Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

“Deku!”

A furious cry roared and echoed throughout the emptied classroom, gathering what few eyes remained to befall an ashen blonde nearing the back. Smokey aromas followed his every step before stopping an arm's length from a verdant boy, terrified and hunched against the wall as minuscule explosions peppered the otherwise silent room. 

“I told you that I will be the first and ONLY student from this crappy school to make it into UA. If you don’t drop out, then I’ll do you the honor of killing you myself before some D-lister villain gets the chance!"

Crimson eyes flared down to meet the horror emanating from the emerald stare below. Heavy kicks were swift to meet the dark of his uniform upon another silent exchange, eliciting painful grunts and whimpers with each contact against his being. Such viciousness played on loop, cruelty yielding no response only to continue with the desire to extract whatever it was Katsuki craved from his prey; increasing the force behind the final blows at the sight of defiance blooming beneath the apparent terror. Varied insults and furious slurs spilled forth without skipping a beat to the active cruelty before his lips halted as something caught his gaze. 

“I know what the problem is,” The blonde turned and retrieved a notebook from Izuku’s desk. “These damn notes you take every day. They help fuel that stupid dream of yours and delude you from reality. They're why you think you can do a hero's job!"

“K-Kacchan, please,” Izuku finally spoke up. “Don’t ruin my notes. They’re important!”

Whatever response desired to meet their prey was subdued and substituted with the loud explosions coating his open palms. Both hands rushed to meet the notebook, bringing a flurry of embers and smoke flying in all directions well after their impact. Foul scents of burnt paper and adhesive wafted through the immediate area as the grasp holding the scorched material removed themselves to unveil the results they rot. Disbelief stained emerald eyes as they watched the now burned and tattered cover loosely held between a smoldering grip with wetness poking from their edges.

“You’re no hero,” The notebook's remains waved in his grip. “And you never will be you useless, Deku.”

With a sway of his arm, smoke danced through the air as the notebook flew through an open window. Watching the remnants of the smokey trail fade from view only served to further plunge the greenette deeper into the pain welling within his chest. Sorrow merged with despair to forge a stinging pit that slowly enveloped his insides as vision blurred through the tears on the verge of cascading down freckled cheeks. Barely muffled hics of breath over the events transpiring before him kept playing back into an endless loop that spawned a fury beneath the tears, through the searing pain at his shoulder returned him to his surroundings.

“If you ever try getting into UA or interfere with my plans again, then you will regret it.”

Silence followed the blatant threat after Katsuki left to retrieve his bag. With a satisfied grin and strut to the door, both lackeys followed behind only to stop as their leader halted beside the doorframe to look back at the broken expression still fresh on Izuku.

“If you’re that desperate for power, then there may be a way. All you have to do is wish for a flashy quirk and take a swan dive over the roof. Maybe then your next life won’t suck as much!”

Cynical laughter rose and echoed as he made his exit. Devastation and distraught kept stuck to the teen's expression with no end to be seen even as the last of his classmate's voices turned into vivid memories. While the world beyond the open window at his side held an endless uproar of all varieties, sorrowful sniffles were all that accompanied the lonely silence of the classroom he found himself becoming too familiar with as the days passed. Teeth grit to bare their whites while the black cloth of Izuku's pants crumpled beneath a white-knuckled grip that held for as long as the pain would allow.

“Stupid…stupid…”

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Clear blue skies rested atop the early afternoon commuters of Musutafu. The clamor of voices and activity boomed and echoed for all to hear through the streets without care to smear upon the face of any who treaded the many walkways around. Embedded among the indifference and happiness went a depressing mop of emerald locks that favored the pavement in attention over whoever or whatever passed by. Though emptiness kept the outer of his stare while trailing the many sections of the sidewalk, his thoughts remained distant as the classroom events continued to flash with greater pain following each repetition. Every sensation they rot poked away at whatever held back the gateway to the pain still rooted deep inside, even more so as the results pressed close against the fabric of his uniform. Feeling the frail state of the once pristine notebook served to worsen the mood still plaguing the teen as burnt fragments fell with his every step.

“Now what?” The teen looked over the ruined cover. “I can barely salvage any of this. There was so much too…”

Izuku mumbled to himself while passing the shops along the walkways. Only when a thought came were his feet quick to stop and turn to where he came.

“Guess I’ll go there.”

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Time seemed to smile upon the spontaneous thought as emerald eyes met their destination far quicker than expected. Sandwiched between far grander buildings, a lone, modest store sat amidst the bustle of commuters. The faded paint and wooden displays that unveiled the wares within paired well with the humble sign hanging overhead, swaying with the whims of the weather and gales provided by the more grandiose crowds in their passing. For all its homey appeal, none seemed to give it a passing glance through the more flashy and modernized appeal that surrounded it. 

In a word, it was plain; something the greenette had in spades.

The door swung open gently with a peaceful ring from the bell atop to join. Dim lit lights illuminated the space and the rows of supplies that lay at the store's center to reveal the racks bordering the walls stuffed with writing tools and supplies. Upon stepping further within, stacks of easels nestled against the wall caught his gaze as they always had with the same, fancy writing that sparked intrigue. Much like the rest of the signs and tags peppering the store, faded or weathered text was flashed without change in the times spent searching the silent store. Through a hum and shift in his stare, nonexistent purchases were seen beside the counter, housing no more than the register and an empty seat at its back.

“Hello? Ms. Loches? Are you here?”

Slow movement could be heard approaching upon his call, and soon a short figure came into view. Slouched and holding a calmed pace, teal eyes greeted the teen as she passed through the aisles hiding her modest height. Long, milky hair tied back and draped beyond her waist to accompany the comfortable attire enveloping her frame, revealing thin streaks along the snowy locks to match her gaze. Every step that closed the gap present elicited an air of tranquility that distracted the feelings plaguing the teen with the warm smile that was offered. Upon her stopping, a light bow shifted her hair before returning her sights to meet his stare.

“Ah, Izuku. It’s been a while since you’ve come by. How are you, dear? Are your notes coming along well?”

“They’re fine, but...” The charred remains of his notes moved into view. “I might have to trouble you for a few more.”

“Oh, dear.”

Teal eyes looked solemnly to the ruined cover. The joy in her face turned away upon flipping through to see the few surviving pages that remained amidst the scorched counterparts.

“Such a shame. A waste of good material.” She started, returning the notebook to him. “Feel free to look around for something that catches your eye. I will be up here when you’re ready, dear.”

Izuku gave a nod and ventured down the nearest aisle. Either side remained full with the paper reams, journals, and the like as he continued to scan through a modest pace. While passing the near endless, unused materials sent goosebumps along the teen's writing hand, letting an eager grin appear when met with his usual picks.

“Let’s see,” His finger ran beside the notebook displays until stopping atop one that caught his gaze. “This one should do. It looks just like this one before today…”

Flashes from hours prior came upon his mentioning.

Ignore it Izuku. Just ignore it.

The new notebook found its way to Izuku, and he began his trip back along the edge of the wall. Upon passing the shelves of writing tools, emerald eyes trailed about the various pencils, pens, and inkwells; the sight causing him to halt briefly. Selections of fountain pens sporting varied designs and colors sent thoughts to wander and mesh about before glints of intrigue danced through his gaze.

“Maybe I should try one of these; it might be nice.” He mumbled under his breath while reaching for one. “Something new might be what I need.”

Izuku grabbed the pen loosely and removed it from its hook only to recoil when his finger dragged along the sharp tip. The already loose grip promptly gave way to the jerked motion of his arm, leading to a hushed curse beneath his breath as the pen clattered against the floor. Through shaking off the initial pain of the act, brief motions of the pen's tail rolling just under the shelf appeared before vanishing entirely; an annoyed sigh escaped before setting his things aside to retrieve the wayward tool. Dust and fuzz were all that danced through wandering fingers as they snaked about, every inch being inspected before even his forearm joined in the search. Moments passed before something substantial grazed his touch, long and leathery in texture that resembled none of the sleek, cool touch of the pen. Curiosity grew until the item met his grip and slowly unsheathed from the darkness beneath.

“Hm…”

Rather than what had been hoped for, a curious gaze met a weathered journal, leather-bound and coated in a thick veil of dust. Even after sifting beyond the particles and fuzz, the cover held no indication of its contents nor so much as a price. Seeing the neatly tied leather bow sealing it gave an itch to the intrigue poking away at him before it was promptly stifled. Setting the oddity beside his purchase, another attempt to retrieve what was desired amidst the darkness yielded better results as the fountain pen once more sat within an open palm. Tickles of the airborne particles jolted the teen, returning attention to what sparked interest, retrieving it alongside the rest of the items with a furrow to his eyebrows. Another look around the cover left nothing novel to be seen before finally exiting the aisle with something new in tow as the counter entered view.

“Ah, Izuku. All set?”

He confirmed, placing the items chosen atop the counter space with a polite smile, though he separated one from the pile.

“What’s that you have there?”

“I was hoping you knew. It was underneath one of the shelves by the back.” A hand brushed along the cover. “There’s no price either, so I wanted to bring it up for you.”

The woman brought a hand to her chin while gazing at the cover, not even bothering to thoroughly inspect it or its contents. Hardly a moment passed before a grin appeared upon her as her gaze returned to emerald eyes.

“Well, would you care to take it?”

“Hm?”

“Yes,” She pushed the journal into his order. “You’re one of the few people who still come to my little shop. Someone your age could easily get what I sell anywhere else or ordered online, but you always come here. Even if it is only rarely that you come by, that makes this old lady very happy. Offering a little extra when I can is the least I can do to repay that kindness.”

Seeing the smile upon the owner felt infectious as Izuku soon felt one of his own growing to match. With that, the teen agreed and soon left the store with something new in tow. Whatever feelings of inadequacy were pushed aside along the walk home as her gesture offered a much-needed sense of joy amidst the poor day thus far.

I’ll have to make visits there more often.

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“Darn it. That section took forever to make; there was even an autograph from Crust too...”

A heavy sigh passed while further examining the charred remains of his work while his gaze looked up, fixated on the rotation of ceiling blades that spun peacefully rather than the hell that will be had for salvaging what little remained. After closing the notebook, distant glances passed through the room, shifting from the afternoon sun's rays to the endless smiles of the hero memorabilia and merchandise plastered around every corner. Silence that filled the room served to let thoughts dance from one idea to another without much conviction for any being given through the solitude. Remnants of joy that kept sickening feelings at bay turned fleeting as more flashes of prior events continued to plague every few moments of aimless thought.

“Stupid Kacchan.”

The ruined notebook relocated to the edge of the desk alongside the newly acquired materials while his hand brushed against the leather-bound oddity; still untouched long into his return to the safety of his dwelling. Intrigue that poked away at him once more tabled the feelings welling within, leading it to rest in his grasp once more. Careful hands danced along the spine and blank cover briefly, searching for an indication as to the contents to satiate the rising thoughts. Once more, though, neither an answer nor smile appeared with another fruitless endeavor while resting his grip beside the bow. 

The material felt far rougher and more weathered compared to the rest with many portions looking ready to snap, yet they held with determination against the battles with time. Curiosity peaked as a tug against the neatly made knot was made.

“Huh?”

One after another, the bow resisted each pull and tug against it. Even using his full force, Izuku was rendered short of breath and no closer to seeing what lay beyond the leathery veil. Irritation finally took hold as teeth grit tightly in preparation for another attempt. Blood pressed and forced its way against the fingers still tugging away at the rough material with force not yet used.

“Just…open you stupid…”

Izuku felt his grip upon the bow slip, and in an instant, the journal flung in the opposite direction against an open inkwell. Liquid black flew in all manner of sizes along the wall and desk, leaving a defeated feeling in the pit of the teen’s stomach.

“Darn it! It’s everywhere!” Emerald eyes looked frantically at the mess of his own doing. “I have to clean this quick. The stains will set any minute.”

The bedroom door swung open, and Izuku hurried out without a second thought. Clattering and banging echoed through the empty apartment for a time with mumbled swears accompanying each until his rushed return. Spray bottles and small rags of varying colors nearly escaped his full grasp upon stepping back into his room, ready to swiftly attempt to undo the mess that will likely stain his belongings.

“Wait…”

Rather than the scene witnessed moments prior, Izuku gave a puzzled look at his desk when seeing that not a speck of black was seen. No traces of the onyx fluid remained present beyond the emptied bottle that once housed the missing substance. Items that were sprayed and polka-dotted with patterns of black shimmered and shined as if never touched by the folly of his actions.

“H-How did…” The items in tow were set aside, and the teen approached the desk with a baffled expression. “Where did it all go?”

Emerald eyes looked about curiously until something new caught his gaze. The bow had come undone. Unwrapped and resting at either side, the thin fabric sat; such a sight only served to add to the confusion plaguing him.

“Did I do that?” Izuku cautiously lifted the notebook to eye level, inspecting it closely. “Did all that loosen it? No, I don’t think so-”

His words halted when the journal jumped from his grip to land beside his feet in a swift motion. Seeing the oddity hop and skip about even after landing hard against the floor sent shivers of fear throughout the teen's being. Unsure of what to do, his feet lunged back and up onto his bed faster than expected. Rapid beats of his heart pushed against his chest as he continued to shove himself against the wall, both eyes remaining open and on the spasming notebook until it became sedentary. Soon, silence returned to the apartment with neither the leather-bound oddity nor the teen daring a move.

Is…is it over?

The cover flipped open.

Nope!

One after another, the pages within flipped along the spine at blinding speeds. Winds bearing no origin soon enveloped the room to push and shove against anything it could find through the ensuing chaos. Amidst the pages that seemed to flip endlessly with the localized storm, confusion budded beside the raging terror in the teen's eyes at the sight of an image briefly flashed as if a flipbook. Potential inquiries that may have formed jumbled and failed to form properly to leave only the horrified confusion well and alive as a torrent of black slithered out from the pages. The ink swirled and ran about violently, droplets spitting up along the floor only to return to the ever-growing collection that continued to hover as the dark whirlpool took on a new shape. 

The violent maw began to shrink, taking on a solid, almost human-like form that remained airborne at the center of the madness. Bleach white gloves covered its hands and matched the bow tied neatly and centered below its head. Despite the lack of a neck, the head somehow remained upright beyond the raging gales shoving into its shrinking stature. A pale face peeked out from the surrounding black of its head housing black slits where a shut pair of eyes and mouth hung in blissful rest. The tail that snacked through the air held a sharpened point to its end much as the twin tips arching upward atop the head sported as they finished their reforming. Such a display enthralled Izuku beyond the apparent fear eating away at his being while bearing audience to sights unheard of. Soon, the pages ceased their endless turning and the raging storm of black had all but vanished; the open journal and sedentary figure now descended upon the ground being all that remained of the grandiose spectacle. 

Gloved hands rubbed shut eyes until emerald orbs met a peculiar onyx pie cut upon their opening. A groggy moan escaped the figure with a yawn before it attempted speech.

“Ugh, my head,” Pie-cut eyes looked to the floor before its open palms. “Wait a minute…I’m free? I’m free! Alright, Joey, hope you’re ready for a clobbering you back-stabbing son of a…bitch…”

The figure went silent upon looking properly at its surroundings. Its eyes wandered the walls plastered in smiles from the symbol of peace, and uncertainty became evident when taking steps from its point of origin.

“Where…am I? This ain’t the studio…” Attention shifted to Izuku, still hugging the corner of the wall above his bed. “Hey, you, kid. Where the hell am I? Also, why all the pictures of the smiling blonde? It’s kinda creepy…”

No response came from the teen, the development unfolding before him keeping him silent and alert.

“Hello? Earth to greenie? Where am I?” It called once more, snapping while doing so.

Still, silence was all it received.

“Kid? I’m talking to ya! Hello?”

Every attempt at conversing received the same uncertain and blank silence from the greenette, and every nonexistent response only tested the figure's patience. Soon, its irritation grew visible with a heavily tapping foot and impatient glare. More words continued to escape a response after, but not for the lack of trying.

What is it saying?

Izuku lowered himself to the bed slowly, making sure to keep his eyes locked on the figure. The words spoken played on loop in his head for a time, and before long, a sense of understanding hit.

English? I don’t know much, though. Maybe it will calm down if I try?

“He…Hello,” The figure's tail perked up, having finally gotten a response. “My name is...Izuku Midoriya.”

Silence followed his words, but the figure waited for more while the teen gave light praise for being correct.

Okay, looks like I was right. English seems to be what it speaks. Let’s see what I can do.

“Um…” A moment passed before resuming, and Izuku steadily rose to sit up. “Who…are you?”

“…Bendy. The name’s Bendy.” The figure kept its arms folded with a cocked eyebrow. “Where the hell am I?”

Izuku kept focused before attempting his response, scratching his head while playing back what he heard.

“You are…in my room.”

Agitation grew through onyx eyes, but Bendy took a breath to stifle the fury he felt.

“I gathered that much, greenie. I mean why am I not in the studio? What happened, and where am I?” His tail flicked to a crack against the floor as he went. “I can’t read anything around here. Either you’re just weird, or I’m not in New York no more.”

“Um,” Even after playing back what he heard, Izuku hardly had a response for him. “Um…”

“Well?”

“…Japan,” Whatever words were ready to come, Bendy halted when his response arrived. “You and I are in Japan. You…come from my book.”

Finally, Bendy’s gaze fell to his feet and onto the open journal below. Gloved hands reached and retrieved it with disbelief growing in his eyes with every flip through its contents.

“Hey, greenie,” His face remained buried in the open pages. “What year is it?”

“2320 is the year.” No response followed, only a faint shake from Bendy could be seen beyond the notebook that covered him. “…B-Bendy?”

The grip around the leather cover tightened with an audible squeeze, his tail falling limp to the ground. Nothing more left the named figure's lips before his body turned to liquid, slowly absorbing back into the pages before the journal fell to the ground. Confusion grew at the suddenness of the act even as the bow formed once more upon a loud slam of its contents against the floor. Moments passed before Izuku made any moves towards the scene, his hand reaching forward to see he was once more unable to open it with a pull.

Questions that plagued the teen arose, but none were likely to be answered in his eyes. The leather-bound oddity soon found its way back atop the desk where it originated through a hesitant act. Soon, he found himself steadily cleaning up the disheveled room, desperate to try and pretend all that transpired were nothing but a hallucination. Even as the majority of thoughts turned to the mess before him, flashes of the final moments of the interaction continued to obstruct his progress. Though faint, guilt budded as the faintest sniffle was heard before Bendy's vanishing act.

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Evening turned to night and night to day, the passing of time not offering a reprieve from the unexpected oddity amidst the Midoriya household. Whatever desires to inform the matriarch of the dwelling of what were hoped to be the conspiracies of the mad were promptly shut down, opting to pretend as if the encounter was not but a dream despite the worrying glances made to the journal every chance given. Despite his best efforts, the bow once more refused any attempt to yield to Izuku's prying grip, leaving the concern welling up to fester well into the third day since the encounter. 

With another day beginning its end, Izuku arrived home bearing a tired glaze through his eyes having finished another day of the drudgery school rot. The yellow backpack slung against his being further weighed upon him before finally shutting the door at his back with a yawn. 

“I’m home,” He called out of habit. “Mom?”

The teen looked around the empty living room and kitchen curiously until a note was seen sticking to the table.

I stepped out for a bit with Mitsuki.

There is some curry and rice ready for you if you’re hungry.

Love you, sweetie!

Savory scents of the aforementioned food wafted over upon looking away from the note. Enticing as they were, food placed below many things still resting within his mind.

“I’ll eat later.” Izuku turned and neared his room with a light stretch.

His hand paused over the doorknob briefly, a heavy breath escaping him before turning and opening the door. As always, sights of hero memorabilia plastered about the room's every inch welcomed his gaze without fail. While keeping to the doorframe a moment longer than usual, a black silhouette along the hero-themed rug pulled attention at its notice; the sight eliciting a brief flinch.

“Hey…” Bendy turned in slight acknowledgment to the new arrival.

The unexpected greeting caused him to fumble his response before clearing his throat and reaching into his pocket. After rummaging about, a small, white tool was retrieved and raised to the teen’s lips much to the silhouette's curiosity at the sound of a click. 

“Hello, Bendy. It is nice to see you.”

A groan rose from below. “Kid, I told ya, I can’t understand that-”

- Hello, Bendy. It is nice to see you. -

An almost metallic voice called out, causing Bendy to jump when seeing the origin. The white tool faced out towards the room, and an audible click came upon the end of its speech.

“Whoa, what is that thing?” Izuku was taken back by the enthusiasm displayed. “That thing just translated for you, didn’t it? You some kinda rich kid, greenie? You gotta be to have something that fancy.”

“I-It’s actually pretty old. I got this model for just one hundred yen.” No response came, and a cocked eyebrow grew until he realized why. “Oh, right.”

His words were translated, prompting a beam of excitement through onyx eyes that enhanced when the translator fell to gloved hands. Seeing the child-like excitement emanating from Bendy after the last interaction felt nice even though there was still plenty that evaded the barrier of language. 

“What am I doing?”

Joy left Bendy while handing back the translator, turning back to the journal before scooping it in his grasp.

“I came to tell ya thanks for freeing me. And,” His grip tightened over the leather. “To say that I’m leaving.”

“Huh?” For a moment, Izuku stood still, watching as Bendy approached the door. “Wait…Wait. Go where?”

The silhouette reached for the handle but stopped at the question.

“Home. Back to the studio. If it hasn’t gone and been torn down by now.” His voice softened, fearing the emotions bleeding through. “I got some business with that lying bastard, Joey, still. Some apologizing for…an old friend too…”

Emerald eyes watched Bendy as he trembled where he stood, the twin peaks at his head lowered with a solemn air consuming the space between the two. Through the momentary pause fueled with uncertainty, black stained the floor below with a drop originating from a pointed tail before another followed. More appeared from the outstretched hand with others close behind, spreading rapidly amidst his trembling state. The dark silhouette's form continued to falter, shifting away from its solid shape with every drop that abandoned it to Izuku's shock. 

“M-Melting,” His voice finally reached out. “Melting!”

Bendy turned back to the teen and quickly appeared worried with a widened stare shifting from his melting palms to his failing body. The iron-like grip keeping the journal close to his being finally gave way, landing on the floor with an audible slam, yet the sound was ignored through the rapid breaths escaping him.

“No, no, no! Not like this! Not again!”

The journal flipped open with the last of his remaining hand, and without a moment's hesitation, he delved into the pages upon their arrival. Whatever drippings of black that he shed soon followed in great succession through a torrent of ink that vanished after him; leaving Izuku aghast and without a word to escape his grasp. Worry that remained prevalent through the ordeal faltered, however, upon noticing the journal was kept open and freed from the confines of the thin, leather binding. Faint noises escaped through an apprehensive crawl forward, revealing the blank world beneath the oddity to his gaze. 

“Sonova bitch!” Bendy’s voice boomed.

Resisting a flinch at the volume, Izuku watched curiously as a miniature Bendy stomped and kicked his way about the empty pages. His two-dimensional form continued whatever rants and frustrations he pleased with the accompaniment of animated breathes and actions popping up with his every move before finally coming to a stop. The minuscule figure slouched forward, eventually sitting amidst the nothingness around with his tail smacking the nonexistent floor in anger. 

“Just great. I can’t even walk out a door without going all wonky. For crying out loud, how the hell am I supposed to get back if that’s gonna keep happening-”

Bendy jumped to his feet having noticed the large face staring with eyes of intrigue.

“Aw, geez,” Gloved hands rubbed along the black silhouette. “Nearly gave me a heart attack there, greenie. Warn a fella when you plan on staring.”

Izuku backed away for a moment, keeping his gaze upon the page's sole inhabitant.

“Pretty pathetic, huh? Can’t even keep myself stable without having to come back to this old thing.” An animated huff passed with a dead smile. “Even after all this time, I’m still one step behind making progress.”

“Would,” A glance was given to the desk, and the teen rushed over to retrieve something. “Would this help?”

Pie-cut eyes looked out in surprise to see a newly-acquired inkwell being shown. The sealed container shook lightly, allowing the contents within to bounce around the air pocket trapped among it.

“Quick, gimme!” Bendy’s hand popped from the page, snatching the bottle in an instant. “Not my preferred brand, but ink is ink.”

The bottle emptied down the two-dimensional figure's throat without hesitation through a series of heavy gulps. Once empty, Izuku watched as the bottle was tossed into the blank horizon with a satisfied sigh animating. With new-found vigor and noticeable pep to his expression, the page shifted before the silhouette popped from its flat constraints into the open world once more.

“I’m back!” He dusted off his shoulder and let his tail flick about. “Thanks for that, greenie. Now, I better get a move on before this stuff wears off. Hopefully, I can hitch a ride on a boat or something before then.”

Just as a hand reached for the journal, Izuku pulled it to him with a swift yank.

“What…what are you?” The words passed carefully while a cocked eyebrow rose through the inky figure. “Are you human?”

“Course not. I’m a demon.” His response forced emerald eyes to widen. “You know, the things from hell. Pitchforks, endless suffering, the place where shmucks wind up after they kick the bucket - all that shlock.”

Before a thought could emerge, the point of his tail aimed at the oddity.

"I was trapped in there, and you freed me.”

“But…the ink,” Images of the spilled ink that day flashed through the teen. “The ink…freed you?”

“Probably. I'm not sure how the hell that seal works, but whatever you did broke it enough for me to finally escape that nightmare. Guess it wasn't all broken since I'm still forced to go back to it after a while or I'll be killed; either that or I have to down a pick-me-up to ward it off." His head hung low with a sigh, sitting down opposite Izuku. "Even freed, I'm still stuck. Looks like getting home is gonna take longer than I thought..."

A somber silence befell the room once more, neither choosing to speak through it now, though one felt the need to try. Emerald eyes traversed the journal in his grip before returning to the distant stare held amidst the devil's eyes that showed nothing but defeat in their darkness; the sight causing his grip to tighten over the leather cover.

“What…What if…you stay?” His words brought a curious look to Bendy upon raising his head. “I can help...you.”

No response came at first. Rather, Bendy’s gaze met the ground once more while his hands balled in his lap.

“You know I’m a demon, right, greenie? I ain’t exactly a good guy. I’ve done…” His body began to tremble as he went. “Lots of things I ain’t proud of. Hurt a lot of good people too. You really want to help me without even knowing me? What kinda guy does that?”

“A hero.” The teen kept a look of determination meeting the devil. “A hero always...helps. Demons should be…no exception.”

Whatever reaction was expected felt meaningless when an uproar of laughter erupted after a pause. Bendy reeled back, clutching his torso while his laugh aimed towards the ceiling without end.

“Oh brother, you really are a weird one! ‘Hero’?” Trickles of ink leaked from his eyes as he laughed only to be wiped away with a sigh before smiling brightly like the many faces plastered around. “But hey, you’re serious; I can tell that much. I certainly don’t got room to be picky, so why not? I’ve been gone this long already, so a little longer won’t make a difference. Thanks for having me, greenie.”

Seeing the joy before him caused a smile to match upon Izuku.

“That...reminds me,” Izuku’s gaze trailed to the notebook. “How long were you trapped?”

“Eh, about three-hundred thirty-seven years or so. Why?”

