Chapter 2: Why me?
The next day has arrived, and Izuku is feeling the anxiety sneak in.
Godofwolves90: He's a nervous nelly that's for sure!
Hello, Dahlings! I am so glad to see you all! I must confess, these chapters were already written up to certain number of chapters before posting, being that as it may, I did not in good conscious, want to leave you all in suspense and then take needless breaks, so, I have already written up a number of chapters, reviewed and guided by the idea master, my partner, Wolf. And now, without further ado, here is the next chapter.
Chapter 2: Why me?
-Aldera High-
The sun streamed through the classroom windows, casting a warm glow over Aldera High. Mid-morning on Wednesday, and yet, despite the hum of voices and the scribbling of pens, Izuku Midoriya felt as if he were trapped in a whirlwind of his own thoughts. He stared blankly at the notes in front of him, but the words blurred together, their meanings lost amidst the growing knot of anxiety tightening in his chest.
Two days had passed since he unexpectedly encountered Miss Mode at the park, where she 'kindly offered' her critique on his work. Initially, although he was used to being overlooked, he was still mortified at the deep cuts of her words; he feared she would just utterly laugh at his work. But, instead, she had surprised him by recognizing his…potential and scheduling their next meeting. Which was…TODAY!
As the clock ticked away, each passing second amplified his mix of anticipation and mortification.
Izuku couldn't shake the urge to just ditch the whole thing. The idea of facing her felt overwhelming…but deep down, he knew that would be rude and might come back to haunt him later. The weight of this impending meeting loomed large, feeling monumental, a pivotal moment that could alter the course of his future. What if he wasn't ready? What if he stumbled over his words or made a fool of himself? What if she regretted ever agreeing to meet with him? These questions spiraled through his mind, drowning out the teacher's voice, as he went about the topic of the day. He stared at his notes, the words blurring into an indistinct haze as he wrestled with his nerves.
'I wonder what I should expect…? Maybe she'll have more feedback on my work, or perhaps she'll share insights that could help me grow?' he thought, his mind racing with possibilities. But then doubt crept in. Just as his thoughts spiraled deeper, he was jolted back to reality by a series of coughs echoing from the front of the classroom.
"Mr. Midoriya!" the teacher called, his voice cutting through the haze of Izuku's daydream. The sudden sound made Izuku jerk upright in his seat, a startled exclamation escaping his lips.
Laughter erupted around him as his classmates turned to see what had happened. Bakugou, sitting a few rows back, sneered and shouted, "Nice one, nerd! Daydreaming about being a hero again, huh?"
Izuku's face flushed a deep crimson, and he quickly sank into his chair, wishing he could disappear. The teacher cleared his throat again, looking unimpressed. "Mr. Midoriya, I understand my lesson plan is not really exciting, but focus!" he sternly said. "It will be on the end-of-term exams."
With embarrassment flooding him, Izuku mumbled, "Y-yes, sir," stammering slightly as he tried to regain his composure. He felt the heat of his blush creeping up to his ears as he shifted his gaze to his notes, which still seemed like a jumble of letters. The teacher resumed talking, outlining key concepts, but Izuku struggled to concentrate, his heart still racing. All he could think about was the looming meeting with Miss Mode and the growing weight of expectations resting on his shoulders. How was he supposed to focus on school when his future felt like it was hanging in the balance?
When the school day finally concluded, Izuku didn't waste a second. The moment the bell rang, he sprang from his seat and dashed out of the classroom, leaving behind a chorus of surprised murmurs. His classmates exchanged puzzled glances, taken aback by the green-haired boy's sudden burst of energy.
Even Bakugou, who typically wouldn't care less about Izuku, raised an eyebrow, a fleeting look of interest crossing his face before he sneered. "What's got you in such a rush, Deku? Off to cry about how pathetic you are?" he shouted, his voice dripping with contempt. His group laughed, and Izuku felt a familiar sting of humiliation wash over him.
Hurrying down the hallway, his heart pounded in his chest as he thought about the upcoming meeting. "W-what if I mess everything up?" he stammered quietly to himself, gripping his backpack straps tightly. "Maybe I should just... try not to say anything stupid... or maybe just not go at all."
He navigated the bustling crowds of students, each step bringing him closer to the park where their meeting was set to take place. As he exited the school gates, the fresh air hit him like a wave, momentarily easing his racing thoughts. He took a deep breath, trying to calm the storm of anxiety within him. "J-just don't embarrass yourself," he muttered under his breath, feeling the weight of doubt settle heavily on his shoulders.
