Chapter 1: Two Monsters
Chapter Text
When does a man become a monster? Nezu knows the answer to that question and he was afraid that his top student did too.
Izuku Midoriya the ninth wielder of one for all and All Might's successor.
He knew that Izuku's first year wasn't the most ideal but yet the boy has accomplished so much even before he reached his second year.
Nezu has seen the boy grow from a timid and caring young man to a brave and strong willed hero. He was proud of the work the boy has put into not only mastering his quirk but also saving Japan and possibly the world.
Though the principal of UA supposed that's where the problem lay. Izuku as of late has been much more quick to anger and during training he was a lot more bloodthirsty.
That's not all, the boy seemed to do everything in his power to avoid his classmates and especially whenever they tried to talk to him about his time away from UA.
Izuku wasn't handling the events of the past year well at all so it was not only his job as the young man's principal but also as a friend to the boy to make sure he gets the help he needed.
No matter what Nezu had to do he will save Midoriya even if it's from himself.
So he sat down on his desk waiting for the green haired teen to appear at his office. He really hoped that Izuku would make this easy on him but knowing what he did of the ninth then let's just say he had a plan B.
The door creaked open as Izuku walked into his office. The thing he immediately noticed was the look in the boy's eyes. They have seen horrors that many pros could only imagine. The boy may be physically 16 but his eyes say he was much much older.
“Hello Mr. Midoriya, nice of you to join me, tell me do you care for some tea?” The intelligent animal said, pouring himself a cup.
The boy shook his head “no thanks..sir am I in trouble” Izuku sat down in front of his principal a slightly worried look graced his face.
“Of course not, I just wanted to have a chat, you've been a very busy man, Mr. Midoriya or do you prefer Deku?” The rodent chuckled though it quickly stopped once he saw Midoriya wasn't laughing.
Izuku frowned as his voice took a slight edge to it “Midoriya is fine sir and my ummm activities weren't exactly my choice”
They sat in an uncomfortable silence for a minute before Izuku couldn't handle it anymore, he could feel himself squirming in his seat as the minutes ticked bye “sir why did you call me here”
Nezu sighed and placed the tea cup down “I take my job very seriously Midoriya and part of my job is making sure all my students are safe and healthy”
Izuku sat up straight, his voice taking a more defensive tone “are you saying that I'm not safe?”
“On the contrary Mr. Midoriya I'm not worried about the risk you pose to the rest of the students but rather I believe you pose a risk to yourself. In lame man's terms you're not mentally healthy” Nezu clasped his paws and stared the green haired boy down daring the boy to say otherwise. He knew that look that consistently graced his student's face ever since the final battle.
The look of a killer, many good heros had that same look, the most prominent funny enough was the boy's own homeroom teacher.
Izuku fidgeted as he coughed into his hand and refused to look at Nezu “fight a war practically alone at my age and see exactly how mentally healthy you can be”
Nezu leaned back on his chair, shocked at the tone that the young hero was using. Though he shouldn't be surprised he knew the boy was quick to anger and questioning the ninth’s mental health would obviously make the young hero defensive “Now why are you so angry”
Izuku didn't know what the principal was doing but he didn't like how calm Nezu was. In Fact he didn't like this whole situation. If he was a betting man he would bet that nezu was trying to force him to talk about …no not here can't think about that here “I'm not.”
Nezu was wondering how long Izuku would deny that he needed help. Though if the boy was anything like his mentor then it would be a very long time before Izuku feels like opening up, let alone accepting the fact that he needs help and even more time before he even bothers accepting it.“It's ok to talk about these things Izu-”
“I'M NOT SICK” Izuku shouted as he stood up slamming his fist onto the desk causing it to crack. The green haired teen was breathing heavily as he stared at the desk, his face back into the blank mask he always wore these days.
The principal wasn't surprised on how strong the boy was but more so on the control Midoriya had. Nezu knew deep down that Midoriya was physically holding himself back from breaking the stouts desk. “Clearly, but I did not call you here to debate if you're mentally sick or not.” Nezu got out of his chair and walked over to his window “I'm here to discuss your lack of communication with the rest of your class”
Izuku sat back down, slowly calming himself while simultaneously cursing himself for losing his cool “What do you mean?” Even to the young hero he could hear the bitterness in his voice but he honestly couldn't bring himself to care.
Nezu showed no reaction to the bitterness in his students voice as he pushed on “You've been through so much pain and suffering Izuku and keeping it all in isn't healthy” He tapped a couple buttons and brought up a class picture of 1A “your friends have tried talking to you and help but yet you push them away”
Izuku sighed as he glanced at the picture of his friends “So what if I'm not talking with them about what happened I rather forget it and move on” how could people not understand that? He knows he's been through shit he has been since he turned four. Though previously he was able to do the whole forgive and forget dance and the world seemed all too happy to let him do it.
So why is it different this time? Why won't people let him forget the things he's done? Let him forget the monster he's become.
Izuku was brought back from his thoughts as his principal voice spoke up “But you can't just forget about it, it happened, you did what you had too, now we have to talk about it before it breaks you” Nezu turned away from the window and looked at the younger hero with sympathy though to Midoriya it looked nothing more than pity.
Izuku couldn't help but feel angry at the perceived look of pity. What gave the principle the right to tell him how he should feel? What does the stout know about how he should handle his emotions “I don't have to do anything” Izuku knew he was letting his anger do the talking but honestly he didn't care he was getting sick of people telling him what he should do and who he should be.
The quirked animal knew that he was pushing his student too far so he changed tactics “Isn't this the same mentality that young Iida had when he went after Stain?”
That was a hit close to Izuku's heart. Iida was grieving when he went after tain but Izuku didn't have that excuse. He looked away from his principal trying to keep his anger in check “Don't you dare compare that situation with what I'm going through with what I did”
The principal secretly smiled into his paws as he quickly went back to his chair. Good bringing in Midoriya’s friends would get him to start talking so he just needed to push the boy a bit “Answer the question Midoriya”
Izuku grunted as he snarled out his response “Our situations are nothing alike Iida had a choice to make”
“And you believe you didn't?” Nezu hummed, he didn't like the way Izuku was thinking but he couldn't necessarily blame the boy either
Izuku growled as he clenched his fist closing his eyes so he could hide the fact that he was holding back tears “I know I didn't”
Nezu watched his student silently, he noticed how the young man was trying to put on a strong facade but he knew better. It hurt him seeing Izuku trying to be something he clearly wasn't the young wannabe hero that first walked into his school many months ago now nowhere to be seen. “Whatever happened to that young man that first walked into my halls with the mentality that everyone can be redeemed”
The principal knew immediately that was the wrong thing to say, he watched as a switched seemed to be flipped and Izuku tightly grabbed the armrest of his seat as his voice took a more harsher and almost feral tone “He had to grow up, out there I had to learn quickly that being kind can get you killed”
The boy paused, taking a few deep breaths. Nezu took the chance to remind his favorite student who exactly his mentor was “Yet All Might was respected by both civilians and villains, isn't that who you want to be like as the next symbol?” The principal hoped that using All Might and his love for the hero would persuade the ninth wielder of one for all to start talking to him.
“I'm not All Might” of course he wasn't there could never be another All Might. A symbol of peace that was needed for the man's time now long passed, no his student was something more.
“No your something better” Izuku scoffed at his principal of course he would say something like that
“That's what people believe, why should I tell them otherwise” Izuku knew that if the people of Japan knew that their new hero was nothing more than a killer, a monster then they would be questioning everything once more. He worked too hard for this peace. He's bled far too much to let it crumble away so he will make this peace last as long as he can.
Nezu frowned at the way the boy was seemingly referring to himself “But it's not what you believe?” He knew the answer but he wanted to make sure and he was sure that Izuku knew that too. Afterall they wouldn't be having this conversation otherwise.
“All Might demanded respect every time he appeared and the people gave it to him” Izuku sighed as he placed his hands over his head “I couldn't be that i quickly learned that I had to be something much more worse” He looked up at Nezu his eyes red from the tears he was fighting
“What would that be?” The principal cursed at how quiet his voice seemed. He needed to comfort the boy and he seemed to be failing miserably. Stupid humans and their complex emotions.
The boy chuckled dryly as he looked at an old picture of the school staff “Let me ask you something Nezu, Why do the villains ever fear a mortal hero?” The principal was about to respond before Izuku cut him off with a slightly unhinged laugh “Trick question they don't…no …what they do fear is a merciless god”
Oh it made so much sense to the stout now “So you believe being this merciless god isn't a choice?” Once more he knew the answer by just looking at the boy in front of him.
Izuku’s heart clenched as he let a bit of his emotions come out “it never really was my choice”
“Everyone has a choice, Izuku, even you,” Nezu sighed. He hated how fragile his student sounded but he knew he couldn't help Izuku effectively if he didn't tell him what happened in the young man's travels.
“The proof is in the water Nezu. When the chips are down at the end of the day they fear me much more than they ever feared All Might” there was a bit of pride inside Izuku's eyes. Nezu chuckled, he completely understood the pride the boy held, the fear people get when you walk into the room, the instant respect they have, it's intoxicating and something that Nezu himself was guilty of.
His smile completely vanished as he took in the rest of the young heros words and he voiced his concerns “what happened to you Izuku what brought you to this point”
Izuku gave the principle a genuine smile one he hasn't given in weeks before it was replaced by his indifferent mask “i must thank you for your concern sir but frankly it is unwanted”
It was Nezu’s turn to get a bit angry as he stood on his chair leaning into his desk as he stared down Izuku “Your my student”
“I don't care this is my life I owe nobody an explanation of how or why I act the way I do” Izuku matched his principal and leaned in as well despite the stouts smaller stature due to the chair they were able to see eye to eye their noses almost touching.
“You can't keep hiding away Midoriya I will get you to tell me what happened” Nezu squinted his eyes at Izuku. He was losing control of the situation and quickly, he had to show midoriya that he was the one in the right.
“Is that a threat sir?” Izuku's smirk didn't hold any humor, just a promise of pain that would come if Nezu continued down this path.
“It's a promise you either tell me willingly or I would be forced to take drastic measures to get the truth I WILL protect my school and I WILL make sure my students are safe” Nezu never feared any of his students but the way Midoriya was holding himself was a different story. Gone was the bumbling hero worshiping child that graced his halls nor was there any sign of the suffering and regretful man that was in his office moments ago.
What stood before him was Deku the merciless god that many of the underworld feared. The earthshaker, the companion of death. This was the monster he feared Izuku was forced to become and as his fur stood on end he could feel his animal instincts telling him to run as far away from the danger. He could even see Izuku about to lunge at him.
“I would like to see you try” Midoriya's voice never felt so deadly. His tone never once changed; he sounded almost indifferent of what's about to happen.
As if he wasn't about to kill Nezu
“Hey bos-”At the moment Midnight walked in, stopping short at the sight of Izuku about to jump over the desk.
“Sorry am I interrupting something?” the pro hero looked between her boss and her student immediately noticing the defensive position Nezu was taking. She could also see that Nezu was afraid of the boy in front of him
Izuku quickly stepped back from Nezu’s desk “No I was just leaving” he quickly tried to push past Midnight but stopped as his principal called out to him.
The super powered animal was amazed at how quickly Midoriya switched from the oppressing monstrous aura back to the regretful man like nothing ever happened.
It was like A Monster was hiding as a Man
“Izuku I really do want what's best for you” the principal tried his best to make his words sound genuine and he hoped that he was able to quelch the fear he still felt.
“What's best for me sir is to leave me the fuck alone” the green haired teen quickly pushed passed the shocked R-rated hero quickly running down the hall and disappearing around the corner.
