma of freshly made pancakes filled the air. Eri eagerly dug into her stack, her eyes lighting up with each bite. Izuku, still feeling the weight of the morning's awkwardness, picked at her food absentmindedly.
Inko, ever the attentive mother, noticed Izuku's distracted demeanor. "Izuku, sweetie," she began gently, "I know this has been a strange few days, but you still have to go to school today."
Izuku froze, her fork halfway to her mouth. The realization hit her like a ton of bricks: she would have to go to school and face her classmates and teachers not as a 15-year-old boy, but as a 5-year-old girl. Panic started to bubble up inside her.
"W-what am I supposed to tell them?" she stammered, her mind racing with worst-case scenarios. "How are they going to react? What if they don't recognize me? What if—"
Inko reached out and placed a reassuring hand on Izuku's. "Don't worry, Izuku. All Might has already taken care of everything."
Izuku blinked, the panic in her eyes slowly giving way to confusion. "He did?"
Just then, as if on cue, the phone rang. Inko answered it and, after a brief conversation, handed it to Izuku. "It's for you. It's All Might."
Izuku took the phone, her hands trembling slightly. "Hello?"
"Young Midoriya," All Might's familiar, comforting voice boomed on the other end. "I understand you're quite concerned about today's school visit. But rest assured, I've spoken with the Principal and your teachers. We've explained your... unique situation."
Izuku let out a sigh of relief, though a hint of anxiety still lingered. "What exactly did you tell them, All Might?"
"Well," All Might chuckled, "we told them that due to an unfortunate accident involving a Quirk, you have temporarily transformed into a younger version of yourself. They're prepared to support you and make any necessary accommodations. Your friends and classmates have also been informed, so they won't be shocked."
Izuku felt a wave of gratitude wash over her. "Thank you, All Might. I was really worried."
"There's no need to thank me, young Midoriya. Just focus on being yourself and everything will work out," All Might reassured her. "And remember, if you need anything, don't hesitate to ask."
"Thanks All Might… you think about the email I sent you…?"
"I have. while it is a tempting offer I am afraid I cannot accept it now…"
"I understand… anyways, thanks…"
As Izuku hung up the phone, she felt a bit more at ease. Inko gave her an encouraging smile. "See? Everything's going to be alright."
Eri, who had been listening intently, piped up with a mouthful of pancake, "Izuku-nee-chan, you'll be amazing at school! You're a hero!"
Izuku couldn't help but laugh at Eri's enthusiasm. "Thanks, Eri-chan."
Just as the last bite of breakfast was consumed and Izuku headed to her room to change clothes, a firm knock echoed through the house. Inko, ever the gracious hostess, went to answer it.
When she opened the door, she was met by a young man wearing a black mask that covered his lips, nose, and a bit of his cheeks. His eyes were narrow, with small golden irises that seemed to pierce through everything they looked at. His long lower eyelashes and small eyebrows gave his face a distinct look, further emphasized by the three piercings in his left ear.
Inko's motherly instincts immediately kicked in as she asked, "Can I help you?"
The man didn't answer right away. Instead, he brushed past her, stepping into the house with an air of authority that made Inko's blood run cold. "Chisaki Kai," he said, his voice calm and menacing. He scanned the room until his gaze fell on a now-frozen Eri. "I've come to take what is mine," he declared, his eyes locking onto Eri's with a chilling intensity.
Eri's face drained of color as she clung to her bunny plushie, her body trembling. "N-no... please..." she whispered, her voice barely audible.
Inko, her heart pounding, stepped forward to shield Eri. "You can't just barge into my house and make demands! Eri is safe here, and you have no right to take her."
Chisaki's eyes flicked to Inko, a sinister smile forming under his mask. "You don't understand. Eri belongs to me. She has a purpose to fulfil, and I won't leave without her."
Before Inko could react, Izuku appeared at the doorway, having heard the commotion. Her eyes widened in shock and anger as she recognized Chisaki. "You can't have her," she said firmly, stepping in front of Eri as well.
Chisaki's gaze shifted to Izuku, his eyes narrowing in surprise as he noticed how similar she looked to Eri, save for the hair and eye colour. "So, this is where you've been hiding," he said, his tone dripping with contempt. "Step aside. This doesn't concern you… probably."
Izuku stood her ground, her heart racing but her resolve unshaken. "It does concern me. Eri is my friend and little sister, and I'm not letting you take her."