-Musutafa City: Unknown Café-
It was 4:05 PM. Following the directions on his phone, Izuku couldn't shake the feeling that he was at the wrong location, but no, there it was, right in front of him. He stood before a high-end café known for its elegant décor and unparalleled desserts and drinks. The gleaming windows and chic outdoor seating only heightened his nerves.
He glanced down at his outfit, feeling acutely self-conscious. Before heading here, he had rushed home to change into more casual clothing, thinking it would be better than the slightly rumpled school uniform he had been wearing all day, not to mention, remembering Miss Mode's distaste for it. But now, standing in front of this upscale establishment, he felt like a fish out of water, his casual attire glaringly inappropriate amid the refined ambiance.
"Why didn't I think this through?" he muttered to himself, kicking at the ground in frustration. "I should've checked the place first… I'm such an idiot!" Taking a deep breath to steady himself, he tried to shake off the growing anxiety. 'This is just a meeting,' he reminded himself, clenching his fists. 'You can handle this. Just—just don't embarrass yourself, okay?'
With a final glance at his phone for reassurance, he stepped forward.
Pushing the café doors open, Izuku was met with an even more breathtaking sight than what lay outside. He stepped into a world of polished marble floors that gleamed under the soft, warm light of elegant chandeliers. The café exuded sophistication while still retaining the cozy appeal of a café, with plush armchairs and intimate tables arranged for quiet conversations. The walls were adorned with tasteful artwork, and small vases of fresh flowers sat on each table, adding a touch of charm. The air was filled with the irresistible aroma of freshly baked pastries and brewed coffee. Display cases lined the far wall, showcasing an array of exquisite desserts: towering slices of rich chocolate cake, delicate fruit tarts glistening with glaze, and colorful macarons arranged like jewels.
Despite the café's opulence, today it was surprisingly empty, allowing the gentle sound of classical music to fill the air unchallenged. Izuku stood there, momentarily stunned into silence, overwhelmed by the beauty of the place. He felt completely out of his element, his casual outfit feeling all the more inadequate in such a refined setting.
As he stood there, "May I help you?" a waiter approached him. He was tall and sharply dressed in a crisp white shirt, black vest, and neatly pressed slacks. His hair was styled in a way that suggested meticulous attention to detail, but it was his quirk that caught Izuku's eye, a set of delicate, translucent wings that fluttered softly behind him, almost shimmering in the light.
"Are you lost, kid?" the waiter asked in a condescending tone, arching an eyebrow as he looked Izuku up and down. Before Izuku could muster a response, a familiar voice cut through the tension. "What seems to be the problem here?" Edna asked as she strode over, looking blatantly annoyed at the waiter at that moment. "He's with me," Edna stated, her voice leaving no room for argument. "Is there a problem?"
The waiter stammered a quick, "N-no problem, ma'am," before turning back to Izuku with a now-polished smile. "You're welcome to go in and enjoy."
Izuku felt a flush of embarrassment wash over him, still confused by the sudden turn of events, but he nodded silently, not trusting himself to speak. Edna, ever observant, chose not to comment on his discomfort, yet. Instead, she gestured for him to follow. "Come, come, Dahling, I reserved a seat in the back," she said, her tone brisk as she led the way.
Izuku hurried after her, grateful for her presence but still feeling the weight of the café's elegance pressing down on him. As they walked, he couldn't help but wonder what he'd gotten himself into. As he followed Edna deeper into the café, he couldn't help but admire her effortlessly chic appearance. She wore a sharply tailored black blazer that hugged her petite frame, accented by unique cutouts at the shoulders that gave the ensemble a modern edge. Beneath the blazer, a crisp white blouse peeked out, perfectly pressed and polished.
Her high-waisted, tapered trousers in a deep burgundy added a pop of color while showcasing her impeccable taste. The tailored look was complemented by pointed-toe flats that clicked softly against the marble floor, making her stride both commanding and graceful. Edna's accessories were equally striking. A vibrant silk scarf, tied elegantly at her neck, brought a splash of personality to her outfit, while oversized statement earrings sparkled with every movement. Her confidence was what tied everything together, in the end.
"Here we are, dahling," Edna said, gesturing toward a secluded table in the back, where the ambiance was calm and intimate. The sunlight streamed through the large windows, creating a warm glow around them. She looked up at Izuku with a scrutinizing gaze. "Have we not already discussed this rude behavior?"
