Chapter Text
Izuku kept his head down and hat tucked over his ears as he hustled along the moving walkway. A fake cloth tail waved behind him. His eyes darted around, taking in everything. An alien space station was a fascinating and overwhelming sight for a boy born on Planet Earth. Wires hung overhead from the high, distant ceiling. A floating sphere cast golden light over the colorful canopies of the stalls. Most of the merchants had holoprojectors announcing their wares in different languages, letters, and glowing characters. The air reeked of smoke from the crude, barely functional conveyor belt rolling at his feet. Most of this station had been cobbled together from spare parts. Aliens crowded the moving walkway and flew in semi-transparent pods overhead. Humanoid remained the most common design across the galaxy, but he glimpsed a fluttering silver insectoid the size of his fist and a giant green ooze in a pod. The flashing lights and the clamor gave Izuku a headache. He dodged around a hologram trying to sell him MATING ENHANCEMENT PILLS. Some things never changed, no matter the species.
Finally, one of the holograms advertised fresh fruit. Izuku leaped off the conveyor belt and landed in front of a wooden table, crates piled high behind. A tall post cast silverish light from the orb on top. A giant blue-skinned man with no less than ten arms stood behind the table. He wore no clothing from his waist up, only a crude loincloth that was probably a gesture to other species' sensibilities. Not all aliens cared about clothing. It was optional on the space station, but shopkeepers were more likely to cover bits that they feared might offend customers. Or sometimes people just didn't want to answer questions about how theirs worked.
“Can I see the fruit?” Izuku asked, hoping that the translator would function properly. The machine was strapped to his ears like a silver headband and meant to translate into Federation Basic. His colony ship only had three cheap and faulty translators, and he'd been sent with one of them to buy food. They'd gotten into a battle with the Shie Hassaikai raiders a few days ago. Two other members of the Aldera colony were searching for parts to repair their ship.
The shopkeeper laughed from his round belly. He did not smile–Izuku had learned that most species only bared their teeth as a sign of aggression. But his tone was friendly. “Sure, sure, you can even sample it. My wares are artificially generated. Everything has been approved by the station management.”
In other words, the management had cleared the fruit as not poisonous to any known species. Only artificial fruit could be held to that high standard. It was very lucky because Izuku could not ask if the fruit was hazardous to humans. He could not admit that he was human. By habit, he checked that his fake tail still clung to the back of his pants. Most aliens did not know what a human looked like or had exaggerated ideas of their size. (Izuku's short stature was another reason he'd been sent.) Since humans were not accepted members of the Galactic Federation, he had no legal protection if anyone found out his identity.
Humanity had a particular reputation in space. A decade ago, Planet Earth had fended off an invasion of unpleasant insectoids with a reputation for eating the original inhabitants when they colonized new plants. The savagery of humanity's response had shocked the galaxy. Violence was not new to space-faring races. Even the Federation's existence did not prevent conflict from breaking out among the many species. But no one had expected a race without proper space-faring technology to not only win, but crush their enemies. Since then, humans had started venturing off-planet in colony ships cobbled together from enemy technology. Humanity had developed a reputation for being feral, destructive, rageful, incredibly durable, and unforgiving of employers who refused to pay them. This unfortunately happened a lot–established species liked to use newcomers as slave labor. Human objections had gotten violent. At some point, Earth had been classified as a Death World. That was bad because people didn't like to deal with Death Worlders.
Izuku thought it unfair that his species had been categorized as unreasonable when other people attacked them. But he was not here as a representative of humanity. He was here to buy food for his mother and neighbors. With a close-lipped smile, he said, “Thank you for the kind offer.” He held out his hand.
The shopkeeper tossed over a small blue fruit. It looked like a blueberry, except it was a cube. Just because the fruit wasn't poisonous didn't mean it would be edible to human taste buds. Izuku needed to ensure it didn't taste awful before spending the colony's precious money supply. He bit into the fruit.
It looked like a blueberry but tasted more like an apple. It was a tad sour, but that could be balanced out with a bit of sugar. “How much per fruit?” Izuku asked.
The shopkeeper replied, “These are an absolute steal at five chips apiece. Not only are they delicious and long-lasting, but our scientists believe these fruits have calming properties for dangerous beings like hu-mans.”
“Shit,” Izuku said. He could already feel the unnatural lethargy take over his body. He tried to step backward, but his legs wouldn't move. He tumbled over sideways, his fake tail falling off. The fruit hit the ground a few seconds before his body. The translator broke with a crunch against the floor. His hood fell back.
“HU-MAN!” the shopkeeper shrieked. “WE'RE UNDER ATTACK! EVERY BEING FOR THEMSELVES!”
The entire marketplace emptied in seconds.
The massive metal doors closed, sealing off Market 13. No one dared return until the station released sleeping gas into the district. Then they sent robots. The security bots confirmed the human appeared asleep and not trying to rip anyone's limbs off.
Security protocol said that the human should be quickly removed from the station (although without harming him because that might provoke retaliation from other roving gangs of humans.) However, the station manager had a cousin who dealt in rare pets. The wealthy, powerful, and terrifying All for One had placed a request for a human pet. Not only was the money irresistible, it was even more valuable to obtain a favor from All for One. Bribes exchanged hands, and the pet dealers left with a human boy in a highly secure metal cage.
ToiMura watched as All for One sauntered into the ship's control room, his master's tentacles curled and uncurled with every step as if reliving a victorious hunt.
Master was in a good mood, ToiMura thought, barely bothering to look up from his Game Boy. It was some new technology making waves in the galaxy, the New Alien Times had listed it as one of its top buys of the rotation. Hopefully, ToiMura would be able to finish the game before being sent on another mission with his League.
Tucked into the corner seat, away from the frantic workers hustling about, ToiMura's objective appeared optimistic until he saw All for One's tentacles flare and turn to face him.
“Ah, ToiMura,” All for One said, his teeth bared in a smile. Despite years of serving under his master, ToiMura still found the habit of smiling with teeth to be creepy.
“Hello, Master, how was your trip? Were you successful?”
All for One waved a clawed hand dismissively. “The Gruuvas were pathetically easy to deal with. I'm disgusted that anyone in this organization considered them a threat.”
ToiMura looked at the blood speckling the bottom of All for One's feet and tail. Of course, they would appear pathetic when faced with a Category 4 Death Worlder.
The only other known species to exceed that classification were the Azeath, who died in a freak asteroid attack while killing each other, and the mysterious hu-mans. But the likelihood of All for One running into them was slim.
Like the putrid garstch maggots of ToiMura's homeworld, the hu-mans preferred cowering in dark places, refusing to leave their nightmarish home planet. Rumors of hu-man space travel occasionally bounced between information networks, but it was tricky to tell the truth from exaggeration.
ToiMura's people, the DoTi, came from a rainforest planet, hence why he'd evolved his thick pelt and flexible tail suited for climbing. To ToiMura's embarrassment, he came from a race of prey animals. But the DoTi were still considered Class 2 Death Worlders because they formed tight family groups that attacked as a pack. ToiMura's family had died in a tragic flash flood, but All for One had adopted him and thus was pack leader now. Without his family's care, ToiMura's pelt had grown unkempt since DoTi fur never stopped growing. But that helped him disguise his embarrassing connection to those savages who didn't even have interstellar travel. Also, there were rumors of All Might looking for DoTi, and ToiMura preferred to stay off that fool's radar.
Someday, ToiMura would help Master crush the ridiculous alien who called himself All Might. The ugly, long-limbed nuisance had been wrecking League plans and schemes for many rotations. Why All for One hadn't tracked him down and destroyed him was a mystery to ToiMura. However, Master knew best, so ToiMura refrained from asking.
“Despite that disappointment,” All for One said, “I found something even better.”
ToiMura perked up, his tail uncurling in excitement. Had Master finally gotten the new DeKay model five weapon ToiMura had been asking for? Had he crushed a Federation Battalion in a humiliating defeat? Or even better, destroyed All Might?
“I got a pet!” All for One said.
ToiMura blinked, then scratched his floppy ears, sure that he had heard wrong. “A pet? Like one of those things you're supposed to care for?”
Many species desired companionship, including ToiMura's own; however, All for One's species, the Phix, had never before been considered a nurturing type. Ripping pets apart, sure, but not keeping them.
“It's a hu-man,” All for One said.
Around them, the workers froze, every face turning to look at All for One in horror.
“A hu-man?” ToiMura asked, desperately hoping he had heard wrong. He scratched at the matted fur on his ear; it had to be what was causing him to mishear.
“A hu-man,” All for One repeated, his tentacles curling in delight. “One was found in Federation territory at a marketplace. The ignorant shopkeeper didn't even know what he had until the hu-man randomly collapsed.”
“Collapsed?” ToiMura's fur prickled in suspicion. Death Worlders didn't collapse, especially not Category 5 Death Worlders. They made other people do that.
“Apparently, it was so ravenous that it devoured an entire stand. Something in the food poisoned it, but the creature didn't die. A group of pet dealers restrained it before it awakened and continued its killing spree. We're to meet them in Quadrant U-JS.”
Although often itchy and unpleasant, in this instance, ToiMura was grateful for his massive coat of overgrown fur. It made hiding his skeptical expression much easier. “Do you have a recording of the hu-man?”
All for One twisted the communicator device on his arm, and a hologram of the hu-man appeared: a small, hairless form curled into a tight ball. ToiMura leaned closer in confusion. Was that the hu-man's prey?
“Once trained, it will be a valuable asset. I'm confident the doctor can integrate its biology into the new Nomu Soldiers to create a stronger fighting force. Regardless, no other species has an alive hu-man in their possession.”
The small figure in the hologram stirred, lifting up a round, misshapen head. Its features were smashed in like it had been punched in the face. Truly, a hideous thing. Maybe that was where the reputation came from because either the pet dealers had duped All for One (and no help would save their species if that was the case), or hu-mans' reputations had been exaggerated due to their ugly appearance.
Either way, All for One would be furious and likely kill anyone in his way.
With a nod and false tones of admiration, ToiMura complimented his master's newest pet and then slithered back to his seat. If they had to fly all the way to Quadrant U.JS., ToiMura was at least going to finish his game before he arrived.
The darkness confused Izuku. It was impossible to get his room completely dark on the colony ship—there were too many beeping electronics, and with the inhabitants packed five or six to a room, someone was always on their datapad. He sat up and groped for a light. His hands touched metal. As soon as he stretched out his legs, his shoes hit metal too. Feeling around, Izuku realized he was in a metal box, not quite tall enough to stand up or lie straight.
Now, he remembered the marketplace and that narcotic fruit. Dammit, the colonists couldn't afford handheld scanners to test food for danger. Although Izuku had far bigger and more immediate problems. He swallowed. Although he did not appear injured (except for a sore back from sleeping on a hard floor), his throat felt parched.
His mother would be terrified. Inko hadn't wanted to send Izuku out alone. Everyone had assured her the worst that could happen would be getting kicked out of the marketplace, and security at the station would prevent any violence. Now, all of Inko's fears had been vindicated. Izuku would count himself fortunate if he could return home to hear his mother say, “I told you so.”
Izuku's fingers found the crack of the door, but it was too tight to wedge his nails under. Not that he could rip through a metal wall anyway. The air felt a bit too hot to be comfortable. Izuku found a whirring box in the upper corner where air must be circulating. His translator was gone.
Leaning back against the wall, Izuku tried not to panic. He was well and truly stuck in here. But his mother would be looking for him. At some point, the enemy had to open the box to feed him. If he wasn't dead already, they wanted something from him, which meant keeping him alive.
The longer Izuku remained trapped, the more the walls started to close in on him. He took deep breaths and closed his eyes. Aloud, he recited every word in the dictionary he could remember, a trick to pass the time. He planned what he would say to the aliens when they came. Assuming they brought translators—a big if—his initial speech would be conciliatory. His script got angrier as time went on. He added a couple unpleasant terms for the aliens' progenitors. Kacchan, who could find profanity in any language, had taught all the teenagers on the Aldera ship how to swear in terms that would offend every race.
As time passed, the heat in the air became more and more uncomfortable. Izuku's head ached, and his stomach growled. Eventually, with nothing else to do, he fell asleep.
When Izuku woke up, he was very, very thirsty. Hunger gnawed at his stomach too, but the agonizing need for water overrode all other sensations.
Izuku punched the metal door. “Hey! You need to feed me if you don't want me to die!” In all likelihood, no one could hear him through the thick walls. No one would be able to understand him without his translator–if they even cared.
The beginnings of panic fluttered in his stomach. What if he'd been wrong, and the aliens didn't want him alive? What if this was a cruel form of ritual execution?
Izuku lay back and tried very hard not to cry. He could not waste the water.
An agonizing amount of time passed. It could have been minutes, it could have been hours. Eventually, the metal cube hanging overhead spat out a plastic packet of water and a second red packet.
With trembling fingers, Izuku ripped off the tab on the water packet, then drank through the hole. Next, he devoured the second package, which appeared to be a sludge-like smoothie with no flavor. Neither the food nor the water was enough to fill him up. He ripped apart the plastic to lick at the last drops.
Once finished, horror set in. If the aliens could feed him through a device, then they had no reason to open the door, meaning he would never get a chance to negotiate or escape. Izuku was trapped in here.
If the aliens fed Izuku three times a day, then five days had passed. But he was fairly certain that they were feeding him less often. So it could have been ten days, or fifteen days…or longer…
By this point, if Izuku's mother hadn't come for him, then either something bad had happened to the ship, or he'd been moved off-station, and she couldn't find him. The latter seemed more likely, given how Izuku's crewmates had handled a Shie Hassaikai fleet three times their size. Izuku knew his mother would never stop looking for him. But he was one kid, and it was a very, very big galaxy.
As a child, Izuku had once broken his leg without even crying. He'd been proud of his resistance to pain, especially since the other children called him a crybaby. But he didn't know how to resist this obscene loneliness. Inside a black box, Izuku didn't know how to be a person. He felt like nothing except an exposed nerve, rotting away in the pain of hunger, thirst, and the dreadful smell.
The box had no bathroom facilities, so Izuku had been left to choke on his own waste. He tried to do his business in the corner. But the box was so tiny, there was no way to avoid it. By now, urine coated him. At least his sense of smell had died several meals ago.
A tear fell from Izuku's left eye. He placed his hands over his face, trying to hold them back. He'd been replaying Earth books and movies in his mind to distract himself. But now he couldn't think of anything except the horror. Another tear slipped out. This was no good. He needed to stave off dehydration so he'd be able to fight when they opened the door.
If they opened the door. What if Izuku had been sentenced to life imprisonment without a trial, and this metal box would be his final resting place?
Mad panic overwhelmed him. Izuku crawled to the door outline, gripping the crack with his weak nails. “Please,” he begged, his voice raspy and aching from lack of water. “Please, I've done nothing to hurt you. Please let me out. We can bargain. My ship would pay for my safe return. Please! PLEASE!”
There was no reply. He was nothing to the people outside. He'd already known that. Other species spoke of humans with disdain or terror, as if talking about plague-bearing rats. To whoever was outside that door, Izuku wasn't a person.
“You schilank!” Izuku screamed the worst insult Kacchan had taught him. He lunged for the box on the ceiling, banging his head. The pain meant nothing. If only he could break the cube that gave food and air, then they would have to open the door. Or he'd die, which might be better than living like this. Izuku ripped and clawed at the metal with his bare hands. Several nails cracked. He kept beating in a mad frenzy until the cube was slick with his blood. He had not even managed to scratch it.
Falling backward, Izuku curled up in a ball and wept like a small child.
When Izuku woke up, he could barely move from dehydration. A soft thunk announced that the machine had spat out another packet. He did not move toward it.
His despair had marinated into an ice-cold rage. How dare these people lock him up in conditions he wouldn't wish on his worst enemy? He'd done nothing except try to buy fruit. If they'd treated him like a monster, then a monster he would show them.
Izuku grabbed the packet and wedged it in the door's crack as far as he could slip it.
He would no longer eat or drink. If these people wanted him alive—and they must want him alive, or they wouldn't have fed him—then they would have to open the door. When the door opened, Izuku would be ready.
G'shan hated guarding the hu-man cage, even with five of his egg-brothers standing alongside him. The insectoid Ra had black exoskeletons and six clawed arms, but rumor was that hu-mans could rip straight through body armor. Thus had happened to their sister-race the Fa, who had attempted to invade Earth. The Ra had benefited from their rivals' defeat but did not want to follow the same path. He shifted uneasily, holding his stun pike.
His superiors had been muttering ever since the hu-man had stopped eating. They were worried their buyer would be unhappy if they failed to deliver the creature alive, but this was all above G'shan's pay grade. The pet dealers hired him as muscle because they feared a hu-man, even such a tiny one. G'shan suspected his employers had nabbed a baby hu-man, but it made no difference. Even the babies were supposed to have razor-sharp teeth and acidic sweat.
A crackling came from the device on G'shan's wrist, and then a hologram of his employer appeared. “From our cameras, the hu-man has collapsed. Open the hu-man's cage and pour water down its throat. We need to keep it alive until All for One arrives.”
G’shan hesitated. “Master, are you certain that is wise?”
His employer snapped, “We kept the hu-man under heat that would kill any species except a Death Worlder, and fed it less than half the required food. We’ve been too cautious, and now it might die. If All for One’s new pet fails to survive—” Every single person listening shuddered. “Suffice to say the hu-man will be the least of your problems.”
That convinced G’shan. He ordered his comrades, “Weapons ready.” Then he approached the door. Claw over the red button, he hesitated. He reminded himself that the human would be starved, dehydrated, and mostly dead of heat. Even a Death Worlder could not remain conscious under such conditions.
G’shan pressed the button.
The metal door slid back to reveal an empty cage.
G’shan’s two hearts both stopped. He remembered all the legends about hu-mans, their mythological strength, stamina, and ferociousness. Had he missed a story about hu-mans phasing through walls? He swung a claw around, poking.
Two green eyes gleamed in the darkness. The hu-man clung to the ceiling, his bloody fingers digging into the food dispenser. He grinned. Flecks of blood glinted off his very white teeth.
One of G’shan’s egg-brothers fainted dead away.
The hu-man dropped down like a heat-seeking missile, legs striking G’shan’s chest. A hand wrenched away his stun pike and slammed the glowing tip into his chin. The electric arch of his own weapon was his last sensation before unconsciousness took him.
ToiMura scowled as the petshop station appeared in the ship window. It was a tiny, ragged metal sphere. The front lights blinked in and out intermittently. To an expert eye, the weapons port was clearly in need of repair. Furthermore, the ship scanners detected only one lifeform on board besides the cold-blooded insectoids, meaning they only had one pet in stock. ToiMura had a lot of trouble believing that this shoestring operation had captured one of the legendary hu-mans. Across the galaxy, hu-mans were known for their ferocity and battle skills. They were said to fight to the death rather than face capture–though generally speaking, their enemies died instead. The disorganized hu-man forces had destroyed an alien invasion ten times their size. The surviving Fa had fled to the distant reaches of the galaxy and joined pacifist religious orders rather than ever dare fight again.
The station shuddered and one of the metal components fell off. ToiMura’s ear twitched under his mop of fur. There was absolutely no way these incompetents had a hu-man. He feared his master’s reaction upon realizing he’d been duped. All for One had never taken disappointment well.
ToiMura asked, “Hypothetically, what if the dealers had captured one of the hu-man’s ugly pets instead of an actual hu-man? Surely you would still find great honor in owning something that once belonged to those uncivilized beasts.”
“Don’t be ridiculous,” All for One said impatiently, still eagerly staring at the picture the dealers had sent them. “Only a Death Worlder could possibly be worthy of my affection, or have a chance at surviving it. I’ve been scouring the entire galaxy for a pet human. Even unworthy fools such as these will be rewarded for finding one for me.”
ToiMura sighed and scratched his ear. He’d tried. Now he supposed the idiot pet dealers would all be slaughtered when All for One realized they’d offered him a fake. ToiMura didn’t care about the fools. But All for One tended to spread his disappointment around, so ToiMura knew he would be in for a rough time until the master’s temper subsided to normal levels of homicidalness. Even so, he felt a small amount of relief that he wouldn't actually be forced to provide security strong enough to keep a hu-man contained. ToiMura spared a very, very tiny amount of pity for the weak, ugly creature that would surely be slaughtered by All for One in his disappointment at getting the wrong pet.
The side of the station exploded, a silent noise in soundless space.
“What, already?” ToiMura mumbled. He’d been plotting the station’s destruction but hadn’t expected them to blow up themselves.
All for One frowned. “We must hurry, my new pet might get injured.”
ToiMura yelped as his master drove their ship straight at the explosion.
All for One’s ship possessed a laser net designed to seal off the hole in the station and allow them to breathe after they landed. Even so, ToiMura made sure he stepped off the ship first and tested the air. Because of the hole, the gravity wasn’t working properly. ToiMura floated past a small escape pod in the mostly empty docking bay. What had caused the explosion? A faulty part? That wouldn’t be surprising in this ancient derelict. ToiMura went to the closest screen and hacked it. Huh, how odd, the logs seemed to say that an explosive had been tossed down the pipes. Almost as if the station was under attack from the inside.
All for One brushed past him, tentacles shifting as he headed towards the noise. ToiMura had been around the master long enough to recognize his trembling as excitement. Like his entire species, All for One loved fighting. Murder was a form of affection to the Phix, which explained why they were mostly extinct.
The noise found them first.
The door blasted off its hinges, flying across the bay and clipping ToiMura on the nose. He recoiled with a yelp.
The ugly bipedal creature stood in the doorway, green hair falling over his face. His eyes burned like twin emerald fires. His face was filthy and he smelled like filth, too. A low, guttural growl emerged from his lips. Every bit of fur on ToiMura’s body stood up. Despite being such a tiny thing, the pet was a whole lot more intimidating in person. He bared his fangs as if he wanted to eat ToiMura.
The pet held one of the insectoid guards in his hands. He’d used his fallen enemy as a battering ram to knock open the door. The poor guard twitched. What kind of savage used a living person as a weapon?!
The pet stepped forward, moving toward the escape pod. As he did so, he revealed a long line of fallen bodies lying in the hallway behind him. One tiny creature had defeated every guard on the ship.
ToiMura’s instincts took over. Everything inside him screamed this creature to be a lethal threat, so he had to protect his pack leader. ToiMura pushed off the wall and lunged, flying in the zero gravity. He lashed out with a paw as large as the creature’s head.
The pet whirled with supernatural speed and struck ToiMura in the stomach with his living weapon.
ToiMura and the guard went flying, crashing into the wall. ToiMura pushed the bleeding fool off him, determined not to lose sight of the enemy. Such a forceful blow would surely have knocked the pet backwards, rendering him off-balance and easy to capture.
Indeed, the pet floated into the wall. But instead of hitting it, he landed sideways with two feet planted and back-flipped. He was moving too fast, faster than ToiMura had ever seen anyone go in zero gravity. He bounced off the ceiling–he’d darted behind the wreckage left from the hole–ToiMura had lost sight of him–
ToiMura stared at the ceiling, trying to find his target. But the pet came at him from below, grabbed his legs, and slammed him into the wall. ToiMura screamed in pain. Blood dripped down his forehead. The insane fury in those terrifying green eyes made ToiMura understand why Earth’s failed invaders had all become pacifists afterward.
All for One rubbed his tentacles, his species’ way of applauding. “Magnificent! This is a true hu-man. None of the inferior pets the other dealers tried to push on me could ever compare. I told you so, ToiMura.” All for One made absolutely no move to help ToiMura, only watching curiously. ToiMura was reminded why sometimes he hated his boss. All for One continued, “Best of all, since my new pet slaughtered everyone else on the station, we won’t have to pay for it.”
The monster threw ToiMura at All for One like a spear.
Naturally, All for One dodged. ToiMura screamed as the wall came rushing up again. His sensitive snout slammed into the metal. He floated down in a cloud of his own blood.
The creature had used those precious moments to close the gap. Lunging up, he punched All for One’s face.
All for One only laughed. “Finally, a being who can hit with real force! Do you know how long it’s been since I’ve felt pain?” One of his tentacles went up to touch his face. “I think I enjoy it.” His other tentacle wrapped around the pet’s arms and dangled him in the air. As one of the strongest beings in the galaxy, All for One easily held the pet in place. The blow did not seem to even phase him.
The pet bit down on the tentacle holding him. ToiMura’s stomach twisted in revulsion at seeing the universal taboo against eating another sapient being broken–and at the pet’s insane jaw strength. Black blood filled the air.
“Aww, what healthy teeth,” All for One cooed. His arms and tentacles wrapped around the little monster, drawing the captive close to his chest. A reddish mist exuded from the two tentacles on his shoulder, a sedative used on prey. No matter how the pet struggled and growled, his eyes slipped closed. All for One handled his pet gently, stroking his hair as if soothing a wild animal. “Isn’t he adorable, ToiMura? See how he won’t let go of my tentacle. I think he likes me!”
Before ToiMura finally passed out from the pain, he had just enough awareness to process the horror that yes, this was a real hu-man, and yes, they were taking the monster home.
OMAKE TIME!
Omake: Wrong Genre Savvy
Izuku: I’m heading off to space to have exciting adventures. I’ll boldly go where no one has gone before, just like All Might. I’ll befriend aliens and save the day.
All for One: This squishy bipedal thing is adorable.
Izuku: I’m in an adventure story, right? Authors?
#
Omake: Subjective Beauty Standards
ToiMura: Hu-mans are ugly savages.
Izuku: My species created your new Game Boy.
ToiMura: Hmm, your squished face looks a little less repulsive the longer I glare at you.
#
Omake: Violence as Affection
All for One: He likes me!
Izuku: I’m going to rip this alien’s tentacles off.
All for One: Yup, as expected, he likes me.
ToiMura: Excuse me?
Izuku: (Gnawing on a tentacle.)
Notes:
Edited to add: Due to discord deciding to make links temporary, many of the images in this fic vanished. However you can find all of them in this tumblr post: https://www.tumblr.com/2000dragonarmy/744180051615039489/more
Chapter Text
The battered spaceship drifted aimlessly through a void of darkness, the damaged engines no longer capable of flight. Through the thick windows, the stars shone mockingly as Inko labored over the maps on the screen.
The universe was vaster than one could comprehend, full of strange planets, black holes, and dangerous species…Inko was one person. Who would blame her for giving up?
Gritting her teeth, she pushed a button savagely, pulling up another useless map.
The colony head had said as much, she thought. But he was also a selfish, cowardly bully who Inko would clock upside the head if she ever saw him again.
Inko was one person, yes, but she was also a mother. That meant she had responsibilities to her son.
Her eyes burned, but over the last few days, she had cried enough tears to fill a swimming pool, and nothing had improved. Tears wouldn’t bring her son back—only action would.
She glanced at the fragile picture tucked into the cockpit, Izuku smiling proudly in his brand-new space uniform.
“It’s space, Mom! Think of how much we can learn and how much we can help! If All Might can do it, then why not us?”
Because All Might was a grown adult with a death wish who, against all odds, had explored more of space in three decades than the total human species had in centuries.
However, it was Izuku’s dream. And who was she to stand in the way?
Besides, her ex-husband had kept poking his nose around begging for money, house prices had gone up, and the school systems were frankly in shambles, and with no other family left on Earth, what was the point in staying?
Because Izuku wouldn’t have been taken if they’d stayed.
No, Inko thought, brushing away the wetness on her cheeks and forcing herself to examine the maps again. There would always be those who took advantage of her baby, both in space and on Earth.
Still, she should have known better than to trust the colony head. The Colony Aldera was meant to land in the Musutafu District, establish a base, and begin relations with surrounding lifeforms. Still, from the beginning, the management had proven lazy and ill-equipped.
There was no reason that Izuku had to be the one to purchase food when there had been at least five senior officers lounging around, drinking from flasks while they played poker.
The cockpit made a sad moan as Inko viciously pushed another button.
Sighing, Inko rubbed her eyes and exited her seat to pace the cabin. It wouldn’t do to damage the ship even more. Even before she had stolen it from Colony Aldera and flown off, it had already received several scratches and dings from Katsuki’s insane test flights. Truthfully, it was a miracle the poor ship had crossed half the galaxy.
Inko turned and looked at the picture of her son again, a new conviction filling her.
She didn’t know who they were. She didn’t know what they wanted. If they were looking for ransom, she would tell them she had very little money but that she was a mother. A mother who had looked after her son for 14 years now. That made her a nightmare for the people who took her son. If they let Izuku go that would be the end of it. She would not look for them, she would not pursue them, but if they didn’t… She would find them, and she would kill them.
Izuku felt clean and comfortable. The bruises from battering himself against his cage and his battle injuries no longer hurt. A slight stickiness told him that an expensive healing salve had been applied to his now-vanished wounds. Soft blankets and pillows cradled his back. A shadow fell over him. “Mom?” he whispered.
But instead of his mother’s warm hand, a cold tentacle pressed against Izuku’s forehead. It was him , that bastard who had thwarted Izuku’s escape when he’d been within sight of the escape pods. The alien had a bandage from Izuku’s bite. Was he here for revenge? Izuku tried to punch, but he couldn’t move. His wrists and ankles were fastened to the bed with padded cuffs.
The tentacled alien babbled nonsense in a gravelly voice, then pressed a packet of water to Izuku’s lips. Izuku drank deeply, craving the water too badly to stop. When he’d finished, a food packet was placed in his mouth. Unlike the slop he’d been fed in his cage, this tasted sweet, like strawberry ice cream.
What was going on? Why had the alien tended to his injuries? Izuku would have almost dared hope he’d been rescued, except a rescuer wouldn’t have tied him down. His eyes scanned the room, taking in the counter with a glass case of tools. He was unfamiliar with alien equipment but recognized the metal arm hanging over him as a medical scanner. He was in a med bay.
The alien made more sounds. The arm floated downward, running a hazy light over Izuku’s body. It tickled, making him jerk against the cuffs. The alien patted his hair.
Izuku had a horrible suspicion. What if the aliens had brought him here to experiment on him? In his beloved All Might comics, there had been a storyline where All Might had been kidnapped by mad scientists who sought to unlock the secrets of human endurance and martial skill. This would explain why the aliens had kept him alive–to bring him to their lab for their experiments. Would they cut him open while he was still alive?
Izuku snapped his teeth at the tentacle touching his hair. The alien made a chirping sound, like a chuckle. An undefinable emotion filled his red eyes.
“Get off me!” Izuku screamed, but no matter how he struggled, the alien kept petting his hair, and the scan continued. He collapsed against the bed, exhausted, panting, and on the verge of tears.
What would All Might do in a situation like this? All Might never cried, not even against the worst odds. In the comic, All Might had pretended to be weaker than he was until his captors let their guard down, and he escaped.
Izuku hated to show any surrender, but he knew he could not break through metal restraints. With great willpower, he relaxed and pretended to be asleep.
As the alien’s suckers caressed his forehead, Izuku calculated the strength he would need to rip those tentacles off.
Five massive cups of Drath brewed stimulant, and the looming threat of his boss was all that dragged A’zawa from the comfort of his sleeping sack. Even then, his fur remained a matted mess, and his two tails whipped around him in discontent.
He should have run the moment his boss had called him to his office.
“I need you to infiltrate the base of the Warlord All for One,” Ne-Dzu had said, unsmiling.
The request wasn’t entirely surprising. Before becoming a teacher at Yuuei, A’zawa had been a rogue agent for the Galactic Federation. Yuuei focused on trying to change the galaxy through diplomatic means and cultural exchange between species, but sometimes they had to take direct action to protect their members. Espionage was a listed trait in his resume. But to sneak into All for One’s lair? The warlord was notoriously vicious, even among his fellow Phix, who were considered one of the worst Death Worlders in the universe (except hu-mans, of course).
“What, sir?” A’zawa had said, struggling to maintain the anxious twitch of his tails.
“I know you have seen the reports. Within the last few cycles, there have been several skirmishes with All for One’s soldiers, including Nomu Soldiers.”
“Which we won,” A’zawa said, feeling the need to remind his boss.
“Yes,” Ne-Dzu said sharply, “but not without injury.”
A’zawa’s limbs ached with phantom pain, reminding him of the costs he had paid. “I understand, but we don’t even know where they’re located.”
“Hence why we’re entrusting this to you.” At A’zawa’s look, Ne-Dzu sighed. “Come now. A warlord like All for One requires workers as well. Dive into the darkness of the criminal world. Follow the jobs, and you will find the base.”
Excuses and complaints burned A’zawa’s tongue, but he knew it was useless. Any intel on All for One’s operations would be invaluable, and A’zawa was best suited to infiltration and espionage.
That didn’t mean he wasn’t annoyed.
Grunting greetings at the other species milling about, A’zawa moved to his current station within transport Dock 3. True to Ne-Dzu, A’zawa had found a job under All for One on a space station orbiting the decrepit planet Kamino, which had long since been abandoned due to the destruction of the surface from extensive warfare.
Bringing shipments into the base was hard, manual labor. Every shift left A’zawa’s fur reeking with the stench of smoke and his claws chipped. However, he received a first look at the incoming shipments and had already discovered concerning news on the status of the Nomu Soldiers.
Voices drifted from behind a pile of boxes, and A’zawa’s ears perked, recognizing ToiMura’s voice, All for One’s second in command. Another wonderful part of working in shipments, overhearing the gossip.
Grabbing a metal container, A’zawa walked towards the far corner, feigning business. Glancing from the corner of his eyes, he saw ToiMura, surrounded by his infamous “League” of criminals.
Togah, a gelatinous Vernu alien with the ability to consume organic matter from other species and temporarily use their abilities. Tw1ce, a Cezor crustacean lifeform with stubby limbs but who could detach his biological twin and survive. Dabii, from an unknown species with powerful hindlegs and tail, fur growing between reptilian scales.
Several members of the League were missing, Compr3ss and Shpinnier, but that didn’t make them any less dangerous, especially with ToiMura, a class 2 Death Worlder, leading them.
A’zawa’s fur began to rise in alarm, but he forced it to lay flat and kept his head tilted towards the box while he watched them on the sly, most of his attention fixed on his biggest threat, ToiMura.
However, today, the DoTi looked subdued, tail curled around himself, head drooping towards the floor, and his overgrown fur looking even more unkempt than usual.
“Awwww, ToiMura,” Togah said, the dark black maw fixed in her gelatinous chest doing the speaking while her upper face watched on. “You should be excited. We’re so lucky to have it.”
“I can’t believe Master wanted one,” Tw1ce’s right head said. “I can!” the left one said.
“You don’t understand,” ToiMura snapped, his snout rising to reveal a scowl. “It shouldn’t have been brought here in the first place. If it manages to escape, we’re all dead.”
A’zawa stiffened, his claws digging into the metal box. What were they talking about? Was it a new generation of Nomu Soldiers? A recently created machine with massive power? A’zawa’s imagination conjured horrors upon horrors.
“But the hu-man sounds so interesting!” Togah cried.
A’zawa nearly screeched then and there. As it was, he chomped down on his tongue to suppress his cry. A hu-man?! On the base?! He’d always suspected All for One was insane, but this proved it.
His fur prickled in alarm, and it took all of his willpower to not escape the base, fly back to Yuuei, and warn everyone in this galaxy. But, with great restraint, he forced himself to still and listen. Information was power, and with a hu-man in All for One’s grasp, they’d need every drop of power they could get.
“It’s insane!” ToiMura yelled. “The creature killed all of the Ra guards on board while half dead itself. It was dripping blood, but that didn’t stop it from launching at me and Master.”
“Does it have a death wish?” Dabii asked boredly, his clawed hands tucked into his jacket. “Wasn’t aware anything was stupid enough to attack All for One. Besides All Might, that is.”
“It’s an animal. I’m sure the only thoughts it’s capable of are killing.” ToiMura shivered, and the group fell silent.
“Well, I heard it was super weak,” Tw1ce’s left head said and was immediately smacked by his right head. “Why’d you say that!”
“Weak?” Dabii asked, the fur on his head rising in interest.
“Yeah! Some of the workers saw it as it was being brought in. They said it looked small and weak,” Tw1ce’s left head said, looking at his right with a questioning look. The right head grumbled, “They did say that. A lot were even wondering if All for One had been duped.”
“What! No!” Togah cried, “I want to see it kill someone.”
Dabii snorted, “Of course, you do, psycho.”
However, ToiMura shook his head, fur whipping around frantically. “No, no, you do not.”
“Why not?” Togah complained, her black maw turned into a frown. A’zawa had to repress a shudder at the jagged rows of teeth.
“I think he’s scared,” Dabii said, voice mocking. “Too scared to show the fake hu-man that kicked his weak ass.”
“You don’t know what you’re talking about!” ToiMura growled.
“Then show us the hu-man. You have access to the video feeds in the medical labs. Show us how scary it is.”
ToiMura hesitated but then pulled up the video feeds on his communicator device. Everyone leaned closer, A’zawa included, the box in his hands nearly forgotten.
The hologram was difficult to see from a distance, but A’zawa made out a prone form lying on a medical bed. At first glance, it met the descriptions given of hu-mans: four limbs, a round head with forward facing eyes, and additional digits at the end of one set of limbs.
Besides that, the hu-man looked remarkably plain. It wore some strange garment that covered much of its body but otherwise was naked, only a patch of green fur on its head.
“That’s the hu-man?” Dabii remarked, then burst into laughter, trails of smoke escaping his mouth. “That’s what injured you so bad? Are you sure you didn’t stumble over your tail and take yourself out that way?”
“You don’t understand.”
