Chapter Text
Author Notes/Information about this story:
-As the Summary stated, in this AU Timeline for the Series: Izuku and Sierra Adventures... Just like Izuku, Sierra is Diagnosed as Quirkless.
-In this AU, Sierra doesn't get an Animal Quirk (Another topic a reader and I talked about, on what if she had a different Quirk and what would it be).
-Sierra doesn't end up getting poisoned, leading to not having damage and/or series injuries to her back.
-Society basically don't give a rat's ass about Quirkless People... With the exception of the family and/or close friends of Quirkless People.
-Quirkless People are subjugated to Discrimination.
-Katsuki Bakugō tries, really tries, to change for the better... But, still has some issues.
-Both Izuku and Sierra are suffering from Emotional Numbness... Maybe, even, EDD (Emotional Detachment Disorder).
-Moments/Mentioning of Quirks developing through Human Experimentations.
-Izuku and Sierra will be using fake names.
-Both Izuku and Sierra will have some form of Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD).
-Izuku and Sierra are labeled/classified as Blood-Siblings.
-Sierra's Siblings: Joshua, Mikyla and Jeremy Mūa, are mentioned in the story and will be in flashback moments. Otherwise, they won't be involved/part of the story.
-There will be Self-harming/Self-inflicting/Cutting moments... MOST of which, are not because of desire to self-harm.
-Katsuki Bakugō becomes Izuku and Sierra's overprotective big brother/older-cousin... Meaning, having the rights to tease (Not harm, or harass) them when he wants to.
-Toshinori takes it upon himself to take the two siblings under his wing... Much to Izuku and Sierra's horror.
Notes:
Until we get to the very dark part, the rating of the story will be Teen and Up Audiences for the time being.
...If this sparks up an idea for you to do, ask before you do it.
Updates on the story, will be random, like the other stories...
...And next Friday, I'll be 25... Not looking forward to it, but very much happy to spend time with my family.
Chapter 2: The Beginning of the Plan
Notes:
Finished this, two days before the Leap Year... Which took me two days to complete... Sweet!
Well, hope you guys enjoy the first chapter!
Chapter Text
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...It was all over, for her...
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...The moment she gained her results...
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...Her life was stolen...
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...No individuality, whatsoever...
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...Extra joint in the pinky-toe...
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..."Quirkless."...
In a room, there is no light. Even when a small-window, high above the ceiling, can cast down a glimmer of the moon's light, isn't enough to reveal the horrible reality that this girl had been subjugated towards, since she was four years old.
...The darkness...
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...It has been her company, since she was brought to this terrible change in her life...
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...And, her-...
*Creeeeeeaaaak...*
She lifted her head. Her muscles tensed up, as she slowly moves her hands to her sides.
She readies herself for whatever that dares to come to her chambers... This vacant, dark, concealed space that resembles more of a prison than a bedroom...
Though, it's more of a miracle that her chamber has a bathroom, providing a toilet and shower.
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Three, flickering lights of green-flames, sparked within the darkness... Behind one of the flames, a tired, scarred face appeared. The other two, being cradled in the gentle hold of two hands.
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...Instinctually, her body relaxed and her heart calmed from its panicking state.
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...Her brother has returned to her... Back, from his Training Session he had with one of their providers...
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...Orders, from their so called 'Master'...
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...The one called...
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...Sensei...
A small, gentle smile appeared on her face... Though, no feeling of joy can be felt in her body or mind.
Sierra extended a hand towards the green-haired boy... Many rows of scars and injection-marks could faintly be identified, until the flames came close enough to illuminate the pale-skin.
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...When both their hands joint with each other, do they truly feel a faint glimmer of peace.
Fully becoming one, as they rested their foreheads against each other, taking in the comfort of being reunited after many days of being apart, the two siblings relished in the warmth of each other's company.
...Both wish they can feel the love, again, that was lost to them for over seven years.
Any form of emotions, no matter how minimal to non-existing they're able to feel or not, they were forced to endure, are put far back within their mind and heart... At least, for the time being...
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...Just until their superiors decided to put them through another test and make the two separate from each other, once again.
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Liquid seeps between their palms, exiting from the open wounds Izuku carries on his body, but neither took any heed nor concern.
...They know that any cuts they gain will sow itself back up, bruises will change from purple to fresh, healthy, skin complexion and not a single, drop of blood will leave their body...
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...At least, not unless they allow their blood to do so, when they're in desperate need of a weapon to attack or a cloak to become one with the shadows... The only thing that stands out as pure as day, are their battle scars that they gained from the results of their training...
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...Results, of their survival and victories... From their near death moments...
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...And punishments, through their failures.
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...From their joint hands, black ink/shadow-like blood rises...
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...Taking the form of a shadowy silhouette, barely resembling itself as a human, kneeled before the two.
It's about time! A voice yelled out, as faint blank-white eyes snapped open at the top of its head. I swear to God, himself, that I thought we were never going to leave that room! And I don't even have a religion to follow, when I say that a miracle finally came to our mercy, when we defeated that sixteenth Nomu and Kurogiri finally allowed to let us out and rest...! Although, -He turned to the girl, who lowered her head.- having two hundred amps coursing through your body for over eleven hours, is nowhere near a walk in a park! Unlike being locked in a tub full of ice and cold water for two days, or leaving us hanging in the ceiling by the wrists and neck!
Izuku gave Sierra a deep, blank expression... Before he pulled the girl towards his larger-body, ignoring the thought of having some of his blood getting on her, and wrapped his arms around the small-girl...
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...Beneath the torn shirt she wore, he can feel her bones sticking out painfully from beneath her skin... Though, his own exposer of bones of his body isn't anywhere near healthy; they didn't get anything to eat, all day... Heck, they didn't have a decent meal, since four days had past.
Hopefully, by tomorrow morning, if they're lucky and had shown just enough progress, Kurogiri will bring them food.
Of course, the food will be nothing but scraps. Tasteless, undercook gruel, even.
But, to them, every chance at food they get, means another day of life and one step away from kicking open the Door to Death, itself. That, and they didn't want to resort to eating the bugs that keeps them company.
...They don't suffice them long enough to get through the day than the rats do.
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Speaking of rats, as she pulled away from her brother's chest, Sierra's sharp hearing picked up the sound of small, running feet.
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...It scurried, somewhere, within their chambers.
She crouches on all-fours, using three of her senses to help her locate the little vermin and catch the two an immediate late night snack.
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When she caught the sound of it scratching against the walls, she sprang up in the air.
...Coming right out of the scars on her right-arm, shadowy/ink-blood coated her limb and hand, turning her fingers into shadowy claws.
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...When she brought her hand down, the rat gave off a cry of a "Squeak!", before the snapping of its neck silenced it.
With her prey killed and captured, Sierra went back over to her brother, who held out his left-hand. Green-fire flickered in the center of his palm, as he took the dead rat from the girl and, holding it by its back, placed the dead rodent in the center of the flames.
...In less in two and a half minutes, the scent of cooked rat filled the room.
Having control over his flames and learning how to burn the entire fur off its body before thoroughly cooking it from the inside out, Izuku definitely showed to being a skilled Fire Quirk User.
...If he hadn't been diagnosed as Quirkless since the age of four or have the extra pinky joint as evidence to his status, nobody would ever believe he was Quirkless, by birth.
Even he could've fooled himself into believing he had a Quirk, all along... If not for the fact that he had to be put through some "unfortunate procedures", in order to gain one of the two Quirks their-... Master was able to unlock, through his genetics.
For his Fire Quirk, a trait gained from his father's genetic, he decided to call it: Soul Fire... With its color showing the same color as his Emerald/Forest-green eyes, he believes it reflects his very soul and thus, the name stuck.
He knew, from the very moment he first used it, it wasn't like any other Fire Quirk.
For many, they would come to believe it to being Pyrokinesis, an uncommon but non-rare Fire Quirk, but that claim was very much false than true; other than allowing him to use how much flame to be created and can enlarge its size to be two or three times bigger than his fists, he can't have it take specific shapes into whatever he wants it to become. And once that flame is separated from his body, he can't control it or make it steer towards a specific direction to go.
Once the rat was finished cooking, Izuku allowed the shadowy/ink-figure to surround its hand around the cooked animal and, perfectly cutting it in two, shrunk the pieces of meat to fit inside of its fists.
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...Then, with their mouths wide open, allowed the figure to shove both the food and its limbs to enter their mouths and swallow both substances down their throats. They didn't even had the need to chew it.
The figure stared at the two siblings, as they went to the corner that has three, thin blankets covering the ground... All of them, containing stains of blood and nowhere capable at keeping them warm enough from the harsh cold.
Then, getting themselves comfortable, laid against each other on the hard ground. Both doing what they can to keep warm.