The deadpan response hit like a truck as Izuku felt a loss for words.

“Huh…Huh!?”

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“So, what’s this thing again?”

“My computer,” The screen lit up, surprising Bendy as he perched atop the teen’s shoulder. “A lot has happened...while you gone. You should see what happened.”

With the click of a button, the screen changed, sending pie-cut eyes ablaze with wonder over the movement displayed.

Hopefully, this is in English. This is getting exhausting.

Authentic images and videos were revealed throughout the selected material, only half of what was said being registered to Izuku. Rather than focusing all his attention trying to translate everything, his gaze frequented the expressions at his side, enjoying the wonder given by the crash-course history. Section by section, the abridged trip through time passed with only one enthralled until the sights of familiarity appeared; revealing the dawn of quirks studied many times prior. The discussions made offered entertainment for both as the early years of change flashed by in the way of famous news outlets and amateur documentation live during a crisis with some even offering something new for the teen. As the video came to a close, the screen fell dark, leaving both a momentary silence. Emerald eyes cautiously looked over to find an unreadable expression through the devil's stare before finally descending to the ground. 

The black silhouette paced along the floor, still keeping the quiet atmosphere until finally plopped at the foot of the bed across the desk; his hands running along the twin horns atop his being. 

“All that,” He gestured to the blank screen. “All that really happened?”

A nod was given.

“And those…quirks? That ain’t some kinda trick? They’re real?”

Izuku nodded once more. “More than eighty percent of people have.”

“Geez. So, your folks too?”

“My mother can levitate things...and my father can fire breathe.” He gave little motions as he went. “They all so wonderful.”

“Heh. What about you, greenie? What’s your shtick?” Bendy waved an arm about, not noticing the joy fade from the teen across him. “You got some kinda mix of the two? Or just one or the other? That fella on the screen said something about kids getting something similar too, right?”

“I...do not have.” His words felt heavy upon leaving him. “It is rare, but I have no quirk. I am…quirkless.”

“Oh…My bad. Didn’t mean to bring the mood down like that.” A hand rubbed along the black silhouette while looking around the room. “Those, uh…heroes sounded pretty neat, huh? Never thought those would be a thing before. Crazy, right?”

“Yeah, they are amazing.” A relieved sigh came upon seeing the joy rekindled. “I have always wanted to be one. Helping people no matter what.”

“That would be something. Not a lot of quirkless heroes, though, are there?”

Silence followed with neither sure how to break through. Pie-cut eyes darted around the many faces smiling down upon them curiously, and gloved hands came together above raised knees while thoughts continued to race by. Soon, the tail at his side stretched to life with a noticeable smile as bright as the hero memorabilia around them. 

“If you don’t got a quirk, then why don’t I give you one?”

Glazed orbs of emerald stared blankly at first, not fully registering the proposal. Only when the end of his tail pointed towards him did the intentions made become known.

“What?!” Confusion took hold even after clearing his throat. “What you mean?”

“I mean what I said, greenie. You don’t got a quirk, or whatever, so let me give you one.”

“W-Why?”

Bendy motioned to the journal. “It’s the least I can do. If it wasn’t for you, there’s no telling how long I’d still be stuck in that thing. Not to mention you’re even willing to help me and put me up here in the meantime. It would be an insult to me as a demon to not repay that kinda generosity; hell, as a man even. What do you say?”

An open palm outstretched to Izuku with a smile as bright as the sun. Hesitation kept the teen still, not sure of whether to accept or forego the generous offer out of his predicament. As the answer rose to meet the devil, Izuku froze as memories flashed by in rapid succession revealing countless instances of inadequacy towards his dreams. Hurtful insults, blatant segregation and discrimination, unprovoked beatings, the teen felt all that and more surface in a painful slap to his wounded pride and fractured hope. With another instance come and gone, thoughts revolved around the blonde who spear-headed many of the traumatizing incidents that befell his being; soon shifting to his most hurtful lashing of them all paired with words that continued to haunt well into his present. 

A white-knuckled grip grew at his lap as tears dared to free themselves, though they were withheld as attention returned to the devil before him. The offer made, and the genuine gratitude shown kindled whatever remnants of hope remained deep within himself. Dreams that were spat upon dared to hold meaning as they once had before their decade-long beating at the kindness reaching out to meet him. 

He happily reached for it.

“It is a deal.”

Determination grew upon Izuku while meeting Bendy’s gaze. Upon releasing one another, a curious look hit emerald eyes.

“How...does work?”

“Oh, right. Uh…” The devil took several steps back. “Just open your mouth and hold still.”

Bendy began to stretch, winding his arms like propellers before kneeling to a sprinter’s stance. His eyes looked up to see Izuku following the odd request and gave a mischievous grin.

“Ready or not…”

Rather than a mad dash, a large leap lunged Bendy through the air while his solid shape slowly reverted to liquid.

“Here I come!”

The now liquid form flying through the room quickly made its way into the open mouth without a drop missing its target. Feeling the cold, viscous fluid slither down his throat, Izuku squirmed in place; more shocked at the act than the horrid taste plaguing his mouth black. Furious coughs erupted well into the disgust he felt to accompany the slew of tears cascading beyond freckled cheeks as each breath continued to fight its way out. Even as the coughing slowed and the tears found a stopping point, the disgust remained, though it spread far beyond the confines of his throat and stomach; eventually turning to a feeling unbeknownst to him throughout his body. Vision began to blur while what little remained clear spun horribly in all manner of directions, pulling his body with every sway of the room around. Legs that stumbled their every step finally failed under the numbness coiled around their being to cause Izuku to fall to his knees with his spinning gaze aimed at the ceiling. 

Winds that erupted from the vents pressed against his still being before finally knocking him to the ground fully with a deep black overwhelming whatever remained of his sight. The time between each breath grew longer until no more wind circulated in his lungs, leaving a choking emptiness that continued to wound his nonresponsive body. With the last fragments of light still amidst his stare, a single image remained embedded into his thoughts before finally falling to the whims of the black nothingness; the journal that sparked the delve into this unknown. 

Chapter Text

Piercing white light erupted from the darkness consuming a stirring Izuku before color rushed his being. Endless, sharp rings bounced through either ear and throughout his head, thumping with the beat of his heart to a throbbing pain that held no foreseeable end amidst his sluggish moans. Bringing an arm to shield himself from the blinding light of his surroundings offered little respite for a moment of adjustment, though the ringing continued long into his eye's relief. Moments with the agonizing reverberation within his head remained before finally releasing their hold upon him through their dulled echoes leaving the confines of his mind. 

“Ugh…when did I fall asleep?” He thought aloud with a yawn. “Wait, why am I on the floor? Where’s…”

His mind flashed for an instant, allowing images of what transpired prior to his wake to surface in a burst of thought. Curious eyes looked around before falling to the journal resting at his side, its contents still open to view. Through an apprehensive reach, the leathery cover once more rested within his grasp to inspect what lay beneath. One after the other, pages flipped by with increasing speeds as none held so much as a single word or phrase amidst their blank emptiness. 

An empty smile appeared upon shutting it.

“That’s right.” Izuku huffed under his breath. “That whole thing must have been a dream; it had to have been. As if there’s such a thing as devils in journals. Come on, Izuku. I must be insane to believe it was real.”

If it was so crazy, then why did you agree?

Both eyes shot open in shock upon a familiar voice entering earshot. Harsh uncertainty rose with the discovery of his solitude in the otherwise empty bedroom despite the voice heard appearing as if it were at his side. 

“Okay, maybe I really am going insane…”

“Well, that’s debatable. Making a deal with a devil certainly ain’t helping your case, though.”

Murky black slithered beyond his skin in a viscous maw that rested at his shoulder. The dark streak separated, shedding its liquid state in favor of solid form in way of a familiar silhouette now perched at his shoulder; a large grin flashing to meet the teen.

“Heya, partner-”

“AAAAAAAHHHH!”

Jumping terror filled Izuku’s wail that bounced throughout the room, though it quickly silenced when a hand slapped freckled cheeks.

“Geez. Warn a fella if you plan on screaming that loud. Nearly blew my eardrums out.” Pie-cut eyes watched the teen rub his cheek. “You good?”

“Yeah, sorry.” Moments passed before curiosity peaked, prompting Izuku to turn to the devil at his shoulder. “Wait, how are you speaking Japanese now? Also, what happened?”

“Eh, not much. I got sick of that whole language barrier, so I took a peek at your memories to get acquainted with your language; among a few other things.” His fingers rose as the list broadened. “All in all, you were only out cold for about an hour or so; plenty of time for the powers to kick in. I also took the liberty of finishing the transfer off with a little makeover, free of charge." 

“…You looked through my memories? Also…makeover?”

“See for yourself.”

The devil slithered back beneath his skin, prompting a squirm at the odd sensation of liquid ink flooding his insides. Izuku rose to his feet upon a breath, his slowed pace fueled by his curiosity and anxiousness at the news while fighting the lingering numbness in his legs when entering the bathroom down the hall. With the flick of a switch, a stranger appeared where his reflection should have stood.

Verdant locks that sprouted from the teen at his youngest age withered to a pitch dark that mirrored the night itself, baring twin, ashen horns that erupted beyond the blackened maw to a wave-like motion; each baring thin, ivory streaks that weaved about in all manner of directions. Skin graced with the sun's warmth and love now bleached to a blinding white that enveloped wherever the cloth of his uniform allowed him to see, the patch of freckles at either cheek matching the midnight shade atop him. While feeling around in disbelief, nails that grew beyond bleached flesh bore shadowy hues, taking note of how they mimicked the varying shades of gray coating the inners of his agape mouth. Attention remained sporadic, darting from one aspect of himself to another before leaning closer to stare deep into the reflection of what allowed him to see all the alterations to his being.

Eyes of brilliant emeralds that witnessed all he had known were now distorted to a piercing moonstone surrounded by a bottomless, obsidian ocean reflecting an eerie, self-image amidst the darkness. Excitement for the change, fear of no return, sadness for the loss of resemblance to his family, and emotions far beyond were stunned over what to think over the degree of the transformation he saw. 

“I…I…”

“Speechless, huh? Even I’m impressed.”

“...This is incredible.” A smile grew while further examining. “Thank you, Bendy. I look kind of like you now.”

“Aw, shucks.” Bendy appeared through his flesh, hopping down to the counter with a smile. “Not too shabby if I do say so myself. The tail definitely completes the look in my opinion.”

“Tail?”

Almost upon its mention, a sudden addition of weight appeared just above the waistline. Upon turning back, ivory eyes gleamed at the sight of the long, snake-like appendage trailing from his body and to the floor; its shape and style matching the devil down to the pointed tip. Following in the footsteps of the horns above, thin, ivory streaks coated the blackened frame well beyond the length that poked beyond the hole in his uniform. Light flicks and movement appeared through strained flexes before letting it slack back to its limp position against the floor. 

“…That is the coolest thing I have ever seen.”

“Hehe, glad you like it. How about we check out the powers now?”

Izuku turned his attention back to Bendy, surprised by the apparent news.

“You mean this isn’t even the power you gave me? There’s really more?”

“Damn skippy. Go back to your desk, and I’ll show you.”

The two left with excitement in their pace before returning to the bedroom. Upon seating before the desk, the devil once more left his host to rummage about until a sheet of paper sat alongside the untouched fountain pen. All the while curiosity plagued Izuku with nothing but a gleeful smile offered whenever he questioned.”

“All right, partner. First, take this and prick your finger.”

Gloved hands motioned to the fountain pen before it entered the teen's grasp, though hints of apprehension appeared at the thought of the request. The cold, metal point rested against his finger, giving a glance to Bendy with a sigh. Slowly, pressure increased against his flesh, eliciting a wince through a short-lived pain while feeling the sensation of his blood being drawn. Whatever sting lingered after the tip left its mark paled when shock overcame his gaze at the sight of the wound made. Rather than the expected crimson liquid, a viscous black droplet perched itself atop the open wound. The change left little impact, however, compared to the magnitude of the rest of his outward appearance, leaving any worries far behind in favor of further instruction. 

“Good. Now, draw something with it; anything at all.”

Izuku once more complied, no longer as hesitant, allowing the dark fluid to saturate the pen’s tip with a press into the bloody drop. With no ideas of what to make, the teen opted for something simple rather than waste time mulling the possibilities. Slowly, the pen danced along the page, filling the silent room with the faint echoes of each stroke until a lone image sat at the center of the nothingness.

A rose, crude and roughly put together with the strokes made captured the two’s attention. No response came from either while staring at the drawing, leaving an unfortunate silence in its wake.

“I mean, I did say anything.” The devil scratched at his chin. “Eh, it doesn’t matter. Let’s get on with it. I’ll help you this time since it’s your first use. Focus on the image and imagine pulling at it. It shouldn’t be too hard, but you will need to focus a bit.”

Ivory eyes looked perplexed at the image before nodding along. Raising a hand to the drawing, Izuku felt every muscle within it flex as attention narrowed upon his creation. Sensations unbeknownst edged beneath bleached flesh after a moment's pause until the lines drawn were seen shifting against their two-dimensional constraints. Surprise demanded to take control, though it stifled down under the desire to finish the action; placing all efforts into what was felt within. Soon, the page once more was rendered blank as what once laid in its midst now hovered over it in a three-dimensional light. 

“Did…Did I do that?”

Bendy nodded. “Pretty neat huh?”

He picked up the hovering rose, examining it closely.

“Whatever you draw with your-or our blood comes to life with a little energy. They ain’t exactly indestructible, but they can take a beating before turning back into ink. It also goes without saying that larger or more complex things will take more out of you than something like this, but I’m sure we can practice as we need to. This is the power you’ll be dealing with from now on, though, so…”

Sniffles heard caused the devil to return attention to Izuku, noticing black droplets trailing beyond freckled cheeks. Despite the apparent crying, a joyous smile appeared with every moment spent eyeing the onyx rose through a teary gaze. 

“H-Hey, partner, what’s wrong?”

“I’m so happy. After all this time, I finally have a chance. I can finally be a hero now thanks to you.” He reached up to wipe away the tears falling past him. “Hehe. Even my tears are ink now.”

Seeing the teary mess laugh in between cries soon brought a laugh to Bendy himself. For a time, all that could be heard beyond the silent apartment were the messy, playful laughter that the duo relished with great joy. Through flurries of residual tears being wiped away, ivory eyes continued to stare in amazement at what his actions rot.

“This is incredible, Bendy. What else can we do?”

“Hm…Not sure.” Gloved hands rubbed along the back of his head. “To be honest, I never really explored much of my powers. Most of my time back in the day revolved around the studio and working on all sorts of crap, so this is all I know. Not sure if there’s more to me than this, or if I’m just some one-trick pony. Either way, though, this is a pretty decent start.”

“Yeah. Guess that means we’ll be learning together.” Izuku raised a fist to Bendy. “Right, partner?”

The gesture was happily returned with a wide grin.

“Damn skippy!”

Determination became ablaze in the two with neither needing to speak further for their thoughts to be heard. Goals that now held hope for success graced either's thoughts amidst the quiet of newfound partnership as the rose was set aside; treating it as a prelude to what could and would be. The silence that followed remained still until a click from beyond the bedroom rose, forcing both figures to turn curiously to the cracked door.

“Izuku, sweety.” A calming voice rang. “I’m home. Mitsuki says hello.”

“Oh, okay.”

Izuku rose to his feet and proceeded to the door instinctively to greet his mother only to stop just shy of the frame. Ivory eyes looked down to bleached skin and the altered appearance, eventually shifting towards the devil sitting at his desk.

“How was your day, sweety?”

The teen sighed under his breath, motioning Bendy to follow.

“It’s been a hell of a day, mom.” The devil chuckled as they stepped out into the living room. “One hell of a day.”

----------------------------------------

“I AM HERE…I AM HERE…I AM-”

“Too loud…” Gloved hands slammed the booming alarm before fading beneath bleached skin. “Time for a few more z’s.”

Quiet once more reigned within the darkness blanketing the bedroom, sheathing the duo from whatever light and noise beyond the comforting warmth around them. Peaceful hums of breath graced the silence with the occasional stir as light etched beyond the closed curtains. Soon, the bright beams broke beyond the veil of cloth, quickly landing atop shut eyes to create great discomfort. Tired moans escaped as every twist and turn Izuku made offered little protection from the bright nuisance resting upon him, apprehensively forcing his eyes to open despite the demands his drowsiness forced. 

“Ugh…what time is it?”

Don’t care. Sleep now.

Despite the tempting urge to further rest, Izuku shifted towards the alarm at his side. Ivory eyes strained to focus beyond the stray light rays that sheathed the scarlet digits signaling the time, offering a grunt before finally moving the device into the vast darkness of the room.

“Eight o’clock in the morning…”

His voice crawled out with a yawn, returning the clock to its previous place upon the dresser as his gaze returned shut. The comfort of his pillow slammed back into obsidian locks to accompany a relaxed sigh with his body once more resting upon the cushion of his bed. Drowsiness that continued to snake its way along his being slowly dragged what little consciousness that remained down into the warm embrace of slumber with the last thoughts falling to the time read at his side. 

“Oh, crap!”

The teen practically leaped from his position on the bed and over the side, slamming into the hardwood floor with the rest of his body still in the throws of being woken. Short-lived pain from the fall aided in the urgency of consciousness returning with a hand rubbing where it lingered longest. 

“Hey, what gives? Go back to sleep.”

Bendy materialized from the rushed mess stumbling about, still groggy and wiping his eyes of the tired lingering in his gaze. Pie-cut eyes watched curiously as Izuku jumbled and hurried through discarding his hero-themed pajamas and dawning the dark attire worn the previous day; taking care to shimmy his tail through the pre-made tear in the fabric.  

“School starts in less than forty-five minutes. We have to leave now.” A frantic explanation escaped him while a hand ran through his hair. “Come on, Bendy. Let’s go.”

“Ugh…"

The devil dramatically groaned, lazily dragging his body over to climb up the fabric along Izuku's pants and coat. With a stretch and yawn, the dark silhouette slithered beneath bleached flesh as the hurried mess subsided.

They better have coffee or something there. I hardly got enough beauty sleep cause of that damn alarm screaming at me...

The comment earned a laugh as the door opened, revealing a momentary stun at the contrasting light from the cave-like darkness of the bedroom. Upon resuming proper sight, gentle and enticing aromas caught the teen's attention as the living room and kitchen entered sight. Steam rose above an active stovetop while a lone figure stood behind the countertop separating the room from whatever culinary activities ensued. Melodies of pleasant hums to a tune unknown to the duo accompanied the varying sounds of ingredients and cutlery in use, emerald locks swaying with her given beat to match the actions made.

Temptation to approach and enjoy whatever dishes were being prepared pulled at Izuku to indulge, though time forbade any such luxury. Sighing inward, his body moved along the hall, eventually landing beside the door with his tail dragging behind; the sound of his movements eventually overtaking the noises within the kitchen. The peaceful hums fell silent as whatever was being worked on dulled their volume, following a hurried pair of footsteps towards him. Carefree and radiating kindness, Inko met his stare with a smile as warm as possible to greet him.

“Good morning, sweety. Do you have time for breakfast?”

“Sorry, mom, not today.” Izuku grabbed his shoes and knelt to slide on the crimson footwear. “I’ll just wait until lunch. See you after school.”

“Hang on.”

The teen stopped as he reached for the doorknob, lowering his hand back to his side before turning back to meet an anxious gaze. Something lingered beneath emerald eyes that forced a hand to reach out and rest upon freckled cheeks, hoping to hold onto whatever it was that needed to be conveyed. Neither spoke a word, rather the smile in Inko returned, though it mimicked the forced one seen many times prior, rot with worry for whomever it aimed upon. 

“Good luck out there, Izuku. Be safe, okay?” Bleached fingers met the hand still resting atop his cheeks. “And…Bendy? Take care of my son. He’s in your hands, so don’t let anything happen to him. Please.”

The devil appeared from a trail of ink, offering a wink and a smile to Inko’s plea.

“Don’t you worry, Mrs. M. I’ll keep an eye on the little troublemaker here for ya. You have my word as a devil that he will be a model student with me around.”

Clear embarrassment appeared as a dusting of gray peppered his face at the words given. Worry that leaked from his mother's voice continued to stick to him as the feeling remained embedded within her silent gaze. With a calming breath, Izuku reached out to offer a brief embrace, wrapping his arms over his mother's before releasing back to his previous state; a smile as bright as possible flashing as he looked at her. 

“Mom…I’ll do my best.”

----------------------------------------

Cool morning winds graced the duo along their walk beneath a cloudless sky, offering a momentary bliss from the heat soon to come. Light grunts occasionally appeared with the hope of allowing the tail dragging behind them to hover just above the ground only to be left more tired than before as it continued to be pulled along the sidewalk. Clamorous birds could be heard from all directions, flying off to wherever their hearts desired while early commuters would often appear before vanishing with a turn amidst the maze-like neighborhood. Through all the passing homes and paths, yawns filled with the desire for sleep could be felt beneath bleached flesh and served as the only distraction from the otherwise silent commute. 

Gotta say, partner, that mother of yours is really something. Most folks would have run for the hills if they found a genuine devil like me, but she took the news like you just won the lottery. I could have done without the waterworks, though; thought she was gonna flood the place.

Izuku felt a smile appear within at recalling the sight.

“Yeah. She and I sort of do that when we get a certain way.”

I noticed.

Laughter appeared at the thought of the night prior. The anxiousness while explaining the situation and surprise at the reaction given offered the duo more than an exhausting evening filled with answers to the many inquiries given. While worries were expressed, the fact that even the altered appearance was accepted removed a hefty weight from the teen that had gone unnoticed until its vanishing; black droplets falling beyond freckled cheeks soon appeared to accompany the tearful torrents erupting before him. For all the time spent getting used to the unorthodox circumstances throughout the night, not a moment desired to be traded for the warm embrace the mother offered at the end.  

Inadequacies that ordinarily plagued him felt nonexistent at recalling the kindness shown, letting ivory eyes trail up momentarily at the bright skies with joy aplenty. Either devil continued to comment on the evening before other such topics arose to leave the former silence far behind. A smile brimming with delight flashed to the world with the events of his present, only faltering when bumping into something. 

“What the hell?!”

An irritated voice boomed causing an all too familiar panic in Izuku upon looking down to whom it belonged. Now more than before had the distorted skin tone been viewed as a blessing, wondering how pale he may have looked otherwise. 

“K-K-Kacchan?”

Fury that burned within crimson eyes faltered when they met the fear beneath an unexpected, ivory stare rather than the usual emerald orbs. Katsuki eyed up the odd appearance and felt the rage within rekindle upon seeing the same scared yet concerned look that hung atop Izuku’s face.

“What the hell are you wearing, Deku?” His prey cowered upon his rising. “Some shitty costume won’t make you any closer to that damn fantasy of yours, you quirkless loser. You’re lucky I’m running late, otherwise, I’d kill you for even looking at me, and once more for bumping into me!”

“T-twice?”

Izuku’s gaze darted about, favoring anything that was not the explosive blonde. Panicked, black droplets formed in the way of a nervous sweat when crackles could be heard erupting from open palms. The frightened teen felt his legs shiver as daggers continued to pierce him from the livid expression that kept steady upon his classmate. A single step forward forced Izuku to back up for fear of what may follow; his body noticeably flinching before the miniature explosions ceased.

“That’s what I thought.” Katsuki huffed before turning to face the path. “The next time you pull that shit, I'll make you wish you took my fucking advice the other day. Remember your fucking place, you useless Deku.”

Obsidian locks lowered to the pavement in defeat. The sting of his former friends’ insults held all the same lethality despite the lingering tired from the morning. Every word played on loop, bringing Izuku’s fists to ball and tighten until they became a steely grey from the ink that flowed beneath bleached flesh. His teeth grit, angry for not standing up for himself, but his chance had come and spat upon him with little resistance given in his name.

His mouth opened to speak up only for a slap along his cheek to stop him.

“What the hell was that?!”

Izuku looked to meet a surprising fury in the pie-cut eyes that manifested at his shoulder.

“W-What?”

“Don’t you act clueless, damnit. You just let that guy walk all over you.” Bendy motioned to the blonde far outside of earshot. “You seriously gonna just stand there and take that asshole's lip without so much as a word? Well?"

“I…I-I…”

“Fine. I’ll do it.”

“W-What?”

Color faded from view as a murky emptiness overcame all that Izuku saw. A strange numbness grew until all the feeling in his body was relinquished in a cold emptiness without end. Ivory eyes soon shrouded over, sheathed beneath a pool of ink that seeped down from the darkness of his hair; eventually stopping as the viscous fluid reached freckled cheeks. Shoulders rolled to a crack to follow his wrists as a wicked smile grew through the continued crackle of bone. Through a satisfied breath, a low cackle escaped his smile, brimming with mischief and pleasure while keeping attention upon the figure still walking away.

“Hey, Blondie!” A hand raised to help carry his call. “How about you say that again? I couldn’t hear those empty threats over the sound of your whiny voice!”

His voice carried far, well enough to stop Katsuki in his tracks with a feral expression quickly rising. The explosive blonde made a slow stride back where he came, and the devil across the way followed. Tired and unbridled fury reigned supreme beneath crimson eyes while only a distorted and disturbed smile remained its only response. The silent stare down kept steady until the two stood parallel to one another with only a few inches to separate boiling rage from the sick pleasure.

“What the fuck did you just say to me, Deku?” Katsuki’s voice lost the loud energy it usually held in favor of a low, powerful silence. “How about you say that again? I don’t think I heard you from over there. It sounded like you wanted to die before school even starts.”

Smoke began to rise from an open palm, making way for the crackle of miniature explosions to follow. The threat did nothing to deter the devil as he only stood unflinching to match the tension emitting from the encounter.

“Wow, never thought you could be more than an obnoxious prick, but I guess even rabid mutts like yourself go deaf at some point, blondie. I said I couldn't hear all those empty threats back there; the whiney voice you got really makes it hard to pay attention to anything you say. So, how about enlightening me and repeating yourself a little more clearly this time, unless you're too scared to see what'll happen if you try. If so, then maybe I can forgive you if you apologize real nice for me." He leaned forward, letting the full length of his smile show. "How about it, blondie?"

The unflinching expression offered caused crimson eyes to falter their rage, quickly returning as they narrowed upon their target once more. Teeth grit through the seething fury within as the smokey aroma increased with the accompaniment of crackling explosions. 

“I guess you got a death wish, after all, Deku. If you're too chickenshit to do the rest of us a favor and end your pathetic existence on your own, then I guess I'll do you a mercy on your way to hell."

A feverish hiss erupted from open palms with the explosions growing in size. Letting lose a grin more feral than even Katsuki assumed possible, his eyes turned bloodshot as they narrowed upon their target. 

“And let you die by the hands of the future number one!”

Discarding his bag, Katsuki lunged forward with an open palm erupting with heavy explosions; each one growing in size as they neared the unhinged smile present. Mischief that leaked from the monochromatic teen's expression remained as the series of combustions were sidestepped without a care to be shown. With the attack dealt with, surprise could be seen amidst crimson eyes as they met the blackened maw now comfortably in his peripherals. High above the abyssal black of his hair, an open hand could be seen rising to a chop before being thrust back down. The bleached blow met its mark swiftly with gravities aid, slamming hard into the spiky mess of blonde hair with a gust of air to follow. 

