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Chapter Text

Aldera Middle School

Hours went by, and it was the end of the school day.

"Let's go to karaoke."

"I can't today!"

The voices of students putting away their work and shuffling out of the room drowned out any other noise. Izuku, on the other hand, was too busy nerding out over the villain attack that he witnessed earlier today, 'The incident this morning is all over the net!' He thought as he scrolled through his phone.

'I'd better get home and get my notes in order.' Izuku thought as he moved to grab his "Hero Analysis For My Future, No.13" notebook from his desk, only for it to be snatched from him and into Katsuki Bakugou's hand, "Ah!" Izuku squeaked out in surprise.

"We ain't done here, Deku!" Katsuki exclaimed as he looked down on Izuku as if he were a lower life form.

Bakugou's friends *cough* goons *cough* looked at what he got from the class's resident Quirkless, "What's that, Katsuki?" One asked.

"'For My Future'? Seriously?! This guy, Midoriya..." Another commented.

"C-come on. Give it back!!" Izuku demanded with a cry.

What Katsuki did next pained Izuku. He put the notebook between his two hands and activated his Quirk, explosions encompassing the notebook, "HUHHH?!" Izuku cried out in shock.

"Why...?!" Izuku asked as he trembled at seeing his precious notebook now burned and smoking in his former childhood friend's hand.

"The best heroes out there, well... They showed signs of greatness even as students. I'll be the first and only hero from this crappy public middle school! The first to win the honor of becoming a student at U.A. High. Guess I'm just a perfectionist." Bakugou bragged.

"So vain..." One of his goons commented.

"In other words... Don't you dare get into U.A., Nerd!" Katsuki stepped up to Izuku and placed a hand on his shoulder, only for it to start burning, thanks to the bully's Quirk.

Izuku grimaced in pain but tried holding it in so as not to show weakness, but it didn't work. They still saw him as a weak, Quirkless Deku, "Jeez... Typical. Come on, say something..." The one with scraggly black hair said.

Bakugou shot that down, "He can't say anything. He's so lame. Even as a third-year student, he still can't face reality." He looked back at Izuku and said something no one in their right mind should say, "You wanna be a hero so bad? I've got a time-saving idea for you. If you think you'll have a quirk in your next life... Go take a swan dive off the roof!!"

Izuku quit shivering and turned to face Bakugou with an intense glare... Or at least whatever Izuku considered intense.

Explosions popped and crackled in Bakugou's palm as he glared back, "Yeah? What?" That shut down any resistance from Izuku as he stood alone in the room, shaking like a leaf with fear etched on his face.

Walking out of the school and to where his notebook was, he thought back to what Bakugou said, 'Idiot! If I really jumped, you'd be charged with bullying me into suicide!! Think before you speak!!' His notebook ended up in the Koi Fish tank, where he fished (hehe) it out from.

The poor fishies were seen nibbling on the waterlogged notebook, "That's not food, stupid. It's my notebook... Idiot..."

After that, he had a brief flashback of when he found out he was Quirkless, and his Mom blamed herself for not giving him a Quirk.

After being deemed worthless by society's standards, he vowed then and there not to care what anyone else says about his Quirkless nature but always to keep a chin up and keep moving forward.

Walking home from school, he took a path that led him through a dark tunnel. As he was coming out the other end of it, an amorphous blob of sludge came out from a maintenance hole cover that led into the sewers below.

**Pant Pant** "A medium-sized body... To hide in..."

Izuku turned at the voice in surprise, only for him to be wrapped up in the sludge, "Wh-BUHH!!" He was silenced but thought immediately what it was, 'A villain?!'

He saw what could be made out as the face of the villain, but it was only made of monstrous eyes, a big mouth, and teeth, "Don't worry. I'm just hijacking your body. Calm down. It'll only hurt for about 45 seconds... Then it'll be all over." Izuku tried screaming and calling for help, but they only came out muffled.

"I'm saved. You're a real hero. I never thought he'd up in this town." Izuku then tried clawing at the sludge, only for it to do nothing for him, "No point in trying that. I'm fluid, you see!!"

'I can't breathe! My body... Getting weak... I'm dying! I'm gonna die?! Someone help! I'm dying!!' The last thing Izuku would've seen before his death was an open page in his notebook of what his hero costume would've been like—something inspired by the greatest hero, his hero, All Might.

Luckily, his prayers were answered as the sludge villain heard the sound of heels clacking against the ground behind him. The villain ceased his suffocation of Izuku and looked back at who dared to disturb him from gaining a body to hide in.

