The Monster Hero

by DarkPhoenixKing

What if AFO decided to put all of his scientific knowledge into a new way to reach his goal? This is that world. Let's follow the story of the little monster who chose to be more, and see what if...

4. Trial's and Domination

After their date, Izuku princess carried Setsuna to the ground while showing off his wings. Setsuna of course thought they were amazing, and joked his hero name would have to be the Kaiju hero: Monster King, but Izuku blew a raspberry making them both laugh. Setsuna detached her head so that it could float up and kiss him good night before slinking away with a bit of a sway just for him, and Izuku felt his quirk try to push him to go further, but he shoved those thoughts down. Tonight had already been a lot. Even if she'd understand now, he refused to pressure her in any way. Instead he headed to bed, and found a couple texts waiting for him.

(Bro Might) So how was the date?

(Bro Might) Come on! I need details. I haven't been on a date in ten years.

(Mon Star) I told her what I am

(Bro Might) And??? How did she take it?

(Mon Star) :) I have a girlfriend

(Bro Might) For real?

(Bro Might) I'M SO PROUD OF YOU. YOUR GROWING UP SO FAST

(Mon Star) cut the caps and calm down bro. It's not like I asked her to marry me. She could still come to her senses and change her mind.

(Bro Might) None of that baby bro, or do I have to come over there and give you a New York Smash.

(Mon Star) That's not a thing. Just because your hugs can break spines, that doesn't make it a smash.

(Bro Might) Whos the pro here? Oh ya, it's me.

(Mon Star) Your right

(Bro Might) Excuse me???

(Mon Star) Your a very busy pro. You have so much to do so I won't bother you anymore. No details, no invite to the wedding, no holidays. It's ok. I'll explain that my precious big brother is just to busy to see us.

(Bro Might) NO

(Bro Might) Izuku

(Bro Might) I'm sorry. I won't bring it up. Please don't cut me out. Your all I have.

(Mon Star) Bro. I was joking. You know I could never leave you behind. I love you brother.

(Bro Might) Don't scare me like that!

(Mon Star) I'm sorry. It's getting late. Goodnight Mighty.

(Bro Might) Night

(Bro Might) Wait I didn't get any details

At that Izuku turned off his notifications and curled up on his bed.

Early the next morning, Izuku stretched and hissed as his bones popped. Discovering he never changed, he grumbled and slipped into a pair of shorts to do his morning training. Instead of heading down the hall and potentially running into anyone, Izuku opened his patio door, locked it behind him, and glided down on his outstretched wings. After a six mile run, Izuku returned to his dorm to make breakfast, but found a few people already waking up and preparing for the day. Ignoring the look of confusion he was getting, since neither remembered seeing him leave. Izuku made himself some seared fish and a scrambled egg smoothie, but was kind enough to cook a few extra eggs and leave them for the duo in question.

As Ida and Kirishima looked at the surprisingly restaurant quality eggs they were left with, Izuku slipped away to take a shower. Ida took a tentative bite, before digging in happily. Kirishima, seeing this, did the same, but when they were done both were even more confused. Kirishima spoke up first, "Hey, is it just me or does that guy seem… weird?"

Ida moved to wash the dishes, but responded from the sink, "Weird seems a bit mean, but I do know what you're getting at. He is… different and hard to place. Powerful, but wrapped in secrets. I thought we might get some answers last night, but… he avoided us."

Kirishima sighed, "Ya, I was going to invite him to train, but after the assessment and stuff… he was just gone. He's all manly, challenging Bakugo and dealing with Mineta, but then he just seems to do a smoke act and disappear. Not to make assumptions, but… you and Yoayarozu seem like the most likely ta know somethin. Ya know, because you seem to be really in the loop on rules and stuff, and she seemed to know him, I think. Am I wrong, cuz I really ain't got any other leads?"

Ida sighed, "I can't speak for Yoayarozu-san, but I know almost nothing about him. I've heard rumors that All Might's personal assistant's name is also Shimura, and they have a little brother, but they are both very allusive. Regrettably that's all I know."

Suddenly a pink blur came running from the stairs, "I smelled gossip! Give me the tea cause this girl is thirsty!"

Kirishima laughed, "Morning Mina. Sleep well?"

Mina pouted, "Kiri, be quiet! Mama needs her hot gos."

Ida let out a long breath… Why did his classmates have to be so odd? Turning to Mina, Ida began a long rant about how unheroic it was to gossip while chopping the air like a robot for emphasis. This was the sight the rest of the class woke up to, excluding Izuku, who just finished his shower before putting on his uniform and flying off to wake up his brother, again.

When 1-A started making its way into their homeroom they found Izuku already there and reading a book at Aizawa's desk. When they walked over to investigate, only one of them could tell what it was and Aoyama laughed, "Français pour les abrutis is French for Morons. C'est hilarant, mon ami."

Izuku kept reading even as one of his hands started to sign, and his gauntlet translated, "Merci. Je suis juste en train de réviser en attendant le cours, et certains des exemples qu'ils ont sont amusants."

