Chapter 18 - Dreams? Nightmares? Mom, I want a hug - Part 1
As I slowly opened my eyes, the first thing I noticed was the breathtaking sight above me. Instead of the usual single moon and twinkling stars, the night sky was filled with multiple celestial bodies - moons of varying sizes and countless stars that twinkled and danced across the inky blackness. "Wait a minute, multiple moons? How could there be multiple moons when there is typically only one visible in the real world?" I thought. For a moment, I wondered if I have somehow been transported to another world. Blinking a few times, I realized that I am not gazing at the night sky at all, but rather the intricate, fluorescent-painted ceiling, meticulously crafted to mimic the celestial scene. I couldn't help but smile, finding the view oddly familiar and comforting.
Glancing around, I took in the familiar surroundings of the room, but something seemed slightly off. The walls were plastered with larger-than-life posters of All Might, each one more vivid and detailed than the ones I remember I have in my bedroom. They were high-quality, expertly-crafted depictions that captured the Pro Hero's powerful physique and inspiring presence.
Shifting my gaze to the table beside the bed, I saw an All Might-themed table lamp and a collection of small figurines. Glancing across the room, I noticed an entire shelf packed to the brim with an impressive array of All Might collectibles in all shapes and sizes.
As I sat up in bed, I realized with a start that even the comforter I am wrapped in was adorned with the familiar symbol and visage of All Might. Clutched tightly in my hands was a plush doll of the hero, its soft fabric and friendly expression bringing a sense of comfort and security. "This is my room, but it's...different somehow," I mused, puzzled by the enhanced details. Before I could ponder on it, I heard my mom's voice "Izuku baby, you're going to be late. Get up now!" With a jolt, I glanced at the clock, which read 7:15 AM. "Oh no!" I exclaimed as I hurriedly threw off the covers and leap out of bed, my All Might-themed room fading behind me as I rushed to get ready.
As I opened the door, I found myself unexpectedly standing in the living room, already fully dressed and ready to go - even though I had just woken up in my room on the first floor. "How can this be possible?" I thought, brow furrowed in confusion as I tried to make sense of the situation.
"Izuku, baby, are you really sure about this?" I turn when I saw my mom come bustling in, a concerned expression on her face. "You don't have to go to that school if you're uncomfortable." she said gently. Uncomfortable? Why would I be uncomfortable? This was the first time I'd made actual friends who didn't treat me differently because of my past quirkless status. Well, they didn't know about that part yet, but still, I was thrilled to finally be accepted.
"I don't care about your quirk status, Izuku," my mom said, placing a hand gently on my forehead. Her touch felt oddly different, almost as if she was checking my temperature rather than her usual hair-ruffling. I gave her a quizzical look, something feels off.
"You'll always be special to me, my cute, little, hyper-intelligent, kind boy with a big heart." Her words caught me off guard. Why was she being so...motherly? It was strange, even for her. Before I could respond, she simply turned me towards the door and gently ushered me out. "Now, off you go - you don't want to be late!" she said, a hint of forced cheer in her voice. I opened my mouth to protest, to ask what was going on, but she had already closed the door behind me.
Thoroughly confused, I hurried on my way, my mind racing as I tried to make sense of this bizarre turn of events. One moment, my mom had been reluctant for me to go, and the next, she was practically shoving me out the door. What was happening? I didn't have time to dwell on it - I was already running late.
Suddenly, I was sitting in my usual seat in the classroom. One moment I was walking home from my house, the route to UA taking the usual 45 minutes, and the next thing I knew, I found myself sitting in the classroom, waiting for the teacher to arrive. How could this be possible? It was as if I had been transported through time and space in the blink of an eye.
My confusion only grew when Todoroki entered the room. I eagerly waved to him, hoping to catch his attention and have a friendly chat, but to my surprise, he completely ignored me, walking right past as if I was completely invisible. Had I done something to upset him? Was he mad at me for some reason? Nervously, I approached him. "Todoroki-kun, I'm sorry. I don't know what I've done or said to make you upset, but I want to apologize," I said, my voice trembling slightly.
However, before I could even finish my sentence, Todoroki-kun cut me off, his response was as cold as his quirk. "My father has forbidden me from associating with quirkless people. It's best if you don't try to talk to me or come near me." I felt my heart sink, tears welling up in my eyes. Quirkless people? Was that why he was ignoring me? I had always considered Todoroki a friend, and the thought of losing that friendship was devastating. But I knew I had to respect his decision, no matter how much it hurt.
Swallowing the lump in my throat, I dropped my head, the tears dripping onto my red shoes as I said, "Of course, I'll leave you in peace. I'm sorry for crossing that boundary. Please, forgive me." As I turned to leave, his parting words echoed in my mind, crushing my soul: "People like you don't deserve forgiveness."
I could barely hold back the sob that escaped my lips as I hurried out of the classroom, desperate to get away before anyone could see my tears. But just as I was about to make my escape, All Might burst through the door. I frantically rubbed at my face, desperately trying to erase any trace of my distress. The last thing I wanted was to worry All Might with my emotional outburst.
"Suit up and meet me in Gym Gamma in 10 minutes!" he bellowed, his booming voice filled with the same unwavering confidence that had first inspired me to strive for greatness. This was my chance - my chance to show everyone, including myself, that I could be a true hero. With renewed purpose, I sprinted out of the classroom, only to find myself in Gym Gamma. I am not even surprised anymore. At least I am not late.
As I stood there, the eyes of everyone in the room were fixed upon me, their expressions a mix of confusion and disgust. Even the mighty All Might himself seemed to regard me with a certain curiosity, as if I were some alien. Is there something wrong with my suit? I wondered, suddenly self-conscious. Before I could muster the courage to ask, however, All Might's booming voice cut through the silence, announcing the pairs for our combat training exercise. And to my utter astonishment, I found myself matched up with none other than Kacchan.