Chisaki took a step forward, and Izuku instinctively moved to shield Eri even more. But before Izuku could make a move, he swiftly punched Inko in the face, knocking her unconscious immediately. Inko crumpled to the floor, and Izuku's eyes widened in horror.
"No!" Izuku screamed, rushing to her mother's side. Eri whimpered, clutching her bunny plushie tighter.
Chisaki looked down at the unconscious Inko, then at Izuku and Eri. "Fine, I'll take both of you," he sneered, reaching out to grab them.
But before he could lay a hand on them, Izuku felt a surge of power well up inside her. Her body crackled with energy as she tapped into One For All. With a determined shout, she swung her fist at Chisaki.
"Stay away from my family!" she yelled.
The punch connected with Chisaki's torso, the force of One For All sending him flying out of the house and crashing into the street outside. He lay there, stunned and momentarily incapacitated.
Izuku panted, the adrenaline coursing through her veins. She turned back to Eri, who was now crying. "It's okay, Eri-chan. He's gone for now," she said, trying to soothe her.
She then knelt beside her mother, checking to make sure she was still breathing. Relief washed over her when she felt a steady pulse. "Mom, please wake up," she pleaded, tears welling up in her eyes.
Inko stirred slightly, groaning in pain. "Izuku... Eri..." she whispered, her voice weak.
"We need to get help," Izuku said, her voice shaking but resolute. She picked up the phone and dialled All Might's emergency number.
"Hello?"
"All Might! Chisaki is here! We need…"
Just as Izuku was about to complete the sentence, Chisaki appeared once more, his face twisted into a malevolent grin. "You really think you can keep them from me?" he sneered. "I'll take both of you and use you for my own purposes. With your powers, I'll dominate the world." He laughed hysterically. "Maybe when you are dead, I'll save your DNA samples for…cloning purposes…"
Izuku's heart thundered with a primal fury, a tempest of wrath boiling within her veins. The audacious cruelty woven into Chisaki's words ignited a dormant inferno, searing through her consciousness like molten lava. Her horn surged forth with an eerie luminescence, casting ghastly shadows across the street. With each heartbeat, the air crackled with an electrifying tension, as if the very fabric of reality quivered in fear of her impending transformation.
As her rage consumed her, Izuku felt an otherworldly energy surge through her being, twisting and contorting her once innocent form into something altogether more sinister. The loose bathrobe— her mother's which she was wearing, that once hung loosely upon her form now clung to her transformed body like a second skin.
Her muscles bulged and convulsed beneath her skin, a grotesque symphony of raw power unleashed. With each passing moment, she grew taller, her limbs stretching and elongating. Her hair billowed and writhed around her like the tendrils of some eldritch creature, pulsating with an eerie light that seemed to draw the very essence of darkness towards her.
In the flickering light of the street, Izuku's transformation was complete. No longer the timid girl she once was, she stood tall and imposing, a nightmarish amalgamation of her former self and something altogether more terrifying. Her eyes, once warm and gentle, now burned with an icy fire that sent shivers down the spines of all who beheld her. This was no longer Izuku Midoriya, the hero-in-training. This was something else entirely—a creature of wrath and vengeance, born from the depths of her own anguish and despair— a consequence of the enormous combined powers of Rewind and One For All.
This is…
…The Demon Queen.
Chisaki sneered, his confidence unshaken by the transformation before him. "Do you really think you can stop me, child?" he taunted, his voice dripping with malice.
Izuku's response was not in words but in action. With a surge of power, her horn glowed more brightly, signalling the unleashing of her quirk. In a flash of green, she vanished from sight, only to reappear in front of Chisaki with her fist aimed squarely at his face. The impact sent him flying, a trail of dust marking his path through the air.
Without missing a beat, Izuku propelled herself upward, leaving a crater on the ground, her body slicing through the air with the precision of an arrow. She met Chisaki mid-flight, delivering a second, more powerful punch that sent him hurtling back to the ground. The sound of the collision echoed through the streets.
As Chisaki struggled to rise, Izuku descended upon him like a force of nature. She had a wild look on her face. Her barrage of punches was relentless, each one a statement of her unwavering resolve. The sound of her fists against his body was rhythmic, a drumbeat of rage that resonated in the clear daylight.
There were sounds of bones cracking, flesh being almost pasted due to the sheer force. A few more punches, and Chisaki's insides would be out…
Everyone knew who it was as Izuku's transformation was a hot topic lately. So the onlookers were dumbfounded by the brutality of the once gentle boy. It was sickening— some threw up seeing the gore.