Sierra laid herself on top of Izuku, trying to keep him warm with whatever body heat she has left from herself, so he didn't have to rely on his flames and make himself weak.
In response, Izuku wrapped his left-arm over her back.
She let out a low moan from her the soreness in her back being pressed against, but didn't make him remove his arm and cuddled into his chest.
The figure didn't want to ruin this rare moment the two have with each other... However, there was something very important that needs their attention, before they go to sleep.
It now hunches over the two.
...So... -Both of the preteens turned to the shadowy-figure.- I know that you both are thinking about a certain topic that needs to be addressed. And so, now, while we have this moment to ourself before they come and do more jacked up shit on you two... I take it you both are in an agreement to the decision?
The two siblings turned to each other.
...Neither showed much emotions to describe their feelings to the figure's question.
...Izuku sat up, keeping an arm over her back... His gaze flashed her a serious look.
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...They needed no discussion, no words at all, to talk about their decision.
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Sierra nodded her head to him.
Izuku nodded his head back to her.
...He turned to the shadowy-figure.
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...It can tell that they both are in an agreement.
...You both do understand of the consequences, should you do this. It warned, though not sounding at all against their decision. There's no going back, once you both start. And, should you both end up getting caught... You'll either end up dead, or worse than dead.
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...Neither of the siblings are going to be deterred from their choice.
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[...We know the risk, Antiphonus (In revenge for blood)... But, it must be done... We have to do this, no matter the cost.] Izuku
Another Quirk Izuku gained through the "procedures", from his mother's genetics, is a Telepathy Quirk. It's a very common ability to gain for those who develop Telepathic Quirks, but those Quirk Users are somewhat rare and very unique than most Quirk Abilities.
In some way, by enhancing part of his mind to open with Telepathy, Izuku was able to heighten all of his senses, faster thinking and stronger memory capacity.
...And so, after some thinking on the topic that lingered at his minds for days... All the while, taking shelter within the shadows to try and catch his breath... Even to take shelter within the corpse of his enemies, before having to bring down the enhanced Nomus that Kurogiri made him fight for nearly a week.
...Izuku finally found the answer he's been looking for, that would help him and his god-sister in the situation they've been living in for over seven years...
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...And he knew, it'll cost them... Greatly.
The figure, Antiphonus, gave the two siblings narrowed blank-white eyes.
...You know, You both can still consider the escape plan I suggested to you. He reminded. You both can go into hiding, seek help, during the process on finding shelter... You can even give out an anonymous tips to the police about these people, who will then inform Pro Heroes about the information and, take that man's followers to Tartarus. After all, he forced you both to succumb to these testing experiments and made one of his subordinates to kidnap and sell you both on D.U.A., after killing off Ra Ra's mother... This would be the perfect opportunity for payback, and a means to get him to come out and get himself to fall into the hands of All Might and the other Pro Heroes.
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...Sierra shook her head to his words, before resting her head back onto Izuku's head... Sleep is now getting to her, as exhaustion starts to lure her.
[We can't take any chances that'll endanger other lives... Especially, if it results Kurogiri and/or Shigaraki to target Aunt Amai.] Sierra
Izuku laid his right-hand on the back of her head, gently running his fingers through her hair... A tear ran down his face, from the brought up of his mother.
...He knew he wouldn't be able to feel any pain from the thought of the mother he hadn't seen in over seven years, since the kidnapping... And to not be able to feel any form of sadness, like all of his other emotions, was just enough for him to let a tear to come out... Even when he doesn't feel any form of sadness.
As Sierra slowly dozed off to sleep, Izuku laid back down on the blankets, wanting to get the both of them comfortable, as much as possible, and get whatever amount of sleep they can get.
Antiphonus watch the two siblings getting ready to sleep.
...It grasped both of their left-hands into its own hands.
Izuku eyed the figure.
...We'll discuss the planning, when we are free to do so.
The just turned thirteen year-old nodded his head... Then, finally, followed suit with his god-sister to sleep.
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...Antiphonus remained kneeling the two children, its hands keeping a tight grip on their hands.
'...I knew they would agree to it, and while I'm not against them to follow that option-... I don't approve on what they'll be willing to do, in order to make their plan a success.'
With a deep sigh of defeat, it allowed itself to reenter back into the thirteen year-old's body through his wounds, while some of it went into Sierra's body through her scars.
'I will do whatever it takes to protect the ones who are just as much as my own children, as if I were a human being... But how can I help them... If they don't have any will to wanna survive, should they succeed on their task?
TBC
Chapter Text
One Year Later; April Fifth...
Izuku winced at the feeling of his pulled muscles within his throat, coughing in agony... A few drops of blood landed in the hand he used to cover his mouth.
A low groan escaped from him... Then, he lapped up the few droplets of blood off of his hand.
Over used your fire, again. Best expect a week or two of sore throat.
Izuku let out a tiring sigh, but welcomed to hearing the voice of Antiphonus; being in a room by himself, whenever he and his sister are forced to be separated, made him feel jumpy and left him with a bad case of anxiety disorder.
...That was back when he and Sierra didn't have Quirks... Before they were infected with the Black Blood, when fighting with a Nomu that was once a wanted S-Class Criminal.
Thus, having Antiphonus to enter their lives. A blessing... And a curse, to be apart of their life of Hell.
Right now, Izuku is locked within their room, while Sierra is with Kurogiri... Luckily, she's doing some educational lessons.
...Courtesy of their 'master', himself, to make sure they have their form of education, since they were five and six.
And while she's a year and eight months younger than her god-brother, Sierra has proven to be just as clever and smart as him and is at the same level of education as him. However, believing that they would both be distracted by each other and/or try to be disrupted in class, it was decided that they would both have separate educational lessons.
Tomorrow, Izuku will be doing lessons and Sierra will be taken to the same place where they've been doing combat training since their first Quirks developed at the ages six and seven... With Shigaraki, being his tutor.
...He'd rather have Shigaraki focus his attention on him, than his sister...
For some reason, the just turned nineteen year-old appears to enjoy hurting Sierra... Possibly, it's because the Quirks she gained isn't strong enough to keep him from coming to her... Despite having an Emitter Quirk, that can delay the reaction time of a Quirk to activate, when she makes physical contact with somebody.
Even though they both contained the Black Blood and can manipulate their blood to have Antiphonus to come out and protect them, they knew there would be dire consequences should any harm is to come to Shigaraki.
*Click!*
Izuku sat up, looking at the door, hoping that it was his sister returning early from her lessons... His hope was crushed, when he saw the visitor being Tomura Shigaraki.
And, as always, he has that hand covering his face.
...It made the fourteen year-old sick to his stomach at the sight of the object.
Shigaraki let out a tiring sigh.
That told Izuku he's not happy with something, but isn't going to fight or throw a tantrum at it.
...Blood-red eyes glared into Emerald/Forest-green eyes...
...Izuku found himself staring at Aldera Junior High, watching as the students are leaving the building, taking shelter within the shadows from across the street.
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...A school, that's nearby his neighborhood.
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...When he once lived, with his mother.
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...He and his sister would've, surely, be attending this school... If the bastard that entered Sierra's life, hadn't killed Sierra's mother and kidnapped the siblings in the process of covering his tracks in his attempt to sell them off at D.U.A...
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...Arsenius Mōdoku, ended up dead... Killed, by Sensei, himself. For his negligence on concealing his crimes, disobeying protocols when taking the two kids to D.U.A... And most of all, murdering off Cindy Arashi, instead of letting her succumb a slow, painful death from the cancer.
...That was one of the few only good things to ever occur, since being bought by their master...
"Sensei wants you to go out."
Izuku couldn't help but find the order to be very odd, and outright suspicious. And when Shigaraki handed him a credit card when he finished putting on an oversized grey hooded-sweater, telling him to go buy some clothes and a couple of items for him and his sister, which includes two cellphones for the both of them, before leading him outside of their 'home' and slamming the door behind him, he knew something was going to happen.
...Something bad...
'Antiphonus.'
She's doing good. Antiphonus immediately replied in Izuku's head. She just finished today's lessons... But, Kurogiri has decided to take her to the Training Ground. Don't worry. He wants to evaluate the limit of her Quirks, so there's not going to be any Nomu fighting.
The fourteen year-old let out a sigh of relief.
'So long it isn't Shigaraki training her, I won't worry about her treatment.'
...Perhaps. However, she won't be back until three days from now. So, you'll be sleeping alone, again.
Izuku narrowed his eyes at the news, clenching his hands into tight fists... Yet, the expecting bubbling anger he so desperately wanted to feel in his chest, didn't make him feel on fire.
'This is the twelfth time in four months, they've been having her train more on her Quirks! If this keeps up, she'll die from exhaustion!'
It's because she has to start putting on weight, and get her body to physically improve... After she was force to inform them that she hit puberty.
Izuku's eyes widened from the news.