“I understand it looks like some hatchling’s comfort object to snuggle with.”
“What?” Tw1ce’s left head cried out. “What larvae would want that? It’s hideous.”
“No, it isn’t,” Togah cried, leaning forward to look closer. “It’s so cute!”
ToiMura stayed quiet, looking at the hu-man with a haunted expression, but didn’t respond to his companions’ jibes.
For A’zawa’s part, he could understand both perspectives. The hu-man’s face was squashed in an ugly, cute way, and while the lack of fur was unsettling, the fluff at the top looked soft. It reminded A’zawa vaguely of a neglected M’wz he’d seen abandoned on the side of the road by its owner. A’zawa’s chest rumbled lowly in sympathy, his instincts urging him to protect it.
“Ugly or cute, there’s no way that is a Category 5 Death Worlder,” Dabii said, looking back at the resting hu-man.
The rest of the League murmured in agreement despite ToiMura’s protests.
Shifting the box in his grip, A’zawa causally paced away, projecting an aura of boredom he did not feel.
Forget Drath brewed stimulant. News of a hu-man was a far better wake-up call.
Placing the box down, A’zawa shuffled back to the unloaded cargo of a new shipment and fell into line with the other workers. The work busied his body while his mind whirled with thought.
All for One had a hu-man.
All for One was already a terrifying threat without a Category 5 Death Worlder. A’zawa knew his imagination would play horrific nightmares for him.
Unless it wasn’t a hu-man?
No, the appearance matched basic descriptions, even if it was less impressive after seeing one. And A’zawa struggled to think of someone insane enough to double-cross All for One.
So, it must be a hu-man. But why was it so…unassuming?
The hu-man had no horns, tails, scales, or claws to protect itself. And while it might have sharp teeth, the mouth was small, revealing little power.
The temptation to dismiss the hu-man as a non-threat was there, but A’zawa had infiltrated the base to learn as much as he could, including about a pet hu-man. Whether the hu-man was harmless or not, A’zawa would have to find out.
When Izuku awoke, it was to find drool covering one of his cheeks and the soft flooring beneath him. Groaning with disgust, Izuku wiped it away. He didn’t drool often, but when he did, it was because he was either sick or under the influence of heavy drugs. Judging by the aches and exhaustion pulling at his body, it was both.
Wiping away the goop in his eyes, Izuku blinked through the darkness. Soft padding moved underneath as he shifted, barely visible in the dark. Reaching his hands out, Izuku felt cold stone an arm’s length above his head.
His pulse quickened as he remembered the box he’d been trapped in. He couldn’t be back. He’d escaped! He’d destroyed those creatures that had left him to rot in there and then…
He’d been captured again.
A wheeze escaped Izuku’s mouth—he was hyperventilating.
Frantically, he crawled over the squishy floor towards a light beckoning a few meters away. The light blinded his eyes, but that didn’t stop him from scrambling out, limbs catching over each other in his haste and sending him diving into the ground.
Heart pounding, Izuku dug his sore fingernails into the dirt, relishing the lack of metal and breathing in the clear, cold air.
He wasn’t in the box.
Precious minutes passed before Izuku’s breathing normalized, and he raised his head.
Large trees towered over him, their branches thick with green leaves. Curling fronds grew at their base, and along the dirt floor, delicate flowers bloomed. Boulders of various sizes rested next to each other.
As Izuku gasped in shock, the scent of cold seawater filled the air, reminding Izuku of early mornings spent exploring at the beach, finding washed-up sea shells to present to his mother.
Pressing his hand against a tree, he felt the rough bark under his skin. It really wasn’t plastic or another manufactured material. However, a faint purple vein ran through the grooves of the tree’s bark. Izuku ran his thumb over it, not feeling any paint or dye that could color the tree.
Bending down, he likewise examined a fern, fingers meeting a bumpy, hexagonal texture instead of a smooth leaf.
This… wasn’t Earth.
Izuku stumbled backward, tripping over his feet and onto his back.
Looking up, Izuku saw a metal ceiling clumsily painted like a night sky with unfamiliar constellations to greet him despite the daytime light.
“No,” Izuku whispered at the unchanging stars. “No, no, no!”
He jumped to his feet and sprinted through the trees, jumping over boulders and trampling plants underfoot. There had to be an exit somewhere. A place where the trees ended, and civilization began. Somewhere, Izuku could find help.
However, the ground ended, turning into a short ledge. Izuku nearly fell over. It was only a meter-tall drop, but black water rippled below, its depth unknown. Cold mist rose from it, a warning that a sudden plunge would be icy and unpleasant.
Pace quickening, Izuku followed the ledge, searching for where the water ended and dwelling began. But less than five minutes of running led him back to where he started.
He was trapped, on some island, surrounded by frigid water with no supplies, no allies, no clue of where he was located.
Hopeless despair clogged his throat.
“Mom, I’m sorry,” Izuku cried, collapsing to his knees. He gripped the fabric of his pants, pulling it tight. “I’m sorry, Mom. I’m sorry.” Tears dripped down his cheeks, plopping onto one of the unnatural ferns and partially dissolving it. Human body fluids were acidic to many alien plant and animal species, one of the many reasons aliens were terrified of humans.
The sight ripped a wail from Izuku’s chest, echoing through the forest and back at him, turning his single voice of pain into a choir of agonizing souls, singing their anguish to an uncaring universe.
“I should have stayed with Mom. I shouldn’t have gone, but it wasn’t fair!” Izuku pounded his fist against a tree, the entire tree shuddering at the force. “I didn’t do anything wrong! All I wanted was food, and they treated me like I was a criminal, no, worse than that. Like I was an animal!”
With a muffled scream of frustration, he pulled at his hair, the sharp pain mirroring his tumultuous feelings.
He was trapped.
Back in his pod, his tail curled up around him, ToiMura glowered. His GameBoy, which had occupied all his attention before the hu-man, sat neglected. A shrill beep came from his communicator, and when ToiMura made the mistake of glancing down, he saw another mocking message.
Stupid League, he thought as he picked at the knots in his fur. He should have clawed their laughter off their faces, but a twang of pain in his chest reminded him why. Master had used nearly all the healing salve on the hu-man, leaving ToiMura to make do.
ToiMura was lucky he hadn’t broken anything. As a Death Worlder, he could heal faster than most species, but a broken bone could still be a death sentence. Only categories 4 and 5 could easily survive such grievous wounds.
The communicator beeped again, and ToiMura resisted the urge to smash it to pieces. They hadn’t fought the hu-man. They hadn’t seen how vicious it could be, even while bloody and battered.
It hadn’t looked nearly so vicious in the medical bay.
With a grumble, ToiMura turned on his communicator, forcing the messages from the League away. He would rather watch the monitoring systems. All for One had mentioned in oblivious enthusiasm to ToiMura that the hu-man was being moved to its enclosure. ToiMura felt sick considering how much his boss had spent renovating his quarters to house the feral hu-man; however, he was grateful for the monitoring systems.
A couple of quick taps revealed the hu-man, curled up near the edge of the enclosure, its head resting against the ground. ToiMura frowned. Was the hu-man sleeping? He couldn’t see its eyes, but the lack of movement was weird.
Tucked into itself, the hu-man appeared small and helpless, a far cry from the monster that had attacked him unprovoked.
ToiMura’s claws tightened on a knot. Had he overreacted? The hu-man was a Death Worlder, that was no longer a doubt, but maybe it wasn’t as feral as he thought.
Still, ToiMura couldn’t stop himself from looking back over the enclosure security to soothe his anxiety. On the outside, it appeared to be a large rectangular box made from metals strong enough to resist missiles.
Once inside, it revealed a small island surrounded by frigid salt water with round-the-clock supervision. The only way across the water was through the walkway that appeared from the far side. An electric forcefield guarded the entrance, along with a metal lock closing the iron door. And for further backup, nozzles could pump out sedatives.
Death Worlder or not, there was no way that the hu-man was escaping.
Besides, ToiMura thought as he reached for his GameBoy, feeling reassured, the hu-man probably wasn’t as scary as he remembered.
After what felt like hours of crying, Izuku finally sat up. Dried tear tracks clung to his cheeks, and Izuku scrubbed at the itchy sensation with his fists. His eyes felt puffy, swollen, and his face blotchy. If Kacchan could see him right now, he’d mock Izuku for being a crybaby.
Izuku chuckled weakly. He could practically hear his friend screaming in his ear, telling him to pick himself up and blast the aliens to dust. Of course, Izuku didn’t have a spaceship with double-mounted lasers (Kacchan’s favorite ship), but the sentiment to pick himself up and do something rang true.
Mom would be coming for him. Izuku knew that in his bones. However, if he could escape and get back to the Aldera Colony and her, it would save so much heartbreak.
Nodding his head, Izuku dusted his clothes off and stood up.
First things up, check himself.
Closing his eyes, Izuku took a deep breath, allowing his mind to settle and focus on his body. His cuts and bruises were gone. His head no longer ached. He didn’t even feel the aftereffects of starvation. Truly, alien medical technology was impressive. The colony had never even gotten close to such a rare healing salve. Why had his captors spent such a valuable item on a prisoner? There was no way of knowing for now, but he was still wary of being used as a medical experiment.
Next, check supplies. Thankfully, his suit was still in good shape with no rips and only minor scuffing. Pressing his nose against it, Izuku smelled the thick cloth. Even his sweat was gone, replaced by a fresh scent. Unease churned in his stomach. Had it been removed and cleaned?
Shaking his head, Izuku tried to move past the unsettling thought. Truthfully, he was lucky to have his suit functioning. While not David Shield level, it was waterproof, thermal enforced, and made of thick material guaranteed to block 9 out of 10 stab wounds. Plus, it had pockets. Lots and lots of pockets.
A splash drew Izuku’s attention. An alien of unknown species emerged from the water. It was the same alien who had grabbed Izuku in the bay, but for the first time Izuku got a closer look at him. He was tall, perhaps as tall as All Might in the comic books. Many tentacles flowed from his arms, tail, and neck. His extra-long fingers had sharp claws. He did not wear clothing–apparently, his species had a hard shell over their body and genitals instead. Even his gender was just a guess. His chest looked masculine, but plenty of alien races didn’t follow a strict sexual dimorphism. A belt with pockets ran across his chest like a sash. Water dripped off his humanoid head. His red eyes blazed in a way that brought to mind Earth vampires. However, Izuku wouldn’t judge anyone for having a terrifying appearance. Instead, he was judging the hell out of this guy for kidnapping him.
With Izuku trapped, there was no benefit to attacking right away. For whatever reason, the alien had healed him. Now, he approached slowly, with no sign of a threat. Izuku should at least try to negotiate. Taking his captor hostage could be a backup plan.
Unfortunately, Izuku didn’t know a single alien word except curses insulting someone’s progenitor or genitalia. He raised his hands, a universal gesture to indicate he did not want a fight. “Do you have a translator?”
The alien purred in sibilant hisses like a snake. Okay, that was a no. “Could you fetch a translator?” Izuku asked.
The alien smiled. (One of the rare species who bared teeth to be friendly like humans? Or was this a threat?) He reached out to touch Izuku’s hair.
Izuku sidestepped. “My name is Izuku.” He pointed at himself and clearly enunciated: “Izuku.” From the All Might comic, where the hero had rescued a kidnapped diplomatic team, Izuku had learned that kidnapping victims should name themselves to their captors to try and get seen as real people.
Contorting his lips unnaturally to make more human sounds, the alien repeated, “Izuku.” Then the alien pointed at himself and said, “All for One.”
“That’s your name!” Izuku perked up. Communication had been established. Excellent. Either All for One was a translation into human language, or the similarity of sounds was a coincidence. Izuku gestured at the island around them. “Where am I?”
But All for One had lost all interest in communication. He grabbed Izuku with his massive hand and turned around his face to examine him.
“Stop that,” Izuku snapped. With great willpower, he restrained himself from lashing out. He thought the alien was examining him for traces of his earlier head injury. The contact didn’t seem to be hostile, but that didn’t excuse grabbing him without permission. He didn’t enjoy having those claws so close to his cheek, either.
Izuku touched his fingers and thumb together to form a circle. From what he’d learned, this was the universal galactic gesture for “no.” Aliens had all different types of biology, but fingers were widespread among intelligent species–it was hard to engineer and develop technology without them. Nearly every species at least had some flexible appendage that could be used to make the circle that universally indicated no.
But All for One either didn’t notice or didn’t care. He lifted Izuku into the air and turned him around, staring at his body.
“I SAID NO!” Izuku kicked the alien in the face. The element of surprise let him break free. He landed on the ground in a crouch, panting and wondering if he’d made a mistake. Like it or not, he was still at this creature’s mercy.
All for One smiled again, hissing nonsense. It almost sounded soothing to Izuku’s ears, but it was challenging to read alien tones and body language. There was a hint of amusement in how All for One tilted his head.
Reaching into his belt, All for One removed a ball. He threw it at Izuku.
Reflexively, Izuku caught the ball. Had that been an attack? But the bright red ball felt soft and rubbery.
All for One hissed in a more high-pitched tone. Next, he threw another ball off to Izuku’s left side. When Izuku did not reach out to catch it, All for One hissed in a lower tone.
“Maybe we got off on the wrong foot, or rather the wrong kick to the face.” Izuku tried to keep his tone level. “My name is Izuku. Can you get a translator so we can talk? Here is your ball.” He held out the ball.
All for One gestured with his arm in a “come here” way. Did he want Izuku to throw the ball to him?
Fine, he could play along. Izuku tossed the ball. All for One shot out one massive hand in the air, easily catching it. Next, All for One threw the ball at Izuku again.
This time, Izuku understood that he was supposed to catch the ball. He quickly jumped over and grabbed it.
All for One hissed excitedly. Then he stepped over and patted Izuku on the head. It was unwanted and patronizing. What was the purpose of this? Some sort of strange ritual? If Izuku went along, would the alien finally get a translator, or was he simply making a fool of himself?
After reaching into another pocket, All for One pulled out a round sugar cookie. It looked so much like an Earth cookie, that couldn’t possibly be a coincidence. Izuku stared at the cookie in dumbfoundment, trying to determine if it had been drugged. After his experience with the fruit, he was understandably paranoid.
Wait a moment. The alien had played fetch with Izuku then offered him a treat.
Izuku was a pet.
Fury overwhelmed Izuku. He slapped the hand away. “How. Dare. You.” Tears sprang to his eyes again, this time from anger. “I’m a person, not a monster or a pet! My name is Izuku Midoriya!”
Unfortunately, All for One took the slap as an indication that Izuku wanted to play tag.
All for One pounced. Izuku dodged sideways.
Those red eyes gleamed down at him like twin flames as the alien lunged again. Instinct took over. Izuku ran.
All for One chased after, his claws digging up the dirt. Izuku ran for the tree because most aliens couldn’t climb like humans. But even with the healing salve, his ordeal had left his body slower and weaker than usual.
Izuku only made it to the tree’s base before a clawed hand wrapped around his stomach. Breaking off a branch, Izuku stabbed the pointy end behind him.
All for One bit through the branch and spat it out. His gaze had turned wide and eager. He dragged Izuku to the ground while releasing his sedative from his tentacles.
Izuku’s body refused to move. A frantic heartbeat shook his body. He was convinced those giant claws were about to rip him in half. Instead, All for One wrapped Izuku up in an embrace and stroked his hair. The touch was oddly gentle from such deadly claws. The alien was cuddling him. All for One’s other hand pushed the cookie against Izuku’s mouth, urging him to eat the treat. Apparently, the chase had been entertaining enough for him to earn it.
Izuku had been taken from his home and his family. But to his captor, it was all a fun game.
Izuku burned with fury. With his tiny bit of head motion left, he could have bitten or scratched. But he had a better idea. Even in his rage, he kept thinking, What would All Might do?
Lying very still and playing calm, Izuku used the last of his energy to sneak his hand into the alien’s belt and slipped a key card into his own pocket.
OMAKE TIME!
Omake: Culture Clash
Izuku: Why did the alien use healing salve on me and bandages on himself?
All for One: I’m hoping your bite mark will scar as a fond memory of us becoming family.
Izuku: Great, you’re a lunatic.
#
Omake: Incorrect Quotes, John Wick
All for One: We’re professionals.
Inko: Do I look civilized to you?
Chapter Text
Inko considered herself a patient woman. She had raised a son with an unfortunate proclivity for danger, and for many years, dealt with her whiny ex-husband. However, as the blue-skinned alien before her squawked and deflected her questions, she felt the few remaining threads of her patience beginning to snap.
It had taken several cycles to repair the battered spaceship, then several more to return to the trading market place where Izuku had last been. She had scoured the market place, asking everyone she could about a young human male who’d last been seen there. Nobody wanted to talk. It wasn’t until Inko accidentally broke a table by slamming her fist down in frustration that answers came.
The last person to see Izuku had been a shop owner by the name of Doug (the translator might have taken some liberties with his name), who after some incident at the marketplace had abruptly moved away.
Now, after tracking Doug down across the galaxy, the alien refused to speak to her.
Inko fiddled with her translator, checking one last time that the machine wasn’t the cause of the communication breakdown. In addition to stealing a ship, she’d also stolen one of Aldera’s translators, and it wouldn’t have surprised her if it had broken like much of the other junk on the colony. However the machine was functioning fine.
Inko gritted her teeth. “Where’s the human boy?”
Doug shook his head, his many arms held out defensively.
“I know you saw him!” she yelled, slamming her hands onto the table. The surface cracked, spiderweb fissures spreading out from the point of impact.
A shrill shriek escaped his mouth, and people around the market place began turning to look at them, one or two reaching for a weapon at their side.
“Ah, my apologies,” a jovial voice interrupted. “I just happened to notice your discussion, is there any way I can help?”
Inko turned on her heel, ready to give the interrupter a piece of her mind, then stopped.
Wild blonde hair, piercing blue eyes, a towering frame, a space suit designed in accents of red, blue, and yellow—one of Izuku’s comics come to life.
“All Might,” the shop owner breathed in relief. “Thank goodness!”
All Might chuckled loudly and placed his hands on his hips. “In the flesh,” he declared.
“You’re skinnier than in the comics,” Inko blurted, and immediately covered her mouth with her hands.
All Might rubbed his neck sheepishly. “Are they still making those things? I always thought I looked like a musclehead in them, but the publisher called it creative license. Still you know me, that does make things easier. So, what’s the problem?”
“This–this–creature!” Doug said, “Came up out of nowhere and started interrogating me about some hu-man attack I barely survived.”
“Human attack?”
“Yes! It gorged itself on my wares, wrecked my table, and terrified my customers. Only after it had thoroughly destroyed my business did it pass out!”
“My Izuku would never!” Inko said in outrage.
“Your Izuku?” All Might asked.
“My Izuku. My son,” Inko said, tears beginning to form. “He was sent to purchase food but never returned. I’ve been trying to find him, and this person is the last one to have seen him, and he won’t tell me where he is.”
All Might considered Doug. “Where is the human boy?” he asked.
Doug shook his head and waved his many arms in refusal.
All Might had been smiling the entire time, although his lips had remained closed. Slowly, his lips parted revealing glistening white teeth spread in a smile. “Where is the human?” he repeated. Deadly calm radiated off of him, a warning that not answering his question was the wrong answer.
“I don’t know!” Doug whimpered. “The station manager dealt with the containment and removal. I don’t know where they would have taken it. At the very least far far away.”
“Where is the station manager?”
“He recently retired! Apparently, he inherited a large sum of money and moved away to the paradise planet Ghagi to enjoy it. I promise though, that’s all I know! Go ask the station manager. Just leave me out of it.”
“Alright, sir,” All Might said, his lips closing to hide his teeth, and his smile becoming lighthearted. “Your help is much appreciated. Come along, now,” he said, prodding gently on Inko’s back.
All Might led her through the marketplace with ease. His massive form should have stood out, but the man hunched his shoulders, tucked his limbs in close, and pulled his hood up over his head, once again becoming another figure in the crowd.
“I need to go back!” Inko hissed. “I’m sure he’s hiding information or at least lying. My boy would never do such a thing.”
“I don’t think you’re going to get anything else out of him,” All Might said, guiding her through an exit in the marketplace. “And even if he is lying, there’s little we can currently do. Your son is our immediate focus.”
“Our?” Inko asked.
All Might paused and turned to face her. The hood covered most of his face, but his blue eyes shone through. “Of course. That’s what a hero does, they help. That is, of course, if you’ll accept my aid?”
After being betrayed by the Aldera Colony, Inko’s trust was in short supply. She didn’t know All Might outside the comics, and those had already proven to be exaggerated, at least in regards to his appearance. Yet, she also had to face reality.
On her own, her chances of saving Izuku were slim. With All Might, those odds increased drastically.
“Alright,” Inko said, fixing All Might with a piercing glare. “I’ll allow you to help. But cross me once, and I will kill you.”
All Might laughed. “I wouldn’t dream of it.”
As soon as Izuku was alone, he examined his stolen prize. The flat silver square was definitely a key card, but he could not figure out what it was supposed to open. No matter how Izuku roamed the island, he could not find a lock to insert the key. Likely, All for One’s key opened a door off the island. It would only do Izuku good if he could get out of here. Or maybe the key opened some useless storage area, but Izuku considered it worth burying the key card in the dirt next to the food dispenser just in case.
When All for One returned, Izuku was fairly certain the alien was looking for his key card. But All for One did no more than a cursory scan of the ground before giving up. He did not interrogate Izuku. (Perhaps there was a small advantage to being treated like a dumb animal.) He did not punish Izuku. (Thank goodness, just remembering the metal box gave him cold shivers.) It was for the best, but this also confirmed Izuku’s fears–the key card could not unlock anything immediately useful for escape. Izuku tried to pickpocket All for One again, but the alien had caught on and treated it like a game. When All for One could easily use the drugs from his tentacles to freeze Izuku, the games were always rigged in his favor.
All for One treated everything like a game. If Izuku played along, then All for One would have him chasing after balls and running around the island. If Izuku fought back, then All for One sparred with him for a bit before paralyzing him. Humans were known throughout the galaxy for being extremely tough. Izuku had been shocked when he’d first learned that most species considered a broken bone a fatal injury and could barely believe humans kept moving even on one broken leg. Most aliens could not last as long as humans without food and lacked the same toughness and agility. But All for One was clearly a fellow Death Worlder. Even without the cheat of his tentacles, he could overpower Izuku in battle. Human body fluids had acidic properties for many species, but Izuku’s sweat and spittle did nothing to All for One’s hard shell. The alien was larger and much stronger.
These fights always ended with Izuku paralyzed and being cuddled. All for One would hiss a melodious note that Izuku was almost completely certain translated in his own language as “cute.”
Everything Izuku did got called “cute.” If Izuku played along with All for One’s games in an attempt to lower his guard? He was cute. If Izuku’s temper snapped and he tried to gut his captor with a tree branch? He was cute. That one time Izuku carefully prepared a pantomime attempt at communication to try to appeal to the equivalent of a heart inside his fellow Death Worlder? He was cute. When Izuku broke down sobbing because he missed his mother and he was so damn tired? Cute, cute, cute! Izuku had come to hate the alien sound of that word. Each time, the soft hiss and the matching affection in All for One’s eyes made the hair on the back of Izuku’s neck stand up and his fingers curve into claws.
And every single encounter with All for One ended the same way: Izuku wrapped up in All for One’s tentacles and cuddled. Whether he’d been drugged first or not made no difference to the alien. It felt dehumanizing . Izuku hated how All for One always had fun. He hated being treated like a pet. Most of all, he hated how his fingers trembled each time he summoned the courage to fight back, because he still feared ending up back in the box.
At least his new cage was better than the box, the source of Izuku’s ongoing nightmares. But just about anything was better than being tortured. Izuku’s small bit of gratitude wore off quickly. He’d tried playing along, he’d tried appeasing his captor, and he’d tried communicating. It hadn’t worked. Clearly All for One had no interest in anything his “pet” had to say. Any resistance got Izuku drugged again.
But Izuku had noticed that the paralyzing effect of the tentacles wore off a tiny bit faster each time. He was slowly building up an immunity.
If he could not bargain his way out of this cage, then he would fight. He would prove that he wasn’t a cute pet.
Getting close to the hu-man was harder than A’zawa had anticipated.
Slipping away from his work group was easy. All he had to do was complain of a strained shoulder or say he was going to check on the BioDevOrgLip Department (which was completely made up), and his bosses would nod distractedly and shoe him along.
The number one rule to infiltration was to act confident, so A’zawa slouched through the hallways with a bored expression as if merely walking along the restricted floors was beneath him.
The ruse worked, but only got so far.
Surveillance of the hu-man was restricted to All for One, his insane doctor, and a select few of the League, none of whom A’zawa wanted to get too close to.
That left him with the unpleasant option of scouting out the cage. Except All for One, in a move of either extreme ego or idiocy, had created an enclosure for the hu-man resting on top of his own underwater living quarters.
In theory it made sense, All for One could check on the hu-man whenever he wanted, and since the hu-man wasn’t aquatic, it couldn’t attack him through the water. However, A’zawa would struggle to sleep with a dangerous Death Worlder resting above.
A’zawa glowered at the metal door to the entrance, flipping the “borrowed” key card through his paws. With a tap, the metal door would open, the forcefield shut down, and the walkway extend, and A’zawa could carefully sneak in for a better look.
Instinctively he reached for his capture weapon and winced at the lack. The capture weapon made him too identifiable for the mission, but he would have liked to have it. Even if A’zawa suspected it would do little against a hu-man.
Glancing at his communicator, A’zawa made up his mind. He needed to see the hu-man, and this was the perfect window to do so.
Tapping the card, he dashed through the open door and downed forcefield before it flickered back up, blocking his access again. He’d be fine since he had the card, but speed was a necessity. Spying on the hu-man would blow his cover, and he’d have to be prepared to escape immediately after. But this was important enough to justify it.
The walkway slid across, connecting the frigid ice water to the small island. Claws clicking on the metal, A’zawa slunk across.
A chill ran through his fur, and A’zawa slipped into a defensive posture. But he wasn’t quick enough to respond to the screeching hu-man that sprinted from the island across the walkaway at a terrifying speed while wielding a tree branch.
With a yowl, A’zawa leaped back, forgetting where he was, and plunged into the freezing water.
On Earth, Izuku had seen videos of pet cats being forced into baths. They’d looked exactly as unhappy as the feline alien flopping and shrieking in the cold water. At first, it was a little bit funny. Then the alien’s head dipped below the water, and Izuku realized he couldn’t swim.
Izuku had every rational reason to leave the alien to drown. All of his captors had treated him like a dumb animal or a monster. They didn’t deserve his sympathy. Izuku didn’t know why the strange new alien had invaded his enclosure, but given how he’d shrieked at the sight of Izuku, he didn’t seem like a rescuer. Even more importantly, this was Izuku’s big chance to escape with the bridge down. His mother was waiting for him to come home. It would be foolish for him to save an alien who might attack him and thwart his escape attempt.
But. The alien had made such a sad, frightened gurgle as he’d gone under, it had broken Izuku’s heart. And Izuku’s hands had moved faster than his brain. He’d reached out with his makeshift tree branch club, offering aid.
The feline alien immediately latched onto the branch with his claws. Adrenaline gave Izuku the surge of energy needed to lift the alien onto solid land.
Coughing up water and shivering, the alien crouched on the ground. Still fearing that he might be attacked, Izuku did not give the alien time to recover. He did not bother to try and wrestle back his tree branch from the alien’s claws, either. He turned and ran.
Izuku spared a brief moment to wish he’d had time to dig up the key card. Hopefully he wouldn’t need that. He’d spent his seconds saving one of his captors, instead. And he’d lost his weapon, too. Perhaps his act of mercy had been foolish. But Izuku knew he’d done what All Might would have done.
That didn’t stop Izuku from leaving the alien behind as he ran at the strange yellow field.
The alien had people who could rescue him; Izuku did not.
As soon as Izuku hit the yellow sparks, a shock struck him so deep it rattled his teeth. His muscles spasmed. He could no longer run, but he kept putting one foot in front of the other. If the alien behind him caught up, then he would regret his mercy. His body felt numb. His vision blurred. His hair stood on end.
Mom. Izuku had to make it back home to his mother. Sparks danced down his clothing. He could smell the singed threads but he did not dare look down. Everything hurt. His entire world narrowed to continuing on. On the other end of the field, he gasped, sucking in fresh air.
He barely managed to grip the metal door and slam it behind him.
Sh’akan fidgeted nervously as he hurried to the breach in the hu-man’s cage. Behind him, two members of the League followed. Togah bounced eagerly, her blobby body jiggling with the movement, and Dabii slunk after, dressed in his impeccable jacket. (Sh’akan had nearly bought a jacket in a similar style, but none came for six arms.)
“I can’t believe we get to see the hu-man!” Togah giggled. “ToiMura hasn’t let us see it yet, and I think it’s soooo cute. What do you think?” she asked Sh’akan.
Sh’akan’s pincers clicked in nerves. Security detail watching the hu-man had been ridiculously easy with the creature lounging, pacing, eating, or playing with All for One. Sh’akan had lost interest after several boring shifts.
Truthfully, several of the Ra guards had begun playing card games while monitoring and had missed when one of the idiots from the loading dock snuck down to the hu-man’s cage, probably for a closer look on a dare, and accidentally let it out.
“It’ll be fine,” Dabii drawled, his eyes half-lidded in boredom. “Worst case scenario the hu-man killed the idiot who snuck in, then the hu-man ran across the walkway. But there’s no way the hu-man got past the forcefield.”
Turning the corner to the sanctuary entrance, Sh’akan slid to a stop, his claws reflexively lifting in fear at the sight of the hu-man outside the glowing forcefield.
That monster…had just run straight through a forcefield. It was impossible. It was a miracle. It was a nightmare. That thing just walked through? A forcefield wasn’t a cloth curtain! It was an impenetrable barrier capable of stopping a plasma blaster! That nightmare creature couldn’t be flesh and blood.
He remembered suddenly that all the Ra guards on the smuggler’s ship had been killed or maimed, exoskeletons ripped from their bodies.
Sh’akan had gotten his exoskeleton polished only last week.
However, one, then two, finally three blinks passed, and Sh’akan was alive.
He looked again at the hu-man and realized it lay prone on the metal ground, the strange fur on its head poofed out in every direction. There was no twitching or growls, nothing to suggest the hu-man had survived its passage through the forcefield.
“Oh, shit,” Dabii swore. “It’s dead.”
“Noooo, I wanted to see the hu-man when it was alive,” Togah whined.
“I’m amazed it isn’t roasted to a crisp. That barrier had a high voltage. Most species couldn’t touch it without severely burning themselves. To have gotten through without turning into ash is impressive.” Sh’akan eyed the glowing forcefield. Even from a distance, he could feel the power rippling off of it and wanted no part of it. The hu-man had to be beyond stupid to willingly push itself through.
Dabii sighed. “All for One is going to have a conniption when he hears about how his pet died.”
Sh’akan flinched. As a security guard in charge of monitoring of the hu-man, he’d face the brunt of All for One’s wrath. Although, judging by the grim looks on Dabii and Togah’s faces, they would as well.
The hu-man shuddered, and all three gave a sigh of relief. The hu-man wasn’t dead.
Togah had always liked cute things.
Her species, the Phieds, were made of large, energy dense cells that could rapidly change their structure. In her natural state, she looked like a yellow gelatinous blob with four limbs and a giant mouth in her midsection. She was constantly consumed by hunger, because shape-shifting took a lot of energy. Although Togah could shift into any form about her size, her second mouth always remained with its layers of black teeth.
Togah had wanted to become the hu-man from the moment she’d laid eyes on it. The pet was adorable, with its glistening green eyes and bouncy head fur. In order to shapeshift, she needed a bit of its DNA. Just one little nibble. All for One would never notice. She was pretty sure hu-mans could grow back their fingers.
All her attempts to get into the enclosure had been rebuffed. She hadn’t even been able to bribe the guards, because they were too scared of All for One (and the hu-man). But now all of her lurking around the cage and looking for a closer glimpse had finally paid off. The adorable little hu-man lay on the ground, so close she could kneel down and take a bite. Any damage to the pet could be blamed on the escape attempt.
Dabii prodded the hu-man with his hind claw. “Should we apply medical aid or something?”
“Aw, you care,” Togah cheered, hopping up and down with a sloshing sound.
Dabii scowled. “I’m just afraid of how the boss will react. That thing is so pitiful, it looks like it might die again if we leave it lying there.”
But Togah knew that Dabii thought the human was cute-ish too, or he wouldn’t have accompanied her trying to take a peak. Dabii’s species liked small fleshy pets–both of them. Actually, Dabii had been born of a marriage of two different species, his mother a feline from a snow planet and his father a cold-blooded reptile from a desert planet. As a result, his purple scales had patches of fur. He’d gotten the worst of both biology: a ton of different autoimmune disorders attacking his organs, nerves, and joints and giving him a crooked posture. He was in constant agony, which explained why he was so grumpy in Togah’s opinion. No temperature was comfortable for him. He resented his parents for ever deciding to reproduce. At least he had claws and a powerful tail.
Togah’s slime trail crept toward the hu-man. Dabii glared at her. “If you hurt it, you’ll get in trouble with All for One.”
“Just one nibble,” Togah pleaded, her second mouth snapping at the hu-man’s hand. A bit of drool slipped from her mouth and landed on the hu-man’s skin.
The hu-man’s eyes snapped open. It punched Togah squarely in her mouth.
Togah had never felt such agony before. No creature had ever dared brave her many rows of teeth to strike her with such unerring precision. She fell backward, slamming into the metal wall. Her gelatinous body flattened. Her head ached as she struggled to hold onto consciousness.
Dabii gaped. “What happened, Togah, did you get indigestion?”
“Oh, no.” The Ra guard backed away, fiddling with his plasma blaster. “There’s only three of us.”
Dabii laughed. “Two of us are League members.” He advanced on the hu-man, claws extended. “Go back to your cage quietly before you get hurt, little guy.”
The hu-man spun and kicked Dabii in the head. Then the hu-man lunged past and punched the guard in the exoskeleton. As he fell, the guard wailed some nonsense about recent polishing.
“Huh, this thing is looking less cute.” Dabii shook off the blow, his teeth snapping. Then he moved. Although Dabii might be a mess of internal damage, he was fast. Before the hu-man had time to turn around, Dabii struck him open-handed across the face. The tiny creature reeled and fell. Dabii grabbed the hu-man and lifted him up by his collar, purring, “Sorry, I don’t play as nice as All for One. You’re not dead, are you?”
The hu-man had a red print on his cheek and a cut on his swollen lip. He spat his acidic blood straight into Dabii’s eye.
Dabii stumbled backward, screaming in pain.
Struggling to reform her body, Togah whispered, “It’s not just cute. It’s beautiful .” Tears of joy formed in the corners of her eyes. This thing was a monster. It was the walking incarnation of death and destruction. She might have found her soulmate.
The hu-man kicked Dabii’s throat, cutting off his screams and knocking him to the ground. Blood sprayed across his beloved jacket. Then the hu-man kicked Toga in the head. Before her consciousness faded away, she saw it snatch the plasma blaster from the fallen guard.
Hardcore , she thought.
Izuku ran down the hallway. Currently there was only one direction to go. But he needed a plan if he had any hope of escaping this place. He still didn’t even know if he was on a planet or a space station.
The walls gleamed silver and metallic, making it slightly more likely he was in space. The air smelled filtered, but that didn’t prove anything because a place with many different species often adjusted the breathability of the air. Light panels glowed overhead. The main hallway branched out. Izuku hesitated.
It would be safer to go down one of the narrower passageways, but if he followed the main hallway then he was more likely to reach a central hub. There might be information, or better yet, a spaceship bay. Izuku’s goal wasn’t just to escape his enclosure, it was to get home. He had to take the risk. He followed the main hallway.
In the distance, an alarm sounded. Izuku must have caused that. He ran faster.
Unfortunately, he ran straight into another group of insectoid guards. Izuku had learned how to handle them after fighting so many. Once they were on their backs, they couldn’t get up again. The plasma blaster had a trigger and a wheel on the side. With a little trial and error, he figured out the maximum strength setting and left the guards in a smoking heap behind him.
The guards had been standing in front of a metal door, so Izuku presumed it must have something important on the other side. He stole a keycard off a fallen guard and opened it. A couple aliens sat in front of computers. They took one look at the fallen guards, then ran with a series of howls and chitters. Izuku let them go. He didn’t need any unnecessary fights, and the alarm was already screaming about his presence.
Dammit, Izuku had no idea how to use any of these computers. The desks were too tall for him and the keys didn’t seem made for human fingers. He ran down the aisle, pressing buttons randomly. A grinding sound came from one of the walls, but he ignored it. Another button triggered a second screeching alarm. Yet another button made the entire room slide sideways. How interesting, he must be in some sort of control room.
After several hundred random button presses, Izuku finally got lucky. A map popped up on the screen, complete with a glowing red dot at his current location. As suspected, he was on a space station. The ship bay was on the other side of the station. But there were escape pods located all around. Izuku memorized the route to the closest escape pod.
Spraying his blaster in an arc, Izuku shot all the computers. Hopefully he would damage something important in the control room. If possible, he wanted to destroy the station too badly for them to come after them. It was a calculated risk. Izuku knew he might destroy something that would hurt himself, but he also knew he had no chance of escaping in a tiny weaponless pod unless he could ensure the station had bigger concerns than re-capturing him. As All Might had once quoted from old Earth, Give me liberty or give me death. Izuku didn’t want to find out what punishment he might face if he was recaptured. He would not go back in the box.