With the blow complete, the shock that embedded into the blonde's stare faded into a stark nothingness that followed the rest of his being. Soon, the momentum of the initial strike threw the now non-responsive body sliding along the pavement with the blunt of the fall being taken into his face. Echoes of the crackling explosions remained before the cold silence of the day returned to the satisfaction of the victor. 

“Never mess with a devil, blondie."

Color returned to ivory eyes as the ink that seeped down his face withdrew. The tall, confident posture the teen’s body sported quickly fumbled when everything rushed to his senses in a feverish blow that sent him stumbling back. Stinging pains that poked in the back of Izuku’s head rang furiously for a moment, forcing his hands to clutch onto his head in hopes of regaining himself.

“…What…What the hell was that…” Rampant breaths passed while his hands hovered by his cheeks. “What just happened? I was…here, but I wasn’t… What happened, Bendy?”

The devil appeared, hopping down to where Katsuki lay.

“Relax, partner. I just took over for a second. Nothing to fuss over.”

“‘Took over’? You mean you can just…” Bleached hands motioned around his body. “Control my body whenever you want?”

“Pretty much, yeah. That blonde shmuck was really pissing me off, so I figured that if you weren’t gonna teach him a lesson, then I would.” A light kick was given to the still body. “He ain’t dead if you’re wondering. I just knocked him out.”

“…Okay, look,” The initial shock of the news faded, but a look of worry quickly took its place. “From now on, if you want to take over, please warn me first. Also, I know Kacchan is…difficult, but please don’t hurt him.”

“Why not?” Bendy cocked an eyebrow while his hands met his hips. “He was being a total jerk to you. Back in my day, a fella would be lucky if he wasn’t knocked on his ass for acting like that in public. Letting some jerk like him walk all over you without putting up a fight only lets him know he can get away with it and then some. The fact that you defend his crap and think of him as a friend after all this is insane if you ask me.”

“I know, but…” The devil’s words played back until realization hit. “H-How did you…”

“Memories, partner. Remember?” A finger poked the black silhouette. “I didn’t see everything, but I saw enough to know blondie here ain’t a friend. Nothing but a jerk with a temper.”

Whatever argument wanted to be made fell on deaf ears as Bendy's words played back. For all he wished to fight the thought, only truth could be found in what was said. One by one, memories of countless events passed without end to the torment they resurfaced. Insults, humiliation, discrimination, and beatings, all continued to bombard the teen with the person he once called a friend delivering the lion's share of each. Pain long since repressed welled up at the realization of the situation, tears poking away at their restraints in hopes of freedom being withheld at the magnitude of despair now present. 

Reality hit hard while a steely grip overcame the tightened clench of his fists over the blatant ignorance he clung to. Thoughts unbeknownst emerged, flooding with hatred aimed at the unconscious body at his feet; only being stifled with a thought grounding him to the present. 

“Wait, school!” He borderline screamed while turning to focus on Bendy. “We’re going to be late. Come one.”

“Alright, alright. Let's go.” Bendy dissolved back beneath bleached skin.

The two hurried along, though pausing to glance back at the blonde before continuing. Izuku gripped the straps of his bag tight while running and dodging past others along the path, still reeling from what he had seen and felt.

“…Thanks.” He muttered under a breath.

A smile could be felt growing within at the sentiment.

Anytime, partner.

----------------------------------------

Ding-Dong Dong-Ding…Ding-Dong Dong-Ding

Echoes of the school bell could be heard throughout the building, signaling the inhabitants to their positions and begin the day. Despite the hurried pace set long into his arrival, Izuku cursed under his breath when the classroom door remained just outside of reach as the final ring fell silent. Upon catching his breath, the door slid open before finally reaching his destination with a rushed step inside.

“Sorry, sensei. I didn’t mean to be late.”

His words stumbled out, still reeling from having rushed through the halls to make it as soon as he did. As ivory eyes met the teacher, there was no malice or condescending glint to his gaze that could be seen. Rather than the traditional verbal abuse the mornings were wrought with, a hush befell the class as all eyes remained upon his position in the doorway with a mixed set of emotions. Worry quickly appeared with more attention coming to his presence than preferred, causing the tail at his back to brush along the floor with anxious stirs at his back. 

“I’m sorry, but I believe you have the wrong class. Unless I wasn't informed of a new student, you may be in the wrong class, young man.”

The teacher finally spoke up from the quiet plaguing the room, and the worry in Izuku slowly turned to confusion with the silence following his response. Such feelings reigned for a moment until looking down at bleached hands to realize the cause of the shared bewilderment; finally pointing to himself with a sheepish smile before addressing the problem.

“A-Actually, sensei, it’s me, Izuku Midoriya. My uh…quirk…finally showed up yesterday.”

Surprise filled the curious gazes of the room with a sea of whispers growing among the students. With many being audible holding positive tones, dustings of gray peppered freckled cheeks through a light embarrassment at the mild praise given.

“Oh…congratulations then.” A cough escaped while breaking the chatter. “W-Well then, don’t worry about being late. It was only a few seconds anyway. Go ahead and take your seat so we can begin homeroom.”

Shock quickly overcame ivory eyes before Izuku bowed in thanks. Through one pardon after another, he navigated the rows of seats filling the room before coming up to the one that housed an abundance of irksome memories. Upon situating his belongings, countless eyes filled with intrigue and confusion kept aimed upon his person well into the teacher taking attendance; gray remaining embedded into his cheeks as an occasional glance was stollen at either side showing no change to the students around. Eventually, homeroom started once the majority had been coerced into returning their gazes up to the board. Despite the unexpected start, things slowly returned to the norm with the exception of the giddiness that bubbled beneath bleached skin.

They loved ya, partner! They could barely keep their eyes off of ya. Betcha soon enough you'll even have a few gals wanting a little special attention if you know what I mean.

Izuku shook off the teasing within as Bendy could be felt cackling. Bleached hands eventually took up a pencil to fidget with while attention drew further away from whatever the teacher was saying.

I doubt that. They did look happy, though; at least some of them did. I'm more impressed that I wasn't told off for being a few seconds late. He didn't even give me a warning. Maybe today won't be so bad after all.

The eyes of everyone quickly drew away from whatever preoccupied them in favor of the classroom door booming open, sending flinches to those closest to it. While the echo of its opening remained long after it fell still, a stark terror quickly enveloped the monochromatic teen at what stood fuming in the doorway.

“Deku…”

A low voice hissed the detested nickname while smoke rose from clenched fists. Nervous sweats poked beyond the surface as the livid expression upon Katsuki further seethed as his gaze met its mark. Fury that bled from his being continued to grow with the smokey aroma of his quirk now seeping into the classroom; accompanying crackles of minuscule explosions were all that broke up the silence his arrival brought. Without the intimidating slam of the door behind him and endless rage boiling over, the sight of his face full of scrape marks and a lone, dried blood trail down his nose may have gone noticed. 

“Ah, Bakugou, there you are. You're fifteen minutes late. Please turn off your quirk and take your seat so we may resume."

The teacher's words did nothing to deter his gaze from Izuku, letting his mouth open to speak only to keep silent. A single huff in frustration escaped before complying with the request, silencing the explosions in his palms before making slow strides to his desk. Upon reaching the monochromatic teen, he paused for a moment to glare heavily down upon his target; the murderous intent behind crimson eyes elevated enough for everyone to see as he kicked the leg of his desk before resuming. Holding back a flinch, Izuku watched as the blonde took his seat, still feeling the tension from where he was as the class resumed.

I am going to die.

Don’t give me that quitter talk, partner. We can take him.

Both hands clutched the pencil still in his grasp, clenching it by either end while hoping to withhold any visible terror.

Bendy, I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but I am not exactly skilled in any aspect of fighting. Trust me when I say he will kill me if I try fighting him; most likely in a literal sense now that he has the motivation for it.

Oh, come on. He ain’t all that. Even you could knock him on his ass like before with a little fancy footwork and practice. If you learned anything from earlier, it should be that he ain't invincible; show some grit.

Bendy’s voice lowered to a mischievous tone before cackling could be heard within.

Trust me, if he’s looking for a fight, just let me handle it. I’ll show you how to make that jerk taste the floor in seconds before planting his ass six feet under.

…Please don’t kill my classmates.

I make no promises.

----------------------------------------

Time went by slower than anyone preferred. Every change in the subjects brought a nervousness that forced Izuku to boarder a nauseous state until the teachers arrived to begin their lessons. Despite the workload and notetaking, the monochromatic teen kept most of his attention aimed upon the blonde in front of him; every moment fearful of the event crimson eyes would turn back to his frightened gaze. The cycle of worry, fear, and relief continued to prod away at what little sanity remained amidst the unstable loop that kept a low shudder to his knees. 

With the current subject wrapping up, a sting of hunger left the worrying thoughts afar with the lunch bell signaling the break. Low grumbles escaped Izuku while pleasant aromas etched into the room through the students unveiling a variety of lunches that furthered the craving sensations within. 

Let’s get some grub already. I could use a little something too.

Fair enough. Let’s see what the cafeteria has today.

Just as he prepared to stand, many of the class inhabitants surrounded the desk to block his path with eager expressions abound. Without warning, questions fired off in all directions within and beyond his sight, each pertaining to the sudden formation of his power. Inquiries regarding the newly dawned appearance took the majority, offering their intrigue and fascination as to any underlining effects of it. Those more eager poked and prodded at what was known about its true nature with the well-known fact of his fascination for all things falling under the category of quirks. With the magnitude of attention suffocating his being, gray continued to pepper freckled cheeks as a tongue-tied stammer poked out amidst the endless questioning. 

Being forced at the center of such attentive gazes left the monochromatic teen to sink into his seat while they pestered further, unable to find a break in the enthusiasm present. Beyond the crowd of interrogating students, the faintest sight of crimson eyes poked out into view, still fuming with rage over prior events despite the passing of classes. Their fury furthered the anxiousness his classmates pushed upon him before something within aided in lessening the burden.

“W-Well,” Everyone leaned in as Izuku finally spoke up. “I don’t know everything about it yet, but so far I figured out this much.”

He sifted through his bag momentarily until out came one of his notebooks and the fountain pen from home. An empty page was opened, and just as he had done before, the metal tip pressed against bleached skin until the murky ink beneath saturated it. Mimicking previous attempts, streaks were made upon the blank emptiness until another crude rose was birthed; its style holding little improvements when looking back to the night prior. Silence overcame the crowd as his hand reached above the page and tensed under the focus given until the image shifted in place. Ink continued to pull against its flat constraints until it burst free, levitating above the paper it was created upon. 

Whispered awe erupted while bleached hands took hold of the three-dimensional piece to offer a better view for those furthest away. 

“Whatever I draw with my blood I can bring to life; it's nothing flashy or destructive, but I think it's perfect. There is still a lot I don't know about it yet, but hopefully, I can grow strong with it to help others."

Ivory eyes eventually looked from their creation to the silent crowd, their gaze still entrapped with what rested in his grip. In an instant, low praise turned to cheerful excitement at the display showcased; some poking playfully at the crude style as they passed it around while others gave requests for specific things to be made. The meek, shy nature embedded within Izuku faltered with the continued excitement for his newfound power, aiding in the mood by acquiescing to a few creations for those with simple desires before retrieving lunch. 

Feeling the high validation and acceptance offered well into the break, all the walls that guarded Izuku crumbled through the break. Conversations among those who stuck around for lunch elicited a euphoric sensation with the absence of contempt for his presence, though such feelings lessened as more images were shared around. With attention upon whatever creations he birthed, an ivory stare darted through those who gathered around to find more than the initial wonder they conveyed. Adoration that demanded more slowly lost whatever friendly tones as the requests grew in scale, letting their smiles waver to unveil connotations of something that sickened Izuku. The feelings their expressions conveyed built up before finally storing the materials away despite the pleas for him to continue; their disappointment soon failing with the bell returning them to their schedules. 

Whatever remnants of joy the interaction offered were no more, leaving behind a forced smile to hide the scowl his classmates invoked. Subjects that resumed received the bare minimum of focus while thoughts returned to the faces of those who continued to demand with false apathy. Only when the final moments before the bell neared did Izuku feel his mood soften with relief over being done for the day; eliciting a heavy sigh with the echoing chime that blessed the building.

Finally! I thought that teacher would never shut up. How the hell can you just sit there willingly like that with these guys talking about worthless crap all day, partner?

Well, not everyone wants to be here, but it's required if we want to graduate. You get used to it, though.

I doubt that.

“Yo, Midoriya, we were thinking of heading to an arcade for a bit. You wanna join?"

Hearing his name called out so casually brought a shock to Izuku as he turned to find a group nearing him, all meeting his gaze with an eager look for his response. Pleasant smiles were flashed to him, offering nothing but comradery with their offer, and for a moment, the urge to reciprocate such feelings felt high. Just as bleached lips opened to respond, another look upon their faces was all it took to dash the thoughts of acceptance in favor of a shake to obsidian locks. Yellow straps quickly slung over his shoulders as he finally got up, showing the ghost of a smile on his expression. 

“S-Sorry, but I can’t today. I have some stuff to take care of. Maybe another time...”

Before any response could rise in protest, the monochromatic teen hurried past the open door and down the hall; taking care to avoid Katsuki with an urgent jog. By the time the halls that trapped him within the building were traded for the open courtyard, the fair pace he set turned to a mad dash past the gates and into the street. Whatever scenery that passed by remained shrouded by the darkness his hair wrought as they bled into his sight with chopped breaths scratching his throat. Beads of black soon peppered and trailed down his forehead before the run had begun to slow, and soon enough, not a step further was taken despite the temptation to keep going.

Emptiness filled ivory eyes when looking back to the school’s direction, roofs and chimneys sheathing it far behind the horizon of the still blue skies above. The exhaustion that gripped tight around his every inch quickly brought a nauseous sense to his throat, though the thought of spitting up what little he had in him was shoved aside after a few deep inhales.

“What gives, partner?” Bendy grew from his shoulder before laying atop obsidian locks. “Those guys were practically begging you to join them. I thought you wanted to get in good with your class, so what's the problem -”

“Their eyes.”

Pie-cut eyes looked over to meet frustration beneath the teen's stare; his fists tightening until trickling drops of black were felt within his grasp.

“They all looked…hungry. None of them wanted to be my friend, they were just hungry for whatever I could offer now that I have power. That's all they wanted." Ink blew up to the surface against his desires. "I mean, you saw, right? You know what they're like...what they put me through. Out of all the chances they had to treat me like a person or be nice over the years, they picked now to change. Now - the day I show up with anything more than my old self had was the day they decided to offer me anything resembling kindness; pretending like all the times they put me down or treated me like trash never happened. And you know what, I almost accepted that. I almost fell for that wonderful lie..."

Light sniffles escaped the teen while Bendy worried through the silence, resting his head in his palm while looking at the concrete passing. 

“…Yeah, I noticed. When I saw those memories of yours, all it took was a few minutes to see everyone's true colors. Watching them try to sweep all their crap under the rug and pull that 'buddy-buddy' shtick made it hard to not pop out and kick their teeth in. I only kept quiet because you were happy, at least at first. I didn't want to go bumming you out now that you finally had a shot at something good, you know?"

The devil’s sentiment brought a smile despite the dissatisfaction still plaguing Izuku.

“…Did you notice when I did?”

“Yep. The greedy smiles those bastards had were something I was familiar with. I’ve seen it plenty of times back in my day. People treat you like shit until you make it big, then act all nice ‘n shit, hoping to get a piece of the action by flashing those fake smiles and pretending the past never happened." A dead laugh escaped with a sigh. "Guess some things don't change, huh?"

Silence trailed behind his final thoughts until neither knew what else to add, leaving echoes of their surroundings being all that graced their ears. Dread weighed down every step along the path while Izuku's mind lingered on the day's events; taking care not to stoke the sickness that remained quelled for the moment with his classmate's actions. Eventually, images of the encounter with Katsuki flashed, focusing rather on the devil's words and actions.

“Well,” Pie-cut eyes looked down to see a pseudo smile edging up. “I’m thankful for having one genuine friend over a room of fake ones. So, thanks, Bendy.”

The sheepish smile that now shined quickly pushed the remaining frustration away, forcing a light burst of snickering above. Soon, a hand ruffled through the teen’s hair with a matching grin flashed.

“Hey, it’s my pleasure, partner. You’re too good for those bozo’s anyway.” Bendy looked ahead, his gaze shifting about as a thought came. “So, wanna stop anywhere? I figure we got some daylight to burn still, so how’s about a detour on our way?”

“Actually, there is one place I think we should visit before anything else.” He smiled brightly up to the curious devil. “Somewhere that might help us both.”

“Oh yeah?”

The teen chuckled. “I think you’ll feel right at home there. After all, it’s a hell of a shop.”

Chapter Text

“Hello? Ms. Loches?”

Izuku called out to an empty store with echoes of the door closing close behind. No response arrived, prompting an awkward wait that left his tail to tap against the floor to whatever melody came to mind. Ivory eyes were quick to wander about the silence to notice little change in their surroundings since their previous visit. Thoughts were far and few between each moment spent amidst the stark quiet that blanketed the shop until a pair of footsteps nearing restored attention to their origin.

“Oh, hello again, Ms.-”

His words fell when the modest frame of the storeowner was not what approached. Almost matching the teen in height, the new arrival stood tall while exiting the store's backrooms with a large box in tow. The milky white locks that had become a regular sight now replaced with dark brown braids coiling around the figure's neck in a snake-like motion to sway with his every step. Gentle orbs of teal turned fatigued with a deep burgundy hue to meet the curious ivory stare before them to tell a tale of needed rest with the darkened flesh at their bottom. No warm smile that bore nothing but kindness welcomed the visit as an expressionless face laid bare upon the figure, the black face mask dawned further sheathing any emotions present. No attempt to speak arose upon nearing each other, only a single nod in acknowledgment being offered as the tired-eyed boy passed by. Izuku watched on, more curious than anything as the new arrival made their way behind the counter to disappear beneath it. Shuffling could be heard beyond the blocky surface until the figure rose back up, now clad with a green apron upon their white button-up. 

Burgundy eyes returned to Izuku with more attention to be offered, and soon, a series of gestures were made in quick succession to meet the monochromatic teen. Upon finishing, irritation could be seen bleeding into the expression present as nothing rose in response beyond a confused stare. The same motions were repeated promptly, and just as before, not a word graced bleached lips upon their end. Frustration grew more prevalent through the passing silence, though no gestures had the chance to make themselves known as another set of footsteps pulled attention elsewhere.

“Oh, Kyo, I’m sorry. I didn’t know we had a customer.”

The soft voice of the storeowner met the two happily, quickly following her arrival with a smile as gentle as the morning sun to accompany her. Ivory eyes turned to meet the peaceful gaze of teal with relief as the smile offered was returned.

“Hello, Ms. Loches. It’s good to see you.”

A pause followed his greeting, though no change came from the short woman as she eyed up Izuku.

“I’m sorry, dear, but do I know you? You don’t look familiar. Are you a friend of Kyo’s?”

Confusion traveled between either's gaze, neither understanding the other until a glance at bleached skin graced Izuku. 

“O-Oh, no. It’s me, Izuku Midoriya.” He pointed to himself. "You know, green hair and eyes? M-My quirk sort of…showed up yesterday. This is just what I look like now.”

A shift could be seen amidst teal eyes while looking over the monochromatic teen. The gentle nature of her smile wavered through the contemplation now evident with the hand resting upon her cheek only to return as the thoughts were concluded.

“Oh my, it is you.” She stepped closer. “You look so different I hardly recognize you. This new look is quite handsome on you, though I must confess, I do miss that lovely shade of green you had.”

“Y-Yeah. The new look was definitely a surprise to me as well.”

The owner nodded along, turning to face the boy patiently waiting behind the counter. His gaze turned elsewhere, not caring to interrupt the conversation present.

“Oh, have you met my grandson yet?” She motioned to the counter as attention shifted. “Kyo, be a dear and grab your whiteboard. I don’t think he will be able to understand you otherwise.”

Curiosity bloomed beneath ivory eyes as the boy reached down behind the counter after a nod in response. Momentary sifting among the contents hidden soon unveiled a small whiteboard to accompany a dark marker within his grasp. Melodies of faint squeaks rose through a patient silence for whatever wished to be conveyed upon the sleek canvas until the whiteboard turned to reveal the blackened trails made upon the empty white.

Hello, my name is Kyo Loches.

I apologize for earlier. I tend to assume people understand sign language, and often get frustrated as a result.

Hopefully, you continue being a patron for my grandmother despite my actions.

A light bow was offered, and bleached hands rose to wave off the formal apology.

“No, no. It’s okay, really.” Izuku rubbed along one of his horns as he spoke. “Since I might be coming here more frequently, I can learn a little sign language for you; at least understanding it anyway. That way you don’t have to worry about it.”

Surprise sparked briefly through Kyo’s gaze before returning to his whiteboard. Another flurry of squeaks erupted before turning it back to Izuku; the faintest pull of a smile appearing beneath his mask.

You should not force yourself on my behalf.

Though, I do appreciate the sentiment.

Another bow was offered, and the monochromatic teen felt a smile grow upon him at the act. As ink bled upon the white emptiness once more, the clattering of the marker against the floor caught the gazes of those around while it rolled about. Upon reaching to retrieve it, Kyo stopped as a gloved hand wrapped the tool in its grip to offer it back. Burgundy eyes widened as they met a wide smile beside the black silhouette that stretched to meet him, eventually trailing their gaze to find its origin stemming from bleached flesh.

“Here ya go.”

Surprise filled the room, and soon enough, ensnared the black silhouette protruding from the dark stream at the realization of the action. Life had appeared to leave Izuku with the low squeal escaping his gaping mouth before scooping the devil in his arms to shake him about.

“Bendy!” He finally spoke up. “Why. Would. You. Come. Out?

“Oh, excuse the hell out of me for doing something nice! I wasn’t thinkin’!” Bendy shot back.

“Oh, my…”

The duo ended their bickering to see an unreadable expression present upon the faces on either side of them. A hand raised to the owner’s mouth while staring at Bendy’s now fully emerged form.

“Uh…I-I can explain-”

“A sentient quirk?” Awe blossomed through her soft voice. “I don’t believe I have ever seen one before. You hear about them so rarely these days, after all; it's so fascinating. Might I take a closer look?”

Curious glances danced between either devil without a response to rise until a shrug ended the silent debate. With a hop, Bendy descended to meet the storeowner with a sway to his tail to accompany the space between them. 

“My, aren’t you something. Kyo, dear, come take a look. He’s quite the precious little thing. Reminds me of you when you were a little one.”

Red poked through the dark of his mask, and soon enough, Kyo joined in admiring the small devil. Light praise escaped the storeowner while examining before eventually turning back to Izuku.

“Your quirk is simply lovey. What is it called?”

“Oh, um…” Contemplation grew as the words seemed to evade his lips. “It’s uh…Ink…well. Y-Yeah, inkwell.”

“Inkwell?” Bendy spoke in unison with the short woman holding him up.

Bendy looked back quizzically while being released from the curious gazes around. Stretching satisfaction, the devil returned, happily climbing up to meet obsidian locks with a grin. 

“Yeah, that’s its name. And I was kind of hoping to ask you something while I was here, Ms. Loches.”

The yellow backpack shifted over his shoulders, falling to the ground with echoes of its contents knocking against one another. Upon opening the large zipper, bleached hands rummaged around momentarily before retrieving something that brought the devil's tail to perk upward.

“I was wondering if you know anything about this journal you gave me the other day. Like where did it come from, or how long you had it. I…r-really liked the style, and wanted to know if I could get more.” His hands traced along the spine, feeling over the loosely tied bow he made. “Anything would be a huge help.”

A glance came to teal eyes upon meeting the inquiry, letting her hands reach and fold behind her back while going into thought. Seeing the bobbing of her milky locks with the accompaniment of hums let the expressions within the duo grow with anticipation over the inevitable response. Finally returning her gaze to meet the journal, only a sigh erupted as the hums died.

“I’m afraid I don’t know any more than you. From the looks of it, I’d say it could have been here when I opened this store over fifty years ago. Of course, it may have come with me from the move over here.”

“Move?”

She nodded, retrieving the notebook from an outstretched hand.

“Yes. I ran this store with my mother when I was around your age back in America. The shop had been in the family for almost six generations back then, easily predating the era of uncertainty quirks brought. For all I know, one of my family members may have brought it here and forgotten it long before I packed up and moved everything here. There were plenty of things that were lost and found during all that chaos, so it's anyone's guess as to who brought it or how long it stayed here. I'm sorry, dear."

The notebook returned to bleached hands, his grip tightening with hints of disappointment bleeding into his voice.

“…No, that’s okay. Anything is better than nothing.”

Izuku once more sheathed the leather-bound anomaly beneath the fabric of his bag, promptly slinging the straps along his shoulders after a sigh. His gaze wandered to the floor for a time, not wanting to speak to allow the remnants of broken hope to fade from notice.

“Well,” Ivory eyes returned up. “I’ll look into the matter later. There's bound to be something if I look hard enough. For now, though, I will go ahead and buy a few reams of paper and fresh inkwells while I’m here. Since Bendy here helps bring drawings to life, we may as well practice in the meantime. Right?”

“Hell yeah, we should. We’ll take your finest batch of ink, ma’am.” The devil chimed.

Izuku looked up. “Aren’t they all the same?”

“Blasphemy!”

Seeing the two lightly bicker among themselves brought a fit of laughter from the storeowner as she neared. Her hand pulled them along towards the counter before waving off Kyo to retrieve what they needed, and after a short checkout, the melody of the bell following their exit rang through their ears down the sidewalk. Numbed and neutral feelings stayed steady while passing the many people flooding by; not a word to be spoken until a sigh from bleached lips.

Well, that wasn’t a total loss, right?

I mean, we’re basically no closer to an answer still, but yeah. We got some art supplies, so that’s something...

A pause followed before remorse flooded the devil’s voice.

I’m sorry, partner. I was just hoping for something more concrete, you know? I appreciate the old lady for being straight with us, but all we got out of this was what was already obvious. We still don't know when I was put there, who did it, or why. Today wasn't exactly a win in my book.

I know, Bendy. I’m sad too, but I think we both knew this was not going to be solved overnight. A lot can happen in three-hundred and thirty-seven years. The odds that the journal wasn’t burned, thrown in the ocean, or buried under a mountain of rubble or trash were already low; let alone being found. Ms. Loches did say she would help look into it, and that means there’s at least a chance she can help us find out if your friends are out there. Every bit helps.

Optimism attempted to poke through his thoughts.

I guess… She's the best lead we have right now and a pretty good way to get some half-decent ink around here. Which reminds me, of all the things to go with, your go-to name is inkwell. Why?

A sheepish smile grew while bleached hands played with the straps in their grasp. 

Well, I hadn’t really given it much thought, to be honest. Inkwell sort of came to me when I remembered that it was literally an inkwell that brought us together. It sounds kind of cheesy, but I thought it kind of felt right.

“Geeze, that’s cheesy.”