'...What?'
Since December nineteenth, while you were left at the Training Ground for two weeks to keep using your fire to improve your endurance and increase the capacity of how much fire you can produce... She had her Period.
He blushed at the news.
'...That would explain her sudden change of eating habits to skip more than normal, and the few moments of stomach cramps.'
They want to make sure she doesn't skip on eating, all the while not slacking off on training, and are pushing her to catch up on being physically strong as you. After all, being anemic can cause severe problems when she may have to cut herself in order to summon me.
Izuku sneered at Antiphonus' words.
'Well, maybe she wouldn't had gotten to that point, if they'd bother feeding us when we were kids.'
...Technically, you two are still kids.
'We're adolescence, teenagers. Minors, in the eyes of the law, but not feeble children.'
...Again, still kids.
He knew nothing he say to Antiphonus will change its-... Or, technically, because it has a voice of a male and takes the silhouette of an adult-male, his mind.
Izuku decided to drop the argument.
'...Let's just go and get this over with.'
Antiphonus didn't respond, meaning he was agreeing with Izuku's decision.
Just as Izuku turned, and started to continue to head for a building that has clothes and other items he needed to pick up...
"Yo, Bakugō!"
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...His Emerald/Forest-green eyes widened at the call of that name.
'...It can't be...'
He slowly turned his head to where he heard the call of the name coming from... He could've sworn that his eyes could pop right out of his skull.
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..There, where two boys, one with almost shoulder, straight brown-hair and another with shorter blackish-brown hair, ran towards from the entrance of their school, was somebody he once saw as an older-brother/cousin... The one, who would call him 'Deku', after mispronouncing the Kanji in his name...
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...Katsuki Bakugō.
The whitish-blonde boy, with red-eyes and a clear smug attitude on his face, glared at the two boys following him.
"What do you two want?"
The blackish/dark-green* haired boy, taking shelter behind a lamp post, watches the older-boy interact with others.
The first boy, with the shoulder-hair, gave him a calm, bored smile.
"We're going down to hit the arcade. Wanna hang out?"
Izuku expected for the older-boy to join them... Bakugō's response, however, was the exact opposite to what he assumed it would be.
"I don't got any time to hang out with you wannabe rejects." He sneered, glaring angry daggers at the two boys. "If you two want to go waste your life, playing nonsense games that makes you two more worthless than your Quirk makes you, go right ahead. -He turned his back, and continued on walking.- Leave me out of this, and don't get in my way."
From the irritated, slightly hurt expression on their faces, did show that Bakugō's words did wound them... And yet, it seems that they were expecting him to turn down their offer.
The shorter, darker haired boy nudged his friend with his elbow.
"Told you he would refuse our offer," he muttered.
"Yeah, I know. But, it didn't hurt to ask, anyway." The other boy replied, as they both started walking in the opposite direction... Both passing by Izuku, neither of them acknowledging his presence.
"Still was a waste of time to ask, when we knew he would turn it down. After all, he doesn't hang out with us, anymore... Ever since those two, Quirkless nobodies ended up kidnapped by that ex-con boyfriend one of their mothers was dating and was found dead at the hospital."
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...Izuku's eyes widened to the boys' conversation.
"Yeah. A terrible tragedy. Even if it was a Quirkless nobody, even that's a harsh way for them to go, especially a cancer patient." The first boy sighed out, somewhat sympathetic and not really hurt by the discussion. "And since then, all he ever thinks about is finding those Quirkless weaklings that he used to pick on when we were kids."
"If you ask me, he should've given up, just like the police and Pro Heroes had done, a long time ago, and accept the fact they're dead. All Might, himself, was part of the heroes to help look for them, and even he knew that they're no longer alive. If the Number One Pro Hero, himself, can't find them and say that they're dead, then Bakugō has to learn to face facts and move on with his life."
They turned a corner and vanished from Izuku's sight... While the blackish/very-dark green-haired boy was left stunned by their words.
'...He's-... Still looking...? For us?'
...He was totally at a loss. His mind couldn't seem to process what he overheard.
Yes, when they were kids, Katsuki would tease him and Sierra, for being the youngest and weaker than the other children. And yes, when he learnt that Izuku was Quirkless, he started insulting and harassing the boy, which lead to mispronounce his name to call him by 'Deku'.
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...But, still, to hear that he wants to find them, even when All Might, himself, had given up... Words were completely lost in his vocabulary and his vocal cord.
Seems that society hadn't changed a bit on their opinion of the pecking order, when it comes to Quirkless people.
Izuku let out a tiring sigh.
'Apparently, so... Though, I can't help but wonder, if Haha (Mom) is still searching for us, like Kacchan.'
Who knows? But did it really matter, if she's still looking for you two or was able to move on with her life? Either way, its of no concern for you... Not unless, she ends up getting involved with Sensei's plans.
...Antiphonus' words struck a nerve to Izuku, resulting him to deliver a punch to the lamp post... His nails dug into his skin to bring out the Black Blood and have it coat his hand in shadow/ink-blood to protect his hand from the impact.
...It bent from the strength, crouching low, until it finally hit the ground, missing the fourteen year-old.
Realizing what he's done, along with gaining the attention of other passerby, he immediately triggered Antiphonus to come out through his scars and cover his body with the Black Blood. Before anybody could stop him, Izuku's body had been enhanced and, with great speed, made a run to the dark alleyway.
The instant he entered the shadows, his body immediately became one with the shadow and was already passing through as an actual shadow... Though, it wasn't long before the alleyway ended and there was no more shadow for him to swiftly pass through outside of his hiding spot.
So, when he reached the end of the alleyway to the next part of the street, Antiphonus went back into his body and allowed the boy to blend in with the crowd. Nobody apparently noticed him at all, and that was how he wanted it.
You're lucky to had gotten away like that, and that your hood was still up. Otherwise, should anybody had seen you and put your head on the paper on a look out, you would've ended up being punished.
Izuku slightly groaned.
'I know... I'm sorry...'
...It was really my fault, for striking a nerve by bringing up your Okāsan into the conversation... Still, you know that I'm right.
'...Yeah... I know... Let's hurry on to the store and get the supplies, before Shigaraki gets impatient.'
In just over an hour, after going to the mall and picking out two bags each that contains a couple of clothing for himself and his sister, along with some bathroom supplies and the two cellphones he was instructed to get, Izuku believe it to being enough items to purchase and started making his way back to the bar.
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...He and Sierra will never come to view that place as their 'home'...
'If running away wouldn't result on the possibility on targeting and hurting Okāsan , Sis and I would've already left and went into hiding, the moment we were able to use and control the Black Blood.'
And still, as I keep telling you both, that it isn't too late to consider that option... But, as you just stated, we can't risk Inko getting hurt and having you two be guilt-ridden over her death.
Izuku glared his eyes at the ground beneath him.
'...And, if it were possible, we would gladly have you expel right out of our bodies, if you hadn't entered through our wounds and tainted us with the Black Blood virus, eight years ago.'
He can, somewhat, sense that Antiphonus was smirking.
Still, after all these years, you still blame me for the cause of you two having Emotional Numbness, when I was only following the orders of that blood-craving Nomu that was once known as Ragnarök, as its Quirk? And here I thought you would be grateful at being unable to feel pain... Or, to the fact, that I basically made you and Ra Ra blood-siblings. Of course, I can't make you two biologically siblings and reconstruct your DNA to become actual siblings, but at least you two have some form of relation.
Again, his words annoyed the fifteen year-old boy.
'Not that Sis or I are complaining. After all, even before you came into our lives, we've always viewed and imprinted each other as siblings.' He thought, slightly pulled the handle of the bags a bit higher on his arms. 'And, yes, we knew that you weren't in control of your own thoughts, before you merged with us... Still, to be able to feel any form of pain... At least it let us know that we're still human beings, instead of just tools for somebody else.'
Antiphonus didn't say anything. Izuku hates it when he does that... Though, in all honesty, his silence can mean his own agreement and/or just want to end the conversation when it gets too involve, when he should be focusing on something else.
"Ahhhhh!"
His head shot up from the scream, now seeing a crowd forming outside of the Tatooin Shopping District.
Part of his mind told him to ignore it and move on... But, the other part of himself, couldn't bring himself to do so and ran over to see what was all the fuss is about, dropping the bags in the process.
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...
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...His heart stopped, before dropping into the pit in his stomach.
...
...There, caught and captured within the hold of a large, slimy, green Sludge Villain... As heroes simply stood at the sideline, unable to figure out how to get past the villain's defense, that can absorb impact and threaten to pull others into his body, and to not risk hurting the victim...
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...
...Katsuki Bakugō.
The air froze in his lungs, as he clench at the front of his sweater to pull it away from his throat, as he started hunching over.
'...K... Kacchan...'
We need to leave.