Izuku blinked, momentarily stunned, and began to stammer, bowing slightly in apology. "I-I am s-so sorry… Y-your outfit is just amazing," he managed, feeling a mix of admiration and intimidation.
"Of course, it is," Edna replied matter-of-factly, settling into her chair with an air of confidence. "Fashion is not just about looking good; it's about making a statement. And today, I intend to do just that." As Izuku took a seat across from her, he noticed that next to her touch pad, an already half-empty cup of coffee was in front of her, steam still curling from the surface. A pang of guilt hit him; he felt bad for keeping her waiting.
As if she could read his mind, Edna waved her hand dismissively. "I wasn't waiting long, Dahling. Just wanted a nice cappuccino to enjoy," she said, taking a sip with an air of satisfaction. Izuku was surprised but quickly shifted his focus to the menu. Edna raised an eyebrow. "Well? Will you choose or what?"
He glanced at the menu, his heart sinking as he saw the prices. He hadn't brought enough money for anything substantial. Maybe just a glass of water, he thought, but Edna, ever perceptive, caught on before he could even voice his plan. "What catches your eye?" she asked, her tone straightforward and commanding.
Izuku hesitated, then stammered, "I-I would like the matcha green tea cake, but-" Before he could finish, Edna called over the same waiter who had earlier approached them. "Excuse me!" she said, her voice sharp. "What's your name, dear?" The waiter, a bit taken aback, quickly responded, "My name is Lucas, ma'am. How can I assist you?"
Without missing a beat, Edna declared, "Two matcha green tea cakes for the boy, as well as a cup of your finest hot jasmine tea to go with it. And I would like a refill and a plate of scones, dahling."
Izuku opened his mouth to kindly object, but the waiter didn't listen, bowing respectfully before hurrying away with their order. "Thank you, but I…" Izuku started, feeling the heat of embarrassment rising in his cheeks. "I really don't have the money for this. I would've rather just had water." Edna waved a hand dismissively. "Oh, don't be silly. I'm the one paying for the meal, so you should relax." Izuku's eyes widened, and he immediately tried to politely refuse. "I appreciate it, really, but-"
Having had enough. "You talk like a typewriter, tick, tick, tick, without the pause," Edna interrupted, her voice laced with exasperation. Izuku clamped his mouth shut, unsure of how to respond. Edna sighed and continued, "Words are meaningless unless you choose them correctly, and you are wasting them now with all your stuttering." She took a sip of her drink. "I have rented this place out so that we may discuss what I asked you to come here for, in private, so relax and enjoy your treat. We can start shortly after." She immediately went back to her tablet, eyes glued and her attention fully taken. In other words, Izuku had no room to argue.
He really wanted to refuse, but after all his stammering and objections, he felt he'd made enough of a fool of himself already. "Th-thank you," he mumbled, resignation creeping into his voice. Moments later, the waiter returned with their order: two matcha green tea cakes, a cup of jasmine tea, Edna's cappuccino refill, and a plate of scones. Izuku quietly took a bite of his dessert, and to his surprise, it tasted better than the other cakes he had ever had. He couldn't help but enjoy every bite, feeling a warmth in his chest that went beyond the delicious cake. At the corner of her eye, she watched his delight, but shortly turned back her attention.
After a few minutes of silence, Edna spoke up. "Now, Dahling. I believe that introductions are in order. I am-"
"I know exactly who you are!" Izuku's eyes lit up with excitement, his nerves momentarily forgotten. "You're Edna Mode! The Edna Mode! A Quirk analytic genius, a designer for heroes; you've created costumes for everyone from Mr. Incredible to Elasticgirl! I mean, your work is incredible, your eye for detail is unmatched, and your designs are so innovative and stylish! I can't believe I'm sitting here with you-"
"Stop," Edna raised a hand, effectively pausing his stream of admiration. "My, my, you have done your research, haven't you?" Her expression softened just a bit, though her tone remained sharp. "And here I thought that you didn't know a thing about me, from our meetup yesterday. Very well. Now, tell me, who are you?"
"I-I'm Izuku Midoriya…" Izuku felt a heat rise to his cheeks. "I go to Aldera High and I dream…I dreamed…of becoming a hero someday…" He stammered out. The moment he did, he instantly regretted it. 'Why did I say that?!'
Edna's small smile disappeared, her brow furrowing slightly. "Hmm, dream, past tense, huh?" She sighed, a hint of disappointment in her tone. "Let's hope you have more to offer than just your name, dear. That's beside the point, did you bring any of your notebooks?"