With explosions echoing behind him, Izuku ran for the escape pods.
ToiMura heard the hu-man before finding him. The sound of explosions pierced his sensitive canine ears. What were those fools doing? Where were the other League members? If Togah and Dabii had found the hu-man then surely the pet would have been recaptured. But currently ToiMura only had Tw1ce by his side.
Not that Tw1ce wouldn’t be enough. His people, the Cezors, were Category 1 Death Worlders: amphibious crustaceans from a marsh planet. They naturally had twins as a survival tactic. The twins were so close that they didn’t even recognize themselves as two beings, just one entity.
That could also make them annoying. Tw1ce’s left head complained, “Can’t the guards handle this?” even as the right one said, “This will be fun! We’ll finally get to see the hu-man. What was he like in person? Did he smell?”
“I didn’t notice at the time. Too much violence,” ToiMura grumbled as he stepped over guard bodies to the open control room door.
A scene of carnage greeted him. The monitors had been blasted to pieces. Was the hu-man stupid or completely insane? The damage could have accidentally voided the space station’s oxygen or sent them careening into a meteor belt! Even worse, this meant the hu-man had a weapon. ToiMura’s fur stood up all over as he remembered his last battle with the hu-man. Briefly, he considered going back to his room and pretending he hadn’t heard the alarm over the sound of his games.
“The hu-man must be close.” Tw1ce took off down the hallway even as his other head complained, “Or he could be faster than us.”
Loyalty to his friend kept ToiMura going forward. Ugh, Dabii and Togah would be in so much trouble for not even showing up to the fight. He reminded himself the hu-man probably didn’t understand how to shoot a plasma blaster and had just gotten lucky.
The two of them caught up with the hu-man on his shorter legs. ToiMura gave reason one last try, shouting: “Stop! You’re outnumbered and you’ll never make it off the station.”
The ugly pet turned around. Using a plasma blaster took years of training, but that didn’t bother the hu-man. With an unnatural speed, the creature shoved its creepy appendages into the trigger, and sent off a yellow blast—deadly to most species.
“It’s insane,” Tw1ce’s right head said, “No, it’s brilliant!” the left one said.
“No, it’s firing at us! GET DOWN!”
Another shot slammed into the wall by their head, singing the metal and sending a melted clump to the ground.
Most sentient species wouldn’t jump immediately to the highest setting of the plasma blaster if only because the weapon tended to explode at that setting and kill the user. However, either the hu-man didn’t know or didn’t care because five more shots were sent their way.
“Where is Master?!” ToiMura yelled. He was being trained to manage part of All for One’s massive empire, but this…he hadn’t been trained to deal with this.
He had fought Death Worlders before; however, he doubted he would beat the hu-man in a one-on-one fight.
“CHARGEEEEE!” voices yelled from behind, and ToiMura watched in horror as a squad of Nomu Soldiers ran down the hallway, plasma blasters raised. “SHOOT THE HU-MAN!” they yelled, and a burst of blue blasts fired at the hu-man.
Snarling, the hu-man fired back, ducking and rolling to dodge the blasts.
“Are we saved?” Tw1ce’s left head said. A yellow blast slammed into the closest Nomu Soldier, flinging it back into the wall with a sickening crunch. “No, we’re dead,” Tw1ce’s right head said.
ToiMura should be racing into battle. He had his DekaY weapon, surely an organic lifeform would fall before it, but his legs wouldn’t move.
The Nomu Soldiers were genetically modified, an attempt of All for One’s insane doctor to create lab-brewed Death Worlders. Most galaxy species would die instantly against one, but the hu-man was holding off 7 of them.
This couldn’t get worse, ToiMura thought.
A blast from the human went wide, firing up to the ceiling and directly into the mechanism controlling gravity on that portion of the space station. Instantly, they began to slip away from the floor, despite desperately scrabbling at it.
“Maybe it won’t be able to fight,” Tw1ce’s left head said with stupidly blind optimism.
However, like a creature rising from the burning pits of ToiMura’s home world, the hu-man went flying into the air.
Flipping itself midair, the hu-man fired at the ground, sending its body careening to the ceiling; however, before it could be turned into mushy paste, it spun, kicked off the surface, and back towards the Nomu Soldiers.
For their part, the Nomu Soldiers spun in zero gravity, unable to right themselves as the hu-man sent a barrage of blasts after them.
“Shoot! SHOOT!” ToiMura screamed.
A blast hit a Nomu Soldier in the chest, splattering hot ichor across the pristine walkway—that worked better than any order ever could, as the Soldiers desperately began firing again.
One blast hit the hu-man in the leg, eliciting a hiss, but the creature. Shook. It. Off.
“We’re so dead,” Tw1ce’s right head said.
ToiMura couldn’t agree more. The battle with the hu-man had slowly pushed them farther down the hallway and closer to the escape pods, which, judging by the glint in the hu-man’s eyes, it knew.
Swearing in ShiMyra, ToiMura’s home language, he flailed in the air, and clumsily pushed off the wall down to the floor. Flicking the switch, ToiMura slammed his DeKay weapon onto the ground and directed the destruction toward the escape pods.
The hu-man’s creepy eyes flicked towards and narrowed in a fury. It aimed the plasma blaster toward him, ready to take ToiMura out, but the poor weapon had suffered too much abuse. It exploded with a crackling sound, sizzling energy ricocheting through the hall and rendering the remaining Nomu Soldiers unconscious.
Only ToiMura and Tw1ce, who had been further from the blast’s epicenter, remained conscious, but as the energy slammed into him, ToiMura knew he’d be feeling it for days to come.
[Reestablishing Gravity] the computer’s cheery voice said.
The floating Nomu Soldiers, Tw1ce, and the hu-man fell to the ground, with Tw1ce crashing into ToiMura.
“They couldn’t have done that sooner?!” Tw1ce’s right head said. The left one only groaned.
Wincing at the pain, ToiMura staggered upright, only remembering to switch his DeKay weapon off at the last minute.
Four of the Nomu Soldiers were critically injured, the pungent smell of burns filling the air, but the other three were dead. The doctor would be displeased, ToiMura thought, but upsetting the doctor paled compared to upsetting Master.
The hu-man could not be allowed to escape.
Except now, it lay limp on the ground, its disturbing flat face pressed against the floor, and its limbs sprawled out.
“Is it dead?” Both of Tw1ce’s heads asked.
ToiMura wasn’t sure which would be worse. Taking the punishment from All for One if the hu-man was dead, or if the human survived and they had to keep living with it.
The hu-man took a shuddering breath, and then its eyes peeled open, the toxic green almost glowing.
“It’s a monster,” ToiMura breathed in terror.
“It’s perfect,” All for One said.
ToiMura stiffened, bracing himself for a blow, but his Master walked calmly past, over to the stirring hu-man.
It snarled at him, but All for One merely laughed. Positioning himself over the hu-man, he used his scaled limbs to press the hu-man’s head into the ground. The hu-man gnashed its teeth and flailed its limbs, but All for One carefully pinned them down. Silently, he watched, a small smile on his face while the creature fought and thrashed, letting loose chilling screeches.
A couple of times, the hu-man managed to claw at All for One’s hide, drawing out beads of black ichor, but All for One adjusted his grip and continued smiling.
“Such a grumpy thing,” All for One cooed. “Small, grumpy thing, trying to be so scary.”
Although the hu-man didn’t have the mental capacity to understand speech, it must have understood the tone behind All for One’s words as it screeched, threw All for One’s hold off of his head, and sank its teeth into All for One’s hand.
Beside ToiMura, Tw1ce whimpered. Such an offense was worthy of instant death.
But All for One laughed, his pointed teeth flashing. “Oh, you are perfect,” he said, forcing the hu-man to open its jaws and release him.
Fighting was a sign of endearment on All for One’s home planet, Morslehak (which was probably why the species was practically extinct.) No wonder he liked the hu-man, ToiMura thought in numb horror.
“Perfect,” ToiMura repeated, his voice a whisper. “It escaped an inescapable cage.”
All for One must have heard because he turned his head, “Of course. It performed better than I expected.”
ToiMura’s hands shook as he stared at his insane boss.
“So little is known about these hu-mans; testing its limits is essential. Who knew it could run through a forcefield or take on a Nomu Soldier. Still, to almost escape…” he shook his head with a grin. “I’ll need a full report from you and all the footage.”
A strangled noise escaped ToiMura’s mouth as all the aches, burns, bruises, and pains of the hu-man’s attempted escape pressed into him.
“And now,” All for One said, turning his attention back to the still thrashing hu-man, “let’s get you back in your cage.”
OMAKE TIME!
Omake: False Memory
ToiMura: Maybe the hu-man isn’t as scary as I remembered. The League can handle him.
Dabii: Aargh help my eyes!
ToiMura: Uhhhhhhh someone save me…
Chapter Text
It hurt her pride, but Inko would admit, she would be hopelessly lost without All Might. He had a staggeringly nice spaceship, “Hercules,” that was full of food, spacesuits, translators, weapons, and anything else Inko might need. Izuku would be starstruck if he could see.
However, besides being better supplied, All Might was as capable as the comics implied. The muscley part was fiction, but he easily conversed with aliens who cowered in Inko’s presence.
“I don’t get it,” Inko hissed after one exchange where a purple furred alien stared at her in abject horror, but had no issue talking to All Might. “Why are they so scared?”
“Humans have an unfortunate reputation in space.”
“But they don’t cower from you?”
All Might shrugged. “I’ve spent years proving myself, rescuing others, and learning their cultures. I suppose after a while the fear wore off.”
Regardless of the reason, All Might managed to lead them to Salix where the retired station manager was living.
His name was Geeeran, and although a retired station manager, he also brokered information and questionably legal goods on the sides.
“I’m guessing working in the marketplace gave him insider details, and he used that to his advantage which is illegal. But considering the lack of information on him, he’s managed to keep a low profile.”
“So he’s smart,” Inko said grimly.
“Exactly.”
Salix wasn’t where Inko would have chosen to retire. Dense foliage stretched stories into the sky, creating pockets of darkness and brilliant light on the floor below that hurt Inko’s eyes when crossing. Fungus crawled up ramshackle stone buildings, releasing a pungent smell whenever they stepped too close. The air was thick and sticky, carrying a scent of rotting wood and decomposing plants.
The inhabitants watched as they passed, tensing as they saw All Might, but always reaching for their weapons when noting Inko. However, no one bothered them, allowing Inko and All Might to continue to Geeran’s dwelling.
As they walked, a fritzing sign on a wall flashed All Might’s picture, his eyes dark and a smile on his face, followed by a series of characters Inko recognized as numbers.
“What’s that?” she asked, pointing at the sign.
All Might rubbed his neck sheepishly, “Ah, that’s my wanted poster from the Federation.”
Inko ground to a stop, ignoring the mud slurping at her feet. “Your what? Wanted poster? I thought space loved you?”
“Many do, but I have a, shall we say…complicated relationship with the Federation. I tend to poke my nose where, according to the Federation, I don’t belong, and interfere. At first, they found it annoying, and I received several disgruntled messages. However, after I broke up an alien trafficking ring, things got complicated.”
“How so?”
All Might flashed a dark smile. “Several lead members of the Federation were funding it. They were less than pleased when that information got revealed.”
“But a wanted poster?”
All Might shrugged. “There were other things as well, and eventually they put out a bounty. After 50 bounty hunters failed, they upped the price. When that didn’t work, they contacted the assassins’ guild.”
“Assassins’ guild,” Inko repeated in horror.
“They weren’t that difficult to beat. Human biology is pretty remarkable. Common poisons such as onions, raisins, chocolate, caffeine, alcohol—each can kill numerous alien species but are considered a treat to us. Broken bones, cuts, and burns hurt and can sometimes kill us, but to other aliens, they’re a death sentence.”
“So none of their methods to kill you worked.”
“Nope. A couple banged me up, put me out of commission for a week or two, or gave me nasty scars, but I am here,” All Might spread his arms in victory.
Inko forced herself to start moving again, walking alongside All Might. “I knew we had a reputation, but nothing that intense.”
“Yes, makes you marvel sometimes. Anyways, after a while, the assassins guild refused to send more people, and the bounty hunters gave up, but the posters remain. It’s almost become a joke of sorts. I’m regularly asked to pose with aliens next to them. Truthful, it’s only boosted my popularity.”
Inko trudged alongside him, her mind spinning with the revelation.
Geeeran was located in a massive, rotting log, bark falling away to the ground where it had sunk into the mud. Bugs scurried away as they entered, slipping into cracks in the wood. Inko’s fingers itched for cleaning supplies and rags, the Mom in her horrified to see the filth Geeeran called home.
Wet moss squished underfoot, and the smell of compost and smoke hung in the air. Inko stifled a cough, wishing she hadn’t left her respirator on the ship.
“All Might,” a sleezy voice called through the thick haze of smoke, “What brings you to my humble dwelling?”
“Information.”
“And you came to me.” An orange burn from a pipe glowed. “Aren’t I lucky? Please, take a seat, let me know what I can do for you.”
Waving away smoke, Inko and All Might stepped closer, taking a seat on two lumpy toadstools by a tree stump. Across from them, what looked like a giant, green caterpillar lounged on a padded chair. Two long antennae protruded from his head. Small circular glasses rested over his eyes, but they didn’t hide the large lumps, and rolls of slimy flesh. Plump arms and stubby fingers emerged from each segment, creating seven sets of arms total. Wrinkles creased around his eyes and mouth, looking like an aged fruit.
In one arm, a long pipe burned, releasing wisps of white smoke. Geeeran sucked on it, then released a torrent of stinking smoke.
“We’re looking for someone who we were told you last saw,” All Might started, face unfazed.
A set of cards lay out on the stump table, each covered with glowing symbols. Slowly, Geeeran picked one up and laid it out on top of a careful pile. “I’ve seen a lot of people.”
“There was an incident, at a market place you were managing. An incident between a shop owner and a human.”
“Ahhhh, that incident. Are you looking for Doug?”
“We’re looking for the human.”
Geeeran didn’t immediately reply, instead taking another drag on the pipe. “The hu-man.”
“Yes. Where is he?”
“I don’t know,” Geeeran said, flipping over a card. He smiled, pulling the flesh in a grotesque way, and placed it down. “Ah look at that. Regal Strike, a winning move.”
All Might’s gaze hardened. “Where is the human boy?”
“Gone. He was a problem. Disrupted purchases and scared people there. I did my job and removed him from the premises.”
“To where?”
Beneath the glasses, Geeeran’s eyes glinted. “You know who I am, All Might. I deal information, I don’t simply give it away.”
“Fine, what do you want then?”
A string of bartering passed between them, most of the numbers and currency going over Inko’s head. However, judging by the smirk on Geeeran’s face, the price was exorbitant. Inko’s nails curled into her palm. She was useless in this. Useless in getting her son back.
Geeeran sighed and took another drag on his pipe. “I’m afraid for such a low price I can’t reveal such information, it isn’t worth it, you see?” His words were regretful, but the smirk on his face revealed he felt anything but sad.
Inko’s temper snapped. Without thinking she rose to her feet, knocking the toadstool seat behind her. “Tell us where he is!” she demanded.
Geeeran ignored her, focusing on the pipe in his hand as if Inko and her son were less than the dirt beneath him.
Addressing All Might, he said, “Manners was why I ignored the hu-man, but don’t mistake that for ignorance. I recognize a Death Worlder when I see one. Control your pet, All Might, or leave my dwelling.”
Angry tears rolled down Inko’s face as she struggled to hold back her trembling. Why did All Might get such different treatment? Surely it couldn’t be merely because of his fame as a hero, someone like Geeeran wouldn’t respect that. But her suspicions were overshadowed by her anger and fear for her son.
“It’s okay, Inko,” All Might whispered, his hands reaching hers, and giving a reassuring squeeze. “We’ll find him.”
Geeeran smirked and took a drag. “Well-behaved, hmm? Better trained than the last hu-man.”
Rage filled Inko’s gaze. Lunging forward, she grabbed the pipe, and snapped it in half, uncaring of the embers that singed her skin. Geeeran screeched as several embers hit his blobby flesh, but his pitch increased when Inko kneed him in the middle of one of his sections. Gagging, watery fluid spewed from his mouth and onto Inko’s face, but she had her eyes on her prize, the two antennae dangling from Geeeran’s forehead.
Latching onto them, she pulled down, one of them crackling sickening under her grip. Geeeran’s eyes were now inches from hers, allowing her to glare into their beady black depths.
“You will tell me where my son is right now or I will slowly tear you apart, limb by limb, as you scream for mercy until you regret your disgusting form ever existed.” Taking a breath, Inko calmed herself, and whispered sickly sweet, “Do I make myself clear?”
“Yes! Yes!” Geeeran blubbered. “I sold him to All for One. All for One has him!”
“Thank you,” Inko said, releasing her hold on Geeeran and allowing him to slump to the floor, blubbering from pain. “Let’s go,” she told All Might, reaching out a hand and tugging him to the door.
As ToiMura staggered into the hospital bay, he plotted murder against his fellow League members for abandoning him to fight the hu-man alone. His ire vanished when he found Togah and Dabii lying in adjacent beds. Doctors surrounded Togah, fussing over the bandages all over her body. ToiMura ran over. Not knowing how to show his fear for her other than as anger, he growled, “I’ll kill you if she dies!”
“Her kind is durable,” a doctor assured him. “Please, step aside as we scan her for internal damage.”
Togah mumbled, “I wanna become a hu-man…” Her limb twitched, a patch of flesh appearing before fading away.
ToiMura relaxed. If Togah was well enough to ramble creepily, then she would live. He turned to his other friend. Dabii had a patch over one eye and bandages on both arms.
“Anything broken?” ToiMura asked curtly, the closest he could come to showing concern without acting weak.
Dabii moaned. “Only my pride, my heart, and my very soul.”
Tw1ce ran into the hospital, his carapace bleeding and his eyes puffy. “Dabii! Togah! I finally found you.” His other head added, “I thought you were dead but I told myself you’d surely survive.”
ToiMura rounded on him. “You should get examined by the doctors. You took a nasty fall.”
Tw1ce held up a knife and a stuffed toy. “I brought Toga’s comfort knife and Dabii’s comfort toy. They can’t sleep without them.”
“AHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!” Dabii screamed. He hid under the bed. “Get it away from me!”
For the first time, ToiMura realized why Dabii had said the ugly hu-man looked like a comfort object. The soft, pink stuffed animal that his species cuddled at night sure did look a lot like a hu-man.
Now ToiMura’s once-feared League was afraid of toys. What had the hu-man done to them?
“Sorry…” Tw1ce wobbled and finally fell over. The doctors rushed to surround him.
Another doctor guided ToiMura to a chair and applied salve to his bruises. He batted them away when they tried to lead him to a bed. “I need to speak to All for One about the damage to the station. Where is he?”
A doctor gestured at the private hospital room in the back.
ToiMura had high enough security access to open the door. All for One had placed the hu-man on a large bed, better suited for his own species’ size. He fussed over the murderous creature, carefully applying salve to a bruise on its arm. It irritated ToiMura to see the culprit of all the chaos treated so gently. He cleared his throat. “Master–”
“I’m busy, ToiMura.” All for One’s tone brooked no argument. After tending to each cut and bruise, he wrapped the hu-man up in a blanket and stroked his hair. ToiMura had never seen All for One with such an adoring smile on his face. It was frankly creepy.
“Hand me the collar,” All for One ordered.
A metal collar covered in gleaming green jewels rested on the counter. He lifted it up with his tail and tossed it over.
All for One fastened the collar around the unconscious hu-man’s neck. “You should be honored, my little biter. I’ve never let any of my previous pets wear my brother’s collar.”
“Your brother?” ToiMura blurted out.
“Ah, yes, my brother was my very first pet.” All for One chuckled, a hissing sound. “From the expression on your face, you fail to understand. Phix develop their tentacles in puberty, but my brother had a rare mutation that meant he never sprouted tentacles, the poor weak thing. On my home planet, this regulated him to the status of slanshhhh fdaskl eh pares . Hmm, it’s a bit hard to translate. It means ‘worthless trash’ or ‘not a person.’ The most literal translation would be ‘a creature so lowly that it should be honored to be tortured to death because that would mean it had served some small purpose entertaining its superiors.’ My people do not tolerate weakness. Normally no slanshhhh fdaskl eh pares would survive a single rotation of the planet after failing to grow tentacles. However, I stepped in and took my dear little brother under my protection. I killed anyone who tried to harm him, and he lived happily under my care.”
Despite his high degree of faith in his master, ToiMura still had his doubts. If he’d been turned into his deceased older sister’s pet, he wouldn’t have been happy one bit. His people valued family so highly, he could not shake how uncomfortable this made him. “What happened to your brother?”
All for One exhaled a long hiss. “My only mistake was getting two chew toys to keep my little brother company or become his snacks. The feral animals broke out and took my little brother with them. I’ve never experienced such a great loss, not even at All Might’s hands. I tried to get my brother back…and failed. I don’t like to talk about that time of my life.” There was an edge to the Master’s voice that made ToiMura flinch. “I’ve obtained four other pets since then, but none of them could ever replace my dear Yoichi.” All for One caressed the hu-man’s neck just above the collar. “Not until this one. He has Yoichi’s eyes. The resemblance was especially strong in his hate-filled gaze when he went for my throat.”
ToiMura could tell any efforts to persuade his master to do the sensible thing and space the hu-man would be met with failure. Nevertheless, he tried: “This station hasn’t proven secure enough. Perhaps we should move your pet somewhere else. Somewhere far, far away.”
All for One said, “This collar has a tracking device. It will be easier to find him next time he escapes.”
Next time? ToiMura’s eye twitched. “Master, the base can’t survive a next time.”
“Then you’d better be more competent in the future.” All for One rustled his tentacles. “I understand my cute little pet ran through a forcefield, but how did he get across the water?”
ToiMura’s shoulders sagged. “I don’t know.”
“Then let’s find out.” All for One picked up his pet and swept out of the room.
ToiMura trailed after, protesting, “Master, you don’t understand, several critical systems were damaged. Our station can’t move. The food processors are producing sludge. Your hu-man annihilate an entire squad of Nomu soldiers.”
Patting the cheek of his pet, All for One said, “I knew you were talented.”
ToiMura moaned.
All for One carried his pet to the enclosure, disabled the forcefield, and put the bridge down again. ToiMura followed sulkily.
“At least my dear pet’s home looks unharmed,” All for One murmured. “Oh? What’s that?” His gaze fell on a huddled pile of black fur lying at the edge of the island. The alien lay so still, it was difficult to tell if he was alive or dead.
ToiMura frowned. “Some curious idiot must have snuck in to see the hu-man, lowered the bridge, and then gotten killed.” It could have easily been Togah. She’d tried to sneak in several times. ToiMura was glad at least it hadn’t been his idiot bearing the blame.
“My pet’s cuteness is irresistible, but anyone who covets what is mine deserves death.” All for One walked past the corpse, stepping on his tail.
The pile of fur moaned in a semi-conscious manner. He was still alive?!
All for One set the hu-man down in his nest of blankets. “Perhaps my pet is feeling antsy because he lacks entertainment. The fool responsible for his escape can serve as his chew toy.” All for One brushed the hu-man’s head one last time, then turned to leave.
Brutal. ToiMura nearly felt pity but he was mainly just glad it hadn’t been Togah left to such a fate. He followed his master.
Just before the door closed, the unfortunate soul stirred. ToiMura glimpsed a feline face he knew–A’zawa!
ToiMura nearly turned around and went back, but it was too late. The door slammed closed, sealing the hu-man in with his prey.
Izuku woke up in bits and pieces, a flash of light against his eyes and his arms struggling against his blankets. He threw them off with a scream.
He’d. Been. So. Close. He’d nearly reached the escape pod. Then that bastard All for One had taken him down again. Izuku hated All for One, hated his paralyzing tentacles, hated everything. Tears dripped down his face.
“Mom, I’m sorry,” he whispered. He rubbed his eyes. He wouldn’t give up. He was getting home to his mother, no matter what.
But he’d lost his rare chance to escape. Another miracle like the door being left open would be unlikely to happen again. Security around him would become even tighter. He counted himself lucky he hadn’t woken up in a box.
Izuku’s neck felt heavy. His hand went up to touch. He had a collar around his neck.
So this was his punishment? Izuku had already known he was nothing except a dumb animal to these people. Yet still his tears came again. He buried his face into his hands.
There would be a reckoning for this. Someday, somehow, Izuku would make All for One pay. He wiped away his tears. As his grief crystalized as fury, a snarl escaped his lips. He punched the closest tree trunk.
A frightened yelp came from the branches above.
Izuku looked up. A feline alien hid up the tree, gazing down at him.
ToiMura had been busy all afternoon, overseeing repairs. The crew was frightened. Quite a few people had abandoned ship. It was unusual to get deserters, given how much people feared All for One. It said a lot that they feared the hu-man even more.
After an entire day of repairs, ToiMura returned to his private quarters only to eat a greyish sludge. Everyone was dining on sludge until the main food processor could be repaired. All for One had a private food processor, and so did the hu-man. But of course All for One didn’t share. And while the rest of the ship had been choking down tasteless slushies, All for One insisted that his pet still get only the best food. The first time someone complained, All for One threatened to feed them to the hu-man instead.
The memory made ToiMura twitch. He wondered if A’zawa had been eaten yet. Although ToiMura did not generally pay much attention to his lessers, he’d been fond of A’zawa. The feline alien had been polite and an efficient worker. ToiMura liked people who didn’t chatter at him when they worked together. In ToiMura’s eyes, the feline’s sleek muscles and calm demeanor had been cool.
A’zawa hadn’t been pack, but ToiMura still didn’t like to think of him being ripped to pieces by a bloodthirsty hu-man. He prayed that at least A’zawa’s death would be swift.
Izuku gaped at the feline alien up the tree. It was difficult to read alien expressions, but he was pretty sure this one was terrified of him. If the feline alien was anything like an Earth cat, his lashing tails were a sign of distress. His claws dug into the branch.
Why had the other aliens abandoned this one here? Izuku didn’t think it was an unintentional oversight. The alien was too big and dark-colored to be missed. Was he being punished for letting Izuku out? Or for being here at all? Why had the alien come to this prison in the first place?
A fellow prisoner could be either an ally or someone to rat him out to the guards if he tried to escape. Obviously, Izuku would prefer the former.
Izuku pointed at himself and said his name: “Izuku.”
The alien followed his movements warily.
Izuku tried pointing again. “Human. Izuku.” Then he pointed at the alien.
The alien still did not reply.
The lack of response crushed Izuku’s budding hope, leaving the bitterness of disappointment in his mouth. Another person who treated him like a monster. At least the alien couldn’t stop him from escaping while stuck up a tree.
Izuku went to the food processor and made himself a meal. All his running around had left him hungry. He made a second meal for his fellow prisoner.
While holding the plate with one arm, Izuku used the other to lift himself up onto the branch and offer up the plate.
The alien yowled in terror.
Izuku nearly dropped the plate. He regained his balance and climbed down. “Got it, you don’t want me anywhere near you.” Had the alien not realized that Izuku could climb? Had he believed the tree was a safe place? Izuku set the food down at the foot of the tree. “Here, you can come down when you’re ready. I’m not going to attack you.” Bitterly, he itched at his collar. “I’m not the monster here.”
The alien’s gaze went to the collar around Izuku’s neck. Unmistakably, sympathy flashed across his eyes. He mewled.
It was the first time anyone had shown any signs that they thought what had been done to Izuku was wrong. It nearly made Izuku cry again, that one small moment of being treated like a person.
After hours of nerve-wracking waiting, the hu-man finally curled up in its makeshift nest and went to sleep. It stayed awake far longer than A’zawa’s species did, and the strain of remaining alert turned A’zawa’s head woozy. He needed food, and he needed to sleep before the hu-man woke up again.
Exhaustion tugged at A’zawa’s limbs as he climbed down the tree, remembering with a shiver how easily the hu-man had pulled itself up. A’zawa’s species had adapted with the ability to climb and traverse difficult terrains. It was one of the biological advantages he had, and not one he’d known that hu-mans possessed. That moment when the hu-man had climbed up the tree had shaved a few rotations off his life.
Plants crunched underfoot as he landed, the noise deafening in A’zawa’s ears. He watched the hu-man intently, ready to flee back up the tree at the first sign of wakefulness, but the hu-man remained sleeping.
The plate of offered food still rested at the base of the tree. Unfortunately, A’zawa didn’t know if hu-man food would be safe for him to eat. It would be better to go directly to the food dispenser so he could control what came out.
Creeping to the food dispenser, A’zawa observed the tube with a critical eye. Its design appeared similar to what they had in the cafeteria. The blue button would produce default food. But there was a risk it had been modified for hu-mans.
It had tried to share its food, A’zawa thought. An act of grace that was unusual considering the rumors of hostility. Hopefully the food wouldn’t kill A’zawa nor the hu-man kill A’zawa when it saw he ate its food.
Picking up a food pellet, A’zawa sniffed it suspiciously, then took a bite and immediately wrinkled his nose. It was basic food packaging, chock full of nutrients but tasteless. He was tempted to mess with the machine and make something with flavor, but doing so could wake the hu-man. Sighing, he resigned himself to a bland meal.
Eating enough to soothe his cramping stomach, A’zawa retreated over to a bush located several paces from the den. The ground was uncomfortable, but better than sleeping in a tree. Turning in a circle, A’zawa curled up, wrapping his tails around himself and glancing at the hu-man.
Asleep, the harsh lines around its face softened, looking less like a feral creature and more like a kit’s comfort object. It lay curled into a tight ball, arms wrapped around itself as if it were a prey species hiding from a predator. Several blankets had been rolled into mounds and placed by its sides. It reminded A’zawa of pack species like ToiMura’s, huddling together in tight groups while they rested.
The hu-man had a pack, A’zawa realized, but it was left to huddle in the dark alone. Pack species suffered greatly without the members of their pack, growing moody, restless, depressed, and occasionally aggressive. Pity tugged at A’zawa heart, and an unconscious, soothing purr rumbled in his chest.
The hu-man shifted in its sleep, making a sad, moaning sound, then stopped. For a brief, insane moment, A’zawa felt the urge to comfort the hu-man in its nest.
But that was suicidal, A’zawa reminded himself. And with a shake of his head, he closed his eyes to get as much sleep as he could before the hu-man awoke.
Having set Hercules to orbit Salix in a waiting pattern, Toshinori slipped out of the cockpit and down the stairs to the living quarters. It was sparsely furnished with a sad lump of a couch and a wobbly table Toshinori had been meaning to fix. With a guest onboard, Toshinori regretted having not used any money to spruce up the inside.
Not that Inko minded. Having cleaned herself after her beatdown on Geeeran, she now flitted through the living space, rummaging in storage to put together a meal for them.
Inko was in an incredibly good mood, Toshinori thought. Which would make this next conversation that much more unpleasant.
Clearing his throat, he said, “We have a slight problem.”
Inko looked up, her green hair falling into her face in a way that had Toshinori aching to brush it aside. “What’s the problem?” she asked. “We know who has Izuku.”
“That’s the problem,” Toshinori said, taking a seat on the couch and gesturing for her to do the same. “How familiar are you with alien history and current events?”
“I know what we know back on Earth.”
So nothing, Toshinori thought with a grimace. “All for One, how do I say this…is the biggest bastard ever to exist in the history of space.”
“My ex-husband might disagree,” Inko said with a small smile.
Toshinori’s words clogged in his throat. Whoever had divorced this woman was a fool, he thought. But he forced himself to continue.
“He’s a warlord from a frozen over ocean planet where only the most ruthless survive. On his planet, All for One is considered the most vicious, having conquered that planet and then invaded space after. He’s conquered over 10 planets, and influenced even more through intrigue and violence. Many fear mentioning his name, in case it summons him.”
Inko’s face turned ashen, “My Izuku,” she whispered.
“Is probably okay.” At Inko’s disgruntled outrage, Toshinori sighed. “By that I mean he’s most likely not dead or horribly injured. All for One has an odd habit of taking aliens as pets. My surrogate mother was one of those before I rescued her. There were six others before her, including his younger brother.”
The disgust crossing Inko’s face perfectly summarized the situation. “So he’s an insane bastard.”
“Yes. Thankfully, in this case, it means your son Izuku most likely has not been physically harmed. But we do need to get him out of there as quickly as possible.”
“Do you know where he is?” Inko asked.
Toshinori winced. “Unfortunately, I do not. After my last raid on one of his smuggling operations, he’s gone quiet.”
“Could the Federation help with him? I know you said they don’t like you, but if he’s as big a problem as you say…”
With a snort, Toshinori shook his head. “The Federation ignores him. The cowards are too scared to oppose him directly and so they ignore his rule of space’s underworld.”
“Then we go back to that disgusting Geeeran and force him to tell us where All for One is,” Inko snarled, her hands curling into fists.
“He doesn’t know. But I do know someone who might.”
Inko’s eyes shone with hope. “You do?”
“Yes. The Federation might be the legitimate government, but they ultimately have less influence than they think. They’re close-minded speciests who fool themselves into thinking some civilizations are better than others and wish to keep governance within a select group of aliens. However, not everyone thinks the same. I have a friend, who runs an organization called Yuuei, set on establishing peaceful relationships between various species. He also happens to be the smartest being I’ve ever met. If anyone can find Izuku, it’s Ne-Dzu.”
“And he’ll help us?” Inko asked.
“He’d better. Or else I’ll stop bringing him Earthen tea.”
OMAKE TIME!
Omake: Among Phix, All for One is a Big Softy for Showing Love Through Torture Not Murder
All for One: My pet even bites my throat like my brother used to in order to show his affection.
ToiMura: Are you sure that your brother was showing affection? Because in every brotherly story you tell, it sounds like he was just trying to kill you.
All for One: Yes, that’s how my people show love. I had to hold back knowing how weak my little brother was, but I always appreciated how he never once held back against me.
#
Omake: All for One Never Met a Mistake He Wouldn’t Make Again Even Harder
All for One: My only mistake with my little brother was getting him those chew toys who broke out. Clearly, my new pet also needs a chew toy.
Yoichi: Your only mistake was making Second and Third your pets too? You don’t think you made a single other mistake in how you treated me?
All for One: Nope, that’s it.
Yoichi: I want to kill you so badly but I know you’ll enjoy my attempts.
#
Omake: One for All’s Current Legacy
All for One: You can be my replacement brother.
Izuku: I want to kill everyone on this space station but especially you.
All for One: Good, you already know your lines.
Notes:
In this AU, the past One for All holders were All for One’s pets who each escaped him. Except for All Might, because of the impossibility of a universe where All for One likes All Might. Even All for One liking the Second is a bit more probable. (At one time, All for One adored how Second kept mauling him but he also blames Second for taking Yoichi with him when he busted out.)
2000DragonArmy (tumblr/Ao3) drew this terrifying visual of alien All for One:
Chapter Text
A’zawa headed for the tree before the hu-man woke up. The hu-man had already proven that he could climb trees, and that he didn’t have any immediate interest in attacking so A’zawa was more worried about hiding from All for One. To his knowledge, All for One couldn’t climb trees. Capable though the warlord might be, his species was aquatic. The meager defense–and hiding place–was better than nothing.
At this point A’zawa wasn’t even sure if his enemies realized he was here. Surely if they’d known, they would have retrieved him. Unless he’d been caught as a spy. A’zawa shivered, his tails bristling. Before he’d been sent on his mission, he’d been warned what All for One did to spies. He’d made his decision knowing the risks. He only wished that he’d been able to send away more useful information or thwart All for One’s plans to a greater extent. As it stood, this had been a useless spy mission and a useless way to die.
As A’zawa crept past, the hu-man stirred slightly. He froze, but nothing happened. Up close, the hu-man looked very small. Weren’t hu-mans supposed to be giant, terrifying creatures? Could this one be a juvenile? It was so tiny, it looked like a baby. A’zawa shook away the strange thought. It was difficult to assess the age of an unfamiliar species, but rumors of hu-mans’ great size had probably been exaggerated. A baby couldn’t have been strong enough to lift A’zawa out of the water or run through a forcefield.
Come to think of it, why had the hu-man saved his life? Not many people would have saved one of their captors. (Even if A’zawa wasn’t actually loyal to All for One, the hu-man couldn’t have known that.) Perhaps what A’zawa knew of hu-mans was wrong. Although he still wasn’t convinced enough to stay close to the hu-man. Some Death Worlders had berserker fits. More observation was required.
Only after A’zawa climbed up the tree did he notice a patch of black fur on the branches. Looking down, he saw that he’d left a trail of fur. There was a small pile next to the food dispenser. He must be shedding from stress.
A’zawa climbed down and quickly pushed his fur into a pile. There was no good place to dispose of it, so he shoved it under a bush and used the fallen white branches of the bush to hide the fur.
When A’zawa heard a splash from the moat, he barely had time to climb up the tree again.
All for One emerged from the water, hissing melodious notes like a song. The Terror of a Thousand Planets seemed in an oddly good mood. “Izuku! Come out to play!”
Wait, Izuku was the hu-man’s name? A’zawa had thought the hu-man had been pointing at his own heart as a murder threat, but apparently he’d been identifying himself. In A’zawa’s culture, gesturing with one’s claws was invariably considered rude and threatening. But hu-mans didn’t have such sharp claws, so it made sense they would point as a form of communication.