His eyes widened to Antiphonus' words.
'What?'
This isn't our fight, Izu. Therefore, it isn't our problem to deal with.
His teeth clenched together, a low sneer escaped his throat.
'We can't just leave him like this! None of those heroes have a Quirk to counter, or to be effective against that villain!'
Whether it's right or wrong, it doesn't matter. If it causes a direct problem towards Sensei, you would be given the right to go in there and intervene. Otherwise, we cannot expose ourselves and risk causing problems that could get you and Ra Ra punished... Think about your mother.
Again, he brought her into the conversation... Using her, as a way to keep the boy in line.
...
...
...And for what? Just to have a leverage on him and Sierra, so they remain loyal to the man that put them through hell for eleven years?!
He growled lowly, as he raised his head and stared at Bakugō, who tried and failed to use his own Quirk to free himself from the Sludge Villain...
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...His ruby-red eyes... They held fear.
"Where's All Might?!"
"Yeah, All Might can save that boy!"
"All Might, where are you?!"
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...Smoke started coming out from Izuku's mouth.
...Even though you'll end up punished, you're still going to go through this...
He didn't respond to Antiphonus' words...
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...
...Then, he took off, sprinting straight into the chaos and fire, passing by the heroes that stood by and called out for him to stop... He wouldn't listen, nor did he care that the hood of his sweater came down.
...Fine... If you insist on doing this, then so be it... It was getting pretty dull and we could use a bit of exercise to fight something that isn't a Nomu.
Izuku smirked, as he felt the Black Blood crawling up his body through the scars on his arms and covering his face... In front of him, was a black-mask... It took the form of a dragon's face.
'Let's do this, Antiphonus!'
With pleasure!
"What's this? A new Challenger for me to kill?! You heroes are so pathetic, letting a mere boy to fight me!" The Sludge Villain yelled, extended an arm to strike down the boy. "Sorry, Kid, but I already got a body for me to control! It's time to die!"
...
...
...Izuku's hands coated themselves within Black Blood, becoming black and claw-like... When the goo came down, he blocked it with his right-arm, swatting it away with ease, as he continued to run forward.
The Sludge Villain was very taken back... Then, it smirked.
"So, you can block my attack... Well, let's see you block this!"
This time, more appendages sprouted out of his body and charged towards the boy.
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...As Izuku kept coming closer, he felt the Black Blood traveling down the lower-half of his body, completely coating the rest of his body in shadowy/ink-blood underneath his clothing... This time, his feet ended up covered in the Black Blood, exactly like his hands, becoming claw-like, ripping his entire socks and shoes into shreds.
'Have to remember to buy some new shoes, when this is over. Thank God I bought me and Sis some new pairs of socks.'
With the Black Blood covering his entire body, he can feel the sudden change of his entire being becoming more thicker and lighter than it normally was.
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...With a sudden burst of speed, Izuku weaved his way through the many appendages that tried and failed to hit and/or catch him.
When a hand shot straight towards him, he brought down his right-hand to stop it in its track, resulting it to slam into the ground. Then, he ran up the appendage, his concealed-feet not being effected by the slime/goo substance that didn't falter his traction by not being able to stick to him.
The Sludge Villain was in awe... Then, in an instant, he relinquished his hold on Bakugō, tossing him off to the side.
"Forget this punk," he said. "You'll make a more suitable host for me!"
The Sludge Villain stretched his entire being towards the boy, covering the top-half of the boy to prevent him from trying to escape or giving him any time to turn back.
"You're mine, now, Dragon Boy!"
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...The snout of the dragon-face mask opened, smoke forming, as both of the clawed-hands sparked with fire...
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...The moment the Sludge Villain went to engulf the boy into his body...
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...The next thing Bakugō, the heroes and viewers saw happened, was a massive blast of green-fire coming out of nowhere and sprouting up a wall to conceal them all from seeing what was happening.
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...From within the wall of fire, they could hear the agonizing scream of the Sludge Villain.
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...In less than twelve seconds, the wall of fire died down...
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...The Sludge Villain laid still on the ground... His green-goo color, now a very-light grey color, cracked and very dry... Unconscious, but still breathing.
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...Next to a fruit-stand, Katsuki Bakugō gaped in complete shock to where the Sludge Villain lay.
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...The dragon-masked person that came and challenged the Sludge Villain... Was gone.
One of the Pro Heroes, Death Arms, immediately snapped out of it and turned to Kamui Woods.
"Kamui, hurry up and bound him with your Lacquered Chains Prison!" He yelled, starting to run over to the villain. He looked over to where the police and paramedic had started to gather. "We need medic over here! A boy here could've sustained internal injuries! -He looked up at Mt. Lady, who watched with the rest of the crowd that had formed from the other side of Tatooin Shopping District.- Mt. Lady, did you see that mystery person escaping?"
Shrinking herself to normal size, she ran over to where Death Arms and Kamui Woods stood over the defeated villain.
She shook her head.
"I didn't see anything or anybody leaving when that wall of fire came up," she informed. "He could've escaped through the alleyways."
Death Arms folded his arms over his chest, completely uncertain to what he and his comrades just seen.
"...It's strange," he said. "None of our Quirks were able to counter his absorption and sticky slime, even that child's Explosion Quirk wasn't effective to cause any damage or free himself from the villain's grasp... And yet, this mystery person, not only was able to defeat him using a Fire Quirk, but was able to block and dodge his attacks."
"Yeah, and the way that person ran on his goo and didn't get caught or trapped by his sticky substance, that's beyond odd and suspicious." Kamui Woods added in, as he coiled his wood around the unconscious villain and started pulling it to the police.
Mt. Lady turned to Death Arms.
"Even though it was still a bit odd on how he was able to take down that Sludge Villain, that person did save that boy's life and everybody else's." She pointed out, pointing a finger over to where Bakugō remained sitting as paramedics ran over to check him over. "...Though, I wonder why he vanished and didn't bother to stay when the fight ended?"
As the heroes took care on getting the villain to the cops to take away to Tartarus and to put out the few fires that still remained, from within the crowd, a thin, blonde-man had watched the whole thing go on from the back... In his arms, a couple of bags he found abandoned on the ground.
When he was certain that he was at a much far away from the area, Izuku allowed the Black Blood to go back into his body.
Well... That could've gone a bit better.
Slightly hunching over and gasping for breath, Izuku stared up at the sky. The sun was about to set.
'Great. It's about time for me to head back, and I just left behind our supplies back at the Tatooin Shopping District.' He thought, slightly pouting and mentally kicking himself for not making a grab for their things before taking getting out of the area. 'Even if I were to head back to the mall, I doubt I would be able to buy the items I just lost, since they'll be closing up by now. The only thing I can get at this hour, is new shoes in Kamino.'
Also, that you'll probably end up punished for losing those items and for getting yourself involved in that fight. They probably had seen the news of the incident, even a few people must've recorded the incident and posted it on the Internet.
Izuku let out a tiring sigh, as he forced himself to walk to the direction of the train station to head back to Kamino.
'...Perhaps... But, at least no one saw my face... And most of all, we saved Kacchan and nobody got hurt.'
...Why do I have to be bound to two, selfless, risk-taking children? I swear, one of these days, you two will be the end of me. And I don't even have a human body, let alone been an actual human to begin with.
Part of his lips pulled up a bit, smirking at Antiphonus' words.
'If you want to try and separate from me and Sis, go right ahead.' He thought. 'We won't stop you from doing so.'
...No, neither of you two would... Because you two rather be dead, than to keep on living your lives. Whether you succeed with your plans, or fail it.
He stopped in his tracks, as the wind gently blew through his blackish/very-dark green hair.
'...And you don't care that by separating from us, you'll end up dead, too?'
While I would rather to still be existing as I am right now and keep teasing the both of you to no end, I'm still blood. As such, I don't really care if I die or not. After all, the purpose of blood is to keep the body alive and well, until it dies... But, still, I would prefer we stay alive. At least, for now, anyways.
Izuku let out another sigh.
'For now...' He agreed, ending the conversation and continuing on for the train station.
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...Until...
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...A booming laughter echoed out of nowhere, stopping the boy in his tracks.
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"CITIZEN! I AM HERE!"
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...To the cry of voice, skidding out of nowhere... The last person Izuku ever expected to appear in his life, popped right before him... Except, when Sensei would want him and Sierra to take him down...
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...The Number One Hero, himself...
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All Might.
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...His mind completely went blank, as he just stood there and just gaped at the hero that stood before him.
All Might, seeing that he caught the boy off guard, let out another cheerful laughter.
"I see that my presence had left you speechless!" He said, still beaming up that big-smile of his. "I get that a lot. So, this is nothing new to me. But, still, I would expect somebody who took down that Sludge Villain wouldn't be intimidated so easily."
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...Izuku's heart hammered against his chest, as the air froze in his lungs.