Izuku could barely make out the person's shape at the end of the tunnel he came from. All he could make out were glowing red eyes surrounded by pure darkness.

The voice was deep, with a mixture of masculinity and femininity. It sent shivers down Izuku's spine, "How dare you prey on those who can't even defend themselves. I suggest you let the boy go."

The sludge villain stopped suffocating Izuku, "Huh? Who are you? A vigilante?! Come and fight me yourself!"

"Very well. If you insist. Dark Shadow!!" The figure called out.

The next thing Izuku and the Sludge Villain knew was that both entrances and exits to the tunnel were blocked off by shadows, entrapping them in complete darkness with the only thing they could see was the figure's red eyes and soon even larger red eyes.

They could tell a massive figure made of pure darkness was being formed before them, and they shuddered in fear. The new figure spoke out with the sickly, evil voice Izuku had ever heard from anyone.

"Of course, my chick~."

Too much was happening today, so Izuku passed out from mental exhaustion as his savior took down the villain.

A Few Hours Later

Izuku fluttered his eyes open and saw it was nighttime with the moon out. Izuku found himself on the ground at the end of the tunnel but wasn't on the dirt. He was sitting on something soft and wrapped up.

Looking up slightly, he saw his head lying on his savior's chest and wrapped in what appeared to be his cloak. He slowly moved to get out of this hold, only to freeze up when the voice from earlier spoke up, "Not going to thank me for saving you~?"

This only made Izuku jump from his savior's hold and squeak across the floor. Looking on in fear as the figure stood back up and walked into the light of the street lamp.

"W-Who are you?!" Izuku yelled out, but his voice sounded so small compared to his.

He waved a hand at him, "Oh, no need to be so shy." He clapped his gloved hands together, "Allow me to introduce myself. You may know my Vigilante name, Blackout."

Izuku's eyes widened in shock. Blackout was the name of a new vigilante that appeared in Musutafu a few months ago. He was all over the news for being known to take down criminals and villains alike. He operated in low, civilian traffic areas and at night. His identity was still a mystery, even to the police and heroes.

Blackout had the head of a raven with a long yellow beak and striking red eyes. A button-up vest went down his chest a bit. Draping from his waist was a pitch-black cloak reaching down his thighs. Under all that was a skintight latex leotard that hugged his feminine frame with thigh highs held up thanks to some straps. On his feet were a pair of high-heeled boots with some studs along the toebox.

His frame was quite feminine for a guy. It was odd to Izuku since he looked like a woman, but that train of thought stopped when he saw the impressive bulge the vigilante was packing under his outfit. Though, Izuku knew he shouldn't underestimate Blackout's physical strength. He has been wrong about those things before. For all he knows, Blackout could lift twice as much as he is.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1fzwYQVLAXIJ-W3oXn2hq5f953qd0ey5A/view?usp=sharing

(Fumikage Tokoyami/Blackout)

"I-I'm Izuku M-Midoriya." He introduced himself back.

"A pleasure." Blackout stood over Izuku's form, brought a gloved hand from his cloak, and held it out for him.

Izuku blinked in confusion before realizing he was offering help, "Oh, right. Thank you!" Izuku grasped the other's hand as the vigilante helped him up. Blackout stood nearly a foot taller than he did, with Izuku reaching his neck.

"You're welcome." He smiled as he wrapped an arm around Izuku, "Now, why don't we sit down somewhere and talk about this?"

"I-I gotta get home. My Mom may be worried about me not being home yet." It sucked having to turn down his savior, but he needed to get home for dinner.

Luckily, the vigilante didn't take offense to that. "Oh, of course, you are correct. Very well, I shall escort you home." He began walking off.

"W-wait!" Izuku called out to him, "What about the Sludge Villain?" Blackout turned to face Izuku and lifted his cloak slightly, only for the green bean to see a giant hand shoot out of the darkness with a bottle. He could see inside the bottle and saw that the villain was sealed shut.

"No need to worry about that disgusting villain. I'll drop him off with the police after you get home safely." The large hand with the bottle disappeared back into the darkness of Blackout's cloak.

Izuku felt more at ease. "Thank you very much!"

Blackout nodded, "My pleasure. Now, come on. I shall follow you until I am no longer needed."

Izuku grinned from ear to ear. He didn't have to go home alone and would be able to talk to a vigilante. What a great day!

The two walked side by side as they headed towards Izuku's home. There was silence as they walked down the streets, and Izuku wondered what questions he should ask. Of course, Izuku was only interested in one topic regarding other people.

