Chapter XII
Tenya Iida was having a most excellent day. He had performed his morning rituals with the utmost diligence and he was prepared for another important day of learning at the most prestigious hero school in all of Japan. Yes, as he sat there, folder open and pens at the ready, Iida was certain that – aside from Bakugo's delinquent attitude – little would impair his education. It truly was a magnificent day!
"What's up guys?!"
Iida froze. He knew that voice. How could he not? It haunted his dreams – eh – nightmares! But no… Midoriya was an easily embarrassed fellow student and, most importantly, understood the importance of decorum and propriety. Additionally, one of his biggest struggles was accepting his forms, reason behind his decision to attend U.A. with his Nine-Tailed and Three-Tailed forms. He would not just attend with that form, would he? No, he couldn't! He-
"Well, hello there Mr Handsome Robot"
Iida felt his mouth turn dry. There, leaning over his table with what could only be described as a foxy smile, was Four-Tailed Midoriya. Worse yet, in her current position, given the angle, the mere size of her bosom and the fact she had unbuttoned the first three buttons of her shirt, Iida had the most privileged view known to mankind – eh – he meant to say the most indecent exposure known to mankind!
"W-what is the meaning of this?" Iida tried to sound authoritative. Sadly, his voice decided to come out as a high-pitched squeak. He could almost feel how the situation was slipping his control as his cheeks started burning.
"S-sorry about that, Iida" said Midoriya, embarrassed, before she thankfully leaned back and looking somewhat ashamed. "I am just taking this form out for a test drive".
"While I understand the importance of practicing your quirk to the fullest" Iida said, clearing his throat, "I would appreciate if you could try to present yourself in a more decent manner".
"Yeah, about that… it is just that I never actually shopped for clothes fitting this form" Midoriya admitted "or – well – any of my other forms now that I think about it."
"Did someone say shopping and clothes in the same sentence?"
Midoriya squeaked, standing up straight and averting her eyes. Like a predatory wolf, Mina Ashido prowled behind Midoriya, followed closely by floating clothes. The pink-skinned demon chuckled with delight as she took in Midoriya's form.
"Uh, so you finally went full girl power Midori. Sweet Jesus just look at those melons!" Ashido exclaimed.
They could all hear Hagakure laughing behind Ashido. Midoriya covered herself with her tails, all while blushing. Iida did not miss, however, the way her face flashed with a pleased look.
"Ah, A-ashido – eh – y-you must have h-heard wrong" stammered Woman Midoriya, oddly reminiscent to her Zero-Tailed form.
Iida adjusted his glasses and smirked. While he did not condone vindication or retribution, he would make a special exception for Midoriya.
"Actually, Ashido, you heard correctly" Iida stated matter-of-factually.
Midoriya stared at him, horrified, while Ashido's grin stretched even wider.
"Midoriya here was explaining her desperate need for clothing fitting her current-" SMACK. Iida blinked. Had someone thrown a paper ball at him? Indignant, he turned around. To his surprise, none other than Mineta, Kaminari and Sero were desperately shaking their heads, steam coming off their reddened faces.
It was too late, though.
"YEAH! Shopping!" Ashido squealed. She took hold of a terrified Midoriya's arm. "I need some rest from all the training!" She turned around "what do you say, girls? Shopping with Hot Midoriya over here?"
"P-Please I-I c-can't. Training – I need to train and- and- I don't like going in public like this!" Spluttered Midoriya.
"Sorry, Mina but I have got to train, ribbit" Asui cut in, thoughtful. "What do you say, Momo?"
"While I might need to find time for relaxation, I do not think I have time to go shopping. Perhaps we could arrange something after the Sports Festival?" Yaoyorozu said, trying (and failing) to show disinterest when she was visibly squirming with eagerness. "Uraraka?"
A red-faced Uraraka kept staring at Midoriya, from heads to toes. "Yeah, maybe it would be best for after the games, right?" she mumbled. "Jiro, what about you?"
"While I would love to see Midoriya die of embarrassment… but I am a bit behind with homework" Jiro grunted, grimacing at her own fate. "Take pictures, Toru" she added with a grin.
"Oh, I'm sorry, Mina, but I really, really need to work out!" muttered a despondent Hagakure with bitter disappointment.
"Oh, what a bunch of party poopers" huffed Mina, while Midoriya sighed with relief. "Don't you think you got away, little fox. We'll go shopping after the Sports Festival!"
Midoriya scowled while Iida, still smirking, relished on the moment. Vengeance could be most desirable, even thought it was questionable.
"Could this get any worse?" Midoriya grumbled, anime-tears rolling down her face.
"What the fuck, Deku?!"
"I just had to ask" Midoriya muttered, sneering at a certain explosive teen.
Iida scowled. Why did that ruffian insist on such crude language? This was U.A., a most prestigious institution! It was blasphemy to be so crass within its corridors. However, as much as he wanted to lecture Bakugo, Iida knew this wasn't going to end well. Rarely anything relating to that ruffian ever did.
"To think I was having such a nice morning…" huffed Midoriya.
With her hands on her hips, she looked dismissive. However, Iida could tell there was something lurking in that sneer of hers. Bakugo looked like he had been caught smelling something utterly foul and looking at something infuriating. He stomped his way over to Midoriya and gave her the once-over, while Midoriya stood there, with her chin raised in defiance.
"So you aren't just a tranny, you are also a fucking slut?" Bakugo spat.
"Hey, what the hell, Bakugo?!" Hagakure exclaimed, outraged. By the movement of her clothing, Iida could tell she was flailing her arms with the utmost indignation.
"Oy, that's uncalled for!" Ashido angrily intervened, stepping between Bakugo and Midoriya. "Just what is your problem with Midori, anyways?"
"Don't mind him, dear" mused Midoriya.
Gently, she pushed Ashido aside, much to her surprise. Midoriya then proceeded to stand a few inches from Bakugo, using her height to sneer down on the explosive blond.
"He just suffers from an inferiority complex" she added, a hand covering her devious smile. Bakugo probably hated the fact how he had to look up at her. "That or maybe he has a childhood crush on me? Sorry, love, but that attitude of yours is certainly unappealing".
Bakugo blushed, surprisingly flustered by that, only for his face to turn into a dangerous puce. Iida tensed, almost feeling the killing intent pouring out of that murderous expression on Bakugo. This was going to end terribly.
"Fuck you!" Bakugo growled. "You think you are better now that you have a quirk, Deku? Just count your lucky starts you could suck your way into U.A.! You are still a little shit-stain that doesn't know its fucking place, slut!"
The rest of the class, at least those who had arrived, all frowned or scowled at Bakugo. Even though they had already come to know Bakugo enough to expect such a behaviour, Iida could not recall a time Bakugo was so vocal. Perhaps it was the fact this form of Midoriya was far more defiant. Iida, though, could feel matters were down-spiraling.
"You are pathetic, Bakugo" Jiro angrily spat.
She was on her feet, her earphone-jacks poised to attack. She wasn't the only one. The classmates that had arrived were all glaring at the explosive teen.
"I'm pathetic?" Bakugo seemed amused by that.
He eyed the rest of the classroom, his body tense. Iida could easily assume that Bakugo had rarely ever had to face so much opposition at once, and that – as most things – probably infuriated him even further.
"Maybe you should take a look on the mirror! Ugly, flat-chested and with a weak-ass quirk. Just look at your butt. You have less appeal than a plank. Ha, even frog-face has something good going for her…" he sardonically added, only to turn to the rest "…all of you are pathetic extras. You think you can hit the Top?"
He derisively laughed at them. "Get real, you extras. The only other people here that could ever make it as a real Pro are Big-Boobs and Half-Ice, and that is because Big-Boobs is a rich girl that won't need to bend over for a Pro-Hero agent to get a job like you".