Aoyama blinked in shock, "Your gear translates into French too?"

Izuku winked, "My gauntlet translates into any language I know like… cette… esto… Этот… or this."

Sero blinked, "¿Hablas español también?"

Izuku smirked, "Sí."

Momo blinked, "Вы серьезно? Как ты это делаешь?"

Izuku flexed his hand before returning to his book, "Смертельно серьезно. Моя перчатка была подарком дяди, который заказал ее у друга."

Momo blinked, "He's being serious, and he's signing in RSL. That's really impressive."

Izuku just shrugged, "Since my quirk prevents me from speaking, I needed to learn a way to interact with the world. I was completely nonverbal until I was eight and my Uncle helped me learn JSL. After that… I just… I started learning other forms of sign language so I could make sure no one felt unheard when I was around. I learn a language and its signs, and then it gets added to my gauntlet."

That's when they heard someone clear their throat, "I will give all of you ten seconds to get in your desks or you can consider yourselves expelled. Also, Shimura… move." Izuku bowed, and dashed to his seat before most of his classmates even made it into the room. With that done, Aizawa sighed and prepared to start class.

Most of their classes that morning were uneventful, except English, where Izuku got a text and signed something to Present Mic, who just nodded his permission to go ahead. He didn't return for the rest of class, but when they got released for lunch they all looked around for any sign of Izuku. Instead they found an annoyed looking blonde who scowled at them as he asked, "Where has your classmate absconded with our Tokage too!?"

Most of them looked at him confused, but Mina sighed, "Welp, they're gone. Probably having a romantic lunch too." The blonde stomped away, and true to her word, nobody saw either of them all period.

When they returned to their classroom for their literature class, they found Izuku having a spirited debate with Cementos about the relatability of 'To Catch a Mockingbird' to modern audiences given the cultural shift from racial segregation to the struggle of heteromorphic biology, and how not enough is done to highlight the unique issues that come with being physically different from one's peers. The class just stayed quiet and listened, with neither party noticing their presence, and a few like Shoji, Tokoyami, and Mina looked at Izuku with a new respect and in Mina's case a few tears. It wasn't until the bell rang that either took notice of the crowd around them, and Izuku blushed a bit as he sat and pulled out a book to hide his face.

For the rest of the day, Izuku attempted to remain quiet and avoid further attention. He participated in class, but he kept his answers short and his eyes down. As soon as the final bell rang, he dashed again before anyone could stop him. Once more, Izuku was simply gone when they tried to find him and both Jiro and Shoji were baffled by it. Some choose to ignore all of it like Bakugo and Todoroki, but others kept searching all day to try to get to know him better, without any success.

The next day was much like the previous one, except nobody caught Izuku at any point. When Kirishima and Ida came down they found coffee, tea, and breakfast sandwiches already there with a note that just said, "Sorry, but I hope you enjoy." It was all surprisingly good, but it made many of them want to get to know him even more. In classes Izuku was present, but he slipped in just before Aizawa and disappeared again just before English started, making Mic look sad, but Izuku gave him a fist bump and quickly scribbled a note. When Mic read it, he laughed, and gave Izuku a side hug before nearly shoving him out the door.

Once more, Izuku and Setsuna disappeared during lunch, but between eating and a news bulletin about how 'Rat King and Typhon' had exposed that the Taiwanese ambassador was caught 'in bed' with her Scandinavian and Tai equivalents, this time literally, within the Japanese embassy caused enough of a stir that looking for Izuku was put on hold. It wasn't everyday that three ambassadors were not only outed, but found to be in a secret throuple after all.

After lunch, Izuku once more slipped in just before the bell, and away again at the end of classes. It was frustrating, but they found new allies in their search. Setsuna hadn't moved when class ended in her homeroom, and only smirked until the window was thrown open. In seconds, she had separated herself, and reformed in Izuku's arms as he flew by again. Vlad just grumbled at the display, but did and said nothing else, so both classes now wanted answers. Answers they would not get that day.

Day three, and another note, "Bon appetit, and good luck today. No hunt is fun unless there is a chase." This time though, both classes found a healthy breakfast waiting for them in their shared dorm, and Setsuna just sat on the couch with a smirk and a book. When her class tried to approach her for answers, she winked, blew a kiss, and flew out a window like the day before in pieces. This proved too much, and they set up a scheme. For the rest of the day, they only put up a token attempt at finding the pair, but for the most part they just hammered out their plan.

Just after dark, Izuku got a message from Setsuna.

(DINOQUEEN) Hey… I think they're done playing.

(Mon star) What do you mean, love?

(DINOQUEEN) Well… [picture of Setsuna wrapped up like a mummy to prevent her from splitting up] they kind of broke into my room while I was grabbing that book I told you about.

(DINOQUEEN) I think they intend to hold me hostage until you agree to stop running.