From the den came the sound of stirring, but Izuku did not come out. Who could blame him? A’zawa wouldn’t have wanted to go near All for One either, even if he was in a good mood. Especially if he was in a good mood.
All for One tossed a red rubber ball into the den. “I brought your favorite toy.”
A growl greeted this. No wonder the hu-man was angry, he was being treated like some kind of pet. Was that the answer to the big mystery? All for One had kidnapped a hu-man for entertainment? What kind of twisted monster kept a sapient being as a pet and put a collar on him? All for One, apparently. A’zawa still wondered if the hu-man might end up on a slab being used as an experiment to create Nomu later. His fur stood on end. No one deserved that. Especially not the person who’d saved his life and tried to feed him.
All for One entered the den, then emerged dragging Izuku by the collar. “Let me check your teeth to make sure you didn’t damage them on your chew toy.”
A’zawa…was the chew toy? Oh, no. He’d definitely been caught as a spy, to have been sent to such a torturous fate. His fur stood on end.
Izuku growled as All for One wrenched the hu-man’s jaw open. Patronizingly, All for One said, “Your teeth are probably still growing, little one. You need to be careful.” A couple tentacles held back the hu-man as he tried to bite. As soon as they released Izuku, he ran back into the den.
Little one ? Then the hu-man was truly a child? A’zawa clamped down his lips on a small sound of surprise.
Even though only the tiniest gasp had escaped, All for One looked up at the tree. “Ah, the chew toy hid out of reach.” All for One walked over to the tree and punched clean through the trunk.
With a yowl, A’zawa fell. What good did the tree do him if All for One could rip through it? He landed on his feet, but the impact rocked his body. Leaves showered down on his head.
Looming over, All for One said, “Today, I’ll give you lessons on how to play with a chew toy.”
A’zawa was about to die. He’d accepted this possibility when he’d left on his mission. He’d said goodbye to his dear friends. Now that it had come to this, he would go down fighting. Eyes blazing, A’zawa growled, “Kidnapping a child is against the Universal Accords, you lunatic.”
“That doesn’t sound like something one of my people would say.” All for One’s tentacles stood up. “Are you one of Ne-Dzu’s idiots?”
…Wait, All for One hadn’t realized that A’zawa was a spy? He’d left someone who he believed to be one of his own loyal employees in a cage as a chew toy? Of course he had! He was All for One! A’zawa cursed himself for carelessly revealing his true identity and somehow making this situation even worse.
All for One’s tentacles quivered with joy as his mouth formed a terrifying snarl. “Today is certainly my lucky day. I can’t rob my pet of the chance to kill its own prey. But I’ll send one of your eyes back to Ne-Dzu as a warning.” The warlord advanced.
A’zawa knew he couldn’t win, but he had no choice except to fight. He lunged, claws extended–only to take a blast of gas to the face. Despite all his information gathering, he’d had no idea the tentacles on All for One’s shoulder could do that. A’zawa fell backward, unable to even catch himself.
All for One reached down with a claw, straight at A’zawa’s eye, preparing to slice it out.
Izuku tackled All for One from behind. The claw nicked the skin right below A’zawa’s eye, drawing a line of blood.
“How rare for you to initiate playtime, little one.” All for One punched Izuku, sending him reeling. “I think we’ve gotten closer.”
A’zawa wanted to say That’s a child, you monster but not even his lips could move.
The warlord and the hu-man exchanged a dizzying flurry of blows. A’zawa’s eyes could barely even follow their movements. His skin crawled at the sight of two Death Worlders in a murderous rage. He couldn’t help being impressed that Izuku could keep up so well, even if All for One seemed to be playing around. All for One hadn’t even tried to use his gas yet.
“Such wonderful murderousness deserves a prize.” All for One leapt backward, landing next to A’zawa. “You’re not strong enough to kill me, and I can’t kill you, because then you’d be gone, my delightful little one. Shall we rip apart the chew toy together?”
A’zawa’s life flashed before his eyes. Izuku kicked All for One in the face, nonsense words spewing from his mouth.
All for One sighed. “You want the toy all to yourself, I see. And I want a gift to send to a certain annoying rodent. Very well, I propose a game. If you can get the chew toy back to your den, then he’s yours to kill. If not, then I’ll take his eye.”
A’zawa hated this game.
Of course, Izuku couldn’t understand a word of this. He headbutted All for One.
At least A’zawa was getting a small amount of movement back. Using his claws, he dragged himself toward the den, hoping the hu-man would get the hint.
All for One tossed a rock to stop A’zawa, striking him in the leg. A’zawa screamed.
Izuku leapt forward and dragged A’zawa into the den. Ripping up his blanket-bed, he used the material to barricade the door. Teeth bared, Izuku faced the door.
A’zawa realized the hu-man was trying to protect him. Him, an adult agent who ought to be the one protecting the child instead. It made A’zawa feel guilty that he’d ever been afraid of the hu-man. Izuku reminded him a lot of the young ones back at Yuuei. They were all also too brave to have good sense. He bet they would like Izuku.
Fortunately All for One did not try to break in. The warlord even sounded cheerful as he called, “You win! I’ll be back later to collect some scraps to send to Ne-Dzu, after you’re done eating him.” With a splash, All for One leapt into the water.
Exhaling, Izuku collapsed to the ground. He pointed at A’zawa’s leg.
This time, A’zawa understood the gesture as expressing concern, not a threat. “I’m fine. Just bruised and still slightly paralyzed.” He flexed his leg to demonstrate.
Izuku flashed his teeth. A’zawa flinched, but he didn’t think this was a threat either. The hu-man had saved his life twice, and thus deserved the benefit of the doubt. Besides, if A’zawa could play things right, the hu-man could be a useful ally in escaping.
Communicating in hu-man fashion, A’zawa pointed at himself. “A’zawa.”
Izuku jumped. Excitement filled his voice as he repeated. “A’zawa.”
“Izuku,” A’zawa said. “We’re going to escape.” To explain his meaning, he pointed at the two of them, then in the direction of the door beyond the moat.
Izuku perked up and flashed his teeth again, then mimicked A’zawa’s motion to indicate agreement.
A’zawa’s ears perked at the eager response. They could make this work. With a hu-man on his side, maybe he had a real chance of surviving.
Izuku finally had the feline alien’s name: A’zawa. And it had only taken two near-death experiences.
When A’zawa gestured at the door, Izuku caught the meaning–for the two of them to escape.
Izuku still didn’t understand how A’zawa had come to his cage and why All for One had tried to kill him. At first, Izuku had assumed A’zawa had wanted a glimpse of the “monster.” But that didn’t explain why the other aliens would leave him in here, or why All for One would want to rip out his eye. Was A’zawa being punished for letting Izuku out? Or was All for One being sadistic. Both were valid options.
Either way, the two of them wanted the same thing: to escape. The enemy of Izuku’s enemy was his friend. Right now, he couldn’t pass up on allies. He knew the aliens would be on even higher alert after he’d escaped once. In addition, his odds of staying free and making it home would be much higher if he brought along someone who could talk to other aliens and presumably at least knew what part of the galaxy they were currently in.
Mind made up, Izuku nodded. He barely remembered not to smile this time–most species didn’t like smiling. A’zawa was looking at him, clearly not understanding. Izuku pointed at himself, then A’zawa, then the door.
That, A’zawa understood. He purred. It was a nice sound, reminding Izuku of the cats back home.
Izuku decided to take a risk. (After all, he had little to lose.) He went to where he’d buried the key card he’d stolen from All for One. Then he held it out.
With a gasp, A’zawa took the card. His eyes widened. He went outside and pointed at the moat, his claw aimed straight down.
In other words, the key card would open the door to All for One’s home. Izuku had suspected as much, but he’d been afraid to risk diving down so deep without being certain. The water was freezing. If Izuku dove down, he might not be able to make it to the surface again. He’d be gambling his life on if A’zawa was telling the truth.
A’zawa handed the key card back. He mewled, a disappointed sound. Izuku realized A’zawa thought the card useless. Clearly the feline alien couldn’t swim, and he had no reason to think Izuku could either. That meant Izuku would have to dive alone, then he’d have to double-back to lower the bridge and free A’zawa, which would make his escape riskier. But how could he just leave someone else to die? At least All for One wanted Izuku alive. Surely All for One would kill A’zawa sooner or later. Izuku made up his mind. He would have to take the risk and dive down to All for One’s lair.
The wide eyes staring at him were still uncomprehending. Izuku decided the only way was a physical demonstration. There was no sense in wasting time, not when All for One wanted to kill A’zawa. Izuku might as well act before he lost his nerve. He should at least scout it out. Time to check if swimming was a viable method of escape. It would depend on how deep down the door was located.
Going to the edge of the moat, Izuku unlaced his shoes and pulled his socks off, stuffing the latter into his shoes. Sitting down, he swung his legs over the ledge of the island, allowing his toes to hang.
A concerned hiss sounded from behind, but Izuku paid it no mind. Instead, he carefully dipped his toes into the water.
It was frigid.
Izuku quickly pulled his feet out and shook them, wincing as warmth crept back. For his swim to be successful, he’d have to be quick, scoping out the underwater area before he lost too much body heat and hypothermia set in.
With a sigh, Izuku resigned himself to an unpleasant swim. He’d only escaped the first time because A’zawa had unlocked the doors and extended the walkway. To escape again, this time with another person, he’d have to make sacrifices.
Unzipping his jacket, Izuku took it off, folding it neatly and setting it on the ground. Next went his shirt and pants, until Izuku stood in his undergarments.
“Izuku?” A’zawa asked, creeping closer.
“Okay,” Izuku said, giving a close-mouthed smile. “Izuku okay.”
A’zawa looked unconvinced, padding hesitantly closer, his paws outstretched as if to pull Izuku away. “Izuku…” He made the looped-finger gesture for no.
Unable to explain, Izuku gave A’zawa a thumbs-up and leaped into the water.
Cold assaulted Izuku, stealing his breath out of him with a watery gasp. Floundering, Izuku broke the surface and panted for air, his heart thumping wildly from the temperature shock.
On the shore, A’zawa screeched, his fur raised in panic and ears back against his head.
“Okay,” Izuku called, only half-believing it.
He looked at the world below, tinged dark blue and frigidly cold. Already, his limbs were slowing, as the cold stole vital heat away from him.
Be quick, Izuku told himself. Quick dive to see if escape this way was even possible.
Sucking air in, he prepared himself, then dived underwater. The cold stung his face, but Izuku peeled his eyes open and swam farther down. Every meter was a battle forcing his body to the limit, but Izuku continued until he could see the floor.
Distorted lights shone from the bottom surface, guiding Izuku’s path. Reaching one, he held onto it, examining the objects it illuminated. Several pieces of furniture rested on an intricately tiled floor.
All For One’s living area, Izuku thought grimly.
However, across the space, a tunnel punched its way through a wall. An exit?
Izuku started to swim towards, but a burst of bubbles poured from his lips. Desperately he clapped his hands over his mouth. Water pressed against his lips and his lungs grew tight with the strain. He needed to surface.
Above him, his island was a dark blob, supported by several metal pillars. Grabbing one, Izuku used it to pull himself up by his arms, his fingers no longer functioning.
The ascent felt never-ending, Izuku’s kicks getting increasingly frantic as his lungs ached, begging for air. Cold slowed his movements, and with each pull and kick Izuku felt more tired.
Reach the island, Izuku told himself. Reach the island to get back to Mom.
With a final burst of energy, Izuku surfaced, sucking in air with desperation. His body felt limp, unwilling to push itself more. Weakly, he reached for the ledge to pull himself out.
Clawed hands reached over the ledge, dipping into the water to grab Izuku by his armpits and heave him up onto the dry ground.
A’zawa’s hearts nearly leaped out his mouth when he watched the hu-man jump into the inky dark water. He screeched foul curses unsuitable to young hu-man as he ran back and forth across the shore searching for a ripple in the water.
Why had the hu-man done that? Was he trying to kill himself?!
Several paces away, a form breached, and A’zawa instinctively reared, expecting All for One, but Izuku emerged.
The hu-man’s fur was dripping wet and face pale, but he spoke that strange sound again: “Okay.” A’zawa had come to suspect he and the hu-man had a different definition of okay.
And then he disappeared under the water again, the water rippling gently at his departure.
“No, no, no. Izuku?” A’zawa called. “Kid? Are you alive? Get back here!”
Scrambling, he turned from the shore and back to the den where he grabbed a large branch and ran back, the branch leaving grooves in the dirt behind him.
His mind whirled through Cultural Differences trainings between species, searching for a reason why Izuku would willingly jump into the water when he couldn’t breathe down there. However, hu-mans had been mentioned only in passing, since most instructors assumed they’d never meet one.
Wasn’t he a lucky one, A’zawa thought hysterically.
He hefted the log partially into the water, trying to create a lifeline Izuku could grab. The wood was heavy, but A’zawa sunk his claws into it, refusing to let it slip an inch.
Hu-mans weren’t aquatic, A’zawa thought. There were no scales, fins, or gills on them. Nothing that would enable successful submersion. Izuku had come to the surface on his own, which was more than most species could, A’zawa’s included.
With a shiver, he remembered his own unlucky dunk in the moat, the way the water weighed down his fur, dragging him to the bottom. In his mind, Izuku floundered in the water, green eyes wide with terror and his arms reaching for the surface while sinking lower.
A scared hiss escaped A’zawa lips, and he pushed the log around more. The hu-man had removed his garments before jumping in, he told himself. There had to be some plan.
A sucking gasp of air reached A’zawa’s alert ears. He dropped the log and scrambled over to see the hu-man beginning to slip below the water’s surface again.
With a speed he didn’t know he possessed, A’zawa grabbed Izuku, flinging him up onto dry ground.
“What were you thinking!?” he yelled, his ears pressed back with alarm. “Were you trying to kill yourself?”
Izuku looked up, his green fur plastered against his head as water dribbled off. Smiling weakly, Izuku pointed at himself, then down, then back at A’zawa. At A’zawa’s confusion, the hu-man mimed a keycard and a door whooshing open.
“You were trying to escape?” A’zawa whispered in terrible awe. “Through the moat, underwater, when your species is not aquatic.”
The hu-man tilted his head and smiled again, keeping his mouth closed to hide teeth.
A shiver suddenly rolled over him, and Izuku clutched his body, rubbing his arms for warmth. His skin was bone white, except for his extremities which had turned a pale blue. Another shiver ran over him, and A’zawa noted fine hairs covering the hu-man’s body were raised.
Although the hu-man had survived his swim, it hadn’t been without consequence.
Grabbing Izuku by the arms, A’zawa helped him walk over and change back into his garments. The task, which Izuku had completed easily before, was made difficult by the violent shivers wracking his body.
Trainings over surviving unexpected dunkings in water flashed through A’zawa’s head.
Death Worlder or not, Izuku needed to get warm. Mentally begging the hu-man wouldn’t be offended, A’zawa grabbed the back of his neck, scruffing as he would a kit.
Izuku blinked slowly, a glazed look in his eyes as A’zawa ran him back to the den and placed him down. Grabbing blankets, A’zawa wrapped them around the hu-man until only his head remained uncovered.
“Okay,” Izuku said weakly.
A’zawa shook his head, tails whipping at the hu-man’s actions. The young one was either incredibly brave or stupid, and A’zawa didn’t know how to feel yet.
He stood watching as Izuku’s eyes fluttered, then closed, the hu-man falling asleep. Only then did A’zawa allow himself to collapse next to Izuku.
Izuku woke up to the sensation of a hand against his forehead. “Mom?” he muttered. But his mother’s hand would not feel so large and soft. For a moment, he thought it was All for One, and he snarled. But the hand felt furry, not like tentacles.
A rattling sound shook the air. It took Izuku a moment to realize his teeth were chattering. A cup pressed against his lips. When he drank, the liquid felt sweet and warm–not scalding hot, but comfortable given his chill.
“I was never able to change what the food processor did,” Izuku mumbled. “How’d you do that?” He was just talking to himself. A’zawa couldn’t understand him. It made sense that an alien would have a better grasp of how to handle alien technology. The food processor was covered with writing Izuku had been unable to read.
Izuku wiggled his toes. He’d been wrapped under a pile of blankets, back in the den. A’zawa peered over him. It was difficult to read alien expressions, but Izuku was fairly certain the tail lashing indicated concern.
“I’m fine.” Izuku sat up and rubbed his forehead. At least it still looked bright outside. (His cage naturally cycled through light and darkness, imitating night and day.) Then presumably All for One wouldn’t have returned yet…
A splash outside made Izuku’s blood freeze over. All for One was back.
“Welcome to Yuuei,” All Might said cheerfully, gesturing at the giant glass building floating outside their spaceship. “One of the greatest sources of good in the universe, helping promote positive relationships and foster peace among the stars. All while going beyond, plus ultra style!”
Inko gaped at the giant “H” shaped spaceship that easily dwarfed their own. Made of metal and glass, it glimmered in the vastness of space. Behind the glass, blurred shapes moved with purpose, hinting at a busy, populated interior.
“What do you think?” All Might asked.
“It’s amazing,” Inko admitted as she admired the intricate design. Grief tugged at her heart, and her voice grew choked, “Izuku would love it.”
“And he will,” All Might said, “We’ll find him and after if he wants, you can visit again. But we’re going to find him first.”
“Is it alright for us to board?” Inko asked, as All Might piloted the ship through a gap in the forcefield and down to a landing port. “People haven’t been happy to see a human in the other places we’ve landed.”
“It’ll be fine!” All Might said. “I’ve already messaged ahead to my friend to let him know you’re coming. Besides, they don’t have a problem with me, and I’m a human, I’m sure everything will be fine.”
The ship’s landing feet slid out with a hiss, and the ship settled with a jolt.
“Alright then,” All Might said. “Let’s go.”
His shoulders remained loose, and a glimmer shined in his eyes. All Might liked this place a lot, Inko realized. His steps carried a bounce to them as they exited the ship that he hadn’t had elsewhere.
The landing port was empty save for a large rock tucked in a far corner.
“C’ment-Oss?” All Might called, and the boulder shuddered, two legs breaking free and two small eyes opening. Moss-like clothing draped across its polished stone surface, although covering what, Inko did not know.
“Hello, All Might,” C’ment-Oss (the apparently living rock) said, ambling closer. “It’s been some time.”
“It has been too long,” All Might said, beaming.
Inko waited for the alien to flinch from All Might’s bared teeth, but it stood rock still, utterly calm.
“Ne-Dzu is waiting for you in his office and said to bring you there immediately.”
“Thank you, that would be wonderful.”
C’ment-Oss looked at Inko, but the stony face revealed nothing. Inko shifted uncomfortably and wished she could have brought a weapon.
Slowly, C’ment-Oss began moving, leading them towards a side door in the landing port.
If Yuuei had been impressive on the outside, it only hinted at the grandeur waiting inside.
Constructed of shining metal and crystal glass, the building sparkled like a treasure trove. Massive windows opened into space, revealing the swirling galaxies beyond.
Through doorways, Inko saw glimpses of rooms filled with sand, water, rock, and all manner of greenery. Mini biomes carefully preserved.
Hallways crisscrossed each other at various angles and directions, left, right, up, and down with creatures traversing each.
“Gravity manipulation,” All Might explained as Inko gaped at the impossible walkways. “Allows for maximized space.”
However, Inko wasn’t the only one starting. As they passed, aliens stopped, hanging from poles or standing in hallways, each body turned warily as they walked past.
It wasn’t All Might that scared them, Inko realized. It was her.
Unease churned her stomach, and she walked faster to escape the pointed gazes.
Finally, they stopped outside a grand door that stretched far above her head.
“He’s waiting for you inside,” said C’ment-Oss, watching Inko as they entered.
As the doors slid shut, Inko let out a shuddery breath, grateful to be hidden away.
“I’m sorry,” All Might whispered, his brows narrowed and mouth turned down. “I don’t know what’s gotten into everyone.”
So he’d noticed too.
The office continued the style of the building, sleek metal walls with wide windows. However, there was a warmness to it compared to the bustling hallways. Several fluffy white rugs laid on the floor, and blue potted plants sat in the corners. Ledges, tunnels, and poles ran around the walls of the room, reminding Inko distinctly of the cages for hamsters and rats she’d seen at pet stores before.
“All Might, lovely to see you,” a squeaky voice said.
Sitting at a long desk, a rodent-like alien sat waiting, his white ears and black nose twitching in anticipation.
The room instantly made more sense.
All Might smiled and took a seat across from the desk, gesturing to Inko to do the same.
“And you as well, Ne-Dzu, sir,” he said. “I brought you more of the tea you like,” pulling a small paper bag from his pants pocket, he handed it over to eager paws.
Ne-Dzu shoved his snout into the bag and breathed deeply. Then with a sigh of contentment he pulled away. “Wonderful. Wonderful. I do look forward to brewing this. But I must ask, is it a bribe?”
All Might spluttered, his face turning red.
“A jest,” Ne-Dzu said, raising a paw to ward off protests, “But no matter. But truthfully, I must confess, your message surprised me. It’s been some time since we last met.”
All Might nodded and gestured to Inko. “Recently, I’ve been helping my friend here. This is Inko Midoriya of Earth.”
Inko stiffened, bracing herself for the uncomfortable looks and slow shifting away she had been met with since entering space. But Ne-Dzu smiled and nodded his head. “Pleasure to meet you.”
Inko’s mouth dropped open with shock, but Ne-Dzu carried on.
“Now then, with pleasantries out of the way, what favor do you have to ask of me, All Might?”
“I’m looking for All for One.”
Ne-Dzu’s ears twitched in interest. “Why? All for One has been a nuisance to Yuuei and the destruction of many planets, and while you’ve battled in the past, you have yet to seek him out. What’s changed?”
“He’s taken another pet.” All Might said grimly.
Inko willed her voice to function, and was proud it wobbled only slightly as she said, “My son. He went to buy food for our colony and was taken during it to be that monster’s pet. I won’t allow it. He’s my only child, and a good boy,” she resisted the urge to lean forward and look Ne-Dzu in the eye, remembering how it made other aliens uncomfortable. Instead she bowed her head and lowered her eyes. “All Might says you can help, so please, help us save my son.”
Hope bloomed in Inko’s chest as she waited for Ne-Dzu’s response, but then slowly withered as the alien looked pityingly at her.
“Unfortunately, I am in a similar predicament. In recent cycles, our forces have had several skirmishes with All for One. I sent A’zawa to infiltrate his base and gather information.”
All Might’s eyebrows raised, recognizing the name. “Was he successful?”
“He successfully joined his ranks as a lower-level worker and had been sending me updates when he could. However, I have not heard from him in several rotations.”
The grim reality of the sentence was all too clear. “Was he caught?” Inko asked.
“Possibly. However, there have been no messages from All for One, and I have no doubt if A’zawa was caught, All for One would relinquish the opportunity to gloat. But I have heard nothing else. There are many possible reasons A’zawa has failed to check in: faulty equipment, a closer watch, a lack of information to share, but until he does, I am limited in my ability to help. All for One’s space station moves and I do not know the current location.”
Despair clawed at Inko’s chest, and the darkness of space crept into her vision.
“No. No,” she said, forgetting herself and leaning forward. “That can’t be it, there must be more.”
Ne-Dzu bowed his head. “Truly, I am sorry. I can give you the last known location A’zawa shared, but is likely All for One has moved far away. Until A’zawa checks in again, all we can do is wait.”
OMAKE TIME!
Omake: The Good News
A’zawa: I only wish I could have thwarted All for One’s plans more before he caught me.
Izuku: Oh, don’t worry, you did plenty of destruction by letting me out of my cage.
#
Omake: If All for One’s True Intentions Were Revealed
Izuku: Humans don’t eat people!
All for One: Ah, so your species has trouble with digesting raw meat. My apologies, I should have taken that into account.
Izuku: That’s the least of the problems here!
#
Omake: And Why They Weren’t
Izuku: You could get a translator so we can communicate instead of all these misunderstandings.
All for One: I already learned from my little brother that the pet experience is more fun when you can’t talk.
Chapter Text
The splashing of water followed by the hollow stepping of feet indicated what Izuku and A’zawa had been fearfully waiting for.
All for One had returned.
Without a word, Izuku and A’zawa sprinted for the den, trampling plants in their wake, and slid into the entrance. Together, they grabbed the branch barricade A’zawa had made while Izuku rested, carefully wedging the wooden mass into the opening and piling up bedding behind it.
Through the gaps in the barricade, they watched as All for One approached, his face wrinkling in thought at the blockage.
“Go away!” Izuku yelled, knowing that All for One didn’t understand and not caring. “We don’t want you in here.”
It did him no good. All for One fired a blaster at the wooden barricade, incinerating it and making it obvious he’d only been playing around yesterday. Using weapons is cheating! Not that All for One cared, Izuku knew.
His legs still slightly numb from his exhausting swim, Izuku raised his fists. A’zawa’s right tail curved over his shoulder, opening to reveal a stinger.
All for One’s face twisted in annoyance, and he pointed at A’zawa and said something indecipherable. Whatever it was, it made A’zawa’s fur stand on end.
A tentacle shot out. Izuku grabbed a blanket off the ground, planning to use it as a shield. But instead of aiming at him, the tentacle released the gas at A’zawa, who toppled over. Izuku winced, wishing they spoke the same language so he could have warned his ally about that feature.
“Stay back!” Izuku snapped, positioning himself in front of A’zawa as All for One stepped closer.
All for One smirked and reached a clawed hand into his pockets.
Izuku’s body tensed, prepared to fight, and he watched All for One carefully, readying for the alien to retrieve another weapon, but instead, he pulled out a pouch of food pellets and tossed them over A’zawa’s prone body.
Izuku stared. “Are you…trying to feed him? Uh, but he’s paralyzed. He can’t eat.” Had A’zawa been upgraded to pet status too? It was better than getting his eye ripped out, but something felt off.
All for One waved at A’zawa, speaking another burst of meaningless words and ending with a breathy hiss, none of which Izuku understood.
However, although the feline alien couldn’t move, his pupils had widened with fear.
What?! Izuku wanted to scream. What was he saying?
Holding a pellet in front of himself, All for One gestured from it to A’zawa. Tossing it onto the ground, he sprinkled a trail of food from A’zawa to Izuku.
Holy shit, All for One wanted Izuku to eat A’zawa.
Rage shook Izuku’s limbs, and he yelled at the smiling alien. “NO!” He was not a pet to attack and eat at a master’s command, and especially not kill the only alien who had treated him kindly.
“NO!” Izuku screamed again. But the word wasn’t enough. All for One didn’t care about any hu-man languages.
Pointing at All for One, Izuku screamed, “ Schilank !” He had no idea what the alien word meant, but every single alien who Katsuki shouted it at always became furious. “I’m not a monster, you are!”
The magical curse word had an effect on even All for One. The alien bristled, his tentacle mouths opening aggressively. He marched over and grabbed Izuku’s collar.
The action pulled painfully on Izuku’s neck, pressing into his windpipe. He wheezed, hands pulling uselessly at the blockage, and a worried hiss came from behind—A’zawa.
Izuku’s thrashing stopped. He wanted to fight back, but he wanted to move this confrontation away from A’zawa even more. Resigned, he let himself get dragged out of the den by his collar. Once they were outside, Izuku raised his foot to kick.
To his astonishment, All for One pressed a button on his belt, and the bridge across the moat unfolded. Izuku froze, foot raised. If he was getting off this damn island, then perhaps he should play nice. This could be an opportunity to escape.
A quiet clink sounded by Izuku’s collar, and he whirled around. All for One grinned at him, holding up a long piece of braided metal, one end in All for One’s hand, the other leading to Izuku’s collar.
A leash.
He had put Izuku on a leash.
Overflowing with fury, Izuku lunged forward, ready to claw and bite until the alien was dead or let him go.
With an amused, chuckling noise, All for One side stepped the attack, keeping a firm grip on Izuku’s leash. Clicking another button on his belt, the mechanical leash sprang to life, wrapping its arms around Izuku to restrain him, and dragged him forward.
Burying his claws in his face, ToiMura moaned. Thanks to the hu-man destroying the computers, they’d missed several important messages, and now one of All for One’s planets was in rebellion. The Galactic Federation had intercepted a valuable weapons shipment. The food was still sludge. And All for One didn’t even care, because he was too busy playing with his pet.
As ToiMura pulled back his hands, he noticed fur all over them. Now he was even shedding from stress! He knew he ought to do something about his matted pelt, his family would be shocked to see it, but he was too busy and he didn’t want to think about them. He could not imagine grooming without his pack around him, helping.
“Hey, I heard you had some excitement while we were away,” a new voice called from his office door.
ToiMura’s head shot up. Shpinnier stood in the doorway, his scales turned a dull grey to partly camouflage with the metal walls. The lizard-like alien stood on four legs, with an extra four arms for his swords. As Shpinnier stepped forward, he revealed Compr3ss behind him. Compr3ss was a transportation android that had gained sentience and rebelled. His white limbs included a round bulge in the middle for storage.
ToiMura’s tail unconsciously unwound in relief as he stood up. His missing pack members were back. “Took you long enough to get back,” he said, gesturing at the urgent messages on his communicator. “We need all the help we can get. You wouldn’t believe the mess the Master’s new pet hu-man has caused.”
“We did hear about the hu-man. A new entertainment to amuse Master and a weapon for the cause,” Compr3ss said, joints whirring as he entered.
Shpinnier nodded in agreement, “Word of it is already spreading through the galaxy. A living nightmare, they called it.”
ToiMura’s tail thrashed in agitation. A living nightmare was correct, but currently only for them.
Oblivious to his boss’s frustration, Compr3ss asked, “When do we get to see the hu-man?”
ToiMura barked out a laugh. “No, no, you don’t want to see him. That thing is safely locked up–” His ears perked up. “What’s that sound?”
Grabbing his DeKay weapon and slipping it on, ToiMura stepped into the hallway, Shpinnier following behind while reaching for his knives.
Screams came from the distance, then the sound of feet, claws, hooves, and wheels tearing down the hallway. “What the–” ToiMura muttered.
Shpinnier turned around. “It’s a stampede. How bad did station discipline get while I was gone? Oh, hello Master! What’s that on the leash?”
To his horror, ToiMura saw All for One headed down the hallway with the HU-MAN on a leash. A very, very unhappy hu-man. Its bound arms did not stop its teeth from snapping at All for One.
Shpinnier gasped. “It’s adorable.”
ToiMura whimpered and ran back into the room to hide under his desk.
Compr3ss whirred around. “Humph, another fleshy creature full of bile and meat. I can’t understand why mechanical beings haven’t taken over the galaxy yet if this is what you’re afraid of.”
Logically, ToiMura knew they were safe. All for One was with it, and the hu-man was heavily bound, but that didn’t stop the primal part of him from screaming in terror, urging him to gather his pack and run.
ToiMura gestured at his subordinates. “Come, hide! Any second now, that thing will bite through the leash, then kill us all.”
Shpinnier snorted. “Come on, I know it’s a hu-man, but that is clearly just a baby.”
“You haven’t seen Dabii and Togah’s condition.” ToiMura bit his lip, tasting blood. He hoped the hu-man couldn’t smell blood–or fear. “Don’t say I didn’t warn you.”
All for One approached, calling, “Oh, it’s, uh, you two.” The Master’s inability to remember names was legendary, though ToiMura thought it more indifference than poor memory. “Would you like to pet my hu-man?”
“Can we?” Shpinnier asked rapturously. “I’ve never seen such a cute little hatchling.”
“I quite agree, well-spoken. I only adopt the highest quality of pets.” All for One’s tentacles grabbed the hu-man’s neck to hold it in place. One tentacle gagged the pet as it spat and growled. “Izuku is being punished because it won’t eat its chew toy. I thought perhaps a little exercise would help my pet build up an appetite. It’s my job as owner to nip any picky eating in the bud. You would not believe the issues I had with my little brother and picky eating. I take responsibility for my part in this–I haven’t exercised my pet enough and now it’s lethargic. A bit of running around will help it build up an appetite, and if you anger it then it will take the rage out on the chew toy.”
ToiMura felt a brief relief that A’zawa lived, then horror. No one deserved to be eaten by a feral hu-man. With those dull teeth, it would be an agonizing way to go.
The human screamed what sounded like an insult to All for One’s family lineage around its gag.
All for One sighed. “Also, someone taught my pet to swear.” He glared in the direction of ToiMura’s hiding spot. Hey, what was that look for? ToiMura was innocent!
Wrenching back the hu-man’s head, All for One looked straight into his pet’s eyes with a sly smirk. “Ah, yes, a little hatred is healthy in pets.”
Shpinnier slammed down his hand on the hu-man’s head with such force that ToiMura winced. “Its head fur feels soft,” Shpinnier said with pleasure.
Compr3ss poked the hu-man’s face. “Stretchy thing,” he said, grabbing the hu-man’s cheek and yanking on it. “I have gained an additional 10% satisfaction from this experience.” Compr3ss patted the hu-man’s head. “Increased to 15%.”
“I could use one of my own,” Shpinnier said as he petted the hu-man all over.
All for One yanked his pet away. “This is mine .” The look in the Master’s eyes sent Shpinnier fleeing into the office and hiding behind the door. Fortunately All for One seemed appeased by the gesture of fear. Pushing aside Compr3ss, All for One said, “That’s enough, we need to leave. I’m taking my pet to Dr. Garaki for a check-up. I also promised to let the doctor take a few blood and saliva samples for his experiments. He’s been nagging me nonstop ever since he found out that I have a hu-man.” All for One patted the hu-man’s head. “Who can blame him for being interested in such a magnificent killing machine?”
As All for One left, Shpinnier said, “I don’t see what you’re scared of, ToiMura. It’s a baby.”
“Is this a fleshling joke I don’t understand?” Compr3ss asked, eyeing ToiMura with confusion.
ToiMura whimpered, pulling his tail close. “You’ll both be sorry…” he whispered with haunted eyes.
Izuku strained against the thick metal bands that wrapped around his chest and shoulders, keeping his arms painfully pinned against himself. The metal dug into his skin leaving what would be painful bruises.
However, All for One walked on, tugging on the leash whenever he found Izuku’s pace unsatisfactory, causing Izuku to stumble before righting himself.
Through the hallways they traversed, All for One occasionally stopping and requiring the alien workers to admire and examine Izuku.
Every time, the shaking alien murmured foreign words, and All for One’s tentacles flexed in pride. None spoke to Izuku or acknowledged his discomfort, with two going so far as to prod him, trembling with excitement as they did so.
Indignation ate at Izuku’s self-control, the urge to fight back stronger as they continued.
“ Sch- ” a tentacle forced its way into Izuku’s mouth and between his teeth, cutting off the word before Izuku could scream the insult.
A clawed hand grabbed Izuku’s chin, forcing his neck to crane painfully back. All for One’s face, now upside down from the angle, turned reproving. “No,” he said, flexing the tentacle in Izuku’s mouth as he did so. “No,” he said again, followed by a stream of meaningless words.
Izuku glared, and bit down harder on the tentacle, the slimy flesh triggering his gag reflex.
With an annoyed growl, All for One yanked his tentacle out, and examined the bloody bite marks.
“No,” he said, tone firm in a way that had the aliens lingering in the hallway cowering in fear.
“ Schil– ”
All for One pressed a button, and Izuku couldn’t breathe.
Instinctively he reached for his throat, arms thrashing against the bindings preventing him. Izuku’s mouth worked, gasping for air, and feeling no restriction in his throat. But his lungs weren’t filling to their full extent, the metal bands around his chest pressing in with suffocating strength.
Like when Izuku had been desperately swimming towards the surface, his lungs screamed for air, a burning sensation growing stronger with every passing second. A creek sounded from his ribs as the pressure intensified, the bones straining under the weight.
Then the button was pressed again, and the bands relaxed enough to allow Izuku to take a frantic breath of air, his lungs greedily accepting what they could
Panting, Izuku realized he had fallen to his knees, his legs having given out. All for One stood above, face emotionless. “No,” he said once Izuku felt like he might not faint.
The swear felt heavy in Izuku’s mouth, wanting to be spat out, but seeing All for One reach for the button, Izuku shut his mouth with a snap.
A pleased smile spread across All for One’s face as he bent over and patted Izuku’s head.
Straightening, All for One tugged on the leash, forcing Izuku to awkwardly stand, his limbs shaky.
Another meaningless hiss of words and tug of the leash, forcing Izuku to stumble forward.
From the side, aliens watched, loud cackling noises breaking free. Laughter, Izuku realized. They were laughing at him.
Body shaking with rage, Izuku didn’t notice as they entered a new room until a panicked roar tore him from his thoughts. On the bed, two aliens, both heavily bandaged, rested and stared at him with panicked eyes.
They seemed vaguely familiar. But Izuku didn’t have time to determine who they were, as another tug on the leash pulled him through another door and stumbling into a large white room.
Plain white walls spread out in all directions, made of a gleaming plastic-like material. The pure white floor, walls, and ceiling blended together, giving this place the feeling of stretching out for eternity. The room was certainly large, larger than any other on the space station.
Tanks lined up in a dozen neat rows, twisted black creatures with many limbs floating inside. These were the same soldiers who had fought Izuku, the ones who had been slightly tougher than usual. Now they hung limp and lifeless like puppets with cut strings. Each one had a different design: some with two heads, other with hooves like centaurs.
On a steel table, one soldier lay in the process of being dissected. The air reeked of blood, waste, and sickly-sweet chemicals. Izuku’s stomach turned. Did All for One plan to dissect him? Had the pet grown too troublesome?