Izuku's heart raced. "Oh! Yes, I-I did!" He quickly rummaged through his bag, pulling out a slightly worn notebook filled with sketches and notes. "Here! I-I hope it's okay!" He hesitated, holding it out to her.
Edna took the notebook from Izuku and flipped through its pages with a keen eye, her expression oscillating between interest and critique. "Hmm, interesting analyses of the Pro Heroes," she began, her voice sharp as she pointed to a sketch. "But here, Dahling, you've completely missed the point. Your notes on their strengths are valid, yet your observations on their weaknesses are… lacking. This one," she jabbed at another page, "should be scrutinized further. What were you thinking, calling that costume 'functional' when it's so… pedestrian? You must consider the artistry, the statement!"
Izuku squirmed in his seat, heat flooding his cheeks as Edna's critiques continued, peppered with the occasional praise. "Ah, but this," she remarked, indicating a particular design for a hero, "is presentable…You clearly have an eye for creativity, now just refine it, will you?" As she closed the notebook, her face turned serious. "This is all well and good, but looking at your work here, if I am to make my decision-"
"Wait, why am I here?" Izuku blurted out, confusion etched on his face.
Edna's eyebrows shot up in surprise, but instead of annoyance, her lips curled into a slight smile. "Very good! You finally said something important. But I will discuss that shortly, depending on your answer." Her tone shifted back to serious, and she leaned in slightly. "Now, you say you lost your dream of becoming a hero. The question I ask is: what could you not provide that you think won't make you a hero?"
For a moment, Izuku assumed she was referring to quirks, but then he remembered he was speaking to a legendary designer and quirk analyst. His confidence faltered as he hesitated under her scrutinizing gaze. Edna's eyebrow arched higher, waiting for him to respond.
"I-I wanted to become a hero, but I don't have a quirk," he stammered, the words tumbling out. "If that's what you're asking-OW!"
WHACK!
Izuku rubbed the back of his head in surprise, glancing up to find Edna standing on the table, magazine in hand. 'W-where did she get that?' Her expression was that of exacerbation and annoyance. "What was that for?" he exclaimed, flustered.
"Because you weren't listening!" she said, gesturing emphatically. "I wasn't talking about quirks or powers, you nitwit! I meant: what could you bring that would make you a hero? What do you think a hero is?" she firmly stated, locking eyes with the boy.
Izuku was taken aback, momentarily lost for words. Edna began pacing, her voice taking on a dramatic flair. "I have met many heroes and sidekicks, each wanting to be a hero in one way or another. Whether it is through power training or wealth, or through sheer will and determination," she declared, pointing accusingly with the magazine in her hand, "which you do not show now, Dahling."
He felt the sweat bead on his forehead as he fidgeted nervously under her gaze.
"Dahling, powers do not make you super! It's about helping people, making a difference, and how fabulously you present yourself that defines true heroism! You have the potential to do more, but you are being held back by naysayers and those who do not believe in you." She paused, her gaze piercing. "And to prove my point, I must say, I do not have a quirk."
Izuku's eyes widened in shock. "But I have followed my dream!" she proudly proclaimed. "I know who I am. Now tell me, who are you?" She pointed directly at him, her expression intense.
"Y-you…think I-I gave potential?" Izuku was momentarily overwhelmed by her speech, the fact that someone like her had not disregarded him. "I…I don't know!" he burst out in tears, feeling a wave of emotion swell within him. "I just don't understand! I don't know who I am or what I'm meant to be…"
Edna, taken aback by his sudden tears, blinked in surprise. "Why are you crying?" she asked, her voice softening just a touch, though still edged with her characteristic sharpness.
"I want to be a hero! But it feels impossible, I'm not like them, I don't have what it-" He spoke between sobs, overwhelmed by self-doubt.
"Enough!" Edna declared, stepping closer to him. "Pull. Yourself. Together!" She delivered five quick, sharp whacks to his head, each one making him flinch.
Izuku whimpered, but as he struggled to compose himself, he felt the weight of her words. Edna scoffed, but then handed him a pack of tissues from her side. "Here," she said, exasperated but somehow gentle.
He meekly took them, offering a stuttered, "Th-thank you," as he dabbed at his eyes. "I'm so sorry…"
Edna scoffed as she went back to her side and settled back into her chair. She sighed. "Now, no more tears!" she firmly stated, and Izuku did his best to heed it. "Let's get back to business." She allowed a few moments for Izuku to calm down, watching him intently as he dabbed at his eyes with the tissues. "Now, it is true that you don't have a quirk, that is said and done," she continued, her tone shifting to one of encouragement. "But you do have something to offer."