His hands trembled into fists, as he looked down at his bare feet.
'He knows it was me...'
Must've been in the crowd, during the incident. That, and he may had recognized the sweater.
He clenched at the sweater, as his breathing started to speed up a bit. Unaware that All Might slightly looked down at him in concern and calling out to him.
'What do I do, now?' He thought. 'I don't know what I'm supposed to do, now...!'
His stomach felt upset, which he covered his mouth with his hand to stop gasping out so loud and, should he actually end up puking up whatever that's inside of his stomach.
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...A large-hand rested itself on his left-shoulder.
"...Young man? Are you all right?"
Immediately, Izuku pulled away from the hand that touched him, taking a few steps back from the now concerned hero.
He immediately realized his mistake, as his mind was thinking too many thoughts to figure out what to do.
You need to calm down, Kid. Try and talk to him, before he gets the impression that there's something wrong with you.
He swallowed past the lump that formed in his throat and, after clearing his throat a few times... He opened his mouth, and spoke.
"...G-... Gomen-nasai." He whispered, since his throat was irritating from being sore and overusing his fire. He kept his head down, as he slightly bowed to the Number One Hero. "I'm not a big fan on people making contact with me."
All Might, seeing a shy, well-mannered child before him, instead of a strong, independent person that he expected to meet, gave him a heartfelt laugh of reassurance.
"It's quite all right, young man." He said, accepting the apology. "In fact, I should be the one to apologize, since I did make you feel uncomfortable and startled you."
Again, his heart banged heavily against his chest, as a blush covered his face. Feeling awkward and a bit humiliated that he caused the Number One Pro Hero to apologize to him.
You're doing fine, Izu. Just accept the apology, and assure him that it's all right. The quicker we get through this conversation, the faster we can get out of here and get you new shoes, before returning to Sensei.
Following Antiphonus' advice, Izuku leaned forward a bit and bowed to the Pro Hero, again.
"It's all right, really, All Might." He replied, staring up at the man before him before looking back down. "But, if you insist on apologizing, I already accept it and don't hold any grudge or ill will towards you."
All Might beamed up at the boy's words.
"I'm happy to hear that, young man."
Shyly, Izuku gave him a small, nervous smile.
"...Well... It's been a great honor to have met you in person, All Might." He said, bowing for a third time to the adult. "I wish we can continue talking, but I need to get going. -He started walking, going around the slightly stunned hero.- It may not mean much, but I will treasure this moment, for the rest of my days."
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...He didn't even take ten steps away from the Pro Hero, when he was stopped by the call of his voice.
"Hold up there, young man!"
A cold chill ran down his back, as he slowly turned to stare at the very large male behind him.
"I don't mean to intrude on your day or keep you any further from returning home to your family... However, our encounter isn't a random accident. -Izuku turned to fully turn to him, prompting him to start discussing something very important.- ...The way you just ran in there, disregarding your own safety and risking your life, to save a total stranger... Your body moved on its own, didn't it?"
...
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...Izuku nodded his head to the question; while he was conscious to know that he did ran in there and did told his body to run... In someway, it felt like it was an instinctual thing of him to do and, when standing by to debate on what to do, it wanted to go straight to the heart of danger and save a boy that he knew what felt like a lifetime ago.
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...One moment, the fourteen year-old was staring at the Symbol of Peace, himself...
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...The next thing he knew, smoke concealed the blonde-man and, in his place, an anorexic, skinny skeleton-like man, that hacked out blood.
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...Again, his mind went blank on what he should do and/or react to the sudden change of the man he idolized as a toddler.
Whoa... Not so very All Might-like, huh? He's wasting away and, judging by his condition, it must've been a couple years. Probably at around five or six years, at most, to have gone this skinny.
To Antiphonus' words, Izuku immediately recalled an incident that occurred, five years ago.
'Sensei sustained serious injuries, but he wouldn't tell anybody on how he gained them. Though, we had a hunch that Kurogiri knows, since he was the one to bring him back and take him to their 'personal doctor' to treat him. If All Might really was the one to had damaged him to the state he's now in, then this must be the result of the damage Sensei did to All Might.'
Hmm. Guess that would explain the sudden drop of Hero Duties he did in the past.
'Apparently.'
The skinny-man before him gave him a plain, confused look.
"You're not surprised?" He asked. "I would've expected somebody to scream, or go ballistic, the second they see me like this."
Izuku, shaking off his silent thought on how his hero appears to him as, gave him a shrug of a shoulder.
"...I'm not really in tune with my emotions, really." He explained. "My sister and I have a condition called 'Emotional Numbness'."
Clearly, All Might didn't know what it meant, which was a silent relief to the blackish/very-dark green haired boy.
"It's the mental and emotional process of shutting out feelings, and may be experienced as deficits of emotional responses or reactivity."
The adult's eyes widened at the news, as his heart went out to the boy before him.
"Is it genetic?" He asked, hoping it won't effect him to what he wanted to offer to the child.
Izuku shook his head.
"It's a more of a severe version of depression and grieving, only it lasts longer and effects those who are more emotional than others. -He hope that the man will buy his explanation, and not look in to it.- In our case, my sister and I are suffering from the loss of our mother. We've been seeking treatment ever since, but the doctors informed us that we may never get over it, even with aid."
Smooth, Kid. Even I would've fallen for such a lie like that.
Judging by the sad, sorrowful expression on All Might's face, he bought the words of the fourteen year-old boy.
In response, he gave him a respectful bow to the boy.
"My condolences," he said.
Izuku nodded back, thanking him.
"I won't pry about your current condition, nor will I tell anybody what I saw, but something tells me that you revealed this secret of yours for a very important reason."
The blonde, hacking out another mouthful of blood to the boy's deduction and wiping the blood off his face, gave him a very serious look.
"You're right. I did reveal my true form to you on purpose." He said. "However, before I tell you what my reason was for doing so, answer this question:...Do you dream on becoming a hero? And, if so, why do you want to become a hero?"
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...Izuku held both hands to good chest, his eyes closing, as the answer immediately ran through his mind.
"...I want to become a hero," he answered. "...I want to save people, with a smile on my face. To be there when they are scared, and need somebody to reassure them that everything will be all right. So that they don't have to give in to fear, when they believe that all hope is lost... To live up to everybody's expectation, so that they can rely on me to protect them from any kind of danger and threat that tries to taint the world we live in."
He slowly opened his eyes... On his face, he gave him a tiring, but big smile on his face.
"I want to give them hope, so that their peace will never be taken from them."
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...All Might gave him a large-smile... A prideful smile at the words of this fourteen year-old boy that answered his question.
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"...Young man, there's but only one more question that I wish to ask if you."
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...Behind the child, the sun seemed to have grown brighter, as his eyes widened in complete take back by the question, as All Might opened his arms wide and big, as he lifted his head to the sky.
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"Will you accept this gift of mine... And become the next holder of my Quirk?"
TBC
Notes:
*: In this story, Izuku's hair is more black, with very-dark green mixed into the black, but appears more black, than green and black mixed from the show.
Basically, he'll look like his original counterpart, Mikumo Akatani
R&R
Chapter Text
Two Day Later, April Twenty-Fourth: At the Dagobah Municipal Beach Park; Early Morning...
He pulled with all his might, as the two ropes wrapped over his shoulders and around his waist tightened over his skin and new white T-shirt, which had red-bolded letters that says "MAXIMUM EFFORT"*.
The item he's slowly dragging through the sand, is a broken down refrigerator that some civilian tossed away, illegally... While All Might sits on top of it, in his Buff Form.
"It feels amazing up here!" the blonde boasted on his spot. "You should really get a move on getting this hunk of junk off the beach, so you can experience this moment, sooner than later! Young Mikumo!"
...In response, Izuku sent him a slightly, annoyed glare.
"...Maybe I would get it done sooner, if I didn't have an extra six-hundred pound weight sitting on it." He whispered, as he kept on slowly, but steadily, pulling the fridge to the staircase.
...All Might simply let out his usual laugh.
"Actually, I lost weight. I'm five-hundred sixty, right now!" He boasted. "Though, at least, in this form."
"Correction; you're five-hundred sixty pounds, and seven ounces."
Coming towards them, carrying a forty-pound tire on her back, Izuku and All Might see Sierra joining them. From the clear sign of sweat trailing down her face, she was really giving it her all, despite getting tired.
She stared up at All Might, with a blank look on her face.
"It's a common misconception, on account that many don't include the ounces into their weight, when discussing their weight to others."
A bit awkward at her deduction, though finding it not much of a topic to argue about and is, in fact, true, All Might gave her a thumbs up.
"Thank you for the helpful insight, Young Aleu*."
Izuku simply smiled at his sister, as she walked up the stairs to put the tire in a small-white pickup that All Might driven in for them to properly dispose one of today's trash pile that'll be taken to the dump and/or recycling centers.