Midnight quickly shook out of her surprise as she pointed down the hall “ummm Should I go after him?”
Nezu tiredly sighed as he fell back into his chair and stared at the cracked desk “No tell the rest of the teachers that we would have an assembly for all hero courses tomorrow”
“Is that it?” Midnight looked at her boss worriedly. The image of what she walked in on burned into her memory, seeing Izuku so close to the principal like that and seeing her boss coward under the green haired cinnamon roll it didn't sit right with her. She knew that something was very wrong with the her student but she didn't know what exactly.
Nezu nodded as he opened his drawer and pulled out a small bottle of Sake causing Midnight to worry a bit more. Nezu never drank unless something was either very wrong or something was stressing him out “Yes thank you midnight be a dear and close the door on your way out”
Midnight nodded before closing the door leaving Nezu alone in the office though she did throw one more worried look at her boss before she finally left to do her duties. Nezu methodically opened up and stared at the security camera following Izuku all the way back to his dorm.
The stout sighed he wished it didn't come to this but the ninth didn't leave him much choice. He wondered if this would bite him in the butt at some point but he didn't really care.
Izuku needed his help and he would save him even if the boy didn't want the principal's help. That's what the essence of a hero was.
The image of Izuku standing over him signs of a killer blaring loudly in his mind quickly flashed. He needed to act fast, Midoriya was falling far too quickly.
He picked up the phone and let it ring a few times before the other end picked up. Nezu glanced over to the image of Izuku as he spoke to the other end “yes it's Nezu ....I got a job for you. Can you come in tomorrow and meet me at my school?”
Nezu chuckled to himself as the other end responded “it would be a very intriguing story to tell yes so are you in?”
Nezu smiled slightly as the end confirmed that they would be there. After hanging up the phone Nezu sighed taking a sip from the bottle of Sake.
He really hoped Izuku would forgive him but in the end if the ninth became better then he would have done his job.
When does a man become a monster? Nezu knew the answer and after today he knew for certain that Izuku did as well
So he asked himself
Could a monster become a man? That would be interesting to watch and if anyone can come back from the brink it would be Toshinori’s boy. Though he feared that the boy might not be able to do it alone. That was fine Izuku had friends that would gladly help him from falling even deeper into the dark pit the boy found himself in.
He watched the security feed as All Might walked to the dorms of 1a he hummed to himself as he remembered Midoriya's challenge ‘Let the game begin Midoriya’
It wasn't until hours later as Nezu stared at his desk that it dawned on him that Midoriya didn't use his quirk to crack it despite him knowing that the young hero was holding back.
It would also dawn on him that the boy hasn't used his quirk for anything since the final battle against All for One.
That was probably what terrified him the most.
Chapter 2: The Principal's plan and The Ninth's will
Summary:
Nezu plan is put into motion but he didn't account for midoriya to fight back.
The Horse and the Infant
Notes:
I do not own anything MHA belongs to Funimation entertainment and Epic the Musical belongs to Jorge Rivera-Herrans and Winion Entertainment LLC please go support the original releases
Chapter Text
As the sun rose Izuku was walking with his class to the auditorium for a special Hero course only assembly. He had a sinking feeling that this assembly was connected to his meeting with Nezu the other day but he wasn't completely sure.
He looked around noticing that almost all of the hero courses were heading down to the auditorium. He tried to keep his excitement down but he couldn't help it.
It's been so long since he's seen her. Everything he's done was to get to her and Eri. The memories of that night flashed in his mind the way Tenko shigar- no..no..he refused to think about that.
What's done is done, he did what he had to do and he will not regret it. There was a movement in front of him, his heart skipped a beat. It was her, she was standing next to Miro and Eri laughing, her beautiful long ... .wait Eri? Why was she there? His instincts from years of being on the run and being a vigilante started to scream at him.
Something was gonna happen to him and it involves the damn rotten he has the misfortune to call a principal.
Whatever the rat had going on Izuku knew that he wouldn't like it and he promised himself that he would not take it lying down.
As he walked through the doors to the auditorium he not for the first time wished that the voices of the previous users still spoke to him but after Miro’s ... .no enough of that, it didn't matter he didn't need them they were nothing but trouble anyway.
They were always a distraction
As he followed his class he was stopped by Present Mic. The hero smiled at Izuku but the words he told him didn't make the younger hero feel any better about the sudden assembly.
“Hold it little listener the Principal wants to talk to you”
Izuku sighed, of course the principal did. He turned to see his friends staring at him but he waved them off. They gave him one last worried look before they walked to their seats.
Izuku sighed again he knew he was brushing his friends off but after everything he's seen and done.
He couldn't bring himself to look them in the eye anymore.
The young hero walked in silence as Present Mic led him down towards the stage; each step felt like he was going to an execution.
As he walked he looked over to the third year group trying to catch a look of Eri.
His little snowball was the light in the dark world and seeing her would put his nerves at ease.
Though as he searched he couldn't help but think of the other special woman in his life.
He couldn't help but smile at the thought of her. No matter what he did or what he told her she was always in his corner even with Eri. She would also joke about the things he had to do as a welder of one for all. Her favorite one was that his story reminded her so much of the Odyssey. So much so that he took to calling her his Penelope.
It surprised him really how she turned out to be such a Greek myth geek. Though Izuku's thoughts were quickly interrupted by Nezu and a man in a long trench coat with a video camera for a head.
“Ah Mr. Midoriya, let me introduce our guest speaker. He prefers to go by his hero name Watcher” Nezu gestured to the man.
Izuku nodded as he shook Author’s hand. The camera man nodded at Izuku, the man's voice was robotic like the pre-quirk era VHS tapes that the young hero used to watch. “It's an honor to meet you Mr. Midoriya or do you prefer your hero name Deku?”
Izuku flinched at the mention of his hero name; he sometimes forgets that everyone sees Deku as this giant hero, the next All Might even.
That wasn't who Deku was to him…not at all. Deku was just another monster in the world. “Midoriya is fine sir”
watcher nodded “well Mr. Midoriya I can't wait to see how your story goes” the man Chuckled at the odd look Izuku was giving him “due to my quirk people's stories always intrigued me”
The greenett frowned as he let go of the camera mans hand “my story isn't a pleasant one unfortunately it's one told in blood”
The way the man seemed to stiffen up and seemed almost excited didn't sit well with Izuku. Especially as the man's voice took a much more excited tone. “Those are the best ones to tell, don't you think? Deku?”
Before Izuku could say anything Nezu spoke up “well the presentation is about to begin, why don't you sit over there Mr. Midoriya, we have a special job for you.”
Izuku didn't need Danger sense to tell him that whatever Nezu had planned, the strange man in the trench coat was the key.
All he could do was play along for now and when the time came he would strike. So for now Midoriya nodded and without another word walked to the empty seat that the principal pointed out and watched as both watcher and Nezu walked onto the stage.
The whole auditorium went quiet as Nezu spoke up smiling at them all.
“Hello UA’s hero courses I'm so happy you all could join us in this very special assembly” the room sat quite listening intently to what their principal was saying.
It was very rare for hero course students to go to assemblies and even rarer to have the whole course come to one specifically made for them.
The stoat chuckled as he continued “I'm sure your all very curious as to way I've called but first let me Introduce my good friend and speaker, watcher”
The walking camera stepped up his voice echoing in the silent room “hello future heros as your principal mentioned I am watcher I'm an underground hero”
The auditorium burst with whispers at the mention of the underground. Many realize that this isn't a normal hero assembly; the principal never called an underground hero to present to them, especially if Aizawa was already on his payroll.
The camera hero raised his hand and chuckled “yes yes I know very exciting though I need you all to calm down so we can get through this I'm a timely manner”
It took them a minute to calm down but shortly everyone's attention was back on him. watcher twitched happily “a quick overview of my quirk I could see and show people's life stories it could be their whole life or it could be a specific time frame though downside is that it always seemed to be in a form of a musical” he chuckled again as the excited whispers of a few students that loved the arts and groans from others.
“Yes yes I know but it's not all bad Nezu has asked me to use my quirk on a hero so you all could learn from the individuals story”
This time the whole auditorium burst out in excited cheers. They couldn't wait to see who it was. Maybe it was Present Mic, the hero that seemed bigger than life itself. A few even thought it would be Aizawa, a fellow underground to show them the dangers of hero life. A few thought that seeing as the former number 1 was in the staff it'll be about the man that became a god All Might.
“Settle down settle down I know we're all excited but Nezu has already got someone to agree” the living camera looked over to Izuku his lens zooming in excitedly.
A pit formed inside the greenett, he knew that Nezu was gonna pull something like this but In front of everyone? That was a low blow for the rodent. The young hero glanced over to his principal who smiled at him knowingly. Izuku cursed under his breath this was the rodent's plan all along.
It didn't surprise him when watcher shouted his name “would the hero Deku please come up to the stage” the whole hall froze.
They all heard the story how Deku defeated All for One, the successor of All Might but not much was known about the events leading up to the fight.
Deku was the biggest hero name out there at the moment but yet so much mystery was behind his name.
Izuku stayed seated, refusing to move; he wasn't going to make it easy for them. This was his sorry it was his life no one deserved to know what he had to go through and what he had to do.
“Izuku please come up, you can't keep your fans waiting.” watcher started to look a little annoyed especially when Midoriya stuck his tongue out at him as he refused to move from his seat
“well it looked like someone's shy” watcher chuckled “Vlad please be a dear and bring our guest up”
Before Izuku knew what was happening he was picked up by class 1b’s homeroom teacher and was fireman carried onto the stage. Izuku glared at both the principal and The underground hero on stage as he was unceremoniously dropped in front of the living camera.
Izuku could hear Bakugou shouting from 1A’s section and he couldn't help but smile. Good ol 'Kanchan never changed.
“Thank you Vlad King everyone give a warm welcome to Izuku Midoriya who graciously accepted being our donor to his story” watcher paused to let the small round of applause go through the room as Izuku glared at the man trying to burn him with his gaze to no avail.
watcher chuckled as he placed a hand on izuku's shoulder “don't be like that Midoriya it won't hurt a bit just clear your mind and I'll handle the rest”
Izuku tried to run but the man's grip was surprisingly strong. He felt something start to dig through his mind as both him and watcher started to glow a bright red.
Izuku couldn't help it, his mind started to clear as he felt watcher dig around his memories. Izuku had to do something before it was too late.
‘ clear your mind I'll handle the rest’
That's it, watcher must need a somewhat clear image to show everyone his memories.
Izuku closed his eyes and tried to concentrate on anything that would stop Watcher but it was no use once he got a thought and it was quickly swept away.
He tried to think of anything and everything until the Odyssey came to his mind. It was the only thing he could keep his mind from wandering away so Izuku ran with it.
To the outside world Watcher and Izuku started to glow and the tell tale signs of One for All activating started to appear. Each lighting spark came from Izuku in anger and sporadically striking anything and everything in its reach while a wind started to form around the two as blurry images started to form out of the dust that seemed to be picked up.
As the minutes ticked by the images became more and more clear as well as Izuku's quirk became more sporadic.
Those who could keep their eyes open saw images of thrones and seven men and a woman each glowing a different color before they blurred into what seemed to be Greek gods. They were able to catch glimpses of battles and villains that shifted into horrible creatures.
They all knew something was happening and by the way Izuku was standing his quirk fighting back against watchers they could only guess.
Suddenly Watcher finally let go of Izuku, plunging the world around them into darkness.
It was silent for a moment before suddenly a torch was lit by a slightly older Izuku as he looked around with a determined look in his eyes. He was wearing green Greek armor that covered his chest and legs.