Bakugo said sending a scathing smirk at Jiro, who was visibly hurt by those words. Yaoyorozu wasn't faring any better, looking like she had been punched in the face, while Todoroki's already icy expression turned into a harsh wintry glare.
The class immediately broke into a cacophony of angry retorts, from a furious "UNMANLY!" to soft "dégoûtant".
"Cease this! Such commentary is absolutely disgusting of you, Bakugo!" Iida bellowed, rising his volume with righteous indignation. "To think I had not expect you to fall any lower! I suppose you do live up to the school motto then, if only to prove just how villainous you can get".
"Face it, Four Eyes" Bakugo chuckled, walking over to his desk and plopping down with absolute glee. "In this world, your fate is decided by birth. Quirks like mine are meant for greatness, for the Top of the Top. I'll get rich and famous, and all because of my quirk, while you losers are destined for the scraps, better than the rest of the losers out there than won't get anything".
"That's not true" stated a livid Uraraka.
"Pffft, please" Bakugo scoffed, placing his feet on his desk. "It is time you all wake up. What? You eat that shit up that we are all equal? You are all delusional. What are you going to say next, that quirkless people can be heroes now? HA, don't make me laugh, Round Face".
Iida squinted at Bakugo, only to see him send a smirk at Midoriya. Of course Bakugo would target more insults towards Midoriya, especially regarding his past. As much as he hated to think ill of others, Iida could only assume that Midoriya had endured quite a lot at the hands of Bakugo, perhaps in ways Iida could barely conceive.
"You don't believe me? Wait for the Sports Festival" Bakugo dared, all too pleased with himself. "I bet half of you losers won't even make it…" he once again turned towards Midoriya "…you included, Deku. Better start practicing your blowing game if you want to stay in U.A." He sneered at the rest "like the rest of the losers".
"And what, may I ask, is the meaning of this?"
Bakugo looked like he had swallowed a hard pill and immediately sat down properly. The rest, in their fury, delayed one second to direct their burning hatred towards Bakugo before hurrying to their seats. However, not even Aizawa's terrifying presence stopped them from glaring at Bakugo further. The teenager in question flashed a smug look at them before turning towards the front. Did he really believe he could get away with it after what he said?
Aizawa didn't outright speak. Instead, he studied his class for a brief moment, taking in the mood. Iida wondered if he would have to inform their homeroom teacher regarding Bakugo. He glanced at Midoriya, who glared daggers at Bakugo. The fox woman wasn't the only one. As class representative, after all, Iida had to report Bakugo's behaviour. It was most disruptive and demoralizing, not to mention, unbefitting of U.A.! Thankfully, Iida didn't have to. Aizawa marched to his desk and, after taking a deep breath (perhaps to muster some energy), he turned towards Iida.
"Iida, what happened?" Aizawa asked, already frustrated by his class.
"Sir, upon witnessing Midoriya's form, Bakugo began a long tirade of insults towards his fellow classmates. He was truly despicable, sir, making sexual commentary towards our female classmates while stating falsehoods" Iida reported, almost like a soldier to his higher-up.
Aizawa sent a glance towards Midoriya, who waved at him with a coy smile.
"What do you have to say, Bakugo?" Aizawa dryly asked.
"Falsehoods? As if" Bakugo huffed. "The los- I mean, these guys think that we are all born equal, and Dek- Midoriya was flaunting his big tits around on everyone's faces. The extras- I mean, they just can't accept some people are born better than others".
Aizawa released a long sigh and pinch the bridge of his nose. Iida, in the meantime, glanced at Midoriya, worried about him (or her). She didn't look affected, but Iida could tell she was greatly subdued. As someone who lived his life as a quirkless child, bullied by Bakugo, Iida could only wonder how such a conversation impacted Midoriya.
"Let me state obvious facts of this world. As much as I hate to say this, Bakugo isn't entirely wrong" Aizawa muttered.
Iida, and his fellow classmates, blinked at their homeroom teacher with surprise. Midoriya's head dropped and a sad face marred her attractive features.
"No, we are not born equal". Bakugo smirked, and the rest of the class all looked shocked "except under the eyes of the law – and God". Iida was a bit surprised by that. "Factually, each person possess strengths and weaknesses that set them apart from the rest. Is it fair? No, but it is the truth, and to deny it is to be illogical and live in a delusion. However…"
Aizawa sent a scathing glare at Bakugo, who averted his face.
"No one can truly assess someone's limits and full potential. It is up to each individual to push forward, to test themselves in the face of challenges and, perhaps, exceed all expectations – or to fail and fall to obscurity. You all made it here not just because of your innate abilities, like your quirks, but because of the hard work and determination. That is a fact" Aizawa proclaimed.
Midoriya, Iida noticed, looked contemplative. Just what was going in her head? And why was he so curious and worried about her?
"Sir, I have a question" Iida said, a hand held high in the air. Aizawa merely nodded at him to proceed. "Do you believe that…" he trailed off, unsure if it was truly a pertinent question "…a quirkless person could be a Pro-Hero?"
Aizawa sighed. Iida had to make a lot of effort to avoid turning to Midoriya.
"Who here believes that a quirkless person can truly become a Pro-Hero?" Aizawa asked. "Raise your hand".
Everyone blinked at their teacher and, sullenly, exchanged unsure looks. Iida and Uraraka glanced at Midoriya, but Midoriya seemed caught within her own inner turmoil. A few hands almost raised, only to be lowered and kept down entirely. It seemed no one wanted to be the first to affirm such statement and it seemed the rest were hopeful someone could actually state what they thought they all believed. Then again, perhaps no one wanted to openly confront the opinion of someone like Aizawa. A minute passed… and no one had raised a hand.
"To answer your question, Iida, no, I do not think someone who has no innate power could or should pursue such a profession. Being a hero entails many responsibilities that could only be fulfilled through power. I will go one step further and say that even most people with quirks can truly be Pro-Heroes" Aizawa responded. "And deep down, no matter how progressive and open-minded we believe ourselves to be, we all recognize that truth…"
Iida looked down at his desk, ashamed. Why hadn't he raised his hand? Didn't he believe quirkless people could be heroes? He looked around, everyone sharing similar disgruntled or guilt-ridden faces. Perhaps no one had any ill-intentions towards quirkless people, but they probably could not conceive a quirkless Pro-Hero. Iida couldn't blame them. To his shame, he too could not fully agree with Rabbit Girl's assessment. What did surprise him, however, was Midoriya. Why hadn't she raised her hand? Then again, she did look thoughtful, staring at Aizawa's general direction.
"With that said, I would like to say I believe that no person is without potential. Even a quirkless person can be invaluable against villains. The police force, the military, doctors and scientists… those are professions that do not require innate power and are open venues for everyone physically and/or mentally capable to provide their own strengths and contribute against the perpetual fight against evil" Aizawa added, only to sigh. "But enough of that. Was did he say regarding your female classmates?"
Bakugo had a look of panic as Aizawa looked at Yaoyorozu. The girl, in question, sent a scathing glare at Bakugo before she answered. Aizawa remained impassive as Yaoyorozu timidly repeated Bakugo's words, all while Bakugo scowled. When she was done, the class awaited with abated breaths.
"Bakugo… is that true?" Aizawa asked a tad too calmly.
Bakugo didn't answer. He kept his arms folded and glared at his desk.
"I'll assume it is" Aizawa grunted. He sighed, shaking his head in disappointment. "I warned you, Bakugo".
"Oy, they goaded me!" Bakugo spat. "Besides, they are just words! If they can't take a few words, maybe they chose the wrong profession".