It was a good thing that the Number One Pro Hero isn't one for using his brains and ask questions about their personal life, let alone ask how they were able to lie to their 'guardian' about hanging out with 'friends' when they're actually training.
...Well, that's because they didn't lie to said 'guardian'...
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...
...Because Izuku, having to choose the lesser of two evils, had made one of the hardest decisions that could, if it goes wrong, cost him, Sierra, and All Might, himself, their very lives.
Flashback, Two Days Ago; Kamino, Yokohama...
With new pairs of shoes, Izuku sprinted as fast as his legs would allow him to run, weaving and dodging other people with ease... Even when carrying two bags in each of his arms, containing clothes and other items for him and Sierra.
He still couldn't believe that the man who was able to locate and track him down, the very person who he looked up to since he could first recall ever hearing, let alone knowing him... Who happened to, also, by some miracle, grab the bags he discarded and was able to return to him... Was offering to give him his Quirk.
...A rare, Emitter Quirk that can be passed down to another...
...A Quirk, that makes All Might... Well, All Might.
He finally reached his destination, staring up at the bar-sign hanging above the sidewalk. He went into the alleyway, where the metal-door to the entrance sat, waiting for him to turn to the doorknob and enter what's been his and Sierra's residence for over nine years.
..As he expected, only the light at the bar was on... And, standing behind it and concealed by black and purple mist, as usual, is Kurogiri...
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...What he wasn't expecting, as he walked in through the door, was four fingers to grab him by the throat and toss him to the ground, dropping the bags in the process. The door slammed behind him.
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...Having a gut feeling, he knew that it was Shigaraki that grabbed him. Though, he never expected to be greeted back like that... Not unless, he did something bad.
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...And, when pulling himself up to his hands and knees and pulling the hood of his sweater off his head, his heart plummeted when he saw the TV playing today's news...
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...They were talking about the Sludge Villain... And the mystery civilian, that took it down.
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...Somebody, within the crowd, had a good angle to catch most of the fight-scene, before the wall of fire came up.
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...He slowly turned to Shigaraki and Kurogiri, both whom simply glared down at him.
"Got something to tell us about, Boy?" Kurogiri asked first, folding an arm over his chest.
...Izuku simply lowered his gaze to the ground, staring down at his hands and the floor beneath him. He quivered underneath both their gazes.
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...Shigaraki sneered down at the boy, but didn't make a move on the boy.
"...Well, in that case, Boy... You can tell the Master about your little 'Hero Scheme', and then we'll see what will be the most suitable punishment for you."
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...Emerald/Forest-green eyes widened in utter horror to the Warp Gate Quirk User's words, which grew to paralyzing fear when the news on the TV turned to a different channel.
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...A blank screen, with light-purple words "AUDIO SOUND" displayed on the screen.
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"...Izuku..."
The fourteen year-old flinched at the voice that came from the screen, as his body immediately went to bowing before the screen.
"...Izuku..." The voice said, again... It's tone a bit lower.
Again, Izuku flinched at the person calling him by his name, but made no sound to speak... He knows his place and must be given permission to speak, before he could say anything.
"I just saw the news today, Izuku. And, I must say, your training has proven to become very effective... But, I must say, on how disappointed I was to find out that you've, not only didn't kill your opponent, but nearly risked exposing yourself, if you hadn't triggered the Black Blood to conceal your face."
A heavy sigh can be heard, which Izuku knew all to well on what that meant... It was very bad news, for him.
"You better have a good reason for pulling a stunt like that, Boy."
That was the person's way on telling him he could speak... And yet, he doesn't have a good enough excuse that could even give him a lesser punishment.
...So, he just remained quiet, still bowing to the TV screen in front of him.
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...Another heavy sigh came from the screen.
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...He was in deeper trouble.
"...You don't have anything to say for yourself, Izuku? Nothing that could give me good reason to not have you and your sister punished, from your actions?"
Izuku's eyes widened in horror when the person on the screen threatened, not just himself, but also Sierra.
In desperation, Izuku sat up and crawled on his knees a bit closer to the screen.
"Sensei! Watashi o yurushitekudasai (Please forgive me)!" He cried, holding both his clenched hands over his face. "It's my fault! Please, punish me, but leave Ra Ra out of this! Onegaishimasu (I beg of you)!"
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...Shigaraki delivered a kick to his right-side, forcing him to lay on the ground.
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...That devilish, twisted smiled spread on his face.
"No point on begging for mercy, Brat!" He replied, snickering at the scared boy beneath him. "And unless you give us a good reason to not punish the both of you, nothing you say will stop me from giving you both a beating of a lifeti-!"
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...He didn't think...
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...It just came out. Like air, trapped in a bottle, that couldn't hold in any more oxygen...
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...He blurted it out, without any hesitation.
"I encountered All Might!"
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...Silence spread out in the room, with the only sound being heard was Izuku's shaking breathing.
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...Thirteen seconds later, Kurogiri was the first to break the silence.
"...You've encountered him?"
Fearfully, Izuku rapidly nodded his head, pushing himself back to sit on his knees.
"I saw him, today!" He quickly answered. "He witnessed me fighting that Sludge Villain and tracked me down, while I was heading for the train station!"
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...Shigaraki simply snickered at the boy's words.
"That's a good one, Kid. I gotta admit, I didn't think you could be such a comedian." He grunted out, as his left-hand reached for his neck and started scratching at his throat with four of his fingers. "Even if what you've said is true, how come he didn't go and take down that 'villain', himself?"
Izuku didn't know if he should tell them that he told him about All Might having a three hour time limit, or should make up that his true-form looked like a skinnier, weaker version of All Might.
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...
...However, fortunately... Or, unfortunately, somebody answered his question.
"...Because, he couldn't... Could he?"
The person... Sensei, hidden within the darkness on the screen, finally spoke... His tone a bit higher...
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...Izuku didn't know if he preferred this tone of voice, or the lower tone of voice.
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...Sensei smirked... Sounding happy?
"...Tell me, Izuku... Did he tell you anything? What was his reason for tracking you down?"
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...Izuku was at a loss on what he should say... But, knowing that the safety of his sister depends on it...
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...
...He told Sensei, Kurogiri and Shigaraki the truth.
"...He-... He wanted to train me... -The scratching from Shigaraki quickened... Only to then completely stop, from what he told them next.-...He wants me... To gain his Quirk."
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...He expected for there to be yelling... Expected to be accused for talking with the 'enemy'... Heck, he even expected to be punished... Even killed, on the spot.
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...Izuku never expected a sudden response from Sensei... To be so... Hopeful?
"...And... Did you take his offer?"
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"...I did..."
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...Laughing came from the screen.
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"...This is... PERFECT!"
Just like Izuku, Kurogiri and Shigaraki are just as taken back by their master's words.
"Master?"
A few seconds of laughing, it died down.
"Tell me, Izuku. When will you be encountering All Might for this 'training' of yours?"
Irritated that he was being left out, Shigaraki turned to the TV.
"Master, just what the hell is going on?!" He yelled, once again, scratching at the left-side of his neck with his hand. "Did you not hear that the brat just encountered our greatest enemy, and didn't try to kill him? And worse, he could've given away information about us!"
Izuku flinched to the older-boy's accusation, even though he made a very good point; he was left, unsupervised, to basically do whatever he can do... Even to go as far as to go to the police, tell them that he and his sister had been bought, held captive and been experimented on by villains.
...
...
...But, clearly, Sensei already knew that... That's why, when he answered the nineteen year-old, he wasn't that worried about that being a possibility... Not when has something that'll prevent Izuku from betraying him.
"Izuku wouldn't go as far as to tell the authority, let alone All Might, about our organization, Tomura... Not when he knows that we hold both his and Sierra's lives in our hands. Plus, he isn't stupid and knows that nobody will ever believe a word he would say. After all... Nobody came for the both of them when our associate swept them from under their nose and stopped searching them barely a year since their kidnapping, because they were Quirkless and still, to this very day, aren't much concern for those who weren't gifted with a Quirk."
Izuku clenched his teeth together, as his nails slightly dug into the wooden floor beneath him... He hated having to be reminded, so many times, on how society don't want them, anymore, when they were Quirkless and will reject them should they ever come out and learn that they're working with villains.
"...Although, Tomura does bring up a good point, Izuku. Why didn't you kill All Might, when you had the chance to do so?"
Forcing himself to push aside his feeling, he answered Sensei's question.
"As you said earlier, Sensei, my fight with that Sludge Villain did show how much I've improved... However, because I've only encountered him at a very random but coincidental incident, I didn't know if he was pretending to be weak or not. Plus, I thought that if I were to encounter him throughout the training, not only will I gain his trust and his Quirk... But, I'll also be able to figure out when he'll be left weak and defenseless."