He took a deep breath as a guitar started to play “Alright my brothers listen closely”
The hall sat still seemingly holding their breath in. Class 1a looked at each other worriedly; they had a sinking feeling that what they were about to watch wasn't meant for their eyes.
Midoriya/Odysseus : Tonight we make the villains pay
Ten years of war, they've killed us slowly
But now we'll be the ones who slay
Miro frowned; he didn't like the sound of those ten years of war? It's only been about a year, maybe his little buddy couldn't keep track of time. Though it doesn't explain who he was talking to and don't even get him started on the whole slay part.
Midoriya/Odysseus: Think of your wives and your children
Your families wonder where you've been
They're growing old and yet you're still here
Do what I say and you'll see them again
Iida unknowingly was matching his senpai’s frown. He's known Izuku for a while now and the way he is speaking…it reminded him so much of how he himself was thinking when Tensei got hurt. Midorya was filled with rage and exhaustion and he knew that the greenett was planning an attack. Though what scared Iida the most was that Midoriya wouldn't have someone there to stop him if he goes too far.
600 men: (Yes sir)
Midoriya/Odysseus: Diomedes will lead the charge
Agamemnon will flank the guards
Menelaus will let our mates through the gates to take the whole city at large
Teucer will shoot any ambush attack a nd Little Ajax will stay back N estor, secure Helen and protect her N eo, avenge your father, kill the brothers of Hector
The sound of the men shouting back scared most of the hall. They didn't realize that Midoriya was making a plan of attack in front of so many people. Nezu frowned slightly something seemed off the way that the events are unfolding wasn't what he expected. He turned to All Might who was staring at the stage in horror. Nezu couldn't blame him hearing your successor order a kill wasn't something that would inspire confidence.
Miro sighed and shook his head. The names that Izuku mentioned sounded familiar to him but they weren't any heros that he knew off. He glanced over at Nejire who was watching with a blank expression holding Eri close to her.
Miro couldn't blame her; he knew that Izuku and Nejire were very close and watching him prepare for battle was making him feel a little sick too but the look in her eye bothered him too.
She knew exactly who the men Izuku was talking about were.
600 men: (Yes sir)
Midorya/Odysseus: Find that inner strength now
Use that well of pride
Fight through every pain now
Ask yourself inside
Todoroki smiled for the first time in a few weeks now. He knew Izuku went through hell during his fight with All for One and he knew deep down Izuku was still haunted by the ghosts of the past. Though hearing the encouraging words to the men was such a Midoriya thing to do, the half hot and cold user couldn't help but smile at the familiarity. To him it showed that despite everything deep down Izuku was still himself.
Midoriya/Odysseus:
What do you live for?
What do you try for?
What do you wish for?
What do you fight for?
600 men:
(What do you live for?)
(What do you try for?)
(What do you wish for?)
(What do you fight for?)
All Might nodded at his successor and the boy’s men. He knew that his boy had an issue with motivating himself, always second guessing every choice he made. The questions that Izuku's men and even the boy himself were asking was something the former number 1 expected.
Midoriya/Odysseus:
Penelope
Penelope
And Telemachus
I fight for us
I fight for us
Class 1a frowned, they didn't know who those two people were but if they motivated Izuku then they must be important to him. Though that didn't stop a few of the girls in the class to frown at the mention of this Penelope glaring slightly at the green powerhouse on stage.
Miro hummed as he looked at the stage Penelope? Telemachus? Those were interesting names he wondered if Nejire knew them. Though as he turned to ask her he couldn't help but catch the slight blush on her cheeks as she smiled slightly holding Eri closer causing said little girl to look up confused before she shrugged and went back to watching Izuku with fascination.
Midorya/Odyssey + 600 men:
Penelope
(What do you try for?)
Telemachus
(What do you wish for?)
I'm on my way
(What do you fight for?)
Attack!
The auditorium gasped as the room suddenly lit up revealing a sprawling city as the 600 men ran out of their hiding place from the city sewers. Izuku himself pulled out a sword and hacked his way towards a tower.
Miro tried to cover Eri’s eyes but was quickly beaten by Nejire. Though he covered her eyes himself when he saw the pale look she was having causing the blue haired girl to giggle slightly.
With class 1a they watched with mortified fascination on how quickly Izuku seemed to get into the battle; each swing and lung was calculated. To them it was like a deadly dance that only Izuku knew as he swung and slashed at the villains.
Though as Midoriya climbed a wall he quickly ducked and shouted in pain. Nejire held onto Eri tightly as she stood up screaming his name out. Though she was far from the only one. Down with class 1A most of them sat up on their seats with worried looks. Though Momo Yaoyorozu, Kyoka Jiro, and Ochako Uraraka joined Nejire in her shout.
Even Katsuki Bakugou let off a few small explosions as he frowned at what he saw.
Izuku looked up, breathing heavily when the blow never came.
Midoriya/Odysseus: Who was that?
All Might frowned, everyone seemed to be too relieved to realize that Midoriya wasn't talking to anyone, let alone the figure that was shimmering in the light.
?/Zeus:
A vision
Of what is to come, cannot be outrun
Can only be dealt with right here, and now
Nezu frown deepened he had a feeling of who this mysterious man was but he needed further proof before he was certain. Though that didn't stop him from noting how Midoriya seemed unbothered by the appearance of the man.
Ochako turned to Iida as she whispered to him her voice filled with worry “Iida I don't like this what do you think that man would have Deku do?”
Iida let out a sigh he didn't know what midoriya is going to be forced to do but the whole thing greatly felt like the stain situation for his liking. “Something that none of us would be prepared to do and I'm afraid that includes Midoriya”
Ochaco nodded gulping slightly as she refocused on the stage.
Midoriya/Odysseus: Tell me how
?/Zeus: I don't think you're ready
“THEN WHY WARN HIM YOU FLOATING BASTARD” bakugou's shout made a few of the students jump in surprise as they turned to look at Kirishima already quickly trying to calm the hot head down.
“YEAH Izu doesn't deserve that” Nejire jumped up still holding Eri close to her Miro tried to bring her down as well but she refused to sit down and watch someone tell Izuku that he couldn't do something
“Midoriya would be able to do anything he set his mind to,” the hot and cold user from class 1a stood up next shouting at the stage. He was slowly followed by the rest of his class who all protested the seemingly slight against one of their own.
Nezu quickly tried to calm the students down “this is a memory from Mr. midoriya I'm sure whoever his acquaintance is didn't mean to make any slight against him”
That just caused Class 1a to argue more about who the man was; the other hero courses watched in mild amusement and respect how close the class seemed to be.
None of them were as close as class 1a were.
Aizawa finally had enough of his students' antics and shot his class a glare activating his quirk for Maximum intimidation.
They quickly sat down and the older students that had the tired underground hero shivered as they were greeted with their old Sensei’s glare.
Nezu and Aizawa sat back down without another word refocusing on the stage.
?/Zeus: a mission
To kill someone's son
A foe who won't run
Unlike anyone you have faced before
The room sat deadly still, no one dared to say anything. Kill? They knew at some point that was the only option but for someone to outright say it's the only option. No one envies the green haired boy, Nejire sighed as she dug her face into Eri's hair she couldn't stand this having Izuku's secrets and memories revealed without a care for his privacy.
Bakugou voice rang out again “oh come off it the nerd is to much of a pussy to actually go through with it”
Ochaco quickly jumped up “that's right deku would never hurt anyone”
Miro nodded in agreement but his resolve slowly went away as he watched Eri shake her head and Nejire whisper “he would”
Midoriya/Odysseus: Say no more
I know that I'm ready
Iida closed his eyes and shook his head, he could hear the gasp that came from Ochako and the small “what the fuck nerd” from bakugou. He really didn't like where this was going. Killing wasn't an easy thing to do and it will weigh on Izuku's conscience. The speed quirk user wondered if this is why midoriya has been distant lately.
?/Zeus: I don't think you're ready
Todoroki nodded along with the mysterious man. Izuku was many things but a killer isn't one of them no matter what he said or even thought. He glanced over to Momo and sighed at the horror in her eyes. He knew that Momo and Izuku were close and seeing this side of Izuku, the one who seemed determined to kill? He wondered what the rich girl was thinking.
Midoriya/Odysseus: It's just an infant
It's just a boy
What sort of imminent threat does he pose, that I cannot avoid?
The auditorium burst out in whispers: who was this man? Why is he ordering Deku to kill a child? Would Midoriya do it?
All Might stood up quickly clenching his fists tightly killing a child? That wasn't his successor and if the man is who Toshinori thinks it is then he is surprised that he’s encouraging Izuku to do such a horrible act.
Bakugou watched stunned at the stage….he knew that izuku was struggling with something before he went to fight All for One but killing a child isn't what he thought it was.
He knew the damn nerd better than anyone. Something was wrong. These memories had to be fake or warped somehow.
His best friend isn't a child killer
?/Zeus: This is the son of none other than Troy's very own Prince Hector
Know that he will grow from a boy to an avenger
Nejire frowned even deeper as she looked up to the stage “those are Greek names this is the story of the Trojan war”
Miro nodded “yeah something seemed off I don't think Watcher's quirk is working how it's supposed to”
Nejire nodded she knew Izuku loved children and the thought that he would kill one despite what they would become wasn't sitting right with her.
She knew her boyfriend She thought back at the swirl of dust and images at the beginning of the assembly.
Watcher’s quirk must have fought against Izuku's will; she knew he wouldn't want anyone to see his memories. It wouldn't surprise her at all. If anyone could find a workaround in someone's quirk in a matter of seconds it would be her Izuku.
?/Zeus: One fueled with rage as you're consumed by age
If you don't end him now, you'll have no one left to save
You can say goodbye to
(Penelope)
You can say goodbye to
(Penelope)
The crowd was silent as they watched the mysterious man give Izuku an ultimatum. Many wanted to say they would do the right thing and not kill the child but most were honest with themselves.
No one would take that risk and many wondered if they were even going to be able to choose.
What a horrible choice and one not many were prepared to make.
Midoriya/Odysseus + ?/Zeus:
I could raise him as my own (he will burn your house and throne)
Or send him far away from home (he'll find you wherever you go)
Make sure his past is never known (the gods will make him know)
I'd rather bleed for you, down on my knees for ya (he's bringing you down on your knees)
I'm begging please (this is the will of the gods)
The auditorium was slowly getting filled with sniffles and some students were out right crying.
Watching their hero or even to some their brother in everything but blood break down and beg giving different options to save not only his family but the child and yet be told no.
It broke them
Midoriya/Odysseus: Please don't make me do this, don't make me do this
Nejire covered her mouth, tears freely falling. Even if this memory could be tampered, she knew that the pain in Izuku's voice was real. Izuku was forced to make a choice of killing and saving his loved ones. Maybe it wasn't a child but she knew deep down that it happened.
?/Zeus: The blood on your hands is something you won't lose
All you can choose is whose
As the music ended the city disappeared and Izuku was laying on the stage floor unconscious, Watcher sat next to him staring down at the green haired boy.
Everyone was stunned by what they just watched.
Watcher slowly looked up towards nezu, his voice cracking with exhaustion and sadness. “Nezu we have a problem”
Nezu watched as his friend looked back down at the sleeping form of Izuku Midoriya.
He knew the risks his plan would have and the possible ramifications.
Though as he watched his unconscious student for the first time he wondered if he was doing the right thing.