(Mon star) Wow. That's no fun. Don't worry, my queen, I'm on my way to save you.

When Izuku arrived at the dorms, he found Tetsutetsu, Kirishima, Yaoyorozu, and Kendo sitting around a wrapped up Setsuna and fully on guard for tricks. As soon as he entered the room, Bondo, Sero, and Awase sealed the exits and the others came out to body block him while they did, but Izuku didn't even try to run. Instead he sat on the opposite couch, and signed, "I won't run. It might be the boring way, but you won. I'm here so you can ask your questions, but you won't get anything until you give me back my Queen." For a moment his eyes flashed, and Setsuna cooed.

Sharing a look, her four guards nodded, and Setsuna was suddenly sitting on Izuku's lap. Gently, Izuku created a claw and cut the wrappings that were binding her head before making worried hissing noises at her that made her smirk and kiss him on the cheek, "Don't worry, they didn't hurt me. They just caught me by surprise." Setsuna winked, "I didn't think you'd give up the game so easily though. I must have you really wrapped around my finger."

Izuku continued to carefully cut the bindings with one hand as he looked her in the eye, "Of course I am… I love you. I thought I made that clear." Setsuna blushed, but Izuku leaned in and kissed her neck, "You don't hate me, or think I'm a monster, and that means the world to me. I'll be yours until the day I die, or you send me away, my Mistress."

Setsuna pulled back his head and gave him a scowl, "No! Dammit Izu. We've talked about this." Izuku flinched back a bit, but Setsuna brought him close for a loving kiss, "I will never be your Mistress. We are partners. The King and Queen of Monsters if you want, but we are equals, and… I love you too."

A few aww's were heard around them, and Izuku reflexively held Setsuna closer to him protectively. Kendo sighed, "This is cute and all, but we are here for answers."

Izuku shrugged, and Setsuna snuggled closer to Izuku as she scoffed, "Ask then, but he won't answer all your questions. Heck there are things he hasn't even told me yet, but I respect it. Izuku knows secrets that are more than his, and I won't let you force him to break any promises."

That caught everyone off guard, but Izuku snorted, "Who better to tell your secrets… then someone who can't speak?"

That got a few nods and Yaoyorozu sighed, "Fine, but why did we have to catch you before you'd talk to us?"

Izuku shrugged, "It's just what I am. To be fair, Setsuna had to do it too."

That earned a few confused glances, and Setsuna laughed, "I caught his heart. Like a real Huntress."

A few around them snickered, and Izuku made a sound like a combination of hisses and large ape laughter as he nuzzled her cheek, "I never had a chance."

Mina cooed, "So cute! So did the teachers have to catch you too? You seem oddly close to all of them."

Izuku sighed, "I've known most of them for years. Because of my quirks nature, I needed a lot of room to get it under control, and Yuuei had the space and tools to do it. I'm still not completely in control, but I'm making progress."

Setsuna laughed, "Yep, they haven't had to rebuild any mock cities in a few years." Izuku let out a hiss of worry, but Setsuna booped his nose, "They need to understand before your heroics class tomorrow, my Saurus. Otherwise they might make a mistake, like trying to stop you if you start to rampage. I know you'd never forgive yourself if you hurt anyone." Izuku whimpered, but didn't argue and just held her close like a toddler with a teddy bear.

Kendo narrowed her eyes, "Ok, Satsuna! That's enough! If he's dangerous you need to get away from him."

Setsuna shot her best friend with a withering glare, "Never."

Momo held up her hands, "Ok, what are we talking about here?"

Izuku shook his head and Setsuna huffed, "He doesn't like talking about it, but things like quirk suppressants don't work correctly on him. Because he has multiple forms, the suppressants just lock him into one of his monster forms… which has a one in four chance of quickly killing anyone within a space the size of Tokyo." That made the whole room go silent. Setsuna sighed and kissed Izuku's head, "There's a reason none of you have seen all four of his forms. He can use his Dino and Ape forms fairly freely with little risk. His third is spotty, but he showed me once and… it's really hot." Setsuna's face dropped a bit and she got a serious look in her eyes, "But if the black dragon comes out to play… you have to run as fast as you can. Forget stealth, don't try to fight or hide… because it's not Izuku anymore. It won't stop until everything around it is ash, rubble, and death. I-I saw a video of the last time it took over, and it turned a mock city to rubble… he was ten and it's only gotten stronger since then."

Kirishima scowled, "But that's not how quirks work. They're like muscles. If you don't train them, they can't get stronger."

Kendo shook her head, "That's not entirely true. Shimura… What is your quirk? I thought it was a transformation, but that sounds like a stockpiling quirk."

Izuku started to type on his gauntlet so he could explain clearer, "It's called 'Monster Soul'. The man who made me combined an unknown number of quirks together to create it. It has aspects of transformation, emitter, mutation, and stockpiling quirks because that's the kind of monster he wanted to create. A weapon he could use like an attack dog." Izuku shuddered and Setsuna hugged him, "It's why I didn't see real daylight until I was eight, and All Might saved me. My big brother took me in, and he helped me learn to control what I am." Izuku teared up, "Uncle Nezu helped a lot too. He taught me, 'We aren't anyone's tools, and we decide how we use our gifts' or something along those lines."

