Shoto knocked on the door. It was 8:00 p.m., and the night had already settled over the city of Mustafu. The streets outside were quiet, save for the occasional distant sound of a car or a barking dog. The old house before him was cloaked in shadows, its wooden structure creaking with the weight of age. Vines clung to the brick walls, and the front yard was a tangle of overgrown grass and weeds, illuminated by a single flickering streetlamp.
The door creaked open, revealing an old man dressed in a somewhat tattered suit. His grey hair was wild and unkempt, and his eyes were sharp and piercing. He peered out with a look of irritation. "What do you want, kid? I don't have any time for trick or treaters," he grumbled, his voice gravelly and impatient.
Shoto stood his ground, reminding himself why he was here. "Mr. Yamamoto told me to meet him here," he said, trying to keep his voice steady.
"Who?"
"Shoto... Todoroki."
The old man's face softened slightly in recognition. "Ah, the Icy Brat!" he exclaimed, a hint of amusement in his voice.
Shoto's expression tightened. "Please do not call me that."
The old man ignored his request and stepped aside, gesturing for him to enter. "Come in, Icy Brat."
Shoto walked into the house, his eyes widening as he took in the surroundings. The interior was a stark contrast to the exterior, filled with an overwhelming array of clocks and wristwatches. Every surface seemed to be covered with timepieces of various shapes and sizes, their ticking creating a constant, rhythmic background noise. The air was thick with the scent of old wood and metal, mingled with the faint aroma of musty books and age.
Mr. Yamamoto led him through a narrow hallway lined with antique furniture and faded portraits, finally arriving at a study room that looked like it belonged in a different century. The walls were lined with tall, wooden bookshelves, each crammed with dusty tomes and ancient artifacts. A large, ornate desk sat in the center, cluttered with tools, watch parts, and a collection of intricate, handcrafted wristwatches.
As Shoto took in the room's details, a flashback from earlier that day played in his mind. He had been training in the secluded clearing, his breath visible in the cold air as he pushed his ice power to its limits. His body ached with the effort, each movement becoming more strenuous as he struggled to control the icy blasts emanating from his right side. He refused to use his fire power, the part of him that was a gift from Endeavor, his father. He was determined to prove himself without it, to show that he could achieve greatness on his own terms.
Then, there came the old man, Mr. Yamamoto, who had been watching from the shadows. He approached Shoto with a chuckle, shaking his head. "At the rate you're training, you'll end up freezing yourself solid, Icy Brat."
Shoto had shot him a glare, his frustration boiling over. "Don't call me that," he snapped, his voice edged with anger.
The old man had simply laughed, unfazed by the boy's hostility. "Why are you training so hard, boy? What are you trying to prove?"
Shoto had clenched his fists, the ice around him melting slightly as his anger flared. "Even if I told you, it wouldn't matter. You can't help me."
Mr. Yamamoto's eyes had softened with understanding. "Sometimes, just letting it out can bring you peace of mind. Tell me, why are you pushing yourself so hard?"
Shoto had hesitated, but the old man's persistence wore him down. Finally, he had relented, his voice heavy with years of pent-up frustration. "My father, he wants me to surpass his senior colleague. But I don't want to use my fire quirk. It's his power, not mine. I hate him."
The old man had nodded, his expression thoughtful. "So, you want to prove that you can be a great hero without using your fire?"
Shoto had nodded, his resolve firm. "Yes."
Mr. Yamamoto had then smiled, a glint of something mysterious in his eyes. "I might have something that can help you," he had said, handing Shoto a small slip of paper with an address. "Meet me here at 8:00 p.m. tonight."
The flashback ended as Shoto found himself back in the present, standing in the old man's study. The memories of the afternoon still fresh in his mind. He looked at Mr. Yamamoto, his curiosity piqued. "So, what is it that you're going to give me that can help me become a great hero without using my fire power?" he asked, his voice tinged with both hope and skepticism.
Mr. Yamamoto's eyes gleamed with a mysterious light. He reached under his desk and pulled out an old, small wooden box, intricately carved with symbols that seemed to pulse with a faint, eerie glow. The box looked ancient, its surface worn and weathered by time.
Shoto's heart raced as he took the box in his hands. It felt heavier than it looked, as if it carried a great burden. He carefully opened it, revealing a bracelet with a white stone at its center. The bracelet was simple yet elegant, the stone shimmering with an otherworldly light.
Shoto's initial excitement quickly turned to anger. "Are you trying to scam me?" he demanded, his voice rising. "I'm not buying this stupid bracelet."
Mr. Yamamoto raised his hands in a calming gesture. "It's not a normal bracelet, Icy Brat. It holds a power that can make you a great hero. Trust me."
Shoto's curiosity got the best of him. He hesitated for a moment, then took the bracelet from the box and tied it to his wrist. As soon as the clasp clicked into place, he felt a surge of power coursing through his veins. His eyes widened as a rush of energy filled him, making him feel invincible.