The devil's form slithered out from bleached flesh, smiling at the sentiment while resting between ashen horns. 

“So, how’s about we find a spot to practice your drawing? You’ve got a thing for roses, so let’s go somewhere you can find some references. If you’re going to be using our power, then I’ll whip those art skills into shape.”

“Hehe. Sounds good to me. A little practice before we go home would be great.”

Gloved hands shot up. “Hell yeah! Let’s go!”

----------------------------------------

“Wrong! Start over!”

Izuku groaned, examining the creation birthed from the paper with a weary grip.

“Again? What’s wrong with this one? The petals look proportionate, I detailed the hell out of the stem, and the shading looks good too. What else is there?”

“It’s too bland. There’s no life to it.” The devil snatched his host’s latest work. “It don’t matter how much detail you put in something if there’s no life in your work. You have to do more than just copy and paste what your eyes see.”

Gloved hands tossed the inky rose to the side, its body landing at the base of a pile filled with its faulty siblings atop the sea of green. Irritation bled into Izuku's stare as the newest piece disappeared among countless copies of varying quality and the time spent on each. A heavy sigh escaped, not bothering to sheath the annoyance present.

“‘Life’ this, ‘life’ that. I’m trying my best here, Bendy. Let’s just pack it up for the day.” His gaze trailed up to meet amber skies bleeding through the canopy. “I’m pretty sure dinner will be ready any minute now. Plus, I’ve been feeling kind of tired for a while now.”

“Oh, no you don’t.” Bendy dragged his eyes down to him. “We’re not going anywhere until you get this right. Artists don’t half-ass their work.”

“Ugh. Fine…”

Bleached fingers wrapped around the loose fountain pen at their side before nearing a fresh sheet of paper. A single finger reached to the pen’s tip, pressing against the cold metal before opening a gash along its length. Murky ink covered the sharp point, and a shaky hand cautiously attempted its latest piece. Slowly but surely, the image birthed upon the blank canvas hit completion; several glances at a reference being made along the way.

With his work done, the pen fell to his side before forcing the image to life. Just as all the others, the blackened rose crept off the page into a hovered position above a tired hand.

“How’s this?”

Bendy marched over, plucking the creation promptly without missing a beat. His eyes inspected all about the latest piece, carefully turning it to see every possible angle; specks of the setting sun glistening off its frame. The devil’s tail flicked between the grass blades below while audible grunts peppered past closed lips.

“Eh, I mean, it’s better. You definitely didn’t skip out on any detailing, but I still feel like it’s missing something…” A shrug followed his voiced thoughts before staring at the mountain of failures. “You’re close, partner, but not quite there. We’ll go ahead and do a few more. Let’s wrap this up already-”

The sudden slam against the dirt halted the devil’s words, his gaze turning to see a limp Izuku lying face-first in the dirt; light breaths brought muffled noises escaping the dirt-ridden mouth.

“Partner? You okay there?” Bendy gave a light kick against the teen’s side. “Come on, get up. You can’t just pass out on me here. How the hell am I supposed to get you home? You’re too heavy!”

One push after another against the immobilized body left an annoyed expression upon the devil when no progress arose, bringing several frustrated attempts of futile shoves accompanied by snarled swears. A winded sigh escaped upon leaning against Izuku’s torso while onyx eyes looked out to the amber skies. The silence that surrounded them peacefully mixed with echoes of the city in the distance, and the various melodies that the evening brought a moment of tranquility despite the situation.

All until Bendy’s expression soured at a thought.

His gaze scanned the branches that towered above him until the sight of a nest caught his attention. A mother bird returning to a batch of chirping younglings that grew more audible by the second rested against the tree’s thick frame.

The devil’s hand raised up and above his head, cupping slightly while taking a low inhale. Melodic whistles exited his lips, slowly growing in pitch before matching the chirps above. Soon enough, a head poked out from the nest, answering every tune brought out with one of equal style. The impromptu duet went on with one breath after another, eventually prompting the bird above to glide down to land atop an outstretched hand; another song at the ready with a puff of its chest.

Gloved fingers pet along the bird's back, gently stroking away at the soft feathers that covered it. Witnessing the satisfied state his actions brought it left a grin to poke away at Bendy’s lips; the joy fading as his free hand rested atop along its back.

“Sorry, little guy. It’ll only hurt for a second…”

A painful cry suddenly emerged after Bendy’s hushed words. Wings flapped frantically to escape the devil’s grip only to be restrained by greater pressure. Desperate pecks against gloved hands appeared between cries, each one hardly bringing a flinch. All the while whispered apologies passed the restless expression now plastered upon him.

All until the cries silenced.

The relentless jerking about and attempts at freedom stopped until the bird laid still in Bendy’s grip. Its wings became motionless and dangled loosely outside the prison that entrapped it, and onyx eyes looked down to the lifeless corpse that rested within his grasp with gritted teeth.

“Come on. It’s already done. There’s no undoing it, so finish it already.”

Within seconds, brown feathers darkened to a midnight shade, forcing a liquified state to overwhelm the corpse. Any color or semblance of its previous form faded as the now monochromatic bird caved inwards, swirling and contorting until a black ball hovered amidst Bendy’s palm. The devil gazed deeply into the murky orb of his own making, passing a glance up to the nest of frantic offspring with painful thoughts bubbling to the surface in way of an ink droplet down his cheek.

“Damnit…”

----------------------------------------

Onyx pie-cut were the first things ivory eyes opened to. Though upside down, Bendy’s expression still became overjoyed when a groggy moan escaped the teen below.

“Bendy…what happened?” His gaze trailed side-to-side. “Are we still in the park?”

“Yeah. We never left. You sort of passed out from using our power too much.” Bendy motioned behind where the stack of failed works laid. “Your blood is the backbone of whatever you do with the power. I forgot that people get tired and stuff when they lose enough blood. How…how are you feeling?”

“Actually,” A roll of the shoulder let out a light pop. “Better than usual. A little tired, but yeah. Weirdly okay… Wait, how long was I out?”

“A few minutes.”

“Hold on,” Confusion budded beneath his voice. “That sounds too quick. If I passed out from lack of blood, then shouldn’t I be out cold for a while?”

Izuku’s thoughts slowly became more vocalized under his breath, cycling through countless scenarios that may have resulted in his wake. Hearing the many possibilities pass by, Bendy felt a burden upon himself, bringing his gaze to lower to the ground. A grimace slowly replaced the signature grin the devil wore well, the act quickly being noticed before more thoughts were voiced.

“Bendy? What’s wrong?”

“You want to know how you woke up so fast?” Onyx eyes kept distant, favoring the grass blades below to his host. “I’ll show you.”

The devil made a hesitant stride up to Izuku, saying nothing more even upon dissolving beneath bleached skin. Worry plagued the teen’s thoughts, though he withheld voicing it when a voice returned to his head.

‘First, prick the palm of your hand like you’re preparing to draw. Only don’t bother to let the tip catch the ink.’

The fountain pen cautiously met Izuku’s grip, slowly pressing against an open palm. Black soon broke free to the surface where it sat patiently amidst the pale white of his hand.

‘Now, you see that tree next to you?’ A nodded response came before continuing. ‘Go up to it and press that ink against it.’

Izuku complied, though slowed his pace upon noticing the somber tone of voice within. His palm pressed against the bark of the tree with a faint sting, and let it rest before receiving what was next.

“Now what?”

Bendy kept silent, not wanting to respond until a sigh was felt within the teen.

‘Now…you have to focus for a second. Imagine that ink in your hand poking through the bark and wood beneath it. Sort of like how you focus when you’re bringing one of your drawings to life.’ Forced optimism bled into his voice. ‘I can give you a hand if you need it, but try for yourself, yeah?’

Nothing passed Izuku’s lips, rather his attention remained upon the tree before him. Through closed eyes and grit teeth, his mind kept forcing an image to help focus on such an outlandish concept. Moments passed with no result, and soon, a sigh released the feelings of frustration growing before attempting once more. Steadied breathes repeated, allowing his mind to center on the droplet still pressed against the bark. Its fluid body flattened atop the rough surface, searching for the countless openings housed among it. Little by little, Izuku thought and envisioned the murky black seep into and past the hard exterior of bark before beginning to do so against the wood beneath. The motions followed, bringing the ink to find its entryway within until it felt centered enough to lose the thought.

‘Okay, now comes the easy part. Let go.’

Ivory eyes opened, soon releasing his grip upon the tree to see a stain where the ink once sat. Few steps were taken back, allowing the teen to gaze up to the tree’s full body curiously, anticipation ablaze throughout his every move.

All as the stain spread its reach.

Browned and moss-peppered bark rapidly assimilated to the monochromatic hue that once sat in a single space. Shock and amazement filled Izuku’s gaped mouth as the color from the lively tree faded up to the leaves above. The various shades of green that sheltered them from the heavens fell to a midnight tone that brought a single leaf to fall to an open palm; its new texture the same as the roses before it.

“What the hell…”

‘Now, give it a second. It’ll kick in faster if you focus.’

“Focus? On what?”

Before a response could arise, the leaf within his grasp turned to fluid that trickled and poured down to the ground. As the last drop left bleached skin, it roared back to the open hand as a raging torrent. Soon, the rest of the leaves above followed the motion, falling to gravities whim before flooding to meet the teen’s hand. Within seconds, the large tree that stood proud and rooted firm vanished beneath the hand that stained it black.

“…What…What the hell just happened…” Izuku’s only response came shakily as Bendy’s silhouette fell to the ground. “Bendy. What was that?”

“When you were passed out, I leaned against you and stared up to the canopy for a second.” The devil started, letting his legs carry him to a slow stride. “I was just thinking of what I could do to help you wake up sooner. Then, I remembered something…I’m a horrible person. Someone who’s done plenty of things that would make you run as far as you could away from me.” Onyx eyes looked back to meet concern beneath the pair of ivory. “That little trick…I don’t have a name for it, but it helps restore your ink reservoir. Sacrifice a drop or two for a full tank.”

“…Why are you sounding upset though-”

“Because that trick only works on living things.” Bendy’s voice grew horse, barely holding back the disgust he felt. “Let me ask you something. You feel great right now, right? Better than when you started drawing out here, and when you woke up, right?”

Izuku cocked an eyebrow, looking down at his open hands.

“…Yeah?”

A pause came at the questionable tone of voice. The grimace in Bendy becoming more prevalent until the devil leaned against a nearby tree, letting his back slide down along the bark before burying his face in his knees.

“…Because you absorbed the soul of that tree…and a bird too,” Bendy slowly raised his head up to the amber skies. “A soul is a powerful thing. Whenever you use that technique, you’re basically harvesting souls to fuel yourself up and make you stronger than before.”

“Bendy…”

“Ain’t that messed up? Having a power like that...” Black droplets trickled down his face while the grip along his knees tightened. “Using it on anything and anyone you want. Taking power that was never yours to begin with and leaving only the empty screams behind. They try and run away, screaming - begging you to stop, but you won’t. No, all you do is smile real big and savor every gut-wrenching wail as you snuff every last one of them out. That sickening euphoria that fills your every inch as the life that they held - their everything now forever bound to yourself with a single action. All of it because you just wanted a chance - a goddamn chance at something better. Something that was taken from you and died long ago...”

Onyx eyes looked back to Izuku, streams of ink pouring down either side as they gazed out to an unreadable look. Faint hics erupted before the tears grew in volume; futile wipes being made to clear the streams cascading down his silhouette.

“I never wanted this…”

Sniffles became more audible as a cold silence filled the space between them. Bendy’s body balled further, bringing a rocking motion to his barely muffled sobs; uncertain batches of emotions swirled about through the ivory eyes that stared through it all. The teen’s words felt insufficient as nothing that could be said would waver the unexpected distraught and sorrow before him. His hand reached out, hoping to help, though fell with a huff of breath.

Only a hand rubbing along the devil’s head served as a response. The act quickly brought the runny onyx pie-cut upright once more to see a smile offered.

Not a word graced either pair of lips as their silent stare went. Bendy’s sorrowful cries quickly escalated into an unbridled torrent of black streaking down his face before latching onto the cloth of Izuku’s uniform. Ink soaked and flowed freely along his clothes until a puddle formed beneath them, slowly growing in size with each passing moment. Shrilled sobs muffled barely against the teen while gloved hands increased their might against the fabric that took the force of such emotions. All the while the smile above never left as did the hands that pulled the devil close.

----------------------------------------

“Hey, you sure you're okay?”

“Better now, I guess…”

“Good… Do you want to talk about it? Or do you need some time?”

Onyx eyes trailed low while the devil shifted between ashen horns. His tail fell lip, dangling loosely against the teen’s neck with only a defeated huff breaking the silence.

“Honestly, I don’t know. There’s just so much that I don’t know where to begin. The studio and everything that went down, being trapped for so long, not knowing if I'm all that's left or if my friends are out there, it’s…a lot, you know? I wanna tell you – hell, you deserve to know more than anyone. I just…”

Bendy’s words fell, unable to find the right way to continue. Though the passing bodies along the sidewalk and the bustle of the late afternoon offered a myriad of sounds, the silence between either devil left a greater impact with its presence. Fighting to find an exit to the discomfort brought by his silence, a gentle pat along his silhouette caused any thoughts to falter and lead attention down to the warm glow of ivory eyes.

“It’s fine, Bendy. You don’t have to force yourself to tell me if it hurts too much. Whenever you’re ready, I’ll be here to listen.” He flashed a smile. “If you need anything, or just want someone to listen to your problems, then let me know. You’re not alone anymore because you have me now, and I have you. That's what it means to be partners.”

Ink poked out to surface along the onyx pie-cuts upon witnessing the sincerity his words carried. Light huffs escaped the devil before patting his cheeks hard.

“Hell yeah, we are!”

Seeing enthusiasm once more flourish above helped the smile in Izuku grow. With a proper kick in his step, ivory eyes looked forward with determination ablaze. The duo soon found themselves enwrapped with varied topics, not caring about the stares given as they went; nothing but carefree feelings aplenty along the walk home.

----------------------------------------

“So, care to tell me where you two were this late?"

Silent fury emitted above emerald eyes as they stared down the nervous pair before them.

“Sorry…” The two mumbled in unison, neither hoping to encore Inko’s wrath.

Chapter Text

“Let’s see…with the cost of what we bought today, that leaves…” Melodies of ink along paper filled the quiet of Izuku’s room. “Okay, that’s pretty low. That should leave me with enough for two…maybe three days if I skip lunch at school.”

Emerald eyes traveled to the walls at either side to meet numerous hero memorabilia, pride that once bubbled beneath his gaze now replaced with a gross anxiousness before moving to the boxes beside the bedframe. With the growing need for supplies to fuel the newly dedicated hobby, thoughts of upgrading and rearranging the style of his dwelling often passed by until he finally yielded to the idea; though procrastination persisted in assembling the more bulky decor. 

“Maybe I should try selling some of these. That might be my best option if these purchases keep going…The limited-edition stuff will be fine, but the rest I can always come back for when I have the cash.”

The laptop at his side opened to flash a blinding white before the varied windows and tabs revealed themselves with the password’s entry. Audible clicks brought semblances of rhythmic tunes that carried well into the silent browsing of opened sites before a heavy sigh pushed beyond bleached lips.

Now, I just have to wait for an offer on them. That could take a while though. What else is there?

Contemplation overtook the disappointment beneath his thoughts as the options raced by, many appearing only to be cast aside when deemed impossible. Mindless tapping of his tail along the foot of his chair continued to blur away while obsidian locks tilted every few moments. Through the few remaining, Izuku’s gaze shifted about as they were looked upon further.

I doubt I could get a job right now even if I lied on the resume. Although, I could try asking Ms. Loches if she needs any help around the store…

The tapping of his tail continued to grow in speed, bordering on the verge of vibration along the surfaces it struck.

What else is there...

Keys pressed along before a myriad of information and links flooded the screen now present. Curious eyes stared intently upon the varied rows blanketing through every drag along the bar, the titles and possibilities replaying amidst the train of thought before a sole link kept attention over the rest.

“Contests?” He muttered aloud. “That might be worth a look…”

The option stewed about his train of thought while bleached fingers absentmindedly clicked away at the link provided. Countless follow-ups spewed forth, tempting the teen to hover over to filter out anything deemed non-applicable to his current skillset. Cooking, writing, gymnastics, martial arts, ivory eyes watched as those and many other categories were stripped away from the available roster until only one remained.

“Art, huh? Let’s see what it looks like -” Shock quickly overcame the calm of his voice at the sight of the awards. “That much?! I could pay rent for three years with that… The entrance fee looks impossible, though. I should see what’s going on for beginners.”

Several clicks followed the audible thought, contemplation ever-growing as many available options were discarded as done before. With the few remaining, each held a tempting glint that kept attention from the rest before finally making his choice.

“This one looks good. The Yaoyorozu Future Artists Benefit. First prize is the most of the ones in the beginner tier, but that entry fee…” Hesitation gripped the teen’s fingers as they typed in the registration form. “Screw it. I may as well go for it.”

“Go for what, partner?” A jump from the sudden voice sent attention to the now opened doorway. “Whatcha doing?”

“B-Bendy. I was uh…just looking up some things -”

Onyx pie-cuts stared curiously at the page still visible past the teen’s clear attempts to sheath it until walking over to view with a light shove.

“What’s that? ‘Future Artists Benefit -” The devil’s eyes widened before jumping with joy. “Hot dog! I can’t believe it! My partner’s entering an art contest! Did you register yet?”

A nod was given. “I just figured it would be good, you know? I’d be able to get more proficient with my drawing while making a little cash for supplies and stuff. A win-win, right?”

“Damn skippy it is,” Gloved hands slapped the teen’s shoulder. “And as luck would have it, you have yourself a genuine veteran in the world of art and film at your side. With my tips and guidance, we’ll be holding that first prize award in no time. When is this thing happening anyway? We’ll need to schedule extra practice and plan a strategy asap!”

“U-Uh…looks like it’s a little over a month away.” Worry bled into his voice as he read further. “Is that enough time? It says we’ll need no less than ten pieces to qualify.”

“Hm,” Bendy stared off, a light hum dancing between his lips. “It’ll be close, but we’ll make it. We should have enough supplies for a start, but we’ll need to grab a few things later if we’re making that quota. Now, let’s get cracking already, partner!”

“Y-Yeah.”

----------------------------------------

Okay, so we’ll only get a few inkwells while we’re there. We’re already dipping into the red, but for now, we can bear with it.

Hey, don’t worry about it. We just have to limit our mistakes, and we’ll be golden. Good thing it’s the weekend; we can practice unabated without all the mindless malarky from your classmates.

Yeah. Having a day without you complaining about lessons is a welcomed one.

Hey!

The duo’s mental jabs brought a smile to the teen while advancing along the pavement amidst the hustle of weekend commuters. Every step beset with the occasional bumping of shoulders as their target destination drew closer, the clamor of the early afternoon almost made Izuku thankful for the nonverbal chats to help drown out many of the unwanted or unnecessary inputs of passerby’s. Soon, the habitual path that led the two closer etched into sight with the humble sign still hovering beyond the attention of the populous. Much to the surprise of ivory eyes, a familiar figure stood just outside the usually reserved shop. Sights of the braided, mocha locks that coiled below a darkened mask appeared between passing faces, and the tired burgundy orbs that gazed out to the crowd eventually landed atop a friendly wave.

“Hey, Loches.” Izuku’s pace quickened to meet him. “How are you doing? Is your grandma in today?”

Gestures were made between grunts; his hands moving faster than the monochromatic teen expected.

“I…I only got the ‘hello’ part. Sorry…”

A sigh escaped beneath the dark of his mask, prompting Kyo to reach inside the pocket in his apron to fish about. Moments passed until a pen and notepad unsheathed from the cloth, and soon enough, fierce movements atop the opened page brought swift melodies that all but matched the noise around.

Don’t be sorry. You’ll get there eventually.

As for my grandmother, she stepped out for a bit to run some errands.

“Oh, okay. Is it cool if I head in?”

More writing followed the inquiry upon turning to a fresh page.

Sure. I was already on my way back inside.

The two quickly entered the shop, chimed choirs of the bell following the door’s closing. A brief silence overtook the room before becoming drowned with the tunes of Kyo’s notepad.

You want the usual?

Izuku stared at the page facing him until a shaking of his head preluded a response.

“I was going to grab a few reams of 11 x 17 paper along with three inkwells. I’ve got some work to do before the end of the month, so hopefully, they last me until then.”

Mocha locks shifted upon a nod before Kyo turned and left the storefront to inhabit the sole patron with a casual strut. Echoes shifted through muffled grunts and clattered glass arose beyond the isles until the tired stare returned into view. The items now in tow bounced and slid about with every few steps, forcing him to readjust or tilt himself to one side to keep them from tumbling down. Soon, the counter space flooded with the contents of his arms followed by a winded sigh.

A roll of the neck sent a light crack to escape the coiled braids before turning back to the ivory stare across the counter.

Is there anything else I can get you?

“This should be all, thanks.”

One by one, the items brushed along the scanner’s glow before being planted within the bags beside the brunette. Peaceful, stagnant silence that filled the air between the two served well to accompany the muffled clamor beyond the walls at their side until the crumbling plastic bags were placed atop the counter.

“Hey, Loches,” Attention shifted upon speaking. “I’ve been wondering, what is your quirk? It just occurred to me that I never asked the last time.”

Silence remained well after the inquiry. No change grew to meet Izuku’s notice, though the tensed grip upon the scanner brought a sting of surprise even as a new message was shown his way.

I do not wish to say.

“Huh? Why not? I won’t judge, promise -”

No.

The abrupt response halted any persuasion that may have uttered, and a serious glare that now directed its way upon him continued to hold them back. Silence that returned quickly filled with an awkward chill with neither able to break until ivory eyes narrowed back at the glare given.

“Five inkwells.”

Cocked eyebrows met the sudden statement with a tilt to the brunette’s stance. Scratches along the paper quickly rose to face back and respond.

This is not up for debate.

“Seven.” A hand met the counter, yen bills already piled beneath its grip. “And another ream.”

Surprise edged into Kyo’s gaze, though soon returned the severity with a clearing of his throat. The notepad once more found itself steadily flooding with the thoughts of its holder only to hesitate as it turned back to Izuku.

Ten inkwells and three more reams.

You must also promise not to judge. Deal?

Mental stings dug into Izuku’s grip as more bills surfaced to meet the counter despite the sincerity glistening in his stare. The freshly drawn money quickly pulled into Kyo’s possession, and the agreed-upon items were promptly retrieved and bagged beside the original purchase; a lone tear escaping when feeling the emptiness of the wallet now in his pocket. Melodies of the notepad once more appeared to quell the silence at impressive speeds before the pen rested atop the counter. With a single breath, the thoughts that were birthed turned to face the monochromatic teen’s stare despite the clear hesitation present.

Phobic Haze:

Whenever my eyes glow over someone, I am able to see their worst fears, and I can produce a gaseous substance from my body to bring them to life.

I can store fears within the gas to use at any time, however, I can only store up to five at any instance. If I want to change one of them, then the other four are deleted.

Wonder glowed beneath ivory eyes. “Woah. That’s so cool, Loches. Your quirk sounds amazing -”

You’re wrong. This power is nothing but a curse.

The notepad slammed to the counter, forcing an abrupt halt to the teen’s praise. Izuku looked puzzled as his gaze trailed to the trembling hands hovering over the written thoughts. Unexpected fury boiled amidst the blank stare that burned holes into the counter until they shut. Steadied breaths eventually brought a somber air with the majority of rage tabled, and the notepad once more revealed Kyo’s thoughts.

This power eats away at me.

Unless I use it daily, it continues to build up inside me. If I forgo its use, then it conjures nightmares that harm me.

“...What do you mean?”

Pained shakes returned long into the pen's work. The once intense speeds now slowed to not let the tremble hinder the legibility of what soon showed itself, but failed throughout the finished view.

If I am falling in my dream and break my legs upon impact, then they will be broken when I awaken.

If I am cut or slashed, I will find wounds soaked with my blood in the same spots as my dreams.

If my limbs or body are torn at the seams, scars along the tear will be forever imprinted.

If my jugular is ripped asunder by rabid beasts

The page fell to the desk with a greater force than before, though not enough to trip the distraught present upon Izuku. His attention remained upon the brunette as the coil of braids were slowly stripped from their resting positions. Every layer of mocha locks undone eventually revealed the bare skin beneath; the continuous braid tapping the floor with a faint tap. Surprise overtook the monochromatic teen when seeing the unsheathed neck with an upward tilt.

“L-Loches…”

Large and leathery, scarred tissue mixed with the rest of his flesh that resembled that of a beast’s claws with their uniform direction and shape. Even without revealing either side, it was clear that their beginning and end branched almost the full circumference of his neck. The tremble in Kyo slowly lessened as his head lowered back to meet the horrified expression upon Izuku; emptiness numbing a majority of emotions amidst burgundy eyes while staring back. A slowed reach soon returned to the notepad before thoughts inevitably met their canvas through residual trembles.

This curse I bare did this and much more to me.

Every night I lay awake wondering if I will wake up wounded or worse.

People our age don’t even associate with me because of it, calling me “villain” or "monstrous" because of something I never had a say in.

This is no quirk or power. This is a curse.

Only an ajar mouth met the declaration, no words having the necessary strength or nerve to follow. For an eternity, orbs of ivory stared at the page and the one holding it without a sound to spare the silence that blanketed the air between them. Desire to protest the notion kept strong, but the realization of the power behind what had been written halted any possible comfort his words could provide. Seeing the defeat and lack of life having laid bare such painful facts sent a clenched grip to Izuku’s hands as the words tumbled out as best they could.

“I…” His tongue struggled to continue as his knuckles turned a steely grey. “I-I don’t think you should call it a curse, Loches.”

Though weak and strained, Izuku’s statement felt heavy as embers of rage were ready to meet in response. Just as a new draft was ready to be birthed, the pen’s motion fell when the sincerity beneath the monochromatic teen’s eyes burned bright.

“I won’t try and disparage it and call it some kind of blessing in disguise, though. It’s clear that you have been hurt by your power, and I know I can’t say much to change that…” Obsidian locks drooped over his gaze as he went. “Still, calling it a curse doesn’t feel right. That’s something you were born with – an extension of yourself. You’re a good person, Loches. Better than anyone else I’ve had the displeasure of knowing. I get that the world is full of people who would love to berate and judge a person for their power or lack thereof, but something I’ve learned is that it isn’t something you should let get to you.”

Power grew through Izuku’s voice, his gaze returning to see a shocked look upon the face before him. A toothy grin boomed with positivity as memories and thoughts long-repressed bled into his words.

“If people want to go around and hate or exclude you for no reason, then that’s their problem for not seeing how amazing you and your power are. And even if it does get to you sometimes, then I can be there for you; be it as a shoulder to cry on or an ear to listen to after a hard day - even that alone can make a huge difference. That’s what friends should do for each other, and I don't want my friend to suffer in silence.”

Life returned beneath burgundy eyes, fueled and ablaze through the surprise from the declaration. Trembled hands that rested along the counter calmed while a wetness forced its way beyond the threshold of his stare.

“Thhhaannk…yyoouuu…”

Surprise soon blossomed at the sudden speech.