Aizawa just stared at the blond, who simply scowled and looked away.
"I am revoking your access to U.A. training facilities until further notice" Aizawa stated.
"You can't do that! I need to train!" Bakugo roared, standing to his feet. He looked ready to explode.
"Then behave" Aizawa hissed. "What did you expect would happen when you insulted your fellow classmates? What do you think would happen if you repeated those words in the public as a Pro-Hero?" Bakugo scowled at that. "For someone who allegedly is smart, you sure know how to act the part of the fool". Aizawa took another deep breath. "Additionally, you'll have detention after class".
"What?! But that will ruin my chances at the Sports Festival!" Bakugo yelled, incensed. "And for what? Something I said?!"
"Then you should have thought better than badmouth your peers, people who might one day be your colleagues, people you might one day rely on to save lives" Aizawa growled. "Hear me now, Bakugo, and hear me well… I do not care what you think about your peers. Think of them as scum for all you want. In fact, I agree that people should not allow the words of others affect them"
Iida was, once again, baffled. Was that the correct approach? Did Aizawa truly believe that? It sounded so alien to hear that. Perhaps Somei's teachers were bad examples to compare U.A. teachers?
"But you are far from a responsible adults and you are all here supposed to learn better – to be better. You are supposed to become Heroes. I can't in any good will allow you to run rampart acting like a child through a perpetual tantrum. You are still growing and, thus, I expect you to at least try to be in best behaviour. You will not besmirch the name of this school with your irrational actions, demoralize your peers or act like some delinquent. Moreover, I will not allow you to hamper the progress of your classmates because of some misplaced sense of entitlement. You'll have your chance to run your mouth once you graduate. Until then, you will be a model student or not a student at all".
The class stared, terrified. They had never seen Aizawa that angry. Even Bakugo looked subdued under that furious face of their teacher.
"From now until the Sports Festival, you will have detention with Midnight and Recovery Girl under a punishment of their choice. I warned you, Bakugo, I warned you but you didn't listen" Aizawa muttered. "This is strike one… am I clear?"
Bakugo scoffed, but didn't say anything. Instead, he sat there, chastised and defeated.
"I said: am I clear?" Aizawa growled, leaning forward.
"Yes" Bakugo mumbled. Aizawa raised an eyebrow. "Yes, sir" Bakugo amended, apprehensive.
"Good, as for the rest of you: behave. I do not want to hear of any kind of retaliation towards Bakugo" Aizawa stated. "Pro-Heroes don't have the luxury of vengeance and no one is the arbiter of justice in this place. He steps out of line, you inform me. Am I clear?"
"Sir, yes, sir" the class chorused.
"This will sound harsh" Aizawa continued, addressing everyone, although Iida got the impression his gaze lingered on the female students. "But you need to get used to uncouth comments. There will always be that one person who will run his mouth" everyone glanced at Bakugo "and you cannot allow that to get to you. Out there, lives might depend on the slightest instant. Nothing can make you hesitate or demoralize you. Evil will use anything against you, and you must stand tall against it".
Aizawa took a long moment to take in the reaction from his students. In the end, no one spoke or raised his or her hand, so Aizawa nodded, looking satisfied.
"Good" Aizawa sighed, sounding exhausted. He turned towards Midoriya. "It is good to see you are pushing forward, problem child. I do expect you to keep your… personality… under control".
Iida sure hoped Midoriya would do just that, if possible. However, at the moment, she didn't look like offering any quips or acting confident. She just offered a simple smile and nodded at their homeroom teacher. Something was going on with her, and considering it probably had something to do with Bakugo, Iida worried.
The rest of the day passed pretty much without a hitch, expanding their knowledge and moving a step forward towards becoming great Pro-Heroes. Most fellow classmates appeared to forget the morning incident, although most did spare a few glares towards Bakugo when possible. Other than that, however, everyone kept their distance or ignored the explosive teen.
Throughout the morning, Iida noticed how Midoriya remained thoughtful. Instead of the expected shameless personality, Iida was surprised when she remained subdued, perhaps a tad detached. Uraraka couldn't offer any insight and Iida could only worry. In any case, perhaps Usagiyama could assist during lunch time.
Thus, when lunch break came, and they formed the usual line towards Lunch Rush, Iida wasn't sure how to approach his friend. Thankfully, Uraraka did not have such reservations.
"Are you alright, Midoriya?" Uraraka wondered.
"Hmmm?" The woman in question hummed, broken out of her reverie. "Yes, just… thinking".
The lunch hall was just like the day before. Perhaps it was the fact it was Friday, but there was a sense of levity in the air, mixed with the usual stress of the upcoming Sports Festival. As they currently made the long line towards their food, the trio couldn't help but notice the glances towards their general direction. It didn't escape Iida's notice the way some boys watched, dumbfounded. Truly, did no male student have the decency?
"You have been thoughtful for better part of the day thus far" Iida commented.
"So you've been watching me all day, Tenya-kun?" Teased Midoriya.
"I- you – th-that-" spluttered Iida, blushing. Uraraka and the fox woman giggled at the expense of their friend. Bursts of steam escaped Iida's ears as he fought the embarrassment. "D-don't c-call me like that!" He angrily squawked.
"He's right, though. You've been… ehm… relaxed?" Uraraka pointed out. "Like, I expect you to tease everyone or be – ehm – less Zero-Tails, you know?"
"Oh, I am fine. I was just… thinking" Midoriya hummed. She looked down at her hands, glancing back at her tails, only to sigh. "I am not doing enough" she solemnly said.
"Not doing enough?" Iida asked. Not that was not what he had been expecting.
"Yes, yesterday Rabbit Girl gave me the confidence to come here with this form… as a means to finally get comfortable with my quirk" Midoriya hummed, stroking her chin. "But that is the problem. This isn't enough…"
They stepped forward in line, coming face to face with the school cook.
"Ah, Fox… Woman?" A very confused Lunch Rush asked on the other side of the counter.
"Oh, I sure want some meat today…" Midoriya cheerfully said. She blinked and then turned towards Iida, a knowing smirk in place.
She couldn't actually be that crass, could she? Iida thought, mortified. Does Midoriya have no shame?!
"It is truly unbefitting to deliver such innuendos in public, Midoriya!" Iida exclaimed, mechanically waving a hand.
"What innuendos?" A naïve Uraraka asked.
"Yes, Iida-kun, what innuendos?" Giggled Midoriya said, a hand covering her grin while her eyes gleamed with mirth and mischief.
Iida scowled, karate-chopping the air with utmost indignation. As irritable as he felt, though, Iida was at least happy that Midoriya was giggling and back to her expected self. Thankfully, Lunch Rush handed over their plates, amused and disturbed by the exchange, and the trio departed. Sadly, as the day before, they had to cross a similar table of rowdy General Study students. To Iida's surprise, instead of shying away at the thought of receiving comments like the day prior, Iida saw how Midoriya's face morphed into a mischievous smirk.
Instead of just walking, Midoriya hurried the pace and started sauntering in the most seductive way possible. She exaggerated the sway of her hips and the flail of her tails, catching the attention of many onlookers. Iida, much to Uraraka's amusement, went rigid and stared, mesmerized, by his friend's behaviour. Those hips and legs sure were attractive – eh – outstanding. Yes, that was what he meant.
"Holy crap, look at that ass" one of the students gasped, jaw-dropping.
Another one wolf-whistled. The rest of that group of General Studies just stared.
Midoriya stopped and turned towards them, posing before them. "Oh my, and here I thought you said you preferred your food drool-free" she said, only to giggle.
"Wait, is that the fox…?" One of them trailed off, only for his eyes to widen.