A corpulent orange alien with dozens of octopus-like tentacles and a massive bulbous head looked up from the dissection. All for One hissed, “Sssssshyalo Garaki,” apparently a greeting. Izuku was fairly sure Garaki was the octopus’ name because it had been pronounced in a different tone, as if in another language.
Garaki set aside his bloody scalpel and hurried over, his many tentacles slapping against the floor. His upper tentacles rubbed together to produce an eager chirping sound. His suckers latched on as he lifted up Izuku’s chin, examining him all over. Garaki reeked of seawater and the stench of blood splattered on his apron. The smell nearly knocked Izuku out.
All for One spoke a few more words, then dragged Izuku toward a metal table with restraints. It looked exactly like the dissection table.
Clearly, they’d decided to turn Izuku into an experimental subject. It was only a question of if they vivisected him and spread out his organs like the other subject until even his mother couldn’t identify his corpse, or if they slowly experimented on him by interjecting him with different chemicals.
Even though Izuku’s arms were bound and his collar attached to All for One, he had no choice but to pick this moment to make his final stand.
Izuku lunged, head-butting Garaki. The octopus alien fell backward with a cry. Next Izuku pivoted and kicked All for One.
All for One caught his foot. The leash grew longer and slithered down Izuku’s legs, binding them together. Izuku tottered and fell into All for One’s tentacles.
There was nothing he could do. He’d been rendered completely immobile. Tears stung his eyes. Desperate to hurt his captors one more time before they murdered him, he bit All for One. He drew blood before the paralytic gas froze his body.
Garaki lifted Izuku onto the table. He didn’t bother with the restraints since Izuku was already immobile. Instead, Garaki wheeled over a giant device shaped like a silver umbrella. The umbrella easily fit over Izuku’s prone body. The entire device flashed white, then colorful lasers shot out from different holes, humming as they swept toward his prone body.
This was it. This was the moment when Izuku died. I’m sorry, Mom. He closed his eyes and braced himself for the pain. In his last moments, he tried to picture his happiest memories: running around the room dressed in an All Might onesie and holding a figurine while his mother pretended to be a bad guy for him to defeat. The taste of his mother’s katsudon on his birthday. His first time looking down at Earth from a spaceship.
But Izuku could not manage to stay calm. Rage overwhelmed him and made his body shake even through the paralysis. He hated that he would die this way, lying helpless before people who viewed him as nothing but an animal. With all his might, he bit back tears. He’d always been called a crybaby back on Aldera Colony. But he refused to let his murderers see him cry.
The piercing pain did not come.
Izuku opened his eyes. The lasers washed over his body, but they didn’t burn his skin. They only bathed him in different colors. He could not understand their purpose at all.
Although Izuku wanted to be relieved, he feared he’d only postponed his death. In some ways it would be easier if they would just kill him and get it over with. The longer this dragged out, the more likely he might break down and die without dignity.
The umbrella withdrew. Garaki’s massive head loomed over him, chirping cheerfully. If Izuku could just get in one punch, he’d wipe that happiness away.
Next, Garaki dragged over a machine shaped like an arm with a needle on the tip. Garaki twisted Izuku’s arm to make his wrist visible. Then the needle stabbed down.
Izuku would have screamed if his lips hadn’t gone numb. This most certainly did hurt. Blood ran from a tube attached to the needle, filling a bag overhead.
After the initial pain, it didn’t hurt too much. His wrist throbbed. It felt like a blood donation. This would probably be a better way to go than being dissected alive.
But the octopus withdrew the needle before Izuku had time to get more than a little woozy. Then Garaki positioned the arm directly over Izuku’s mouth.
Izuku could only watch helplessly as the needle descended directly down on his tongue.
A sucking sound filled the room. It took Izuku a moment to realize he hadn’t just had his tongue ripped out. The mechanical arm had swapped out the needle for something with a blunter tip. It absorbed Izuku’s saliva like a suction device from a standard dentist visit.
By the time the arm withdrew, Izuku’s mouth felt so dry it was nearly painful. Garaki moved up and down his body with a measuring tape. From the way the octopus eyed the tanks, Izuku did not think he was wrong this time–Garaki was clearly measuring him out for a tank.
Ah, so this would be how he died. Izuku hyperventilated. Sweat poured down his face.
But instead, All for One lifted Izuku up and uncoiled the leash from his legs. Then All for One stuck a food pellet into Izuku’s mouth.
Blood rushed to Izuku’s head. The room spun. He felt ill, relieved–and furious. He’d been rewarded with a treat for a medical checkup like a good little pet. The alien captors hadn’t killed him. This time.
Hidden high in a tree, A’zawa raked his claws against bark, picturing in his mind it was All for One’s prideful face.
If only, A’zawa thought, he was strong enough to do so to the bastard. As it was, All for One could easily leave A’zawa a smear on the ground.
All for One’s words rattled in A’zawa mind. “Come now, my pet, you’ve failed to use your chew toy. Are you confused on what to do?”
Hissing, A’zawa dug his claws deeper into the tree. If the hu-man hadn’t been friendly, A’zawa would have been torn to shreds already. A hu-man’s unnatural strength and durability, running through forcefields, tearing apart enemies, and swimming, made it a truly terrifying threat.
Yet, the hu-man, Izuku, was gentle with A’zawa. Offering food and protection against All for One—it was more than many species would offer. Humanity’s reputation for cruelty seemed undeserved.
A’zawa ought to return to his little project in the den, but he was too angry. If he didn’t release the stress in his claws, then he wouldn’t be able to handle fine mechanical parts. Just a few more minutes, and then he’d get back to work. He wanted to be done when the hu-man returned. Surely Izuku must return.
A chunk of wood caved under his claws, crumbling to the ground below, the hollow sound sending his head whipping back to the door All for One and Izuku had exited.
A’zawa had to face it, he was worried about the hu-man.
Despite Izuku’s status as a Death Worlder, the hu-man was a youngling, like the kits A’zawa taught. And judging by his behavior, clearly part of a pack.
For a kit to be ripped away from their pack and treated so cruelly, A’zawa’s claws flexed. No emotionally responsible species would dare allow it.
And that wasn’t even getting into the leash and collar.
The door across the moat slid open with a mechanical hiss, and the walkway slowly unraveled. The temptation to run tickled the back of A’zawa’s mind, but he stayed still, watching from his place in the tree.
All for One entered first, fresh bandages wrapped on several tentacles, and A’zawa felt a surge of vindictive pleasure, only to freeze at the self-satisfied expression on the warlord’s face.
“Come along,” All for One called, giving a tug on the leash.
Izuku stumbled forward, heavy metal bands wrapped around his arms and torso like he was a mass-murdering criminal and not a scared kit. Even from his vantage point, A’zawa could see how the restraints dug into the hu-man’s soft flesh.
It was monstrous–a type of restraint outlawed in most systems.
A’zawa expected Izuku to lash back as All for One tugged on the leash, but the hu-man’s head remained limp, hanging towards his chest. Streaks of liquid lined his clothes and dripped onto the walkway.
“Come now,” All for One said teasingly as he tugged on the leash to urge Izuku forward. “There’s no need to be so upset. The doctor didn’t even hurt you.”
The dripping liquid took on new horrifying meaning in A’zawa’s mind. All for One’s doctor, an alien who was wanted in 342 systems, who was known for experimentation on sentient creatures and a lack of compassion for anything in existence, had been allowed near the hu-man.
A’zawa’s death grip on the tree was the only thing stopping him from suicidally leaping down, and clawing All for One’s face off.
Coming to a stop, All for One yanked on the leash, trying to force the hu-man to lift his head.
With a sniffle, Izuku stared stubbornly down, refusing to submit.
A low annoyed growl rumbled from All for One, the warlord’s cheerful mood evaporating at the refusal. Winding the leash in his hand, he yanked his arm up, the shortened lead forcing the hu-man to move or choke.
Higher and higher, All for One lifted the leash until Izuku balanced precariously on the tips of his shoes, and his body shook against the restraints.
Delicately, All for One grasped Izuku’s head, his claws precariously close to the hu-man’s throat.
“Know this, little Izuku. Your feistiness and murderousness amuse me as there are few creatures in this world that can survive one of my blows, but you are my pet and you will obey.”
Desperate wheezes came from Izuku’s lips as his face slowly changed colors to a bright red.
Such an attack would have killed most species, but when All for One unclipped the leash, thus relieving the restraints, Izuku fell to the ground, body shuddering, but still moving.
Bending over, All for One stroked the hu-man’s head for a minute.
“Be good, little one,” he said, then turned and left, leaving Izuku huddled on the ground.
As soon as the ripples of All for One’s departure disappeared, A’zawa scrambled to the ground, uncaring of the branches hitting him along the way.
Izuku lay unmoving on the ground, save for the occasional wet sniffle.
Cautiously, A’zawa approached, keeping his footsteps light and voice soft. Izuku hadn’t been aggressive so far, but after so long in All for One’s presence, it wouldn’t be unexpected.
“Izuku?” A’zawa called, crouching besides the hu-man. “Are you okay?” He spoke the last word in hu-man tongue.
At A’zawa’s voice, Izuku lifted his head. His wide green eyes and small nose were puffy and red. Liquid dripped from his eyes, plopping onto his clothes and the ground beneath him. It smelled salty, and A’zawa hesitantly poked at it, afraid the hu-man was somehow leaking vital fluids.
Izuku sniffled and rubbed an arm across his eyes, seemingly unworried of the liquid. “A’zawa,” he croaked, his voice hoarse.
The skin around his neck was bright pink and looked painful, judging by how Izuku rubbed at it. Blood dripped from a puncture wound on his wrist.
Curled up on the ground in a defensive position, the hu-man looked less like a world destroying Death Worlder, and more like a helpless kit left alone in the world.
Which he was, A’zawa thought, the realization hitting him like a punch to the gut. Despite all the hu-man’s prowess and terrifying abilities, he was a scared kit, away from his pack and home.
Unconsciously, A’zawa purred, a deep rumbling sound from his chest that echoed out, a habit of his species for comforting kits.
Izuku’s big eyes grew wide at the sound. Hesitantly, he reached out to A’zawa, his clawless hands trembling.
“A’zawa,” Izuku whimpered again, scooting closer. His hand settled on A’zawa’s fur, smoothing over its surface. Despite tensing at the touch, A’zawa allowed it. Izuku’s motions were gentle, far different than the devastating blows he exchanged with All for One.
Slowly, A’zawa set his own paw on Izuku’s hand.
The hu-man’s eyes overflowed with tears, and with a loud cry, he flung himself into A’zawa, wrapping his arms around A’zawa’s body.
A’zawa stiffened at the contact, such closeness reserved solely for pack members, but Izuku shuffled closer, pressing his wet face against A’zawa’s chest. Izuku’s arms were tight, but not unpleasant, and the hu-man curled closer.
Bringing his arms up around the hu-man, A’zawa returned the embrace, rumbling a purr of comfort.
Silently, A’zawa vowed, I’ll save this child no matter what.
Izuku had resisted crying throughout his torment and when he’d believed he could die. But whereas he’d stood strong in the face of torture, kindness broke him. He wept into A’zawa’s arms.
A low rumbling sound came from A’zawa’s throat. Izuku realized the alien was trying to comfort him. Gratitude flooded him, and he drew closer to A’zawa, the alien’s fur enveloping him. A’zawa’s fur felt unimaginably soft. It was like hugging a giant blanket.
A’zawa straightened Izuku’s hair, grooming him while continuing to make that same purring sound. Izuku sniffled. It felt nice to have someone look after him. For too long, he’d been surrounded by enemies, constantly on guard, never knowing when they would try to hurt or kill him.
Izuku dared to pet the black fur, which felt exactly as wonderful as he’d imagined. A’zawa purred more. Just like a housecat, he liked being rubbed around his neck. Mom would be jealous, she loved cats. Nearly every human on planet earth would be jealous. I nearly died and I got dragged around on a leash but at least I got to pet the giant cat alien! This is a win for humanity.
The thought made him chuckle wetly.
Rubbing his eyes, Izuku pulled himself together. They had a mission. “We have to escape before All for One returns. He punished me for not killing you. I’m afraid if he comes back and you’re still alive, then he’ll do it himself.” Although Izuku could use a rest, there was no time to waste. Izuku also pantomimed his meaning by gesturing at the sea, then the den.
A’zawa tilted his head, looking confused, but he let Izuku go.
Even in the best-case scenario, if All for One didn’t kill A’zawa, he’d probably take an eye next time. Besides, they might have a small window of opportunity to escape while All for One was distracted pouring over lab results with Garaki. There was not a moment to waste. Izuku staggered toward the artificial lake.
Growling, A’zawa made the universal gesture for no. The sound out of his mouth almost certainly meant no, then. Pointing at the water, he said, “No okay.”
Izuku frowned. “I appreciate the concern, but there’s no way off this island except by swimming. I just…wasn’t braced for the cold water last time. It will be a shorter trip if it’s one-way. Ugh, you don’t understand what I’m saying.” He took a deep breath. “We have to escape before the sky darkens and lightens again.” He pointed at the ceiling. “Do you understand? The lights…” He squinted. “Is one of the lights missing?”
A’zawa tugged on Izuku’s arm, guiding him over to a pile of metal parts. The alien had dragged down one of the lights from the sky. He must have climbed the tree, then leapt up to grab it. But even Izuku, with his superior reflexes, couldn’t have leapt that high. “You’re good.” If not the words, his admiring tone translated.
In response, A’zawa shot out his tail, extending it to twice its usual length. Oh, so that was how he had grabbed the light. The tail curved around Izuku, then retracted. Izuku smiled (remembering not to show his teeth) and repeated, “Good.”
The light fixture had been partly disassembled, pieces spreading across the ground. A’zawa pointed at the water, then at his science project.
Izuku didn’t understand what the alien intended to do, but he figured this project was supposed to help him swim. He sat back down. “All right. I’ll trust you.”
It was fascinating to watch A’zawa work. Although his claws were sharp, he picked apart the machine deftly and reassembled it in a new pattern. Izuku tried to pay attention, hoping to learn something useful. But most of this was going clean over his head.
A’zawa removed a tiny blue crystal from the middle of the light. He frowned at it, examining a crack on the side.
“Bad?” Izuku asked.
A’zawa waved his arms and said something indecipherable. Then he ran out of the den and hurled the crystal in the air. It exploded.
Izuku blinked. “Yes, bad.” He scooted a bit further away from the science project. He supposed that he needed to trust A’zawa knew what he was doing and probably wouldn’t get them both killed.
Once finished, A’zawa had reassembled the light into what still looked like a light, except now strapped in a harness partly made of wires and partly of A’zawa’s fur. The round light glowed brightly in the middle. A’zawa gestured at Izuku to come over.
If this jerry-rigged thing exploded, then at least it would be a more fun way to go than vivisection. Izuku allowed A’zawa to put the harness over his head.
After checking the device was secure, A’zawa pressed a button on the side. Immediately, jets released heat around Izuku.
Izuku blinked. “Oh! That is very useful. Thank you.” He didn’t know how to say thanks in the alien tongue. But he thought he’d gotten across at least one word. “I mean, good .”
A’zawa huffed. He still looked nervous, understandably. Izuku felt nervous, too. The water had been so cold and the dive so long that he might not be able to return safely if the key card didn’t work. But the heat would help him a lot on the journey.
Izuku would be gambling everything on A’zawa’s knowledge and technology.
Kneeling down on the ground, Izuku etched out a crude map. He circled the place where he’d seen escape pods on the map in the computer room.
A’zawa immediately jumped and repeated, “Good, good, good.” He made a sound that must mean “good” in his own language. Then A’zawa added more details to Izuku’s map.
Fortunately, it seemed like A’zawa already knew where to find the escape pods, probably better than Izuku did. That was very convenient, because they would need to separate to escape. A’zawa couldn’t swim. Izuku planned to look for a button to lower the bridge in All for One’s home. (His strategy of randomly pressing buttons had worked out for him great last time.) One way or another, he would get A’zawa off the island. A’zawa still had his own key card to use on the door. But then Izuku and A’zawa would be on separate floors. Rather than double-back and waste time, it made more sense for them to meet up at the escape pods and leave together. Izuku was still counting on A’zawa to know how to fly the ship and where to go.
As Izuku approached the water, his feet dragged a little. He still remembered the chilling pain of last time.
A’zawa placed a comforting paw on Izuku’s shoulder, crooning.
Do it for the first person to show him any kindness. Do it to get back home to his mom. Izuku braced himself, took a deep breath, and dived.
OMAKE TIME!
Omake: Moments When a Translator Would be Helpful
All for One: Even my little brother didn’t fuss so much about a simple medical checkup.
Izuku: I THOUGHT YOU WERE DISSECTING ME ALIVE!
#
Omake: Cats and Dogs
All for One: I’m worried that my pet might be sick, because he’s not eating his chew toy.
Garaki: Weird, maybe he doesn’t like the taste of felines.
ToiMura, a dog alien: Why are you both looking at me like that?
Izuku: I’m more in the mood for seafood.
#
Omake: Role Reversal
Izuku: Two near-death experiences, totally worth it to pet that soft fur.
Aizawa: Hey, now you’re treating me as a pet!
#
Omake: Further Cultural Misunderstandings
A’zawa: As an adult and a trained professional, it’s my job to protect the child.
Izuku: Humanity, I think we can all agree that I should protect the cute kitty.
Notes:
Hirvigo drew gorgeous fanart of Izuku being feral. We’re both blown away by the colors and the detailed background. Izuku looks feral with his glowy eyes and the blood on his face, no wonder the aliens see him as their worst nightmare. You can like the art on tumblr at https://www.tumblr.com/hirvigo/729470254535819264/how-not-to-survive-your-pet-death-worlder
Also, 2000DragonArmy is back with another awesome sketch of the alien League of Villains. They all look cool despite how easily Izuku owned them. Toga’s mouth is terrifying!
Chapter Text
Hercules’s monitors rang out, a cheery tune that had Toshinori sprinting for the cockpit. Opening the navigation controls, he examined the readings the probe had found.
Inko hurried up to him, placing an arm on Toshinori’s back to brace herself while she leaned forward. “What does it say?”
Toshinori’s throat bobbed at her nearness, but he forced himself to refocus. A boy’s life was at stake.
However, like the last seven probes, the readings were negative.
“I’m sorry,” he said, hating how her expression fell. “There’s nothing.”
A wet sniffle sounded from Inko, and Toshinori politely looked away, sitting back into the pilot’s seat. Ne-Dzu’s update from A’zawa may have been accurate when it was sent, but the warlord and his army had since moved on leaving nothing save a few mangled bodies floating in space, the cold having frozen them into icy shells.
Toshinori believed that the best way of finding Izuku would be through Ne-Dzu, but less than 24 hours after arriving at Yuuei, he could tell Inko had been ready to leave. Not that he blamed her, with her son lost and in the hands of a dangerous criminal, sitting and waiting would be torturous.
Not to mention the less than friendly reception. Ne-Dzu was polite to Inko, but Toshinori had noted how the others, such as C’ment-Oss, had watched her warily, refusing to approach, and keeping their weapons nearby.
Even Yaaamada had avoided her, although Toshinori suspected it was out of grief, the missing status of A’zawa hitting hard. But with the friendliest of the members avoiding her, Toshinori could find no reason to argue when Inko asked to depart. Ne-Dzu had promised to send word of any developments while they searched.
Inko slumped into the seat next to him, watching as Toshinori put in their new destination.
“I’m flying us to a quadrant over,” he explained, “and we’ll try another probe there. All we need is the slightest hint, and we’ll find him.” His forced cheer barely managed to hide the worry in his voice.
Although he had never met young Izuku, Toshinori’s heart ached. Vividly, he remembered rescuing Nana, collared and contained, from All for One’s stronghold. It had been an accident. Toshinori hadn’t realized whose base he was breaking into. He had been following rumors of trafficking and found Nana, trapped in the center of it.
For a child to go through that…?
Toshinori clenched his fists, his knuckles turning white under pressure and the steering wheel creaking from the strain.
He couldn’t imagine how scared the poor boy was.
The water still felt ice-cold around Izuku, but on the second dive, the heater helped create a warm bubble around him. The blasts of air also helped push him forward faster. He kept the key card between his closed lips. Cold nipped at his outer extremities, particularly his fingers and toes. When he felt tired, he just pretended he was beating in All for One’s face with each stroke and that got his arms moving faster.
The light allowed him to see the bottom more clearly. All for One’s underwater living area had a round bed with an indentation in the middle. It looked almost like a giant beanbag chair, with a plastic-like cover. A chair had been chained down to the floor to stop it from floating off. There was also a dining table and a refrigeration unit. Izuku wondered if All for One kept chopped up bodies inside, or if he only expected his pet to indulge in cannibalism like a “savage.”
The tiled floor was truly beautiful, with each tile having a different design. They ranged from a red feather to a swirling purple flower. This customization must have cost a fortune.
With the aid of his light, Izuku could see a grey wall in the back, connected to the wall above. The silver handle of a door glinted in the murky semi-darkness. Izuku kicked his feet harder, his target in sight. Bubbles poured from his lips, each bit of precious air seeping away. His chest had become tight from lack of air.
Pictures hung on the walls: eight of them in a neat row. The first one showed a green-eyed alien who looked to be the same species as All for One, but for some reason he didn’t have tentacles. The next humanoid alien glared out from the picture frame with red eyes, red spikes sticking up from his head. Then came an aquatic alien with blue kelp for hair. The fourth alien must be a camouflage type because he’d blended in with the background of his picture. (That background looked similar to Izuku’s current island enclosure.) The fifth had rocklike skin and the sixth had beautiful blue-green wings like a hummingbird. The seventh looked like the same species as All for One’s doglike henchman, the one with the shaggy unkempt pelt who’d hidden under his desk while Izuku got dragged around on a leash. Though the canine alien in the picture had darker fur and very sad eyes.
Izuku’s frozen body got even colder when he saw his own picture hanging in the last place on the wall. It looked like it had been taken while he’d slept in the hospital bed when he’d first been dragged to this hellhole. What a disturbing thought. In a sudden fit of temper, he knocked the picture down.
The heater had apparently run out of power. Izuku’s teeth were chattering. He’d already exhaled the last of his air, and now his chest burned. His body strained with a suicidal urge to breathe in. The door before him had a pad for a key card. Now came the moment of truth. If the key didn’t open the door, then he would probably die before he could make it back to the surface.
Izuku swiped the card. With a whir, the door slid open.
A suction force grabbed Izuku around the waist and yanked him inside, through a gleaming forcefield. The same force kept the water remaining on the outside. What an intriguing technology to let him move between water and land. Desperately, Izuku sucked in gasps of air. He was too focused on breathing to pay attention to his surroundings. A massive brush descended from the ceiling, aggressively wiping the water off him. Then he was shoved into the next room, landing on his hands and knees. The door shut behind him.
The second area also appeared to be a living area. Apparently, All for One liked to sleep on both land and water. His second bed looked like a sumptuous pile of blankets lying on top of a black metal base flashing with electrical lights. Alien skulls circled around the bed like decorations.
Izuku lunged forward and grabbed a blue blanket, wrapping it around his body. He stood there, shaking too badly to move. Slowly, feeling came back to his fingers.
This space had a full alien kitchen that would have fascinated Izuku under other circumstances, a long table covered with an intricate web as a tablecloth, and a sofa with holders for food and drink. The taxidermized heads of aliens decorated the walls. Izuku wished he could believe they were animals, but knowing All for One, they were probably murder victims. Between the corpses, there were pictures of All for One, frequently with the green-eyed alien from his own species. It looked a lot like the other alien was trying to shove All for One away in every picture.
There was only one picture of a small alien who looked like a puppy pinned to a board on a stand. At first Izuku thought this little one was All for One’s seventh pet, but the fur was white. This was probably All for One’s employee. All for One had circled the picture and written around it. Izuku couldn’t read the language at all, but he saw All Might’s name. As a fanboy, naturally Izuku could recognize All Might’s name in any language. He’d memorized every symbol denoting his hero in every alien writing system in order to track down the best merch. Did All Might have something to do with All for One’s henchman?
There was no way of knowing. All right, enough sight-seeing. Feeling had returned to Izuku’s body. It was time to get out of here. He dropped the blanket and the harness to the ground. As useful though the heater and light had been, now they were only dead weight.
Izuku headed for the attached door, hoping to find an exit and a way to lower the bridge. This door wasn’t locked. The handle was located a bit too high, sized for All for One. Izuku had to leapt up in the air to turn it.
The room contained a single black wheely chair in front of computer monitors wrapped around 360 degrees of wall. Izuku gasped as he realized the screens showed his enclosure. He’d thought there was little more All for One could do to violate him, but his skin crawled to realize he’d been secretly watched all this time. Currently A’zawa stood looking out over the water and twisting his claws nervously.
Izuku ran up to the buttons on the desk and mashed them randomly. His strategy hadn’t failed him yet. He turned off a couple screens and caused something to explode in the kitchen before he found the right button. On the cameras overhead, the bridge lowered to the island.
Jumping in the air, Izuku whooped. On the screen, A’zawa turned toward the noise. No fool, A’zawa immediately ran for the bridge. He must know this meant Izuku had safely made it outside.
The plan had been a success. They were close, so very very close to freedom. Now Izuku just needed to find a way out of here, then take the stairs up to the escape pods.
The main room had a second door with a key card reader. Fortunately, the key card worked again. As the door opened, Izuku breathed a sigh of relief that his luck was finally looking up.
Two armed aliens stood on the other side–the lizard and the robot.
“So…what’s Izuku like?”
Inko’s head jerked up from where it had been nodding towards her chest, the shine of galaxies passing by having lulled her half to sleep.
“Sorry,” Toshinori said, awkwardly rubbing the back of his neck, “I didn’t realize you’d fallen asleep.”
“Not quite, but it’s fine. My dreams wouldn’t have been pleasant anyways.” She blinked. “What was your question again?”
“I asked you what your son was like. Izuku is his name, right?”
“Yes,” Inko said, surprised All Might was asking about her son. She wouldn’t have assumed the space hero of Earth would have cared. Not to say All Might was callous, but many people in her life had chosen to ignore her son, including her ex-husband.
The question soothed the ache in her heart, and she smiled softly. “Izuku is a good boy, and I’m lucky to have him. He’s clever, always making observations and wondering about the world. Space in particular fascinates him. As a toddler I’d find him in his crib, slumped against the bars because he had fallen asleep sitting up while staring at the stars.”
All Might chuckled, “I bet it was adorable.”
“It was. Once he could write, he’d fill pages after pages of thoughts about space, things he had researched on his own.” Inko shuffled in her seat, sadness creeping into her voice. “It didn’t always make him popular.”
“Why not?”
“All Might, if I might be bold?”
All Might coughed into his fist, “You can call me Yagi, my name is Toshinori Yagi, but yes?”
Toshinori Yagi. Such a simple name for the most famous spacefaring human in existence. “Well, would I be wrong in assuming you can remember the first invasion?”
Yagi’s brows furrowed. “I do. My parents died in it. I was only 10.”
Inko turned to look at him, unaware of that fact despite years of Izuku sharing All Might trivia. “I didn’t know that,” she said.
Yagi shrugged. “Not something I normally share.”
“I was 5 when it happened,” Inko confessed, “and I can still see those ships in the sky, the television showing images of the attacks. Friends lost parents, siblings lost siblings, cities were destroyed… that type of hurt doesn’t go away quickly. And many on Earth still resent space and anything that stands for it. Even little boys obsessed with it. It’s one reason we decided to leave Earth. Too much hurt,” a sardonic tone entered Inko’s voice, “not that space has been much better. Izuku’s still being hurt.”
“I’m sorry.” Yagi whispered, true sorrow in his voice. The genuineness touched Inko, and she discreetly wiped away tears.
“Izuku would love to meet you. He turned 14 several months ago and all he wanted for his birthday were notebooks to write his thoughts and All Might merchandise.”
Red tinged Yagi’s cheeks as he stared resolutely out the window. “Really?”
“He’d be thrilled to get your autograph.”
“I’ll have to do that then.” Yagi looked at Inko and smiled softly. “He sounds like a wonderful kid.”
“He is,” Inko agreed. “The kindest, gentlest, sweetest boy I know.”
Shpinnier lowered his hand from knocking on the door. “All for One doesn’t seem to be home.” It was a bit of a relief. ToiMura had ordered Shpinnier and Compr3ss to find the Master and tell him that due to the recent destruction of their control room, some messages had been missed and their supply ship had been sent to the wrong place. The Galactic Federation had intercepted and captured the ship. All for One had never reacted pleasantly to receiving bad news. Shpinnier felt just as happy to let someone else play messenger.
The door slid open. But instead of All for One, the small hu-man pet stood looking up at them with wide eyes. It seemed even more surprised to see them than they felt to see it.
Compr3ss beeped, a sound of annoyance. “The pet must have gotten loose. Here, back in your cage.” He reached a claw down to fasten on the hu-man’s head.
The hu-man grabbed Compr3ss’ arm and ripped it clean off his torso.
Shock froze Shpinnier in place. He could not believe the evidence of his own eyes. No being could be strong enough to rip through metal, except maybe All for One himself. The fragile little pet certainly couldn’t do it. This felt like a dream or a hallucination.
Compr3ss shot backward, beeping and whistling. His camera eyes tilted down to look at his broken socket in seeming disbelief.
The hu-man shot down the corridor with unnatural speed, grabbed Compr3ss, and slammed him into the wall.
Shpinnier finally reacted, lunging to help his friend. The hu-man spun and swung Compr3ss’ lower part into Shpinnier’s midsection. Shpinnier fell backward, winded.
Although Shpinnier had only been down for a moment, in the space of a breath, he was forced to watch the hu-man rip his friend’s head clean off and throw it at him, the wires inside sparking.
The pain when the robotic head hit him convinced Shpinnier this was all very real. How could a being so small be so strong? He should have known better than to believe its cute outward appearance. All for One would never be so attached to a cute, innocent being. The hu-man had to be one of the doctor’s twisted experiments, a conglomeration of rage, violence, and death, escaped from its prison to unleash terror upon the galaxy.
The hu-man bared white teeth. In that moment, Shpinnier became quite certain the hu-man remembered being petted by him and had been plotting his slow and torturous death ever since.
His nerve broke, and Shpinnier ran, abandoning his friend. (In all fairness, Compr3ss could survive with his head ripped off as long as he got repaired later and robots didn’t feel pain. Shpinnier did.)
Just as Shpinnier reached the stairs, the hu-man roundhouse kicked him in the head.
Shpinnier fell, claws scrambling for purchase on the floor. The hu-man lifted up Shpinnier by his collar. Madness gleamed in his eyes. There was not the smallest trace of mercy or compassion. The hu-man was death incarnate, come to rip apart their fragile bodies and feast on their suffering souls.
The hu-man slammed their foreheads together. Shpinnier collapsed in a heap. As his consciousness faded, he whimpered, “Tell my egg-layer that I love her.”
From the ground, Compr3ss’ head mumbled, “Tell my creators I still hate them and will someday exterminate their entire puny species.”
Wiping a tear from her eye, Inko said, “My boy never should have been picking up supplies alone. He’s only a child! It was an adult’s job. But Aldera was a poorly run colony. My Izuku volunteered because no one else would. He’s always been more self-sacrificing than sensible. He puts other people above himself. He wants to be a hero, just like you.”
Toshinori winced, feeling culpable. He could not bear to think of such a gentle boy trying to survive All for One. Inko saw his reaction, and quickly added, “I didn’t mean that as if I was blaming you. It’s not your fault Aldera screwed up. Izuku came by his personality on his own. He was curious, too. He wanted to see the galaxy and meet aliens. That’s part of why he volunteered to go to the marketplace.” Her shoulders heaved. “And just look at how the people there treated him.”
Toshinori said, “Not all aliens are hateful. Just look at how people accept me despite being human! I’ll introduce Izuku to all my friends after we find him.”
Inko cast him an odd look. “I’ve been wondering about that. People certainly do seem to treat you differently.”
“It’s because I’ve earned their trust,” Toshinori said.
Inko made a humph, not sounding convinced. “I hope Izuku finds an ally wherever he is, out there alone. He’s very loyal. If you befriend him, then he will stick with you to the bitter end. Honestly, he’s too kind and forgiving for his own good.”
Izuku hummed to himself as he stepped over the alien’s unconscious body. That had felt wonderful . He’d shown those bastards who was a cute pet to be prodded and touched! Although Izuku did not normally enjoy violence, beating up those two had been a cathartic experience.
At the top of the stairs, Izuku paused and visualized the route to the escape pods. He was close, so close. He felt confident in his ability to fight his way past any number of enemies and make it off this station. If anything, he was more worried about A’zawa. The feline alien hadn’t seemed like much of a fighter. Izuku would be fine just as long as he didn’t run into All for One–
A very familiar hiss made Izuku dash down the stairs and crouch down. By now, he could recognize the sound of his tormentor’s amusement.
All for One walked down the hallway. Izuku tensed, ready to leap. But the alien did not come down the stairs. Instead, he headed in the direction of the escape pods. He was flanked by several insectoid guards.
As the aliens would say, schilank.
Izuku could wait, hide, and think up another escape route. That would be the smartest option. After all, he’d already lost to All for One twice.
But A’zawa would be heading toward the escape pods. With how the fight had delayed Izuku, A’zawa would be already there or almost there. All for One and A’zawa were on a direct collision course.
By this point, Izuku felt reasonably confident that All for One would not kill him. Hurt him, yes. But even when strapped to the medical table, Izuku hadn’t been seriously injured. It seemed All for One wanted a pet too badly to let him go even into death.
But All for One would rip A’zawa in two as easily as swatting a fly.
Overhead, All for One’s footsteps were starting to leave. There was not much time left.
Izuku had a choice to make–but really, it was no choice at all. He couldn’t let A’zawa die. Besides, today had been his lucky day and he felt ready to rip another one of his tormentors to pieces.
Snarling, Izuku ran up the stairs and launched himself at All for One’s back.
Thank the stars, A’zawa thought as the walkway slowly slid out connecting the island enclosure to the rest of the base, Izuku didn’t die.
Despite the hu-man’s prowess, and A’zawa’s thrown together heating device, his fur had raised in fear when the kit had leaped into the watery depths.
Pacing back and forth, keycard in hand, he had counted time passing by, agonizingly slow.
But Izuku had succeeded, which meant A’zawa needed to do his part.
A’zawa launched himself across the walkway, and swiped his keycard at the sensor. Despite being found out as a spy, the card worked, and A’zawa thanked whatever system malfunction or forgetfulness had left the card activated. Probably All for One hadn’t even recognized A’zawa or bothered to figure out his name and employee ID. A’zawa had never before been so grateful for All for One’s arrogance.
The door had been left unguarded, allowing A’zawa to sprint through the entrance and past the downed forcefield without any problems.
Cocky of All for One, A’zawa thought, trusting in his systems when the hu-man had escaped once before.
However, as A’zawa raced down the hallways, he realized it might not have been cockiness. Hurrying along, he noted several walls marked with smoky residue in the shape of a circle, blaster fire that had missed its target. Too much for it to be accidental firing.
A’zawa’s mind drifted to Izuku being the perpetrator, but that was unlikely, how would the hu-man have known to operate it?
Besides the blaster marks and other fluid stains, the hallways remained unusually empty. The occasional group of workers walked by in huddles, like prey banding together for safety against a predator. Upon seeing them, A’zawa slowed his pace and schooled his features, attempting to blend in, but his efforts were hardly needed. The workers, upon glancing at him, didn’t spare him a second glance. And as soon as they were far away, A’zawa burst into another sprint.
Izuku had lowered the walkway, and without it, A’zawa would have been stuck. But the same was true for the escape pods. Izuku wouldn’t know how to operate them, making A’zawa’s help crucial.
The escape pod station came into view, and A’zawa’s heart leaped in relief. Skidding to a stop, he pulled up the control panel.
Thankfully, All for One had the standard escape pods equipped on his base. A row of shuttles, that after unlocking opened up. The escapee needed only leap into the chute, then slide down into the pod which would immediately take off.
Swiping his keycard again, A’zawa scrolled through the options, his claws clacking against the screen as he started up an escape pod, the nearest chute opening up in preparation for departure.
They could go, A’zawa thought with relief. Except, Izuku wasn’t there.
A’zawa’s ears perked, desperately listening for a sign of the hu-man’s arrival.
A low voice hissed in annoyance, “What do you mean they can’t find my pet? Send more guards.” There was no mistaking the voice—the sound that had precluded the destruction of several planets. All for One was coming.
Ducking to the floor, A’zawa crept down the hall to catch a glimpse of his foe.
The tall, grey form was unmistakable. All for One’s tail swung impatiently, his tentacles furling and unfurling. “Find the hu-man,” he snapped to one of the lackeys hovering anxiously besides him.
“It cannot be allowed to—”
A screech ripped through the air, piercing A’zawa’s sensitive ears. He, and several of the guards surrounding All for One, hunched over in pain at the noise, covering their ears.
“NOOOOOOOOOO!” A’zawa barely recognized the word screamed, but the small form hurtling through the air towards All for One was terrifyingly familiar.
Izuku, although a dangerous Death Worlder, was much smaller than their captor All for One, but the hu-man didn’t seem to recognize that, managing to somehow leap onto the warlord.
“SCHILANK!” Izuku screamed, and A’zawa’s mouth dropped open at the vulgar term that had sparked wars between less reasonable species.