Chapter 3: Just a Man
Summary:
Watcher explains what's going on with his quirk and Nezu plans for the unforseen
Midorya continues to fight back and a question is asked to the audience
When does a man become a monster
Epic the musical: Just a man
Notes:
I do apologize for the late post but i got super busy with school and stuff but I promise I'll make it up to you guys somehow
Also a little sad I couldn't have a fun way to tweak the title to fit MHA but it works well for both I guess
Chapter Text
The auditorium burst into chaos as Watcher stared down at the unconscious form of Midoriya.
Nezu stayed in his seat, staring at the unconscious form of his student. He knew that Midorya would make this difficult, but to the point that it's messing with Watchers quirk?
Nezu would be proud if he weren't so frustrated at how quickly the Ninth holder was able to find the weakness of his old friend's quirk. though now he had to not only do crowd control but also figure out if the memories are irreversible.
The principal of UA stared at the green-haired teen lying on his stage floor and sighed. Izuku Midoriya…he will save his student. Nezu can question his morality and his questionable methods after.
“Alright, you rodent, what the hell are you playing at?” Toshinori's angry voice was the first to reach the stoat.
He quickly looked up and saw the skeleton man that used to be the symbol of peace glaring down at him.
“Toshinori, I assure you I have no id—” Toshinori raised his hand, cutting off the principal.
Nezu knew that out of all of his teachers, the former wielder of One for All would be the one who would give him the most issues.
“Cut the crap, Nezu. I want to know what you're doing to my goddamn son." The former hero didn't shout, but his voice held so much disappointment that it might as well have been shouted from the man's chest.
Nezu quickly analyzed the situation and figured that when it came to the eighth user of One for All, honesty would be the best policy. “I'm sure you've noticed how he's been pushing people away… He isn't well, Toshinori; he needs help."
“Of course he isn't well; he had to kill two people a couple of months ago. That would change anyone, Nezu.” Toshinori pinched the bridge of his nose. Out of all the crazy and borderline illegal things he's seen the principal of UA do, this had to be the most insane.
The former hero looked at his oldest friend with a tired look, and his voice held that very weight of tiredness. “He deserves the right to process and grieve before he could go back to normal, no?”
Nezu sighed and shook his head; he needed the skeleton man to understand that this was the only course of action he could take.
He would not let the world fail another child.
“I can remember a young boy that the world refused to help when he clearly needed it, and you know where that ended. I'm trying to make sure that young Midoriya avoids that same fate.” Nezu wasn't surprised by the rage that flashed in the former hero’s eyes. He was not only insinuating that his boy could fall to the darkness, but he was also comparing him to one of the world's deadliest enemies.
“Izuku is nothing like Tomura Shigaraki.” Toshinori's voice was filled with righteous anger that for a moment the stoat was reminded why many villains compared All Might to a god.
“Be that as it may, I refuse to take that chance the world can't lose, Mr. Midoriya.”
Why couldn't he see that? Nezu was doing everything in his power to save the hero's son, and yet Toshinori Yagi seems to be under the impression that he wanted the boy to suffer.
Did his friend think so little of him?
Toshinori stared at the stoat with wide eyes before he narrowed them. The hero had a sinking feeling he knew what the stoat meant: “The world can't lose Izuku or One for All.”
Nezu was genuinely hurt by his friend's accusations. Is that what the retired hero thinks he's doing all this for? Yes, it would be a doomsday event if One for All fell to the dark side, but he also genuinely cared for Izuku. “Now, Toshinori, that's not what I meant—”
Toshinori once more raised his hand, cutting off the principal for the second time that day. “Save it, Nezu… end this charade and leave my boy alone."
The quirked animal flinched slightly; that was going to be a problem. “That's not how Watcher's quirk works; once it starts, it needs to be finished, or it will kill him.” Though what he didn't say was that if he could, he wouldn't; this is the only way Nezu could save Izuku Midoriya from himself.
Toshinori stared at the principal with horror, his voice below a whisper, “Are you fucking kidding me, Nezu?”
The stoat closed his eyes and let as much regret as an animal could express fill his voice and facial features. “The boy gave me no other choice.”
There was a moment of silence between the two, the chaos around the auditorium the only thing keeping silence from falling. “At least send the students away; you owe Izuku that much privacy.”
Nezu sighed; that was another issue he didn't really think through either. “I can't; the quirk needs everyone that was present for it to work. It needs an audience we can add but never subtract.”
Toshinori stared at his oldest friend with pure disbelief. He couldn't connect the Nezu he knew with the one sitting in front of him.
“For what it's worth, old friend, I am sorry.” Nezu refused to look at his teacher, instead focusing on the prone form of the boy that this whole mess was for.
Midoriya looked so peaceful lying on the floor. The monster from his office was nowhere to be seen. Nezu couldn't see the unrelenting god that the underworld of Japan is learning to fear either. Only Izuku Midoriya, a child sleeping peacefully, unaware of the chaos he's caused.
His thoughts were broken as Toshinori spoke up, staring at his boy along with Nezu.
“I'm not the one you need to apologize to.” The principal knew that, but at the end of the day, he wondered if the boy would even forgive him.
Toshinori quickly left, pulling his phone out and quickly making a call. Nezu briefly wondered what that was all about but figured he was already pushing his luck with the retired hero to even ask.
At that moment, Watcher walked over to the principal of UA and sighed, “You know that boy's story…it's a doozy.”
Nezu nodded and immediately went to work on how he could salvage the situation. “What was with all the Greek mythology?”
Watcher scoffed as he crossed his arms; despite the camera, for his head Nezu knew that his friend was having fun. “I'm sure you've figured it out by now. You're a smart rodent.”
Nezu groaned slightly; of course he had, but he always did like to make sure he was correct instead of making assumptions. “The boy?”
Watcher nodded, and his voice held a bit of awe. “Yeah, he figured out that he could smudge the memories.”
Nezu nodded, and he could feel the start of a headache forming. Why did the boy have to be so difficult?
The principal started to rub his temples and asked the next important question, “Is there a way to fix it?”
Watcher chuckled as he watched his friend’s growing frustration. He's never really seen the principal of UA be so stressed before, and it was fun watching the stoat meet his match. “Of course, no matter how hard you try to hide the truth, it comes out eventually.”
Nezu nodded good. There was still a chance for him to save this and help his wayward student. “How?”
“Well, that's the tricky part: you have to figure it out, take out the fantasy and the reality from the memories. The only reason it stuck and messed with my quirk is because whatever the boy was thinking of, it was close to his own story, and... well... it blurred the lines a bit.”
That was a great relief for the principal. He feared that Midoriya might have gone too far in his journey to save the world. Though if the stoat was honest with himself, he felt guilty for ever doubting the boy, “So Midoriya wasn't tasked to actually kill an infant.”
Watcher shook his head reassuringly; he knew that his friend cared for every student that walked into his school; he just had an odd way of showing it. “No, just someone he saw as one.”
Oh ... the principal knew exactly who the infant would be... Tomura Shigaraki... It would make the most sense; Izuku Midoriya was never the same after the death of that particular villain.
Nezu looked over to the unconscious form of Izuku and sighed. If he was going to help this particular student, then he had no choice but to push forward. He hoped they would forgive him. “Very well, can you continue, or do you need Izuku to be awake?”
Watcher followed the quirked animal gaze. He knew that the stoat was making a huge gamble with all this, and he would pay for his part when the boy awoke, but for now, as they say, the show must go on. “That's just my quirk. He’ll be fine once I'm done. I'm ready to rock and roll when you are.”
Nezu nodded, then turned to his staff, who were silently watching him.
He knew they heard his conversations with not only Watcher but Toshinori as well if the looks on some of them were to go by. Though the one that surprised him the most was the look of pure disappointment coming from Aizawa, the normally stoic man was glaring daggers at the smaller principal.
“For the record, I don't appreciate you using my student like you are, but if it means he gets help, then I'll do what I have to.” 1A’s homeroom teacher crossed his arms as he sat back in his chair, his tired persona finally taking hold.
Though it was immediately ruined when Midnight crashed into his side with an over-exaggerated sigh as she playfully smacked the grumpy cat lover's shoulder, “Aww, who knew Aizawa was a softy?”
The underground hero groaned as Present Mic joined in the teasing; the only thing the tired teacher could do was push the two to their seats and grumpily mumble about energetic morons.
As his teachers started to settle down, the superpowered animal took notice of how the auditorium was starting to wind down and figured now was the best time to address the masses and continue his plan.
Nezu walked up the stage and was about to explain what the situation was, but he was cut off by the doors banging open, causing the whole auditorium to jump too quickly and stand on guard.
There stood a very pissed-off, plump woman with vibrant green hair, small needles, nails, and scissors floating around her.
“WHERE IS HE?” The unknown woman stormed inside; many students and some pros were shocked to even stop her as she reached the principal.
“Where's my son?” Each teacher besides All Might and Aizawa quickly found a pair of scissors or needles pointed to their throats or, for the male heroes, their privates.
“Mrs. Midoriya, if you can ple—” the principal was once again cut off, though this time by the angry mother.
Nezu was starting to get tired of being cut off. He also made a mental note to talk to Aizawa and Yagi about letting the boys mother know.
“Save it. Where's my baby, you pathetic excuse for a rodent?” A few of the scissors pushed in, causing a few of his male teachers to whimper as the enraged mother glared at the principal.
Luckily for Nezu and his staff, Toshinori walked up and placed a calming hand on the mother of the Midoriya household, “Inko, the situation is much more complicated than Mr. Aizawa or I thought. Please relieve our comrades, and we'll gladly explain everything.”
Inko looked at Toshinori before huffing, and the small object clattered to the floor. She glared at Nezu before she walked towards where her son's mentor and homeroom teacher were sitting.
Nezu cleared his throat. “Well, if there are no other, um, interruptions, then I'll explain the situation.”
Nezu told the students how exactly watchers' quirks worked and their side effects. He also explained how Izuku's own will and quirk were fighting back as much as they could, causing it to abstract the memories.
Class 1A sat silently; a few of them were fuming at the blatant disrespect of their friend's privacy.
“I get that Midobabe was acting a little strangely, but if the first memory was anything to go by, I don't blame him, but this is going too far,” Mina whispered to Toru, and she assumed the invisible girl agreed with her if the shifting of clothes meant anything.
“Why does Deku have to go through this? He just saved the world; can't he just catch a break? It should be paradise for him,” Uraraka huffed as she glared down at the stage, Iida and Todoroki nodding in agreement.
The same sentiment was being discussed with the upper-class men.
“Izu... I'm so sorry.” Nejire held tightly to Eri as the smaller girl stared up at the blue-haired girl.
Eri quietly placed a hand over the older girl's own, something Izuku showed her to do whenever someone seemed sad. He said it'll make them feel comfort, whatever that meant.
“Yeah, poor kid can't catch a break,” Mirio sighed. Though he did take note once more of how Nejire seemed to be calling Midoriya Izu or Izuku something, he's starting to realize she was going a lot more often.
The teachers quickly tried to quiet down everyone as they prepared to continue the journey they unknowingly started. They hoped by the end Izuku would forgive them.
Watcher walked up to the sleeping greennet, taking a deep breath, and once more the room was plunged into darkness.
The room lit back up into the nursery that they left just moments ago. The city was still being raided as shouting and burning buildings could be heard in the distance.
Then softly, as if it was a lullaby, a soft guitar started to play. Once again the older Izuku walked tiredly over to the crib where a child with black hair and grey eyes was staring up at Izuku.
Midoriya/Odysseus
I look into your eyes and I
Think back to the son of mine
You're as old as he was
When I left for war
Bakugou frowned deeply as he watched the scene play out in front of him. It didn't make sense to him.