The room gaped at him and Ida stammered, "Wh-what! That's not possible. Nobody can do what you're saying, and does that mean you're not really Shimura-san's brother?"

Izuku growled and he hit a button on his gauntlet as he did, "TOSHI IS MY BROTHER. HE'S THE ONLY FAMILY I HAVE. I AM NOT THAT DEMONS PROPERTY, SLAVE, OR SON. TAKE IT BACK IDA AND DON'T YOU EVER FUCKING SAY SHIT LIKE THAT AGAIN!"

Izuku's form started to ripple, but Setsuna forced him to look at her, "Izuku! Calm your shit! He doesn't know. None of them do. Don't give in to it! Stay here, with me."

The rippling slowed and Izuku took a few labored breaths before tearing up and breaking down. Setsuna gave everyone a hateful look as she stroked his head that was buried in his chest, "Satisfied! This is why he hides, makes people chase him if they want answers. The point is to prevent people that don't care enough to try to understand from bothering him, but congratulations… you forced him to answer your questions and broke him. Isn't it enough that he thinks he's a monster without all of you treating him like one? He's been through things none of you can imagine. Ya, know what. Fuck all of you! I'm taking him to my room, and so help me if any of you get in my way… You'll find out just how deadly I can be."

With that, Setsuna guided Izuku away, and people parted to give them space. Once they were gone, Kendo and Momo shared a look, but it was Kirishima and Tetsutetsu that spoke up, "That was completely unmanly. We need to apologize and make this right."

Monoma scoffed, "As if. That thing, whatever it is, needs to go. I don't care if it's fair. If he can potentially do what he said, and has no control… he could slaughter thousands before anyone can stop him. For the safety of everyone in this city… he needs to be locked away. No doubt this is why All Might got a job at Yuuei this year. He knows that monster is dangerous and wants to keep an eye on it."

A few around him nodded apprehensively, but others looked at him enraged, none more so that the furry boy wearing glasses as he growled at his classmate, "How dare you! I understand how he feels or did you forget, I'm a beast too. I know what it's like to feel your control slipping away and the need to rampage. Sure, I'm nowhere near as strong as he implies, but dammit if I don't know where he's coming from."

Monoma groaned, "That's all well and good Shishida, but that's my point. If you lose control, you destroy a room… not a damn city. I don't know about all of you, but I have a cousin in the HSC. I'm reporting this to them. I don't care who his guardians are or what friends he has. I'm not going to rest easily until that monster is in a cage." Monama stormed off leaving the others to think about what they heard before going to bed themselves.

Upstairs, Satsuna was dealing with a completely shut down Izuku. As soon as they made it to her room, Izuku curled up in the corner and just cried. Not knowing what to do, Setsuna made a choice, and took his phone. A few seconds later, she made a call and a masculine voice answered with a chuckle, "Hey little bro. What's up? You never call me and just text. Is there a problem?"

Setsuna took a breath and let it out, "Shimura-san, this is Tokage. Izu… he's curled up in the corner of my room. He's not hurt, but I'm worried. Please, tell me how to help him!"

The voice got very serious, "Take a breath, Tokage-chan. You can't help him if you fall apart too. What room?"

Setsuna held herself together, "Third floor, room six, but I don't know how that helps."

The voice sighed, "Unlock the patio door. I'll be there in a second." With that the line went dead, and Setsuna was confused. Before she could move, she heard a tapping at her patio door, and when she looked out… All Might was standing there looking concerned. Setsuna blinked, and wondered if she called the wrong number, but right now she didn't care. If he could help Izuku, Setsuna didn't care who he was. Setsuna opened the door, and All Might stepped in with a nod before walking over to Izuku and sitting down next to him as he sighed, "I don't know what happened, and I'm short on time. Do you trust her?"

Izuku curled in tighter, but his gauntlet hissed, "With my life."

All Might sighed, "Tokage… you're about to learn a secret that can't leave this room. Am I clear? If it gets out, not only will it endanger me, but Izuku too. Do you swear to keep it a secret?"

Setsuna was confused, but she didn't care, "Whatever it is, it doesn't matter! Just… just help him, please. Nothing else matters to me right now, so yes. I swear."

All Might smiled… and steam escaped from his form as he deflated leaving Setsuna stunned, "Ya, nice to meet you officially. Izuku really seems to love you. So, why don't you sit on the other side of him. Sadly we just need to wait this out, and be here for him, but I'm sure you have questions."

Setsuna moved and carefully put Izuku's head in her lap as she lovingly pet his head to remind him she was here for him. With a nervous look, Setsuna blushed, "So… your All Might? I'm in love with All Might's little brother. Wow, that's… that's a lot to take in."