“L-Loches? You can talk?”

A nod followed. “Ccaaannn…juussstt hhhuurrrttsss…”

“Th-Then don’t talk! I’ll hurry and master sign language, so don’t strain yourself!”

Hics and grunts of laughter emerged amidst the panicked nag, their clamor soon enveloping the silence that usually filled the store. Worry-fueled insistence only fueled the newfound joy that hid behind the mask dawned without a care to be seen despite the apparent sting in every breath.

----------------------------------------

“You sure you will be okay, sweetie? Do you have everything? You didn’t leave anything at home? What about you, Bendy? Did you have enough ink to hold you over until you’re both done -”

“Mom…” A weak insistence broke the motherly panic. “We have everything here, and I made sure to pack an inkwell or two in case Bendy gets hungry. You should go enjoy yourself. We’ll be okay.”

Concern took liquid form as tears slowly cascaded down Inko’s cheeks, a handkerchief wiping them aside through a sniffle.

“Okay. You two behave, and good luck. I’ll be around and ready to take you home whenever you’re ready.” Her arms reached out to pull her son into a hug. “I’m so proud of you both.”

The embrace was happily returned.

“Thanks, mom. We’ll do our best.”

“Hell yeah, we will!” Bendy emerged atop obsidian locks. “Now let’s get going, partner. We gotta set up our venue and be ready in fifteen.”

Upon their release, a quickened pace led the duo and their works up the rows of stairs and weave through the many people piling into the grandiose building ahead. A brief registry passed before eyes gleamed in amazement at the lavish décor that threatened to blind the ivory stare that arrived. Dazzling chandeliers of crystalline bodies caught the many lights above to reflect beautifully against the lively affairs below. Muffled melodies of violin and piano danced throughout the large room that drowned out the conversations, and attention wandered in all manner of directions while navigating through the maze of bodies and pillars.

The grand stage that overtook a quarter of the space kept the teen’s gaze momentarily as did the rows of booths snaking beside the walls and into the crowd. Vivid colors and unique styles of creations all took the varying shares of attention from passing eyes, many holding a gathering of intrigue while others barely caught a glance. Between admiring the competition and surroundings, a nervous sting poked and prodded away at Izuku’s nerves long into adjusting his works through onyx droplets that edged beyond his flesh; a tremble through his grip almost causing one of the pieces to fall upon letting go.

This may have been a mistake, Bendy. Everyone here has some really impressive stuff on display, and a lot even doubled the minimum piece requirement.

Partner.

What if no one likes what we have? I mean I’m just an amateur, right? People are already crowding around some of the booths, but what if we don’t even catch a passing glance-

Partner!

Gloved hands slapped bleached skin until the self-loathing faltered, the pieces being held now resting atop the provided desk.

Geez, those first-night-jitters are really eating you, huh?

Sorry…

Hey, it’s alright. To tell ya the truth, the same thing happened to me back in the day when my show was being pitched to a room full of corporate bigwigs. It even happened right before the curtain opened on my first live performance. I was a wreck, but a buddy of mine told me something that helped.

What was it?

Repeat after me, partner. Art is subjective.

…Art is subjective?

Yep. No matter how good or bad you think you do on anything, there will always be someone who loves and hates it. Never get into the mindset that you have to please everyone with what you make because that only pleases no one in the end. If someone doesn’t like whatever you have to show, then fine. That just makes the first positive reception all the more satisfying when it comes.

S-So, how do I please someone?

Just smile and let your audience come to you. That’s how it’s always been done.

Steadied breaths eventually pushed aside the remaining tremble, and the last of his pieces quickly readied itself alongside the rest. Curious eyes aplenty filled the passing crowds as attention shifted from one point to another; low and mumbled conversations growing through their wandering gazes. Even through the steady flow of people, many kept reserved and openly favored a select few of the booths available. Inquiries regarding arbitrary pieces and their inspiration were the lion’s share of what danced through the room while the clock continued to tick away.

The pleasant smile that shone on the passing faces were all that held the flow of woe beneath Izuku as more discreet glances at the clock on his phone were made. Worried droplets could be felt pressing beneath bleached skin, though were thankfully withheld through the nonverbal talks that temporarily pulled attention elsewhere.

No one is even sticking around…

Patience, partner. The night is still young. There’s bound to be someone here who knows talent when they see it. Just keep smiling.

I’ve been smiling here and holding back my anxiety for more than twenty minutes already. If we don’t get anything soon, then maybe we should leave-

“Oh my,” A soft voice broke the internal conversation. “You made all this?”

Ivory eyes met twin onyx pearls that stared curiously among the various pieces on display around him. Long, wavy locks that matched his own draped along her back over one shoulder, making for a lovely contrast to the attire. Crimson of varying hues fell to almost grace the carpeted floor below with a silky look to accompany the sparkling sash at her waistline. Flawless skin captured the rays that glistened from above to display flashes of shimmer through the air to make all that went on around her seem as though a blur of movement.

“Um…” Concern grew through her speech. “Are you okay?”

“Beautiful – I m-mean yes!” Izuku’s tongue struggled to reign in proper function with a jolt. “I’m sorry. I was just thinking is all. D-Did you say something?”

Bleached fingers ran along obsidian locks before resting atop ashen horns, dustings of grey meeting freckled cheeks amidst the silence that followed. His eyes shut, too busy trying to subdue the maelstrom of worry that thrust every which way. Anxiousness coiled and griped tight over the teen’s throat to halt any further verbal blunder, and more than ever had the desire to vanish into nothingness seemed all too wanted. Noises of the soft music and fluctuating talk around felt blocked in favor of a low, harsh ring until a peal of pleasant laughter pulled attention back to the girl at his front.

“You’re fine, really. Your work looks very lovely.” Her gaze trailed from one piece to another. “You don’t see many people making a sole monochromatic style like this very often these days. Not everyone can pull it off so clean as you have.”

“Y-Yeah? Well, I had a decent teacher give me some tips since my quirk involves ink.” A sheepish grin grew as he went. “I’m happy you like it…um. I’m sorry, I never introduced myself.”

“It’s Midoriya, right? The nameplate did that part for you.”

“Oh…right.”

Another soft bout of laughs escaped her lips behind a hand at the sight of the grey hue deepening through his cheeks.

“It’s nice to meet you, Midoriya. I am Momo Yaoyorozu.”

Both offered a light bow to accompany the smiles that now matched either face. Ivory eyes continued to remain upon Momo through a brief silence that greeted the two, his thoughts playing back the name for memory before pausing after hearing on loop. Curiosity bled into the teen’s gaze before it leaked to his voice.

“Wait, Yaoyorozu…aren’t you -”

“Young miss.” A voice appeared, pulling the flow of attention to a suited woman beside them. “Your mother would like your presence by the stage. There are some matters to go over before the judging can commence.”

“Oh, okay.” Momo’s stare returned to Izuku before offering a bow. “I suppose I should go. Good luck, Midoriya. Perhaps we can resume another time.”

Nothing escaped the teen as both women turned and walked off. The sight of long, obsidian hair atop the crimson attire kept as the focus point even as she disappeared into the moving crowds. Flashes of her smile appeared to bring another out to bleached lips while he stood in resumed solitude.

Hey, partner…you’re smiling weird.

Hm?

You’re still doing it.

----------------------------------------

“We’re finally done.”

Tired eyes looked up to the star-ridden sky above with a sigh amidst the varied clamor of those walking past him. The bench now taking the blunt of the teen’s fatigue offering a comforting respite from the evening’s events while waiting for a swift pick up.

“Still,” Izuku’s stare shifted to the fifth-place ribbon and sealed check behind it. “We did okay, right?”

“Damn skippy, partner.” The devil manifested atop the stack of boxed artwork beside him. “Only the top five people got anything good out of this. The money may not be as great as first-place, but this is still huge for you. Fifth-place out of forty-five positions on the first try is pretty damn great, and you’re going to just get better and better moving forward.”

Obsidian locks shifted with a nod. “Yeah. We’ll just have to do better for next time. This should help keep us afloat until we find another contest to prep for, and I’ll be aiming for first.”

“Now you’re talking!”

Potential works and ideas flowed between the duo, their enthusiasm bringing curious eyes to the figures passing by. Neither cared enough to waver the creativity that came from the small victory that now bolstered smiles aplenty.

“Excuse me.”

Both sets of eyes looked over to meet a familiar voice that hailed from a suited woman that kept adjacent to the duo’s conversation.

“You are Izuku Midoriya, correct?” A nod slowly appeared before an envelope rose from the woman’s pocket. “The young miss wanted you to have this.”

The envelope met bleached hands through a reluctant reach, and without another word, the woman excused herself with a bow. Confusion from the interaction left an odd silence in its wake while eyeing the sealed letter now in hand. With a slowed start, the flap tore open, and a small sheet of paper unsheathed itself.

Dear Midoriya,

Congratulations on fifth place. You definitely deserved it with how wonderful your work was. If possible, I would actually enjoy talking with you again sometime. You seemed like a kind person.

I’ll leave you my contact information below. Hopefully, this reaches you before you leave.

• Momo Yaoyorozu (** **** ****)

No words escaped the teen as his gaze repeatedly scanned every word present, the grip along the page tightening with a light tremble that consumed his being. Dustings of ash grew through freckled cheeks upon landing atop the number off to the side once more while thinking back to the soft voice heard during the brief interaction.

“Partner. You’re smiling weird again...”

Chapter Text

Brief, winded breaths rolled beyond bleached lips up to the clear skies above upon an abrupt halt. The collected repetition eventually ceased before droplets of black were wiped away while inattentive eyes wandered about their surroundings. Rays above blinded and impaired much of what graced the glances made, and the voices calling out were promptly silenced when movement appeared in the distance to catch the vast share of attention. A hand rose to sheath ivory eyes from the sun's influence before a smile pulled at Izuku when narrowed upon a friendly wave.

Ignoring those around and in his path, the monochromatic teen made steady strides across the field, weaving through those still pressing on with the activities given. Obsidian locks swayed with the few winds available until they stopped when faced with the chain-link fence that walled off the outside and the pleasant smile beyond it.

“Yaoyorozu, hey,” He flashed a grin. “What are you doing here? I thought you were coming by when school was out.”

“Well, there was some maintenance work that needed attention at my school, so they ended early to take care of it.” The bag in tow turned side-to-side as she rocked in place. “And since I was coming here anyway, I thought I’d see if you are close to finishing up here. Oh, I’m not distracting you from your class, am I?”

Her concern left the smile present to grow.

“No, you’re fine. I already finished my laps, so I’m just waiting around for the bell at this point. If anything, I’m thankful for you being here. Otherwise, I would have to listen to a certain someone list off the taste quality of different brands of ink.”

“Hey, it’s your fault for buying the cheap shit.” Bendy’s frame erupted atop the teen’s shoulder as he poked away at freckled cheeks. “A devil as amazing as I have a discerning taste that can’t be satisfied with that tasteless, hundred-yen crap you like to sneak in me. Also, nice seeing your smile again, doll.”

“A pleasure as always to see you too, Bendy.”

Light-hearted banter that was tossed between the duo eventually fell as the cheerful tones of the fairer teen eased their bickering. Playful tones amused both teens and kept their attention far from their surroundings until a passing glance was given to their back. However brief, Izuku’s eyes noticed the stares aimed their way with a flurry of whispers to accompany the reddish hues each held. The hunger beneath the many pairs of eyes quickly informed the teen what brought about their change, leading to a sickening feeling rising deep within him. Joy that bloomed through the smile he held lessened as attention shifted back to Momo with a turn.

“Sorry, Yaoyorozu, but I think my sensei wants me back.”

“O-Oh, no. You’re fine. Sorry again if I got you in trouble. “A panicked bow sent a gentle sway to her onyx locks. “I’ll have the driver pull up to the entrance once the final bell calls.”

“Cool, I’ll see you then.”

With attention turned back to meet the field, irritation quickly overcame the monochromatic teen’s appearance. Tempered fury glared heavily at those who bore residual blushes to snuff them out well into the slow stride against the track. Those still running along the track made obvious attempts to avoid the given path that Izuku had set, and any who were near the fuming teen received a sharp look that caused them to stall their steps. Even when stopped and pressed against the hot metal of the bleachers, flinching expressions grew with every flick and crack of his tail that echoed out. Not a soul dared to meet the ivory stare actively giving out an air of fury that caused many to fumble their steps as they ran. A muffled huff escaped without a word necessary to convey what the teen felt as even a familiar blonde across the seating kept a substantial distance from what could be seen unfolding.

----------------------------------------

“Hey, Yaoyorozu…”

“Yes?”

“Can you please explain what,” Bleached hands gestured to the entrance. “All this is for?”

“Well, I did inform you that we would be having a ride provided by my parents, and here it is.”

An astonished look remained upon Izuku despite the relaxed smile offered, many of the passing students sharing in the reaction. His eyes trailed up the red carpet that lay at his feet and up to the open door just beyond the entrance. The sleek, steely gray frame that stretched far outside of view on either side of the gate kept the ivory stare despite the reflecting beams that bombarded them; plates shimmered to reveal the well-maintained appearance without end. Even what little of the interior that revealed itself through the doorway unveiled an array of glamor to far outshine the smooth outside.

“I’m only saddened my parents took the luxury car for their schedules today. Hopefully, this one will be sufficient for us. Hm?”

Momo’s head tilted at the widened look given by a still Izuku.

“Jesus, you're rich -”

“Bendy!”

The devil’s sudden outburst immediately broke the silence as bleached hands clasped over Bendy’s mouth.

“U-Um, Yaoyorozu. Not that I don’t appreciate the gesture, but maybe next time we should go for a taxi. I feel a little out of place with something so extravagant…”

“Ah, I-I’m sorry.” Red immediately overcame her cheeks while fidgeting about. “I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable, Midoriya, honest. I should have requested something more fitting for our outing today. I can go ahead and send the driver off so we can procure a different mode of transportation if you prefer.”

Izuku’s hands released their grip upon the devil to wave off the suggestion. As if to match the changing hue across him, gray dustings soon made their way to cover freckled cheeks.

“No, no.  You’re fine. I was just taken back is all. Besides, it’s already here, I’d feel worse if we sent it away after you went through the trouble.”

“O-Oh. Okay.”

The smile Momo held returned at the reassurance, though her cheeks continued their warmth well into entering the car with Izuku following close behind. As the car door shut and the scenery began to shift, topics aplenty rose to fill the leisurely ride with laughs quick to follow. Throughout the many twists and turns taken, muses of soft piano chimed in to add a sense of calm despite the energy behind the conversations made. Soon, familiar sights bled into view as ivory eyes shifted out to the window at their side, signaling the ride’s end. Hardly any time was left before the car came to a stop, and the destination now stood beside it.

“Here we are.” Izuku smiled up to the bland sign that rocked with a gentle breeze. “Let’s head inside.”

“Right.”

Delicate tones of bell chimes rung out as the store’s interior came with a push of the door, and as always, not a soul could be seen.

“Hey, Phear, Ms. Loches, anyone home?”

Silence followed the friendly call until slow steps echoed through the aisles. The faint shuffle quickly grew as mocha locks entered vision with a bow.

“Hey, Phear. Good to see you.” Izuku greeted. “Is it just you today?”

The teen nodded before shifting attention to his friend’s back.

< “Who is this? A friend?” >

“Yeah. She’s a friend. Her name is Momo Yaoyorozu,” He stepped aside, motioning from one to the other. “Yaoyorozu, this is Kyo Loches. He works here with his grandmother. Feel free to call him Phear.”

< “Nice to meet you.” >

< “It’s a pleasure to meet a friend of Midoriya’s.” >

Burgundy eyes widened at the movement of her hands, matching the act of the ivory pair beside them.

“Y-Yaoyorozu, you speak sign?” Hints of surprise peppered his voice.

Momo nodded. “Correct. To help prepare me for various business scenarios with my family’s trips and meetings, my parents made sure I had at least a basic understanding of several languages. Coincidently, sign and English were the first ones I studied.”

“...Well, that’s convenient. Anyway, Phear, can I -”

< “One crate of inkwells and three new sketchbooks. I am familiar with your ever-increasing needs.” >

Obsidian locks nodded along at the interruption as Kyo turned and made his way back down the isles where he came. Watching mocha locks slowly vanish down the untouched displays, Izuku soon followed the brunette only to stop and turn back to meet the pleasant smile upon his guest.

“I’ll go help him; he has a hard time with carrying that stuff in one go.” Bleached fingers reached up to graze past ashen horns before the smiling devil appeared in his grasp. “Keep her company for me, Bendy.”

“Okay. But she’s gonna be hearing a whole bunch of embarrassing stuff about you until you get back.”

“Not if you want those hot ink sundaes later tonight.” The teen placed Bendy within Momo’s grasp. “Sorry, we’ll just be a moment. And feel free to smack him if he starts annoying you.”

The reassuring nod given gave warmth to freckled cheeks well into their vanishing. Following the shuffles and grunts, ivory eyes quickly found their way to the dim-lit realm of stored goods among the endless shelves around. Beside the boxed and crated wares, Izuku watched on as a hefty, wooden crate shakily slid further off the stack that housed it. Clattering glass chimed from the sea of stuffing within, and weakly, the muted brunette gripped the handles while attempting to shuffle back.

“Hey,” Burgundy eyes finally turned to greet the guest. “You’re going to hurt yourself one of these days if you don’t learn to lift with your legs. Let me get this, Phear.”

A grunted nod followed before bleached hands replaced those that held the wooden frame. In a moment, the crate elevated comfortably away until it met the floor below.

< “Thanks. Those always leave my back feeling like hell.” >

“No problem. Like Bendy says, ‘A devil should do some good once in a while’. Need anything else while I’m here?”

< “If you could pass down some of the reams up there, I would appreciate it.” >

Kyo’s hand aimed above mocha locks, and before anything else, the monochromatic teen trailed up the ladder beside the two. Soon, a steady flow of passing and receiving goods made up the silence now blanketing the tiny space. As the reams piled high around the lone crate, a series of stretches and grunts passed while examining their bounty.

< “Your friend seems nice.” >

“Yeah, she is. I’m lucky to have met her.” A light poke was made against Kyo’s side. “And unlike me, she doesn’t have to make you pull out that notepad on the first meeting.”

< “It is a welcomed change.” >

Muffled laughs escaped before burgundy eyes narrowed.

< “Have you told her about Bendy yet?” >

Izuku’s expression fell when reading the movements of his friend, losing the jovial tone while collecting his thoughts.

“…No. No, I haven’t. I want to – really, I do. I even tried working up to it not long ago, but I just couldn’t find the words. Whenever I think I have the courage to tell her, I freeze and panic over what she may think or say when everything is out in the open.”

< “You should not overthink it. Just being upfront and honest will work well enough. Your mother was okay with it and so was I, so you may find that she will respect the honesty and accept you both.” >

“But she’s different. What if she hates us for it? My mom had to know since I couldn’t just hide Bendy or the changes from her forever, and you only found out by mistake. I was worried enough when you found out; I honestly thought you wouldn’t want anything to do with me after that moment.” Worry bled into his voice as he paused to collect himself. “You may be right about it, but it’s still a risk. She might be accepting of our situation, but what if she isn’t…”

A tremble slowly enveloped bleached hands as they balled and tightened at his sides; steely gray pressing to the surface soon thereafter.

“I don’t want to lose her, Phear. She’s…I just don’t want to screw things up. Both of you are special to me, and the thought of losing either of you scares me. I don’t want to be alone again…”

Mocha locks turned to face a distant stare that aimed far out into nothing. The somber air now gripping Kyo’s hands to convey his thoughts stumbled, unable to match whatever wanted to be said. Rather, instinct took hold as a hand met Izuku’s shoulder, prompting a surprised jolt as the two met each other’s gaze.

< “I understand the situation between you two differs from ours, so I won’t try and pressure you into anything rash. Take the time you need to feel comfortable with the concept before going into it if necessary. Just make sure you tell her at some point rather than foregoing the harsh truth for a comfortable lie.” >

 “Heh…guess you can be wise when you want to.” The taunt awarded a jab at his side. “Thanks, though. I’ll tell her soon, once we’re more comfortable around each other. Promise you won’t say anything before then?”

Kyo’s hand reached forward, touching its index finger and thumb together while the rest rested in the air. The act gave a toothy grin to his friend as a calm returned to the room.

“Thanks, Phear. Now, come on,” The crate below hoisted up into Izuku’s grip. “Let’s get back before Bendy starts telling some stories I’d rather not have her know yet. There’s, unfortunately, more material to work with than I would care to admit.”

Mocha locks nodded before reams were retrieved, following a swaying tail out of the storage room. Through a small turn, the glow of the outside that beamed alongside the florescent lights entered view.

“Hey, guys. Sorry for the wait.” Wood touched down to the counter before ivory eyes turned to Momo. “What did he tell you about me this time?”

“…He may have mentioned how you used to parade around your home in an All Might onesie whenever you got the chance.” Her hand reached up to cover her mouth revealing the smile present. “And that you wrote down a bunch of adorable names to mimic his.”

“Did he now…”

“In my defense, you knew what you were getting into when you left me unsupervised.” Gloved hands rose at the irked expression aimed his way. “Besides, those were nothing. I could have been an ass and told her about the time you wet yourself in daycare -”

“Bendy!” Gray overcame the teen’s face before clasping his hands over Bendy’s mouth. “That’s it, no more hot ink sundaes for the rest of the month.”

Snide remarks in protest bounced between the duo, not stopping until a grunt caught the collective gaze.

“Oh, right.”

The transaction commenced and finished in a matter of moments, simple tunes of the scanner’s beep and the crumple of plastic bags filling the room. With the items prepped and set aside, the teens began a more proper introduction to get more familiar with each other. Tastes in music, palate, literature and many more passed to each’s delight. Soon, the subject of education entered the fray, prompting a curious look in ivory eyes while observing the brunette.

“So, Phear, have you figured out which high school you’ll try for?”

< “Not yet. I will have to figure that out in the coming weeks, though.” >

“That’s true,” Momo added. “There’s only so much time we have left to prepare. We are nearing the cusp of our freshman debut; I myself have already made my decision.”

“Same here, though I knew which one to try for a long time now.” A grin pulled at the teen as he turned back to face Kyo. “And I would love it if a certain someone – mainly a silent, brooding guy with an amazing quirk -”

< “I am not attending UA with you, Gram.” >

“Oh, come on. It would be great.” Izuku whined at the swift rejection. “You don’t have any preferred schools lined up, and it’s easily accessible from here too. Plus, we’d be able to see each other more frequently than now; Yaoyorozu’s planning on attending, so come with us. We’ll have a great time, I promise.”

< “I don’t doubt that it would be nice to join you two on that, however you fail to remember that I have no need or desire to become a hero.” >

A hand reached up to scratch between the mocha braids as he went.

< “All I want out of my education is to help improve my grandmother’s business. I’ll attend a high school that will help me further myself to be accepted into a good college. Any heroics I can leave to you two – at least Yaoyorozu.” >

“Well, there is more than just hero education,” The add-on pulled attention to their side. “There are business courses and general studies courses as well. If you were to attend UA, then you could choose from either to advance your goals.”

Momo’s words stuck to either teen as they contemplated the information given. Seeing the contemplative look upon the brunette, a toothy grin grew with mischief abound before speaking up.

“Yeah, you could graduate with the same level of education as other schools. Plus, having UA on a transcript will be a hell of an eye-catcher for admittance board members, more than some casual public schools at least. Not to mention…”

< “Go on.” >

“Gonna need a minute to think of something else.” The interest in burgundy eyes faded with a grunt. “Okay, so I’m drawing a blank on other reasons, but come on, Phear. You’ll love it. Please~”

Kyo’s gaze trailed from the plea in ivory eyes to the hopeful onyx pie-cut that followed suit. With a light tap to the silent Momo, a trio of soft stares bombarded the brunette without end.

< “I suppose someone should keep an eye on you, Gram. I doubt you will behave even under Yaoyorozu’s watch.” >

Finishing with a sigh, the silent teen was attacked with a flurry of cheers.

“Alright! You won’t regret this, Phear.” Izuku exclaimed, turning back to pull something from his backpack. “All you need to do is sign on the line right here.”

A hefty stack of papers quickly slammed atop the counter space, echoing upon making contact. Curiosity glinted through burgundy eyes until it turned to surprise as more pages were skimmed and turned.

< “How exactly did you get ahold of all my information? You even managed to forge my signature.” >

“Your grandma,” Izuku stated. “When I told her about UA, she was pretty quick to help me fill in all the details necessary to complete the forms. As for the signature, I got it from watching you do inventory, but I thought you should at least sign the last one.”

“Midoriya, forgery is unbecoming of a future hero.” A stern expression grew as Momo joined in reviewing the papers. “Even if it was for Loches’ benefit, you shouldn’t have done that. It’s still a crime.”

“Oh, it’s fine. Besides, a devil without a little mischief is like a fish without water. Right, Bendy?”

“Aw, shucks. I knew I was rubbing off on you, partner.”

“Then, it’s decided. Come the spring, we’ll be taking on UA’s exams.” Hopeful glints infected either teen as he went. “Let’s all do what we can to make sure we pass. We’ll be wearing those uniforms before we know it!”

“I agree.”

< “So much for a quiet high school life. Just keep spending money here.” >

“This sounds fun.” Bendy bounced between ashen horns with glee. “We’ll show that test how we devil’s roll.”

Chapter Text

“Okay, how about sword of woe?”

“Hm…not a bad ring, I guess. You think that works?”

Bleached hands scratched at obsidian locks, contemplating the list of words resting in his free hand.

“I mean, I think so. Sword of woe pairs well with shield of deceit. A blade that brings misery to those who stand against it, and a shield to ward off the world's lies. I like that concept.”

The devil across him nodded along. “Makes sense. It still sounds kind of cheesy to me, but all in all, I think we got something going. Want to try again?”

“Yeah. We got plenty of time before we have to leave for dinner.”

Izuku stood up from his position atop the open grass with determination ablaze as the page turned to a blank canvas. Murky black saturated a pointed tip with a press against his finger before it turned to face a blank page. Flurries of swift, careful strokes appeared as the pen danced with every sway of the teen’s wrist. Soon, the tip released hold of its canvas, revealing the newly crafted piece in the center of the emptiness.

“Hell’s art…”

The image shifted, pulling away from its two-dimensional shackles in a stream of black before taking shape. Sharp and sleek, a blade pointed out as the handle molded and firmed, solidifying itself in a clear form mirroring what once held onto the paper it was drawn. Izuku gripped the handle as it hovered above the page, admiring the blade and craft of his making.

“Sword of Woe!”

“Not bad, partner. Solid form, good timing…” The devil admired the blade while keeping a hand below his chin. “Not a half-bad design either, European swords are always a classic.”

Nothing came from the teen as he kept his gaze fixated upon the blade with a contemplative look.

“What’s wrong? I’d say you did pretty well here, partner, so why the look?”

“Nothing. Just…” Ivory eyes narrowed when met with a murky reflection in the blade. “I feel like I’m missing something important. I just can’t figure out what it is.”