Although the hu-man was beyond reason. Screeching at a volume Yaaamada would have envied, it hung onto All for One, clawing at his tentacles and biting his face. All for One staggered under its fury, trying to peel the hu-man off as Izuku continued his assault.
“There you are!” All for One said, “I wondered if you were slipping off to the escape pods. Let’s put a stop to that, shall we?”
Too late, A’zawa saw All for One reach for his belt and press a button. With a hum, a forcefield launched upward, blocking Izuku from the escape pods, but also A’zawa from helping him. Snarling in terrified frustration, A’zawa poked at the electric field, and lurched back at the sting. His fur rose, there was no way through.
All for One’s guards hesitantly attacked Izuku, trying to restrain the hu-man’s thrashing limbs. One was launched into the forcefield, screaming in agony as their body fried. Another was launched halfway down the hallway. They were no match for the hu-man, but their attempts, A’zawa could tell, were slowing Izuku down.
A cloud of All for One’s paralyzing gas shot from his tentacles. Closing his mouth, the hu-man fought without breathing, his face turning a worrisome shade of red.
He was losing, A’zawa realized with despair.
All for One laughed triumphantly, having come to the same conclusion, and grabbing the hu-man by his jacket, flung him off.
Izuku hit the wall with a nauseating crack, one of his limbs snapping. Blood dripped from his forehead, but Izuku glared up from the floor, and spat a glob of blood at All for One.
“No,” A’zawa whispered, his instincts screaming at him to do something, anything.
As if hearing A’zawa’s panic, Izuku looked through the forcefield at A’zawa and bared his teeth in a smile. “Okay,” he mouthed and gestured to the escape pods.
Then, staggering to his feet, his broken arm dangling at his side, Izuku threw himself into All for One’s gleeful arms.
The message was clear, but no less painful. There was no escaping with Izuku injured, the forcefield up, and All for One there. A’zawa had to go on alone.
It felt deeply wrong on a moral level, to abandon a kit. A’zawa had vowed to protect the young one. If anyone had to be left behind, then A’zawa should have stayed to fight while the kit escaped. But that was no longer an option. A’zawa could do nothing to help, and if he simply stood there and waited for All for One to notice him, then he would be captured too. He’d be a liability, a hostage for All for One to use against both Izuku and Yuuei. A’zawa knew that foolishly throwing away his chance to escape would do Izuku absolutely no good–instead, it would waste his sacrifice. A’zawa had to leave in order to bring back Yuuei’s forces for a rescue.
But it absolutely killed A’zawa to turn away from the injured kit. He vowed, I’m coming back, Izuku.
Leaping into the chute, he slid down, landing awkwardly in the middle of the tiny pod.
[Launch?] the computer systems asked.
Paws shaking and stomach sick, A’zawa pressed yes, jettisoning him out into space away from All for One, but also from the small, hu-man kit who had saved him.
Alone in the escape pod, floating through space, A’zawa pounded his fists against the floor.
Schilank.
OMAKE TIME!
Omake: Canon Versus Science Fiction AU
Izuku: Oh, so in canon I get to be the ninth in a legacy of heroes and a powerful quirk. In this universe, I just got a legacy of being All for One’s pet!
All for One: You also received my affection.
Izuku: I want a refund.
#
Omake: Yoichi’s Failure to Communicate
Yoichi: Let me out! I want to move to a new planet where people won’t treat me as if I’m not a person.
All for One: But I got you this lovely new collar.
Yoichi: I hate you! Die!
All for One: See, your mouth says you hate me but your body is trying to kill me very lovingly, so you’re giving me mixed signals.
Notes:
Many thanks to 2000DragonArmy for for more beautiful art. Izuku's thoughts on today's entry about All for One are delightfully savage:
Chapter Text
ToiMura had been hiding under his desk ever since the alarm sounded about the latest hu-man outbreak. At this point, it felt like the hu-man spent more time out of the cage than in it. ToiMura considered his office to be relatively safe because it was located in the interior of the ship, whereas the hu-man thus far had been viciously slaughtering his way to the outer edges. Perhaps the hu-man intended to fling itself into outer space and finally die. Or perhaps it would turn out that hu-mans had supernatural abilities to fly through the void of space like eldritch horrors of death and destruction. ToiMura didn’t care. He just hoped the hu-man succeeded in leaving so that sanity could return to the space station.
The office door had been barricaded with a chair. ToiMura crouched with his tail wrapped around his body, ignored dozens of messages, and fantasized about being back on his home world. He dreamt of his mother’s soft nuzzles and his grandmother’s delicious cooking. He hadn’t longed for his old pack so badly in a very long time. Maybe repeated near-death at the hu-man’s hands had sent him into a state where his life perpetually flashed before his eyes.
Alas, a message finally arrived that ToiMura couldn’t ignore–from his master.
ToiMura picked up his communicator. “Master, did the hu-man escape?” He could not keep a note of hope from his voice.
Fortunately All for One had never been very perceptive about others’ feelings. “I was able to recapture my unruly pet, no thanks to you or your league. He easily took down both Shpinnier and Compr3ss.”
ToiMura felt a little guilty for not protecting his pack, but he’d warned them about petting the hu-man. They’d gotten so close, clearly they’d let the hu-man sniff their scent. The invulnerable monster had probably tracked them down like a Draap Bloodhound. ToiMura silently said a eulogy for their souls.
All for One continued, “My pet requires medical care. I’m busy tending to it, so I’ve granted you authorization over the station to handle all the minor inconveniences caused by its escape attempt. First, I need you to go to the enclosure and figure out how it escaped this time. My private quarters are restricted, but you may explore the island.”
All for One spoke as if granting a privilege. ToiMura would rather not go anywhere near a hu-man residence, what if it had left its poisonous saliva behind? But that would still be better than going near the hu-man. “Yes, Master.”
After hanging up, ToiMura chuffed and straightened his fur. He had to pull himself together. He was the leader of the league, not a tiny pup. He wasn’t scared of anything, not even a hu-man with insanely strong teeth, the speed of a hovership, and a punch like a meteor strike…
Before his nerve left him, ToiMura hurried to the island.
Only after crossing the bridge did ToiMura remember that A’zawa should still be on the island. He sniffed the air. A’zawa’s scent lingered, but it was old.
ToiMura’s nose picked up on the patch of black fur on the ground before his eyes. He followed the trail to a bush. Inside was a bundle of black fur, a hint of white gleaming in the middle.
ToiMura stumbled, falling backward and landing on his tail. The hu-man had eaten A’zawa, then spat out the fur and bones!
Trembling, ToiMura bowed his head before the grave and howled the mourning song of his people. He did not know what death rites A’zawa would prefer, so it was the best he could do. A small whimper escaped his lips. This was affecting ToiMura more than he’d anticipated. He’d always liked A’zawa. To have been eaten alive was a horrific fate that no sentient being deserved.
Suddenly ToiMura wanted to be off this island as quickly as possible. He found a broken light fixture–surely that must have fallen out on its own, even a hu-man couldn’t jump so high! Unless hu-mans really could fly through space like meteor storms…
The edge of the island had a trail of water drops. ToiMura knelt down. His species had exceptionally keen eyes and night vision. Through the dark water, he could dimly make out the door between the two parts of the master’s home. Pictures of the previous pets hung on the wall around the door. The last picture of the hu-man had clearly been smashed.
ToiMura recoiled. Now he understood the meaning of the water on the shore. The monster could swim.
ToiMura’s heart beat faster. It was madness to imagine a creature equipped to survive in so many environments. Most aliens could not swim, and even fewer could dive. ToiMura could tread water, which was considered a sign of a Death Worlder, but the pressure of such depths would have knocked him out even before lack of oxygen. The hu-man didn’t have gills! It shouldn’t be possible! Could it survive without air? Was the monster unkillable? If the hu-man could walk through a forcefield and breathe water, then perhaps hu-mans swimming through space had not been an idle delusion. Surely another escape was inevitable.
ToiMura fled the island and slammed the door closed. Immediately, he called his master. “A’zawa is dead.”
“Who?” All for One asked in an annoyed tone. “I told you to investigate how my pet escaped.”
“Yes, Master. A’zawa was put in the cage with the hu-man. It appears he did not survive.” ToiMura swallowed. “Perhaps energy from consuming him gave the hu-man strength to escape.” He could not avoid a note of reproach in his voice.
“Ahh, Izuku finally ate the chew toy!” All for One chortled. “What a good boy. I would reward my cute pet if it wasn’t being punished for the latest escape attempt. Yes, this could explain why Izuku seemed even more violent and feral than usual. It kept on coming at me even with a broken arm, even long after it had clearly lost. The taste of blood must have aroused its killer instincts.”
ToiMura shuddered and felt thankful he’d hidden under his desk. He could happily live the rest of his life without ever seeing a hu-man even more murderous than their usual default state. In fact, he didn’t think he’d live long should he encounter such a mindless, all-consuming ball of rage. “Master, I’ve found evidence that the hu-man swam through your home to escape.”
“Ah, that explains why it stole my key card!” All for One exclaimed. “I didn’t bother looking very hard for the card because I assumed the hu-man would be unable to use it.”
The communicator cracked under the force of ToiMura’s grip. For a brief moment, he fantasized about squeezing his own master’s neck. “Master, you could have swapped the locks on your door. If you’d only told me, I would have taken care of it for you.”
“But where’s the fun in that?” All for One asked carelessly. “If I hadn’t left a test, I never would have found out the hu-man’s true capabilities. How remarkable, that my pet would also be one of the rare species capable on both land and water–just like myself. I feel this similarity has made us grow closer.”
ToiMura growled, “I feel that since the hu-man has proven able to cross the moat, it should be moved to a more secure facility off the station .” All he cared about was getting the hu-man far away.
All for One said, “Nonsense, I could never be separated from my dear pet. Besides, I’m not done testing its abilities.”
“Your voice is breaking up, Master. The connection must be poor.” ToiMura snapped the communicator in two, then tossed it to the floor. He’d had enough. He headed to his sleeping chambers to pack. If the hu-man wouldn’t leave, then ToiMura would.
Just as ToiMura headed to the hospital bay to look for the rest of the League, they found him first. The four limped down the hallway, covered in bandages. Dabii was on crutches with a patch over one eye. Tw1ce mumbled to himself. Togah pushed Shpinnier’s wheelchair, though she seemed to be partly leaning on it for support. Shpinnier held Compr3ss’ head, with the rest of Compr3ss’ body attached in a sidecar. The severed robot’s head hissed, “Faster! We must escape!”
“What are you four doing out of the hospital?” ToiMura asked.
Dabii shuddered. “All for One brought the hu-man into the hospital for medical treatment. The master actually…put the evil monster in a bed next to mine…” He trembled all over.
Togah patted Dabii’s shoulder. “We had no choice but to flee. I admire the human’s murderousness but not enough to die by its teeth.”
In a tiny voice, Shpinnier whimpered, “The hu-man had a broken bone and bruises all over but still kept trying to claw free and kill us. Sorry, ToiMura, but we just couldn’t take it. These working conditions are unreasonable.”
“I completely agree. Let’s leave.” ToiMura gestured toward the docking bay. “I’ve ordered the staff to ready my personal ship. Luckily All for One is so distracted with the hu-man that he gave me full authority, and I authorized vacations for all of us. We’re going back to the last planet we were at–do you remember E-3?”
Wistfully, Compr3ss said, “Ah, yes, the beach planet we didn’t get to enjoy because we were too busy exterminating fleshlings.”
“Exactly.” ToiMura wagged his tail. “After the ordeal we’ve been through, we all deserve a vacation. There will be beaches, cool drinks, oil for Compr3ss, and absolutely no hu-mans.”
Smiling, All for One brushed a hand across the hu-man’s head fur, marveling at its softness. The hu-man moaned, bandaged limbs twitching, but settled after a moment.
Despite a full rotation passing, the hu-man was still asleep. Not that All for One minded, his little pet had managed to injure itself badly with several oozing cuts, developing bruises, and most impressive, a broken bone. Thrill had shot through All for One’s body when the hu-man had stood to face him, arm clearly broken as it dangled by its side, and attacked.
The violent outburst was easily put down by a blast of paralyzing gas from his tentacles, but the hu-man’s fighting prowess and resilience had been remarkable.
All for One trailed a tentacle along the bandaged arm, pleased to see that it was almost healed. The doctor’s medicines were remarkable, but the hu-man also recovered at astonishing speeds. The doctor had been delighted. Such a feat of biology was not easily found, and with access to samples, All for One couldn’t wait to see what the doctor could make with the hu-man’s DNA.
“You are a marvel,” he whispered to his sleeping pet, “but you do need lessons in behavior.”
He sighed, dreading the inevitable complaints from ToiMura about the base’s damage. His subordinate must have realized his boss’s mood and held off on complaining, but eventually it would come.
The base would have to be fixed, and All for One’s pet would have to be trained. He had wanted to give the hu-man time to adjust to its new home, but clearly, judging by the destruction, his pet was adjusted, now came the training.
Leaving the hu-man slumbering on the infirmary bed, All for One strode off. There were preparations to be made.
The smell of lavender hung on the breeze as purple waves lapped gently upon silvery shores. In the sky, three stars shone, casting rainbows through the misty sky. The planet reminded Inko of pictures she had drawn as a small child, fantasizing about space and the worlds there. In most circumstances, she would be in awe, lounging on the soft sand or dipping her feet in the warm water.
However, at the moment, she was trying to resist the urge to punch the alien shoving a device in her and Yagi’s faces.
They had landed to get fuel, but several of the locals, upon seeing Yagi arrive, had swarmed around him. Any delays to finding Izuku infuriated Inko, even though she knew they had no leads right now and nowhere to go. The beauty of this place only made her feel guilty to be enjoying the scenery without her son here.
“All Might! All Might!” the alien cried, his long pink tongue flicking around his face and nearly slapping Inko. “Please pose for a picture for your fans.”
“Sorry,” Yagi mouthed at Inko, his eyes pleading for patience.
Inko’s ire softened. It couldn’t be easy dealing with mobs of excited aliens every time you landed–at least when they hid from Inko, it meant they didn’t bother her. Inko had put on a hat before landing as a makeshift disguise, but it seemed like no one around here had any idea what humans looked like, so she needn’t have bothered.
Stepping slightly to the side, Inko made space for the locals demanding pictures, hoping that if they could be sated, Yagi and Inko would be allowed to fuel their ship and leave without wasting more time.
“All Might! Pose for a picture!”
Yagi waved at the aliens, and smiled, keeping his lips shut out of politeness. The space suit, well fitted to his body, accentuating the curves of his muscles, hinting that underneath the suit was a powerful body.
Heat rose to Inko’s cheeks, and as though sensing it, Yagi looked at her, his blue eyes questioning.
The color of Earth’s sky, his eyes sparkled, as if he could see past her bravado and fear into her true self.
Inko’s cheeks grew warmer, and with a concerned frown, Yagi excused himself from the aliens, slipping back to Inko.
“Are you alright?” he asked.
“Fine,” Inko replied, her voice shrill.
Yagi’s brows creased, and he opened his mouth to speak, when another alien, this one with curly pink fur, butted in. “All Might! All Might,” they cried then paused, taking in Inko’s appearance. “I didn’t know All Might was traveling with someone else. The forums will be ecstatic!”
All Might coughed into his fist. “Ah, this is my friend. I’m helping her with a task.”
“Your friend looks remarkably like you,” the pink alien said, leaning in closer to Inko. “Are you a couple?”
Inko’s face felt like she had shoved it into fire, and she gaped at the question. All Might exploded into hacking coughs, “I, uh, I’m sorry!” he blurted. “I must go check on the fuel,” and then raced away, leaving Inko standing next to the alien.
The alien blinked. “Was that rude? I was simply surprised to see someone so similar to him.”
“Similar?” Inko asked, desperately trying to use the conversation to mask the embarrassment she felt.
“Yes. After so many years alone in space with none of his species out there, it must be nice to find someone again.”
“I’m afraid you’re mistaken. There are others like me and All Might in space.”
“Really?” the alien asked, “I didn’t know.” They shook their head, pink fur bobbing at the motion. “Still I feel bad for startling him. Here,” she shoved two chips into Inko’s hands. “I’m sure the fueling will take at least a while longer. I had reservations for a meal at one of the cantinas here. Why don’t you two go get something to eat?”
Giving Inko’s hand a pat, the alien strode away, oblivious to the confusion they’d left Inko in.
Izuku couldn’t move.
Even his eyelids wouldn’t open. He felt the weight of a cast around his left arm. (He’d broken that, he remembered.) But his other arm and legs didn’t feel like they had any restraints, just a thin bedsheet. Even so, all his efforts did not provoke even a twitch.
What if he’d been paralyzed in his last fight with All for One? What if he’d broken his spine?
Panic rose up and crashed against Izuku’s mind like a wave. In all his reckless, desperate fights, he’d convinced himself even if he failed, he would still get another chance. All for One seemed to want him alive for whatever the reason. But if Izuku had permanently damaged his body, then it was all over. He’d live the rest of his life in this bed, assuming All for One didn’t do the alien equivalent of “putting his pet to sleep.”
Izuku fought harder to move, panting, the muscles on his neck straining. After a few minutes of frantic hysteria, his toes flexed.
Even this tiny success helped him calm down and think. He hadn’t broken his spine, because he could still feel the rest of his body. He just couldn’t move. It might be a drug. Izuku took deep breaths, relieved he at least had some control over his lungs.
After a few more minutes, Izuku’s eyes snapped open. He lay in the same hospital bay as when he’d first come into the ship. The beds around him were curiously empty–he could have sworn he’d put at least a few people in the hospital.
Garaki loomed over Izuku, holding a datapad. The giant octopus masquerading as a doctor seemed to be recording his every movement. A timer counted on the datapad.
When Izuku finally got enough motion back to twitch his fingers, Garaki picked up a needle with one of his many tentacles and plunged it into Izuku’s arm.
Izuku cried out, then went still. His eyes froze open this time, unable to even blink as the paralytic drug took over.
If this was supposed to be helping him with his pain, then Izuku had many, many complaints. The drug froze him in place but did nothing to stop him from feeling everything, including the throbbing of his broken arm. But Izuku doubted anyone here cared about his pain. Garaki probably just wanted to keep him in place to take more samples.
However, Garaki turned away and went back to his shelves, rummaging around the bottles.
When Izuku finally succeeded in opening his mouth enough to spit at his captor, Garaki returned and injected him with another drug. He restarted the timer.
Izuku finally realized he was part of a medical experiment. Garaki was testing out how long different drugs could keep Izuku from moving. Frankly Izuku thought a real experiment would have needed a control group and more time between the drugs but it was obvious this hack wouldn’t have been able to graduate from an Earth medical school.
When Izuku finally realized, he decided to mess with their results by pretending to be paralyzed longer. It would be to his advantage if they underestimated him. Every round, Izuku stayed still as long as possible before something tickled him and made him twitch. It was boring, but spite kept him from moving.
A bandage on Izuku’s arm proved that Garaki had already taken more blood samples as he slept. The octopus doctor returned several more times and put Izuku through the same white machine. Once, Garaki numbed Izuku’s arm and then injected a needle deep into his leg. Izuku was fairly certain a bone marrow sample had been taken, although it could have just been sadism knowing this cheap excuse for a doctor. It had hurt all the way to his bone.
When Garaki had finally left and the room had darkened, Izuku had shed tears of relief. He did not want to cry in front of his captors.
Izuku tried to comfort himself with a fantasy of A’zawa returning with help. But realistically speaking, A’zawa was probably just a regular person with no way to help. It seemed the Galactic Federation didn’t even view kidnapping humans as a crime. Izuku knew his mother would look for him, but all alone she’d probably have no clues and nowhere to start. Briefly, Izuku indulged in a fantasy of All Might showing up to save him, but that was even more ridiculous. He was probably on his own.
The next morning, Izuku woke up to find the paralyzation had been worn off but his good arm had been strapped down. It was a shame, because a hospital was full of weapons to use in an escape. All for One loomed over him holding a tray of breakfast. Although Izuku hated to see All for One’s smiling face, he was too hungry to refuse the food. It smelled much nicer than his usual fare, a cheesy scent rising off what looked a lot like Earth scrambled eggs. Though when Izuku actually took a bite, it tasted too sweet to be eggs. All for One fed Izuku with a spoon. Should this be considered a reward for being a good test subject or for putting up a fun fight? Knowing All for One, it could simply be a whim.
After eating, All for One decided it was pet the human time. Izuku attempted to dissuade him by biting. All for One jerked his tentacle away just in time with a reproving hiss.
Izuku glared defiantly. With his eyes, he tried to portray that he was not planning to sell out his dignity for some not-particular-great eggs.
Making an annoyed hissing noise, All for One went to a cabinet, then returned with a funny looking metal circle with holes, attached to a chain.
Izuku tried to back away, but the restraints wouldn’t let him get far. All for One fastened the device around Izuku’s head, with the metal plate over his mouth. To Izuku’s horror, he realized he’d been muzzled .
In the furious humiliation, he barely even noticed the leash clipping to his collar, or All for One’s tentacle returned to pat his head. This time, there was nothing he could do to fight it. He trembled with fury as a tentacle chucked him under the chin like a dog.
A tiny tear escaped Izuku’s eye. All for One exclaimed in delight, then grabbed a tube to sample the liquid coming out of his eyes.
Another three meals passed, before the ache in Izuku’s arm began to subside. Garaki wiggled excitedly, and took Izuku’s cast off to poke his arm with needles. Although Izuku’s arm was beginning to feel better, the alien technology healing him nearly supernaturally, the constant prodding hurt.
“Go away!” Izuku tried to yell, his words garbled by the metal pressing against his mouth. Izuku growled in frustration and shook his head, wanting nothing more than to shake the muzzle off.
All for One strode in, his tail swishing behind him and sighed at the furious expression on Izuku’s face. The bite marks and bruises Izuku had inflicted were mostly healed, only a thin layer of a sticky substance surrounding them.
The doctor waddled over to All for One, gesturing excitedly at Izuku and then back at the hospital.
Izuku desperately wished for a translator. Knowledge was power, but the few limited words A’zawa had taught him weren’t enough to know what All for One and the doctor were planning. Fear swirled in Izuku’s stomach as the doctor held a pad towards All for One, and the alien examined it with interest. They weren’t going to keep him here forever–were they?
At least in the enclosure Izuku could roam and be free of the doctor’s invasive tests. If Izuku had to stay paralyzed or restrained any longer, he was going to lose it.
A final burst of hissing noises came from the two. The doctor drooped down as All for One strode forward, a wide grin revealing his shark-like teeth.
The muzzle on Izuku’s face seemed to press into his skin, reminding him how defenseless he was.
Grabbing the hated leash from his belt, All for One clipped it to Izuku’s collar with a heart lurching snap. Then, with a press of a button, the restraints on his limbs released.
Izuku scrambled off the bed and onto the ground, desperate to get out of the infirmary. Rushing towards the door, he jerked back with a choking urk, as the leash pulled on his collar, pressing painfully on his throat.
The hissing noise from All for One was the only warning Izuku got as the collar extended, metal bands sliding down his torso and pinning his arms to his side.
No, Izuku thought wildly. His arm still hurt, but it didn’t stop him from straining against the restraints. No, no, no. He wanted out.
All for One stared down at him, his mouth turned in a smug smile, pleased at Izuku’s inability to speak.
“I’m going to punch your ugly face in!” Izuku yelled against the muzzle, hating how his words were muffled.
All for One’s smile grew wider, and he placed a clawed hand on Izuku’s head, stroking his hair and pulling on the leash when Izuku tried to move away.
With what Izuku supposed was a goodbye to the doctor, All for One strode out of the infirmary, pulling Izuku along with him. The collar and leash chafed at Izuku’s neck and pride, but he allowed All for One to lead him away.
A shiver crawled up Izuku’s spine as he looked back at the infirmary, Garaki watching them leave.
Izuku walked quicker after that.
The base was quieter than the past three times Izuku had seen it. That two of those “tours” were escape attempts might have influenced things, but the hallways were deathly quiet. It reminded Izuku of the time, back on Earth, when one of the kids at school had decided to pull a prank on Izuku by telling his classmates to ignore him. All day, nobody would speak to him or interact with him. Yet walking the hallways, Izuku could feel their stares and muffled snickers.
There was no laughing, but Izuku swore he could feel eyeballs locked onto him, tracking his every move.
“Are you really that pathetic?!” Izuku wanted to yell. “Scared and hiding from the human?”
An angry laugh, gagged by the muzzle slipped out. Arm injured, torso restrained, muzzle over his face, and leash around his neck, and still…the aliens cowered.
Afraid of the big bad human.
The base certainly upheld Izuku’s scary reputation. Charred marks from Izuku’s blaster bonanza covered the walls, and in places debris lay on the floor. Once, along one hallway, Izuku thought he might have seen a body, but then All for One was pulling on his collar and they moved on.
However, despite the fearful occupants and the partial destruction of the base, Izuku felt more scared than scary.
His hands shook, filled with an anxious energy to move. Again, his mind flitted back to the hospital and the doctor’s experiments. His body throbbed in remembrance, tiny purple bruises blooming where he’d been stabbed with needles. That feeling of being helpless, similar to when he’d been trapped in the box.
Izuku’s hands shook, and he flexed his fingers, trying to remove the fearful energy.
The collar jerked into Izuku’s neck, and choking, he came to stop outside the door to his enclosure.
Bitter relief flooded Izuku as the forcefield lowered and the door to his prison opened. Beyond the unraveling walkway, the island sat untouched.
There was no A’zawa, Izuku thought with a sharp pang of loneliness. He hoped the cat alien had escaped safely, at least then one of them would be okay.
With a tug on the leash, All for One urged Izuku to move again, guiding him across the walkway, which slid back as soon as they set foot on the island.
Izuku sighed in relief, ready to be released of his bindings. However, All for One walked further in, back to the den where Izuku slept. Izuku stopped next to it, his body shaking in anticipation for the muzzle and leash to come off.
Kneeling, All for One took the end of Izuku’s leash and clicked it into a metal loop on the ground. Blinking in confusion, Izuku tried pulling away, but the anchor and leash held firm, keeping him tied next to the den.
With a grin, All for One patted Izuku on the head, the leash preventing Izuku from slipping away. His eyes shone with vindictive pleasure as Izuku struggled and failed.
A rumble of words left his lips, and then he was gone, striding back to the water and leaping in.
Izuku stared numbly at the rippling water, his confused mind struggling to understand. He was still restrained. The muzzle dug into his face, and the metal bindings pinned his arms to his side. They weren’t off. Why weren’t they off?
The tremble in Izuku’s limbs increased, rolling up his legs to his arms like an earthquake. He couldn’t be trapped again. He couldn’t.
With a throat ripping scream, Izuku thrashed, whipping his body back and forth and shaking his head, frantically trying to remove the restraints on him. The metal felt red hot, searing his skin as they dug deeper and deeper. Falling to the ground, he rolled around, fingernails clawing at whatever they could reach.
Guttural noises echoed through the space, and Izuku realized it was his own voice.
“NO! NO! MOMMY! WHERE ARE YOU!?” Izuku screamed, choking on the words. “I WANT OUT!”
A deep haze fell over Izuku’s mind, numbing his senses and the world disconnecting from his body.
When he came to, blinking away tears, a deep heaviness weighed on his body. His injured arm radiated pain, and his fingernails dripped blood.
He was trapped.
OMAKE TIME!
Omake: Misunderstandings Part 1
All for One: I’ll give my pet a mixture of positive and negative reinforcement for training. To start off, let’s look up traditional Earth foods.
Izuku: Your scrambled eggs taste like cinnamon rolls, and I hate your ugly face.
#
Omake: Misunderstandings Part 2
All Might: I’ve always wanted to save people with a smile.
Aliens: We assume All Might is always baring his teeth because he’s traumatized over the extinction of his mysterious species.
Chapter 9
Notes:
This chapter gets particularly dark. In the ending author’s note, we have given additional warnings and described how you can skip the worst part. If you would like to know, go peek at the end. If you would rather not get spoilers, then read on.
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Peace didn’t come when Izuku slept. All for One chased Izuku into his dreams, the alien laughing as Izuku clawed at the muzzle that had grown into his face. Behind him, the doctor lurked, large needles held in each tentacle.
Izuku woke up with a gasp, sweat dripping from his face, and his heart pounding. His body felt clammy, and his clothes clung uncomfortably to his skin. Wetness trickled down his face, slipping under the muzzle.
“It’s okay,” he tried to tell himself. The muzzle pressed painfully into his skin, and already Izuku could feel raw patches of skin.
His arms ached from the forced confinement, and although his broken arm had mostly healed due to the alien’s medicine, it still throbbed as he struggled to sit up.
Izuku licked his lips, his mouth uncomfortably parched. A disgruntled rumble came from Izuku’s stomach, and Izuku realized he didn’t know when he’d last eaten. He’d spent most of his stay in the hospital paralyzed or unconscious.
A hissing noise came from behind, and Izuku flinched, attempting to raise his hands into a defensive position and instead flailing against the restraints.
All for One sat on a large rock, his tail curled up towards his feet, and his head resting on his clawed hands.
Seeing Izuku’s attention, All for One smiled, his sharp teeth reminding Izuku of a shark preparing to latch onto its prey.
He spoke, uncaring that Izuku didn’t understand, and with the press of a button on his belt, the restraints wrapped around Izuku’s arms relaxed and slid back into the collar mechanism. Sharp pain like pins and needles ran up his arms as blood flowed back into his limbs.
Izuku moaned as he stretched his arms, tears pricking the corner of his eyes. It was similar to sitting in a space ship seat for too long, unable to stretch like needed.
A chuckle came from All for One, and Izuku froze. However, All for One pressed another button, and the metal circle of the muzzle folded back into the straps, freeing Izuku’s mouth.
“Good,” All for One said, followed by another stream of words. Picking up a box besides him, he carried it over to Izuku, set it down, and removed the lid.
Steam wafted from the warm food, bringing with the scent of roasted meat and lavender soap, the combination unusual but not unpleasant. Izuku’s stomach growled again, and he fell onto the food, partially choking on mouthfuls as he shoved it into his mouth.
All for One watching smiling from his seat on the rock, and his lingering gaze made the food churn uncomfortably in Izuku’s belly.
As soon as Izuku had finished eating, All for One stood and unclipped the end of Izuku’s leash from the anchor.
Swears bubbled in Izuku’s mouth, but then popped and died at the knowing look on All for One’s face. It was a test, Izuku realized. The plate that blocked Izuku from speaking had been deactivated, but All for One hadn’t removed the muzzle.
Gritting his teeth, Izuku bowed his head and said nothing, obeying like the good pet All for One wanted.
Chuckling, All for One tugged on the leash, beckoning Izuku forward.
When A’zawa had been trapped with Izuku, the feline alien had drawn a rough map in the dirt, tracing out different locations to the many escape pods. Izuku had done his best to memorize the turns and hallways A’zawa drew, as well as what he’d seen from previous escape attempts. However, even with that patchy knowledge, Izuku didn’t know where All for One was taking him.
He tracked their progress through the base, noting the long spiral ramps and the charred walls from previous escapes. All for One and Izuku’s destination was on the opposite from the escape pods which was a disappointment. However, it also, thankfully, was far away from the creepy doctor’s laboratory.
All for One stopped outside a large metal door and punched in a series of numbers. The door swung open, and All for One and Izuku entered.
All Might’s fame automatically got him a private room at the restaurant. Inko felt glad of it, because she’d dealt with enough prying eyes and noisy fans. The room had giant panels that flashed waves of colors in a soothing pattern. Soft music drifted across the air. The purple table sat on retractable legs that could grow or shrink to accommodate species of different sizes. The chairs were made of a squishy magenta material that adapted to Inko’s body. A bouquet of colorful flowers sat on the table, though these were unlike any flowers on Earth with their neon yellow spiral petals. They smelled sweet, like roses. Inko once again wished Izuku could see this. He would be hovering and taking notes on the alien wildlife.
Even with her translator, Inko had no idea what the dishes on the menu would taste like based on their unfamiliar names. She paused with her finger resting on ramen . “I think my translator is failing. There are Japanese dishes on here.”
“No, that’s accurate,” Yagi said, flashing a big grin. “I’ve taught the food replicators to produce some of my favorite dishes.”
When Inko’s gaze fell on katsudon , tears formed in the corners of her eyes.
“What’s wrong?” Yagi asked anxiously. “Are the lights on the walls too distracting? Some people find them annoying. We can go somewhere else.”
“It’s not that.” Inko gulped. “My son’s favorite food is on this menu. He would love this place, but…I wonder if his captors are feeding him properly. What if he gets sick because they don’t know what to feed humans?”
Yagi twisted his hands and opened his mouth.
“No false hope, please,” Inko said. “Give it to me straight. I know you said you rescued one of All for One’s former prisoners.”
Yagi said, “Nana told me that All for One keeps his pets well-fed. She described his presence as loathsome and his idea of entertainment even worse. But he always runs the food through testing first. Since you asked me not to lie to you, I can’t say young Midoriya is happy or safe. But I believe he will be kept alive long enough for us to rescue him.”
Inko stared at the menu, her appetite gone. She knew she had to eat in order to keep up her strength. But she could not bear to eat katsudon without her Izuku here. “Do you recommend any alien dishes?”
Yagi said, “The gakdy tastes a lot like tomato soup.”
“I’ll take that,” Inko said, suddenly ready to leave the restaurant even though they’d only just arrived. Even though they had no leads, nowhere to go.
The two of them fell into an uncomfortable silence. It was in contrast to the cheerful mood earlier. Inko knew she was bringing down the room, but she couldn’t help it. When the food arrived, she poked at her soup.
“If it tastes bad, we can order something else,” Yagi said. “I’ll pay.” He’d ordered the ramen.
“It’s good.” Inko took another sip. “I’m just feeling sad. I’m sorry for ruining the meal.” The tears were lurking behind her eyes again.
Yagi handed her a handkerchief. As she took it, he said, “Please don’t apologize. You’re allowed to be sad. I think you’re amazing, chasing your son across the galaxy like this. If you have any more questions, I’m happy to answer them. If you would rather distract yourself, that’s valid.”
Inko wrung the handkerchief, wondering if she was scratching at a scabbed-over wound. She’d avoided asking so far because she didn’t want to know. It would not do her any good to know. She knew she’d probably cry. But in the end, with the box opened, she found she could not close it. “How is Nana doing now? Did All for One chase after her?”
“All for One seemed to lose interest after she escaped. Instead, he focused his vengeance on me for robbing him. I’ve got a large bounty, she has a small one.” Yagi shrugged. “She’s also been keeping a low profile. It’s possible All for One believes she is dead. Her tribe died in a tragic accident while she was gone. For her people, family is all-important. It’s been very hard on her.”
“Did All for One ever hurt Nana?”
Yagi hesitated, which immediately gave Inko a bad feeling. “Not with physical violence. He punishes escape attempts with heavier restraints. Nana said that he took some biological samples that he uses to build his genetically engineered soldiers–the Nomu. We destroyed the samples when we fled.”
The sincere sympathy in his eyes made her want to break down even more. It would be easy to let him comfort her. But she had no time for breakdowns. Inko dabbed at her eyes. “We have to find Izuku before All for One turns him into an experiment.” As if it was as easy as finding him because she wanted to. Maybe she was even too late. “Why Nana? Why my Izuku?”
Yagi said, “All for One believes only Death Worlders are worthy of being his pets. He’s a Death Worlder himself.”
Inko’s fist clenched around the handkerchief. “Why does the entire galaxy treat humans like monsters? Even other Death Worlders don’t get treated like animals!”
It had been a rhetorical question, but Yagi answered it. “Many aliens consider less technologically advanced civilizations to be like animals. It’s an ongoing source of oppression and suffering, and the cause of Earth’s original invasion. In the case of us humans, they’re scared of us in addition to their scorn. But I believe they can change their minds. Just look at how people idolize me!”
“About that.” Inko cleared her throat. “You don’t seem to realize, but I don’t think anyone else realizes that you’re hu–”
From outside the room, a loud voice demanded, “What do you mean, you only have one private room? I have friends on the way. I’m far more important than whatever grubs you let have the room, so throw them out and let us in.”
The door flung open. A white-furred canine alien stood in the doorway, the anxious robot waiter wringing metal hands behind him.
The alien took one look at Inko, then whimpered and tucked in his ears. “That green hair…human!”
Leaping to her feet, Inko demanded, “Have you seen another green-haired human?”
“TOIMURA!” Yagi screamed. “Nana’s grandson!” He ran forward with his arms outstretched.
ToiMura showed the whites of his eyes, then slithered away.
Yagi chased him, but Inko moved even faster, leaping across the room and grabbing ToiMura by the back of his fur.
While Inko dragged ToiMura into the room, Yagi addressed the waiter: “Pardon us, this is an old family friend. We need some private time together. I’ll pay for any destruction he caused.” Inko slammed the door.
Once he realized he was trapped, ToiMura immediately rolled over to show his belly. Gazing up at Inko with terror, he whispered, “Oh no, the small humans have the most rage packed into their tiny bodies. Please don’t eat me alive. If you must eat me, then kill me first like an honorable being.”
“No one is eating anyone,” Yagi said in a shocked voice.
“That remains to be seen.” Inko loomed over ToiMura, punching her fist into her palm. The sound made him flinch. She smiled in an entirely unfriendly way. “Where did you last see another small, green-haired human? Because that sounds like my son.”
“You’re the progenitor of the physical manifestation of murder and destruction?” ToiMura whined.