A wry smile tugged at the corners of my lips as I processed this information. Of course it would be him; the universe seemed to have a twisted sense of humor when it came to me. But I refuse to let this opportunity go to waste. This is my chance to prove myself, to show him and everyone else that I am more than just the quirkless kid they had once written off, dismissed as weak and powerless.
Suddenly, Kacchan strode up to All Might, a scowl etched onto his face. "I will not compete with that frail kid," he growled, his voice laced with venom, causing my heart to sink. "I don't want murder charges on me." Was this it? Was Kacchan once again going to deny me the chance to show my worth? But to my utter amazement, All Might's response caught me entirely off guard. "What are you saying, young Bakugou?" he asked, his brow furrowed in confusion. "Young Midoriya is the most powerful student here!" he responded, casting a proud gaze in my direction.
At those words, I felt a surge of pride and gratitude swell within me. All Might, the legendary hero I had admired for so long, believed in me - he thought I was the most powerful student in the class! I beamed at him, my eyes shining with a renewed sense of determination, silently vowing to prove him right and show the world what I was capable of. I felt tears pricking the corners of my eyes as a lump formed in my throat.
"Show us something, Young Midoriya!" All Might said. As if his words had triggered some unseen switch within me, I felt a surge of adrenaline course through my veins. Without a moment's hesitation, I bent my knees and pushed off the ground, launching myself high into the air. The familiar feeling of power coursed through my body.
"DALLAS SMASH" I roared as I directed that energy towards a nearby building, unleashing a devastating explosion that reduced the structure to rubble in a spectacular display. But I wasn't done yet - as I began my descent, I twisted and contorted my body, performing a flawless backflip that had the onlookers gasping in awe. They had never seen such a feat from me before, and I couldn't help but feel a swell of pride at their reactions.
You see, I had been practicing that backflip tirelessly, knowing that it would not only look impressive, but also help me to land more smoothly and lessen the impact on my body. As I touched down gracefully, I heard the murmurs of the crowd. "When did you learn this?" "Wow, it was just amazing Mido-bro" "From whom did you learn it?" Little did they know, it was the result of countless hours of dedication and hard work, all in pursuit of becoming the greatest hero.
But Kacchan's next words shattered that moment of elation, sending a chill down my spine. "But he stole your quirk," he hissed, his hands clenched into tight fists at his sides. "He's a quirkless, worthless Deku. How could you choose him over me? I have the most powerful quirk."
I felt my heart pounding in my chest as cold dread settled in the pit of my stomach. Why is Kacchan doing this to me? Why can't he accept me? A sob threatening to escape as tears streamed down my face. But it doesn't matter. I have complete faith in All Might, the legendary hero who I had admired and looked up to for so long. He will explain Kacchan that it doesn't matter what my quirk status was. He will explain to him why he chose me over him. I know it. There is nothing to fear.
"Is this true Young Midoriya? Are you really quirkless?" All Might asked as he loomed over me, his voice laced with a hint of disbelief, his eyes narrowed with an intensity that sent a shiver down my spine. I am utterly confused and overwhelmed. What is happening? Why is he doing this to me? I am sure, he was aware of my quirkless status, had trained me tirelessly to inherit the power of One for All. Yet now, the man who had become my mentor and inspiration seemed to have forgotten, or worse, was betraying that trust. My mind raced as I struggled to make sense of the situation.
"All Might...I asked you if quirkless people could become a hero... on that rooftop...remember?" I tried to explain through hiccuping sobs, desperately searching his face for any sign of recognition. When All Might replied, "Yes, I remember." a wave of relief washed over me. These words are like a sweet song to my ears. However, that relief was short lived as he continued "But you never told me that YOU were quirkless." In that moment, the world seemed to have stopped. I stood there, frozen, as his words cut me to the core. I found myself forgetting to breathe, my mind racing to make sense of this bewildering situation. How could he not have known? Why is All Might acting this way? Why can't he remember? I can't understand his sudden change in demeanor, the confusion etched across his face. Hadn't he always believed in me, even when no one else did?
"NO, All Might, let me explain..." I pleaded, the words tumbling out in a frantic attempt to clear the confusion. But before I could get the words out, Kacchan interrupted with a barrage of cruel taunts. "What is left to explain? You are a quirkless, worthless piece of shit. You don't deserve to exist, let alone remain a part of UA." The sting of his cruel words felt like a knife to my heart, the pain palpable as I clawed at my chest, desperate to tell the truth.
"PLEASE, listen to me. I am not worthless..." But before I could finish, Kacchan's fist slammed into my gut, knocking the wind out of me. The force of the blow sent me reeling, my vision blurring as I struggled to catch my breath. I stumbled a bit, struggling to catch my breath, and straightened to look at All Might, pleading with my eyes for him to hear me out.
Suddenly, the scene shifted and we were standing in the same garden that Kacchan and I used to play in when we were little kids. Where is Gym Gamma? All Might looked at me with the same loathing and disdain that I was all too used to seeing on Kacchan's face. Gone was the warm, reassuring smile he reserves for the rest of the world - now his features were twisted into a mask of disgust and disappointment.
"You are a thief, a disgrace," All Might growled, his voice dripping with venom. Before I could even react, he roughly grabbed my shoulders and launched us both high into the air. I gasped, not knowing what to expect, but then he pulled back his massive fist and unleashed a devastating punch that sent me hurtling back down to the ground. "DETROIT SMASH!" he bellowed, the sheer force of the blow knocking the wind out of me.