"Hey, so... What's your Quirk, if you don't mind me asking?" Izuku asked.

Blackout hummed himself and answered, "My Quirk is called Dark Sha-" He was interrupted as his Quirk came forth. Izuku stared in shock as a hunkering mass of muscle made of shadows burst out from Blackout's back. It had Bulging arm muscles with sharp claws, a big chest, and the head of a raven with glowing red eyes. All in all, this looked like an evil villain version of Blackout but way scarier.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1OQhN8RVaWQiF04kvIQ6bM6hJCjpxaXYa/view?usp=sharing

(Dark Shadow)

"I am Dark Shadow!" The figure's monstrously deep voice shook Izuku to the core.

"So... Cool..." Izuku commented, and Dark Shadow looked quite pleased with that comment. "Why thank you, broccoli hair!"

Dark Shadow then grabbed Izuku's collar, lifted him, and cradled him in its oversized arms like a baby. "No need for the chick to explain what his Quirk does when I can do it myself." Blackout continued walking to Izuku's home; he was given the address, so the vigilante took the most efficient and low-civil traffic route.

Dark Shadow cleared its throat and explained, "I act as the chick's guardian with immense strength and power. The more darkness there is, the stronger I get! However, more light means I become weaker."

Blackout nodded, "Yep, that's him in a nutshell. Do you have any other questions or comments?"

Izuku shook his head, "Nope. That was a good explanation. Could you let me down now?" He asked Dark Shadow, who responded immediately with a "No." They giggled as Izuku was left pouting in the arms of the Quirk.

Midoriya Apartment

A few more minutes pass, and they make it to Izuku's apartment building. Dark Shadow lets down Izuku as they walk up the stairs to Midoriya's home. They stop at the front entrance, and Izuku turns to Blackout, "Hey, thanks for saving me."

The bird-headed vigilante smirked, "Think nothing of it. Just be more aware of your surroundings next time. I don't want to see you being strangled by some musclebound villain."

Izuku nodded. "I will, thank you."

Blackout nodded back, "Anytime." Before Izuku could knock on the door, letting his Mom know he was home, Blackout called out his name, "Izuku?"

"Yes?"

He looked nervous, answering, "My name is Fumikage. Fumikage Tokoyami..." He looked at Izuku only to see the green bean wrapping his arms around him, embracing him in a hug.

"Thanks for trusting me with your name." Izuku let him go and knocked on the door, "I hope to see you around again."

Fumikage nodded, "Yeah, you too." He walked down the hall of the apartment complex, disappearing into the night. He heard the sound of Izuku's mother crying out for him.

'His window must be on the other side...' Tokoyami thought as he jumped up on the roof with the help of Dark Shadow, made his way across the top of the building, and jumped to the next to get a clear viewpoint of his bedroom window. He saw Izuku walk into his room, looking ashamed of himself, sit at his desk with a notebook, and begin writing. He then noticed that all over the green bean's room were all kinds of hero merchandise, but mostly ones of All Might.

Fumikage couldn't help but smile at how adorable he was, "Oh... Daddy. He's so cute~." Fumikage squirmed in his spot as Dark Shadow manifested, wrapped his large arms around the more petite bird-headed boy, and tightened his embrace.

Fumikage's family was messed up, and he always felt that his parents were never meant to be his family. His father was in prison twice for performing domestic abuse and assaulting others, while his mother was an alcoholic. She often drank into a stupor and passed out on the couch. Fumikage always felt like a burden to them, so he stayed out of their way as much as possible by staying in his room, shrouded in darkness. He only began to feel true happiness when Dark Shadow first manifested. Fumikage quickly discovered that his own Quirk was fiercely protective of him and possessive.

Dark Shadow taught him many things, such as how to protect himself from bullies, fight, and use his Quirk properly. He also learned that there was a lot of joy in using his power to protect others, especially when it was a little kid like him. But unfortunately, Fumikage learned what his Quirk was like the hard way. A few years ago, Fumikage was taught the ways of sex and pleasure by his Quirk, who was adamant about learning what it can from the web. As time passed, the bird-headed boy found himself on the receiving end of his Quirk, using him for pleasure and molding him into Dark Shadow's perfect little chick. Years of being used by his Quirk for sex and demanding training in making Dark Shadow stronger took a toll on Fumikage's body and forced it to change from a masculine yet skinny frame to a feminine one.