Chisaki, overwhelmed by the ferocity of her assault, could do little but endure the onslaught. His plans, his machinations, all were forgotten in the face of Izuku's fury. She fought not just for herself, but for Eri, for her mother, for every soul that had suffered under his hand.
But…
'He hurt Eri! He hurt mom! He must die…! He must die…! He must die…!'
Chisaki was unconscious now.
'...die…! Oh… this is so fun! I wonder what it would feel like to bite his heart off…'
"Izuku-nee-chan, stop! Please stop!" Eri's voice cut through the chaos, shaking with fear and desperation.
At first, Izuku didn't hear her, too consumed by her rage and…bloodlust. But Eri's cries grew louder, more insistent, and finally pierced through the red haze.
"Izuku-nee-chan, you're scaring me! Stop!"
The words hit Izuku like a cold splash of water. She paused mid-punch, her breath heaving, her body trembling with residual energy. Slowly, she turned to look at Eri, whose eyes were wide with terror, tears streaming down her cheeks.
Realisation dawned on Izuku as she saw the fear in Eri's eyes. Her heart clenched painfully, and she felt the surge of power recede. Her body began to shrink back to its original 5-year-old form, the horn on her forehead retracting. She stood there, panting, feeling disoriented and confused.
"What... what just happened?" Izuku murmured, looking down at her small… bloody hands, now devoid of the terrifying strength they had wielded moments ago.
Eri, still crying, ran to Izuku and wrapped her arms around her tightly. "Izuku-nee-chan, I was so scared! Y-you… looked like a m-monster!"
Izuku's heart broke at Eri's words. She knelt down and hugged Eri back, her own tears mingling with Eri's. "I'm so sorry, Eri-chan. I didn't mean to scare you. I just... I just wanted to protect you."
Inko, regaining consciousness and seeing the aftermath, crawled over to them, her face bruised but her eyes filled with love. "Izuku, Eri, it's okay now. He's gone. We're safe," she whispered, pulling them both into a hug.
Izuku, still shaken by what she had done, held onto her mother and Eri tightly. "I won't let anyone hurt us again," she vowed, her voice trembling with emotion. "But I need to learn to control this power... for you, for all of us."
Inko kissed Izuku's forehead gently. "We'll figure it out together, Izuku. You're not alone in this."
Eri sniffled, looking up at Izuku with a mixture of awe and gratitude. "You're my hero, Izuku-nee-chan. But please, don't become a monster again. I need my sister, not a scary demon."
Izuku smiled weakly, wiping away Eri's tears. "I promise, Eri-chan. I'll always be here for you, as your older br… sister, no matter what."
The three of them stayed like that for a while, holding each other close, drawing strength from their bond.
As the dust settled and the chaos began to clear, All Might rushed onto the scene, his eyes scanning the surroundings. He immediately spotted Chisaki, barely alive but still healable, lying on the ground. Neighbors had gathered on the street, murmuring amongst themselves, their eyes wide with shock and curiosity.
All Might's heart sank at the sight of the injured Inko and the exhausted Izuku, standing protectively over a terrified Eri. He quickly assessed the situation and knelt by Chisaki, checking his condition.
"We need to get everyone to the hospital," All Might said urgently, glancing at the concerned crowd. "Young Midoriya, can you—"
The unmistakable sound of helicopter blades cutting through the air filled the neighbourhood. The neighbours looked up in awe as a sleek, black helicopter descended gracefully, landing on the street with surprising precision. Principal Nezu emerged, his presence immediately commanding attention.
"Everyone, let's move quickly," Principal Nezu said, his voice calm but authoritative. "We're taking you to U.A. High School where you'll be safe and receive the care you need."
All Might nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation. He gently lifted the barely conscious Chisaki into the helicopter. Izuku, still holding Eri's hand, followed closely behind, her small frame trying to exude bravery. Eri clung to Izuku, her eyes wide with fear and confusion, refusing to speak to anyone but her.
Once everyone was aboard, the helicopter lifted off, leaving the bewildered neighbours behind. Inside the helicopter, the atmosphere was tense. Recovery Girl began tending to Inko's injuries, her touch gentle and soothing. Izuku sat next to Eri, holding her hand tightly, offering silent reassurance.
Eri, her voice barely a whisper, spoke only to Izuku. "Izuku-nee-chan, are we going to be okay?"
Izuku smiled softly, despite the chaos and fear still lingering in her heart. "Yes, Eri-chan. We're going to be okay. U.A. High School is the safest place we can be right now."