Izuku sniffed and looked up, finally meeting her piercing gaze. Edna leaned forward, her eyes sparkling with pride. "Mr. Midoriya, as you know, I am not just a brilliant, high-end, famously known hero suit designer," she declared, puffing up with self-importance, "but as you have already mentioned, I am also a power analyst. I can understand what my clients want, not only through their descriptions but by understanding them; their quirks and personalities alike."
"What I 'lack' in powers," she said almost dismissively. "I make up for with my intellect and confidence, Dahling. Confidence and awareness of the situations around me are key to my line of work. It's how I am able to do what I do, love what I do, and might I say, do it fabulously and boldly." She said with a satisfied smirk.
Dabbing the remaining tears from his eyes, he couldn't help but really resonate with her words; he felt a spark of hope igniting within him, though confusion still clouded his thoughts.
"Now, I must say, you possess the same key I have," Edna continued, her tone firm. "Even if it's raw and untapped." She tapped his analyst notebook pointedly. "You have potential, and I won't say it again."
Izuku's heart raced at her words, but his brow furrowed in bewilderment. "P-potential?" he echoed, his mind scrambling to comprehend her meaning.
"Yes, darling," Edna stated flatly, "I am offering you an opportunity. The opportunity to learn under me."
"Wait…"Izuku's eyes went wide, disbelief washing over him. "What?!" he sputtered, ready to interrupt, but was silenced.
"You want to achieve your dream, and I will teach you better ways to do that, ones you may have already known but have been too blind to see." She continued, her voice nonchalant. "As I have searched about you, I know you will be going to high school after a year. You want to attend U.A., yes?"
Izuku, still in surprise, just nodded.
"Very well, then! I will take you to America, and under my guidance, supervision, and mentoring, I will teach you all that I know. I will help you become a designer and an analyst. And when I deem you ready…you may apply to U.A. to the course that befits you."
His heart felt like it might explode. "… Is this real?" he stammered, unable to wrap his mind around her offer.
"Of course, it's real!" She firmly stated, before she sighed, collecting her thoughts. "But, very well, I have already talked much and you have a lot to think over." She stood abruptly, packing her things quickly, and stepped down to leave. "I expect to hear your answer by Friday."
"W-wait, by F-Friday?!" Izuku tried to find his voice, stumbling over his words. "You can't be serious!"
"Mr. Midoriya," Edna slowly turned back, eyes locked. "I don't need to remind you that I don't repeat myself when it comes to the obvious," she said. "But I did mean it when I said you could achieve your dream. Maybe not as a hero by conventional standards, but a hero is not measured by how hard they can punch or the powers they possess. It's about how well you use all the tools at your disposal. That is the capabilities you possess, young man. And I am the teacher to help you utilize them."
"A creative mind is so disappointing to waste," she paused, her expression softening just a bit. "I do hope you think about this offer, Dahling, for I do not make second offers. It will be like this, or not at all." With that, she turned and strode toward the door, tossing over her shoulder, "And as I said, I have already paid. If you want anything else, just order on me."
Izuku sat there, stunned, unable to fully grasp the whole situation that had unfolded before him. He was just offered an opportunity that some would never have dreamed of getting, much less thought possible to think. For the next two minutes, he just sat at the table and stared at his remaining piece of matcha cake.
Moments later, the waiter approached, breaking his reverie. "Would you like anything else, sir?" Barely able to meet the waiter's gaze, Izuku stammered, "N-no, I'm…okay?" he didn't realize when he phrased it as a question.
The waiter noticed, but simply nodded, sensing the air of unease surrounding him, and left him alone once more. Izuku remained in his seat, feeling the world shift around him, with a lot to think about, a dream rekindled, a path he never expected, and the possibilities stretching out before him like a blank canvas. But all he could focus on was the question:
'Why…me?'
Author's Notes:
Honestly, I wanted to continue this further along, but I decided against it. The next chapter will be a little push for Izuku to make his final decision, and I decided that I will continue from there. I hope I really captured the Edna Mode personality when I wrote this. She is so iconic and inspirational to me.
Oh yeah, I must say, Bakugou will be a major key in the next chapter, lol.
Godofwolves90: We have some fun plans for him *grins innocently while kicking a box of 'fun' surprises behind the curtain*