While at first, Dark Shadow was protective of him. Later, he grew to become manipulative and possessive and had a darker mind than most sentient Quirks. At some point, Fumikage's mind was so messed up that he began addressing Dark Shadow as Daddy whenever they were alone.

"Yesss~! His innocence is intoxicating~. You should make him yours~." Dark Shadow whispered in Fumikage's ear, making him blush.

"H-How, Daddy?" Fumikage asked.

"Give him your love, and he will give you everything~! Do whatever you can to get his heart~!" Dark Shadow whispered in his ear, making Fumikage shudder in pleasure.

"Y-Yes... I-I'll do that, Daddy~." He replied, wanting to make his Daddy proud.

Chapter Text

Next Morning, Aldera Middle School

The next morning, everything went like normal. His mom worries about him, somehow getting in the way of Katsuki and his goons and being put down by them, being called a freakish nerd in class, and the teacher not caring what anything or anyone has done to him.

'This is so stupid. They're making fun of me more now because I want to go to U.A., Japan's most famous hero school.' Izuku thought as he tried focusing on the test set before him. This failed as he kept getting distracted by someone shooting spitballs at the back of his head.

He heard them giggle and glanced up to see the teacher wasn't even paying attention despite the sounds being as clear as day.

'I hate this school… I'd rather go through classes online to graduate at this point.' Izuku thought as he looked at the math questions put on the test.

"Caw! Caw!" Izuku looked to the window and saw a raven flying outside the window and trying to get in. It was scared off by the teacher, who got up from his seat and yelled and "Shooed" at it.

'Raven…' The bird reminded Izuku of the vigilante that saved him the other day from becoming a living human suit from that villain made of sludge. It took him a second to remember that while his crime-fighting name was Blackout, his real name, to which he trusted him enough to know it, was Fumikage Tokoyami.

The feminine raven-headed boy was a pleasure to talk to and get to know him despite having only known each other for less than an hour. In that short time, he felt closer to Fumikage than he did with anyone else except his Mom.

He would like to see him again and get to know him more, but he shouldn't be involved in the Raven's illegal crime fighting. Pro Heroes and the police alike have stated that should anyone know any information about the whereabouts and name of a vigilante, the people were asked to report them to either so that they can be charged and stopped from committing vigilantism.

Izuku didn't want to do that to Fumikage. In all senses of the word, he felt like that guy was the closest thing he had to a friend. Neither he nor Dark Shadow ever treated him like Katsuki did, which made him happy.

Izuku looked at the clock and noticed he was running out of time. Emptying his head of any more thoughts for the time being, he focused on his test and got through it all before the bell rang. Thankfully, he checked his work much quicker than everyone else.

RIIING!!!

The school bell rang, and everyone began walking out of the classroom, following friends and engaging in conversation. Izuku ensured he was the last in the room this time and didn't see Katsuki waiting to torment him.

He got up from his seat, stuffed his books into his bag, and passed by the teacher, walking around the room and collecting the tests from the students.

Izuku made his way through the emptying halls of the school and now found himself in the courtyard. He quietly walked through the crowd and was intent on going to his favorite store for hero merch and comic books. He was stopped as he felt the familiar grip on his shoulder and turned to see Katsuki glaring at him with crimson eyes.

"Where do you think you're going, you Quirkless Deku?" The ashen-haired boy questioned Izuku with a sickening smile that promised torment to those it was directed to.

"N-no where. Just going h-home!" 'Please believe that! I don't want a repeat of last time. That was so embarrassing!' Izuku begged the heavens above that his "childhood friend" would believe his lie.

Izuku referred to the incident a couple of months ago when he was checking out some kid-friendly merch from Midnight. That is surprising, considering she's Japan's most adult Pro Hero. Though… If one paid attention enough, one would realize she was comparable to the American heroine, Psylocke (Yes, that Psylocke).

Though their Quirks were entirely different, with Midnight able to disperse a gas from her body that forces others to sleep, Psylocke, on the other hand, can use psychic energies as a weapon. Using her Quirk to strengthen her sword was a notable example. That strengthened blade could now burn and slice through any material like it was nothing.

With the Quirks out of the way, they were similar in how lewd and adult their costumes were. Midnight with her dominatrix look and Psylocke with just the bare minimum of what was acceptable among the hero community.

They both acted in similar manners, but Midnight was more lewd…

Anyway… Izuku was looking through Midnight merch, and Katsuki stalked after him, intent on humiliating him publicly.

All Katsuki did was trip him, but that's all it took for chaos to ensue.

