Chapter 1: A Legacy Passed

The air shimmered like a mirage as Zack Fair found himself standing in a realm of light and color, the Lifestream stretching infinitely around him. Beside him stood Minerva, the radiant goddess whose compassion had eased his final moments.

"You have been a hero in life, Zack Fair," Minerva spoke, her voice like a chorus of soothing melodies. "The sacrifices you made for Cloud Strife, for the planet, and for others have not gone unnoticed. You've earned peace—but I offer you more than that. You may bestow your legacy, your strength, and your heart to another in need. One who will rise to meet your ideals in a world where heroes are needed most."

Zack adjusted his SOLDIER uniform and let out a contemplative sigh. "I always knew Cloud would carry on, even without me. But someone out there... they need help too, don't they? A new world, huh? Alright, I'm in."

Minerva's smile warmed him. With a gentle gesture, she parted the veils of time and space, revealing another world below. Zack watched as scenes unfolded: towering cities bustling with people, heroes with vibrant costumes and incredible abilities, and a society shaped by their quirks. His eyes narrowed in on one particular boy, no older than four or five, stepping between a group of bullies and a younger child clutching a stuffed animal.

The boy was scrawny, his green hair sticking out in wild tufts. He shook like a leaf, his wide emerald eyes betraying fear, but he didn't back down. "L-leave her alone!" the boy stammered, shielding the child with his arms outstretched.

The bullies laughed, but the boy didn't falter, even as they shoved him into the dirt. He got back up, dirt smudging his face, and declared, "Heroes protect everyone, even if they're scared!"

Zack felt a pang in his chest. The boy's determination reminded him of his own days as a young recruit, chasing the dream of becoming a hero. "This kid's got guts," Zack muttered. "I like him already."

Minerva inclined her head. "Do you wish to pass your legacy to this child, Zack?"

"Not yet," Zack replied, a soft smile tugging at his lips. "I want to see what he's made of. Let me stay a little longer."

Year One: Seeds of Kindness

Zack watched as little Izuku Midoriya toddled through life, always eager to help. When he wasn't playing with action figures modeled after heroes like All Might, he was looking for ways to assist others.

At the park, Izuku noticed an older woman struggling with her groceries. Though the bags were too heavy for his small arms, he insisted on carrying her lighter ones. She smiled warmly, patting his head as she thanked him. Zack grinned from his perch in the unseen realm. "You've got a heart of gold, kid. That's what makes a real hero."

One day, Izuku found an injured sparrow in the bushes. Tears streamed down his face as he cradled the tiny creature, murmuring apologies. He gently wrapped it in his scarf and ran to the nearest veterinarian, even as the cold bit into his skin. The bird survived, and the vet praised Izuku for his compassion.

Zack felt his chest swell with pride. "Minerva, this kid's something special. He doesn't even need powers to make a difference."

Year Three: Standing Tall

By age seven, Izuku had become known among the neighborhood children for his kindness, though not all appreciated it. Katsuki Bakugou, a fiery-tempered boy with explosive abilities, often targeted Izuku for his quirklessness. Despite the taunts and occasional shoves, Izuku never retaliated.

One rainy afternoon, Zack watched as Bakugou's teasing grew particularly harsh. Izuku stood alone under a broken umbrella, shielding a stray dog from the downpour.

"Why bother, Deku? That mutt's worthless, just like you!" Bakugou sneered, sparks crackling in his palms.

Izuku didn't flinch. "Because it needs help," he said firmly. "Heroes don't decide who's worth saving."

Zack clenched his fists, his protective instincts flaring. But when Minerva touched his arm, he sighed and relaxed. "Alright, alright. Let the kid handle it."

As Bakugou stormed off, Izuku carried the dog to safety, ignoring the cold seeping through his soaked clothes. Zack chuckled. "This kid's got more spine than most SOLDIERs I knew."