Toshinori laughed, "You can just call me Toshinori or Toshi, if it helps. I'm proud to be 'The Symbol of Peace', but this… being this kid's big brother… It's what makes me prouder than anything else. Nana would be so proud if she could see him." Setsuna looked confused, so Toshinori sighed, "My master, the woman who was the closest thing I had to a mother, was Nana Shimura. She found me, trained me, and cared for me like nobody ever has… except for this scaly pain in my butt." Toshinori leaned back, "She died protecting me, and I swore I'd make her proud… Be the hero she wanted me to be, but it wasn't until I met Izuku that I truly understood. I kept everyone at a distance, thought I was protecting them from my enemies. It wasn't hard. I was an orphan, so I didn't have a family to exploit, but then… Izuku told you how he was created, right?"

Setsuna shivered, "Ya, I still find it hard to believe how anyone could be so… vile."

Toshinori scoffed, "He's had a lot of practice. Trust me. Anyway, Izuku opened my eyes. I had lost my way. I forgot why I became a hero in the first place. It was a price I paid in blood, but I'd make that trade every time."

Setsuna blinked, "What do you mean, Toshi? You're not saying he…"

Toshinori lifted his shirt and showed off his scar, "I never blamed Izuku for giving me this scar. He wasn't himself, and that demon was controlling him. If a few organs was the cost to free him and have him by my side… then it was worth it. Though I miss rare steak." Toshinori laughed. "I tried to be there for him and support him as much as I could, but… I wasn't built to be a parent, and I'm afraid I wasn't a great older brother. That's why I'm happy he found you."

Setsuna blushed, "Me?!"

Toshinori closed his eyes, "Young Tokage, Izuku has on-line friends, a bunch of uncles and aunts here at Yuuei, but never have I seen him happier than when he talks about you. I've heard the story of how you met, and it's funny. You wanted to take him home to love as a pet, and in the end… you kind of succeeded. Izuku loves in a way that can only be seen through that scoop. He would die to protect you, with a smile on his face, and I know how scary that is, because he loves me almost as much. We have to protect him from all of the people out there that would try to use him, and try to return as much of that love as we can. Can you handle that, Tokage-chan?"

"Setsuna. Please call me Setsuna. We… we might be related someday, so it's only fair," stated Setsuna with a blush.

Toshinori laughed, "Well, he did tell me you were bold, but I didn't expect you to talk about marriage already. I think I'll have to stop you though. He's not even sixteen yet, at least for a few more months, and I'm willing to share, but not sign over custody yet. I still want at least a few more years before you try to take him away. Sound fair?"

Setsuna just continued to blush, "I-I didn't mean tomorrow! But ya know, maybe someday. When we're both amazing heroes."

That's when Izuku pulled away from both of them and stared in shock, "You're serious?! You'd really want that with me?"

Setsuna smiled and took his hand, "Ya, I think I do. It's still way too early to be sure, but why not? And I just kind of got your brother's blessing, so… heck ya. Now come here… I want more cuddles with my big bad monster man."

Toshinori flinched at the word monster, but was shocked when Izuku smiled and gave her a kiss, "Anything for my Monster Queen."

Toshinori laughed, "Welp that does it. I have to go get some sleep for class tomorrow, but this weekend… You better bring her with you for movie night. I'm feeling a Godzilla marathon coming up, and it wouldn't be the same without my favorite couple."

Setsuna's eyes sparkled, "YES. Please! Watching Kiju flicks with the number one and my number one sounds amazing! Please, Izu???"

Izuku laughed, "Yes, my love. You're invited, just promise you won't try to cook anything. You're my Queen and I love you with all my heart, but you burn water." Setsuna pouted, until Izuku gave her another kiss, and they all laughed.

The next morning, Izuku woke up with Setsuna in his arms, and he decided to take the morning off from training. For right now, Izuku just went back to sleep in his happy place. This of course made Kirishima and Ida feel even more guilty. This was compounded when others came down and realized that there was no yummy breakfast waiting for them. A few like Mina actually whined at this, but then a roar came from the top of the stairs and Izuku came down, and rolled his eyes, "Go sit down in the common room ya freeloaders. I'll be done in ten."

Everyone moved out of his way, and a few did as they were told, but Setsuna sat at the island and laughed, "Go get'em Izu!"

Izuku shot her a wink and got to work. A few were shocked when Izuku 'checked' the eggs and sausage by taking a handful of sausage fresh from the fridge and threw it into his maw before eating an egg, shell and all. After a bit of thought, Izuku pulled them both out and moved on to spices. A few gagged at the display, but were then caught by how professionally he handled the actual cooking. In the end, he created exquisite egg fried rice with seared fish in a sausage gravy. It was a bit fattier than his previous offerings, but it was delicious. Everything was fine until Izuku went over to a locked cabinet that no one had known the purpose of, and pulled out a bowl of assorted raw organ meats that Izuku ate like popcorn off to the side.