Izuku tripped and fell to the ground. He thought that would be all of the embarrassment he would get for the day until someone in the store let out a sneeze. He got up from the ground and saw everyone in the store, including the shop workers and Katsuki, pointing at him and dying of laughter.

Confused about why being tripped was so funny, Izuku looked at a mirror and found himself wearing Midnight's outfit. Skintight latex and leather clinging to his skinny frame and all.

The police came, and Izuku discovered this incident happened to another person looking through Hero's merchandise. The same person who sneezed when Izuku tripped had quite a mind-boggling Quirk.

If the guy ever saw someone trip in public, his Quirk was to sneeze, and that unfortunate person's clothing would be replaced by whatever lewd outfit was around. Sadly, for Izuku, there was a more adult section closer to the back of the store where there were roleplay outfits of various heroes.

Unfortunately, he couldn't change back into his discarded clothes publicly, so he just returned home with people laughing at his appearance. Izuku didn't know why, but he kept the costume in his closet for safekeeping. He thought it felt nice to wear…

Back to the present. Katsuki gripped his shoulder even tighter and started using some Quirk on Izuku, "Sure you are… You're not walking in the direction of your house. You're going to that store again, aren't you?"

Izuku didn't dare answer that, knowing he had been caught, to which Katsuki spoke up again, "What, are you hoping for that guy to sneeze and get you into another hero costume?" He asked with a mischievous look on his face.

Izuku shook his head rapidly, denying that, "N-no! I don't want that to happen to me again!" He blushed as he said this; even though it was embarrassing, wearing that outfit felt good.

Katsuki got into his face about it, "Yes, you do, Deku. Not only are you a Quirkless freak, but you like that kind of stuff. Crossdressing? How much more of a freak can you be?" His grin grew wider, "Maybe we can find you a Mount Lady outfit for you to wear and show everyone how much of a freak you are." He cackled.

Izuku shrunk in on himself at the thought of it. While it did feel good with the midnight costume, he felt it would be too much for him to handle if the heroine in question saw what happened via social media and saw him in her outfit. Midnight probably has already, but I didn't mind it, considering her kinky persona.

'I really am a freak…' Izuku went teary-eyed as he quivered in place. Katsuki was about to say more until his shoulder was gripped from behind.

"I suggest you should unhand Izuku and be on your way."

Katsuki turned his head to face the newcomer, and Izuku looked up to see a familiar face he was not expecting to see.

It was the face of Fumikage Tokoyami, wearing the standard school uniform for Aldera but looking a bit tighter on him, given his feminine curves.

Katsuki looked annoyed, "Ehhh?! Why should I? All I'm doing is putting him in his proper place!"

Fumikage's eyes narrowed, "Because if you don't, you and I will have problems." Katsuki and Izuku saw the boy's arm engulfed in shadow, turning into a muscular arm with sharp claws. Izuku recognized it as Dark Shadow's arm.

'Amazing… He has such high control of his Quirk that he can augment his physical ability using Dark Shadow's strength. Tokoyami is so cool!' Izuku was freaking out on the inside about how cool his first real friend was.

Bakugou let go of Izuku, pushed him to the ground, and turned to face the raven-headed student, "I remember you now. You're that sissy freak in the next room over." He crossed his arms, "What's Deku to you anyway?"

"He's my friend!" Tokoyami got up in Bakugou's face as he looked down on the explosive teen.

Katsuki scoffed, "Friends? Deku doesn't have or need friends. He'll weigh them down and hold them back. He doesn't belong anywhere. I bet he'd be more useful to the bugs eating away at his body six feet under by taking a swan dive off the roof."

Bakugou wasn't an idiot in any way, shape, or form, but insulting Izuku and belittling him to this degree in the courtyard surrounded by his class and others? This was the worst he had ever done. He was baiting someone to suicide within earshot of everyone.

Fumikage was livid, and he let his rage take control of him. He pulled back his Dark Shadow-enhanced arm and socked the bastard in the face, "How dare you say that about him?!!"

Tokoyami's fist connected with Bakugou's face and he was knocked off his feet and to the ground. Blood flowed from his mouth and nose, and he sat on the ground and felt a tooth come loose and fall out.

Bakugou groaned as he looked up at the bird-headed freak with murderous intent in his eyes, "You fucking mutant bastard! YOU'LL BEG FOR MERCY when I get my hands on you!"

Fumikage looked down on him disgustingly, "Highly unlikely, Villain." He helped Izuku and led him off the school grounds, "Come along, Izuku, I'll walk you home." The raven-headed boy snaked a hand around the smaller boy's waist and pulled him into his side—a manner one would consider possessive.