Year Five: Strength in Adversity

By age ten, Izuku's dream of becoming a hero burned brighter than ever, despite the ridicule he faced for being quirkless. He spent hours studying hero tactics and writing in his notebooks, analyzing every hero he admired. Zack often hovered over his shoulder, amazed at the boy's diligence.

One evening, Izuku witnessed a car accident while walking home. A man was trapped inside the vehicle, smoke billowing from the engine. While others hesitated, Izuku acted. Crawling through the broken glass, he pulled the man's arm over his shoulder and struggled to drag him to safety. Tears of effort streaked his face as he ignored his scrapes and bruises.

Zack couldn't contain himself anymore. "Minerva, this kid... he's a hero already. He doesn't need powers—he's got everything that matters. But maybe... maybe he could use a little help someday."

Year Eight: The Turning Point Izuku age 13

By the time Izuku was thirteen, Zack had seen enough to make his decision. The boy's relentless kindness, his unshakable resolve, and his unwavering belief in what a hero should be had left a lasting impression.

Zack knelt beside him, unseen but full of admiration. "You're gonna make it, kid," he said softly. "And I'm gonna make sure of it."

Turning to Minerva, Zack stood tall, his voice steady. "I'm ready. I want to pass it on—to him. He's the one."

Minerva smiled, her eyes glowing with approval. "Then so it shall be. Your strength, your heart, and your legacy will live on in him."

The day All Might crushed Izuku's dreams was a day Zack Fair would never forget.

Perched within the unseen realm, Zack watched as Toshinori Yagi, the Symbol of Peace, gave the boy a verdict that broke him. "You can't become a hero without a quirk," he had said. Words meant to temper dreams, not extinguish them—but they landed like a death sentence.

Zack's hand tightened on the hilt of the Buster Sword at his side. He could see the light in Izuku's eyes dimming. "Damn it, All Might. That's not how you inspire people."

As the day wore on, Zack's worry deepened. Izuku, now a shell of his former self, wandered aimlessly. His mind replayed the words of his childhood bully, Katsuki Bakugo. "Why don't you swan dive off the roof and hope for a quirk in your next life?"

Izuku stood at the edge of a rooftop, staring down at the cold, hard ground below. His legs shook, his breath uneven, and tears streamed freely down his face.

"I... I'm sorry, Mom," Izuku whispered, his voice cracking. "I just want to be a hero. I just... I just want to help people... but maybe Katsuki's right. Maybe I'm just worthless without a quirk."

Zack had seen enough. His voice thundered in the void. "No way, kid!" With a sweep of his hand, he called on Minerva's power. The scene around Izuku shifted, the cold wind and cityscape replaced by the soft glow of the Lifestream.

A Meeting in the Lifestream

Izuku blinked, startled by the sudden change in his surroundings. He looked around, confusion etched into his tear-streaked face. "W-where am I? What's happening?"

"You're in the Lifestream," a deep, kind voice answered. Izuku turned to see a tall man with spiky black hair and a giant sword slung over his back. The man smiled warmly. "The name's Zack Fair. I'm here to help you."

Izuku stumbled back, trembling. "I-I don't understand. Am I dead? Is this... the afterlife?"

"No, you're not dead," Zack assured him, crouching to meet Izuku at eye level. "But you were about to make a choice that would've taken you away from everything and everyone who loves you. I couldn't let that happen."

Izuku's lip quivered. "You don't understand. Everyone says I can't be a hero. Even All Might said it. I don't have a quirk. I'm... I'm useless."

Zack's smile softened. He placed a reassuring hand on Izuku's shoulder. "Kid, I'm about to tell you something that'll blow your mind. In my world, I didn't have a quirk either."

Izuku's eyes widened. "What? But... you're so strong. You... you look like a hero."

Zack chuckled. "I had something called 'Mako energy.' It made me faster and stronger than most people, but compared to the powers I've seen here? I was pretty normal. What made me a hero wasn't my strength. It was my heart—and my belief that protecting others is worth fighting for."