The flight was short, and soon they were landing on the expansive grounds of U.A. High School. As the helicopter touched down, a team of teachers and medical personnel awaited them, ready to offer assistance.
Principal Nezu led the way as they disembarked. "Let's get you all to the infirmary. We need to ensure everyone is properly treated."
Eri, still refusing to let go of Izuku's hand, followed closely. The U.A. staff, seeing the bond between the two girls, gave them space, allowing them to move together. All Might stayed close, his presence a comforting reminder of their safety.
Inside the infirmary, Recovery Girl continued her work, first ensuring that Inko was stable and then turning her attention to Izuku and Eri. "You've both been very brave," she said, her voice gentle. "But it's important to let us help you now."
Eri nodded, her grip on Izuku's hand never loosening. "Izuku-nee-chan, don't leave me," she whispered.
"I won't, Eri-chan," Izuku replied firmly. "I'll stay with you."
Principal Nezu approached them, his eyes filled with empathy and understanding. "Eri, Izuku, you're safe here. We'll make sure nothing happens to you."
Eri looked at him with cautious eyes but didn't respond. Instead, she turned her gaze back to Izuku, finding comfort in her presence.
After ensuring everyone was settled and receiving the necessary care, All Might and Principal Nezu stepped aside to discuss the events.
"Principal Nezu," All Might began, his voice low, "we need to ensure that Chisaki is securely detained. He is…was a significant threat."
"Agreed," Principal Nezu replied. "We will contact the appropriate authorities and make sure he is placed under maximum security. For now, our priority is the safety and well-being of these children."
Back in the infirmary, Izuku sat by Eri's side, her mind racing with the events of the day. Despite the fear and chaos, she felt a renewed sense of purpose. She had protected Eri, and she would continue to do so.
As Izuku sat by Eri's side in the infirmary, the door quietly opened to reveal Principal Nezu and All Might. The principal's intelligent eyes scanned the room, taking in the sight of Izuku, Inko, and Eri.
Principal Nezu, not recognizing Izuku in her current form, stepped forward with curiosity. "Young one, may I ask who you are and what Chisaki wanted from you?"
Izuku took a deep breath, steeling herself to answer truthfully. "I'm Midoriya Izuku," she began, her voice steady despite the weight of her words. "Chisaki wanted Eri back because of her quirk. And he was surprised to see me looking like Eri, probably because of my transformation."
"Transformation?"
"I went… berserk."
Principal Nezu's eyes widened slightly, understanding dawning upon him. "I see. And what is your relationship to Eri?"
Izuku smiled gently, squeezing Eri's hand. "She's like a little sister to me. I promised to protect her."
All Might stepped closer, his expression serious yet filled with concern. "Young Midoriya, I need to ask you something important. Why did you go so far in your fight with Chisaki? You were... exceptionally brutal."
Izuku hesitated, feeling the weight of her actions. She looked down, then met All Might's eyes with a mixture of shame and resolve. "My quirks... Rewind and… the other one... are very powerful. When I get emotional, they become even stronger. I lost control over myself because of the immense power. I was so angry and scared for Eri... I didn't mean to lose control like that."
Principal Nezu nodded thoughtfully, his gaze softening. "It's clear you have a strong sense of duty and care deeply for Eri. However, controlling such power is crucial, especially when emotions run high."
All Might placed a reassuring hand on Izuku's shoulder. "We understand, Young Midoriya. This is something we can work on together. You're not alone in this."
Izuku nodded, feeling a surge of gratitude and relief. "Thank you, All Might. I'll do my best to learn and control my quirks better."
"One more question: how does All Might know you?" The Principal asked with a small frown, he already had an idea but he would rather ask and learn the complete truth than to rely on an incomplete theory and assumptions.
Izuku pondered for a moment before she sighed. "I am from the future…"
Principal Nezu's eyes widened. He looked between her and All Might before smiling broadly. "Your other quirk is…"
"Yeah, One For All." All Might supplied.
"This is really interesting—" Principal Nezu smirked. God, he was so right! "I would love to hear about it but I have some pressing matters that need my attention. We can talk later. We will ensure that you are safe here at U.A. and provide the support you need."
With that, All Might and Principal Nezu left.
Eri, who had been quietly listening, spoke up with a small, but determined voice. "Izuku-nee-chan was just trying to protect me. She's my hero."
Inko, now more alert and with a tender expression, looked at the two girls. "We'll face everything together, as a family."
TBC