As they left, Bakugou's entire body shook at someone claiming he was a villain, 'No. I'm no villain! I have the perfect Quirk to be a hero. I will be number one, take All Night's top spot, and make every villain tremble in fear at the sight of me!'

He looked around and saw everyone looking at him in disgust. He jumped to his feet, and small explosions fell from his palm, "If anyone says anything about what happened, I will make your life a living Hell!!" Everyone scampered off in fear and exited the grounds, leaving Bakugou alone with his goons.

Izuku walked alongside Fumikage as the raven-headed boy held him. Midoriya learned a bit more about his friend in the past few minutes. He learned that Tokoyami was quite protective of others who couldn't defend themselves.

"F-Fumikage?"

"Yes?"

Izuku paused, unsure of what to say exactly. On one hand, he should reprimand Tokoyami for using his Quirk on another and harming Katsuki. But on the other, he was glad he came to his aid when no one else did. So, he chose the latter as he didn't want to offend Fumikage in any way.

"T-thank you for your help…"

He helped as he was now being hugged by Tokoyami, who tightened his embrace on Izuku like a snake tightening its coils around its prey. But this time, the prey isn't food.

"Never do I want you to do what that Villain wanted you to do. I will not allow you to go that far and try to end it all." Fumikage tried to stay calm, but the feathers upon his head bristled in rage at all the things Bakugou said about his Izuku.

"I won't!" Izuku reassured as his head was pressed up into Fumikage's chest.

"Promise."

"W-what?" Izuku asked.

Fumikage lifted Izuku's head to look him in the eyes. If one looked closely enough, one could see that the taller of two had tears forming in his eyes, "Promise me you won't go through with it."

Izuku's lips began trembling, "I promise I won't go through with what Katsuki said about me…"

Fumikage looked satisfied and held Izuku against him, rubbing his head as he comforted the boy who was baited with suicide.

Out of the corner of Izuku's eye, he saw what looked to be All Might jumping into view of the public and casually passing by citizens before turning into an alleyway.

Izuku separated from Tokoyami, causing the other teen to look at him with mild concern and confusion.

"I need to check something real quick. Stay here." Izuku said as he ran to an alleyway with what looked like All Might.

Fumikage couldn't help but grin, and his sweet Izuku was pure. He was indeed one of a kind, and now, he was talking to the number one Pro hero, 'Maybe Izuku went on to ask him something. But what would Izuku ask of him if that's the case?' He pondered this and began walking to the alleyway.

As he got close, he put himself against the wall around the corner and could barely make out a few words from their conversation. What he could make out of the discussion was "Three hours a day," "Overwhelming pressure," "Without power," and "Be realistic."

Despite only being able to hear a string of words, Fumikage didn't like the direction in which each was said. He stayed silent and hugged the wall as a skeletal version of All Might walked out of the alleyway and into the crowds.

Once he was far enough away, Fumikage rounded the corner and found himself looking at a sight that broke his heart. Izuku, on his hands and knees, bawling his eyes out and crying out in anguish.

He rushed to Izuku's side, held the upset boy against his body like before, and asked, "Izuku? What happened?! What did All Might say?!"

Izuku could barely form words as he was just a quivering mess, "H-hey s-said that I c-cant become a hero b-because I'm Quirkless. H-hey told me to dream realistically!" His bawling continued as Dark Shadow formed and enveloped both boys in his dark yet warm and comforting embrace.

Fumikage slung Izuku into his arms and cradled him against his chest, "I'm taking you home, and I'm not leaving you for the rest of the day. Do you hear me? I'm not leaving you alone after what that man said to you.

Izuku couldn't say anything, so he just gave a small nod as Fumikage and, to a lesser extent, Dark Shadow went on and carried him home, ignoring the judging looks of others passing by.

Chapter Text

Midoriya Household

Fumikage carried Izuku to his home, where the green bean lived with his single mother. Izuku remained quiet the entire time, broken and upset at hearing All Might, his childhood idol, telling him to be realistic with his dreams and forget the idea of being a hero.

He could still hear All Might's words echo in his mind, and he hated every bit of it.

"A pro should always be ready to risk his life... Without power, can one become a hero? No, I should think not."

"If you desire to help people, becoming a police officer is always an option. Those Villian Custody Officers are often mocked, but... That, too, is admirable work! It's not wrong to dream... However... You need to be realistic, kid."