Midoriya grinned and, in an instant, revealed his Nine-Tailed form, before returning to the Four-Tails. It was then that it clicked in the head of the students. A shared look of absolute horror crossed their faces. Had they been ogling a boy?! They immediately broke into coughing fits, mortified with realization. Midoriya just laughed and signaled her friends to get a move on. Still laughing, Midoriya led a giggling Uraraka and a blushing Iida towards Usagiyama.
The rabbit girl was already waiting. In fact, she had been watching, and she sure shared Midoriya's amusement.
"Not bad, Fox Boy" Rabbit Girl snickered.
"I am sorry about earlier this morning" Midoriya said, offering a sheepish smile. "Sometimes I can't control myself".
"Nah, I don't mind" Rabbit Girl huffed, shrugging. Seeing how Midoriya raised an eyebrow and a very dangerous smirk was forming on her head, Rabbit Girl turned to her other two lunch-mates. "What happened to Robot Boy, Infinity Girl?"
"Midoriya happened" Uraraka giggled.
"Nothing happened to me, thank you very much!" An embarrassed Iida harrumphed, karate-chopping the air.
"Ah, that explains so much" Usagiyama couldn't help but grin at the red-faced bespectacled boy.
"So what were you saying about not doing enough?" Uraraka wondered, staring to eat her rice.
"Ah, that…" sighed Midoriya. "Well, I've been thinking and, well, I haven't been doing enough, not if I want to be a Pro-Hero".
"Whatcha mean? You've been doing plenty" Usagiyama said.
"It is something Aizawa said this morning…" Midoriya hummed, trailing off as she lost herself in thought.
"Fox Boy, do I need to smack you?" Rumi asked, absolutely confused. She wasn't the only one. Uraraka tilted her head, scrunching her face with visible befuddlement.
"You can smack me anywhere, anytime, Rabbit Girl" Midoriya shot back, only to scowl and shake her head. "Sorry, couldn't help it…"
Rumi, in turn, just chortled. She did, however, blush. Iida, on his part, started choking on some rice that had gone down the wrong pipe. How could Midoriya be so indecent?!
"As I was saying" Midoriya carried on. "I am no longer quirkless".
"Eh… well duh" Rumi deadpanned. Midoriya rolled her eyes.
"I know it is kind of obvious, but I still need to drill that into my head. For my entire life I've been a dreamer, holding onto an impossible dream…" Midoriya looked at the ceiling, sending a reminiscent dream. "It has been a part of me… and I want to change that".
"But haven't you been doing that?" Uraraka asked, confused. She tilted her head before spoke again. "You started attending class as Fox Girl and the nine-tails for that, right?"
"Yes but… I've been treating my quirk wrong" Midoriya said. "I can't just… tolerate it. I shouldn't just accept it and be done with it. It is part of me. It is not... some tool or weapon of choice".
"That's why you come in that form, though, isn't it? To try to accustom yourself to that form, which is probably your most embarrassing" Iida pointed out.
"Yes, but I need to do more than that. I need to stop thinking about just becoming a hero. I need to do this for myself" Midoriya declared.
Iida wasn't following, and by the looks of it neither were the others. Just what was Midoriya talking about?
SMACK.
"Ouch" Midoriya moaned in pain, leaning away from Rumi.
Iida felt a shiver run down his spine. God, it was just a moan! Why was he acting like that?
"We've been over this, Fox Boy" Rumi sighed. "What are you going to do? Come on, less thinking, more doing".
"You're right" Midoriya nodded. "Rabbit Girl, will you – ehm – teach me to fight?"
Usagiyama raised an eyebrow, but instead of refusing, she grinned and gave a thumbs up.
"Of course! You will regret it, though" She proclaimed.
"There is something else but… never mind" Midoriya sighed, unsure.
SMACK.
"Ouch, that hurts" moaned Midoriya once again.
Iida felt his heart skip a beat and another shudder shake his entire being. What was wrong with him? Uraraka, differently from him, looked amused at the girls in front.
"Out with it" Usagiyama ordered.
"F-fine…" stammered Midoriya, twiddling her fingers. "D-do… do you want to… ehm…?" She averted her gaze, blushing. "Never mind…" she sighed, shoulders dropping with resignation.
Usagiyama raised her fist, as if in warning. As reprehensible as it was to threaten physical violence, it appeared to make Midoriya gain a much needed modicum of confidence.
"Fine, d-do you want to come shopping tomorrow with me?" Midoriya coyly asked.
Usagiyama stared at the Four-Tailed woman, dumbfounded. She wasn't the only one.
"N-not as a d-date or anything it is just that… ehm… I need some help and… ehm…" Midoriya mumbled. "You've been a great support and I need someone to – ehm – punch some sense into me? It will be really embarrassing and I don't… eh…"
Usagiyama frowned, confused.
"It is for my quirk" Midoriya confessed. "I want to get clothing so I can spend time in my forms when I am at home or- or whenever I am in public. In some cases I don't need to, like with the Two-Tails or the One-Tails that somehow manipulate clothing. I-I just don't want to feel shame anymore whenever I am in public with my forms. I want to treat my quirk more as a part of myself and less of a tool towards my dreams".
A devious smirk formed on Usagiyama's face. "Are you sure this isn't a clever scheme to ask me out, Fox Boy?" She teased.
"What? No, I-!" Spluttered Midoriya.
"Fine" Usagiyama interrupted, laughing at the flustered woman. "We work early on Dagobah beach, clean ourselves and we meet at the shopping mall for a quick lunch and shopping. Then we hit a park and I teach you some fighting before we hit the beach again. What about it?"
"Sounds like a plan" Midoriya chirped with glee.
Iida raised an eyebrow. Was there a reason Midoriya had asked Rabbit Girl instead of either Uraraka or him? Perhaps she assumed they would be busy, or perhaps there was more going on. In any case, Iida wasn't sure why he felt somewhat indignant about it all.
Unbeknownst to them, someone had been staring at them, alone, on a table far away. With indigo hair and bags under his eyes, the boy in question squinted at the students of the Hero Course. A look of contempt marred his features.
Maybe getting into the Hero Course will be easier than I thought, the indigo-haired boy thought. He glared at Midoriya. You think your flashy quirk is great, don't you Fox? He mentally spat. He clenched his sandwich, a wave of anger rising in his gut. You won't be so smug after the Sports Festival… I'll make sure of that.
Chapter XIII
Rumi Usagiyama had the Quirk called Rabbit. As far as Izuku had learned about it, the mutant-type Quirk gave her a boost of leg strength and hearing at the expense of an elevated sexual drive. Thus, with her short size Rumi was a fast fighter. That did not mean, however, she didn't have strong arms. In fact, Izuku learned that evening just how hard she could punch – repeatedly.
POW.
Izuku stepped back, spit flying across the secluded forest. Rumi jumped backwards, smirking. Under the shadows of the trees, the two teenagers faced each other.
"Got enough, Fox Boy?" Rumi taunted.
Beads of sweat rolled down her face. However, she was doing far better than her opponent. Ten feet away, panting, was Zero-Tailed Midoriya. Even those he had taken quite the beating, he went back into the proper stance, the very same he had learned only an hour prior. Clad in their gym clothes, Izuku was covered in dirt, perspiration and bruises, in stark contrast to the sweaty Rabbit Girl. Still, with an unbreakable spirit, he raised his fists and glared at her.
"Bring it, Rabbit Girl" he muttered, spitting on the ground.
Rumi grinned. Boy did she love that defiant spirit, even if he was losing - and badly.
"Well, here I go!" Rumi cried out.