Izuku Midorya never had a son; he stood up to the protest of the shitty hair that was sitting next to him and raised his voice, “The nerd never had a kid; if anything, the closest thing would be that runt that he saved a couple of months back, but that's a girl.”
The hall erupted into whispers; everyone saw the news over the Shie Hassaikai Raid. They also knew that certain UA students were allowed to go but were never told who exactly.
Though to a few it seemed like a no-brainer that their new symbol would be part of that particular raid.
Eri slowly curled into herself as she noticed how the few people around them started to stare at her.
She didn't like being watched like that. It reminded her too much of Overhaul.
Nejire shifted around a bit so Eri was being hidden between Mirio and her. The blue-haired girl shot everyone around her a glare that promised nothing but pain if they didn't stop looking at her little girl.
Midoriya/Odysseus
Will these actions haunt my days?
Every man I've slain
Is the price I pay, endless pain
Close your eyes
And spare yourself the view
How could I hurt you?
Inko covered her mouth and tried to hold back a sob. Oh, her poor baby boy, she knew that look. Despite the fact that on stage he looked like a grown adult, Inko knew her son. She knew that look of pain that graced her baby's face.
Years of him hiding it from her helped her pick up the signs.
Whatever was going on, her little Izuku was breaking at the seams, but he was trying to put a face on.
Toshinori sighed and closed his eyes. The way that the infant looked was exactly how Izuku described how Tomura looked before All for One got to him.
The retired hero figured that this infant was actually Tomura Shigaraki and this was Izuku’s grief taking form.
He felt guilty he should have done more for his boy.
Aizawa frowned into his capture weapon; he hated this; he hated feeling powerless, hated seeing his best student struggle with making a decision that shouldn't have been his to make.
Most of all he hated the pain that was so clearly displayed by the young man on stage.
The audience as a whole was fighting back tears. This was their hero, their savior, that they were watching breaking down in real time.
Midoriya/Odysseus
I'm just a man
Who's tryin' to go home
Even after all the years away from what I've known
I'm just a man
Who's fighting for his life
Deep down I would trade the world to see my daughter and wife
I'm just a man
Uraraka silently cried as she covered her mouth in sorrow. This isn't fair in her opinion. They shouldn't be watching her Deku breaking down.
Todoroki stoically stared at the stage; he sighed and shook his head. He's never heard the desperation in his friend's voice before, and it really just showed the younger Todoroki how much pain Izuku was suffering. Though he noticed the change of lyric from son to daughter, as he looked around the auditorium, he wasn't the only one to catch the change.
Mina looked onstage and quickly picked up on something the older Midoriya said, her eyes shining with excitement. “Wait, wife?”
She wasn't the only one to notice, though. Uraraka frowned as a murderous aura filled the air. “Deku….”
Momo frowned and crossed her arms. Wife? That's not right; no one seemed to be close to the green powerhouse besides Uraraka, and by the way that the anti-gravity user was acting, she was not the one Izuku was talking about.
Who stole the greenett’s heart, she wondered...and why does she feel so heartbroken about it?
Midoriya/Odysseus
But when does a comet become a meteor?
When does a candle become a blaze?
When does a man become a monster?
Nezu frowned; that's exactly the question he was worried Midoriya found the answer to.
When does a kind boy become a ruthless god….
Is it when he is forced to kill? Or is it when he's pushed to the edge and ready to snap his principal’s neck?
Midnight felt a small shiver go down her neck. She's seen a lot as an R-rated hero, but even she hasn't seen this.
She remembered the small boy from the beginning of the year, the one that was embarrassed to even look at her.
The little boy who stammered for her autograph, blushing like mad.
On stage what she saw was a man that was breaking. A man who was tired of fighting and just wanted to go home. She couldn't see that blushing little boy anymore.
She hated it. Where did that little boy go?
Midoriya/Odysseus
When does a ripple become a tidal wave?
When does the reason become the blame?
When does a man become a monster?
Nejire was trying to hide the tears that were running down her cheek. It wouldn't do well for Eri to see her crying. Especially not about what's happening with Izuku.
She hated when he got like this; she's seen that faraway look one too many times. He didn't cry anymore; it was just a soft acceptance, something that Nejire was bothered by.
Izuku always cried when something bothered him, no matter how big or small. It was part of him, the side effects of wearing your heart on your sleeve.
Though there are times like this, Izuku Midoriya didn't cry. He didn't shout or scream; he just sat staring, his eyes hollow of emotion.
Her Izuku disappears, and what's replaced was an emotionless being. She resisted the urge to run up the stage and just give him the biggest hug she could make.
She promised herself that once this is all done, she would remind Izuku that no matter what's happened, no matter what he thinks he's become, he would always be hers.
Midoriya/Odysseus + 600 Men
Forgive me
(When does a man become a monster?)
Forgive me
(When does a man become a monster?)
Forgive me
The auditorium gasped as they saw Izuku pick up the child and walk towards the balcony. Many of the watchers closed their eyes, letting the desperation that was inside Midoriya’s voice take them far away.
Nezu watched closely; this was probably the moment that changed everything for the young man.
The day he decided that Shigaraki needed to die.
Inko closed her eyes; she couldn't watch this. The desperation in her baby's voice as he asked for forgiveness is something she thought she would never hear again.
‘Can I still be a hero?’
Her poor baby, why is the world so cruel?
Why can she never be there when her son needs her the most?
Midoriya/Odysseus
I'm just a man
As Izuku made it to the balcony, he held out the baby over the edge. The tired young man’s face was filled with solemn resignation.
And as he slowly let go of the bundle a finger at a time, the auditorium grew even more uneasy.
Class 1A sat deathly still; they didn't know what to do. They were about to watch their most innocent member take a life.
How could they help? What can they do?
As Izuku was at his last finger, the scene went black.
There was no movement; the tension in the auditorium was deafening.
The only sound that was heard
Was the boy's mother crying
Chapter 4: Full Speed Ahead
Summary:
After the heaviness of the last song it is a more subdued Hero course that watch what happens next.
Though questions are being asked with no answers seemingly in sight.
Familiar faces start to appear but they bring more questions
Notes:
Hey.....I'm alive.....hehe I brought a gift enjoy
Chapter Text
It was a very subdued auditorium that waited for Watcher to rest and recharge.
None were uncharacteristically quiet as class 1A. They all were staring down at the stage with varying degrees of worry for their green haired classmate.
Iida sighed as he rubbed his forehead; he didn't think anyone in their class would understand what Midoriya did….
He didn't even think he could understand. Unlike himself he was positive there wasn't someone to talk sense to the green haired boy like he had for him.
Still to take a life ... .it's no wonder Midoriya set himself apart from the class and yet he didn't see it….
How can he call himself a hero if someone was suffering right under his nose ...let alone a friend he had so much to make up for and this time he won't take no for an answer.
As he looked at his classmates though it seemed he wasn't the only one that would be watching over their green haired friend moving forward.
Momo Yaoyorozu frowned as she let her mind run. There was so much mystery surrounding izuku Midoriya. Who was Penelope….why is the greenet pushing everyone away….why did he seem like he's seen ghosts wherever he turned.
Though she supposed she'll learn it all soon enough. Another thing that this whole debacle was proving to her though was that men could not be trusted.
The perverted grape was still in UA, when he should have been expelled for some of his transgressions. A strange man told her poor izuku to kill when he clearly didn't want to. It was the UA Principal a male , who was forcing her friends' secrets out.
Yet they sat and watched the demented rodent do as he pleased. Was she as guilty? Was she as monstrous as the men her mother warned her about? As the man that forced her green haired hero to abandon his morals and kill?
Did she fail to protect…she feared that she might have…and looking at ochako she wasn't the only one upset about the fate of the cinnamon roll of their class.
Though before she could ask her friend Watcher seemed to get his energy back as the room darkened once more and the sound of drums filled the air as the older Midoriya reappeared on the stage smiling wide and staring down at his men. Boarding ships.
Midoriya/Odysseus: Six hundred men Six hundred men under my command
Nejire frowned “I don't like how he keeps repeating 600” she wasn't as much into betting than her other classmates but she can be sure that number holds weight.
Mirio nodded silently agreeing with the periwinkle girls there's something very special about that number but he had a sinking feeling it wasn't a very good one. Was he foolish to hope that he was wrong though?
Midoriya/Odysseus: With only one goal in mind
600 men: Make it back alive to our homeland
“A very good goal” Nezu spoke up, staring at the older Midoriya staring down at his men.
“Sounds easy enough” Present Mic spoke up as he smiled at the stage.
Aizawa frowned, staring as the men loaded their ships. He wasn't as optimistic as his cockatoo looking friend but he had a sinking feeling that his problem child's journey home wasn't going to be as easy as they hoped.
The boy wouldn't be as distant if everything went smoothly ‘what the hell happened to you problem child’
Midoriya/Odysseus: Six hundred men, six hundred miles of open sea But the problem's not the distance
All Might sighed frowning, it was always his boy vs the world.
It never once let up
It never once reached out and treated him with kindness
But
That's why he chose young Midoriya so long ago isn't it? Izuku Midoriya could have the world burning around him and yet still stand tall with a watery smile.
No matter how his story ended one thing he knew was this
Izuku Midoriya WILL make it home one way or another or the very least die trying.
He sighed...it's the dying he was worried about though.
600 men: It's what lies in between
Midoriya/Odysseus + (600 men):
And UA’s waiting, UA’s waiting
My kingdom is waiting (the kingdom is waiting)
Penelope's waiting for me
So full speed ahead, full speed ahead
Inko couldn't help but smile at the almost daydreaming face her older son was making. She saw that smile so many times as he gazed at heros she never thought it would appear when he thought about anything else.
That smile he had showed nothing but worship and love. She almost giggled all giddy whoever this Penelope was holding her son's heart so tightly she can practically see the stars coming out of her not so baby boy’s eyes. As izuku was staring out at the open sea as the ships sailed.
She doubted that her name was Penelope; it seemed more of a pet name her son would give though she would find out who this woman was.
She would hug her so tightly for making her son so happy….she would bake whatever this mystery woman liked
And then…
Her smile turned cold and wicked as she watched her boy on stage. Then she will test her ... .only the best of the best for her son yes sir…..she wondered if she still has those old toxic needles her mother gave her when Izuku was born…
All might scooted away slightly at the menacing aura left the petit woman next to him and he shivered silently praying mercy to whatever got Inko Midoriya so worked up
Unknown to either of the Greenetts parents but just a few seats away a certain periwinkle haired girl shivered slightly and looked around fearing for her life.
“Everything ok Miss Nejire?” Eri looked over at the slightly shaking woman. Once again placing her hand on Nejire's leg just like she's seen her do to Deku whenever he got worked up like this.
Nejire smiled down at the unicorn girl “just a little cold snowflake”
Mirio put his hand to stop the slight squeal of joy as he saw the little girl instead of saying anything, taking off her jacket and draping it over his friend, despite the jacket being too small for the vitality user to actually use before the little girl turned back to watch the stage.
The scene panned out as a familiar looking blonde walked up to Izuku who still has a far away dreamy smile.
Class 1a gasped at the sight of a familiar face appearing. He looked much older and much buffer than he currently is but the spiky blond hair and almost feral smile was unmistakable
“Wait, is that? No it can't be” Kirishima almost gave himself whiplash as he snapped his head back and forth looking at the older look alike and his best friend sitting next to him.
Eurylochus + (600 men):
Captain, (Eurylochus)
Six hundred men, (six hundred men)
Many that knew the loud blond sighed and or giggled as the man spoke. It wasn't as loud as the explosion quirk user was but the soft growl was unmistakable even if it was deeper.