Inko bent closer, watching him flinch away. “That does sound like my Izuku. Do you work for All for One?” Hatred dripped from her words.
ToiMura shrieked and hid behind Yagi. Gripping the hero’s pant leg, he cried, “All Might, I hate you but I’ll tell you everything, just save me from the human!”
Exasperated, Inko said, “You do realize that All Might is human too.”
ToiMura looked down, saw his own paws touching a human, then fainted dead away.
“Dammit,” Inko moaned. Just when she’d been about to obtain information.
“I think that went well,” Yagi said brightly. “After he wakes up, I’ll explain to him that I’m very close to his grandmother, and then I’m sure he’ll tell us everything he knows about where to find your son.”
“But I don’t want to wait,” Inko grumbled.
The door flung open. Three more aliens and a headless robot stomped inside. They all held drinks in their hands and the gelatinous blob had a flower crown. The lizard alien said, “ToiMura, the waiter said you were here–HU-MAN!”
They turned to run, but All Might moved faster. Grappling hooks shot from his wrists, tying the aliens together. Baring his teeth, he asked, “Do you work for All for One too? I don’t have any reason to go easy on you since I don’t know your grandmothers.”
But the aliens didn’t even pay attention to him. Their terrified eyes remained fixed on Inko. She demanded, “Where is my son?”
The robot shrieked, “We’ll tell you everything! Just please take your son away!”
Inko smiled. Now she finally felt like this meal was looking up.
Izuku didn’t know what he had expected of their destination, but the football field sized room was not among his top three guesses. He gaped at the odd structures littering the room: pools of water, stone walls, pits of mud, and platforms of various sizes. It looked like a child’s jungle gym and an obstacle course had a baby that was then fed beef and steroids for a decade.
All for One smirked at Izuku’s confusion, and said something in his hissing tongue. Leading Izuku along, All for One stopped by a large cage. Quickly, he unlatched Izuku’s leash and shoved him in.
Izuku whirled around, but the cage door slammed shut, leaving Izuku trapped. Panicked, Izuku threw his body against the bars, scrabbling for a latch or a door, something that he could pry open to escape.
All for One reached in, and placed a hand on Izuku’s head, ruffling his hair.
Then, with the press of a button, the cage rose into the air. The floor tottered precariously, and Izuku fell to the ground, hoping that this wasn’t the end. That All for One wasn’t planning on dropping him from a great height to watch Izuku’s body splatter on the ground.
The cage shuddered to a stop, and a door swung open, leading out onto a platform. Without hesitation, Izuku ran out and collapsed onto the solid wood, his heart pounding.
He wasn’t trapped, he told himself. It was okay.
Nearly two stories below, All for One shouted unintelligible words at Izuku and gestured at a long rope bridge that connected Izuku’s platform to another.
The alien curse rested on the tip of Izuku’s tongue, begging to be used, but the muzzle dug into his cheeks and Izuku thought otherwise. Glaring at All for One, Izuku shook his head and crossed his arms. He wasn’t moving for anything.
From the ceiling above, a mounted plasma blaster Izuku hadn’t previously noticed swiveled towards him. Lines of orange plasma heating up along the barrel was the only warning Izuku got, before a shot fired off. Yelping, Izuku leaped back. His previous spot was a smoking black spot.
All for One yelled again, and the plasma blaster swung to Izuku’s spot.
Slowly, Izuku backed away, his right foot stepping onto the rope bridge.
Instantly, the plasma blaster swiveled back to its original position, although its barrel remained glowing orange.
Of course, Izuku thought, his hands shaking with rage as he stepped onto the rope bridge. All for One wanted to test his new pet. Run him through an obstacle course to see what he could do and teach him a new trick.
The urge to scream curses and fall on the ground slamming his fists nearly overwhelmed Izuku. But he could see the alien’s hands hanging close by his belt, ready to activate Izuku’s restraints again. Izuku glowered at All for One below, but reluctantly stepped farther onto the bridge. Gripping the rope handles, Izuku imagined it was All for One’s neck he was strangling.
Get through the obstacle course, Izuku told himself. He didn’t need to be quick or reveal his true capabilities. He simply needed to complete it and be done.
With that thought, Izuku crossed the rope bridge, taking care not to glance at the ground stories below.
A fall would most likely kill him, and Izuku didn’t trust All for One to create safety gear to protect him.
The bridge swung with every step, sending Izuku’s stomach lurching, but he made it across safely to a new platform that immediately began spinning. Leaping from spinning platform to spinning platform was more nerve wracking as dizziness set in, and Izuku nearly missed one jump.
Clutching the third of five spinning platforms, Izuku closed his eyes, trying to center himself.
It’s okay, he told himself. It’s okay. Think of it as an All Might story.
In his mind, he imagined the legendary space hero bending down and picking Izuku up.
It’s alright, young man, All Might said. I am here, and you’ve got this.
Nauseated but determined, Izuku cleared the final two spinning platforms and jumped onto a ledge overlooking a pool of water. It was far higher than any jump Izuku had done before. His legs wobbled, but he forced himself to leap.
Time slowed as he fell through the air, the shining water slowly rising up to meet him.
With a noisy splash, Izuku fell feet first, the impact jarring his lower body. Water rushed up his nose, burning his sinuses. His clothes pulled on his body, dragging Izuku deeper down. With a burst of energy, Izuku kicked, propelling himself to the surface.
Gasping for air, he doggy paddled in place, before swimming towards a dangling rope net farther down the pool. His only way of escape.
His injured arm trembled and Izuku pulled himself up out of the water and began to climb.
As the obstacles continued, and Izuku’s body weakened, one thought ran through his mind. Whoever had designed the course was a sadist.
The obstacles were grueling, pushing Izuku’s trembling muscles to the limit as he climbed over rock walls, crawled through claustrophobic tunnels, and swung across gaps on vines.
Sweat poured down his face, and his breath grew ragged. But whenever Izuku paused for more than a minute or two, the blasters fired at him, forcing Izuku to leap back into the course.
However, clawing his way through a mud pit, Izuku felt his will begin to falter. The mud, thick and heavy, clung to his clothes, pulling him deeper into the muck and threatening to swallow him whole. With a sob, Izuku forced himself farther, his filthy hand shaking as he reached for the exit.
He wanted All Might to rescue him. He wanted A’zawa to be back.
He wanted…
He wanted his mom.
With her soft smile and gentle hugs. Her soft green hair that tickled his face when he hugged her. The way that she made his day better even after bullies mocked him.
Escape for her, Izuku told himself, his vision blurring from mud and tears. With a gasping scream of effort, he dragged himself up out of the mud and onto the ground.
“Mommy?” he whimpered as a form knelt down beside him.
Clawed hands ran through Izuku’s mud-caked hair, and for a moment, it was his mom, comforting him.
Then the hands were lifting him up, and Izuku blinked blearily in time to see the gas oozing from All for One’s tentacles.
The League had been imprisoned in the hold of All Might’s ship, which was fortunately equipped for dealing with dangerous prisoners. They had not put up a fight. (In fact, they’d pleaded to be taken to prison away from the humans.) Yagi had tried to talk to ToiMura, but without success. Clearly ToiMura preferred to stay with his friends (or hide behind his friends.)
Inko slammed herself down in the pilot seat and glared at the incomprehensible control board. “How do I make this ship take me to All for One’s station?”
Yagi put a hand on her shoulder. “I understand how you feel, but we won’t have much luck storming a space station alone. It would be hundreds of guards against the two of us. We need Yuuei’s help.”
Inko’s shoulders sagged. She knew he was right, but she didn’t like it. Not when she’d gotten so close to her son. “What if Yuuei doesn’t help us?”
“They have ample reason,” Yagi said. “All for One is an old enemy. A’zawa is missing. And they’re good people.”
“They didn’t seem to like humans,” Inko mumbled, hanging her head and tugging at her hair.
Yagi said, “In the worst-case scenario, I can blackmail Ne-Dzu. I’m the only supplier of his favorite Earth tea.”
Inko snorted. That sounded like a deal she could trust. “All right.” She got out of the pilot’s seat. “Take us to Yuuei. As fast as possible, please.” Then she winced, because of course he would go as fast as possible. It wasn’t as if the ship had more than one speed. She must sound foolish.
Yagi patted her back. “We’ll get him back. If it comes to that, I’d go with you alone. But I’m sure Yuuei will help us.”
Inko wished she had his confidence.
All for One sighed as he scrolled through his data hologram, reading over his subordinates’ useless reports. Failed attacks on the Federation, complaints from workers quitting, broken food processing machines in the cafeteria, and hundreds of other petty worries. His head ached at the number of issues to fix.
It wasn’t easy, being the boss. He took a miniscule amount of time to himself and to break in his new pet, and the entire operation imploded.
Well, not everything, All for One thought as he looked over a message from Garaki detailing the newest batch of Nomu soldiers. He’d been extremely impressed at Izuku’s results in the obstacle course. The doctor had been positively ecstatic about the hu-man’s DNA samples. They had started creating their new Nomu, HU-MAN model.
There was only one test remaining: the hu-man’s swimming ability. Garaki had been especially enthusiastic about aquatic Nomu. However, the doctor did not think humans could truly breathe underwater due to lack of gills. Izuku clearly had the ability to withstand pressure and hold his breath, but for how long? This next result would be critical to designing the Nomu. They needed hard numbers on how long humans could survive underwater.
Why, this was so important that All for One would even be willing to risk a little damage to his pet. Tending to his pet’s injuries afterward would only bring them closer.
Izuku woke up in the hospital bed. Another bandage on his wrist told him that more of his blood had been taken. What was Garaki doing with so much blood? Drinking it like a vampire octopus?
The damn collar and muzzle remained on. Izuku was starting to fear they would be permanent. He should have known he would be punished for his escape attempt. Not only did the metal hurt his face, he’d developed the most agonizing itch. He thrashed in his restraints. The hard material dug into already bruised skin.
When All for One returned, Izuku summoned up the energy to snarl. But he did not have enough left to fight when the leash dragged him out of the room again. He’d yet to recover from the obstacle course.
This time, All for One dragged him to an indoor pool. An inflated slide ran across part of the pool, along with hanging rings and a barrier blocking the end, probably to force him to dive.
“No!” Izuku snapped. Fear lurked under his bravado. He was too tired from last time. He was not sure if he could swim such a great distance.
All for One unhooked the leash and waved at the pool.
“No!” Izuku repeated. Bending down, he touched the water. It was as cold as he’d feared. “This water is too cold. I can’t swim without my heater.”
All for One shoved Izuku into the pool.
With a choked scream, Izuku went under. Water got into his nose. The ice-cold temperature froze his limbs. He barely managed to resurface, sputtering. He tried to climb out of the pool.
All for One picked Izuku’s fingers off the edge and pushed him back in.
“I told you, I can’t swim the course! Stop, please!” Izuku flinched, horrified that he’d lowered himself to pleading. He’d promised himself no more futile pleas after the box, when no one had cared.
But as twisted though All for One might be, he wanted Izuku alive. Surely he would stop, if he understood the fatality of his demented test. Izuku tried one more time. “Please…”
All for One shoved Izuku’s head under the water.
Izuku barely had time to take a breath. The cold hit him, penetrating deep to his bones. He struggled and clawed at the tentacles holding him down. The ceiling lights gleamed overhead, tauntingly out of reach.
Time slowed down. Izuku’s body was moving slower–or was that because of the cold? He could barely even fight anymore. The need for air became urgent. His entire body screamed for him to inhale, but his sanity stopped him from such suicide. He simultaneously felt like his chest was being torn apart and burned from the inside out. Sparks danced behind his eyes as he approached unconsciousness. Desperately, his lungs refused to inhale. If he passed out, then he’d breathe in water, and he’d die. His chest trembled. The first drops of water slipping up his nose burned like hot lava. It dawned on him that he would die here, after all his suffering and struggles, drowning just inches from the surface. He might be hyperventilating…which meant…if he couldn’t stop himself from taking a breath…
All for One jerked Izuku out of the water by his hair.
Dangling from the tentacles, Izuku sucked in deep breaths of air. Tears streamed down his face. Something probably not water dribbled down his leg, but he did not want to think about that. His arms hung limp like wet noodles. He’d never been in so much pain, and also never been so relieved. Even the pain in his throat was beautiful. It meant he lived.
With a spare tentacle, All for One fastened a device on Izuku’s wrist–a monitor? Then he checked a stop watch.
“No,” Izuku whimpered. His limbs would not move. He couldn’t even fight back. “I’ll be good. I won’t try to escape again. Let me run the obstacle course. I’ll do anything you want. Please, don’t.”
All for One gazed at Izuku with the wide, eager eyes of a child using a magnifying glass to fry ants for fun. Then All for One shoved Izuku under again.
OMAKE TIME!
Izuku: No omakes, only murder. The authors, All for One…I’m not picky about who I kill.
Notes:
Warning for this chapter: drowning as torture. If you want to skip it, then stop at “All for One shoved Izuku into the pool” then go to the omakes. All you need to know for future chapters is that All for One held Izuku underwater to test how long he could breathe.
2000DragonArmy (tumblr/Ao3) drew science fiction Spinner and Compress, they look much scarier than canon:
Chapter 10
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
As enjoyable though playing around with his pet had been, All for One had to return to work. That slacker ToiMura had chosen the worst possible time to go on vacation (and his protégé would pay as soon as All for One tracked his location.) Normally All for One assigned the menial tasks of running the ship to ToiMura, one of the very few people he considered trustworthy who had the correct skill set and a proper Death Worlder murderousness. In ToiMura’s absence, All for One had been forced to personally handle tasks such as finding new food processors, locating backup files from the destroyed computers, and executing the many, many attempted deserters.
Fortunately, now that All for One had obtained his pet’s pliancy, he could enjoy pleasant company during his daily tasks.
Izuku lay on All for One’s lap, looking tiny and cute. All for One had paralyzed his hu-man first, but it didn’t seem like there was any need. Izuku had stopped trying to bite and escape after the last test/punishment. All for One felt pleased to have finally tamed his rebellious pet. Personally, All for One thought that Izuku had just been too energetic due to lack of proper exercise. Now that the hu-man had gotten to enjoy a fun obstacle course (and learned its place) they were getting along much better.
The food processors had been purchased cheap from a company that no longer existed, and as a result, no replacement parts could be obtained. After sending a message to execute the fool who’d sold them, All for One stroked Izuku’s curls. The hu-man could not move, but All for One felt certain his dear pet enjoyed receiving the affection.
All for One reached under his desk and pulled out a treat. Even when the rest of the ship suffered on gruel, his pet still deserved the best food. Izuku ate out of his tentacles without resisting, eyes closed. The hu-man offered no resistance or attempts to bite with those lovely white teeth. Clearly they’d reached a new, close bond.
After what must have been an hour sitting on All for One’s lap, Izuku was bored out of his mind. And the worst part? He liked boredom. He craved boredom. The one time All for One had gotten up and left the room, Izuku had nearly cried for fear that his captor had some horrible new test in mind. But All for One had quickly returned and resumed keeping Izuku in his lap as he’d worked.
It felt horribly uncomfortable. Izuku couldn’t move, couldn’t even scratch that nagging itch on his chin. The longer he lay like this, the more painfully aware he became of the itch. When All for One’s tentacles touched his hair, he could not shudder.
A sudden motion scared Izuku, making him fear All for One had some new game planned. Instead, the alien fed Izuku a snack that tasted like Earth sugar. How humiliating, to be manipulated around by All for One like a doll. This entire position in the creep’s lap humiliated him.
But anything was better than drowning again.
If Izuku had been able to move, he would have shuddered. His breathing came a bit faster. All for One did not notice anything wrong, turning back to his computer screen.
Izuku hadn’t realized how easy he’d had it, back in his enclosure. There had been food and fake sunlight. He’d been able to move around and entertain himself. If only Izuku had never tried to escape, he could have stayed in such comfortable conditions. All his attempts hadn’t gotten him anything except agonizing pain. Maybe he shouldn’t have bothered. Maybe he’d been a fool to think a kid could do anything against an alien warlord.
Maybe if Izuku just lay still, he would be able to stop himself from thinking at all. He would push away thoughts of his mother and longing for freedom. He would go away inside his head where no one could hurt him.
Apparently the five aliens and one robot that Inko and Yagi had easily taken down were galaxy-feared criminals previously under the employment of All for One.
Inko didn’t think much of them. ToiMura, the odd fluffy snake-dog alien, had shared little information, not out of defiance, but fear. His tail wrapped up around him as he quivered in a ball. And whenever Inko asked about Izuku, ToiMura’s eyes turned glazed with terror, like a soldier remembering a horrific battle they barely survived. His allies were in similar states, huddling together in a pack for safety.
The platoon of guards with their glowing weapons that Yuuei sent aboard Hercules were hardly needed. The supposedly feared League eagerly followed the guard’s leading them to their cells, just so they could escape the Death Worlder humans.
“We’re in luck!” Yagi said, sounding almost chipper as he watched ToiMura’s retreating form. He hadn’t succeeded in winning over the alien yet, but Inko was sure he’d try again. “Ne-Dzu’s called Yuuei’s counsel together and has invited us. A’zawa just arrived back at Yuuei and says he has information to share.”
“He’s the one Ne-Dzu said was spying on All for One, right?”
“Yes. Which means he’ll have a much better idea of the base’s layout and defenses, which will make our offensive much more likely to succeed.”
Relief fluttered in Inko’s chest. “That’s wonderful.” Returning to Yuuei for additional assistance and to turn the League into custody had been a difficult pill to swallow. Knowledge of Izuku’s whereabouts was finally in her possession and to not go immediately burned. However, if this A’zawa could share what he had learned, then the detour would be worth it.
The conference room was already packed when Yagi and Inko slipped inside. Aliens crowded excitedly around a bipedal alien with thick black fur, pointed ears, and two long tails. He reminded Inko of a large cat, especially when he slipped away from the others and paced noiselessly to the front of the room where Ne-Dzu sat waiting.
“Excuse me everyone,” Ne-Dzu’s voice called over the chatter, “but if you would please take your seats that would be appreciated.”
Pulling out a chair, Yagi gestured for Inko to take a seat, then sat down to the right of her. However, the seat to her left remained empty, the other aliens keeping a wide berth from her.
“Thank you, everyone,” Ne-Dzu said once everyone had taken a seat. “I know each of you are very excited to see A’zawa again as am I.” He nodded to the cat alien sitting on his right. “I know this mission was at great personal risk to him, so it is our responsibility to act on the information he shares quickly. All for One has repeatedly attacked Yuuei, and we must stop this from continuing.”
Clicking echoed from the aliens in the conference room, a type of applause, and Inko belatedly snapped her fingers, trying to replicate the sound.
A’zawa stood up, his face solemn as he addressed the crowd. “For many rotations, I have been undercover at All for One’s base, attempting to learn his future plans. While there I managed to explore large portions of his base while pretending to be a worker. I’ve already shared rough schematics and plans that I was able to see with Ne-Dzu.”
“What are they?” an alien with crimson skin and massive fangs asked. “Are you going to share them with us?”
A’zawa’s ears flicked in annoyance. “I will. However, there is matter of greater importance that I wish to address first.”
The room shuffled, voices murmuring in surprise. Inko’s leg bounced nervously under the table as she resisted the urge to storm up, grab A’zawa, make him tell her about the base, and immediately leave for Izuku.
As if sensing her anxiety, Yagi reached a hand over and rested it on her leg, squeezing gently, before folding his arms again.
“While at the base, I heard news that All for One had adopted a new pet.”
The hairs on the back of Inko’s neck raised. Was he talking about Izuku? He must be.
“All for One has had a habit of kidnapping people in the past,” Yagi spoke up, his voice grave. “Sapient species, I might add, and subjecting them to be his pets. His last ‘pet’ was Nana, who I rescued and I’m sure you’ve all met.”
“And now he’s taken another one. A kit this time.”
The room erupted into angry noises, as people gnashed their teeth and banged their tails on the floor.
“A child?!” One bird-like alien screeched, a yellow crest of feathers on his head flaring in anger.
“How do you know this?” the stony alien from before, C’ment-Oss, asked.
“While exploring the base, I accidentally became trapped in the pet’s enclosure. I should have died once All for One discovered my presence, but the kit protected me. Several times All for One tried to kill me, and the kit was the only reason I survived. Together we planned an escape attempt, and I was able to escape; however…” A’zawa paused, his throat bobbing. When he spoke, his voice was hoarse with emotion, “he sacrificed himself to make it possible. Attacked All for One so that I could enter a pod.”
Inko clasped her hands to her mouth, holding back a sob. Izuku, that was her brave, heroic Izuku.
“Is the kit still alive?”
“I believe so,” A’zawa said. “All for One did not seem inclined to kill or injure him. That said, he cannot remain in All for One’s care.”
Tears trickled out, and it took all of Inko’s willpower not to break down. To have her son’s survival confirmed…that meant there was a chance. They could save him.
“Hold up,” the crimson skinned alien held up a claw. “Something about this doesn’t make sense. You’re saying a child was able to protect you from All for One, a class four Death Worlder. How is that even possible?”
“It’s possible if he’s a higher ranking.” C’ment-Oss said.
“Higher than category four? You mean a category five?”
“There’s only one known class five Death Wolder still in existence,” the bird alien said slowly, his red eyes widening. He whipped around to look at A’zawa and screeched, “A hu-man?! All for One has a pet hu-man?! How is that possible? How did you survive?”
“More importantly,” the crimson-skinned alien said, “You’re wanting to go rescue the hu-man? Are you trying to get everyone killed?!”
Something heavy settled in Inko’s stomach as she listened with rising anger to the alien. The relief at hearing Izuku was alive, soured by his cruel words.
“I’m not saying the situation isn’t sad,” the crimson-skinned alien continued, oblivious to the glares Inko and Yagi were sending him. “Especially with it being a kit. But this seems needlessly dangerous.”
Inko leaped to her feet and slammed her hands on the table. Her body shook his rage, and her voice trembled as she yelled, “That is my son you’re talking about!”
A’zawa stiffened, his fur floofing up and making him look like a surprised pillow. “Izuku is your son?” he asked hesitantly.
Ignoring the sweating crimson-skinned alien, Inko addressed A’zawa. “You’ve met him, then? You really have met my Izuku?”
A’zawa blinked. “Green, crazy strong, surprisingly selfless?”
Inko laughed, a touch too high but with relief. “Yes, that’s my son.”
A’zawa’s fur lowered, and a soft wistful look grew in his eyes. “I have. Like I said. He’s the only reason I’m still alive.”
“Please, then,” Inko begged, shutting out the others whispering nervously, and instead focusing all her attention on A’zawa. “Please help me save him. He doesn’t deserve this.”
“Of course,” A’zawa said immediately. “I and Yuuei would be happy to help.”
The other aliens squirmed at the table, glancing nervously at Inko and fiddling with their weapons. She could tell what they were thinking. They didn’t trust her or her son, despite neither of them doing anything wrong. They would refuse to help them solely on being human.
Yagi rose to his feet, scowling at the aliens around the table. “Why are you all acting like this?” he demanded. His voice boomed through the room, much like a teacher scolding disobedient students.
“It’s because we’re humans,” Inko said bitterly, “Death Worlders.”
C’ment-Oss held out his rocky hands, “All Might, you have to understand the dangers…”
“You didn’t seem to mind in the past,” Yagi fired back.
“What are you talking about?” blustered the crimson-skinned alien. “When have we worked with a hu-man before?”
“Me!” Yagi roared. “I am a human!”
The room fell deathly silent, save for Ne-Dzu stirring a cup of tea as he watched on.
Mouths dropped open, fur lifted, feather ruffled as each occupant stared incredulously at Yagi.
“What?” the bird alien said. “A hu-man?” He looked as if he had been told that gravity was a falsehood perpetuated by the Federation.
Yagi looked around the room in shock. “Did none of you really know?”
Resting a hand on Yagi’s arm, Inko said, “I’ve noticed this several times, actually. I don’t think anyone knows that you’re human.”
“What?” Yagi whispered. Now it was his turn to stare in bafflement. “What did you think I was?”
“A genetic experiment.”
“Super soldier developed on a far-off planet.”
“The last of an extinct species.”
The bird alien bobbed his head. “Truthfully, we didn’t know. Thought it was a sensitive subject. You’re so strong, and…”
“Death Worldery.”
“Yes!” the bird alien said, “I don’t know we just…”
“We didn’t know,” C’ment-Oss said.
Yagi folded his arms. “Well now you do. I’m a human.”
A quiet clinking came from the front of the table as Ne-Dzu delicately set down his cup. “For the record I’ve known the entire time. Thankfully with that all out of the way, I see no reason this mission can’t continue. A’zawa and Yagi, I’m appointing you as the leads on this. Take whatever supplies and people you need to make this successful. All for One’s abuse will not be allowed to continue.”
The doctor bustled around the laboratory, making clinking noises that Izuku fought to ignore. He had no desire to see the instruments that would be used to inflict pain on him. Better to let his eyelids close, and his mind drift away.
Distantly, he could feel All for One stroking his hair, the sharp claws perilously close to Izuku’s face. The alien cooed at Izuku’s passivity, and the urge to bite the bastard flared before immediately dying.
It wasn’t worth it.
The muzzle had recently been removed, and Izuku had no desire for it to return. Despite several days, his skin still felt raw where the muzzle’s edges had rubbed against his face. Petty defiance was not worth such a consequence, and Izuku shivered to think what would happen if he acted out again.
The memories of bindings wrapping tight around his arms, and of his lungs burning while water pressed at his mouth…no, All for One was not willing to kill Izuku, but he could make Izuku’s life miserable.
Thus, Izuku laid limp on the medical table even though the effects of All for One’s paralyzing gas had worn off. It had been wearing off faster over time.
Ignoring the doctor, Izuku allowed his mind to drift to kinder places. His mom with her warm hugs and soft smile hurt too much to think about, so Izuku indulged in fantasies about All Might. The space hero’s voice boomed brightly in his mind, holding out a hand as he pulled Izuku onto his space ship Hercules and whisked him around the galaxy. Stars and planets blurred together through the spaceship’s window, aliens smiling brightly as they passed, not treating Izuku as a monster or a pet, but as a friend.
A sharp jab jolted Izuku from his daydreaming as the doctor callously stabbed a needle into his arm. Izuku knew he should look away, but he watched as crimson blood was siphoned from his body and collected in a large, spherical container. The sight held a hypnotic quality. He fantasized that he could feel the blood sucked out of his veins. That would explain why lately he felt stretched too thin and worn-out, like one of his mother’s cleaning rags used so often it developed holes.
A trickle of blood dripped down Izuku’s elbow, suggesting the needle hadn’t been quite properly fastened. It barely hurt, but he still had an urge to mop it up. The nagging itch warred with his intense inertia. In the end, he simply lay still. It was better to let his captors think he was still paralyzed so they didn’t inflict the gas on him again.
Lights beat down on him, the same bright sun-like yellow as from his enclosure. They hurt his eyes, so he closed them again. As the blood bag filled, Izuku nearly drifted off into his daydream. But just as he’d conjured up another vision of All Might’s ship, a hiss jolted him out of it and his eyes snapped open. All for One rose and spoke to the doctor. They seemed to be having an argument–or perhaps that wasn’t the right word, given Dr. Garaki’s subservient body language. However the doctor kept casting unhappy glances in Izuku’s direction, then shifting away. The octopus alien needn’t look so scared. Izuku had no intention of launching another attack. He’d failed every time he fought All for One, and the consequences of another defeat left him frozen in fear without any gas required. Besides, Izuku didn’t like his chances of trying to fly off in an escape pod he didn’t know how to pilot. In the early days he’d optimistically convinced himself that he would find a way or some passing ship would help him, but these days he’d given up on everyone including himself.
All for One appeared to win the disagreement. With an irritated grumble, Dr. Garaki unhooked the needle from Izuku’s arm and slapped down a bandage, none-to-gently. Then the doctor went to the heavy round silver door in the back and spun it open. Meanwhile, All for One picked Izuku up in his tentacles and cooed at him.
Izuku flinched when All for One carried him forward. What would it be now? More medical tests? Another obstacle course? Another drowning? Slightly, Izuku shook. But though it took great effort, he did not move. He knew whatever was coming, it would only be worse if he resisted.
All for One carried Izuku through the door, into a laboratory. The place looked a little familiar, but this was his first time soaking in the details. This room had a green floor with a metal vent running down the middle. A switchboard with unfamiliar buttons filled the right wall, with cubes of waste on the left. Although Izuku did not read any alien languages, he knew the yellow spiral on the cubes indicated extreme toxicity and danger. It had been one of his very first lessons in space. Misshapen alien creatures floated in a long row of cylindrical tanks. Ah, yes, he’d seen these tubes before. Izuku recognized the same soldiers he’d fought against during his previous escape attempts. They’d been a little stronger than the others, but mostly notable because they didn’t run in terror from him. Greenish light glowed from the bottom of the bubbling tanks. A humming noise came from the vents on top. There was also a golden stand with a control panel next to each cylinder. The entire room smelled foul, chemicals Izuku did not know the names of failing to cover the underlying stench of bodily fluids and waste.
Some of the soldiers seemed to be in partial stages of growth, curled into themselves with limbs not fully formed. Each tank had a picture of an alien attached. In the closest tank, a green scaled alien floated with six arms and long claws. The picture on top showed an alien who looked similar, but only had two arms. Did this mean those unusual soldiers had been genetically engineered? If Izuku had to guess, he would say that the creature in the tank was a modified version of the alien in the picture.
The next tank contained a soldier with a long conical head and three tails with stingers. The picture attached showed a similar alien, except the tails only had soft fluff at the end. Several tanks in a row held feline-lizard combinations, reminding Izuku of the scarred alien he’d fought during his first escape attempt. Two pictures hung over the tanks, a feline alien and a dinosaur-like one. It seemed as if All for One and the doctor were trying out different combinations for the best fit. Izuku felt even more certain of his horrible theory that All for One used this place to produce genetically engineered weapons. No wonder the soldiers who had attacked him had been without fear or a sense of pain. They’d been stupid too, throwing themselves at Izuku in waves like ants. They had not seemed able to speak. They’d just been living weapons. It was an abomination. Izuku shuddered.
All for One took out a blanket and wrapped it around Izuku, apparently believing that Izuku was cold. Izuku let the alien keep his illusion. His collar itched, but he did not move his hands out of the blanket to scratch it. His heart beat faster, wondering what tests All for One might want to perform on him in this mad carnival of horrors.
Approaching one of the tanks, All for One gestured at the feline-lizard inside. He particularly pointed out the long claws. Then he hissed at Izuku.
Izuku blinked. He hated the days when All for One required his input even more than when he simply had to lie placid and get petted. That made it harder to slip into daydreams. But at least it didn’t seem like All for One wanted to run Izuku through an obstacle course or perform more tests or drown him . All for One was simply showing off his twisted creations. Izuku could survive that.
Widening his eyes, Izuku tried to look impressed. In a fake happy voice, he said, “I hate them. Did you have to create these because no one wanted to work for you voluntarily? Maybe it’s because you tried to feed an employee to me. I’m no expert on Galactic Federation law but they probably have a couple special laws to ban you.”
All for One couldn’t understand Izuku’s words and only reacted to the positive tone. He chirp-chuckled and petted Izuku’s hair. Walking down the row, All for One pointed out several more tanks and Izuku offered sarcastic commentary in a baby talk voice.
Finally, All for One stopped in front of an empty tank. The top was open, with numerous tubes attached.
“What, did it escape?” Izuku asked. “Even creatures modified to be brainless can’t stand you…”
All for One expounded long, enthusiastically, and unintelligibly about the empty tank he apparently felt so proud of, gesturing at the picture on top…
A picture of Izuku.
Izuku’s heart froze. His own pale face stared back at him from the image. Had they been planning this from the beginning? Was this the real reason he’d been abducted?
Although Izuku wanted to deny it, he understood very clearly why his picture hung on the tank. He understood why the doctor had been taking so many DNA samples from him. He would be used as the basis for the next genetically engineered super soldier.
All for One hissed and waved a tentacle in front of Izuku’s face, demanding a reaction.
Izuku could not speak. He could only stare as if he hoped looking harder would change the evidence of his own eyes. His stomach twisted, threatening to vomit up his last meal. Anger roared up in a wave, stronger than his fear. The familiar pulsing fury that had sustained Izuku through two escape attempts was back with a vengeance.
The doctor and All for One planned to create human versions of those twisted mindless super soldiers. Izuku’s own DNA would flow through the monsters as they rampaged across the galaxy. On a practical level, Izuku feared humanity’s relative greater strength and durability would turn All for One into an invincible warlord. On a personal level, this abomination revolted every single atom of his being. He’d been robbed and violated, bits of himself stripped away to be turned into slaves. Unreasonable though it might be, Izuku felt personally responsible for whatever miseries and horrors would come of these twisted experiments. If he hadn’t been captured by All for One, then this wouldn’t have been possible.
Izuku had to destroy this place before the first human super soldiers could be created.
All for One hissed louder, demanding a reaction. Izuku growled in response. That seemed to more than satisfy All for One. With a cheerful chortle, the alien carried Izuku out.
Every fiber in Izuku’s being longed to smash the tank, but he needed to plan his final attack more carefully. Right now, his body still felt weak from blood loss and his captor gripped him too tightly. His eyes darted around the room, assessing weapons. He paid careful attention to the blue and white striped key card All for One used to seal the laboratory door. When Izuku made his move, he would need to completely destroy this place. This would be his final stand.
Even now, Izuku didn’t believe he could successfully make it off this space station. But escaping and returning home was no longer his top priority. His goal was to burn this laboratory and every last sample to ashes. What happened to him afterward did not matter.
Sorry Mom, Izuku thought. It doesn’t look like I’ll be able to make it back home to you.
OMAKE TIME!
Omake: Some Things Never Change No Matter the AU
Izuku: I’m no expert on Galactic Federation law but they probably have a couple special laws to ban you.
All for One: Oh, the Federation made many laws targeted exclusively at me. These include regulations against experimentation on living beings, torture, cruel debt collection, unfair contracts, and buying up all the comic books.
Notes:
For this chapter, we proudly present 2000DragonArmy’s sketches of alien Yamada/Present Mic and Cementoss. They are both adorable!
Chapter 11
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
“Excuse me. I was sent to ask if you had everything you needed before we depart,” C’ment-Oss said, his stony face revealing none of his outer emotions. The aliens of Yuuei had been politer to Inko since learning Yagi was also a human, but they still carried themselves carefully, as if they were handling a large bomb that could explode.
“Thank you, but I have everything I need,” Inko said politely.
With a nod of his head, C’ment-Oss left, delivering orders to the other workers in the docking port who were hustling last minute supplies onto the ships.
Yagi stood near the entrance of Hercules, giving instructions, but seeing C’ment-Oss leaving, he walked over to Inko. “He wasn’t bothering you, was he?”
“No, not at all. Simply asking if I needed anything.”
“Good,” Yagi said. His mouth opened, then closed before saying, “I’m sorry.”
Inko blinked. “What for? You’ve literally escorted me through space to help me find my son. And I’m under no delusions that I would have been successful on my own.”
“Don’t say that. I’ve seen your determination. That’s the reason we’ve gotten this far.”
Heat crossed Inko’s cheeks. “That’s very kind of you to say. However, my point still stands, you have nothing to apologize for.”
“Yes, I do.” His face creased in a frown. “One of the reasons I first went to space was to prove to other species that humans could be allies and friends. I’ve dedicated years to protecting others and showing the good we can do. Yet somehow, I failed to let even my closest allies know.”
“Well, Ne-Dzu knew.”
Yagi shrugged. “He had to; I was bringing him Earth tea. But the point remains, I feel responsible. Izuku was partially taken because humans are feared. If I had been a little less clueless, maybe they wouldn’t have reacted poorly, and he wouldn’t have been taken.”
“Don’t you think I’ve wondered that myself?”
At Yagi’s downcast expression Inko hurriedly continued, “Not about you. But about myself. If only I hadn’t agreed to go to space. If only I had gone with Izuku. If only, if only. But it’s like you said. It’s not our fault. We’re not the ones who took Izuku, All for One is.”
“Throwing my own advice at me?”
Inko smiled cheekily. “It was good advice. Besides, now you know. You can help change people’s minds. Already the aliens at Yuuei have been politer.”
“Cause for hope and peace, I suppose.” He rubbed the back of his neck, and the tips of his ears turned pink. “I wanted to ask…if umm after all of this, you and Izuku might be interested in staying at Yuuei? I’ve been thinking of accepting a position and could help out, but of course I don’t know what your plans are after all of this.”
The suggestion froze Inko in place, her mind whirling at the possibility. Stay at Yuuei, surrounded by aliens? Yagi would be there…but still? Would Izuku even want to stay in space after this ordeal? Would Yuuei accept them?
Apparently Inko had remained silent too long because Yagi coughed awkwardly, muttering something about needing to leave and hurried away. Inko stared after his retreating form.
“That was painful. Never thought I’d see him so flustered.”
“What?” Inko asked in a daze, her face feeling unusually hot.
“Not just him then,” A’zawa muttered. The feline alien limped closer, bandages wrapped around part of his limbs that Inko hadn’t noticed at the meeting.
“I’m fine,” he said, noticing Inko’s questioning gaze. “We had the meeting before I had time to get wrapped up. These won’t get in the way of getting back Izuku.” His voice was steely, and his tails lashed in agitation.
“I meant to say earlier, but thank you for your words at the meeting. They mean the world to me.”