She crouched down and, using her powerful legs, she shot forward towards Fox Boy. Half-way through, she swung her left arm backwards and stretched her right arm forward, ready to deliver a finishing punch. Izuku smirked and, before Rumi could react, he lunged forward – and intercepted the rabbit girl mid-air. Rumi was surprised when she collided to the back of the green-haired boy. More shocking, though, was when Izuku's hands grabbed his extended right arm and pulled, ready to throw the rabbit to the ground and, perhaps, end the first mock spar in his favour… Of course, that didn't happen.
Izuku blinked, baffled, when he discovered the rabbit would not budge from his back. He looked down, and his eyes widened with horror as he discovered her legs were wrapped around his torso.
"Too late, Fox Boy" Rumi stated.
Izuku scowled, before the rabbit's right arm slipped through his grasp and she pulled him backwards. An instant later, he was held face down, against the dirt, with a smirking rabbit girl on his back.
"Not bad, Fox Boy" Rumi wheezed. She released Izuku and stood up. "You did good" she commended.
You did more than good, Rumi mentally admitted. Not that she would ever be so vocal about what she thought about his student.
"You should have gone for a punch instead of a throw, though" Rumi remarked with a smirk. "Still, you did good".
Midoriya groaned and sat up, caressing his arm.
"Not good enough" he muttered.
"It was your first time actually fighting. I mean, until a couple hours you didn't even know how to make a fist. Aren't you expecting a bit too much?" Rumi asked, offering a hand. "Like, seriously Fox Boy, you are up against me, Battle-Rabbit Extraordinaire. It will be a decade before you can actually hope to land a punch".
Izuku took hold of the offered hand and was pulled up to his feet. Rumi's words got a chuckle out of the poor beaten boy. However, He remained dejected.
"I know that but… I need to catch up with the rest. They've all had their quirks for most of their lives – and actual training" he sighed. He closed his eyes for a moment and, with visible effort, stood up straight, ready for more. "Another round?"
Rumi couldn't help but grin at the boy's enthusiasm. However, a quick glance at his face and Rumi couldn't, no matter how much she enjoyed fighting, agree on another round.
"Nah, heal yourself, Fox Boy" Rumi ordered. "It is not bad to push yourself, but you should know your limits". She patted him in the chest. Huh, would you look at that? Was it her or was he rapidly gaining muscles? "If you overwork yourself, you will end up harming yourself and losing your gains".
Izuku grimaced.
"If I heal myself… I won't have the energy to fight more" he said.
"It is fine. You need to practice your forms and techniques, not more bruises. Besides, even I can get tired of winning" Rumi snickered, playfully nudging him.
She stared straight at his eyes and, for a moment, they locked gazes. Emerald eyes bored into her ruby eyes. In the end, Izuku took a deep breath, averted his gaze and nodded.
"Fine" he sighed, his voice dripping with reluctance.
While Izuku transformed into his Three-Tailed form and used his flames, Rumi stepped away and stared at the Fox Boy. Truthfully, Rumi was surprised that she had agreed to hang out so much with him. Then again, there was something about him… she wasn't sure what, but she was well aware that it was no longer a matter of intrigue or curiosity. Rumi had come to terms earlier that day that she actually enjoyed spending time with him, no matter the form he took.
Shopping with him, something she never thought she could enjoy, had been pretty awesome. The Four-Tails had quite the hilarious impact on people, while the Three-Tails was boisterous and funny. Even as the Nine-Tails and Zero-Tails, Rumi enjoyed Fox Boy's company. Better yet, she had noticed a change on the boy he had met more than a week prior. Although still shy, there was a fire there, one that was luring her like a moth to the light.
"You've learned quickly" Rumi pointed out as the Nine-Tailed Izuku, fully healed but with bags under his eyes, approached her. "That last throw was really good – if not a bit slow. I think you have good reflexes, too, and an eye for openings. That's more than what I can say about classmates of mine".
Izuku smiled a bit, blushing at the compliment. However, it seemed Fox Boy was in one of those self-defeating moods.
"Still…" Izuku sighed, shaking his head. "I'm not doing enough…"
"Sweet carrots, Fox Boy, that again?" Rumi scoffed. "Alright, spill it, Fox Boy, what really got you riled up. Was it that explosive bastard?"
"In a way, but I wasn't lying yesterday. Aizawa… he got me thinking" Izuku hummed.
"Alright, let's go back a few steps. What happened yesterday?" Rumi asked. "Really, to actually get you to ask me out and use all of your forms in public".
"I-I didn't ask you out" Nine-Tails Midoriya spluttered, red-faced.
"Yes you did, and I enjoyed myself so far" Rumi said with a shrug. "But that isn't the point. What happened?"
"Wait, y-you really… enjoyed today's outing?" Izuku tentatively asked, surprised.
Rumi's eyes wandered down to Fox Boy's wagging tails. Realizing the traitorous extremities behind him, he proceeded to stand stiff and try to rein them in. Rumi just snickered. She could sympathize with the Fox Boy. Tails, even hers, could be traitorous bastards.
"Will you answer the question?" Rumi, as politely as possible, asked. "Or there will be some punching".
"Alright, it- it was Bakugo" Izuku admitted. "He has this way of always under my skin… it happened with the Three-Tails and now with the Four-Tails. I-I just don't get it… why is he out against me?" He paused, thoughtful for a few seconds. "Although… yesterday he was a bit out of character".
"For better or for worse?" Rumi asked. She quickly raised a hand, stopping Izuku from responding. With a smirk, she added. "Wait, let me guess: for worse".
"He might have – ehm – sent a few colourful comments to everyone, especially the girls" Izuku said. Rumi raised an eyebrow. "He might have called me a slut and... ehm... that the girls might need to - eh - sleep with Agents if they wanted to be Heroes. That and some other stuff".
"That son of a bitch… tell me Aizawa kicked his sorry ass out of the Hero Course" Rumi said, almost begging.
"Well… not quite" Izuku hummed. "Bakugo has detention with Recovery Girl and Midnight until the Sports Festival, if he doesn't mess up that is. That and he has been revoked the student access to the training facilities. I am still unsure if it was excessive… or not harsh enough".
"Aizawa decided that? That sounds a bit out of character" Rumi hummed. "Whenever I got out of line it was some kind of gruesome training or exercise… there was this one time I messed up so badly he suspended me".
"Wait, you kept him as a teacher?" Izuku asked, surprised.
"Not really. Aizawa is the sort of guy that when he sees potential, he has your back 100%. So, when I was the only one who got his approval last year, he decided to give me a few pointers and personally train me after class. He even gave me a few training lessons for the Sports Festival. Word of advice: if he mentions God, then he is absolutely livid" Rumi said, only to chuckle. "I learned that the hard way…"
"What did you do?" Izuku frowned, intrigued.
"I might have… ehm… picked a few fights?" Sheepishly chuckled Rumi. "Just a few…" she shrugged.
Izuku remembered that day Rumi walked into the infirmary when he was with Recovery Girl. Considering who he was talking to, he wouldn't be surprised if Rumi hadn't already fought a hundred times… at least.
"It so happened one of those losers went to cry to the Principal and Aizawa got on my case. The second time it was because I kicked this guy in the balls – I got suspended for a week" Rumi remembered with a fond smile.
"Really?" Izuku's eyes widened. "What did that guy do?"
"Well, he called me a cute bunny…" Izuku raised an eyebrow "...and touched my cotton tail" Rumi stated. "You do NOT touch my cotton tail". She paused, only to smirk. "But I'll make an exception to you, Fox Boy".
Izuku's face lit up like a Christmas tree, but he made it a point to ignore the last part.
"Wait, so a guy harasses you and you get suspended?" Izuku asked.
"Well… do you know how my quirk may or may not enhance my legs?" A sadistic smirk formed on her face. "Well, I may or may not have cracked a few nuts that day. It may or may not have been a bit excessive".