“Oh my God it is” Mina bounced excitedly as she stared at the older version of her friend.
“Dude you're in this! How manly is that!” the red head shook katsuki from side to side smiling wide
The explosion quirk user growled setting off some explosions in his palms to get his energetic friend off him but it didn't seem to do much.“of course I'm in this the fucking nerd has been a leech at my side since we were kids I was bound to show up”
Though he didn't understand why he was much older maybe whatever the nerd did with that extras quirk was fucking up their ages?
Bakugo/Eurylochus:
Six hundred men with big mouths to feed
And we've run out of supplies to eat
Mirio couldn't help the chuckle that escaped even with his limited interaction with the blond explosive boy he knew that the blond on stage seemed to match him perfectly even if the man seemed older and more battle worn.
He did frown though, those scars were not on the young man sitting only a few feet away. The man on stage was older, maybe they were marks of future battles? Though that begged the question.
Why did Midoriya have memories of those scars?
He was so deep in thought that he didn't notice Nejire frown.
The energetic girl sighed as she leaned back. Low on food stuck miles away from where she could help…. It wasn't looking good for her Izuku but she knew that he would figure something out.
Her Izuku was nothing but resourceful and quick witted.
600 men: Curse the war, our food store's depleted
Eurylochus + (600 men):
Six hundred men (six hundred men)
Six hundred reasons to take what we can
So captain, what's the plan?
(Captain, what's the plan?)
Aizawa frowned into his scarf even though the people on stage were clearly older he still knew his students.
Bakugo questioning Midoriya like that wasn't a surprise and he hoped that it wouldn't become an issue as this thing went on.
someone questioning their leader is always bound to get messy
Midoriya/Odysseus+ (600 men):
Watch where the birds fly (watch where the birds fly)
They will lead us to land (they will lead us to land)
There we'll hunt for food, my second in command
Now full speed ahead, full speed ahead
“That's actually pretty smart the birds would know where food is” midnight hummed as she nodded approvingly
Inko smiled wide glowing with pride and practically shouted “THAT'S MY BOY USE YOUR BRAINS” she remembered telling a much younger Izuku about how if he ever got lost at sea to use the birds around to find land they would need it to rest and eat. She was glad her boy used her weird lessons
All might chuckled as he watched his protege’s mother get out of her funk that the previous song put her in. It was easy to see where young Midoriya got his passion from.
Bakugo/Eurylochus + 600 men:
We're up, we're off, and away we go
We're up, we're off, and away we go
We're up, we're off, and away we go
The whole auditorium seemed to start getting into the hopeful feel the instruments were giving compared to the last thing they watched. Some even started to chant along and pretend to row like the men on stage.
Many still worried about the fate of the child and what it meant to their Savior but decided to let the joy and energetic music give them relief.
It wasn't long till the scene panned out again and showed yet another older version causing the auditorium to once more be filled with gasps of excitement.
Mirio smiled as the familiar face walked over to the two men in charge.
Polites: Captain
Midoriya/Odysseus: Polites!
Eri smiled wide as she saw the much older Mirio on stage. She excitedly got out of Nejire’s hold and excitedly pointed at the stage as she shouted “IT'S MIRIO”
Nejire gulped nervously and made sure Eri was at arms reach. She didn’t know quirks like izuku did but she knew enough about the quirk that he was under and the story of the Odyssey to know one major thing.
There will be death shown and as much as she hated it and hoped she was wrong she knew
Mirio was one of them.
Mirio/Polites: Look! There in the distance, I see an island I see a light that faintly glows Maybe they're people lighting a fire Maybe they'll share some food, who knows?
Todoroki frowned as the scene shifted to an island where sure enough a soft glow was coming from the tree lines. That wasn't ordinary fire, it wasn't leaving a trail of smoke, it was extremely odd and he didn't trust it.
“What's wrong Todoroki?” Iida looked over at his silent friend who shook his head and nodded towards the screen.
“no smoke”
Midoriya/Odysseus: Something feels off here I see fire but there's no smoke
Bakugo/Eurylochus: I say we strike first We don't have time to waste So let's raid the place and
Ochako rolled her eyes and scoffed, leave it to Bakugo to always want to attack first and ask questions later. “You need to slow down sometimes, you can get Deku killed with that attitude”
“I didn't fucking ask you pink cheeks”
Midoriya/Odysseus: No Mirio gear up, you and I'll go ahead
Mirio/Polities: You and I'll go ahead
The tangible quirk user smiled proudly. He was honored that he was the first one that the Greenett turned to when he needed back up.
Ochako stuck her tongue out at Bakugo “see even the older Deku knew that you don't need to attack everything on sight”
Bakugo only growled as his hand started to smoke.
Midoriya/Odysseus: We should try to find a way no one ends up dead
Bakugo/Eurylochus: We don't know what's ahead
Aizawa frowned even more there it was again questioning their leader in front of his men. Especially since Bakugo was second in command the men can and will lose faith in Midoriya if he kept that up and they will lose it quickly.
Midoriya/Odysseus: Give me 'til sunrise, and if we don't return Then six hundred men can make this whole place burn
Nezu hummed and nodded “appeasing his second while also having a back up plan very wise of him”
Aizawa nodded along with his principal that would keep the damage that Bakugo may have caused if the men see Midoriya take his second in command's plans in mind as well.
The auditorium suddenly was filled with Bakugo screaming “TAKE THAT ROUND FACE THE NERD ISN'T A COMPLETE SAINT”
Then again aizawa sighed there wasn't much stopping from Bakugo for making his opinions heard.
Midoriya/Odysseus:
Now full speed ahead
Midoriya/Odysseus + 600 men:
Full speed ahead
Full speed ahead
We're up, we're off, and away we go
We're up, we're off, and away we go
Full speed ahead (we're up, we're off, and away we go)
We're up, we're off, and a
Full speed ahead
By the end of the song the whole auditorium was singing along with the green haired man and his crew as they set sail.
It was a much more energetic and pumped student body at the end of this song than the last two songs.
Many felt like the journey ahead will be bright and exciting.
Nejire looked around watching the hero course excitedly murmuring with each other.
“I'm all FIRED UP” a pink haired third year roared at his winged cat friend as his blond companion shook her head smiling at her two friends.
The periwinkle haired girl turned over to see her boyfriend's class only to see them just as excited for what's to come.
The only ones not joining in were the ever stoic Todoroki but he was smiling softly, the explosive Bakugo who seemed deep in thought and the class representative himself Iida who was the only one besides her that seemed nervous for what's to come.
She sighed and looked over at Eri and Mirio jumping around as the little girl excitedly spoke about his short appearance in the musical.
She hoped she was wrong; she couldn't stand to see her friend die or the pain that would bring not only to her but to the two most important people to her….
She sighed and closed her eyes. What will come will come and she could only react. She won't be able to comfort her Odysseus but she sure as hell can comfort the little girl dancing around her.
Nejire opened her eyes and looked over at the comatose Greenett that has taken over her mind as of late and how he seemed almost haunted by his past. She always asked what bothered him but he never would tell her details, it was always ‘i did things I regret’ or ‘i'm not as kind as i used to be’ always vague nothing for her to work with.
Then the reports about how he handled villains on patrol came.…
The citizens loved him, a strong bright beacon battling back the cruelty of the world.
Though she knew how the villains see her Izuku….a demented god…..a monster disguised as man….
They feared him much more than the civilians loved him
She knew that wasn't the type of hero he wanted to be so as she stared at the stage she only had one thought…
‘izuku….let me take your suffering....please...’
Chapter 5: Relax my friend
Summary:
The hero course is introduced to a new philosophy one that only a handful seem to take to heart.
Nezu comes to a realization that not everything was accounted for
Epic the musical: Open arms
Chapter Text
Inko frowned, the joy she had watching her son sail home was slightly diminished when she saw Mitsuki’s boy was part of his crew.
Don't get her wrong she absolutely adored Bakugou and she knows he would be an amazing hero if he just calmed down a bit but….
She's seen the burn marks. She's seen how Izuku used to flinch at the loud sounds
Inko was anything but stupid, she could never prove it but she knew katsuki was the reason her son suffered for so long.
She could be as forgiving as her son but she won't forget so easily
“Don't worry, Inko , your boy is a tough one,” Toshinori smiled at the matriarch of the Midoriya household.
Inko smiled at her son's hero and let out a soft laugh “Izuku is anything but stubborn, he won't let anything get in the way to his goal” she looked over towards class 1a and once again frowned at the screaming explosion user as he was shouting at one of his red hairs classmate.
“It's the people he's with that I'm worried about”
Toshinori followed to where she was looking at and flinched slightly not dropping his smile “yes young Bakugo could be a handful but he's a good kid when it comes down to it I'm sure he won't do anything to impede their journey home”
The plump woman nodded as the stage started to show tropical trees and they could see Izuku and Mirio walking through the heavy foliage.
Izuku was clearly deep in thought, his face scrounged up his eyes heavy with guilt.
Mirio/Polites: You can relax, my friend
Midoriya/Odysseus: Huh?
Toshinori sighed and shook his head with a slight smile. He knew his boy better than anyone in this room except for probably the green haired woman next to him.
Asking Izuku Midoriya to relax and take it easy is like asking a fish to breathe air or for the sun to not rise.
He hated sometimes how motivated the boy can be, never knowing when enough was enough ... .that Izuku was enough.
Unknown to the number one hero though his thoughts were being mimicked by the boy's mother but she has a better understanding of her boy.
Inko smiled softly, all his life Izuku didn't know when to quit. Inko wondered if her baby boy even knew what it means to relax. seeing the confused look her son gave his friend she could still see the glimmer of worry in his eyes. She hated that look she's gotten so much in the boys' youth…his own twisted way to save her the pain and ease her burdens
Inko knew though that Worry and Izuku were very old friends and the boy's mother hated it.
Mirio/Polites: I can tell you're getting nervous So do yourself a service And try to relax, my friend
Midoriya/Odysseus: I'm fine, Mirio
Nejire growled in annoyance causing Eri to flinch slightly, the periwinkle haired girl placed a comforting hand on the little unicorn but the frown never left her face.
There were many things that she loved about Izuku: his determination to save people, his awkward attempts at flirting, the little smile he gives her when he thinks she's not looking. The nerdy way he gushes over quirks. She could go on and on if she was given the chance.
Though there is one thing that she absolutely hated about her green haired nerd.
Izuku was a massive lier
Oh he won't lie about small things no the boy is truthful to a fault for everything except when it comes to himself.
Someone cut the line? Oh he doesn't mind waiting a bit more
Wrong order? It's fine he didn't want the katsun anyway
Broken arm? Oh it's not bothering him at all
Emotionally drained and overwhelmed? He's fine
‘Im fine’ his absolute favorite lie
She hated those two words coming from his lips
‘Im fine'
No he's not, he CLEARLY isn't fine why can't he just ONCE in his goddamn life admi-
“Miss Nejire, are you mad at me?”
Nejire blinked as she looked down at the shaking girl on her lap, instantly feeling guilty, she supposed she wasn't hiding her anger as well as she thought she was.
“No snowflake why?” the vitality quirk user gently cupped Eri’s cheek smiling down at her in reassurance.
“You had a really mad face” the little girl whispered but she wasn't flinching away so the older girl took it as a win.
“Oh no I'm not mad at you snowflake, I'm mad at Izuku he tends to lie about being hurt a lot”
Eri looked at the periwinkle haired girl then back onto the stage before looking back at the older girl.
The little unicorn nodded in understanding before she crossed her arms and huffed as she tried to mimic Nejire’s glare causing her to look more adorable than angry.