...
...
...
...
...Clearly, they didn't think he would have a very good reason on letting their master's enemy go, without even trying to make an attempt to bring him down.
"So, what you're saying, Boy, is that if you gain his Quirk and figure out when he'll be vulnerable..."
"...The better prepare we'll be, when we finally take him down, once and for all."
...Never had Izuku hated himself, now more than ever, than at this very moment, as he forces himself to pretend and display his loyalty to the very man that had him and Sierra tortured, physically, mentally and emotionally, and turn them into his instruments of destructions.
...
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...But, so long as it kept Sierra from being punished for his carelessness and mistakes, it doesn't matter to him.
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...
...Though, he never expected of Sensei to make a sudden decision that'll satisfy not just him and his goal... But, also, his and Sierra's own plot against him.
"Izuku, I believe you and I are going to have a lot to discuss about... And, since it'll involve Sierra, too, we're gonna have to cancel her training and have her be brought back home... And then, we'll finally put our plan into action. Now, while we wait for her to join us, do tell me: What name did you call yourself by, to All Might?"
End of Flashback...
"Young Mikumo! Are you taking a break, already?!" All Might called out, bringing the boy out of his thoughts and finding himself standing still in his spot.
Quickly, he forced himself to keep pulling.
Best to stay focus on training, Izu. We can't allow any distractions to get in your way.
Izuku didn't reply to Antiphonus' words, as he focuses on getting his part of his training done.
Once again, Sierra passed him by and ran up the staircase before he could get started. This time, carrying an old microwave over her left-shoulder.
"Look at her go, Young Mikumo!" All Might replied, jumping off his spot on the refrigerator. "She's putting in everything she has into this training, and she's not aiming to inherit One for All! Are you going to let your Imōto (Little Sister) outshine you?!"
He didn't reply to the Pro Hero's words, as he pulled the rope until the fridge hit his foot and, with ease, forced it to lean forward and rest against his back.
All Might was very much impressed by the boy's drive to put in the effort to his training.
"It's a good thing that you have some muscles to begin with, my boy." He commented, as his successor hauled the fridge up the stairs, as Sierra hopped over the wall to stay out of Izuku's way to grab more garbage. "However, even I can see that the both of you show some sign of malnourishment, more towards Young Aleu than from Young Mikumo."
Both of the siblings flinched from his words, with the thirteen year-old freezing in her spot and Izuku almost losing his footing, but are able to look calm and not show any signs of concern nor fear.
Quickly, Sierra came up with a lie.
"Our guardian has been busy, lately. He's not home much, and have been focusing on his work a lot. So, we try to help out as much as we could, so we don't overspend. Which means, we don't eat as much as we should, so we don't have too much food to buy."
It was very convincing to the Pro Hero, who nodded his head, seeming to understand.
"I see," he muttered under his breath. "Which means, you both must be left at home a lot, all by yourself."
Izuku, having to finally bring the fridge to the truck and setting it down on a spot, shrugged his shoulders.
"Not quite," he replied. "Are guardian's foster son and a friend of the family watches over us, while he's away. Unfortunately, because of the area that we reside in, we don't live in a completely safe area. I mean, it's not dangerous, but it's prone for homeless people to break in and overstep on getting what they want when begging doesn't work. Most would steal food for survival, while a few will try to find ways to shelter themselves from the weather."
"That's why, when we told him that we would be training with our friends for the ten months we have to be prepare for the U.A. Exam, he didn't need a second to give us his permission to do so." Sierra replied, wiping the sweat off her face. "We Akatani* have to work hard, if we want to become heroes and help out our community for all who lives in our neighborhood... And FYI, All Might, I wouldn't take your Quirk, even if I were to surpass my brother in our training."
Her greenish-grey eyes looked cold and tired, but held fire and strength that Toshinori couldn't help but admire... And, secretly, be scared of, as if she was looking straight into his very soul.
"I- Uh, figured as such, Young Aleu." He replied, before deciding to bring up something for the both of them. "And, since you'll be needing help on how to improve your bodies, I've taken the liberty on giving you both my handy "Aim to Pass the American Dream" Plan!"
Pulling out a small stack of paper from his pocket, he handed the paper to both the siblings when they came before him, staring down at what appears to be a schedule that he intends of them to do for the ten months of training.
It was very detailed on how long they'll be cleaning trash off the beach, hauling some of the damaged items that can be salvaged and/or still be of use through the park, and swimming in the waters to increase their muscles and to find any trash underneath the water near the shorelines. He even gave them a list of exercises on what they'll be doing at home. Even to go as far as to give them a meal menu on what they should eat and the portion sizes they have to consume.
The exercises they will be doing was completely fine... Since Sensei had decided that they'll be allowed to do the training All Might will be putting them through, they didn't have a problem with it... So long as they don't slip up with their false cover up, or give him any hints about their living conditions.
The way he basically scheduled their life, would be a little bit difficult. Since they won't be doing their usual training for ten months, their studying time frame will be decided by Kurogiri and Shigaraki. Though, no doubt, neither will protest by the schedule, since they're falling their master's orders to do the training.
...
...Their main concern, however, was the food menu and portion.
You better discuss this issue with Kurogiri, and see if he can persuade Sensei to allow you both to eat actual food. He'll surely agree to it, but will probably not allow you to eat three meals a day.
Both only hoped that the Warp Gate Quirk User will give them good news that Sensei will let them eat meals that isn't old, stale, scraps or gruel.
Both of their stomachs growled at the thought of meals they missed eating, especially the vegetables.
Hearing their stomachs growling, All Might let out a mighty laugh at their embarrassed expressions.
"Seems you both worked up quite an appetite," he commented. "Well, since you both had done a good job for the first morning of your training, let's stop for breakfast! My treat!"
The offer for food made their stomachs grumble even louder, resulting the both of them to blush dark-red.
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...Each had a hand resting on one of their shoulders, seeing that All Might reverted back into his original form.
"Come on, you two. Eating a healthy breakfast, is also part of training!"
As the skinny man gently guided them off the beach and into his white-truck, also planning on dropping off the first junk pile to the junkyard and/or recycling center, Izuku and Sierra still can't believe that Sensei would allow them to go on with this plan he believed would help bring down All Might, the Symbol of Peace, himself.
...And for the both of them, as they got into the white-truck, they are satisfied that he didn't suspect them of betraying him and they can continue with their own plan... Which will began to take place, once Izuku gets One for All and they get into U.A.
And so, both had endured their ten months of Hell:
From the rest of April to the twentieth of June, the two hauled large-chunks of garbage off the beach and into the white-truck, disposing the useless garbage in white-trash bags to take to the dump and the recycling garbage into black-trash bags for the recycling center. For that time, from six in the morning to four in the afternoon, they wore white t-shirts, shorts and lighter-weight trail shoes that Izuku bought for the both of them.
For the workout session from June twenty-first until September twenty-second, they've done many laps within the beach, from nine in the morning until one in the afternoon. While swimming, with Izuku wearing black trunks and a black t-shirt and Sierra wearing a one-piece bathing suit, they would then do some diving sessions to hold their breaths as long as they could, while swimming to the bottom of the sea-floor to look for any signs of garbage, waste and/or anything that doesn't belong to the water to dispose with the rest of the garbage at the beach, which they would continue from one until five.
Then, for the fall session, from September twenty-third until December twenty-first, wearing black jogging clothes, they will haul one piece of item that can be scrapped and/or reusable, from the beach through the park, to their designated disposable areas and run right back to grab the next item. From seven in the morning until six in the evening, they continued this exercise.
Finally, from December twenty-second until February twenty-sixth, is a hustle rush for finishing up the rest of the cleanup on the beach. From six in the morning until four in the afternoon, they are to get all of the trash completely off the beach and to the pavement, so that the garbage men, scrap gatherers and/or recycling services can collect the remaining trash that needs to be taken by loads and by the proper disposing services.
Just as they'd hope would be possible, Sensei allowed them to eat the food All Might listed for them to eat. Heck, he even allowed them to eat actual food.
...But, as they expected to happen, there was a price they have to pay: Since they would be training from Monday through Friday, for most of the day, they would only be allowed to eat after they finish their studying, which is usually between four to five in the morning and six to eight in the evening. While on the weekends, which they do more studying time to make up for the weekdays since their usual training has been cancelled for All Might's training, they're not allowed to eat breakfast and can only have a small-snack for lunch, which is the size big enough to fill the inside of a small-teacup.
Other than that, the new scheduling wasn't that bad. Honestly, they're just glad that they get dinner everyday, let alone a three course meal when off training with All Might, which isn't gruel or scraps. Plus, so long as they show the results of their training is going as planned, along with still having time to train their Quirks during some of their lessons, they didn't get punished or beaten by Shigaraki.