“Your son is the only reason I was alive to say them. It was my duty to say them.”
Inko tried to imagine her son, interacting with this older alien. Attempting to communicate without a translator and protecting him from a dangerous warlord. The passion he had spoken with at the meeting implied a deeper connection.
“He’s a good kit, reminds me of my students here. Needs some self-preservation instincts.”
Inko laughed. “He does! He’s always been like that.”
A’zawa groaned. “I suspected that was the case.”
An alarm sounded through the docking port, signaling that the ships were loaded and prepared.
A’zawa lifted a paw towards Inko. “Shall we?”
The gesture of trust and cooperation startled Inko, but she carefully reached out and took hold.
Don’t worry, Izuku, she thought. We’re coming for you.
Izuku didn’t know how long it would take for the experiments to complete, or how long his body and sanity would hold out. But he also knew this would be his final rebellion. He had no real expectation of escaping the space station, not when he planned to head for the laboratory instead of the escape pods. There was a very real chance his plan to blow up the laboratory would kill him or he might finally provoke All for One into murdering him. So he had to get this right the first time.
He timed his escape carefully, waiting for a moment when his hands were free and the leash was off. The collar, unfortunately, never came off. But All for One removed the other restraints when he wanted to play fetch with his pet.
The two of them were back in the obstacle course room, with climbing walls and hurdles leading up to the pool. Izuku carefully avoided looking at the water as he chased after the bouncy red balls. Once it had been below his dignity to fetch like a dog. Now he was willing to do anything to avoid being put through the obstacle course again, or worse, forced to swim .
In fact, All for One had gotten so used to Izuku’s compliance that he’d even left the door open. Today would be the day.
All for One lobbed a red ball over the climbing wall. Gritting his teeth, Izuku scrambled up and over the wall. “I hope this hits you in the eye,” Izuku said sweetly as he tossed the ball back. Since All for One never bothered to translate Izuku’s speech, he could get away with insults as long as he minded his tone.
Easily, All for One caught the ball in his tentacles and threw two more in opposite directions.
Izuku leapt after the first ball, grabbing it before it could bounce. Then he chased after the second ball. As Izuku ran past All for One, his hand dipped into the alien’s pocket and stole his key card. Heart pounding, Izuku tucked the key card into his pants. All for One did not seem to notice. The alien hissed in pleasure as Izuku kicked the ball back.
The slim rectangle of metal felt impossibly heavy. Izuku did not like his odds of fighting All for One again, not after so many losses. He also knew that All for One didn’t play fair and would summon his troops to help him. But Izuku could see no other way except to win. These days, All for One always left Izuku restrained unless he was there personally. Izuku tensed, waiting for his captor to let his guard down. He just needed one moment. One stroke of good luck to balance out all the bad.
All for One threw a ball into the water. Whatever alien material it might be made of, it sank.
Izuku froze. The sound of the splash reverberated straight through his soul. He flinched from the drops of water.
Then Izuku saw his opportunity.
The door hung tantalizingly open at the other side of the pool. If Izuku dove underwater and resurfaced at the other end, then he would be able to make it out the door before All for One even noticed something had gone wrong. This rare, precious chance to destroy the laboratory without having to fight could not be missed.
If Izuku could brave the water again. His throat clenched. He gazed into the dark depths of the pool. The rapid beating of his heart seemed to shake his entire body. He needed to take a deep breath, but he struggled to breathe at all.
It wasn’t fair that he’d been called to do this. He was just one kidnapped kid, why did he have to save the galaxy from an alien warlord? But there was no one else.
Fear warred with anger, and anger won. After everything he’d been through, he refused to let his captors break him. Izuku inhaled deeply, then dove.
He tried not to think about the water around him. Old habit took over his body, moving his arms and kicking his legs. He could not bring himself to open his eyes. When his hand touched the pool wall, he shot up to the surface and hauled himself out.
Even looking over his shoulder would waste valuable time. He ran straight out the door.
Izuku retraced the familiar route to the laboratory that had tormented him. He was halfway down the corridor before he heard an angry hiss behind him. Then Izuku ran faster.
The thought of boarding All for One’s base had been more painful than A’zawa wanted to admit. Despite the rows of trained Yuuei fighters, plus two hu-mans, A’zawa’s tails anxiously whipped back and forth.
All for One with his bloodthirsty attitude and desire for violence was the true monster, not the hu-mans. He was the reason parents across the galaxy whispered to their naughty kits about Death Worlder monsters coming to snatch them if they didn’t behave.
Logically, they would be fine. Izuku, a hu-man kit, had more than stood his own against All for One. That ought to shame any adults out of being scared. They had All Might, a fully grown (apparently hu-man) explorer who had thwarted All for One in the past.
They’d be fine.
Izuku was the one they should be worried about.
Sending a pulse to temporarily down the protective forefield, their ships raced to the nearest docking station, their fighters pouring out, blasters at the ready before the pilots had a chance to turn off the engine.
The docking station was empty. Containers left abandoned by the side and void of any inhabitants, but that didn’t mean there wouldn’t be any nasty surprises farther inside.
Gripping his capture weapon, A’zawa stalked forward, taking the lead on the assault. “We go fast and efficient,” he ordered. “Finding Izuku is our top priority, next is taking in All for One. It should go without saying that we must be careful.”
Inko, stationed towards the middle of the pack, nodded grimly at A’zawa.
“Let’s go,” he said, and shot open the door to the main hallways, setting off screaming alarms.
Alarms were ringing down the hallway. It seemed too soon for the ship to have noticed his escape–or was this in response to something else? It didn’t matter. Izuku was focused on his own personal mission.
His body was still shaking from fear, but he channeled it into rage. He’d been through the worst. Nothing would stop him now.
Izuku unlocked the laboratory door and slid through on wet feet. Immediately, he locked the door, then dragged over a table to barricade it. Only afterward did he look around. Fortunately, the room was empty. The doctor was not currently working.
Climbing onto a table, Izuku leapt up and smashed open the light fixture. He landed in a crouch, panting. Blue crystals rained down around him. He checked, but they weren’t cracked–not yet. They looked exactly like the crystal A’zawa had accidentally blown up. Slowly, Izuku grinned.
An impact pounded on the door. Outside, All for One hissed in anger, probably having discovered that he no longer had his key card to open it. The alien went straight to attempting to break down the door.
Izuku shoved another chair in front, then opened the second round door to the room full of super soldier tanks. He hated to look at the twisted creatures trapped inside. But he felt he owed them a brief moment of bowing his head and acknowledging the pain of everyone who had been used in these horrific experiments. Then Izuku climbed straight up the closest tank and brought down the second light, obtaining more crystals.
Next Izuku piled all the crystals together in the center of the tanks. Since one of them had produced such a large explosion, he assumed a lot of them would be far more useful. For good measure, he also dragged over the cubes of toxic waste in hopes that they contained something flammable.
All for One slammed against the door again, creating a long crack. Even so, Izuku took the time to find the samples of his blood in the cupboards and add them to the pile. He had no intention of leaving his captor with anything of himself to use.
Fortunately, alien building materials were flimsy compared to human strength. Izuku yanked the legs off an examination table to use it as a shield. Since he did not know how great an explosion he would create, it might kill him. But he would at least try to stay alive until the bitter end, for his mother’s sake.
The door buckled and bent, a tentacle popping in.
Crouched down behind his makeshift shield, Izuku cracked a crystal between his teeth, then threw it at the pile.
The crystal exploded, breaking the others. A massive ball of fire ripped forward. The heat hit Izuku before the flames, knocking him head over heels. He spun through the air, barely managing to get the table under himself. Then he sailed out the broken door and into the hallway. His forehead cracked on the doorframe as he rode the explosion.
Izuku landed upside-down with his legs over his head. His back ached, the dull pain of the burn rapidly becoming sharper. Splinters of glass and metal sprayed across the corridor. Flames crackled from inside the laboratory, which looked thoroughly and satisfyingly messed up. A sprinkler went off overhead. But it was painfully obvious very little inside would be salvageable.
All for One looked at the cinders of his plans and dreams, then looked down at Izuku lying on the ground. His tentacles writhed around him in a furious storm. His cheeks puffed out and paled. Although alien faces could be hard to read, that long, drawn-out wail was unmistakable. All for One had gone out of his mind with fury.
Izuku grinned and spat out a bloody tooth. Sticking up both middle fingers, he asked, “Not so cute now, huh?”
All for One shot forward, gas puffing from his tentacles.
Izuku dodged. He’d never thought he’d get this far, but now he’d entered the second stage of his plan–beat All for One’s ass and escape.
The corridor was covered in treacherous shards and the heat of the flames beat from inside the laboratory. One of the red balls had fallen from All for One’s pocket to the floor. Izuku kicked the ball under All for One’s feet. All for One wobbled, then caught himself with his tail.
Although it would have been the perfect moment to run, Izuku had already learned All for One could match his speed. Besides, his collar probably had a tracking device. If he wanted freedom, he needed to win.
All for One swung his tail. Izuku ducked low, taking advantage of his smaller size to grab All for One’s legs. Though he was kicked away, he got in a bite and a punch first. Unfortunately, the pain against his back was slowing him down, making each movement an agony.
Bouncing off the wall, Izuku grabbed a handful of metal shards. They bit into his palm as he threw them at All for One’s eyes. The alien jerked his head away, though not before one scored a line of blood on his chin.
This seemed to anger All for One, who caught Izuku by his hair and slammed his head into the wall. Dots danced behind Izuku’s eyes. He clawed at the arm holding him, desperate to escape, and held his breath. But not quite fast enough to avoid sucking in a little of the gas.
Izuku’s limbs became heavy. All for One laughed, snakelike.
But although the gas had slowed Izuku down, he could still twitch his fingers. It had been used on him so many times, he’d become partly immune.
Izuku had an idea. He let his eyes loll backward and his arms and legs hang slack.
With a grumble, All for One lifted Izuku to his chest. The alien warlord made that melodious noise again, the one Izuku recognized as meaning “cute,” and Izuku saw red.
Izuku’s eyes shot open and he bit into All for One’s throat.
Caught off-guard, the alien reeled backward. The impact rocked them both as they hit the ground, Izuku landing on top. After all this, the messed-up bastard was still having fun? Izuku would make him regret the day he’d kidnapped a pet if it was the last thing both of them did.
“I’m. Not. Cute. I’m. Not. Your. PET!” Izuku kicked and punched with weeks of pent-up fury. His knuckles bruised and bled, but he still kept hitting until All for One stopped moving.
Gasping, panting, Izuku stared down at his tormentor, barely able to believe it was over. All for One had once seemed invincible. Now blood obscured his face. His expression still looked surprised. Izuku had expected to feel triumph. But mostly he felt tired. Survival reasserted itself–he had to get out of here.
Rummaging through All for One’s pockets, Izuku found the key to remove his collar. In a fit of spite, he fastened the collar around All for One’s neck the best he could when it wasn’t big enough. Then Izuku picked up the red ball and stuffed it into All for One’s mouth. “Call this cute,” he growled.
Then Izuku straightened, pushing back wet hair. His entire body ached. If he thought about the pain in his back, he might lose his mind, so he pushed it aside. The fire inside the laboratory had subsided down to a few crackles. Water poured from the sprinkler system, gushing down the hallway. The alarms overhead had stopped, and he did not know if that was good or bad. But he knew he had to make it to the escape pods fast. Izuku took a moment to reorient himself, then turned around toward the door at the end of the hallway.
Unfortunately, the door was already cracking open. Izuku shot forward, fist raised, prepared to fight his way out.
The base felt like a ghost ship from a doomed expedition where all inhabitants had passed away, leaving the ship to float endlessly through space. Were it not for the functioning lights and blaring alarms, A’zawa would have assumed All for One had long since abandoned it.
“Why’s it so empty?” someone asked, fighting to be heard over the screeching alarms.
“And so destroyed,” another said.
A’zawa eyed the scorch marks and dented walls. “Izuku,” he said.
“The hu-man!?” came another squeak, then nervous shuffling as they realized two hu-mans were with them.
A loud boom came from inside, shaking the walls and sending debris falling to the floor. A’zawa staggered, grabbing a wall to brace himself, but the sudden noise was quickly replaced by the hissing of sprinklers. Nozzles shot out from the ceiling, sending out a spray of water.
“What’s going on?” someone gasped.
A’zawa could tell the fighters were spooked, as should he be, any explosion in space was deadly dangerous. But Izuku was still on board which meant the explosion could have hurt him.
“Move forward!” A’zawa ordered, moving swiftly down the hallway.
The water clung uncomfortably to A’zawa’s fur and made the floor precariously slippery. But he could see a door towards the end of the hallway. Trying to orientate himself, A’zawa closed his eyes. “The doctor’s laboratory should be around this area. There might be Nomu soldiers. Keep your weapons at the ready.”
And then he shoved the door open.
A bloody blur shot towards them, screeching in a fur-raising manner. Blood dripped off of it, and its limbs were turning disturbing shades of purples and green. Toxic green eyes glowed angrily promising a swift death.
They were dead, A’zawa thought, his body frozen in terror as were the fighters behind him. The incarnation of the underworld had come to drag them down to death.
An undignified noise escaped A’zawa lips, and the creature skidded to a stop.
A feline yelp pierced the air. A’zawa stood in the doorway, a dozen unfamiliar aliens behind him. Izuku stopped so fast that he had to grab the wall to keep himself from falling over.
Was he hallucinating? Had he hit his head hard enough to be seeing things? Or was it All for One’s gas, warping his vision?
The aliens behind A’zawa shuffled, eyeing Izuku warily, but after a moment of hesitation, A’zawa stepped forward, making a soft chirping noise.
“A’zawa?” Izuku asked. “Are you real?”
A tall humanoid figure stepped out from behind A’zawa dressed in a space suit of red and blue. Izuku blinked rapidly, sure that he was hallucinating because there was no way that All Might, the greatest space explorer ever, was standing there.
“Izuku?” All Might asked.
Izuku nearly wept tears of joy, the All Might hallucination knew his name. He must be dying from his injuries and in his final moments, his mind had conjured up his wildest dreams. He could have done without the obnoxious alarm or the water dripping from his skin, but still.
“This is a great way to go out. Gotta meet All Migh’...” Izuku mumbled. Black dots pressed at the edges of his vision, and his legs were beginning to wobble uncontrollably.
“Let me through!” a new voice ordered, pulling Izuku’s flagging mind back into semi-alertness.
A short figure forced their way through the crowd, dressed in the Aldera spacesuit. “Izuku?” she called.
Tears formed in Izuku’s eyes as he saw his mom, her eyes frantic with worry. Upon seeing him, she gasped, clasping a hand to her face. Tears began to prick in her eyes as she took him in.
“That you, mom?” Izuku croaked.
“Oh, my baby,” Inko cried and raced forward, ignoring the worried noises of the aliens around her.
Pushing himself up off the wall, Izuku stumbled towards her, his legs giving out as she crashed into him. She smelled like detergent and the sea, Izuku thought deliriously as he pressed his face against her neck, her hair tickling his face. Inko’s arms wrapped snug around him and filled him with a sense of safety he hadn’t felt since he’d first passed out at the market.
“Mom,” Izuku sobbed as tears of relief poured down his face. “You’re real? You’re real, right?” You’re really here?”
Inko cupped the back of Izuku’s head and kissed it. “I’m here. I promise I’m here. You’re safe now.”
And with his mom holding him close, Izuku finally allowed his exhausted and battered body to slide into unconsciousness.
Behind A’zawa, the fighters shifted nervously. “That’s the hu-man?” they asked. “That’s a kit?”
A’zawa grinned at them, exhausted and victorious. “Yes, it is.”
“Are you sure?”
“Positive. That’s a hu-man for you.” A’zawa chuckled, a sound between a laugh and a purr.
Inko looked up, her eyes wide. “Izuku is injured. His back is burned, and he has bruises all over.”
Ashamed of not noticing sooner, A’zawa leapt into action, pulling out an ice bandage from his pack. The cool bandage was suited for healing burns. All Might brought over a jar of healing salve to apply. Between the two of them, they got Izuku onto a stretcher. The motorized device carried Izuku off, with Inko following. The other aliens gave the pair of them a wide berth.
C’ment-Oss cried, “I need Level Ten restraints, now !”
Fearing that the dreaded All for One had been spotted, A’zawa ran over, All Might moving even faster.
He was right–but he’d never expected to see the most feared warlord in the galaxy lying unconscious in front of his smoldering laboratory. A red rubber ball had been stuffed in his mouth.
All Might and A’zawa exchanged glances at the same time and said, “Izuku.”
C’ment-Oss whimpered in panic, so they quickly helped him and the others wrap All for One in restraints from head to toe. No one wanted to deal with an awake and angry All for One. A’zawa ordered the others to search the ship for anyone else, not wanting any more unexpected survivors.
“Are you sure a child took down All for One?” C’ment-Oss asked. “Maybe…someone helped him…” He did not sound like he believed his own words. But he could not believe the evidence of his own eyes either.
“A human kit,” A’zawa pointed out.
Dreamily, All Might said, “That kid would make an amazing apprentice.”
“Excuse me?” A’zawa straightened, tail lashing. “I already plan to enroll Izuku in Yuuei as soon as possible. Ne-Dzu ordered me to ensure it.”
All Might considered. “As long as you let me teach at Yuuei.”
“Deal.” A’zawa said. They both bent their heads, the galactic universal for sealing bargains. C’ment-Oss mumbled something about contemplating retirement. But C’ment-Oss tried to retire every time the students found new and exciting ways to destroy the school.
The other Yuuei fighters found the notorious Dr. Garaki just before he could reach an escape pod and captured him as well. Then they flew away, celebrating a successful mission.
A’zawa and All Might went to check up on Izuku in the infirmary bay. They heard the sound of Izuku and Inko talking, then sniffles. By mutual agreement, they both turned away and left to give mother and son time alone together.
OMAKE TIME!
Omake: Should Have Used a Translator
All for One: Ah, my pet is sticking both middle fingers up, this must be a human sign of surrender.
Izuku: Surprise, have a ball stuffed down your throat.
#
Omake: The Hero’s Reward
Izuku: Having All Might show up to save me makes being captured totally worth it. Too bad this is a hallucination.
All Might: This may be too early to ask, but can I become your stepdad?
Izuku: How embarrassing, I’m hallucinating one of my All Might fanfictions.
Notes:
For this chapter, Izuku has sketched Aizawa for his notebook (as transcribed by 2000DragonArmy.) There’s a little foreshadowing for information you’ll learn about Aizawa later in this series in the notes.
Chapter 12
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
“Are you ready, sweetie?” Inko asked, carding a hand through Izuku’s hair.
Izuku leaned into the sensation, relishing his mother’s touch which felt nurturing in a way that All for One’s never had. “I suppose,” Izuku said, staring at the white blankets on the infirmary bed.
A chance to move around would be welcome, but a request to meet with the leader of Yuuei was somehow more intimidating than facing All for One. Maybe it was because he didn’t expect to survive before?
“It’ll be fine,” Inko promised. She gently pulled the blankets off of Izuku and helped him to his feet, being mindful of the bandages on his back. “I’ve met with Ne-Dzu before. He’s odd, but he was a vocal supporter in sending a group to rescue you.”
Holding onto his mom, Izuku followed her past the rows of beds, nodding respectively towards the wizened old alien who ran the infirmary and had cleared Izuku’s excursion.
The door swung open, revealing A’zawa and All Might who both stood waiting outside. Izuku’s first alien friend, and apparently a spy for Yuuei, and All Might, the greatest space explorer from Earth. That the two knew his name made Izuku’s stomach flip flop.
All Might grinned wildly, unaware of the internal fanboy screaming Izuku was actively suppressing. “It’s good to see you up and about!”
“Me too. I’m still a little sore, but it’s getting better.”
“And you’re going to keep getting better because as soon as this meeting is done, it’s back to bed,” A’zawa said.
“What? I’m fine, I promise.”
All Might said, “I know you’re eager, young man, but it’s better to be safe than sorry. I’m sure your mother would agree.”
Inko nodded. “Absolutely. We’ll speak with Ne-Dzu, but then I want you back resting.”
All three of Izuku’s role models and heroes were ganging up on him. Izuku drooped in disappointment, then winced when the movement stretched the scabs forming over his skin.
“Alright,” Izuku said.
His mom holding Izuku’s arm to brace him, the four of them began the slow trek through Yuuei to Ne-Dzu’s office. Since waking up in the infirmary, Izuku hadn’t been able to explore the alien base.
Now, walking along the glowing walkways that curved and moved at impossible angles, Izuku marveled. If Izuku’s experience on All for One’s base was a nightmare, then Yuuei felt like a dream. Several times his pace slowed to gawk out the windows that opened up the immensity of space or the aliens scurrying from place to place.
Izuku noted how the aliens very clearly did not stare at them while hurrying with an unusual speed. Clearly, many weren’t as convinced about having humans onboard. But considering they weren’t attacking or mocking, Izuku would take it.
“You really work here?” Izuku asked A’zawa.
“Have for some time now.”
It had been a little embarrassing to realize A’zawa wasn’t one of All for One’s workers and instead a spy. However, the feline alien hadn’t been offended. Without communicators, Izuku would have had no way of knowing. Even now, the translator was the only reason he could converse with A’zawa.
Although that was soon going to change, Izuku promised himself. He would teach himself how to speak as many alien languages as he could find.
“We haven’t done anything to offend Ne-Dzu, have we?” Izuku asked.
A’zawa’s fur fluffed in surprise. “No. You’ve been in the infirmary this whole time, how could you?”
“I’m just trying to think of why he would want to talk to us.”
A’zawa and All Might exchanged quick glances. “From my understanding,” All Might said, smiling comfortingly at Izuku, “he has a proposition to make you, nothing more.”
The words were kind, but they didn’t completely erase the anxious feeling swirling in Izuku’s stomach as they reached Ne-Dzu’s office. The alien was waiting for them at a large desk, humming to himself as he sipped tea.
It smelled of jasmine and chamomile, Izuku noticed with surprise. The scent loosened a knot in his neck, and he noted that cups of tea had been arranged for him and Inko.
“Thank you for bringing them,” Ne-Dzu said. “And thank you for joining me, Inko and Izuku.” He nodded to A’zawa and All Might and the two silently left the room.
For decades, humanity had imagined aliens as green, bug eyed creatures with long limbs and a massive head. Ne-Dzu looked less like that and more like a child’s toy come to life. His white fur looked as soft as A’zawa’s, and Izuku had to curl his hand into a fist to avoid petting it.
Ne-Dzu’s nose wrinkled in amusement like he knew exactly what Izuku was thinking.
“I know we have not yet formally met, Izuku, but I am pleased to see you moving about. After hearing of your injuries I thought you would be bedridden for far longer. Truly a hu-man’s ability to heal is astonishing.”
“Thank you, sir. And thank you for your help.”
“It was a simple matter. All for One’s forces had been a scourge for too long and to hear that he had taken a child?” Ne-Dzu shook his head. “Truly despicable. Besides, from what I hear, Yuuei’s forces had to do very little. You had managed to single handedly defeat All for One, a feat many deemed impossible.”
The vindictive pleasure of All for One lying unconscious on the ground flashed through Izuku.
“He’s been locked up, yes?” Inko asked, her tone warning that no was not an option.
“Yes. Unfortunately, due to laws, we were required to hand him over to the Federation but they assured me that they had created the strongest prison possible to contain him. However, that is not why I wanted to speak with you today.”
Ne-Dzu reached into his desk and pulled out two small, round disks, a type of communicator Izuku realized the aliens used. Izuku accepted it, turning the device over in his hands.
“I’m not sure how much A’zawa or All Might have told you about Yuuei.”
“All Might has shared some,” Inko said. “But mostly that you work separate from the Federation and have helped him in the past.”
“All true,” Ne-Dzu said. “However, put simply, Yuuei is an organization that aims to bring peace throughout the galaxy. Sometimes through sending out operatives.”
“Like A’zawa.”
“Yes, like A’zawa. Our operatives are able to do a lot of good. But Yuuei is also known for a school we run.”
“A school?”
Ne-Dzu clapped his paws together in excitement. “Yes! It is my earnest belief that the best way to foster peaceful relationships between species is by giving them the opportunity to learn together. See how they each operate. Over time we have had more than a thousand different alien species attend this school. Except hu-mans.”
Izuku straightened in his chair, the tea in front of him forgotten. Inko reached over and grasped his hand.
“I would like to extend an invitation to you, Izuku, to attend Yuuei as a member of our newest class. We would provide housing, food, and whatever needs you have for both you and your mother.”
“What?” Inko and Izuku gasped out at the same time.
“It is my firm belief that we must be more willing to accept hu-mans. Your alliance with A’zawa proved how important such a relationship can be. Yet fear of hu-mans runs deep.”
“I don’t think I’ve met anyone who wasn’t terrified of us,” Inko said glumly.
“It is true. All Might is determined to change that, but adults are notoriously slow in changing their minds. Children, however, are much more pliable.” Ne-Dzu leaned forward, his black eyes glinting. “Izuku, I believe by having you attend Yuuei with other alien children, you can help change the minds of many. You can show them who hu-mans are.”
The thought rocked Izuku to his core. He’d always longed to be in space. To explore the stars and meet other aliens, and be part of something bigger than himself. This offer was greater than anything the Aldera Colony had ever promised. Izuku curled his hands against his pants to stop his excited trembling.
“But will it be safe?” Inko cut in, popping Izuku’s growing enthusiasm. Inko’s face was lined with worry. “Space has not been kind to either of us, but Izuku especially. While I am grateful for your offer, I’m not sure we can accept.”
“But Mom!” Izuku protested. “Where would we go? Back to Aldera?”
Inko scowled. “No.”
“Then to Earth? I don’t want to go back there, and I don’t think you would either. Our only other choice would be finding somewhere else.”
Inko wavered, “Are you sure, Izuku? This is what you want? There would be no other hu-mans with us.”
“It’s the one choice that makes sense.”
“If I might cut in,” Ne-Dzu said. “All Might has just accepted a position at Yuuei as a teacher for this next batch of students. And I wouldn’t be opposed to welcoming other hu-mans into Yuuei if there are those you’d recommend.”
“Like Kacchan!”
Ne-Dzu’s ears twitched in amusement. “If he’s interested and seems like a good fit then yes.”
Izuku nearly vibrated in his seat from excitement.
Inko spoke slowly as if she was thinking everything over very carefully. “You said Yagi–I mean All Might, will be teaching?”
“Yes.”
Inko turned to face her son and smiled softly at him. “Then if Izuku agrees, I’m willing.”
ToiMura sat on his bunk, playing a game on a datapad. Yuuei had treated him very well–better than he would have treated a prisoner, he had to admit. They had given him a room with a sleeping platform and soft blankets, a food dispenser, and even games to play. They allowed him to meet the other League members once a day, who’d confirmed they’d been unharmed as well, their injuries treated and Compr3ss’ head repaired. His limbs had not been restrained because he’d promised not to escape, a promise he had no intention of keeping at the time. However, as long as he was kept well-stocked with games to play, ToiMura simply had very little time or incentive to plot an escape. After all, how could he leave before he beat the next level? He even had to reluctantly admit that it was more peaceful in the Yuuei cell than back on All for One’s station. He could play games all day instead of being forced to chase after a (shudder) hu-man.
The gentle treatment had been entirely All Might’s influence. All Might had refused to hand ToiMura over to the Galactic Federation and insisted he be treated well. All Might had even extended his protection to the League because ToiMura considered them close friends. ToiMura’s only real complaint was that All Might had tried to hug him twice. It made his fur stand on end just thinking about it. The horrible strong grip, about to break his spine…
A knock on the door snapped ToiMura out of his traumatized memories. The door slid open, but a flashing blue forcefield blocked anyone from exiting or entering. A’zawa stood in the doorway. He said, “I’ve come to deliver the terms of your plea bargain, since All Might said you kept screaming at the sight of him.”
ToiMura howled in terror, his tail standing up straight and his ears pulled back. His datapad slipped from his hands, his character dying on the screen, but he didn’t even notice or care.
Wearily, A’zawa stared. “All Might thought it was because he was human, but apparently you’re like this with everyone?”
“I should have known Yuuei was pretending to be kind to lure me into a trap,” ToiMura moaned. “They stuck hallucinogens in my food!”
“What are you talking about?” A’zawa groaned.
“Or maybe you’re a ghost.” ToiMura ducked behind his blankets to hide. “I’m sorry I let the hu-man eat you! That was over the line even for me. You deserve vengeance, but you should haunt the creature who murdered you.”
“I’m not dead.” A’zawa pressed his finger against the forcefield, letting sparks dance around the tips of his claw. “See? I’m solid.”
ToiMura poked his head up. “We only found fur and bones after the hu-man devoured you.”
“I shed when stressed, and maybe you mistook tree branches for bones, but I still have all of mine.” A’zawa gestured down his body. “How would a hu-man possibly eat me? I’m far bigger than Izuku!”
“That wouldn’t stop a hu-man,” ToiMura insisted. “They can swallow a being twice their size and digest in seconds.”
“Nonsense. Hu-mans aren’t cannibals.”
“Tell that to the small female, she definitely tried to bite my head off!” “
“If you angered Ms. Midoriya then I’m sure you deserved it,” A’zawa said. “She’s usually very pleasant. Hu-mans make great friends once you get to know them.”
“That sounds like more All Might propaganda.” ToiMura glared suspiciously. For the first time, he noticed that A’zawa wore a Yuuei uniform. “Wait, you work for Yuuei?”
“You tried to feed me to a hu-man without even knowing that? How monstrous,” A’zawa said dryly.
Although the tone had been amused, ToiMura hung his head. “I really am glad that you’re alive. Even though you won’t be for much longer after Master gets his tentacles on you.”
“Shows what you know,” A’zawa said. “All for One has been captured. I’m here to offer you a deal if you agree to testify against him.”
ToiMura’s entire world rocked. He could not imagine his invulnerable master ever falling in battle. But the more he thought about it… “The hu-man finally got him?”
A’zawa said, “You’re the first person to guess that successfully. No one else can believe that All for One lost in a one-on-one fight to a mere kit.”
“They never fought the hu-man,” ToiMura said darkly. “It just kept getting stronger and stronger every time. I think it fed off our pain and fear.”
A’zawa held up a datapad. “I’m going to pass this through the forcefield. These are the terms of your deal. You really should take it. The agreement would allow both you and the rest of the League to complete community service at Yuuei to pay for your crimes, as well as mandatory therapy. It’s a very generous deal, especially when we really only need one of you to testify. All Might used all his influence to obtain the best possible deal for you. Apparently he is close to your grandmother.”
ToiMura had shuddered at All Might’s name, then the second part caught up to him. “Impossible. My entire family is dead.”
A’zawa spoke with gentleness for the first time: “Nana is alive. She wants to meet with you after our conversation. She just arrived at Yuuei.”
It seemed to be the day for the dead to return, but ToiMura still could not believe it. It seemed too good to be true. DoTi valued family units above all else. His entire life had been based around the tragic flood that had killed his family, making him hate the entire galaxy. ToiMura repeated, “Impossible.”
A’zawa looked over his shoulder. “I think he needs to see you to believe it.” Then he briefly lowered the forcefield to stick the datapad through.
In that moment, a black blur shot forward, leaping through before the forcefield went up again. Nana wrapped her arms around ToiMura and cradled him. She was sobbing incoherently, but she kept murmuring, “TenKo…my TenKo…”
“Grandmother?” ToiMura whispered, dazed. He patted her with a paw. She felt very real.
A’zawa waited a moment, but after seeing that it didn’t appear ToiMura would attack Nana, he left them alone.
Stroking his grandmother’s back, ToiMura mumbled, “Your fur is black.” DoTi dyed their fur black to mourn.
“I thought I’d lost all of you.” Nana inhaled deeply. “Poor TenKo, just look at your coat! Did no one cut it for you?” She touched the dry skin around his face. DoTi had continuously growing coats. ToiMura knew he ought to have shaved his long ago, but it had been part of a family grooming ritual, and he’d been unable to bring himself to do it alone. He’d known the master would laugh at him if he asked for help. All for One did not believe in dependence on others.
Nana moved her claws through his fur, straightening it. “I’ll obtain a razor as soon as possible.” That motherly tone was so much like her, it brought tears back to ToiMura’s eyes.
“How can you be alive?” ToiMura mumbled. “After you vanished, we all assumed an accident had befallen you.” DoTi did not leave their families, it was simply psychologically impossible for them. A DoTi with no family usually died or went insane. ToiMura had kept himself going for this long by latching onto All for One and the League.
Nana said, “I was abducted and turned into a pet. Toshinori saved me–he’s our family, now.”
ToiMura bristled at the word “our.” Just because his grandmother had lost her mind and adopted a hu-man didn’t mean ToiMura had to go along with it. (Technically, it did, since she was the family matriarch now.) He planned to protest this nonsense further, but he had more pressing concerns. “Who kidnapped you? I’ll kill them!”
Nana swallowed. “This might be hard for you to hear. It was All for One. And Toshinori believes he took you in after the accident as revenge for rescuing me.”
An instinctive denial formed on ToiMura’s lips. He’d placed all his trust in his master since losing everything. But he had to admit, he’d always wondered why All for One had gone to such extents to track down a traumatized cub wandering through the jungle. The Master was not normally a philanthropist. Furthermore, ToiMura’s faith had taken a beating during the entire hu-man incident. His doubts kept him quiet long enough to hear his grandmother’s story.
By the end, ToiMura was shaking with fury and ready to put a claw through All for One’s heart personally if he ever had the chance. He was also extremely eager to testify, and he didn’t even need a plea bargain, though he’d be taking that too.
But first, ToiMura held his grandmother and soaked in her familial scent and the warmth of her fur. Together, they mourned the loss of the rest of their family.
The universe opened up in swirling ribbons of gold and green with stars sprinkled between. His palm pressed against the cool window, Izuku imagined he could almost stretch his hand out and grab a handful of galaxy, the colors dripping through his fingers and the stars lingering like sparkles on his skin. If he could, he’d paint Earth with the colors and show every close-minded person he’d left behind the majesty of space.
Earth was missing out on so much, Izuku thought wistfully. Space was so much more than they could imagine.
He remembered the way he had pranced around the spaceship Aldera. How he had hugged his mom and shook Kacchan with excitement. Space, he had exclaimed, was waiting for them.
Space had also taken more than Izuku had expected. His scars, hidden under his new uniform, burned at the reminder. All for One’s red eyes and sharp grin seemed to leer at him from the darkness, his clawed hand stretching out to grab Izuku once more.
Closing his eyes, Izuku shuddered. All for One was locked away, but the warlord still followed him into his nightmares, stealing away his sleep.
Izuku pressed his fingernails against the soft flesh of his palm. No, he told himself, trying to force the thought away. He wouldn’t let All for One control him anymore. Izuku wasn’t a pet. He was a human.
“Izuku, honey,” Inko called. “You’re going to be late if you don’t hurry.”
“Sorry, mom.”
Izuku swung his yellow backpack on and stuffed his feet into his shoes. His mom waited at the door and held out her arms for a hug. Izuku gladly returned the embrace, burying himself into her warmth. She said, “Have an excellent day. I packed you a lunch. You’re going to do amazing things.”
“Thanks, Mom,” Izuku said. With a fortifying breath, he opened the door to their apartment and stepped out into the hall where All Might was waiting.
“Are you ready?” All Might asked.
Izuku gripped his backpack and smiled confidently. “I survived All for One, how hard can the first day of school be?”
OMAKE TIME!
Omake: Meanwhile in Prison
All for One: I’m very worried about my poor pet, kidnapped by All Might.
Garaki: Kidnapped? Is that what you call burning down your laboratory and beating in your face?
All for One: The blond buffoon probably lured my cute pet away with treats. What if he poisons Izuku? All Might doesn’t know how to look after a pet, not like me. I’m sure Izuku must be missing me dreadfully.
Garaki: The pet put you in prison.
All for One: Obviously my perfect pet would be the only being in the galaxy capable of defeating me. His latest murder attempt was simply adorable. I can tell Izuku doesn’t like All Might by how he hasn’t tried to kill him even once!
Notes:
We hope you’ve enjoyed our space odyssey. Thank you to everyone who left comments and kudos. Next in this series, we’ll be posting several shorter stories about Izuku’s adventures at Yuuei. Please stay tuned.
FYI, for anyone having trouble viewing the art in this fic, you should try 1) Using a different internet browser; or 2) Right click on the broken link and copy image address, then paste that. This trick has worked for other people.
For our final chapter, 2000DragonArmy presents Izuku’s page on All Might. The buff form is what All Might looks like in comics and the skinny form is his appearance in real life. This page made us laugh, one of our favorites:
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MaxiemumDamage on Chapter 1 Sun 10 Sep 2023 07:42PM UTC
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Faeriy on Chapter 1 Sun 10 Sep 2023 08:44PM UTC
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DrWalpurgisnacht on Chapter 1 Sun 10 Sep 2023 08:53PM UTC
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Funny_Username on Chapter 1 Tue 12 Sep 2023 04:50AM UTC
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EnergeticEccentricism on Chapter 1 Sun 10 Sep 2023 08:54PM UTC
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Silkesukkermaas on Chapter 1 Sun 10 Sep 2023 09:03PM UTC
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MelancholysSunshine on Chapter 1 Sun 10 Sep 2023 10:36PM UTC
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Mysterious_Prophetess on Chapter 1 Mon 11 Sep 2023 12:11AM UTC
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