"What... happened?" he whispered, his voice filled with awe.
"Take a look at yourself," Mr. Yamamoto said, handing him a mirror.
Shoto's reflection left him speechless. His hair was now pure snow white, and his eyes, once heterochromic, were now a mesmerizing neon-colored star shape set in a sea of white. He looked otherworldly, almost ethereal.
"This power..." Shoto began, unable to tear his eyes away from the mirror.
Mr. Yamamoto nodded. "Many years ago, my grandfather found that bracelet while camping with my grandmother. It holds immense power. With it, you can become supremely strong."
"But why me?" Shoto asked, still trying to process everything.
The old man sighed. "To be honest, I don't feel safe keeping it. My father warned me that it's cursed. My grandfather, who had a minor strength quirk, used it for years and never took it off. One day, it accidentally came off and... he died. So, what better way to get rid of it while getting some money out of it?"
"So, using it too much... causes death?" Shoto asked, a mix of fear and excitement in his voice.
"Probably," Mr. Yamamoto admitted. "I think it can also drive you mad."
Shoto's eyes hardened with determination. "I don't care. This power is too great to pass up."
Mr. Yamamoto chuckled. "Well, good for you. Now, about the payment..."
"How much?" Shoto asked, reaching for his wallet.
The old man's lips curled into a sly smile. "Hehe..." 'My quirk to make people greedy is always so convenient!'
o~o~o
The next day in the Midoriya household, the sun streamed through the windows, casting a warm glow on the breakfast table. The room was filled with the comforting aromas of freshly brewed tea and toast. Izuku and his mother sat together, enjoying their meal and talking about the incredible events of the previous night. Izuku's eyes were bright with excitement as he took a bite of his peach, a fruit he usually avoided.
"I can't believe what happened last night, Mom!" he exclaimed, his voice brimming with enthusiasm. "I can't wait to try out my new powers today!"
Inko smiled warmly at her son's excitement but glanced at the clock on the wall, noting the time. "Izuku, it's getting late. You should be heading to school."
Izuku nodded, gulping down the last of his breakfast. "Right! I'll be off then. See you later, Mom!" He grabbed his backpack and headed out the door, the anticipation still buzzing within him.
The morning air was fresh and crisp as Izuku made his way to Aldera Middle School. The school building loomed ahead, its brick walls and tall windows a familiar sight. He walked through the bustling corridors, his mind racing with thoughts of his transformation and what he might discover today.
In class, he found himself surrounded by the usual crowd of kids, many flaunting their flashy quirks with pride. One of them, a boy with flaming hair, sneered at him. "Hey Midoriya, still alive? We thought you'd jumped from the terrace like Bakugou told you to."
Izuku felt the sting of their words, his fists clenching in response. He was on the verge of telling them about his newfound powers but decided against it. What was the point? They wouldn't believe him anyway. "Forget it," he muttered, turning away.
Just then, Bakugou approached, his presence commanding immediate attention. "What's all this noise about?" he barked, his voice carrying an intimidating edge. The bullies quickly scampered back to their seats, avoiding his wrath.
Izuku looked at his childhood friend, his heart pounding with excitement. He wanted to share his news with Kacchan, to show him that he wasn't weak. "Kacchan, I—" he began, but Bakugou cut him off, his expression one of disdain.
"Give up on your dream of becoming a hero, Deku," Bakugou spat, his eyes narrowing. "You're weak and useless. Just accept it."
The harsh words cut deep, but a spark of determination ignited within Izuku. He decided it was time to surprise his 'best friend'. Just as he was about to say 'Peach', a loud, trumpeting noise echoed from outside the school building, drawing everyone's attention.
"Hey, look!" someone shouted. "It's the elephant that escaped from the zoo last night!"
"Yeah! Looks like it hid inside the swimming pool hall."
Izuku, now transformed into his Magical Girl form, glanced towards the swimming pool hall. Through the large, glass windows, she saw the elephant rampaging inside, trying to escape the animal control officers. Her transformation had gone unnoticed amidst the chaos.
"It's hero time!" she declared, striking a dramatic pose with her hand on her hip and the other making a victory sign and winked. She wore a frilly purple dress with matching gloves and boots, her long hair cascading down her back in loose waves. Her eyes sparkled with determination, and a faint, magical aura surrounded her.
The entire classroom froze in shock. Bakugou's eyes widened, and the other students stared, wide-eyed and slack-jawed, at the sight before them. "Who the hell is she?!" someone muttered, the disbelief evident in their voice.
Without hesitation, she opened the classroom window and leaped out, jumping straight from the third floor. Gasps and shouts of amazement filled the air as the strangely clad girl gracefully landed on her feet like a cat, her movements fluid and confident, her attire shimmering in the sunlight.