Bendy’s gaze met the teens with a curious turn of the head, gloved hands resting firmly at the devil’s side. Light hums escaped him as flicks of his tail brushed along the grass below before finally shrugging off whatever thoughts were held. Murky black appeared with a snap, pooling out and taking on a solid shape in the way of a chair for the small figure beside it.

“Oh well. I’m sure you’ll figure it out if it’s important enough.” A comfortable sigh escaped upon resting down atop the newly-made furnishing. “Just keep at it and it’ll come to you before you know it -”

“That’s it!”

Izuku’s sudden spike in volume caused the relaxation of Bendy to stall, forcing the devil to jump in surprise.

“That,” Bleached fingers moved from the chair to Bendy. “It never occurred to me, but you never had to draw anything to make something like me. You said before that you gave me your power, so how come I have to go through an extra step to make something when you don’t?”

Nothing came to answer the realization aimed upon the devil. Rather, a light-hearted cackle grew as the inky silhouette returned to its feet with a hop.

“About time you figured it out, partner. I was wondering how much longer you were going to breeze by that one.” A toothy grin flashed to meet the teen above. “The answer’s simple. Experience is the only real difference.”

A snap came to send ink traveling and converging into a sphere hovering above an open palm.

“Unlike my dashing self, you’ve only been scratching the surface of the powers given to you. Sure, you can still bring things to life and absorb ink from the things around you, but that’s just the beginning.” The sphere began to distort and warp itself as he went. “What you haven’t figured out yet is that the ink and you are one and the same – you’re linked with each other. Meaning, it can bend to your will if you have the skills to do it.”

Ink that hovered continued to alter itself until it shaped a blade similar to what remained in the teen’s grasp.

“With the right control and focus, you can make the same things you have been without needing to draw them out beforehand. Think of what you have been doing so far as training wheels; the pen and paper help you get a feel for the power, so you don’t go in blind.”

“…Then, I can do that too?”

Bendy nodded. “Yep. Well, sort of. You humans have a skin suit that prevents the ink inside you from being readily accessible. Naturally, you’ll still need to make an opening if you want to do anything with it, but that doesn't mean you have to draw it as you have been. Just pretend that your mind is the paper and go through the motions like usual.”

Ivory eyes turned to face the blade once more, glints of amazement dancing through his gaze when looking at the possibilities. The grass below quickly sheathed the sword with gravities help before the pen met Izuku’s grasp once more. A poke at his finger saturated the tip, though any focus was aimed upon the small gash at his fingertip.

Focus. Imagine the page, the image of what I want.

The ink that sat atop bleached fingers slowly began to shift, shakily growing and extending out into the air as the teen’s eyes shut tight. His mind turned white with a blob of black at its center while muscles tensed through the ever-growing concentration. Soon, the blobs form went on to warp and shift about, taking on a myriad of shapes all too unstable to keep for long. The process of altering forms continued to bring a cold sweat to the teen until one shape could be focused upon. Gripping the mental image tight, teeth bared as all the focus and energy available went into maintaining what lay at the center of his mind.

Come on!

“Hey, partner,” The devil’s words brought attention away from his focus. “Take a look.”

Slowly, Izuku’s eyes opened once more to comply only to widen with what now hovered above a thin trail of ink. Much as to what remained transfixed within his mind, the tiny droplet that once rested upon his finger now grew to form a solid sword. His gaze trailed from the pointed tip to the long blade and beyond, admiring its shape despite the exhaustion slowly catching up to him. The pen that remained in his grasp dropped into his pocket as he reached out and took hold of the hilt; the thin trail still connecting to his hand finally breaking.

Feeling the cool, firm handle rest in bleached hands, Izuku faced the blade to him until a murky reflection was seen in the deep black. More satisfied now, he swung the blade about, cutting through the open air with ease before stopping to face Bendy.

“This is insane.” He finally said.

“Damn skippy. I was starting to wonder if you’d ever figure it out.”

The teen flashed an excited grin.

“Sorry to keep you waiting.” He turned back to the blade. “This opens a whole realm of possibilities for me. I’m not restricted to paper anymore. I’m…I feel…”

“Free.” Bendy finished the thought. “Feels good, don’t it?”

Obsidian locks nodded in agreement before letting the blade rest along the grass like the one from before. With a satisfied sigh, Izuku fell to sit beside the two swords, admiring the work and progress made. A silent, blissful joy that needed no further words left the monochromatic teen to lay and relax against the sea of green that surrounded him. Eyes full of wonder stared up to the canopies and skies above without care to grace his thoughts until they widened to alert.

“Wait.” He sat upright and faced Bendy. “If I can do this, does this mean I can reabsorb them like you do?”

“Wow, congrats. I half expected you to wait another seven months to ask that one.”

The devil snickered before walking up to the two blades, tapping them with his knuckles.

“To reabsorb what you make, just focus on pulling it back to you. Think about how you used to pull the ink from the page – it’s the same concept.”

Izuku followed the instruction, raising a hand to either sword before shutting his eyes once again. Mimicking the sensations that have become habitual, images of ink shifting to his being flashed through his mind until the faintest tingle could be felt. Soon, the feeling spread until the entirety of his hand became gripped by a sense of fullness. Upon reopening his eyes, the swords that sat beside him no longer could be seen.

“Pretty neat, huh?”

“Very.” The teen rose to his feet while examining his hand. “With these techniques, we’ll be able to be much more efficient with ink reserves. Also, why did you never mention either of these to me?”

Bendy shrugged off the inquiry.

“You never asked.”

“…I want to retort with something, but I will take that since I’m just happy I know now.”

The devil cackled. “Hehe, come on. Let’s practice some more with it. We only got a few months until UA, so let’s get to it!”

“Hell yeah!”

----------------------------------------

Henry…

Vestiges of far-off thoughts blurred by, too warped and jumbled to see clearly. Gloved hands reached out into the discolored plain, desperate to grasp one far larger than itself only to be dragged away. Desperate attempts at freedom awarded nothing but panicked looks around with nothing to meet the gaze. Soon, darkness enveloped what little semblance of color and position until a lone figure stood far off into the emptiness.

Henry! Don’t go! Stay, please!

Despite the frantic plea, the figure slowly faded away, leaving nothing to grace the perspective lowered to a dark silhouette’s boots. Despair that encompassed the air around left hopes far from reach, though stalled when something could be felt encroaching from behind. A deeper, more ominous black seeped out and circled the unseen footing below. Uncertainty filled the perspective that looked down until turned to fright as the darkness began to swallow the silhouette. Frantic attempts to rid the eerie substance left nothing to show for it while panic crept and gripped tight over its being.

Help! Henry! Alice! Boris! Sammy! Anyone! Help me, please!

“Don’t leave me alone!”

Bendy’s voice erupted in a storm of emotions, forcing himself to jump from a still set of obsidian locks. His body remained airborne only momentarily as it fell and struck the nightstand before it knocked over the alarm clock and lamp; a series of clattered bangs and cracks echoing through the dark room that he now found himself in.

“Wh-What’s happening?”

Izuku shot from his sleeping position, blindly feeling around for a source of light until landing atop his phone. Utilizing the flashlight’s function, light shined and shifted about the room before landing atop the devil sprawled in discomfort on the floor with the nightstands' belongings.

“B-Bendy? What the hell are you doing?” Shakey steps lead the teen over to the light switch. “It’s two in the morning. What is happening?”

With light now illuminating the whole room, both the inhabitants recoiled at the sudden shift in lighting before adjusting. Seeing the mess now caused, Bendy looked elsewhere, not wanting to meet the ivory eyes above.

“O-Oh, sorry, partner. I was just…” His body curled into itself as he went. “It’s nothing. Just a bad dream is all. Let’s just get back to sleep.”

“Normally, I would agree with that. Except, this is the fourth time this month that you have had ‘a bad dream’. I understand how scary a dream can be, but I get the feeling there’s more to it than that.”

Nothing came in response, causing the teen to sigh.

“Bendy,” Izuku closed the gap between them, kneeling to the ground. “What’s really going on? You can tell me if something’s bothering you.”

“Like I said, it was just a bad dream. Nothing serious.”

“…Was it about the past?” The devil’s body flinched upon the mention. “Bendy, I’ve been doing what I can to be supportive and respectful about asking too much about what happened, but don’t you think it’s time you finally talked about what -”

“I’m not going into this, partner.” Clear irritation bled into his voice. “I already said that I’d talk about it when I felt like it. Just drop it and let’s go back to sleep.”

Bendy shot up from his spot on the floor and proceeded to the bed with a hop. Curling up once more, his face turned to the wall, not wanting to face whatever look now rested on the monochromatic teen.

“…No.”

“No? What the hell do you mean no?”

“I mean that I’m tired of this. You’ve been like this the whole time I’ve known you – always pushing me away the moment I try and ask what’s wrong. Well, I’m not dropping it this time, Bendy. I’m worried about my friend, so It’s time we face the problems and just talk. No bullshit, no dodging questions, and no sleep until we work through whatever it is that’s eating away at you.”

Irritated grunts came as a response.

“I mean it, Bendy. Come one,” Bleached hands reached out, plucking the devil from his position. “Neither of us are sleeping until we get through this.”

Izuku left the room with Bendy in tow, walking cautiously through the dark hall and into the living room. With a flick of a switch, the kitchen lights flashed to the irritation of both as the teen fished around the pottery. Flicks of the burner brought a trail of steam until a viscous, onyx fluid poured into the pot to bring it to a boil. The patio door swung open as the harmful fumes reached their peak to send them out into the night sky before the stovetop turned off. Two cups swallowed the bubbling contents with ease, topping them with a generous mound of whipped cream before leaving the kitchen.

A cup met gloved hands as the two made their way out onto the patio to feel the cool kiss of winds that danced by. Light sips of the warm fluid passed while both sets of eyes wandered about the star-lit neighborhood with echoes of miscellaneous noises far off to mix with their silence.

“Do we really have to do this, partner?”

The devil perched atop the railing, letting his tail sway beside his legs with every breeze.

Obsidian locks nodded. “Holding whatever you’re feeling inside can’t be healthy, Bendy. Even if it doesn’t solve anything, don’t you think you would feel better if you just talked about it?”

Hesitation became evident as no response came immediately. Ivory eyes turned barely to see the glass in Bendy’s grip tighten with a light tremble.

“…Promise you won’t judge what you hear?”

Izuku nodded, not bothering to speak to let the devil collect his thoughts.

“Guess the beginning is as good a place to start as any.” Bendy gave a nervous sigh. “The first thing I remember is being brought into this world in a thick tub of ink that came pouring out from some machine. Candles were all over that room with ritual sigils and markings everywhere. I looked around and saw the two people who would define my whole existence from that moment forward: Joey Drew and Henry Stein.”

“Are those the two you always mumble about in your sleep?”

The devil nodded. “Henry was the guy who designed my new look, and the guy I always spent most of my time hanging around. He was a swell guy – always taking the time to help me out and guide me despite the mountain of work he was stuck with as the studio’s lead animator. Heck, I remember one time I wound up spilling a whole bucket of ink over some of his concept sketches for a new episode while he was still working on them; boy was he mad, but we shared a laugh afterward.”

A smile crept up as nostalgia poured out.

“Looking back, I made a whole bunch of friends there in the studio, but he was the one I could just be ‘me’ around. No faked or forced smiles, no bs, just me and him, you know?”

“Yeah. I think I understand.” Izuku nodded, happy seeing the smile beside him. “He sounds like a good guy. What about the other one?”

Bendy’s smile soured at the mention, returning to a more seething expression.

“Joey. He’s the one who started the whole thing, from the studio to my summoning, he orchestrated it all. Even if I wasn’t around until a little after the studio was official, I heard more than a little bit of history from the guy.” A scowl grew after another sip. “Stealing credit for other’s work, firing or threatening people when they ask too much, hunting for the next big thing, the guy was a greedy shmuck through and through. There was a time when I wondered who the real demon was between us, and I’ll tell you what, I may have been born in hell, but he was something else.”

The teen’s face scrunched up in irritation.

“He certainly sounds like a piece of work.”

“He was. One day, it got to the point where he wanted to have more than just me, so he made me ‘make’ a costar for the studio.” Ink trailed out from an open hand. “That was the day I made Boris, my best pal. Since I wasn’t too used to my powers at the time, he was as dopy as they came, but he had a good heart in the end.”

“Wasn’t there another with you two?” Izuku looked out to the starry sky. “She was an angel, right?”

“Alice.” There was a softness to his voice as he recalled the name. “After I was more comfortable with my skills, I was tasked with making another character for the show. She was meant to be my love interest, and whether it was on or off the clock, we were crazy for each other. Always having at least some time away from everyone else to just unwind with a little date.”

The ink that hovered over gloved hands shifted, altering its shape with every recollection that graced the devil’s lips.

“She and I were real sweethearts; I’ll tell you what. With a voice as angelic and sweet as her design and a real smokin’ figure, she was the definition of perfect.”

“Sounds like you were living a hell of a life. How did it all go wrong, though? Whatever articles I found all just cut off after the studio went under. There was never a real explanation that didn’t sound fabricated.”

“That’s because what happened was chocked up to moving times.” The last of the devil’s cup was emptied. “Color was becoming more popular by the year, and the studio didn’t have the funds to follow the trend. Little by little, tickets for shows stopped selling, and views for the cartoons and comics started to fall. It didn’t take long for layoffs to start, and soon, the place was more baren than ever before the doors finally shut.”

Pie-cut eyes traversed the rim of the cup, watching whatever remained of the viscous, black treat pool to the bottom.

“It was a scary time for whoever was left, but it only really went to shit when Henry just up and disappeared. There wasn’t even a note or sign of it happening – one minute he was there, and the next thing we knew, he was gone.” A tremble encroached upon his being as he went. “Without him, everything went from bad to worse. Joey was left to try and pick up the pieces of everything falling apart, and his true nature started to show more and more by the day. The gang and I were fearing for our lives without so much as a clear idea of what to do until…”

Bendy’s words fell silent as the well of emotions long repressed began to surface. Frightening thoughts flashed by without end to make the trembled in his body worsen despite the attempts to still them.

“One day, there wasn’t anyone left. The doors shut permanently, leaving the gang and I alone without a way out.”  Stifled sniffles became audible with every few words. “We still had enough ink to survive, but as days turned to months and months to years, we started to lose ourselves. None of us were able to smile, laugh, or anything for so long; we just couldn’t find a reason to after a while. Every day was the same, monotone hell that made us wish for something – anything to change.”

“…How long were you all trapped in there?” Izuku spoke up, letting his friend know he was not alone.

Bleached hands reached out to the trembling silhouette in hopes to help ease the pain, but never met its target as more memories were dug up.

“We were stuck in that hell for over thirty years. Every day we counted, and every day the hope for something to change faded more and more. Then,” Cracks along the mug appeared through gloved hands. “HE came back. Joey waltzed in without a care in the world as if the last thirty years never happened, but he was different. Old age obviously made its mark, but it was something else about him. The way he looked at us, the power in his voice – it was like he was someone else entirely.”

“Why did he come back?”

Fury grew through the pie-cut stare with every breath.

“He said that there was a way for us to go back to how things were before the studio went under; that he had a plan all set and everything. All we had to do was follow his instructions…”

“…What did he want from you guys?”

The devil’s tongue clicked venomously. “…Let’s just say it wasn’t pretty. When he said what he wanted, he turned and left, saying that he would be back tomorrow to hear our answer. After he left, we all discussed what we should do, and Alice and I were on board after a while, but Boris…he just couldn’t go through with it. He tried to talk us out of it too – saying that it was a bad idea to trust Joey after everything that happened. He said that what he wanted from us was crazy and that we shouldn't get involved. We wound up fighting over it for hours until he was done with it and left for the deepest parts of the studio.”

Black droplets fell into the empty cup, sniffles no longer attempting to hush themselves.

“That was the last time I saw him…” Hics that accompanied his voice fell as he wiped his eyes. “When Joey came back, he wanted us to start cleaning up the auditorium to set it up for his plan. After ten days of preparation, the place was full for the first time in thirty years. Music, food, booze, and drinks, Joey spared no expense in setting up a reunion for everyone who used to work in the studio. Alice and I were told to wait underneath the stage until his signal, so we were able to have a chat before it went down. While they were busy having fun, she was having second thoughts. She said maybe Boris was right to turn down Joey’s offer.”

“And what did you think?”

“…I told her that we should stick with the plan. None of them cared about what happened to us, and that plan of his was our one shot at a fresh start; even if it didn’t sit well with either of us.”

Bendy’s eyes narrowed to the distant nothingness of the neighborhood without a word spoken for a time, not wanting to continue before the cracked cup was set aside.

“When Joey’s voice appeared on the intercom, that was our signal to get ready. While he went on to thank everyone for coming out and catching up on everything, we felt the platform beneath us spring to life and take us up. We were both nervous as hell, but once we were in front of the crowd, I felt like everything just…stopped. There was this calm to everything, no one talked or screamed, and there wasn’t anything going on beyond the radio and Joey’s little speech. Then…”

Black drops fell from the still silhouette, taking away the solid form in favor of a warped shudder while finding the words.

“…I…I-I killed them.” The devil’s voice cracked. “Remember back at the park…when I first showed you that trick? Well…I used it. I used it on everyone there.”

“…Bendy -”

“They tried to run, but the doors were sealed shut. Some tried to grab chairs or broken bottles and beat me down while others tried to find a way out. And every life I took, every scream I silenced, I grew with each one. Bigger, stronger, angrier, and worst of all, happier than I ever was before. I couldn’t stop smiling as it happened…”

Futile attempts at clearing away the streaming tears were made, every wipe making way for more as he went. Barely stifled cries warped the devil’s speech while Izuku watched on, uncertain of what or if anything should be said.

“In between the cries and screams, I heard Alice calling out to me. She sounded…so scared. She wanted me to stop, but I didn’t listen. Then, I felt someone try to pull me away from taking another life, so I swung my arm and smacked whoever it was across the room. When-When I looked back to see who it was…Alice was laying over a broken table in the corner.”

He felt his words seize with blatant horror.

“Everything stopped when I saw her struggle to get up. She was holding the left side of her face for dear life…and when she moved her hand…” Gloved hands tightened over the railing. “She was hurt because of me. I HURT her – someone I cared about more than anything was looking at me like I was a monster, and she was right to think it…”

Only the weakened sobs and sniffles were audible for a time, no attempts to rid pie-cut eyes of their murky distress being made. Bleached hands hovered close by, wondering how best to quell the maelstrom of emotions running rampant beside them. Gentle rubs along Bendy’s back eventually evened the tremble in his body as residual anguish held onto his voice.

“When everything was done, she was gone. I was alone and barely recognized myself in the reflections of broken glass around my feet. Then, Joey came back, not even fazed with everything that had happened, and told me I did a good job.” Disgust bled into the devil’s voice. “He said that there was one more person left – someone who didn’t come to the party like the others. Joey told me that they would be coming to the studio in one month, so I should prepare to handle them like I did with the rest.”

“…Who was it?” Izuku finally found his voice.

“Henry.” A cold chill ran through Bendy as he went. “I didn’t kill him, though. I didn’t want to just…end it like everyone else. No, I wanted to see him and know why he abandoned us all those years ago – why he abandoned ME without so much as a goddamn goodbye. But I never got to know…”

The weak, onyx gaze looked over to meet concern beneath the teen's stare, fury and depression aimed inward with great intent.

“Partner, I told you before, I’m a horrible guy. I was born a demon and made a plaything by the people who summoned me, but I never wanted to hurt anyone. I just…” Words felt heavy with a pause. “I just didn’t want to be alone again. I was used, abandoned, betrayed, and lost for so long, and now, I just want it all to end. I just want to see my friends again…”

Without hesitation, Izuku pulled the trembling silhouette into an embrace. Gloved hands clutched the fabric of the teen’s shirt tight with the growing distress now pouring into the cloth. Words that desired freedom and acknowledgment were withheld, unable to take form through the anguish that hovered in the air around them. Furious tears that ran rampant returned Bendy's form to warp and distort slightly as the Izuku did whatever possible to keep his form being enough.

“Bendy,” The words cut through the muffled sobs. “It wasn’t your fault. You were being taken advantage of, and everything that happened was all because of that monster. You may have listened to him, but in the end, he’s the one who killed those people – who hurt your friends.”

“But -”

“No. You never wanted to hurt those people, right?” He paused, feeling a light nod against his torso. “All you wanted was freedom. You and your friends were left alone to rot in that place only to have him come in and make things worse for everyone.”

“I still killed them, though.” Bendy’s voice became horse with the tears. “I killed every last person, I hurt Alice and didn’t listen to Boris, and I almost killed Henry!”

Light hits were made against the teen’s body when listing the atrocities aloud. Each stung when meeting the soft of his flesh, though no reactions came.

“Joey may have played the mastermind in all this, but I still listened to him! I followed everything that monster said and look at what happened! I’m stuck in a different fuckin’ time on the other side of the goddamn world, I can barely go out on my own without needing to hitch a ride in you or that damn journal, and for all I know, I’m the only one left!” His fists finally stopped as the list came to an end. “I never even got to apologize to Henry or anyone else for what I did. I never got to say I'm sorry for the monster I became...”

Ivory eyes watched intently as Bendy stilled into the ink-stained fabric below, unable to find the will to push the now silent devil away. Either mouth kept sealed shut without a word to come and break the quiet that blanketed the air between them.

“You can still tell them, Bendy.” Izuku looked up to the starry sky. “We don’t know if Boris or Alice is still alive, but there’s still a chance; one we’ll hope for every day.”

“And what if they are out there and we can’t find them?”

“We will. It might take a while, but one day I’m sure we will. And when we do, we’ll celebrate like hell.”

A hesitant look slipped up the fabric to face the teen.

“...How do you know we will? You’re just trying to make me feel better, aren’t you?”

Onyx locks shook. “I know we will because I have hope. It may not be much, but if you believe hard enough and give it your all, then things will work out eventually. At least, that’s what my mom always told me. We'll struggle and fall plenty, and that's okay. One day, we'll reunite you guys so you can apologize for everything that happened; I made a promise, remember?”

Slowly, the despair in Bendy’s face lessened at the smile offered from above. Then, low laughter began to rise with a snort, causing a hint of surprise to Izuku watching. Hearty cackling kept the silence around at bay, and soon, the teen joined in the unexpected joy present.

“Thanks, partner,” Bendy spoke between laughs. “Thanks for hearing me out like that, really. As much as everything sucks, and the mountain of regrets I have, I’m one lucky devil to have a guy like you around.”

“Hey, we devils should look out for each other, right?”

“Pfft, please. Technically, you’re still human. Get a few more souls under your belt and maybe you’ll get there.”

“A man can dream.”

Well-meant jabs tossed between the duo without end for a time. Drowsiness and exhaustion were ignored as the starry skies above moved on, neither caring about the chilling breezes that kept dancing by. Even with the uncertainties of the world and future ahead close behind, joy reigned supreme in the dark of the patio as laughter could be heard far into the night.

Chapter Text

“Ready, partner?”

Determination set ablaze through ivory eyes while stilled breaths continued to repeat through a calmed silence. Muscles tensed as the lion's share of attention kept to the devil across the grassy sea that separated them. With a neck roll and crackle of knuckles, a toothy grin flashed to the world, not needing to speak for his answer to be heard.

“Alrighty then, Sword of Woe!”

Stones were plucked from the ground, resting firm in gloved hands before being thrust forward in a haste aimed at the teen. Seeing the oncoming projectiles, Izuku poked his fingertip with the edge of his thumbnail, feeling the tear of bleached flesh with the added pressure. Mimicking a snap, his thumb struck through the layers of skin to unveil a stream of black that continued to flood beyond the open wound. Through the little effort made, the murky fluid collected itself through an elongated state, detailing and refining until finally unveiling a solidified blade now within his grasp.

Heavy swings of the sword met the stone in a blur of movement, slicing and parrying them to the side with every move of his arm. The onslaught remained constant with more clouds of dust and dirt being made to hinder Izuku’s vision as the rocks were dealt with.

“Shield of Deceit!”

The sword immediately lost its form, turning fluid once again before spreading out to take on a new shape. In between dodging oncoming stones, more ink was forced out as the shape began to fill with detail and solidify once again. With a satisfied grin, the teen ducked behind the newly made shield, much to Bendy’s delight with the inverted cross plastered at its helm. Hardly anything could be felt as the stones continued to pelt the blackened wall while bleached fingers readied themselves to draw out more ink.

“Boots of Agony!”

Larger stones flew to meet Izuku, many hitting the blunt of the shield before finally lowing his guard to act. In a single leap, pie-cut eyes looked up in delight above the canopy to see the monochromatic teen airborne. Remnants of the shield liquified and returned beneath bleached flesh while a generous amount of ink wrapped itself to his legs. Even from the distance between them, Bendy smiled at the acquired boots now hugged tight below his knees; refined details being made just as his descent began.

“Gauntlets of Sin!”

With a heavy wind up, the devil’s arm spun with a single stone remaining in gloved hands. Once its target neared the grassy sea below, the stone thrust forward with speeds far exceeding its predecessors. Dirt and debris kicked up in a cloud as Izuku returned to the ground with a hefty landing before eying the oncoming projectile. With another snap-like motion, ink tore through his fingers to cover both hands in a thick, viscous mold of black. Izuku let his arm rear back to reach its apex before finally thrusting to meet the force behind the stone in a swift swing. Another cloud of dirt kicked up as ink met stone, and once the earthy veil fell, Bendy looked on with a toothy grin. Much as the boots that hugged his legs, the murky black now enveloping the teen detailed to mimic proper armor with a sleek, onyx finish. A light hum poked through the pride welling within at the precision demonstrated before a snap of gloved hands echoed out.

“Impish Wings!”

Pie-cut eyes looked to Izuku with an excited glint upon instruction, though faded as nothing of note could be seen.

“I said, ‘Impish Wings’!” The black silhouette tapped impatiently against the grass. “Partner! What gives?”

“What are you talking about, Bendy? I’m already activating them.”

The devil huffed and walked over, frustrated to see what the problem was. Upon circling Izuku, an annoyed sigh escaped with a noticeable droop of his tail.

“Okay, that’s just disappointing.”

Curiosity bubbled beneath ivory eyes when looking at the devil before attempting to look over his shoulder. Planted at his back's center stood two, feathered wings that remained at rest without an order to command them life. Much to the disappointment of both, their size was far from ideal as they mirrored a crow in stature against the cloth of his shirt.

“Oh… I guess I didn’t iron that out after all.” The wings flapped uselessly against his back. “I mean, four out of five is still pretty good, right?”

“Pretty sure we’ll have to start calling them Impotent Wings at this rate…”

“Wait, I have an idea.”

Streams of ink snaked out from the gauntlets and boots to the teen’s back, taking on the shape and style of the original wings while placing a pair on the heel of either boot. Soon, six avian appendages fluttered in sync with one another to follow those at his feet. Despite the slow ascent and constant struggle for balance, Izuku continued to hover close to the canopies with a strained grin now facing the devil.

“How’s that? It may not be the fanciest way to do it, but I’d say this still does the trick.”

Bendy’s head shook. “It’s moments like this that make me wish I never left that notebook.”