And that had to be one of the best part to ever happen to them. While they have to deal with Kurogiri having to watch over them the first couple months of their training during the day before reporting back to their master that they're taking their training seriously and aren't going to blow their cover, Sensei had made it very clear to the nineteen year-old that he was to not hurt either of them.
...Shigaraki was forbidden from laying a single hand on them, which would result in any sign of hitting, harming, abusing or even bruising them. For should All Might were to discover any form of injuries on the two siblings and starts questioning them about their wounds, even if they were to tell him that they normally get cuts and bruises at home for being clumsy, it'll result their covers to be blown and All Might will then call the authorities to figure out their homes and/or other whereabouts on where they hang on.
...Of course, Shigaraki didn't like that rule. Not one little bit. But, he restrained himself from arguing and since then, he never once made any move on harming them...
Though, that doesn't mean he'll find other means to make sure they learn their place.
A few raised hands, sticking a leg out to make them trip, or even pulling at the back of their shirts with four of his five fingers. Even if from just staring down at them, with that sinister smile of his him, made the siblings' body twitch and tremble under his gaze, as they lowered their heads in submission.
...Still, to Izuku and Sierra, so long as neither their life-style and/or own plot won't be discovered, they don't care about enduring Shigaraki's taunts and/or ways on having his little fun.
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...So long as they don't jeopardize their chances on getting into U.A...
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...Then, after time had passed, both aged a year older and after rigorous challenges to endure... That very day finally came.
February Twenty-Sixth; at Dagobah Municipal Beach Park; Dawn...
Toshinori got out of his white-truck, wearing a thick blue-coat that'll expand whenever he uses his Quirk to become All Might. Since it was still Winter and his true-form has barely any fat on him to keep himself warm, he wore a scarf around his neck, long-thick brown-pants and woolen socks to keep himself warm and toasty.
"I hope those two had done at least a decent job on their task," he sighed. "Even with two people working together to cleaning it up, there was a lot more trash than I originally thought there would be. I swear, it seems people nowadays just don't give a rat's ass on how badly they're polluting the planet and the ecosystem, and just want to be lazy and irresponsible on how they dispose their trash."
A puff of his breath trailed in the air through his scarf, as he slightly shivered from the morning's wind blowing into his face.
"Damn!" He slightly cursed, bringing both his hands to his face to blow his warm breath onto them. "Should've brought some gloves with me. That blasted sun can't rise any faster to light the day and start warming up the air, already?"
As if to answer his prayers, the beam of yellow-light rose over the horizon...
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...When it risen over the ocean, Toshinori's light-blue eyes widened in complete awe from what he saw.
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...There, standing on top of one of the small hill-like piles of junk, facing the light of the sun, hand-in-hand, stood two small-figures.
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...He saw both Izuku and Sierra, whom he knows as Mikumo and Aleu Akatani, standing tall and strong on the pile. With Izuku having his shirt off, as sweat trailed off his much stronger body. As for Sierra, wearing a wife-beater shirt that collected the sweat of her own, showed to have putting on muscles of her own. Not as big or much as Izuku, but just enough to show she's a strong female for somebody her size and height range..
...Then, running to see how the beach appears... His jaw dropped when he saw a garbage-free, clean, clear beach.
"Holy Mother of God, you two." He gaped, not believing his eyes. "You both even cleared outside of the area like I've told you both to do..."
Both of the siblings stared down at the forty-five year-old, who continued to gaze with complete shock at the job they did, offering him small-smiles.
"Seriously!" He replied, looking up at the two, with his light-blue eyes still large. "There's not one speck of trash left on this beach!"
Izuku and Sierra decided to finally come down from their spot, as they leapt off and landed onto the sand below them, before turning back to the stunned blonde.
"With only a few minutes left to spare, but still! You've both succeeded my expectations!"
Both simply kept on smiling at him... Though, for the both of them, they felt fake and very foreign... It made them feel uncomfortable that they can't truly feel any joy from the complement he's giving to them.
"Holy... Stinking...! -At the last second, he morphed to his buff-form, becoming All Might to finish his sentence.- SUPER CRAP!"
He let out a heartfelt laugh, as the allowed themselves to sit down for a moment and wipe the sweat off their faces.
Well, it seems that you both proved that you've succeeded on the task he gave you two.
Izuku smirked at Antiphonus' words.
[Yeah... He sure goes beyond to express his joy on us completing his task] Izuku
[...With or without Plus Ultra, he still able to go beyond on how he can't believe we've completed the task... Meaning, he was somewhat expecting us to not make it in time.] Sierra
The fifteen year-old gave his sister a shrug from his shoulders, as he finally caught his breath and pulled the both of them back on their feet.
[Even so, we've still finished his training... And now, we're one step closer to putting our plan into action...] Izuku
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...Both ended up being pulled against a large, warm mass that caught them completely off guard...
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...They're being hugged by a smiling, beaming All Might.
"...You two... You've done so well... I'm very proud of you, both."
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...Neither of the siblings seemed to be able to process on what's going on, besides the fact that they're being hugged and somebody praised them for their hard work and effort they put in...
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...Their hearts felt constricted, as a very unfamiliar pulse started to course through their bodies. And, because they've only hug each other and numbingly comfort each other for most of their lives, they couldn't bring themselves to return the embrace to the large man.
Luckily, All Might didn't seem to mind that they didn't hug him back... Though, he was somewhat taken back that he would embrace these two teenagers, these two children that he allowed himself to bond over, despite that he had chosen Izuku to become his successor at being the new holder for One for All.
...It was a bit startling to him... But, in all honesty... He, actually, liked it and felt happy when he embraced them.
...Almost, as if, they were his own children.
So, when he pulled away, his heart did pinched when they no longer were in his protective hold. Though, as always, he has that big-smile on his face to conceal his true expression.
He turned to Izuku.
"My boy, as you should know, this is just the first step on inheriting my full power. But, the process of both you and Aleu put in, shows that you got the right potential." He said, not noticing the fifteen year-old slightly flinching when he called him as 'my boy' instead of his fake name. "...And now, Young Mikumo, you're now ready to receive my Quirk."
Sierra beamed at her brother, as All Might reached for one of his bangs.
[With All Might's Quirk, you'll surely end up getting stronger. Meaning, once you've mastered it, you could end up taking down Sensei and put a stop to his evil schemes and his organization.] Sierra
Izuku didn't reply to her words. Instead, he pulled her for a one-arm side hug, gently nuzzling his head against hers.
After plucking a single stand of golden-blonde hair, All Might held it to the fifteen year-old.
"Here you are, Young Mikumo. The first step on gaining my Quirk." He proudly announced. "Now... Eat it!"
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...Both gave him a blank look.
Izuku, Sierra, even Antiphonus all thought the same thing to what All Might just told Izuku to do.
...What?
"I know, it sounds very weird and I do apologize for not telling you this, earlier, but in order for you to gain my Quirk, you have to ingest something that has my own DNA." Toshinori replied, rubbing the back of his neck with his left-hand.
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...
...Izuku kept on staring at that single strand of hair the forty-five year-old male held in his hand, still not believing that he has to eat it in order to gain One for All.
...Looks like you lucked out, Izu. And, because we can't reveal my on existence and blow our cover, I can't come out and coat it in blood to help you swallow it down... Welp, looks like you're gonna have to suck it up and have to eat hair, for breakfast.
Izuku wanted, very much, to bring Antiphonus out and yell at him for making up an excuse to just simply let him suffer and strange by doing something that's somewhat gross and uncomfortable.
Beside him, Sierra brought out her phone to look at the time. Her eyes slightly widen, when she saw the time.
"Big Brother, we don't have much time. Orientation is going to start, soon!"
To her words, All Might pressed the hair to the boy's face.
"There's no time for hesitation, my boy. You need to eat it, right now! Eat! EAT!"
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...That morning was both the most memorable, and unforgettable moment, ever, for Izuku Midoriya and Sierra Arashi.
TBC
Notes:
*: I know, in the show, it said "All M". However, knowing that if he buys anything that has anything to do with All Might, Shigaraki will go into a rage, destroy their new clothes and hurt Izuku and Sierra in his tantrum state. Plus, I think Maximum Effort would better suit him... And, maybe, in a way, make Toshinori think about Nana.
*: According to one person, it means: Kind, sweet, lovable, playful and unique. To another, it means: Loyal, noble and warrior... Plus, it's another name I liked from the movie: Balto 2: Wolf Quest... After Balto's daughter, Aleu.
*: Because they're known to being siblings to All Might and, having to be given fake names but with the same last name, whenever they're together, he'll refer to them as 'Young Mikumo' and 'Young Aleu'. When separate, he'll call them 'Young Akatani'.
R&R
SBOceanusaB on Chapter 4 Mon 02 Nov 2020 04:36PM UTC
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