"She just jumped from the third floor!" a student exclaimed, his voice filled with awe.
"Who is that girl?" another whispered, eyes wide with wonder.
"Did you see her outfit? It's so cute!"
Bakugou's expression turned from shock to a mix of anger and confusion. "What the hell is she doing?" he muttered under his breath, his fists clenching in frustration.
Izuku, now fully embracing her Magical Girl persona, sprinted towards the swimming pool hall, her heart pounding with excitement and adrenaline. She could hear the whispers and murmurs of her classmates behind her, their astonishment palpable. The other students, including Bakugou, quickly followed, opting for the stairs instead of the window. Not everyone was crazy enough to jump from such a height.
As she ran, Izuku felt a surge of energy coursing through her veins, each step light and effortless. She could see the chaos unfolding inside the swimming pool hall through the large windows—the elephant, panicked and confused, trying to evade the animal control officers. The officers themselves were struggling, their tranquilizer guns at the ready but finding it hard to get a clear shot.
Inside the hall, the air was thick with tension. The smell of chlorine mixed with the earthy scent of the elephant, and the sounds of its distressed trumpeting echoed off the tiled walls. The water in the pool rippled violently each time the elephant moved, adding to the chaotic scene.
Izuku skidded to a halt in front of the hall's entrance, her eyes fixed on the elephant. "I have to help," she whispered to herself, determination steeling her resolve. She took a deep breath and stepped inside, the officers barely noticing her amidst their struggle.
"Hey, kid!" one of the officers shouted, finally seeing her. "Get out of here, it's too dangerous!"
Ignoring the warning, Izuku moved closer to the elephant, her mind racing for a plan. She should try to talk with it…wait? Why an animal? Perhaps it was the quirk?
She had to use her new powers, but how? She remembered her transformation and the energy she felt. Maybe she could use that to calm the elephant down.
"Easy there," she called out, her voice soft and soothing. "I'm here to help."
The elephant turned its massive head towards her, its eyes wide with fear and confusion. Izuku focused, trying to channel the calming energy she felt within her. She held out her hand, willing the elephant to sense her intentions.
"Please, calm down," she whispered, stepping closer.
The elephant made another sound, it's two front-legs ready to crush her.
"Hey, girl! Get away from—"
Everyone gasped as she caught both of the legs with her bare hands.
"The fuck?!" A woman officer remarked. "Does she have a super strength quirk?"
"Easy there," Izuku reached out and gently placed her hand on the elephant's trunk, feeling the rough texture of its skin. The elephant let out a soft sigh, its body relaxing under her touch. "I am not going to hurt you."
To her amazement, the elephant seemed to respond, its movements slowing, its trumpeting fading into a soft rumble.
The animal control officers watched in stunned silence, their weapons lowered as they observed the scene. "What's she doing?" one of them muttered, his voice filled with disbelief.
"I thought she was just strong."
"There you go," Izuku murmured, a smile spreading across her face. "You're okay now."
With that, one officer finally sedated the animal.
The officers slowly approached, their expressions a mix of awe and confusion. "How did you do that?" one of them asked, his voice filled with wonder.
Izuku turned to face them, her eyes sparkling with a newfound confidence. "I just knew I could," she replied, her voice steady. "I guess it's part of my new powers."
The students, who had gathered at the windows and doorways, watched in amazement, their earlier skepticism replaced with admiration. "Did you see that?" one of them whispered. "She just calmed the elephant down!"
"Yeah, it's like she has some kind of magical power."
Bakugou, who had pushed his way to the front, stared at the scene, his mind racing. "Who... the hell are you?" he muttered, his voice a mix of confusion and grudging respect.
"Pe—"Izuku was about to tell them about her new powers when someone spoke.
"Are you a vigilante? What's your name?"
"-what?" Izuku blinked.
"Your name is Pewhat?" A girl, with golden eyes, raised an eyebrow.
"No,"
"Then what is it?"
Izuku pondered over it for a moment. How about surprising Kaachan Hindi entrance exam of UA High School? She mentally giggled.
She was about to leap and leave when Kaachan yelled. "Who the fuck are you, Purple Abomination?"
She looked back and struck her new signature pose: with her one hand on her hips, making a victory sign with the other hand and a wink to finish it. "I am the Magical Girl Peanut!"
With that, she took off.
"Peanut…" Bakugou tested the name in his mouth. "I have this feeling that I know this chick…"
o~o~o
Author Note: Just to be clear, our protagonist is not wearing the bracelet. If you did not notice it before, then let me make it clear for you: the amethyst bracelet is the original one and it got fused with Izuku. Who do you think is going to be the antagonist?
Spoiler: Shoto's one is duplicate. And there are three bracelets including Shoto's. The maker made two bracelets— amethyst and [You can select the color theme: it's going to be wielded by the antagonist.]
But the question remains: who made the bracelets?
Till next time!