Nejire couldn't help the laugh that escaped her lips. Mirio wasn't much better watching the two with a fist in his mouth to keep himself from squealing.
Mirio/Polites: Think of all that we have been through We'll survive what we get into
Mirio looked over at Tamaki as he felt his hand touch his shoulder.
His shy male best friend hasn't said a word since the beginning of this whole thing.
Though to be fair Tamaki doesn't say much in the first place but the look he was giving him. Mirio knew that his socially awkward friend knew what the stage version of him was doing.
Izuku needs someone to talk to and Mirio would be that voice of reason if he had to be and he will be.
He won't let Izuku suffer anymore than he already has.
Le'million will save him
Mirio/Polites: I know that you're tired of the war and bloodshed Tell me, is this how we're supposed to live? Look at how you grip your sword, enough said Why should we take when we could give? You can show a person that you trust them When you stop and lower your guard Here we havе a chance for some adjustment Givе it a try, it's not that hard I'm telling you
Momo nodded along with what the on stage Mirio said. She has noticed the shifting look Izuku has when he walks the halls of UA. In fact she would be surprised if anyone in 1A hasn't noticed the guarded pose Midoriya has all the time.
At first she thought he was a very shy boy and she scoffed at how someone could ever hope to be a top hero.
Then she looked closer, did as her mother said and looked for the true man underneath.
Izuku wasn't shy, he was waiting to be attacked.
Constantly looking for ways to escape whenever he entered a room.
Analysing who would be the biggest threat.
Always thinking, always watching, always moving.
Izuku was constantly looking over his shoulder. Though she realized as the year went on it was different.
It wasn't of a boy trying to avoid an attack. It was of a tired predator continuing to fight because it's all it now knows.
“He does look so tired” she felt herself say
“Yeah midobabe has been through shit” Mina spoke up as she looked at the stage worriedly.
Tokoyami hummed to himself as he crossed his arms “a soldier fighting a war that has long since ended, never knowing rest even in his mind”
Kaminari nodded in agreement before he frowned and turned to Iida “Ummm translation?”
The speed quirk user sighed as he never once looked away from the stage “it means that Midoriya is still suffering mentally”
The rest of class 1a sighed and shifted uncomfortably knowing that under the smiling mask their happiest member was also the one suffering the most.
It was always the ones who smiled the brightest, wasn't it?
Mirio/Polites: This life is amazing when you greet it with open arms Whatever we face, we'll be fine if we're leading from the heart No matter the place, we can light up the world Here's how to start Greet the world with open arms Greet the world with open arms
Aizawa shook his head with a soft sigh “that is a very optimistic mentality that can get you killed”
Hizashi turned to his tired friend and smiled sadly, hearing the almost bitterness in the old pro’s voice “sounds a lot like oboro doesn't he?”
The underground hero nodded at his old friend as he frowned at the stage.
That's exactly what he's afraid of.
Inko sighed as she turned slightly to All Might never once looking away from the stage “Izuku used to think like that….even when his quirk didn't come in he…he always greeted the world with open arms”
Toshinori chuckled as he stared up at the stage “I wonder if young Togata will remind him of that?”
Inko smiled sadly as she focused back on the stage.
She hoped he would but with what she's heard about her son she doubted it would change anything.
The world wasn't that kind to her boy.
Many of the adults' thoughts were being mimicked by the students of 1A.
Uraraka sighed as she let a bit of nostalgia come into her voice “Deku used to think like that didn't he? It was so long ago”
Iida smiled and nodded “yes we were all so green to this hero stuff we've grown so much” he turned to his dual colored friend to ask his opinion but froze on the frown that the son of endeavor had.
Todoroki softly nodded to the stage as he pointed out the glowing eyes in the tree lines “there's something following them”
The hot-cold user looked to his right as he heard a soft curse only to see mineta biting his fingernails.
The shortest member of the class looked around at the odd looks he was getting and scoffed “we've all seen the shit Midoriya does in a fight excuse me if I don't want to see that up close”
Many nodded in agreement before they all focused on the stage
Lotus Eaters: Welcome
Midoriya/Odysseus: Stay back
The whole hall flinched at how quickly Midoriya pulled his sword swinging at the small little fur creatures.
Nezu sat forward, his interest peaked as he noticed Midoriya wasn't going straight for the kill but warning these creatures ‘not quite the monster eh? Midoriya’
Lotus Eaters: Stay back
Mirio/Polites: My friend, greet the world with open arms
Aizawa frowned as he adjusted his scarf. He didn't like how trusting his former student was being. It's like he hasn't even learned his lesson yet.
Midoriya/Odysseus: We're only here for food
Lotus Eaters: Food
Midoriya/Odysseus: Six hundred friends are waiting for us to show our faces
Nejire whispered to Mirio her face showing the clear signs of worry “he's so on edge Mirio”
The Permeation quirk user sighed and nodded. His alter ego clearly noticed as well if the look of his on stage doppelganger was to say anything.
Lotus Eaters: Food
Midoriya/Odysseus: Stay back, I'm warning you
Inko covered her mouth to prevent the tears from spilling and flooding the auditorium.
She's seen Izuku upset, she seen him determined, she even seen her baby boy fight.
She never saw him like this….
Breaking at the seams and lashing out
What has the world done to her son?
Lotus Eaters: Food (Num num num)
Midoriya/Odysseus: I f we don't get back safely My men will turn this place into blazes
There was a loud slap that rang out in the pure silence followed by a very loud and heavy kansai accent that echoed in the hall “this is your damn fault Katsuki Bakugou”
Iida and Kirishima immediately separated the two, trying to put them as far away as they could from each other as they both kept lunging at each other.
Though they quickly noticed the basket of glowing fruits that was being pushed towards Izuku and Mirio calming them down enough to be led to their new seats.
Lotus Eaters: Here you go
Eri giggled as she pointed on the stage at the little flowery cat like creatures “they are so cute
Nejire smiled down nervously at the little unicorn girl, these creatures were putting her on edge, maybe it had to do something with that glowing basket or maybe the look of calculation on her green haired love’s eyes.
Either way it seemed she was one of the few that was on edge. Down by the teachers' seating area it was a completely different attitude.
“Oh these creatures are so cute I want one” Midnight giggled unknowingly, matching the rest of the female population in the auditorium.
Aizawa looked over with a raised eyebrow and scoffed “you don't even know what those things are”
Hizashi slowly leaned over as midnight waved off the tired teacher and whispered “they kinda look like cats don't you think sho?”
Aizawa glanced back at the stage then at his two friends “we have to figure out what those things are for our students safety”
Shota pointedly ignored the smirks and knowing look that was coming from the dominatrix and the radio host. He was just worried over what these creatures could do to his students.
Definitely nothing with the cat thing at all
Mirio/Polites: See? This life is amazing when you greet it with open arms Whatever we face, we'll be fine if we're leading from the heart No matter the place, we can light up the world Here's how to start Greet the world with open arms Greet the world with open arms
“What the hell is he doing, Mirio knows better than this he's being too trusting” the homeroom teacher of 1A growled.
Midnight patted her coworkers arm with a soft smile “oh lighten up shota these things haven't given them a reason to distrust them”
“Ummm glowing fruit?” Mic spoke up with a raised eyebrow
Midnight glared at the living speaker before she smiled and shrugged “could be the kids memory of glorious food? We don't know what it really means do we?”
The two friends looked at each other before they frowned and glanced back at the r-rated hero.
Though she was far from the only one being trusting many in 1A seem to be following her footsteps.
“That's so sweet of them giving them food kero” Tsuyu smiled at the rare act of kindness in Midoriya’s life
“I haven't heard of any glowing fruit though I wonder if they're yummy?” The currently invisible member of class 1a spoke up.
Mineta frowned as he turned to Denki “the look on those things don't they remind you of something?”
Kaminari nodded at his short friend as he crossed his arms “I can't put my finger on it just yet”
Bakugo, who was still nursing the slap from earlier growled as he leaned over to the two “What are you two perverts talking about now?”
The pop-off user jumped slightly but he shook his head and pointed to a few creatures hiding in the backdrop “those creatures they were eating the fruit and now they look drunk?”
Ojiro, who was listening in, frowned as he spoke up “they aren't drunk the way they look it's almost like….” He suddenly stood up gathering the attention of the people in the auditorium “Midoriya can't eat that fruit”
Kaminari, who watched the panicked glint come to his tailed friend, looked at the stage and it hit him.
He hung around Shinso and Midoriya while the former was practicing his quirk so many times he honestly felt like he should have realized sooner.
These creatures weren't drunk no the look in their eyes he spoke up his voice echoing in the auditorium “they're hypnotized”
On stage Midoriya slapped the glowing fruit out of the older Mirio before he could take a bite out of it as he glared at the creatures around him.
Midoriya/Odysseus: My friend, I wish that I could say that I agree But look at the way this fruit is glowing And filled with glowing seeds It took me a while to notice just what kind of fruit they eat It's a lotus, it controls your mind and never lets you free That's what we'd get with open arms
Nejire watched as izuku tossed one of the lotus towards a creature who instantly ate it, their eyes glazing over.
She also watched as her Izuku kicked a rock and sat down on a cliff sighing a defeated look on his face, one of the Lotus Eaters laying its head on his leg joining him.
“Don't give up izu….you'll figure something out just don't give up” she spoke softly hoping that even if this was a memory he could feel her undying belief and support.
Though she was far from the loudest to voice her frustrations. That honor went with Izuku's class, many of whom shouted their frustrations at another seemingly set back.
“Give the man a break” sero huffed as he sat back in his seat.
“only Midoebabe’s luck,Huh, damn it” the acid quirk user whined as she leaned against her invisible friend.
The teachers were in the same boat as Hizashi huffed and crossed his arms looking away from the stage “damn cute creatures of sin shouldn't be trusted”
Aizawa pointed at the stage as he stared at one of his oldest friends “see mind control fruit”
Midnight huffed and crossed her arms as she glared at the stage “maybe that's all they have to eat on the island? It doesn't make them malicious”
Toshinori turned around from his seat and his eyes shining with confusion and curiosity asked “Midnight why are you so insisting that the creatures aren't dangerous?”
Midnight stared at the former number one hero and wanted to say so much to him.
She wanted her old student back.
She wanted to believe these things didn't contribute to the monster that haunts the streets of Japan.
She wanted to scream that if they were as compassionate as Togata says they should be then she wouldn't have seen Midoriya tower Nezu in his office.
She wouldn't have seen the monster that almost killed her boss if she didn't walk in at that moment.
No but instead she bit her tongue and smiled as she stared at the boys father “I just think we should all take a page out of Togata’s books and be more kind to the world, I thought you of all people would agree with the open arms mentality All Might”
Toshinori nodded as the rest of the staff watched the R-rated hero with calculating eyes not bothering to question her.
Though she did jump when a tissue floated over and she looked at the green haired woman sitting next to Toshinori staring at her.
Midnight gasped as Inko's eyes looked exactly like Izuku's did in the office.
Cold, calculating, dangerous, a predator hunting for its prey
She took the tissue and Inko's eyes immediately lost its heat instead giving such kindness Midnight almost thought she hallucinated the whole thing, especially when the green haired woman smiled tilting her head slightly.
“I agree” was the only thing the plump woman said before she turned back to the stage and continued to watch her son.
Midnight felt a soft tear land on her hand as she quickly used the tissue to dab away the tears and focused back on the stage in time to see Mirio bend down and pick one of the Lotus eaters up.
Mirio/Polites: L otus eaters, I'd like to show my friend that kindness is brave Could you tell me where there's other food to eat?