Setsuna saw the horror in the others eyes, and she scowled, "His quirk has dietary restrictions. His body can't process cooked meat, and most vegetables don't do anything for him, so before you judge… just don't."

Ochako blinked, "But if he can't eat any of it… why is he such a great cook?"

Setsuna laughed, "His brother can't cook at all, so he had to learn. Also, he wanted to do something nice for him after a long day of work." This seemed to earn a few understanding looks from the others. Setsuna saw the time out of the corner of her eye and walked over to give Izuku a kiss on his forehead, "Imma go get cleaned up and put on my uniform. When you're done eating you should go deal with our favorite blonde. I'll see you later for lunch." Izuku stopped eating and much to a few of their disgust, returned the kiss to her lips… leaving a smear of blood like lipstick on the blushing greenettes lips before he returned to his meal.

The others literally saw Setsuna float away as pieces of her spun in the air as she giggled and cooed like a love struck horror show. Mina snickered, "Bunch of weirdos, but somehow… they just seem to fit. Sorry girls, but I think this puts the question to bed. They have reached critical OTP levels."

She expected to see her friends looking sad, but instead… They were just smiling at what they saw, and Ochako sighed, "They seem so happy together. I think… I think I actually prefer it this way."

Toru sighed, "Ya, as much as having someone as amazing as Shimura would be great, this is better. They really seem to understand each other, and I ship it." A few minutes later, Izuku finished his meal and washed all of the dishes before moving to get dressed himself.

Their morning classes were standard and uneventful. The teachers knew that their students wouldn't be able to fully focus on them given what they were in for after lunch, so took pity on them this once. When Izuku made to disappear, only Ochako stopped him, but it was with a smile and an open invitation to join them when he was ready. Izuku nodded and flew off for another quiet lunch and cuddle with Setsuna. In exchange for a promise to get a picture of Izuku in his costume she started telling him more about herself and her past earning a few whines, grumbles, but more than anything a warm embrace that told her she'd never have to be alone again.

When Izuku returned to class, he was focused and a bit more dour. Before anyone could ask about it, All Might came into the room with a mighty laugh, "Your first lesson zigotos. When you come onto a scene it's all about PRESENTATION! Put on a show when you make yourself known. Not only will it give hope to any civilians in danger, but it may stun your opponents for a second, giving you time to go on offense and take the lead in the dance of JUSTICE!"

While the others were caught in wonder or reverence at the number one standing before them in his silver age costume, Izuku only shook his head, with a small smirk as he signed, "That's nice to say if your limelight, Mighty, but for underground heroes like Erasure-sensei, making a big showing would be counter initiative. Don't forget that not all of us are you, big guy."

The others looked at Izuku with horror, and Ida looked about to have a stroke, but All Might laughed with a playful smirk, "An excellent point young Shimura, but all of you are still students and should be exposed to both major camps. After all, a few heroes go twilight and do both on occasion. Was it not you who told me knowledge was power? I also know Aizawa-san tends to favor the underground perspective, so providing a good counterpoint is my duty as a teacher."

Izuku smirked, "Awe, you do listen, big guy. I thought all those blows to the head might have knocked something loose." They both laughed, and the rest of the class looked between them in shock. While Izuku's comments seemed disrespectful, it quickly occurred to them that this wasn't his intent. It was just banter between two people who knew each other well enough to trust each other.

With a warm smile, All Might continued, "Before we move into class proper and I give out your costumes, I want to give you something to think about. What makes a villain? Not what defines them, but what is the one thing that all villains share?"

The class looked around in confusion, even looking to Izuku for an answer, but he just had a sad expression with his arms crossed, clearly showing he wouldn't be answering this question for them. After a minute, Ida held up a hand and spoke in an even tone, "Is it evil, or depravity, sir?"

Before All Might could answer, Ida knew he was way off base just by how utterly disappointed Izuku looked. All Might sighed, "No, young Ida. Evil is subjective and not all villains are depraved. No, the answer is desperation." That got another round of confused looks, so he continued, "Villains are almost never born, they are made. Either by circumstances beyond their control, bad choices, or simply bad luck. Almost no one just choses to become one. The same way heroes are molded by those same things in a reverse direction. The difference can be hard to see. Case in point, a man robs a hospital and people get hurt. Is he a villain?"

Ida scoffed, "Of course. Theft and harming others are crimes."

All Might gave a sad look, "But what if I told you the medicine he stole was to save his dying child. Medicine he was refused because of a clerical error and in his desperation, he saw his child's life as more important than his own. Self sacrifice is a hallmark of heroics after all. Is he still a villain?"

Ida froze, and the others looked queasy, until Izuku started to sign, "He is still a villain, but that doesn't mean he needs to be put in jail. He should have to perform reparations for those he harmed, but the real crime would be separating a child from a loving home. In this case, they need a hero more than anyone else. Heroes stop villains and save people, but sometimes they do both at the same time. Sometimes saving a villain is simply stopping them and hearing them out. Sometimes… stopping the villain is helping the person underneath."