Izuku, wide-eyed, slowly placed a hand on his own balls, wincing by simply imagining the pain. A kick from Rumi... down there? Ouch. Just... Ouch.
"Aizawa was pissed. He didn't mind I kicked the guy in the balls only that I went overboard" Rumi remembered with a grin. "So, we spent that entire week of suspension rescue training at the USJ. That was hell on earth. He made sure of that". She suddenly shuddered at the memory.
Izuku frowned. Now that he thought about it...
"Well, I think that maybe Aizawa's punishment was thought with Bakugo's ego in mind" Izuku reasoned. "Bakugo hates what he considers weak heroes, like Recovery Girl and Midnight. He actually thinks poorly of female heroes in general. That and removing him from training with the upcoming Sports Festival where he really wants to show off…"
Could it be possible that Aizawa had taken everything into consideration? Yes, Aizawa did strike Izuku as that kind of teacher.
"Now that I think about it, Aizawa must have put more thought about punishing Bakugo than I had first believed".
"It is only logical" Rumi joked trying to mimic Aizawa's drawling voice. The two shared a chuckle at that. "Serves him right, though. The bastard…"
"Actually, I think…" Izuku said, suddenly surprised. "I think yesterday's outburst was a sign he was cracking".
"That bastard? Crack? What, the pressure is getting to him?" Rumi scoffed. "Come on, Fox Boy, the guy is a psychopath".
Izuku, frowning by sudden inspiration, couldn't believe how it all suddenly clicked in his head.
"No, no, not quite" Izuku hummed, thoughtful. "I think… I believe he is having a hard time adapting to U.A. I mean, even before he got his quirk he had a massive ego and followers. After his quirk manifested… everyone just kissed the ground he walked on. Girls and boys followed him around, telling him how awesome he was… even the teachers were like that. I even saw a few Pro-Heroes show interest in him. Now…"
Izuku, in his Nine-Tailed form, actually found himself smiling. A soft breeze swept across the trees, and Rumi looked skeptically at him.
"Now he is the class pariah. His abrasive attitude has kept everyone at an arm's length. Hell, nobody actually likes him. He sees everyone competing or challenging him to get the top spot and, worse of all…" Izuku's eyes widened, a grin in place "…he is being ignored. That must really hit his pride. I don't think he is used to such a treatment. No matter how prideful he is, I know Bakugo hates his current situation, but he doesn't know how to change it".
"It can't be that. It actually makes him sound human" derisively snorted Rumi.
"Well, if anyone knows him, it is me" Izuku chuckled. "I actually wrote a lot about him and his quirk… I have since I was very young…" he trailed off, gaze wandering off.
"Serves that bastard right" Rumi scoffed, only to frown. "So… what are we going to do now?" Rumi wondered. "You need to regain your energy and I could do with some rest myself".
She made a point by actually stretching and groaning. They had pushed themselves earlier that morning, before they went shopping, so their muscles had already been sore with exercise.
"Ehm… maybe… just walk around?" Izuku proposed.
He really tried to keep his tails from wagging happily at the mere thought of just walking, alone, with Rabbit Girl. Almost like a date. Almost, right? Because this was by no means that. It was just... a walk.
"Fine by me" Rumi shrugged. She looked around at the trees. "Y'know… I used to come here often as a child, with my siblings" She grinned. "I actually trained around here for the Entrance Exam".
Izuku smiled, imagining a little brood of rabbit children, playing Villains and Heroes. It brought a pang of sadness as he couldn't help but compare it with his own childhood… how Bakugo and his cronies had ruined it and in more ways than one. He clenched his fists. A childhood that was stolen from him… and now Bakugo was paying the price at school.
"Have you ever visited the nearby shrine?" Rumi suddenly asked. "Boy, that brings back memories".
"You are religious?" Izuku wondered. "I-I did visit that shrine…" with Bakugo and his minions, and it hadn't ended that well.
"Not really. Sincerely, I prefer to let otherworldly matters stay otherworldly, you know? I prefer to focus on this world. My mom, though, loves to pray there and take us with her from time to time" Rumi said, a mischievous smirk forming. "Whenever my parents went to pray or just hung around we would come here and play…"
"Well, how about paying it a visit?" Izuku proposed.
Rumi thought about, before she smiled. Izuku, in turn, felt his chest swell with emotion. And thus, without anything better to do, they picked their bags from behind a bush and strolled out of the forest. It was a small place, really, and they made it to a street in no time. It had always been a bit on the wilder side of Mustafu, with a lot of nature and little of the city proper, ideal for children to explore and play. Most children, though, loved the place to use their quirks under the secrecy of the trees.
"What about you? Played Heroes and Villains?" Rumi wondered.
"Quirkless kid, remember" grimaced Izuku as they walked. "I played hostage".
Rumi tried not to laugh, but it was hard not to. Izuku chuckled at that, if only with a pang of resentment bubbling in his heart.
"Sorry… but I bet you made a great hostage, right?" Rumi said, playfully nudging him.
"The best" Izuku replied with a grin. In truth, it hurt to remember those days, days in which he hung around Bakugo, even when mistreated, because he was the closest thing he ever had to a friend. Thinking about friends and whatnot…
"Did you have friends?" Izuku asked. "You always mention your siblings… but never anyone else". Realizing the nature of the question, he shook his head and quickly blurted out. "N-not that you have to answer if- if it is too personal".
"Nah, It isn't a problem" Rumi dismissively huffed. "I did have friends, y'know? When I was very little but – you know – one thing led to another and, well, here I am".
"What happened?" Izuku wondered.
"We had different dreams" Rumi said. "Back then I-I…" her face reddened, much to Izuku's amusement. "I wanted to be something other than a hero". Izuku really wanted to know what exactly someone like Rumi could have wanted to be other than a hero. Maybe a cop? A firefighter, perhaps? "So when I focused on achieving my current dream we just… drifted apart".
The two remained silent, contemplative. Sincerely, why did have childhood be such a place filled with pointless drama and conflict? Odds were that once they grew up they would look back and dismiss everything as childish. And yet, Izuku couldn't help but think back on his own childhood and for more bitterness and resentment to boil within. Sadly, until he had enough energy to transform back to the Zero-Tails, Izuku doubted he could bring himself to feel anything else towards Bakugo.
"At least I had my siblings – and parents" Rumi chuckled, arms folded behind her head. "The little brats look up to me, you know. They have always seen me as the tough one, the go-to when anyone was messing with them. I've kind of always been the Hero in the family".
"You are the Big Sis, after all. Comes with the position" Izuku teased. How he wished he had a big sister or brother of his own… or maybe a little sibling to look up to him...
And here we go again, Izuku scolded himself, stop whining and feeling so jealous. Sadly, he couldn't help it.
"I guess I was lucky my parents have always been supportive" Rumi laughed. Izuku felt like he had been stabbed in the heart, a particular memory relating to his mother flashing across his mind. "Although between you and me, I think mom believes I will get pregnant after high school and drop the whole hero thing. Ha, if only she knew me any better".
Izuku offered a smile, one that was strained and faint on his face. Little did Rumi know what he was going through.
"Dad really went out of his way to help me. We've never got enough money for any equipment, but he would always manage to build something from scrap. He's a really good metalworker, you see. Mom lost her shit the first couple of times, though. Almost used dad's shotgun on him" Rumi laughed at the memory.
If only his own father had been more present, maybe more supportive, Izuku thought. He shook his head. No, his father was working hard to keep his mother and him well-fed. He even got All Might merchandise from different countries for him… and yet, Izuku couldn't help to add more resentment to the raging bonfire within.
"Your dad has a shotgun?" He said instead, trying not to sound too scared or morose.