Those words that the greatest hero in Japan gave him shattered his heart and were too much for Izuku to bear. Luckily, Fumikage was there to comfort him.

The two boys got to the house, and Izuku was let down as he fished his house key out of his pockets. His fingers fumbled it from his being upset, and it fell to the ground. Fumikage picked it up for him, slid the key into the keyhole, and turned, unlocking the door.

"Thank you..." Izuku said to Fumikage quietly.

They both walked into the home and took off their shoes. Fumikage slid them next to Izuku's and looked around the apartment. It was a simple one-story household.

"Izuku? Is that you?" A feminine voice called out from the kitchen, "How was school today?"

Fumikage led Izuku into the living room and responded for him, "It was fine, Mrs. Midoriya."

Inko poked her head out from the kitchen and saw her son being comforted by a stranger, "Izuku? Who is this?" She walked out entirely, wiped her hands on a towel, and walked up to Fumikage, holding a hand, "Inko Midoriya. A pleasure to meet you...?"

"Fumikage Tokoyami." He introduced himself, grasped Inko's hand, and shook it.

She smiled, "Fumikage? That's an interesting name you have. You attend Aldera Middle School with my son?"

Tokoyami nodded, "Yes, but we don't share the same homeroom."

Inko looked down at Izuku, saw him upset, and looked up at Fumikage, "What happened?"

Fumikage said, "Some things happened, and Izuku got upset."

"I'll talk about it later..." Izuku said sadly as he went to his room with Fumikage following closely behind.

Inko was concerned but decided not to bother her son, "Okay... Would Fumikage like to stay for dinner? I can cook extra."

Fumikage turned to face Inko, "Sure. I'll call my Mom to let her know I'll be home late."

Inko nodded and returned to the kitchen while Fumikage caught up to Izuku, entered his room, and shut the door behind him.

Inside Izuku's room, it was like an All Might shrine. Posters, bed sheets, and various hero merchandise of Japan's number one pro were all over the room. Of course, there was also merchandise from other heroes, but Fumikage paid no mind and went straight to comforting Izuku.

Tokoyami sat on the bed next to his friend, embraced Izuku from behind, and cradled him. "Hey... Shhh... It'll be okay." He brought his beak up to his ears and whispered, "Everything will be alright. You'll be okay..." He rocked Izuku back and forth as Dark Shadow manifested, wrapped his large muscled arms around both teens, and held them like a child and their toys.

"Don't listen to that All Might guy. He doesn't know what he's talking about." Dark Shadow reassured as Izuku calmed down a bit but was still upset.

Tokoyami rested his head on top of Izuku's, "Yeah. Ignore All Might. He's not worth your tears."

Izuku sniffled, "But he's Japan's number one Pro. Why would he lie to me about my chances of becoming a hero if I'm Quirkless?"

Fumikge lightly shook his head, "What does Quirks have to do with being a hero? Have you seen that Pre-Quirk era movie called Kick-Ass?"

Izuku looked at him, "You mean the one where the guy buys a green bodysuit and batons?"

Tokoyami nodded, "Yep. That's the one. He became a kick-ass hero without a Quirk in a time when all anyone had was strength, smarts, and cool gadgets. I believe, with enough time, you could be like that."

Izuku stood and went over to his desk, where an All Might figurine was posing with his gleaming smile. He picked it up and squeezed it before opening his window and angrily throwing the figurine as far as possible.

Tokoyami and Dark Shadow watched as Izuku threw every All Might figurine, poster, and bedsheet out the window. They at least hoped Izuku would eventually realize that he was technically littering.

After Izuku threw out everything All Might-themed item, he collapsed back into his bed, clutching the pillow against his face, and screamed his frustrations into the poofy rectangle.

Tokoyami moved over to comfort Izuku again and rubbed his head, "Feel better?"

Izuku pulled the pillow away, looked Fumikage in the eyes, and spoke, "No... I've admired him for so long, but after talking to him, he isn't what I expected..."

Fumikage wrapped himself around Izuku and continued to comfort him.

After hanging out in Izuku's room for a few hours, Ms. Midoriya calls out, "Dinner time!"

Izuku, followed by Fumikage, exits the room and walks into the dining room, where Inko has set out three bowls of katsudon and chopsticks. Fumikage pulled out the chair for Izuku and sat down beside him.

They are silent for a bit as Inko brings up some conversation. "So Fumikage? When did you and my son meet?" She asked.

He swallowed his mouthful and answered, "We met yesterday after school."