Izuku's tears slowed as he listened, a flicker of hope rekindling in his chest.

"You've got that same heart, Izuku," Zack continued. "You've got the spirit of a hero. And I'm here to give you the tools to make that spirit shine."

Izuku's voice trembled. "Why me? Why would you pick someone like me?"

"Because I've been watching you," Zack said with a grin. "You've got guts, kid. You've got kindness. And most of all, you've got potential. So what do you say? Want to train with me and become the hero I know you can be?"

Izuku hesitated, his fingers curling into fists. The fear and doubt that had plagued him all his life warred with a small, growing spark of determination. Finally, he met Zack's gaze and nodded. "Yes. I'll do it."

Zack's grin widened. "That's what I like to hear."

The Training Begins

Minerva granted them ten months in the Lifestream, where time flowed differently. For Izuku, the realm became both a sanctuary and a crucible, as Zack pushed him to his limits—and beyond.

Month 1: Building a Foundation

The first month focused on physical conditioning. Zack introduced Izuku to a rigorous workout regimen that included running, push-ups, squats, and weightlifting. The boy's body, though frail, began to grow stronger.

"Remember, Izuku," Zack said as the boy struggled to complete his last set of push-ups. "Strength doesn't come easy. You have to earn it. But trust me, every drop of sweat is worth it."

Izuku's arms trembled, but he pushed through, fueled by Zack's encouragement. "I'll... I'll do my best!"

Zack ruffled his hair. "That's the spirit, kid."

Month 3: Hand-to-Hand Combat

By the third month, Zack began teaching Izuku martial arts. They practiced strikes, blocks, and grapples, with Zack emphasizing technique over brute force.

"Don't just throw punches," Zack instructed. "Think. Predict your opponent's movements. Fighting's as much about your mind as it is about your body."

Izuku's progress was slow but steady. Though he was often knocked down, he always got back up. Zack's praise kept him going. "You're tougher than you look, Izuku. Keep it up!"

Month 5: Magic and Limit Breaks

At the halfway mark, Zack introduced Izuku to the concept of magic. With Minerva's blessing, Izuku tapped into the energy of the Lifestream, learning to cast spells like Cure to heal himself and Fire to create bursts of flame.

But the real breakthrough came when Zack helped Izuku unlock his first Limit Break—a surge of power born from desperation and determination.

During a sparring session, Zack pushed Izuku to his limits, forcing him to dig deep. "Come on, Izuku! You've got more in you! Show me what you're made of!"

Izuku clenched his fists, his body glowing faintly with green energy. With a shout, he unleashed a powerful shockwave, knocking Zack off his feet.

Zack laughed as he picked himself up. "Now that's what I'm talking about!"
Izuku Limit: quirk burst 1 allows user with knowledge of other quirk to draw at random for a made up burst attack

Months 6–10: Polishing the Diamond

The final months were spent refining Izuku's skills. Zack drilled him on combat scenarios, strategy, and teamwork. He also shared stories of his own battles, using them as lessons.

"Being a hero isn't just about strength," Zack said one evening. "It's about inspiring others, giving them hope. You've already got that part down, Izuku. Now, you just need to believe in yourself."

By the end of the training, Izuku stood taller, stronger, and more confident. His eyes burned with determination, and his smile mirrored Zack's.

A Hero's Farewell

As the ten months came to an end, Minerva appeared before them. "The time has come," she said. "Izuku, you are ready to return to your world."

Izuku looked up at Zack, tears in his eyes. "Thank you... for everything. I'll never forget you."

Zack knelt down, resting a hand on Izuku's shoulder. "Hey, no tears, alright? You're gonna do great things, kid. I believe in you."

Minerva stepped forward, her hand glowing with light. "Zack's strength and spirit will live on in you, Izuku. Use them wisely."

As the light enveloped him, Izuku felt a surge of power—and a renewed sense of purpose.