“Hey, it’s not as easy as it looks.” Izuku shot back, landing with a thud. “I’ll just have to practice it a little more, no big deal. Besides, we should also start getting things together. The exam is at nine, so we should probably start leaving before it gets too late.”

Despite the devil’s gripes with the technique, obsidian locks turned and walked to one of the trees surrounding their makeshift training grounds. With a flex of control, whatever ink that covered his being pooled back beneath bleached flesh, only leaving a single drop against his palm. Following memory, the open palm met the rough bark of the tree, letting ink seep beyond the outer shell and assimilate the entity into a murky black. Through the focus and growing black, pie-cut eyes turned to the yellow bag that lay peacefully beside a mossy stump. Gloved hands fished beyond the zipper, happily playing through the phone screen and games set aside for curing the ailments of boredom only to stop as something caught his gaze.

“Hey, partner, how long is the train ride over to U.A?”

“From here, it should be about a forty-five-minute commute. After that, it’ll be another ten-ish minute walk before we’re at the gates of the school.” Izuku looked back, finally done absorbing the inky tree. “Why?”

“It’s eight o’clock on the dot.”

Both looked to the screen now facing between them, too busy with the shock brought about by the information given. Realization of the now-apparent problem clicked as the yellow bag quickly dragged along the grass to meet the teen’s grasp in a rush of movement.

“Boots of Agony?”

“Hop in.” The devil acquiesced, flooding beneath an open hand. “This bodes poorly…”

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“HEY, ALL YOU ROCKIN’ SUPERSTARS! WELCOME TO THE U.A. PRACTICAL EXAM! LET ME HEAR SOME NOISE!”

A stark silence followed the energetic call into the dimmed seats around.

“AH, SOME SHY LISTENERS, HUH? NO BIGGIE, LET’S GET DOWN TO BUSINESS, THEN.” The still screen at the announcer’s back flashed to life with a press of a button. “HERE’S THE SITCH, LITTLE LISTENERS, EACH OF YOU IS GOING TO BE DIVIDED UP AND SENT OUT TO ONE OF OUR TESTING SITES FOR THE EXAM. THERE YOU WILL BE GIVEN A TEN-MINUTE WINDOW TO THRASH AND BASH YOUR WAY THROUGH THE HORDES OF FAUX VILLAIN VARIANTS SET UP WITHIN EACH SITE.”

“That’s all there is?” Bendy materialized to examine the form in front of them. “All we got to do is smash a couple hunks of junk; not much of a challenge if you ask me.”

“There’s probably more to it than just that, though. Maybe some kind of hidden agenda that they’re looking for?” Bleached fingers hovered beside his lips. “Maybe there’s something to do with the fourth variant that they want us to figure out? Or it might be a matter of quantity that they want to see?”

“Will you two bastards shut it?”

The duo turned to meet a seething glare beneath crimson eyes at their side to accompany the gritted teeth flashed.

“It’s bad enough I have to sit next to you freaks, but if you don’t shut the hell up, then I’ll kill you before the exam has a chance to.” Katsuki seethed.

“Ah, take a hike, blondie. We weren’t even talking to you, so mind your own business.”

“REMEMBER, LISTENERS,” The announcement muted any backlash that came. “THOSE FAUX VILLAINS ARE GOING TO BE CRUISIN’ FOR A BRUSIN’, SO IT’S UP TO YOU TO USE WHATEVER YOU CAN TO TURN THEM TO SCRAP METAL. AS THE FORMS SHOW, EACH VARIANT IS ASSIGNED A SET POINT VALUE. SOMETHING TO KEEP IN MIND, HOWEVER, IS THAT THE HIGHER VALUE OPPONENTS ARE GOING TO BE TRICKIER THAN THE LOWER ONES, SO PICK YOUR BATTLES CAREFULLY TO AVOID ANY UNNECESSARY INJURIES!”

“Excuse me!” Attention shifted to the stands, following a spotlight to grace the inquiry. “According to the forms we have been given, it shows no less than four variations of opponents we will be encountering during the exam. If you intend to supply us with blatant falsehoods rather than a proper briefing, then I am frankly appalled at the lack of truth in this institution of heroism!”

Hushed comments slowly spread through the audience, many agreeing with the outburst made.

“And you,” A finger quickly pointed back to meet ivory eyes. “Your chatter with that thing is quite irritating. If you do not intend to pay attention here, then I kindly ask you to leave as to not distract those who actually came to be heroes.”

Mumbled laughs were swift to pepper the stands as the student continued to glare back at Izuku.

“Lighten up, would ya?” Bendy stood up to follow a spotlight now aimed upon them. “If we were so loud, four-eyes, then you’d know we were discussing the test in-depth. We were minding our own business, unlike a certain someone who decided to cause a scene for a little spotlight.”

“Okay, that’s enough.” Present Mic waved attention back, noticing the impending conflict. “EXAMINEE 7111, TO ANSWER YOUR QUESTION, THERE IS A FOURTH VARIANT. HOWEVER, IT IS TO BE VIEWED AS MORE OF AN OBSTACLE THAT SHOULD BE AVOIDED RATHER THAN FOUGHT. IT WON’T AWARD ANY POINTS TO YOUR FINAL SCORE ON THE OFF CHANCE YOU ARE ABLE TO DEFEAT IT, AND THERE IS ONLY ONE PER TEST SITE. IT’S TOUGHER THAN THE OTHERS, SO YOU LISTENERS ARE BETTER OFF HEADING IN THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION OF IT IF YOU SEE IT.”

“I see…” The teen bowed to the stage. “Thank you for clearing that up, and I apologize for interrupting.”

“DON’T SWEAT IT, LISTENER! NOW,” A dramatic pose struck the crowd. “PREPARE TO MAKE YOUR WAY TO THE SHUTTLE BUSES FOR YOUR BIG TEST! AND REMEMBER TO GIVE IT YOUR ALL OUT THERE, PLUS ULTRA ALL THE WAY! YEAH!

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Cerulean skies hovered calmly above the sea of applicants as they stood anxiously before a towering gate. Through the stretches being made behind the group, mumbled worries continued to dance between those idly standing by that held nothing but anxiousness for whatever may lay beyond the sealed entrance. Faint hums escaped bleached lips with a roll of the neck to no particular tune while the dark fabric of his tracksuit was patted clean of any wrinkles.

“This is it, huh?” Izuku thought aloud.

“Looks like it. I’d say we’re a shoo-in, though.” The devil relaxed between ashen horns. “We practiced like hell for months just for this, after all. Think about it, partner, after everything we’ve been through, do you honestly think a couple of scrap metal punks can stop us?”

“Says the one who gets to sit back and relax while I do all the work.”

“Damn skippy.”

Before more could be said between the duo, a rumble grew as the colossal gate parted, revealing the test site to startled eyes. Anxiousness that continued to envelope many of the applicants was quick to spike at the cityscape now open to them without so much as a warning.

“WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR, LISTENERS?” Present Mic’s voice boomed from behind. “THE TEST HAS BEGUN! THERE ARE NO STARTING BELLS IN THE REAL WORLD, SO GET OUT THERE AND SHOW US WHAT YOU GOT!”

In a matter of seconds, manic sprints through the gate were made, stampeding into the streets now littered with mechanized foes. Bodies continued to shove and push each other aside as the horde neared the wave of machines, though none seemed to note the streak of black weaving past the applicants. As quickly as they were seen, the faux villains were down in defeat, smoking and missing large chunks of their bodies. While some diverted into the alleys and side roads, others stood in disbelief as a dark-clad applicant stood over one of the now defeated opponents.

Okay, how many was that again? I wasn’t paying attention.

That one makes fifteen, partner.

The monochromatic teen grinned as another group of faux foes made their way to them. Numbers that were painted in bright yellow focused into his gaze while the ink hugging his legs and arms remedied any damage, refining back to pristine condition.

“Alright then,” Knuckles cracked with a flex of flesh beneath the gauntlets. “Let’s go.”

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“ALRIGHTY, LISTENERS, JUST THREE MINUTES REMAIN FOR THE TEST! LET ME SEE YOU ROCKIN’ BRAWLERS PUT SOME REAL OOMPH INTO THE LAST MINUTES!”

The call of the proctor boomed through the cityscape, much to the irritation of many as their ears suffered more than the downed mechanisms. With the announcement’s echoes thumping through the machine-littered streets, applicants continued to desperately run about in hopes of securing more points. Panicked and hasted movements were made in all directions much to the amusement of ivory eyes watching from atop a pile of collected scrap metal.

“How long do you think it’ll be before they realize there aren’t any more robots left?” Izuku wondered aloud.

“My money’s on them running around ‘til the bell.” A black silhouette exited the teen to sit beside him. “With the haul we got, I wouldn’t doubt if we were accepted right away. Seventy-four points ain’t nothing to sneeze at.”

The teen stood to stretch. “I guess. Let’s go ahead and do a lap around here, though. There are probably a few people who got hurt fighting these things, so we should help if we see any.”

As the duo exited the pile of mechanized corpses, a terrible rumble boomed through the cityscape, sending many to their feet from the shock. Frantic eyes looked around to discover its origin only to reel back at the sight now looming overhead. Large, metallic hands clasped over the buildings’ tops, taking large chunks of the concrete foundation off and falling to the ground with a clench of its mighty grip. From below, fearful gazes looked out to see the pattern of crimson orbs that shined at attention when met with the bodies of its miniscule brethren sprawled about in various states of decimation. Through a momentary pause, gears were heard roaring to life to follow a series of treads now tumbling against the road.

FALLEN COMRADES DETECTED…VENGENCE PROTOCOLS NOW ENGAGING

The heavy, metallic voice boomed before the hulking mass made its way down the road to meet the frightened applicants. Panic quickly turned to mad dashes as everyone that stood paralyzed by the now-awakened zero-pointer’s arrival was rushing to escape its steady stampede. Robotic corpses that lay in the behemoth's path crushed and crumbled under the weight pressing them into the concrete, many erupting in a spray of oil and reflexed cries before being flattened. Seeing the still faux foes elicit the reactions seen sparked something fierce as those with the most terror hurried further ahead.

“You know,” Bendy started, watching the zero-pointer near. “The way they described it; I was expecting something more…destructive.”

“Yeah, they made it out to be an unstoppable force. I was imagining something with missiles or maybe a bomb or two at least. This is literally just the equivalent of a giant tank with arms rolling forward.”

Either devil watched on with a back and forth of audible thoughts, ignoring the frightened individuals hurrying by. As the mechanized behemoth continued its path down the metallic corpse-ridden streets, obsidian locks eventually turned back towards the entrance.

“Well, we may as well start making our way to the front. I doubt it will catch us if we do a light jog.” A roll of the neck offered a satisfying crack. “Come on, Bendy, let’s -”

“Help!”

The teen felt his words stop as a strained plea entered earshot through the horrified cries and roaring gears in the distance. A glance towards the zero-pointer left nothing to be seen outside the metal plates lining its being and the unfeeling gaze of the numerous, red orbs above. When lowered to the tracks rolling behind mounds of rubble and scrap metal, the faintest movement of mocha amidst the metal and concrete piles around sparked something within to follow a click of the tongue.

“Shit.” He muttered with a sigh.

“Hm? What’s up, partner?” Bendy turned back to see the teen running off. “Hey! What gives?”

Wings sprouted from a blackened silhouette through a flick of gloved hands, flapping until the devil turned airborne and hover above the pile of fallen machines. With a grunt and thrust forward, the winds slammed into his being, soaring through the empty road to catch up to the sway of obsidian locks.

“Partner! Why the hell are you running towards the thing? It’s not worth anything, right? So, let’s go already -”

“There’s someone trapped in its path.” Izuku’s gaze remained where it was. “If whoever’s there can’t move, then we’ll need to do something, or they might be hurt.”

Bendy latched onto ashen horns with a click of his tongue, eventually seeing what kept the ivory stare.

“What’s the plan, then?”

Nothing came in response to the inquiry. Eventually, pie-cut eyes looked over to see the expression present before a toothy grin appeared.

“I know that look. You want to try something, don’t ya?”

Izuku smiled. “Guilty. You may not like it though.”

Bleached fingers snapped, tearing the flesh to unveil a stream of black that snaked along the teen’s back. With the stream cut and finished, the devil turned back to see a series of wings mimicking his own with a soured look upon their birth. Whatever protests came were ignored as a powerful leap upward towards the buildings at their side to aid in the flutter of the avian appendages going at full throttle. Ink that armored the teen’s arms and legs slammed and penetrated the concrete foundation to further the ascension until the rooftops above entered their vision.

Without hesitation, the wings dissolved, trailing out to meet the roof and take on new shape. Little movement passed before finally ending the murky mold being forged and ending its liquid state. Blackened substances refined and sharpened, taking on a cannon-like appearance now aiming to meet the green metal in the distance.

“Hells Art: Brimstone Bomber!”

Izuku flicked the last of the ink away before a snap of reinforced fingers triggered a heavy boom to echo in the immediate vicinity. Ivory eyes failed to flinch as the inky combustion launched a blackened maw directly into the zero-pointer’s chest, denting the behemoth and stopping it still.

DAMAGE TO HULL SUSTAINED…

Crimson orbs turned to meet the origin of the attack with a noticeable glow to their lenses.

 RETALIATION ATTACK.EXE LAUNCHING

Metallic hands clenched and raised high to match the apex of its head, gears grinding hard while its torso turned to face its attacker. In a rush of hydraulics and inner mechanisms, a steel-plated fist launched towards the rooftop housing the duo.

“Uh, partner,” Bendy fidgeted atop obsidian locks. “Partner, it’s coming right at us. Partner!”

No words came to escape bleached lips as attention focused on the fast-approaching attack. Izuku dawned a crouched position, letting the tips of the inky boots press against his chest to prepare for whatever force awaited them. In the final moments separating the concrete from metal, the duo turned airborne once more with a great leap before slamming atop the massive arm now crushing the rooftop they left. Blackened claws dug into the metal frame with ease, hoping to keep steady enough to remain upright. With balance established, a mad dash up the extended arm launched the teen forward. Feeling the raging winds push and shove against every move made stalled progress as the elbow passed below a cautious step. As movement returned to the massive appendage, ink once again tore into the green plates to hold a semblance of the warped footing before pressing on to reach its shoulder. Breaths became hurried as adrenaline coursed through every vein amidst a swift climb along the behemoth's head until finally becoming perched at its tip.

The slow crawl along the flattened plates of metal paired poorly with the continuing winds that signaled movement had resumed. Teeth clenched while returning upright, careful as to keep a series of blackened spikes to aid in anchoring himself steady.

“Well, we’re here. Now what?”

Izuku looked to the cityscape below, still catching his breath from the effort exerted.

“I’m not sure. I honestly didn’t think we would get this far.”

Attention narrowed to the rubble-laid piles below. Baring the metallic corpses in their company, ivory eyes quickly found the bob of mocha locks still sandwiched between the heavy mounds of concrete. With the piles nearing with every action of the mechanisms beneath his feet, thoughts continued to race as potential ideas to stop the zero-pointer lead to failure and a potentially wounded or worse applicant. An anxiousness that ate away at the ideas made continued to grow until a look at bleach hands yielded a thought.

“You got a plan, don’t you?” Bendy spoke up, smiling at the look present.

Obsidian locks nodded. “Something like that, yeah. It’ll probably leave me worse for wear, but it might be worth it.”

“Go big or go home, partner. A devil should always be ready to go all in.”

Darkened nails pressed against an open palm, leaving a sting that was ignored through the smile fueling the optimism within. With a sway of his hand, flesh tore open to reveal an ebony gash along bleached hands, raising it high above his head. A deep inhale passed to steel resolve before a toothy growl fought the ever-present winds as his arm fell back to an opening in the zero-pointer. Though ivory eyes remained upon the green plates below, concentration aimed elsewhere, focusing on the ink now pouring from the open wound. Little by little, the murky black snaked and slithered through the inner mechanisms beneath his feet; each end of the blackened trail branching off as if roots beneath the earth.

“Hells art…”

Strength faded as more ink continued to leave his being, leaving a strained look that revealed the exhaustion plaguing him. Teeth grit with every bit of resistance met within the innards of the zero-pointer only to be forced beyond it with greater pressure that ate away at the teen’s reservoir of energy. Izuku’s eyes shut, hoping to force whatever remnants of stamina out in a final push before a bellowing cry echoed out.

“Judgement Stroke!”

In an instant, the tremble in the roads fell as the zero-pointer’s treads stopped where they were, causing the frightful gazes around to look back in surprise. Awe-struck expressions peppered the lingering crowd that slowly found the courage to approach with cautious steps. Upon nearing, the surprise present grew when attention aimed high to meet the now dulled crimson orbs above; many noting the discolored streaks around its head. From below, the applicants stared curiously at the waves of black tendrils poking beyond the metallic plates of the head. Murmured inquiries rose with the curious footsteps as they continued to near, no one caring to comment on the buzzer announcing the test’s end with a booming call.

Izuku’s gaze remained shut, too strained and focused on the technique draining his being to attempt any other tasks. Teeth remained bared as every vein felt pressed against bleached skin until the instinctive reflexes kicked in. Subconsciously, the tendrils protruding outward stilled momentarily before each shrunk away beneath the surface. Heavy torrents of black were felt absorbing back into the open palm still topped over the behemoth's head that nearly sent the teen back through the force it held. Little by little, every drop pooled and seeped into its bearer, the emptiness plaguing him suddenly being restored faster than it had appeared.

Within moments, bleached hands left the zero-pointer, loosely dangling beside the fabric of his tracksuit as attention went to the skies above. Ivory eyes opened weakly, glazed and void of any light that they held beforehand while looking out to nothing. Balance soon shifted, too great to be caught as the teen’s feet stumbled forward towards the edge of the metal plates ahead.

Partner?

Bendy spoke up, worry bleeding into his voice.

Partner? You’re getting a little too close to the edge there. You’re gonna –

The devil’s worries were silenced as gravity took control as his feet were no longer aided by the zero-pointer’s footing. Harsh winds immediately assaulted the limp body while it lay in a fast-expiring freefall.

“Partner!”

The black silhouette shot from bleached skin, quickly dawning another set of wings. Gloved hands reached out to grip hard against the black fabric in hopes to end the descent only to falter as the weight yanked the modest form down with it. Avian appendages flapped feverishly to accompany a strained expression as the duo continued to near the concrete below. Winds that fiercely rammed their beings slowed even slightly when size was added to the wings atop Bendy’s frame; allowing for a more glided descent as opposed to the hard drop.

As quick as it appeared, both figures met the end of their fall with a rough skid against the asphalt. Pained grunts and mumbled swears leaked out well after the rough landing subsided, leaving the teen sprawled along a stray slab of debris a meter away from a pie-cut stare.

“Partner!” Bendy rushed to his aid, ignoring any pain felt. "Partner, speak to me! Come on!”

Gloved hands shook against the tracksuit to yield no response. Pain and discomfort that lingered amidst his being felt replaced with the anxiousness that welled up from within. His form felt weak, leading to a series of drops staining the concrete below with a sniffle as no answer rose to satiate his worry. The devil continued to shake and shout to Izuku, not caring about the crowd moving to surround them as only silence answered back.

“Come on, partner, wake up already.” Ink droplets finally broke through his gaze. “You gotta wake up. You can’t just leave me like this. I need you, damnit; we need each other!”

“…Bendy?”

Teary eyes looked up to the weak response given, edges of relief surfacing through a smile.

“Bendy, I’m…” Muffled coughs stalled the raspy voice. “I’m…I-I’m so…goddamn hungry after that.”

Weak and stifling a laugh, the teen smiled through the discomfort and audible growl now rumbling through his torso. Seeing the relaxed look form on the teen let the worry fade from Bendy in favor of an angry fist meeting the starved body. Frustrated and weak, gloved hands repeatedly slammed into the black fabric while muffled swears grew in decibels.

“You sonuva bitch. I was worried sick over you!”

Pained laughter continued to grow through the devil’s blows, though they were barely felt beyond the desire for rest and refueling. Bleached hands eventually picked the black silhouette with a weak grip to cease the assault and pull him into an embrace that accompanied the laughter heard throughout the rising crowd.

----------------------------------------

This is taking forever.

I know, Bendy. We just have to be patient, though.

Patience my ass. These bastards make us wait a whole week, and all we can do is twiddle our tails in the meantime.

Aggravated rants continued to occupy the teen’s thoughts as ivory eyes remained fixated upon a new piece. Every stroke of the pen and brush remained unhinged through the split in focus, though every few moments were forced to pause for a winded sigh before newfound inspiration resumed their actions.

“Maybe I should -”

“Izuku!”

The bedroom door swung open in a burst of movement, causing the teen to jerk back in surprise. Ivory eyes turned to meet the frantic gaze his mother bore through the apparent nervousness in her demeaner. Haggard breaths stumbled out as she kept to the doorway while clutching an envelope in a shaking grasp.

“Y-You have a letter from U.A.”

Without a word, Izuku rose and retrieved the letter, staring at the red crest that sealed it shut through hushed breaths. A black silhouette appeared beyond bleached skin with a hop to stand atop the teen’s shoulder in anticipation of what its contents held. Attention kept to the paper sheath with every tear until a small, flat device emptied into an open palm. Before thoughts turned audible at the unknown contents, the device erupted to life in a holographic ray, illuminating the dimmed room.

“I AM HERE IN A PROJECTION!”

Surprise furthered upon the thunderous call of the blonde hero within the message.

“YOUNG MIDORIYA, I’M SURE YOU’RE EAGER TO KNOW YOUR RESULTS AFTER A WEEK OF SILENCE, SO I WON’T KEEP YOU IN SUSPENSE ANY LONGER! AFTER REVIEWING YOUR PERFORMANCE IN BOTH TESTS, WE HAVE YOUR FINAL SCORE HERE!”

A button pressed revealed a monitor that brought text as he spoke.

“FROM YOUR WRITTEN EXAM, YOU SCORED A MIGHTY NINETY PERCENT! A FINE JOB INDEED! AS FOR THE PRACTICAL, YOU BLEW AWAY THE FACULTY MEMBERS WATCHING! WIELING A UNIQUE AND POWERFUL QUIRK SUCH AS YOURS, YOU SMASHED THE SCOREBOARD WITH SEVENTY-FOUR VILLAIN POINTS, BUT THAT’S NOT ALL! WHILE WE WERE WATCHING CAREFULLY TO SEE HOW MANY ROBOTS YOU FLEDGLING HEROES COULD DEFEAT, THERE WAS MORE TO THE TEST – A SECOND SCORING SYSTEM!”

The monitor changed once more, revealing footage from varied angles of the monochromatic teen’s actions. Every few actions switched perspectives between defeating opponents and aiding others from unseen blows, moving on to another to help deal with a larger group of faux villains ganging up on a single applicant. With another flash of the screen, Izuku felt a sense of pride welling up at the sight of the zero-pointer's defeat, leading to a rescued applicant with mocha locks being treated.

“THAT’S RIGHT! RESCUE POINTS WERE AWARDED TO THOSE WHO WENT OUT OF THEIR WAY TO PROTECT THEIR FELLOW APPLICANTS! AND AFTER CONSTRUCTIVE DEBATING, YOU HAVE BEEN AWARDED AN ADDITIONAL SEVENTY-NINE RESCUE POINTS! MAKING YOUR TOTAL FOR THE PRACTICAL A MIGHTY ONE-HUNDRED AND FIFTY-THREE POINTS!” The hero flashed a bright smile when facing the screen once more. “SO, YOUNG MIDORIYA, I AM PLEASED TO SAY TO YOU THAT YOU HAVE BEEN GIVEN ENTRY TO OUR FIRST-YEAR HEROICS COURSE! I LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING WHAT HEIGHTS YOU WILL REACH IN THE COMING SCHOOL YEAR, YOUNG HERO!”

With a bow of blonde locks, the hologram faded in a flash to return the room to its former modest lighting. Silence reigned as the news presented left nothing to add beyond the stunned expressions present. Soon, a tremble grew in the teen, causing pie-cut eyes to turn to see a series of black droplets making their way beyond freckled cheeks.

“Partner? What’s wrong?”

Izuku sniffled, not bothering to wipe away the tears present.

“I’m just so happy, Bendy. And it’s all thanks to you.” A smile formed upon him. “Without you, then I would never have made it this close to my dream. I feel so blessed.”

“Oh, come on, partner. You’re a smart kid, you could have found a way without me.”

“My babies are going to be heroes!”

The matriarch of the household pulled the duo into a strong embrace, sobbing happily to match the tears being made. Neither denied the act, swiftly accepting the motherly warmth and pride emanating from her as nothing but pleasant cries echoed through the apartment building.

Chapter Text

“I AM HERE…I AM HERE…I AM -”

“Still too loud.” Gloved hands slammed the alarm shut with a groan. “I swear to god, we are getting a new alarm today, or so help me, I will personally drag that thing down to hell with me.”

Tired gripes continued as the devil exited bleached flesh with a stretch, letting his tail drift about with his every step to the desk across the bed. With a hop, the black silhouette relaxed atop the cushion of the chair, still burdened with drowsiness clouding his gaze. Through a yawn, pie-cut eyes looked over at the endless groans elicited that demanded sleep beyond the veil of sheets across him.

“Oh, no you don’t. If I can’t sleep, then you don’t get to either.”

Bendy grunted as he returned to the floor, scaling the bed through mumbled swears until standing atop the teen’s body. With a flick of gloved hands, ink streamed out, collecting into his grasp before solidifying into an ebony trumpet. Twitches full of discomfort were elicited as the cool, inky instrument pressed delicately against bleached flesh while continuing to cling to the warmth the sheets provided. Upon a deep breath, the mouthpiece met the devil’s lips to create a blaring roar to echo through the bedroom. Amidst the abhorrent melody still thumping in his head, ivory eyes shot open in alarm before the rest of his being staggered in place and onto the floor.

“Mornin’, partner. Sleep well?”

Izuku looked back with widened eyes and frantic breath as a low cackle escaped the devil. His hands moved from the rampant beat beneath the layers of skin and fabric to clutch the hem of his shirt.

“And I now know what it feels like to have my life flash before my eyes… Why the sudden wake-up call?”

“Hey, you’re the one who told me to make sure you woke up on time for your first day of school. I did my part, so you’re welcome.” The trumpet faded back beneath his silhouette as he went. “By the way, we are going to stop by some place for a new alarm today; it’s time.”

Izuku rose back up beyond the thumping rhythm in his chest and looked to the clock before sighing in defeat. Not bothering to affirm the demand, the usual routines mornings held came and went without a fuss. Only when dawning the new uniform were his actions slowed, staring into the reflection as the scarlet tie was being fixed by gloved hands. Seeing the silver blazer sporting the teal streaks to match the pantlegs below enveloping his being offered a sense of pride within. Droplets that attempted to escape their grasp were withheld, opting to flash a toothy grin brimming with joy before slinging a backpack over one shoulder and proceeding to the door.

“There are my two handsome boys.” Inko spoke to catch their eye.

Before a response could answer her, a warm embrace quickly ensnared the duo as they appeared in the living room. Her arms tightened their hold with great force until finally they were released to look out into ivory eyes with a teary glint and bright smile.

“I can’t tell you how proud I am of you, both of you. I know you two will do great things out there no matter what you do. I hope you can forgive me for not supporting you from the start, sweetie, but I promise to give you and Bendy the heavens if you’ll let me.”