"Yeah, and it is bigger than he is. I bet the first time he gets to use it, he'll fly back to Hiroshima with one shot" Rumi cackled. "Ha, there it is, the Inari Okami Shrine!"
Izuku turned to a side. There, with tall trees on each side and right across the street, was a vermilion torii gate. A stone stairway led up a short slope to the shrine proper. It sure brought back memories. A wry smile stretched on his face.
Without trading a word, the two went towards the gate. Rumi had a spring in her step, probably remembering cheerful moments. Izuku, though, had to force himself to keep smiling. Admittedly, the place looked nice enough. At the torii gate, the two paused.
"Come on, Fox Boy" Rumi laughed, grabbing his hand and pulling a startled Fox Boy with her.
They crossed the threshold and ascended the stairs. On each side, Izuku was surprised to find Fox statues. They had red scarfs around their necks and red stripes over their bodies and faces. On their mouths, Izuku spotted them carrying keys and jewels. A couple even had cubs by their feet or bowls. He had forgotten about them. He mentally slapped himself. Of course, Inari Okami! How could he have forgotten?
"Right… foxes" Izuku muttered, glaring at the rabbit girl.
"Oh come on! Who knows? Maybe she'll answer your prayer and guide you to another fox form?" Rumi teased.
"I don't believe in that" Izuku said.
"Do I look like I believe in this stuff?" Rumi deadpanned.
Izuku chuckled. She got him there. Still, as they ascended the path, Izuku felt himself drawn back to his childhood memories. The last time he had climbed up the same stairs, he had followed Bakugo to allegedly hunt down some evil spirit terrorizing the shrine. Of course, no yokai had been actually around… but since when had that stopped Bakugo from guiding his followers to do whatever he wanted?
Finally, they made it up the stairs and across another red torii gate. Up there, Izuku was inundated by the smell of incense in the air. To think they were actually in the open. Rumi looked around, almost fascinated. Izuku couldn't blame her. The place was rather picturesque, with the temple and surrounding buildings in ancient Japanese architecture. Izuku gave a step forward, only to receive a nudge from the Rabbit Girl.
With a smirk, she gestured at the temizuya. The small ancient-looking water ablution pavilion had seen better days. He sent a look of annoyance at Rumi, but she just grinned and confidently marched there. Izuku sighed. Why was he doing this again? However, as ridiculous and silly as it was, perhaps it was the fact he was doing it with Rumi that actually made him smile and play along.
As he grabbed the hishaku dipper and filled it with water, prepared to do the weird purifying ritual, he paused. He looked around, a grim expression morphing on his face. Bakugo and the others had approached this very place and messed around with the wooden containers, grabbing them by their long handles and baring them as weapons. They had actually broken a few in their little games, all while Izuku had begged them to stop.
Izuku shook the memory and just got on with the stupid cleansing ritual. Hopefully, he could remember how it was done. So first pour water on the left hand, then on the right hand, pour water on your left hand to rinse his mouth with and, finally, turn the dipper upright so the remaining water rinses the handle. He turned to Rumi who had been staring at him. A was a bit startled to find her cheeks round and puffed up, mouth filled with water, staring at him like a blowfish. She had clearly been waiting to show her current silly face to him. It worked. Izuku almost broke into laughter and Rumi proceeded to spit the water, grinning in triumph.
Izuku really wished he could stop thinking about what Bakugo had done in the place… but it was hard not to. Without a Shinto priest present at the time, they had approached the Haiden, or rather the offertory box, and knowing full well there were coins in there, proceeded to vandalize it. Izuku shuddered at the memory. He remember how mortified he had been back then.
"You are so stupid, Deku. You don't actually believe in gods, do you?" Bakugo had said, a sneer in place. "We can use that money better than those stupid priests".
Izuku sighed, earning a confused face from Rumi. He studied the box. Indeed, there was still some of the damage visible, even after all that time. He could see scorch marks around the lock near the ground, the very same that was meant to stop people from pulling the offerings. The padlock there, of course, was new.
"You aren't actually planning on robbing the place, are you?" Rumi asked.
"W-what? No!" Izuku spluttered. "It is just that…" he trailed off, only to sigh. Better not to bring Bakugo into this.
"Alright, Fox Boy, you pray for a victory on the Sports Festival. Your poor ass is going to need all the help it can get" Rumi chuckled.
"You aren't going to pray for your own victory?" Izuku asked back.
"What? I don't need a deity's help for that. Nah, I'll pray for mercy on my opponents" Rumi declared.
Izuku frowned. That sounded unlike Rumi.
"Because I sure won't give them any!" Rumi proclaimed, gleefully waving a fist in the air.
Now that was more like her. Izuku grinned at that, and shook his head. He was truly glad he had met someone like Rumi. The pair shared a laugh.
"Give me a moment, alright" Izuku sheepishly chuckled. "And no punching".
"Fine... but hurry, alright? We don't have all day" Rumi huffed.
And with that, Izuku focused on what he wanted to pray on. Sincerely, the idea of praying was foreign to him. He had never done so and neither had his mother. However, he had come this far and, who knows, maybe someone was up there, listening.
Well, I guess I want all the help I can get to beat Bakugo, Izuku thought with a smirk. His smile, however, faltered. Do I really want just that? He reconsidered.
After what he called you and everyone yesterday, after everything he has done, you really want anything else? He asked himself.
And yet, hadn't that outburst of his been a result of his new environment? In fact, wasn't Bakugo's entire life of bullying and delinquency a result of his environment? No, it wasn't just that. Bakugo could have been a better person… but it wasn't Bakugo's fault he got a powerful and amazing quirk, one that got everyone to worship him like the next All Might.
He is the reason I am a mental mess! An angry voice in his head declared. He drove me to repress my quirk until I almost died! He made my life hell!
He glanced at Rumi, who immediately averted her face. Had she been staring? And why was she blushing? That wasn't important now. What was important was that Rumi had been, to a degree, right. As much as Izuku wanted to blame Bakugo, he too had been a tad hypocritical. True, he had no support like Rumi had, who at least had her family to encourage her, but he hadn't actually done anything to change the effects of his own environment. If he hadn't stood tall against the surrounding challenges, how could he blame Bakugo for failing to overcome his?
I just wish I could just get this Mental Repression over with, Izuku muttered. I want to live, damn it! I want… I want to get better. No, I want to be better… and I'm like this thanks to that son of a bitch…
Izuku felt his claws twitch, eager to reap flesh, and his mouth tighten, ready to bite down on something. He was so furious. Even now, standing in the middle of fucking nowhere, in a ridiculous stupid shrine, he could not escape the damage Bakugo had wrought!
Is this the man I want to be? So filled with bitterness and resentment I can't move on? Izuku suddenly realized. Again, he looked at Rumi, who had decided to step away and was looking at something else, keeping her face hidden from him. He felt himself relax at that. He didn't want to be a feral beast near her. He wanted to be a true Hero in her presence.
Izuku thought of Aizawa, who claimed to see a hero in the making and who had gone further than any other teacher to help Izuku against Bakugo. He thought about his friends Iida and Uraraka, who had accepted his quirk and all the oddities that it entailed, even after he had been so embarrassing around them. He thought about his classmates, who had stood up to Bakugo like Ashido and who also acknowledged him as a fellow classmate. There were also his teachers, who took time out of their schedules to teach or talk to him like Recovery Girl. Of course, he thought of Rumi, the Battle-Bunny that inspired him like no one else.
I guess I know what I need to do, Izuku thought. He caressed his head, smiling. By this point, Rumi probably would have punched some sense into him. He was getting thoroughly domesticated, wasn't he?
"So, do you have your prayer, Fox Boy?" She said, pulling a coin from her bag.