Seeing his class ponder the topic, All Might clapped and hit a button, "Well, that's enough heavy for today. We have a battle trial to get to. Ideally we'd have a class on quirkless fighting first to make sure you each have a basic understanding of fisticuffs, but the principal told me to go ahead with this exercise, so we will. I will warn you though, try to go too far and I'll report you to him and Aizawa-san. I might not have the tenure necessary to expel you on the spot, but that would be preferable to having to deal with them." As he spoke, numbered cases popped out of the wall. "Welp, those cases correspond to your seat number. Grab yours, get dressed, and meet me at city Delta. I'll be waiting." With that, All Might was gone again. With a hissing chuckle, Izuku helped pass out the cases to whom they belonged, and they all left to try them on.

A few minutes later, the rest of the class was standing and waiting for class to start, when they realized they were short one classmate… Izuku. Ida tried to bring this up to All Might, but he just laughed. Soon a mighty roar was heard from the tunnel they came from, and a pair of glowing red eyes started swaying as they approached. The others felt a chill as the eyes constantly changed height as if some powerful beast was stalking forward using the walls and ceiling as much as the floor. Just before it broke from the shadows, there was a gale force of wind as it shot forward on red wings, and they saw Izuku grinning at them. His costume was simple. A sleeveless black vest made of kevlar and stretchable material, black skin tight shorts following the same logic, but stopping above the knee, and a band of gold around his forehead like a basic crown or circlet.

A few girls blushed at his muscled physique, and marveled as his wings shrank and folded back into flaps specially made in the back of his vest, but Ida scowled, "Shimura-san, why aren't you wearing your gauntlet? Communication is important during team or heroic exercises."

Izuku laughed, and crossed his arms as his circlet came to life, "Combat upgrade. I call it the Rosetta Crown. It translates my thoughts into speech. It's still in the testing phase, but what better place to test it. Now I can move forward hands free, while still being able to translate any language I know. If it works, I could arguably give up my gauntlet, but I don't think I will. It's a part of me now, and I feel naked without it."

Toshinori's voice boomed, "Now you're all looking like professionals. A costume might not make the hero, but they differently set the right mood to put people at ease. Time is limited, so let's get down to business. It might sound a little American, but here's the scenario. Two villains have a nuclear device in a multi-story building. Heroes, it will be your mission to capture the bomb or the villains. Villains will win if the heroes are caught or time expires. For this exercise you will be paired up randomly on teams using these boxes to simulate the reality of the job, and either play the role of the heroes or villains. Now let's get this party started."

A few minutes later, the room was separated, but since they had an uneven number whomever was pulled first would have the extra challenge of fighting alone. Izuku laughed when he was pulled. Team A ended up being Izuku alone. Team B was Ochako and Ida. Team C was Momo Shoji. Team D was Katsuki and Shoto. Team E was Aoyama and Mina. Team F was Sato and Koda. Team G was Denki and Jiro. Team H was Tokoyami and Tsu. Team I was Ojiro and Toru, and finally team J was Kirishima and Sero. All Might seemed uncomfortable with the situation, but he couldn't change it without giving his little brother preferential treatment, so he just sighed… until the matches were being pulled and he nearly paled.

Reaching into the box, All Might grinned, "Our first match, hero team D vs Villain… A." All Might gave Izuku a nervous look, "I… I can redo the pairing if this makes you uncomfortable Izuku. You don't have to do this."

Izuku laughed and shook his head, "They would have to see this eventually, and it's probably best if it's against these two. Don't worry, I won't go too far." Izuku bowed to the other students, "Please remember that the villain you are about to see isn't me, and I apologize for it already, but in order to prepare ourselves… I will play my role believably."

Katsuki growled, "Don't sound so fucking cocky you overgrown handbag. When I'm done with you they'll be able to make boots out of your ass!" All three stomped away, and more than a few students noticed that All Might still looked incredibly nervous.

Five minutes later, All Might gave the signal for Katsuki and Shoto to enter the building. Before Katsuki could stop him, Shoto stomped the ground and shot a path of ice forward, freezing the building solid. Katsuki grabbed Shoto by his uniform, "THE FUCK DO YOU THINK YOUR DOING, YOU CANDY CANE LOOKING FUCK?!"

Shoto gives him a cold, uncaring look, "You're wasting time. I agreed to five minutes. Go and beat him… or I will." Katsuki shoved him back, and blew through the front door on his own. Shoto just scoffed, "Sure, tire him out for me. In the end it won't matter. You can't beat that thing. Only I have any chance of doing that. Just you wait Endeavor, I'll crush Shimura and prove I don't need your fire or you."