“Mom…”

“I’d settle for a glass of hot ink, personally.” Bendy wiggled free to perch atop ashen horns.

Izuku returned the embrace, restraining the stray ink droplets from breaking free before releasing. The warmth that bled from his smile reached Inko with great force that let her tears betray their hold.

“Thank you, mom. I promise to do everything I can to be the best hero I can be, and it would be even better knowing you will support Bendy and me."

----------------------------------------

“Here it is.”

A smile graced Izuku upon reaching the assigned classroom. The large, wooden frame clad in red paint to designate its position gave off an intimidating air while standing firm adjacent to his stature. Nervous beats of the heart amped up the encumbered suspense while bleached hands reached out to grasp the handle with a slight tremble against the cool metal. Pausing to steady his breath, the door slid open to unveil what lay beyond. 

“Remove your feet from that desk this instant! You are disgracing this school’s integrity and image with such actions!”

“Ha? Who put a stick up your ass, extra? Unless you want to be destroyed on the first day, you better fuck off.”

Incessant cries that bordered the insane rang out as the door opened with their origin surrounding two unsavory, yet familiar faces. The rowdiest of which bellowing beyond an aggressive blonde’s cocky expression and cynical glare that eyed up the other in hopes of conflict. As if the malicious grin was insufficient, the troublemaker further leaned into his seat, leaving the continued plights of the other to be properly disregarded.

Through the square frames of his glasses, a flabbergasted look appeared amidst navy eyes that watched his worries be damned to the winds. Hands continued to be chopped through the air as if to emphasize his words, somehow becoming more robotic as their responses grew in vulgarity and volume. Whatever retort readied itself to rise out in rebellion halted as attention neared the doorway, and the boy’s body turned rigid while hurrying over.

“You there,” Navy locks remained unfazed despite the rushed movement forward. “Before proper introductions, I must apologize to you.”

Confusion budded into shock as the boy bowed almost a full ninety degrees before the monochromatic teen.

“During the exam, I watched as you selflessly ran towards the impending danger to save another applicant. Rather than worrying about points like the rest of us, you acted heroically and unveiled the true nature of the test.” He rose, gritting his teeth in contrition. “Not only was I rude to you, but I was also blind to the truth and must say you bested me as a hero before any of us were accepted. I will have to work hard to catch up to you and set a proper example moving forward.”

With the initial shock fading, a friendly laugh erupted as Izuku waved off the seriousness given.

“Apology accepted,” Bleached hands reached out to bridge the gap. “How about we let bygones be bygones and start over? No sense in holding onto a grudge over that, after all. I’m Izuku Midoriya, and this little guy here is Bendy.”

The devil manifested upon mention, offering a hand while perched atop Izuku’s shoulder.

“Put ‘er there, glasses. Nice to meetcha!”

Surprise appeared before finally accepting both gestures.

“A fine notion. I am Tenya Ida, though I would prefer not to be referred to as ‘glasses’ moving forward.”

“Meh, glasses might stick, but we’ll see.” A cackle escaped Bendy as he hopped down to an open desk.

“Gram! Bendy!”

Hearing the familiar call, Izuku looked beyond the new acquaintance with growing joy. Rushing forward with a signature ebony ponytail, a radiant smile appeared over Momo as she stopped beside the teen with a matching air of joy. Even with the simplistic cloth of the uniform dawned, it held a sense of elegance that enchanted ivory eyes beyond reason.

She bounced jovially. “You really are in my class. That’s wonderful! It was quite difficult not to tell you which class I was assigned to since we got our acceptance letters. Still, I am excited to be seeing you both here for the foreseeable year.”

“Yeah, Phear really got a laugh out of our anxiety when we decided to hold onto that part until the first day. I’m just glad to have someone I know in my class.” He flashed a toothy grin.

“Yeah. Nice to know partner here won’t go all sad on me now that you’re here, Machina. He was going on about how depressed he would be without seeing you every day -”

“Bendy!”

Bleached hands slammed atop the devil’s lips to silence his thoughts, much to the amusement of Momo as they went.

“Woah, you look like me.”

Eyes shifted at the arrival of another holding a mix of surprise and excitement aimed in the monochromatic teen’s direction. The piercing, golden irises caught his gaze first, taking note of their obsidian surroundings matching his own. Wavy, pink locks that swayed with the bubbly energy exuded mimicked just as much with the two, thinly sprouted horns that poked beyond their rosé constraints. As if to continue the mirrored style, a fair, pink hue enveloped her being wherever skin could be seen beyond her uniform. With a toothy laugh, her fingers went from herself to Izuku with clear joy.

“This is so cool! I’ve never met someone with looks like mine. We even have matching eyes!” She dramatically opened her eyes. “Put ‘er there, twin! Names, Mina Ashido. Nice to meetcha!”

A smile formed as the gesture was returned with a firm shake.

“Izuku Midoriya. It’s a welcomed surprise to meet you, Ashido.” Obsidian locks motioned to his shoulder. “Oh, and the devil at my shoulder is Bendy.”

“Pleasure to meetcha, doll.”

Mina gasped. “He’s so cute!”

Pink hands immediately scooped up the black silhouette and brought it close to herself in a giddy embrace. Sweet nothings were heard, though the surprise of her speedy snatch left the gazes mixed with their reactions.

“Oh,” She released the devil onto an open desk. “I’m sorry. I probably should have asked if I could hold him. That was pretty rude of me, my bad.”

Her concerns were waved off. “Ah, it’s cool, pinky. Guess my devilish charm is just too much for the ladies.”

The smile his words brought gave Bendy a toothy grin of his own, ignoring the gripes of his vessel that were cast at his side. Pie-cut eyes admired the similarities held between the new arrival and Izuku with a curious hum while the teens conversed briefly between themselves. As a new topic rose to his attention, two illuminated slits appeared through the edges of his gaze, causing him to step back in surprise. The ethereal glow each held amidst an abyssal black revealed a sense of joy that felt novel with the intimidating appearance that slithered through the desks.

“No way!” The creature exclaimed. “Fumi, come look! It’s another sentient quirk!”

Hearing the outburst, Izuku was the first to look over to the dark entity that connected to another student making his way over through a solemn silence. Beyond the chatty creature that sprouted from his being, the avian-like head appeared as an attention-grabber over the otherwise normal body. The jet black feathers that spiked to his back matched that of the entity still chatting happily, though the crimson eyes he sported aided in differentiating the two. Poking beyond his collar, a layered, scarlet choker could be seen resting beneath the eches of feathers that connected to his flesh before his deep voice grasped focus. 

“It would appear so,” His gaze wandered from either devil. “Quite the rare meeting; finding someone else with whom the abyss commands.”

Izuku smiled, feeling the words flow before noticing.

“A devil without the darkness is like a fish without water.”

Both teens kept a quiet stare, the newest to arrive eventually showing an amused glint as he offered a hand.

“A gathering between those who walk the darkest path spells an omen of the foulest kind. Fumikage Tokoyami and this is Dark Shadow.”

“Izuku Midoriya, and this here is Bendy.”

The devil groaned while both teens held a solid gaze with one another, eventually following the act with the dark entity. Chatter among the group slowly accumulated to varying topics that captured their thoughts and pushed aside the furious glares being sent over by a lone pair of crimson eyes beyond their voices. Conversations to uncover other such fascinations soon fell on deaf ears as the sudden appearance of yellow beside the doorway caught the stares of those closest to it. Large and cocoon-like, the mound lurched forward before stopping at the open door, exuding a grunt as it rolled on its side.

A piercing ebony stare met the group to match the dark locks that draped beyond the yellow confines of fabric. Scruff and unkempt facial hair made itself known as the new arrival wriggled about to ingest a fruit pouch before being sheathed once more. Only when the rest of the clamor within the class silenced did the zipper begin to unveil the body within.

“It took you all more than fifteen seconds to quiet down. We’ll have to work on that.”

Fabric matching the man’s hair covered his being down to the combat boots that clicked against the floor upon exiting the cocoon-like bindings. Beyond his skin, a fair-toned scarf that wrapped itself in large mounds over his shoulders appeared as the only break between the endless dark that encompassed him. Irritation mixed with indifference while examining the class, making note of the varied reactions to his presence while rumaging through his sleepingbag.

“My name is Shota Aizawa, and I will be your homeroom teacher. All of you put on your gym uniforms and head out to the grounds outside. Don’t take your sweet time; it’s not rational to waste something so important.”

----------------------------------------

Hardly a cloud graced the cerulean skies above as students crowded among the white-bordered grounds surrounding their uneasy stances. Such feelings amplified through the meticulous gaze given as Aizawa monitored them without a hint of his emotions being shown. Beyond a tired sigh, the teacher’s hands rested within the fabric of his pockets before finally addressing the class.

“Good, now that you’re all here, we can begin.”

“Aren’t we going to miss orientation, sir?” One spoke up nervously.

“It’s irrational to waste time with orientation when you can get the gist of it in the syllabus. Instead, you all will be doing the same physical fitness tests you have been taking since middle school. There will be an important difference between then and now, however.” His gaze moved about until he stopped at one. “Bakugou, you had the highest score of villain points in the entrance exam. What was your score for the softball throw in middle school?”

“…Sixty-eight meters, I think.”

A ball unsheathed itself from black fabric as the blonde finished, being tossed into his grip without a word until he approached the large circle in the field.

“Try it again with your quirk this time.”

A calmed silence befell the area as the ball rested in his palm. From the quiet, low crackles of sparks began to grow as his arm arched back and prepared to thrust forward.

“DIE!”

Embers and debris kicked up as the ball rocketed out into the air with a roaring boom, leaving a smokey tail following as it left the eyesight of the crowd. As his stance returned upright, ivory eyes could see the satisfaction emanating from the blonde’s feral grin while keeping his attention in the direction of his throw. Before long, the teacher revealed a phone screen that elicited a beep before turning his gaze to the silent class.

“Since all of you have been forced to hold yourselves back in physical tests thus far, I doubt any of you comprehend how powerful you really are when you incorporate your quirks. These tests will allow me to gauge just where all of you stand as well as see how to push you in the right direction.” He flipped the screen around to reveal the score. “I expect you all to give me nothing short of your best.”

The crowd elicited a flurry of responses to the numbers shown on the screen ranging from the awestruck to the concerned over the carnal power demonstrated. Amidst the responses to the news, the few who voiced enthusiasm for the tests struck a noticeable difference in the teacher's gaze as he narrowed upon them.

“So, you think this is some kind of game?” Venom laced his voice. “Since you all think this is so fun, how about this; the person who scores the lowest will be deemed as having zero potential and expelled on the spot.”

His words sent a chill to run along the now silenced crowd.

“Y-You can’t just expel us on the first day. That’s not fair.” One struggled through the tension.

“Not fair? Do natural disasters sound fair to you? How about power-mad villains attacking out of nowhere? There’s no such thing as fairness in the world we live in, and if you think there is, then you need to wake up. A hero's job is to combat the unfairness we face and make the world a better place for those around them. You only have three years here to learn how to do that, and if you keep believing the same delusions about the world that you’ve been fed, then it’s going to be a harsher road ahead for those of you.” An ethereal glow flickered through his stare. “If that’s too much for any of you, then you’re more than welcome to leave now and save us all the trouble.”

A harsh nervousness danced through the crowd, no one certain of what to give in response as he watched them intently. With the blunt of Aizawa’s declaration passed, flowing liquid edged into earshot to the startle of the few nearby.

“Damn, teach, you really know how to put the fear of God into someone. I was half expecting someone to piss themselves if you kept the heat on.” Attention shifted to the blackened silhouette perched atop Izuku. “Well, since we know the stakes now, what say we get to it already? No sense in standing around like a bunch of pissants when we got a schedule to keep.”

“Bendy,” Momo nudged bleached skin. “You really shouldn’t address our teacher like that.”

“Why am I the one you’re nudging? He’s the one who said it.”

“He’s still your quirk, though, Gram. He's your responsibility, whatever he says reflects upon you as well.”

Izuku sighed. “A devil can only do so much…”

Hearing the impish snickering above, the tense faces around softened if only for a moment as a cleared throat returned attention forward.

“I’d appreciate not being interrupted moving forward, Midoriya. Your quirk has a point, though.” An indifferent look befell the monochromatic teen. “We have a schedule to keep, so let’s get to it.”

A chorus of confirmations erupted at his words, none wanting to tempt whatever fury laid beyond his tired demeanor.

----------------------------------------

“Bakugou, Midoriya, you’re up. Remember, wait for the starting buzz before you go.” Aizawa called.

Both teens made their way to the designated lines, the blonde giving an endless glare of fury to his classmate before taking a runner’s stance. Rather than matching the position beside him, a relaxed posture was struck while unreadable tunes were hummed to the sway of his tail. Bleached fingers snapped to the beat he set, letting a tear form to pull a stream of black out and slither to his dark sneakers. Ink pooled and solidified below his knees before the substance refined to a sleek black that mirrored armor as the starting buzz roared to life.

“Hells Art,” He muttered as the blonde took off. “Boots of Agony.”

The tips of feet dug into the ground before launching forward in a streak of black to pass Katsuki by the halfway point. With explosions being heard at his back, a smile formed as the sensor alerted his passing of the finish line.

3.38 SECONDS

The machine’s metallic voice rang out as momentum came to a sudden halt, kicking up a cloud of dust before he stood upright. Whatever wear the inky boots held immediately remedied itself as the material cleared away any scuffs along its being without a thought.

4.13 SECONDS

Ivory eyes looked back to meet a seething rage beyond the evident exhaustion within a crimson glare at the signal of the machine once again sounding. Aggravated huffs fumed without a word being spoken before both teens found themselves being ushered back to the group. Rather than allow the silence to be all that lay between their walk, a smile pulled at bleached lips to further stoke the growing flames within the blonde.

Through the passing tests, anxiousness could be seen coiling around those without quirks suited for the tasks given; many pushing themselves to exhaustion just to score acceptably. Despite the nearing results and growing woe, not a hint of worry graced either devil while completing tests with a toothy grin adorned upon each other; unawares of the two sets of eyes keeping constant vigilance upon them with malice and curiosity abound. With the finale now on the rise, those too exhausted from past actions took advantage of the brief respite before their turns arose to complete the softball throw.

“Midoriya, you’re up,” Aizawa called out.

One of the countless balls unsheathed itself from his being before soaring to meet bleached hands on their way to the marked circle. Through feeling the ball, a trail of ink shot from the teen, landing far across the circle to form Bendy’s body. The devil leaned forward to smack his fist into his palm repeatedly without shifting his gaze from the ball.

“Alrighty, partner, give that ball the ol’ gas. Turn that ball into a pea out in the clouds. Gimme a worm burner that hell can be proud of.”

Izuku sighed, not being the only one to smirk at the dramatic banter displayed.

“Bendy, we’re not playing baseball.”

“Oh, come on, this is the finale. If someone’s going home, we gotta add some spice to this snooze-fest somehow.” He cackled with mischief. “You know how it goes; a devil’s always ready to go big.”

Obsidian locks shook in amusement, snapping his fingers to draw a trail of ink into his palm. The murky black slithered up and around his arm, stopping below the elbow before the trail cut free from the supply beneath his flesh. With the ball still in hand, ink refined itself to its preferred style, remembering doing so countless times before. Despite seeing it shown in previous tests, intrigued looks peppered the group at his back with one moving from his own hands to Izuku. Ivory eyes narrowed to the distant foliage beyond the worn grounds before letting his arm wind up and stop at its apex.

“Hells Art: Gauntlets of Sin,” He muttered. “Envy Shot!”

The ball left its inky constraints in a flash of movement, kicking up a puff of dirt as the residual force left his grasp. Izuku looked out in the direction of his throw, being joined by the devil perched atop his shoulder with a strained look to their gaze. Moments that passed filled with wandered stares out into the cerulean skies, hoping to see the ball before its inevitable descent. After a silent wait, either devil let their gaze shift at the familiar signal that erupted from their teacher's grasp.

“Five-hundred and seventy-nine meters even.” The tired-eyed man spoke up.

While the class elicited their individual cheers at the distance achieved, Izuku kept his gaze to his ink-ridden palm, staring intently at the abyssal black even when speaking.

“Sensei, would it be okay to have another try?”

“Do you believe you can achieve a greater distance?”

The teen’s eye's moved to meet the indifferent stare, nodding in confirmation. Just as before, another ball appeared within Aizawa’s grasp before being tossed back to Izuku.

“Regardless of whether this one is greater or lower than your last throw, whatever you get now will be your final score. Is that clear?”

“Crystal, sir.” He turned back to Bendy. “Want to give me a hand with this one?”

The devil nodded. “It’s been a while since we did a collab. If that look in your eyes is anything to go by, you got something you want to try. What do you have in mind, partner?”

The ink that coated his hand grew as more poured from his flesh before it fell from his being and to the ground. The viscous blob of black slowly altered its shape with a wave of bleached hands, incorporating whatever changes the devil at his shoulder recommended. Critics and revisions erupted into an entertained chatter amongst the duo while giving the ink at their feet new form. With a satisfied grin pulling at either devil, the two circled their creation to properly inspect the body.

“Not too shabby.” Bendy mused.

“The new-and-improved Hells Art: Brimstone Bomber!” He rested his hand against the cool surface. “Would you like to do the honors, Bendy?”

The ball moved to gloved hands.

“Hell yeah!”

A mischievous cackle erupted as Bendy hopped into the barrel with his voice bouncing within the darkness. As quickly as he left, the devil’s silhouette slithered out the other end without letting his enthusiasm falter. With a snap of his fingers, a trail of black left his being, connecting to the cannon in a wire-like fashion.

“Really?”

Izuku watched the devil form a lever before the inky trail ceased its movement.

“What can I say, I’ve always wanted to do this.” A toothy grin appeared as he pressed against his creation. “Fire in the hole!”

An egregious boom roared out with the cannon’s ignition, sending a cloud of dirt to accompany the white puff that exited the barrel. The duo looked out, eager to see if the ball could be spotted as it turned to a spec amidst the distant horizon. Curious banter between the two passed whenever either witnessed what they assumed to be their target only to be dismissed by the other in favor of another far-off object. Soon, the device within Aizawa’s grip beeped to life, the screen turning to face the duo with another dry announcement.

“Seven point nine three kilometers.”

A deafening silence befell the students, each offering no more than a blinkless stare or agape mouth with the screen being visible. As quickly as it came, the still quiet shattered to the thunderous praise and awe that flooded the field over the score achieved. Withdrawing the creation back to whence it came, the duo returned to where Momo was seen with smiles abound.

“Okay, Tokoyami, you’re next.” The teacher called.

Just as the rest before him, the raven-headed student deviated from the crowd, taking his place at the center of the circle. His folded arms lowered to catch the oncoming ball thrown his way, letting it rest in a relaxed grip before the shadowy entity exited his being.

“Dark Shadow, throw this as far as you can.”

“You got it, Fumi!”

The ball soon met an abyssal grasp with enthusiasm upon his request. Snaking up through the air, the entity stretched far above the distant canopy until coming to a stop when its height mirrored that of the nearby gymnasium. With a dynamic windup, the entity's arm arched back before being thrust forward in a final snap of its wrist. The sights of the ball quickly faded until it vanished amidst the cerulean skies. While a calmed stare overlooked its direction, the shadowy being shrunk back to its user, offering a thumbs up to the stoic boy.

“One-hundred and seventy-six point nine meters,” Aizawa called.

Fair praise rose to his indifferent announcing, though Fumikage kept his gaze low to his open palm before shifting to his quirk. Neither spoke, letting a silent conversation rise and fall until attention returned to the present. The raven-headed boy turned to offer a brief look to the rest of the crowd and smirked when met with an ivory stare.

“Sensei, I too would request a second attempt.”

“I’m assuming you think you can achieve something greater as well?” The student nodded. “Same rules as before. Whatever you get this time will be your score regardless of whether it is greater or lesser than your first.”

Another ball appeared in the teacher's grip that quickly met Fumikage’s upon a light toss. His hand clenched the sphere tight, letting his thoughts hone while ethereal eyes watched curiously. Finally turning back to the glowing stare, determination set ablaze amidst his gaze while nodding to the entity.

“Dark shadow, cover me.”

Only a nod was given in response as the shadowy being enveloped the teen’s body, sheathing himself from the eyes of the crowd beneath the endless veil of black. Through the whisps of darkness flickering into the air, the ball remained unsoiled by the entity's presence as it kept clenched in the now shadow-clad palm. Reeling back his arm, Fumikage narrowed his stare to the distance before finally thrusting his arm forward with a strained grunt in his efforts. Upon a breath, crimson eyes rose back to the cerulean skies above with an apprehensive look locked on the teacher.

“Two-hundred and thirty-seven point three four meters.”

Praise that once held a tame appeal now turned enthusiastic as the students congratulated over the achievement upon a pause. Satisfied with the results, a smile formed beneath the veil of shadows as the entity removed itself to reveal its own happiness over the accomplishment. Through the stoic walk back to the crowd, Fumikage found himself stopped in front of his monochromatic classmate when offered a handshake.

“That was impressive, Tokoyami. Did seeing Bendy and I inspire you to change your approach?”

Fumikage nodded. “Indeed. Though I was unsure of what the outcome would be if attempted, I am pleased that my actions yielded the results they did. Seeing you wield your power unlocked a path I may never have uncovered through the darkness.”

The gesture was returned, shaking firmly as smiles were shared.

“Well, for a first attempt, I can say you did better than I did when Bendy and I tried that.” Bleached knuckles thrust through the air. “I was punching a tree and lost my focus on the gauntlets mid-swing; almost broke my hand when I hit the damn thing. Keep at it, though. A technique like that could help a lot of people one day.”

Upon the last stragglers taking their turns, the anxiousness emitting from many continued to spiral into a frenzy while waiting through the teacher’s silence. Nauseating suspense arose while an indifferent stare remained glued to the screen; lifting towards a select few every few moments to the dismay of many. Upon a tired sigh, the device within Aizawa’s grasp beeped to life once again before being faced to the class. Twenty names were seen listed beside a numerical placement that flashed into the open air for everyone to search frantically for their own.

“Your placement reflects your overall performance and potential seen through each test. However, I would not say you’re out of hot water just because you didn’t fall below the rest. You all have a lot to improve upon if you want to make it pro one day; in fact, I recommend everyone below tenth place to start thinking of ways to grow before you fall further behind.”

Severity laced his lax tone while the students watched their names intently. With the click of a button, the scoreboard dissipated into the screen.

“By the way, no one is being expelled today. That was just a logical rouse to make sure you all took this seriously.”

A chorus of disbelief erupted at the news, many thankful for the relief while others cursed themselves for not seeing the signs of deceit sooner. Through the calmed chaos reactions, Aizawa turned and proceeded to the main building after informing those still paying attention to a syllabus in the classroom. Soon, the initial shock faded as one after another flocked after their teacher while engaging in varieties of chatter.

Miniscule clicks and groups were sewn as many deviated to those of like minds amidst trek down the paved pathways. While happily conversing with Momo, either devil looked back upon the roster that falsely claimed their fate.

“So, Ms. First Place, how does it feel to have the most potential in our teachers’ eyes?”

Izuku nudged Momo as they went, eliciting a hint of embarrassment in her voice.

Her cheeks blew to pout. “Please don’t make that a thing, Gram. I merely tried my best to show Mr. Aizawa what I can do with my current skill set. And what about you, Mr. Second Place? I’m more surprised you did not surpass me. I certainly expected to place a few spots below you as I don’t have much experience thinking of useful creations quickly.”

“You shouldn’t sell yourself short. Everything you made was well thought out for each specific test; I almost died laughing when everyone complained about you making a moped for the endurance run.” He laughed. “Even your cannon for the softball throw surpassed mine by a fair distance. You have the intellect and talent that could save countless lives when we become pros, so keep practicing so you can make that a reality, Machina.”

A smile flashed to meet the ebony stare beside him, showing nothing but sincerity in the words spoken. Her eyes widened with the honesty displayed to follow a deep, scarlet hue to grace her cheeks well into their walk back into the campus.

----------------------------------------

Ivory eyes looked out with satisfaction at the early afternoon skies that spilled beyond the great entrance of the school. Through chatter with Momo and the devil at his shoulder, the trio melded into the growing sea of students making their way back to their homes for the fast-coming evening. Pleasant conversations that occurred faltered upon noticing a student perched beside the gateway in the grass, leaning into the concrete foundation with a coil of braided mocha locks resting atop his uniform. Beyond the series of braids on his person, the dark face mask he sported sheathed whatever emotions were present from those passing by.

“There you are.”

Izuku’s words caught the attention of burgundy eyes as they approached, walking over to meet them halfway.

“Glad to see you, Phear. How was orientation?”

< “It was fine. More boring than anything when hearing the principal drone on about the year and curriculum. I noticed neither of you was around, as was an entire class.” >

Momo nodded. “Yes. Our homeroom teacher decided that we would be doing a quirk apprehension test instead of joining the rest of the year in orientation. He even made everyone think one person was going to be expelled if they were to come in last place, though it was only an obvious rouse.”

“Glad you didn’t say anything about it. I’m pretty sure he would have been serious if everyone knew he was lying about that.”

“Perhaps.” She nodded.

“Yo, Twin! There you are!” A cheerful voice rang out.

Attention shifted over the enthusiastic call, noticing a toothy grin upon the class pinkette as she sped to meet them. With the distance closed, a dramatized hop lunged her forward to wrap herself around the monochromatic teen in a sudden embrace.

“I was wondering where you and Yaomomo disappeared to. Glad I caught up with you two before you vanished again.”

Seeing the etches of embarrassment creep upon freckled cheeks at the sudden act stirred something beneath Momo; her hands clenched tight as the feeling grew over the sight of pink hands lingering longer than preferred. Whatever words that passed between either classmate fell upon deaf ears as did the rest of the surrounding noises of those passing. Hints of irritation bubbled beneath the kind expression still facing the rest while trying to uncover whatever sensations now plagued her.

“Machina,” Her gaze snapped at Izuku’s voice. “You okay? You look a little off.”

“O-Oh, yes. I’m fine. I merely had something on my mind is all.” She waved off the concern.

Izuku felt his eyes linger upon the swift disregard through Mina’s enthusiastic chatter. Ebony eyes continued to drift elsewhere, not wanting to meet the concern still shining amidst his stare over the sensations within. As the worried thoughts prepared to turn vocal, the arrival of another halted their appearance when attention turned back.

“Oh. It appears I was not the only one hoping to see you off.”

A friendly wave was offered as Fumikage approached at a leisured pace. Upon stopping, the shadowy entity within erupted with a bright smile that rivaled the pinkette in energy.

“Glad we made it before you left! Mind if we join you to the station?” The quirk rocked in place as he finished.

Obsidian locks nodded. “Sure, the more the merrier.”

Having relished conversations among one another a moment longer, Izuku found himself leaving the gilded gates with two new faces accompanying on the walk. Topics varying in direction rose and fell while more were made between Bendy and the joyful entity that remained present. Satisfaction grew as new friendships were abound even as the group disbanded into their separate ways for the beginning of their education come the next day.