"Yes, I think I do" Izuku said with a grin, a coin of his own in hand.
Together, they tossed their offering. Given how Bakugo had pulled down and destroyed the bell that used to be there, they proceeded to the praying. They bowed down two times, bending slowly with their backs straight, and then they clapped two times.
Inari, if you are hearing me, give me strength to forgive Bakugo. I don't know if you can give something like that – or whether you want to – but I need to overcome this resentment. I don't want him to keep holding me back. I thought I had managed to surpass my bitterness… but I was mostly lying to myself. I will never forget what he did and I will stand against him from here on out… but I need the will to push forward, he prayed. He momentarily opened and eye and looked at the still praying Rabbit Girl. And… ehm… Inari? If you are hearing me, I wouldn't mind some help dating Rabbit Girl either… now THAT is going to require some strength.
With his prayer done, he bowed respectfully and stepped back. With a smile, and feeling a weight off his chest, he waited for the Rabbit Girl to finish her own prayer. She appeared to have asked something only she could have asked (maybe she did ask for some mercy for her enemies), because she grinned and bowed.
"Alright, are you ready to hit the beach?" Rumi asked, hopping excitedly.
He nodded. Together, side by side, they left the temple. Izuku wasn't sure he had come up with the right prayer, but the more he thought about it, the more he reasoned that, yes, it was the correct path. He wanted to keep on fighting, no matter what anyone told him or did to him, just like Rumi, and Aizawa had been right the day before. He couldn't hesitate, not when his profession could mean an evil-doers escaping or the loss of life. He had to be strong… and he did not have the luxury of vengeance or retribution. He was, after all, in the path towards heroism.
Izuku grinned, somewhat proud of himself. He doubted he could forgive Bakugo right away (in fact, he was sure he still wanted to maul his face) but at least he understood that if he wanted to overcome the damage done, the Mental Repression, he had to start being the better man. He had suffered, yes, but he no longer had that excuse. Better yet, he had made great friends... and he had Rabbit Girl now. A sense of elation came with that realization… a sense of freedom. It was time he unshackled himself from the chains of hatred.
"Boy, you sure look happy now" Rumi commented as they descended the stairs. She smirked and leaned closer. "What did you ask for, Fox Boy?"
"J-just… some help for the Sports Festival" Izuku shared. Now that wasn't exactly a lie, was it? "What about you?"
"Oh, you know, being the goddess of rice, prosperity…" Rumi slowly said, a mischievous smirk forming on her face. "And to some the goddess of fertility, I asked for children!"
"Y-you what?!" Squawked Izuku. And it suddenly clicked in Midoriya's head why would Rumi's family went to pray there.
Rumi burst out laughing, earning an indignant glare from Izuku.
"Oh God, never change Fox Boy" Rumi said, tears of mirth rolling down her cheek. She nudged him, regaining her composure. "Nah, I asked for some help for you. Cause, y'know, you need all the help you can get".
Izuku blinked at her, surprised. Rumi kept on walking, only to glance at him and realize he was staring at her.
"Huh? What is it? Do I have something in my face?" She asked, panicking.
"No, it is just…" Izuku said. "Thanks, for everything".
"Well, of course! I am awesome" she not-so-humbly huffed, puffing her chest. Haughtily, she added "so don't go wasting my kindness, Fox Boy".
"Whatever you say, Rabbit Girl" Izuku chuckled and nudged her.
She was surprised by the physical contact, but instead of getting angry, she smirked at him. They locked their eyes, a sense of understanding passing between the two, before they focused on the staircase in their path.
With each step, Izuku found himself feeling light. The resentment he had gathered climbing up was slowly fading away. Had praying helped? Or was it the epiphany he had had? Or maybe, just being around the Battle Girl had done the trick? In any case, he felt much better – and free. In fact, as he made his way down the slope and onto the street, he felt like he could start dancing… what was definitely weird. He didn't do dancing… or at least he didn't use to. However, at the moment, he was beyond ecstatic. After all, maybe now that he was working his anger issues he could overcome his Mental Repression. Huh… maybe he could ask Rumi out, to train of course. Then again, she had enjoyed shopping with him so maybe they could do that.
Just thinking about what else he could do with Rumi brought yet more elation. Why did he feel so free? He didn't mind but it sure felt so alien. He actually liked it. He allowed the feeling wash all over him, as a welcomed warm blanket after a wintry day. He gave one final step, passing through the vermillion torii gate and…
POOF.
Rumi stared at Izuku, only for her eyes to widen.
It was a new Monday morning in U.A. and students were slowly yet steadily making their way to their classrooms. In class 1-A, everyone was glad to find themselves together. Iida and Uraraka discussed their weekend, while Ashido and her little group shared terrible tales of whatever gruesome exercise they had to go through. There were some who preferred to stay quiet and contemplative, such as Tokoyami, Shoji and Koda. Other were just bored and tired, like Sato. And finally, there was Mineta, sitting patiently in his seat, daydreaming about a certain Four-Tailed Fox Woman. However, their peace was about to be disrupted.
"So irrational"
Everyone squawked in a panic. It was already time? Desperate, they all rushed to their seats and sat down, gulping. Those that were seated seemed unsure what do. They looked around. Wasn't it early? There were a few who hadn't arrived yet! And yet, there he was: their Homeroom teacher, Aizawa, and boy did he look livid.
He trudged towards the teacher's desk and glared at them. They could tell something had gone down, something that had pissed him off. No one had played a practical prank on him, right? No one was that stupid... right? The students gulped, terrified. This couldn't bode well.
"S-sir, you are early!" Iida pointed out. "Classmates-"
"Did I give you permission to speak?" Aizawa asked.
The class all stared, frozen. Iida in particular paled. What was going on? They sat there, horrified.
"There is something important we need to discuss… something urgent that demands your immediate attention that we must resolve in this instant…" Aizawa hissed, glaring at them, as he leaned forward.
Everyone present stared, their hearts beating quicker. Aizawa closed his eyes and took a deep breath.
"I would like to know…" Aizawa slowly said "…what do you think about my ears".
The class blinked, dumbfounded, at the man. Aizawa's solemn face slowly formed a devious smirk, and, before anyone could ask what was going on, a pair of long Fox ears popped up from his black curls.
"Hold on…" Ashido gasped. "Is that-?"
Aizawa reared back, breaking into all out laughter. He no longer had just Fox Ears, but Fox Tails had suddenly appeared behind him, dark-green bushy tails at that. It was then that they all relaxed and released a sigh of relief. Well, some of them. Others were absolutely apoplectic.
"Midoriya, you bastard! You almost gave me a heart attack!" Mineta shouted.
"Wait, you can shape-shift into other people now?" Kirishima asked, awed.
Aizawa's body shuddered and turned into a hazy blob. Within the blink of an eye, Aizawa was gone. In his stead, Class 1-A found themselves starting at something new.
There, standing with a toothy grin, was none other than a Five-Tailed Midoriya. His tails were wider and puffier than his other forms, almost as big as his body. Aside from that, there were many things that stood out. For example, the way his spiky-bushy hair was pulled backwards, as if he had been speeding around without a helmet, or the spiky sideburns. His face was more angular, and held a more animalistic edge to it, with sharper canines than even the Nine Tails. However, he looked much less feral. In fact, instead of dangerous, he had strong vibes oddly reminiscent to a particular pink-skinned girl. There was a sense of glee and thrill-seeking unlike any form they had witnessed from Midoriya. The one thing, however, that they all noticed at first glance, was the form's height: he was short, as in one meter fifty short.
"Guys, say Hello to the Five Tails!" Cackled Midoriya. He pointed at finger at the class. "You should have seen the look on your faces!"