Inside, Katsuki was grumbling as he stomped along and broke ice loudly with every step. Suddenly, he heard a single step behind him, before a thick tail slammed into his back sending him into a wall. When he turned, Katsuki saw Izuku's form changing as the scales retracted and the wings returned. Izuku let out a roar and buffeted his wings until the room had become muggy and no sign of ice remained. Dropping to all fours, Izuku switched back to dino and hissed, "I don't want there to be any excuses when I beat you. This is the only 'pity' you'll get… as fair a fight as you can get while challenging me alone."

Katsuki rocketed toward Izuku with an explosive right, but Izuku spun and slammed Katsuki into the ground using his tail before using a clawed fist to shatter the grenade guard around his arm and creating a small puddle of explosive sweat on Izuku's fist and the floor. With a smirk Katsuki detonated the sweat in Izuku's face, and the reptilian teen roared in pain as three of his fingers held on by tiny bits of skin. Katsuki's smile disappeared and his eyes blew out at what he saw next. Without a thought, Izuku bit off the useless digits and started to chew, causing the stumps to twitch until new fingers grew in their place. It was grizzly and Izuku had used his teeth to bite off any cauterized skin as well, leaving him looking unharmed, but with a bloodier, more feral look in his eye.

Back in the observation room, Momo and a few others looked green and on the edge of emptying their stomachs, but All Might just sighed, "That was a bit much. In a real fight that stunt could have crippled or killed a villain if aid didn't arrive fast enough."

They waited for their teacher to make a comment about what Izuku did, but when none came Momo spoke up, "Might-sensai?! Aren't you worried? Shimura just literally ate his own fingers!"

All Might scoffed, "Not really. He's done worse. In that form he has a protein based regenerative factor. It's not infinite, but it is efficient. I've seen him regrow entire limbs by consuming his own tail. It's grizzly, but as long as he remains in control it doesn't have any other downsides."

Ida chopped the air, "That can't be true. Not only would that terrify civilians, but… dear kami is he drooling?"

All Might tapped his com device, "Do I need to call the match, Izuku? Is it too much?" They saw Izuku shake his head on the monitors, and All Might let out a relieved sigh as he turned to Ida, "That's half the reason he tries not to use it. The other is… that it makes him hungry. If he indulges too much… he loses control, and… well, if he can cannibalize himself. What makes you think he's limited to himself?"

Back at the fight, Bakugo released explosion after explosion to try to corral, direct, or damage Izuku, but to no avail. Izuku wasn't untouchable, but the hits were rare, and he never flinched. Bakugo by comparison was slow and constantly off balance as Izuku seemed to almost play with him by leaving light scratches all over his body. With an indignant roar, Bakugo tried another explosive haymaker, but received a reptilian kick to the gut for his trouble. Skidding back, Bakugo finally heard his other gauntlet click, and he smirked, "You seemed to like playing with my other gauntlet… LET ME SHOW YOU WHAT THEIR FOR!"

Before All Might could yell out a warning, Bakugo lifted the remaining gauntlet and pulled the pin. The next second a fireball was rushing down the hall they were in currently and exploded out the other end leaving a cloud of dust and smoke in its place. Bakugo started to laugh, but was silenced by a roar that sounded like a lion and a second explosion. Through the smoke, Bakugo heard the beating of wings and saw a fanged grin. When the smoke cleared they saw Izuku's third form in all its majesty. Covered in red and orange fur with a lion's mane of the same, and piercing eyes that stared Katsuki down with a perpetual smile that promised pain and screamed his supremacy.

This time when Katsuki charged, he was met with fire, but Katsuki was too tired to take advantage of it. Too dehydrated to sweat enough to counter it. Instead what little sweat he had left dried up before most could be safely detonated, and the heat made his head get foggy until he simply passed out. Izuku wrapped the boy up in his own capture tape after that, and All Might made the call, "Katsuki Bakugo has been captured. Seven minutes remain."

A wave of cold air came in from the destroyed wall, and Shoto took in his opponents newest form before he stopped again and sent forth a line of jagged ice. Izuku beat his wings, and the line evaporated long before reaching its target. Shoto scowled and thrust his hand out to send a more focused burst of ice at Izuku, but Izuku roared met it with a burst of fire that pushed Shoto back a step that Izuku took. This was how their duel continued, Shoto would attack with Ice, and Izuku would respond with overpowering flame. Shoto would be forced back a step and Izuku would take one closer… until they were both outside and Shoto started to shiver and scowl. Izuku just seemed to continue to smile as he stared him down.

Finally, Shoto seemed to hit his limit and threw everything he had at Izuku. A glacier a hundred feet tall and three buildings wide enveloped Izuku's feline form, and everyone watched in awe of Shoto's display of power… until it disappeared. Replaced by an orb of flame that burned so hot the light poles began to sag and melt. Izuku hovered, unharmed and undaunted, before Shoto as he finally spoke through his crown, "You… lose."

Before Shoto could respond the timer blared, and All Might yelled, "Times up. Villains win the day. Come on back all of you and we'll break it all down." Izuku took a breath and allowed his heat to diminish as he extended a hand to aid Shoto, but it was slapped away as Shoto stormed off.