"He stopped someone from hurting me," Izuku said.

'That's pretty much the truth...' Fumikage commented.

Inko smiled, "Oh, so... Fumikage saved you?" She asked Izuku.

He nodded, "Yeah. Someone was choking me, and Fumikage came to my rescue."

Inko turned to Fumikage, "Thank you for looking out for my son."

He nodded. "Of course, Ms. Midoriya. It was nothing. I was doing what any good person would've done."

Inko smiled sadly, "It's a shame no one thinks that way anymore. With all the laws and restrictions in place, no one would even consider helping anyone out of kindness. Now, everyone is too afraid because they fear what the law might do to them."

Tokoyami hummed, "I agree. Laws and restrictions have gotten a bit out of hand. But there are some good laws in place."

Inko nodded, "Agreed."

The dinner continued in relative silence until Izuku started up another line of conversation. "Mom?"

"Yes?" Answered Inko.

Izuku seemed to fidget with himself but gathered the courage. "I-I want to try for the U.A. Entrance Exams..."

"Oh! Did you decide on going through the General Education or Business course?" Inko nonchalantly asked.

Izuku looked down a bit. "N-no. I want to try and get into the Hero Course."

Izuku and Fumikage watched as the mother's movements stopped, not moving her utensils as she looked at her meal with a look. Inko took a deep breath and breathed out. "Izuku. I think you should start thinking about other areas of education."

Izuku looked at her in shock, with Fumikage equally as shocked. "W-what?" Izuku asked, confused.

Inko put down her utensils and looked at Izuku. "Look. I love you, but I don't think being a hero is in your best interest. You're Quirkless, and the world is unforgiving to those who can't defend themselves."

Izuku didn't like what his Mom was saying and was growing angry. "B-but you always supported my dream of being a hero! What changed then?!"

Inko looked at him, "You got older! You were young when I supported you. I thought you would've grown up by this point! I don't see why you wouldn't want to be a police officer or a paramedic. They are perfectly respectable jobs where you'll save many people and be out of harm's way!"

Izuku slammed his utensils on the table and yelled at his Mom, "BUT THAT'S NOT WHAT I WANT! I've wanted to be a hero since I was four, and you supported me! You didn't care if I had a Quirk or not! Do you think someone who is Quirkless, like me, can't become a hero?!"

Inko stood from her seat and raised her voice at her son. "Yes! I don't think you can become a hero without a Quirk! People who think they can need to start thinking realistically! It's a fool's dream!"

The color from Izuku's face drained as he shook in place at his mother's confession. Tokoyami couldn't believe what Inko had just said, and Dark Shadow was boiling underneath the surface, wanting to lash out and punish the mother for her confession.

Izuku cried and screamed at his mother, "FINE! I DON'T NEED YOU TO BELIEVE IN ME! I CAN BECOME A HERO EVEN IF YOU AND ALL MIGHT SAY I CAN'T!" He ran off to his room and slammed the door behind him.

Fumikage excused himself and followed after Izuku, leaving Inko alone in the dining room.

Fumikage knocked on Izuku's door and came in to see him curled into himself on his bed. Izuku hugged his knees to his chest as tears poured from his eyes. The bird-headed boy sat on the bed and looked at Izuku sadly. "I'm sorry that you had to hear that."

Izuku sobbed, "My Mom doesn't support my dream anymore... What do I do now?"

Fumikage scooted closer and suggested. "Why don't I help you train for the entrance exams?"

Izuku uncurled himself and looked at Fumikage, "R-really? How?"

Tokoyami grinned, "There's a beach nearby where we can train to our heart's content. There is tons of trash everywhere. We can build your strength, and I can help train you in fighting skills. I planned on taking the U.A. Entrance Exams myself, so helping you would kill two birds with one stone."

Izuku wiped the tears from his eyes and smiled, "R-really?! You would do that for me?!"

Fumikage pulled him into his side, "Of course! Anything for you. I will not abandon you like All Might and your mother has. I will support you the whole way, and we'll stand together. We will crush those exams and be on our way to becoming heroes."

Izuku latched onto Fumikage and cried happy tears, "Thank you. Thank you. Thank you!"

Tokoyami patted his head and exited the bed, "You're welcome. I gotta start heading home, but we will start training tomorrow after school."

Izuku nodded and gave a smile. "T-thank you for being there for me. You are a good friend."

Fumikage grinned, left the Midoriya household, and began walking home. 'Friend... Sure. But soon, you will be more than that, my precious Izuku~.'