Lotus Eaters: The cave (Scary cave)
Mirio smiled wide as he turned to Nejire “see nothing to worry about these things clearly want to help”
Tamaki frowned as he shakingly grabbed Mirio by the shoulder “are we going to ignore the whole scary cave thing?”
Mirio laughed as he clapped his shy friend on the shoulder and nodded “yup”
Nejire rolled her eyes but couldn't help the laugh that escaped her friends' antics. Though deep down she felt the knot of worry grow.
The odyssey only spoke of one cave and she hated what it would mean for Izuku if his mind connected that tragedy to his past.
Mirio/Polites: A cave! You're saying there's a cave where we could feast? And where do we sail to find this food-filled cave?
Lotus Eaters: East (That way)
Mirio/Polites: Thank you
Lotus Eaters: Welcome
The auditorium burst out in mutters and giggles at how cute Mirio was being with the Lotus Eaters, some even admitting how cute the Lotus Eaters themselves were.
Mineta shook his head with a deep sigh as he glared on the stage “I can't believe we're ignoring the whole scary cave thing. I would take my chances with the magical fruit.”
Kirishima shrugged as he smiled towards the stage “well maybe it's because they are small everything must seem scary to them”
Aoyoma quickly jumped in as he laughed with his hand covering his mouth “you should know mon ami your small too”
Mineta glared at the blond as he crossed his arms “you know what Frenchie, rude.” He sighed as he nervously looked at the stage biting his fingernails “but very true I hope your right”
The whole auditorium hushed down as they watched Mirio walk over to Izuku, his arms behind his back, as he spoke softly to his friend who was still watching the sunset.
Mirio/Polites: This life is amazing when you greet it with open arms
Nejire face soften as she finally understood what the on stage Mirio was doing, without looking away from the stage as she grabbed Mirio’s hand and squeezed it letting out a small “thank you”
Mirio looked confused as he turned towards Nejire then back on the stage as his older self sat down next to Midoriya offering him an apple that he got from one of the Lotus Eaters, one that was clearly not glowing.
Mirio/Polites: I see in your face, there is so much guilt inside your heart So why not replace it and light up the world?Here's how to start Greet the world with open arms Greet the world with open arms
Mirio smiled softly as he realized what his older self was doing “I don't know when this happened but I promise I would have done what he did in a heartbeat”
Nejire smiled even wider as she let a small tear roll down her cheek “I know”
Tamaki placed his hand on Mirio shoulder as he smiled at his friend “a bright sun”
Down with the teachers Inko was sniffing as she tried to stop crying “he's got such great friends”
Toshinori smiled as he nodded understanding once more why Miria wanted young Togata to be his successor “yes, young Mirio would be one of the greats”
The whole auditorium started to chant Mirio as one by one they all slowly realized Mirio was trying to lift the burden off their hero.
Midoriya/Odysseus: Greet the world with open arms
Mirio/polites: You can relax, my friend
The auditorium was full of tears on how sweet the scene was watching one of their best try to lift the burden off their hero.
It was sweet and inspiring
Tetsutetsu and Kirishima both screamed out “MANLY”
though the sweet atmosphere quickly stopped as the scene in front of them flashed for a minute.
The island of the Lotus Eaters disappeared in its place was a fair skinned woman with a small mole below her bottom lip.
She had sharp intelligent eyes with long eyelashes that were set in a soft glare. Her hair was dark and straight, kept at shoulder length with the exception of a clump of short bangs that hung on her forehead.
She wore a hero costume that was dark and a sleeveless bodysuit with a high collar, yellow gauntlets, and white knee-high boots. She also had a belt with an angular buckle that many people instantly connected to one All Might wore. A cape that went down to her knees finished the look. A soft pink aura surrounded her and behind her 8 throne chairs sat in a semicircle.
Though as instantly as it appeared the scene and the woman disappeared with the island’s sun greeting them once more.
Mirio/Polites: Hey you ok?
Izuku quickly stood up as he glared at the apple in Mirio’s hands many in the auditorium watched silently at the sudden change in mood from the green haired man
Midoriya/Odysseus: I'm fine let's go
Both Mirio's didn't buy what Izuku said and the older one spoke up about it while the one watching in the auditorium nodded his support.
Mirio/Polites: I zuku if you need to tal -
Nejire growled in annoyance once more as izuku cut Mirio off and his voice turned into a harsh but pleasing tone
Midoriya/Odysseus: I said let's go Le'million that's an order from your captain
All the on stage Mirio did was nod as they walked back towards the ships and the scene went dark.
Class 1A all huffed in annoyance, they are used to the treatment Izuku gave the on stage Mirio many being victims to it when they've pushed too far.
Nejire herself has seen that same act given to her but she quickly showed her Izuku that he may keep things bottled up but he as sure as hell wasn't going to give her attitude.
Especially in front of Eri
She's sure he can still feel the wave blast that struck his ass when he did the whole song and dance.
The auditorium whispered among themselves as they waited for the next scene to start.
Many still felt cheerful after the last two songs; those who weren't close to Midoriya weren't able to pick up on the small changes and felt like it was still smooth sailing.
Though there was still a few who looked on nervously
Nezu was frowning himself as he watched the scenes play through and it all seemed fine.
it all made sense so when did Midoriya become the monster?
There was another thing that troubled him, something he didn't take into consideration.
Nezu turned to Toshinori with a nervous smile.
The skeleton man frowned slightly “what is it now”
“Toshinori I must confess I may have overlooked a small detail”
The former number one frowned as he sat up straighter “what do you mean Nezu”
The principal of UA coughed and looked on stage as he nervously mumbled “I'm sure that last scene would be enough of an answer for you?”
All Might froze in confusion
Yes Nana appearing wasn't as surprising, young Midoriya did tell him that he could see the former wielders from time to time but why was it a big deal?
Then it hit him, these are Midoriya’s memories.
Memories that are being watched by everyone in the hero course.
Memories that reveal so many of the boy's secrets.
Secrets such as One for All.
Secrets that no one but Toshinori himself knew, not even the boy's mother that sat right next to him.
Toshinori just stared at the rodent with an open mouth as the next scene started to form around them.
All he could say was “well fuck you too Nezu”
Pages Navigation
Alex573 on Chapter 1 Thu 18 Jul 2024 06:23AM UTC
Comment Actions
Unspokenunseen on Chapter 1 Sat 20 Jul 2024 05:07PM UTC
Comment Actions
PaganKingFinn on Chapter 1 Sun 18 May 2025 07:21AM UTC
Comment Actions
Unspokenunseen on Chapter 1 Thu 26 Jun 2025 03:34AM UTC
Comment Actions
Alex573 on Chapter 2 Thu 31 Oct 2024 03:48AM UTC
Comment Actions
Unspokenunseen on Chapter 2 Thu 26 Dec 2024 04:51PM UTC
Comment Actions
Alex573 on Chapter 2 Thu 26 Dec 2024 07:19PM UTC
Comment Actions
Unspokenunseen on Chapter 2 Thu 26 Dec 2024 07:57PM UTC
Comment Actions
Alex573 on Chapter 2 Thu 26 Dec 2024 08:01PM UTC
Comment Actions
Smaller_Green_Giant on Chapter 3 Tue 31 Dec 2024 10:35PM UTC
Comment Actions
Unspokenunseen on Chapter 3 Thu 16 Jan 2025 05:05PM UTC
Comment Actions
Kiwi696 on Chapter 3 Tue 31 Dec 2024 11:34PM UTC
Comment Actions
Unspokenunseen on Chapter 3 Thu 16 Jan 2025 05:05PM UTC
Comment Actions
Kiwi696 on Chapter 3 Thu 16 Jan 2025 07:46PM UTC
Comment Actions
Alex573 on Chapter 3 Wed 01 Jan 2025 01:41AM UTC
Comment Actions
Unspokenunseen on Chapter 3 Thu 16 Jan 2025 05:04PM UTC
Comment Actions
TheToaster (Guest) on Chapter 3 Sat 11 Jan 2025 11:30PM UTC
Comment Actions
Unspokenunseen on Chapter 3 Thu 16 Jan 2025 05:02PM UTC
Comment Actions
LegacyofFire on Chapter 3 Wed 15 Jan 2025 04:45AM UTC
Comment Actions
Unspokenunseen on Chapter 3 Thu 16 Jan 2025 05:01PM UTC
Comment Actions
Atreyas on Chapter 3 Sat 01 Feb 2025 11:15PM UTC
Comment Actions
Xandexe1 on Chapter 4 Sun 18 May 2025 12:56PM UTC
Comment Actions
Unspokenunseen on Chapter 4 Thu 26 Jun 2025 03:19AM UTC
Comment Actions
starcalliber15 on Chapter 4 Mon 19 May 2025 01:52AM UTC
Comment Actions
Unspokenunseen on Chapter 4 Thu 26 Jun 2025 03:19AM UTC
Comment Actions
Doku28 on Chapter 4 Tue 20 May 2025 06:20AM UTC
Comment Actions
Unspokenunseen on Chapter 4 Thu 26 Jun 2025 03:31AM UTC
Comment Actions
Vanta (Guest) on Chapter 4 Sun 08 Jun 2025 08:33AM UTC
Comment Actions
Unspokenunseen on Chapter 4 Thu 26 Jun 2025 03:31AM UTC
Comment Actions
Logee on Chapter 4 Tue 17 Jun 2025 12:43PM UTC
Comment Actions
Unspokenunseen on Chapter 4 Thu 26 Jun 2025 03:32AM UTC
Comment Actions
Ahensley501 on Chapter 4 Thu 26 Jun 2025 02:45AM UTC
Comment Actions
Unspokenunseen on Chapter 4 Thu 26 Jun 2025 03:32AM UTC
Comment Actions
Winged_Hussar_1537 on Chapter 5 Thu 26 Jun 2025 02:02AM UTC
Comment Actions
Unspokenunseen on Chapter 5 Thu 26 Jun 2025 03:33AM UTC
Comment Actions
ThePhoenixFlame on Chapter 5 Thu 26 Jun 2025 11:03AM UTC
Comment Actions
Unspokenunseen on Chapter 5 Thu 26 Jun 2025 12:20PM UTC
Comment Actions
ghostofPercyJackson on Chapter 5 Thu 26 Jun 2025 02:45PM UTC
Comment Actions
Oler1238 on Chapter 5 Thu 26 Jun 2025 05:47PM UTC
Last Edited Thu 26 Jun 2025 05:51PM UTC
Comment Actions
ghostofPercyJackson on Chapter 5 Thu 26 Jun 2025 06:47PM UTC
Comment Actions
Unspokenunseen on Chapter 5 Thu 26 Jun 2025 09:01PM UTC
Comment Actions
Unspokenunseen on Chapter 5 Thu 26 Jun 2025 09:01PM UTC
Comment Actions
Unspokenunseen on Chapter 5 Thu 26 Jun 2025 09:02PM UTC
Comment Actions
Logee on Chapter 5 Thu 26 Jun 2025 12:50PM UTC
Comment Actions
Unspokenunseen on Chapter 5 Thu 26 Jun 2025 01:46PM UTC
Comment Actions
Ok_Reading888 on Chapter 5 Thu 26 Jun 2025 01:32PM UTC
Comment Actions
Unspokenunseen on Chapter 5 Thu 26 Jun 2025 01:47PM UTC
Comment Actions
Oler1238 on Chapter 5 Thu 26 Jun 2025 05:14PM UTC
Comment Actions
Unspokenunseen on Chapter 5 Thu 26 Jun 2025 09:00PM UTC
Comment Actions
Pages Navigation